Being injured in a car accident can leave you with a lifetime of pain or much worse. Even minor car accidents routinely cause muscle and joint injuries, severe whiplash, back pain, and concussions. More severe accidents can leave you with a disability, limited mobility, and hundreds of thousands in medical bills.
You do not have to face these injuries alone, and you do not have to pay out of pocket. Speak to a knowledgeable and dedicated Los Angeles car accident lawyer at the Simmrin Law Group.
We offer a team of experienced car accident lawyers who know how to win cases. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers will help you understand your situation, your legal rights, and how much compensation you will likely recover.
How Much Money Can I Recover for a Car Accident in Los Angeles?
When you hire us, we launch our investigation into the accident and push the insurance company to give you every dollar you need. We have a history of securing six-figure or larger settlements for our clients.
If you’ve been injured in an accident due to a faulty tire, contact our Los Angeles defective tire accident lawyers today for a free consultation. If you were injured through no fault, you could recover all your costs.
The expenses you can receive compensation for often include:
- The total cost of your medical bills
- Medication, rehabilitation, and physical therapy
- Lost wages if you missed work
- The cost of car damages and other property damages
- Large additional amounts of money for pain, suffering, and mental anguish
If someone you love was killed in an accident, you might also be able to recover Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer costs. This compensation may include final expenses, medical bills, and additional money. We do not believe this money can even come close to making up for what happened. Nothing will ever do that, but it can help you stay financially stable after a tragedy.
For a free legal consultation with a car accident lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (310) 896-2723
Who Is Considered “At-Fault” in Los Angeles Car Accidents?
In California, whoever causes an accident is considered at fault and legally liable for all costs. Typically, these costs are paid by their insurance company, not by the driver personally. However, they can be held personally responsible if they do not have insurance or insufficient money.
A person can be considered “at fault” for several reasons, including:
- They broke a traffic law, such as Vehicle Code Section 21659, which led to the accident.
- They were distracted by a phone, food, or anything else.
- They were intoxicated or on drugs.
- They drove in a way that was aggressive or unsafe.
- They did not leave enough room between their vehicle and your vehicle.
The specific rules for fault depend on how the accident happened. You may not always agree with the insurance companies’ decision on who is at fault. We can help you establish what happened and who caused the accident.
Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Why Do I Need a Lawyer to Talk to the Insurance Company?
Your lawyer is your representative who bargains against the insurance company for you. We all know that insurance companies are run for profit, but you may not know that:
- Insurance companies can make misleading statements: They can call you up to “nicely” ask how you are feeling and then use what you say against you.
- Insurance companies are allowed to pay less than what you need: The insurance company will have its adjuster determine the “value” or cost of your claim, and they expect you to live with their answer.
Just because a policy covers you does not mean they will pay you the total amount willingly. Insurance companies will use strong-arm tactics. One classic move is to delay your claim until your first medical bills are piling up, then swoop in to offer you a small amount of money just when you need it most.
They may use fear and financial desperation to get you to accept less than you deserve. Under the law, you should be able to recover the total long-term cost of all your injuries. However, you may be forced to fight for it. Your lawyer is the person who puts the total weight of the law on your case and forces the insurance company to pay up.
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Understanding the Impact of Car Accidents in Los Angeles
Car accidents in Los Angeles are more than just a momentary collisions; they can lead to long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Understanding the full impact of these accidents is crucial for anyone involved in such an incident.
The Physical and Emotional Aftermath
Car accidents can result in a range of physical injuries, from minor bruises to severe, life-altering conditions. But the impact goes beyond physical harm. Victims often experience emotional and psychological distress, such as anxiety, PTSD, or depression. These issues can affect daily life, relationships, and the ability to work.
Financial Implications
The financial burden of a car accident can be overwhelming. It includes medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and vehicle repair or replacement. For those who are permanently injured, these costs can extend indefinitely, affecting their financial stability and quality of life.
Navigating Legal Complexities
Legal issues following a car accident in Los Angeles can be complex. Determining fault, dealing with insurance companies, and understanding your rights require specialized knowledge. A skilled attorney can guide you through these legal intricacies, ensuring that you receive fair compensation.
The Importance of Support Systems
Recovery from a car accident isn’t just a physical journey. Emotional and psychological support is vital. This can include counseling, support groups, and the backing of family and friends. Additionally, legal support from a knowledgeable attorney can ease the stress of dealing with the aftermath.
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Local Resources in Los Angeles for Car Accident Victims
Los Angeles has several resources that can be invaluable for car accident victims:
- Los Angeles Courthouses: Stanley Mosk Courthouse (111 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Phone: +1 213-830-0803), Metropolitan Courthouse (1945 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90007, Phone: +1 213-745-3201).
- Police Stations: Los Angeles Police Department (100 W 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Phone: +1 877-275-5273), LAPD – West Los Angeles Station (1663 Butler Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025, Phone: +1 310-444-0702).
- Hospitals: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, Phone: +1 310-423-3277), UCLA Medical Center (757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, Phone: +1 310-825-9111).
- Auto Body Shops: West Coast Body and Paint (5040 Van Nuys Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403, Phone: +1 818-785-2639), Quality Auto Body & Paint (7818 Wilkerson Ct, San Diego, CA 92111, Phone: +1 858-277-7713).
Remember, after a car accident, timely and appropriate action can significantly affect the outcome of your recovery and compensation. Seeking legal advice, medical treatment, and support from local resources is essential for a comprehensive recovery process.
What if the Insurance Company Has Already Offered Me Money?
This offer is often a trap. Insurers know that injuries take time to heal. Many victims will also face complications or follow-up treatments for their injuries in the months, or even years, after the accident.
Insurance companies do not expect you to consider the long-term costs of your injury. They want you to jump on the chance to get money quickly and then sign away your rights. Always consult with a lawyer and medical team who can help you determine the actual, long-term cost of your injury.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Los Angeles?
We do not believe you should pay anything out of pocket. The Simmrin Law Group offers a risk-free payment structure:
- Your consultation is free.
- You pay nothing while we work on your case.
- You will never pay a cent unless we win you money.
Unlike many other types of lawyers, car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that your lawyer only receives payment for their services if they can secure you compensation. This payment method ensures that your attorney will do everything they can to get you the money you need.
A Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles Can Help Ease the Burden
After suffering an injury in a car accident, you will have a lot on your plate. Recovering compensation can be critical to helping you recuperate from your injuries. However, the stress of attempting to do so can make your physical recovery more complex.
By hiring an experienced Los Angeles car accident attorney, you can focus on your health with the peace of mind that your lawyer is taking care of you financially.
How Comparative Negligence Could Influence Your Car Accident Settlement
Comparative negligence refers to the law determining how a case should be handled if the injury victim shares liability for the accident they were involved in or the injuries they sustained.
Other states might prevent you from recovering compensation for sharing liability, such as in pure contributory fault states. They might limit your compensation based on your percentage of liability, such as in modified comparative negligence states.
California is different. We follow a pure comparative negligence system. You can share fault for the accident and still recover compensation for your damages. However, your settlement will be reduced to account for your percentage of liability.
For instance, if you were not wearing your seatbelt when struck by a drunk driver, the judge might determine you are 15% responsible for your injuries. If the jury subsequently awarded you $5 million for your damages, your $5 million settlement would be reduced by 15%, which would leave you with a settlement valued at $4,250,000. Make sure your car accident lawyer in Los Angeles, CA, is by your side to ensure you are not taken advantage of by the liable party or money-hungry insurance companies.
There Is a Deadline to File a Car Accident Claim in Los Angeles
In most car accidents, you have two years to file a claim for injuries and up to three years to file a claim for property damage. However, there are circumstances where the deadline is shorter. You may only have a matter of weeks. If you miss the deadline, the court will not consider your case, and you may lose your right to recover any mon.
Never delay. Please speak to a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident, and let them handle your case while you recover.
Settling Your Car Accident Case Out of Court
The majority of car accident cases are settled out of court. While taking a case to trial certainly is not uncommon, it is typically in everyone’s best interest to negotiate an out-of-court settlement. A trial can be unpredictable, even if your case seems airtight.
If your lawyer can negotiate a fair settlement deal, taking the offer will typically be to your benefit. Not only does a settlement help both sides to avoid the risk of a trial, but it also speeds the process along. You will likely receive the money you need to cover your costs much quicker if you can reach a settlement agreement.
However, it would be best to be cautious about a settlement offer. The first deal offered is likely to be a lowball offer that will not come anywhere near the amount you truly need. Your car accident attorney in Los Angeles, CA, can help advise you on when a deal is fair.
Talk to a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer for Free
California law gives you the right to recover money for your injuries. Do not let the insurance companies take that away from you. A respected Los Angeles car accident lawyer at the Simmrin Law Group will give you a free consultation and help you decide if you have a claim.
Please fill out our online contact form or call us and get your free consultation today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
