Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney

Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys

Car accidents happen every day across LA, and no two are exactly alike. Hopefully, you’re never in one—but if you are, here are a few key things to keep in mind:

Every accident has its own facts, causes, and consequences.
If another party was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages.
A skilled Los Angeles car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Getting legal guidance early can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. Don’t wait too long—call Megeredchian Law at (213) 340-1085 to speak directly with an attorney. No call centers. No third parties. We offer free consultations and are available 24/7—we always answer the phone.

Need help for someone who doesn’t speak English? No problem. We provide high-quality legal services and consultations in Spanish, too. You can rest assured that you and your loved one will receive professional, compassionate care—in your language.

Our Downtown Los Angeles offices are located at 1001 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90017.

How Can a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney Help You

When you hire a Los Angeles car accident attorney from Megeredchian Law, you obtain quality legal services from an experienced, dedicated, and knowledgeable professional. Our firm is result-driven and our team members are aggressive, seasoned experts. They have the knowledge, the experience, and the wit to stand in front of insurance agencies and their lawyers.

Megeredchian Law can help you obtain:

Car repair or full replacement of your damaged vehicle
A rental car while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced
Compensation for property damage (phones, car seats, personal belongings in the car)
Compensation for:
- Past and future medical care
- Hospital bills, surgeries, and physical therapy
- Prescription medications and medical devices
- Lost wages and future loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
A trusted physician near you if you don’t have a primary care doctor
Cash advances while your case is ongoing (in qualifying cases)
Coverage for transportation to medical appointments if needed
Assistance with insurance paperwork, claim negotiations, and denials
Legal support if the insurance company delays or underpays your claim
Representation in court if your case goes to trial
Help dealing with uninsured or underinsured drivers
Wrongful death compensation for the loss of a loved one (in fatal crashes)

Is It Worth Getting an Attorney for a Car Accident?

While no one wants to be in a car accident, the claim process is a unique opportunity to secure the compensation you deserve. If you’re in this situation, it’s only natural that you wonder if it’s worth hiring a Los Angeles car accident attorney for a car accident. Some car accident victims try to handle their claims alone. And most of the time they end up obtaining a fraction of what they’re worth – or nothing at all.

That usually happens for several (often overlooked) reasons:

Insurance companies are backed by legal teams trained to minimize payouts and use the law strategically to their advantage.
Most accident victims aren’t aware of the full value of their damages, including future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and emotional distress.
Establishing liability is both essential and complex—personal injury attorneys know how to gather and present the necessary evidence.
When a claim escalates to litigation, insurers may use delay tactics, request excessive documentation, or make confusing lowball offers. Without guidance, many people give up before reaching a fair resolution.

You can find more in-depth information on this topic by reading our article:

Is it Worth Getting an Attorney for a Car Accident in 2025?

Still worried that hiring an attorney is too expensive or might reduce your payout? Here’s some good news.

At Megeredchian Law, we work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing out of pocket for our legal services. Our fees are only collected as a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. This approach offers several important benefits:

No upfront legal fees, so you can focus your finances on medical care, vehicle repairs, and other urgent needs after your accident.
More good news! Many of these expenses can be included in your claim and recovered through compensation.
Aligned interests—your attorney only gets paid if you do, which means we’re fully committed to maximizing your compensation.
No win, no fee—if we don’t secure a settlement or court award, you owe us nothing.

How Do Attorneys Get Paid for Car Accidents?

As mentioned earlier, most car accident attorneys in Los Angeles—and throughout California—work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or a court judgment.

As of 2025, contingency fees typically range from 33% to 40% of the total settlement. In some cases, particularly those that go to trial, the fee may increase—potentially up to 50%, depending on the terms of the agreement.

Additionally, attorneys may charge for litigation-related costs, such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, medical records, and other case-related expenses. These costs are usually deducted from your settlement or award, not paid upfront. If your attorney helps arrange medical evaluations or cash advances, those amounts are also subtracted from the final compensation.

BY reading this, you might worry that hiring a Los Angeles car accident attorney could leave you with less money. But in most cases, the opposite happens. Personal injury lawyers often help clients recover significantly more—sometimes up to three times more—than they would on their own, even after legal fees. Attorneys know how to calculate the full value of your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure nothing is left on the table.

What Questions Should I Ask a Car Accident Lawyer?

It’s always a good idea to arrive at your initial consultation with a Los Angeles car accident attorney as prepared as possible. Whether it’s your first meeting, a follow-up, or you’re switching to a new attorney, here are some key questions to keep in mind.

Take note!

Experience and Track Record

How long have you been handling car accident cases?
Have you worked on cases similar to mine, and what were the outcomes?
Do you focus primarily on car accidents, or is this just one of many areas you cover?

Strategy and Case Handling

How will you investigate and build my case?
What’s your approach when dealing with insurance companies?
Will you take the case to court if a fair settlement isn’t reached?
How involved will I need to be throughout the process?
How often will I receive updates about my case?

Fees and Costs

Do you work on a contingency basis?
What percentage of the settlement will go toward legal fees?
Are there any costs I might have to cover out of pocket?
Will costs increase if the case goes to trial?

Timeline and Outcome

How long do cases like mine usually take to resolve?
Do you think this case can be settled without going to court?
What are the possible outcomes, and what would a realistic settlement look like?

Car Accident Dos and Don'ts in Los Angeles

Dos

Prioritize safety

Check yourself and others for injuries. If no one is seriously hurt and it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic or causing another collision.

Call 911 and Report the Crash to the Police

Especially if anyone is injured or there’s major damage. A police report is often essential for insurance claims and legal protection.

Document the Scene

Take detailed photos or videos of vehicle damage, the crash site, weather conditions, road signs, and any visible injuries.

Exchange important Information with the Other Driver(s)

Echange name, phone number, license plate, driver’s license number, and insurance details.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately.

Some injuries may not show symptoms right away but can still be serious.

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Do this as soon as possible to ensure your claim is handled promptly. Your lawyer can handle this, too.

Hire Car Accident Attorney

Speak with a Los Angeles car accident attorney to understand your rights and options, especially before accepting any settlement.

Stay Off Social Media

Keep details of the accident private and speak only with your lawyer or insurance company.

Don'ts

Leave Your Vehicle in a Dangerous Position

Don’t do this unless it’s absolutely necessary. Staying in traffic can increase the risk of another accident.

Leave the Scene Before Law Enforcement Arrives

Doing so—even after a minor crash—could be considered a hit-and-run offense in California.

Rely solely on Memory

Failing to gather evidence at the scene could weaken your insurance or legal claim later.

Discuss Fault or Blame with Other Parties

Avoid statements like “I didn’t see you” or “It was my fault,” as these could be used against you.

Assume You're Uninjured Just Because You Feel Fine

Waiting too long to see a doctor can harm both your health and your case.

Delay Contacting Your Insurer or Attorney

Waiting too long can result in denied coverage or missed legal deadlines.

Accept Quick Settlement Offers from Insurers

Avoid accepting quick settlement offers from insurers without legal advice. These often undervalue your medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term damages.

Post About the Accident Online

Insurers and defense attorneys can use your posts to discredit your claim.

Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics 2024-2025

As of early 2025, Los Angeles continues to grapple with high traffic fatality rates, despite a slight decline in 2024. The city recorded 302 traffic deaths in 2024, down from 336 in 2023, yet still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Pedestrian fatalities remain a major concern, with 170 deaths in 2024, nearly double the 88 recorded in 2015. Through April 12, 2025, 39 pedestrians have already lost their lives in traffic collisions, indicating that the city is on track to match or exceed previous years’ figures.

These statistics highlight the ongoing challenges Los Angeles faces in meeting its Vision Zero goal. Launched in 2015, the initiative aimed to eliminate all traffic fatalities by 2025. However, according to a report by Yahoo News, not only was this goal unmet, but traffic-related deaths have actually increased during the initiative’s timeline.

Dangerous Streets in Los Angeles for Drivers

As of 2025, Los Angeles continues to face significant challenges with high-crash intersections, especially those involving car accidents. Recent reports confirm that many of the same intersections remain dangerous from the 2020–2022 period. In 2024 alone, Los Angeles recorded over 300 traffic fatalities, following a similar pattern in 2023.

South Vermont Avenue and West Florence Avenue continue to rank among the worst in the city, with repeated incidents of vehicle collisions causing injury or death. Downtown LA remains the neighborhood with the highest concentration of intersection-related crashes, with over 900 reported in recent years.

Most Dangerous Intersections for Drivers:

S. Vermont Avenue & W. Florence Avenue – Repeatedly ranked as the most dangerous intersection for injury-causing crashes.
Van Nuys Boulevard & Roscoe Boulevard – High volume and frequent accidents place it among the top hazardous intersections.
Tampa Avenue & Nordhoff Street – Over 400 car accidents reported in the past decade.
Balboa Boulevard & Nordhoff Street – Noted for constant vehicle collisions due to high traffic flow.
Sepulveda Boulevard & Burbank Boulevard – A well-documented hotspot for collisions.
W. Manchester Avenue & S. Vermont Avenue – Located in a high-risk corridor with multiple crash-prone intersections.

High-Risk Surface Streets:

Sepulveda Boulevard – Frequently cited for its high accident rate across multiple stretches.
Venice Boulevard – Part of LA’s High Injury Network with a dense history of severe car crashes.
Figueroa Street – Especially risky in South LA due to congestion and high-speed traffic.

Most Dangerous Freeways:

Interstate 110 (I-110) – Especially between San Pedro and the 101, this is LA’s most dangerous freeway for crashes.
Interstate 405 (I-405) – Known for its relentless traffic and frequent collisions.
Interstate 5 (I-5) – Congestion and poor merging conditions lead to frequent accidents.
Interstate 10 (I-10) – Dense traffic and complex interchanges make this freeway hazardous.
US Route 101 (US-101) – Notorious for erratic lane changes and heavy congestion near downtown.

Most Common Car Accident Injuries in LA

As of 2025, the most common car accident injuries in Los Angeles continue to include whiplash and soft tissue damage. These injuries frequently occur in rear-end collisions and involve damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons, often resulting in neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and limited mobility.

Soft tissue injuries—such as sprains, strains, and bruising—are frequently reported even in low-speed crashes and may not present symptoms until hours or days later, making prompt medical evaluation essential.

In more severe accidents, victims often suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions, particularly in high-speed or impact-related crashes. These injuries can lead to long-term cognitive or neurological issues.

Fractures, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ damage are also common outcomes, especially in crashes involving rollovers or side-impact collisions.

Most Common Causes of Car Accidents

In 2025, driver-related errors remain the leading cause of car accidents in Los Angeles, with over 90% of crashes tied to human behavior.

The most critical factors include distracted driving—especially texting or using mobile devices behind the wheel—along with excessive speeding, impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs, and aggressive actions like tailgating or unsafe lane changes. Notably, distracted driving alone is linked to nearly a quarter of all collisions in Los Angeles.

While less frequent, issues like drowsy driving, poor road conditions, and mechanical failures also contribute to the city’s high accident rate.

Some other reasons include:

Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Running red lights or stop signs often leads to intersection crashes.
Inexperienced Drivers: Younger or newly licensed drivers may lack the skills to handle complex traffic situations.
Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, or poor visibility can reduce traction and driver awareness.
Improper Merging or Entering Freeways: Poor merging techniques or failing to yield while entering highways often lead to sideswipe or rear-end crashes.
Construction Zones: Confusing detours, lane shifts, and abrupt speed changes can increase crash risks.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Interactions: Drivers not yielding or failing to see pedestrians and cyclists can lead to serious accidents.

How Long After a Car Accident Can You Claim Injury?

Personal Injury Claims

You have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. This includes injuries from car accidents, slips and falls, and other incidents caused by negligence.

Property Damage Claims

For claims related to property damage, such as vehicle repairs, you have three years from the date the damage occurred to file a lawsuit.

Claims Involving Government Entities

If your claim is against a government agency or employee, you must file an administrative claim within six months of the incident. If the claim is denied, you have an additional six months from the date of denial to file a lawsuit.

If you miss the statute of limitations deadline for a car accident claim in California, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation entirely. Courts almost always dismiss cases filed late, and insurance companies can reject your claim knowing you have no legal recourse. This means you forfeit any chance to recover damages.

While limited exceptions exist—such as for minors or delayed discovery—these are rare and difficult to prove. Acting promptly is essential to protect your legal rights.

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations

Minors: If the injured party is under 18 at the time of the incident, the statute of limitations typically begins when they turn 18, giving them until their 20th birthday to file a claim.
Delayed Discovery: In cases where the injury was not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations may begin on the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.

What Can You Claim Compensation For After a Car Accident?

In California, if you’re involved in a car accident, you have the legal right to pursue financial compensation for a range of losses. Since California follows an at-fault system, the driver who caused the accident (and their insurance) is generally responsible for covering the resulting damages.

Most car accident claims in California are resolved without ever going to trial. In general, these matters are settled through negotiations between the injured individual (or their lawyer) and the insurance company. To secure a fair outcome, it’s important to understand the actual value of your claim. So here’s a breakdown on some of the main elements of any car accident claim:

Financial Losses (Economic Damages)

Medical Costs: You can be reimbursed for all accident-related healthcare expenses, including emergency care, hospital stays, doctor visits, rehab, prescriptions, and any necessary future treatments.
Lost Income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover the wages or salary you missed during your recovery.
Vehicle and Property Damage: This includes the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any personal belongings that were damaged in the crash.
Reduced Earning Potential: If your injuries affect your long-term ability to work or earn as you did before the accident, you may seek compensation for that projected loss.

Non-Financial Losses (Non-Economic Damages)

Physical and Emotional Suffering: You can claim damages for the pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
Psychological Impact: If the crash results in anxiety, depression, PTSD, or similar emotional issues, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
Loss of Life Enjoyment: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying daily activities or hobbies as you once did, this loss can be part of your claim.
Damage to Relationships: If the accident affects your marriage or partnership (such as loss of companionship or intimacy), you may be eligible for damages related to that impact.

Other Ways to Obtain Compensations

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claims: If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or has inadequate coverage, you may turn to your own policy for compensation under UM/UIM provisions.
Claims Against Other Responsible Parties: If another entity—like a vehicle manufacturer or a negligent third party—contributed to the crash, you may be able to pursue a separate claim against them.

Car Accident Claim Process: Steps and Timeframes

Once you visited a medic and hired a Los Angeles car accident attorney within the two-year time limit, your car accident claim can typically take the following steps:

Case Review and Evidence Collection

Your attorney will begin gathering all available information to support your claim. This includes police reports, medical records, witness accounts, and potentially surveillance footage. In some cases, they might bring in a private investigator. At the same time, they will research the legal aspects to build a strong case proving the other party’s fault.

Estimated timeframe: 2 to 6 weeks

Demand and Negotiation

Once enough evidence is collected, your attorney will prepare a formal demand letter outlining the facts of the case, why the other driver is liable, and what compensation you’re seeking. This typically leads to back-and-forth negotiations with the insurance company. A seasoned lawyer with trial experience can often push for a fair settlement during this phase.

Estimated timeframe: 4 to 8 weeks

Filing the Lawsuit

If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your attorney may file a lawsuit. Once filed, the defendant (AKA, the person you’re suing) must be officially served within 30–60 days, and they have 30 days to respond. Your attorney will keep you informed of court-imposed deadlines and the case’s progress.

Estimated timeframe: 1 to 2 months after failed negotiations

Discovery Phase

This is the information exchange period. Both sides gather and share case details using legal tools like written questions (interrogatories), admissions, depositions, and independent medical exams. Expert witnesses may also be consulted, especially in disputed liability cases.

Estimated timeframe: 6 to 12 months

Mediation and Pretrial Discussions

If no agreement is reached, the court may order mediation — a structured negotiation session led by a neutral third party. The goal is to settle without going to trial. Mediation is common 9–18 months after the lawsuit begins.

Estimated timeframe: 9 to 18 months post-filing

Trial

If mediation fails, your case will go to trial. Each side presents arguments, questions witnesses, and introduces evidence. The jury or judge decides the outcome. Trials can be brief or lengthy, depending on the case complexity.

Estimated timeframe: 18 to 30 months after lawsuit is filed

Post-Trial or Settlement Payment

If you win or settle, payment is typically issued within 30 days of verdict or settlement.

How is Fault Determined in a Car Accident That Happened in Los Angeles?

In Los Angeles, fault in a car accident is determined through a combination of legal principles and factual investigation. California follows a comparative negligence system, which means that more than one party can be held responsible for an accident. Each driver’s percentage of fault is assessed, and compensation is adjusted accordingly.

The Legal Standard: Proving Negligence

Under American common law, fault is legally established by proving negligence, which requires showing four key elements:

Duty of Care: Every driver has a legal obligation to drive safely and follow traffic laws. This includes being cautious, avoiding hazards, and protecting other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Breach of Duty: If a driver fails to act with reasonable care—for example, by speeding, texting while driving, or ignoring traffic signals—they are said to have breached their duty.
Causation: To hold someone liable, it must be shown that their breach directly caused the accident. This involves:
- Actual Cause: Would the accident have occurred without the driver’s negligent action?
- Proximate Cause: Was the driver’s behavior closely connected enough to the injury to legally assign responsibility?
Damages: Finally, there must be provable losses—physical, financial, or emotional. This includes things like medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Investigating the Crash

Determining fault isn’t just a legal question—it’s also fact-based. Common types of evidence used include:

Police reports
Witness statements
Traffic camera or surveillance footage
Vehicle damage and skid marks
Accident reconstruction expert analysis

All of this is used to piece together how the accident occurred and to what extent each driver contributed.

What Happens if I Was Partially At-Fault?

If you were partially at fault in a car accident in Los Angeles, you can still recover compensation under California’s pure comparative negligence rule. This law assigns a percentage of fault to each party, and your compensation is reduced by your share of the blame.

For example: if you’re 30% at fault in a $100,000 case, you could still recover $70,000.

There’s no minimum fault threshold—you can be up to 99% at fault and still claim damages. However, insurance companies may try to exaggerate your share of the blame to minimize their payout, so having legal representation is key. Your right to compensation remains intact, but your recovery will be adjusted based on your responsibility for the accident.

Can an Undocumented Person File a Car Accident Claim in LA?

Yes. In California — including Los Angeles — undocumented immigrants have the legal right to file a car accident claim and pursue compensation for their injuries and losses. Your immigration status does not impact your ability to seek justice if you’ve been harmed in a crash.

If you or a loved one are undocumented residents of Los Angeles and have been injured in a car accident:

You Have the Right to Access the Courts

California law ensures that all people, regardless of immigration status, have access to the civil court system. If you were injured in a car accident, you can file a personal injury lawsuit just like any other resident.

You’re Protected from Discrimination

California prohibits discrimination based on immigration status in personal injury cases. That means you can recover damages for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering without being treated differently from a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

You’re Entitled to the Same Compensation

Being undocumented does not limit the types of compensation you can receive. You may be able to recover full damages,like the ones mentioned earlier.

Insurance Companies Cannot Use Your Status Against You

Insurance companies in California are not allowed to ask about or consider your immigration status when evaluating a claim. They must process your case based on the facts of the accident and the extent of your damages.

Filing a Claim Won’t Lead to Deportation

Filing a civil claim does not trigger immigration enforcement. California has strong protections in place to separate civil legal matters from federal immigration issues. You can pursue your case without fear of being reported or deported.

Resources for Car Accident Victims in Los Angeles

Emergency & First Response

Insurance & DMV

Medical Help & Emergency Services

Mental Health & Recovery

LA County Department of Mental Health Services
LAHS Mental Health Support
Call (800) 854-7771 or text 741741.

Hire a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney You Can Trust

Despite the presence of public transportation, the City of Angels is a multicultural melting pot where everyone—regardless of their beliefs or ethnic background—has to drive. If you or a loved one is ever involved in a car crash and need to hire a Los Angeles car accident attorney, Megeredchian Law is here to help.

We’re a local LA firm that understands the chaos and stress a car accident can cause—from dealing with injuries and insurance companies to navigating complex legal procedures. Our team fights aggressively to secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering.

At Megeredchian Law, we offer free consultations and are available 24/7—no call centers, no middlemen. Just real legal help, when you need it most. Call (213) 340-1085 to schedule a free consultation and arrange a meeting at our Downtown Los Angeles office.

Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney