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head on car accident in California with involved parties taking pictures of the car crash and contacting the insurance company If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, an experienced car accident lawyer at The JLF Firm can help. We represent injury victims, working to secure maximum compensation for their losses, including medical expenses and other damages.

Even if you believe you may share some responsibility for the crash, legal options are still available, but it’s crucial to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

 

Schedule a free consultation today so we may begin building your winning case.

 

Do I Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in California?

While not legally required, working with a Los Angeles car accident lawyer can be extremely beneficial. Going through the personal injury claims process with the insurance company can be extremely frustrating, especially when recovering from a car accident injury.

Car accident attorneys play a crucial role in navigating these complexities, ensuring you receive fair car accident settlement while countering the insurance companies’ strategies to minimize payouts. A considerable amount of time will be dedicated to disputing which party is at fault for the accident and, therefore, liable for damages.

Additionally, insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by undervaluing the full extent of damages. This includes not only current losses, like medical bills and lost wages, but also accounts for future losses, like medical care and the impact the accident has had on the victim’s ability to earn a living (loss of earning capacity).

How a Car Accident Lawyer Helps Navigate the Claims Process

Working with a car accident injury lawyer simplifies the complex legal process, from dealing with the insurance adjusters to correctly filing the personal injury claim.

An auto accident lawyer will advocate for your best interests, ensuring applicable damages, both present and future, are properly assessed and pursued. They will also aggressively negotiate to secure the full and fair compensation you rightfully deserve.

 

Why The JLF Firm for Your Car Accident Case?

While the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for compensating car accident victims–and can certainly afford to do so–these large corporations often prioritize minimizing payouts. They will attempt to settle claims for far less than what claimants actually deserve, neglecting the full extent of their financial losses and other damages, such as pain and suffering.

The JLF Firm’s experienced auto accident attorneys are dedicated to helping clients obtain the financial compensation they are legally entitled to. We counter insurance companies’ deceptive tactics, protecting our clients’ rights throughout the claims process.

When partnering with our personal injury law firm, we offer the following benefits:

  • Free Consultation: Evaluating each prospective client’s case for FREE, offering helpful answers to any questions or concerns they may have
  • Thorough Investigation: Performing an independent investigation into the auto accident to determine what led up to it and the circumstances surrounding it
  • Collection of Evidence: Gathering substantial evidence to prove fault and the resulting damages, such as police reports, witness statements, street video surveillance, and medical records
  • Confirm Case Value: Calculating both economic and non-economic damages to account for out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more
  • Negotiations: Negotiating with the insurance company and other involved parties for the maximum compensation, allowing clients to focus on recovering from serious injuries
  • 24/7 Representation: Providing legal counsel during the legal proceedings, from negotiations to trial, if necessary, to achieve an optimal outcome

We Work on Contingency with ZERO Upfront Legal Fees

At The JLF Firm, we understand that the financial burden following a car accident can be significant, which is why we offer our award-winning legal services on a contingency fee basis.

This means clients do not pay any upfront costs for our representation and owe us nothing unless we can successfully recover compensation for their personal injury cases. 

This arrangement makes it possible for everyone, regardless of their current financial situation, to access top-tier legal representation in California. Contact us today to learn more.

 

Car Accident Cases Our Law Firm Specializes In

The JLF Firm has extensive experience working on various motor vehicle accident cases, including: 

  • Head-on collisions
  • Highway crashes
  • Hit-and-run accidents
  • Intersection crashes
  • Left-turn accidents
  • Multi-vehicle accidents
  • Parking lot accidents
  • Self-driving car accidents
  • Sideswipe accident
  • U-turn car accidents

Our experienced team of Los Angeles car accident lawyers is committed to guiding injured victims through every step of the car accident injury claim process, working diligently to pursue the best possible outcome.

 

Compensation for Car Accident Victims in California

Anyone injured in a personal injury accident, including motor vehicle accidents, caused by someone else’s negligence has the right to seek compensation for sustained injuries.

The type of case significantly influences the potential car accident settlement, but generally, the following damages are available. Filing a car accident lawsuit is crucial to seek compensation for the following types of damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages address financial losses resulting directly from auto accidents. These are typically easier to quantify as they have a clear monetary value. Examples include:

  • Current medical treatment
  • Future medical treatment
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Vehicle repairs or replacement
  • Vehicle rental fees

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address intangible losses suffered, which don’t have a specific monetary value. Common car accident injuries can lead to significant non-economic damages that impact a victim’s quality of life, which is why they can be compensated. Examples include:

  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium
  • Mental anguish
  • Pain and suffering
  • Permanent scarring
  • Post-traumatic stress

Punitive Damages

In cases involving egregious misconduct, like drunk driving, punitive damages may be awarded, which is not intended to compensate the victim but rather punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.

Determining a suitable sum of money that fairly reflects sustained damages requires legal expertise and a skilled approach when dealing with insurance companies. Our Los Angeles car accident law firm will assess and determine the amount of compensation you should claim, considering the severity of injury and damage to your vehicle.

 

When to File a Car Accident Lawsuit or Claim

Car accident cases encompass a wide range of incidents involving various types of motor vehicles. These can include collisions involving cars, trucks, rideshare vehicles, motorcycles, and even bicycles.

A “car accident claim” is a request for financial compensation filed with the at-fault driver’s insurance company after an accident, while a “car accident lawsuit” is a formal legal action filed in court when the involved parties cannot come to an agreement through the insurance claim process. Here are the key differences:

Car Accident Claim

  • Filed directly with the insurance company
  • Usually handled by an insurance adjuster
  • Can result in a quicker payout, but lower compensation

Car Accident Lawsuit

  • Filed in a civil court
  • Involves a formal legal process that includes discovery and a potential trial
  • Can take longer months to years to reach a resolution
  • Can result in significantly higher compensation, not typically covered by a standard insurance claim

Following a car accident that results in property damage, personal injury, or death, affected parties may pursue legal action to recover their losses by filing either a car accident lawsuit or an insurance claim. Consult an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer to explore which option best suits your needs.

 

Car Accident Statistics in Los Angeles County

Car crashes are a frequent occurrence in Southern California, especially in densely populated areas like LA County.

Data from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reveals that Los Angeles ranks fifth among the state’s 58 counties for the highest number of car crashes.

This ranking reflects the combined effect of various contributing factors, including population density and the sheer volume of miles driven in the area, all of which significantly influence the likelihood of car accidents.

 

Common Causes of Los Angeles Car Accidents 

Even the most careful drivers can be involved in car accidents due to circumstances beyond their control. However, the primary cause of these accidents is driver negligence, which can take many forms, such as:

  • Distracted driving
  • Driving under the influence of a substance
  • Drunk driving
  • Failure to yield the right of way
  • Fatigued driving
  • Hazardous road conditions or design
  • Road rage
  • Running red lights
  • Speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Unsafe turns
  • Vehicle malfunction

Whether you’ve been involved in a minor fender-bender or a serious collision resulting in catastrophic injuries, our car accident attorneys can guide you through the entire auto accident claims process.

We will thoroughly investigate the car crash, working to uncover all contributing factors and build a strong case to help you recover the full compensation you deserve.

Our experienced auto accident lawyers are adept at handling cases involving mechanical failures and navigating insurance claims to ensure fair compensation for car accident victims.

 

Proving Negligence in a Los Angeles Car Accident

In personal injury law, “negligence” is a legal concept central to car accidents and other personal injury claims. It essentially means that one person’s failure to act with reasonable care resulted in harm to another. Specifically, it refers to a failure to exercise the same level of caution that a reasonably cautious person would have under similar circumstances.

The four key elements must be established to prove negligence in an auto accident case: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.

  1. The defendant owed a duty of care
  2. The defendant breached his or her duty of care
  3. The defendant’s breach of duty was the cause of the accident
  4. The accident resulted in damages to the victim

For instance, drivers have a legal duty of care to obey traffic laws and drive safely to prevent motor vehicle accidents. To establish negligence in a car accident case, it must be shown how the driver violated this duty and then prove that this breach of duty directly caused the accident and the resulting injuries.

In other words, it must be indicated that the accident wouldn’t have happened if the other driver hadn’t been negligent. This is crucial for filing a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for the damages incurred.

What if I’m Also at Fault for the Car Accident?

Even if a plaintiff is partially at fault for a car accident, compensation may still be recovered but at a reduced rate based on the assigned percentage of fault. Essentially, the greater the degree of fault, the smaller the financial reward. This legal concept is known as comparative negligence.

For example, if the plaintiff is found to be 20% at fault for a car crash, only 80% of compensation will be awarded.

It is crucial to be prepared for these tactics if the at-fault party’s insurance company uses this defense, as it could significantly impact financial recovery. Working with a car accident lawyer will effectively argue against the comparative negligence defense to maximize a claim.

 

California Car Accident Laws

California has complex car accident laws that are important to understand to ensure fair legal proceedings after a car accident claim is filed. Otherwise, victims may lose out on compensation.

Statute of Limitations

It’s important to understand the statute of limitations, which is the deadline for filing a claim, to avoid losing the right to seek compensation. In California, most car accident claims must be filed within two years from the date of the incident.

However, there are exceptions based on specific circumstances. For example, claims involving only property damage or a government entity may have a different filing period.

Because the courts strictly enforce these timeframes, it’s crucial to determine the applicable statute of limitations in California for your specific case to ensure you meet all necessary filing requirements.

Fault-based Car Insurance

California operates under a fault-based car insurance system. This means that drivers are required to carry the minimum insurance coverage, including:

  • $30,000 for injury/death to one person
  • $60,000 for injury/death to more than one person
  • $15,000 for damage to property

Following a car accident, the injured party can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to recover compensation for sustained damages.

However, depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, injured victims may also have the option to pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver instead of, or in addition to, filing an insurance claim.

Liability Laws

California’s car accident laws require drivers to have liability insurance and compensate other drivers if they are found at fault for a car accident. 

Under the state’s pure comparative negligence rules, victims may still recover compensation, even when they share fault with another party. However, compensation will be reduced based on the victim’s assigned percentage of fault, as determined by the courts.

Therefore, even if a victim is found to be 50% responsible for an accident, 50% of the compensation may still be recovered.

 

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries in Los Angeles

Car accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and significant damages. At The JLF Firm, we understand the profound impact these accidents have on victims and are dedicated to helping them pursue maximum compensation for their losses.

Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers provide experienced legal representation to those injured in car accidents caused by another party’s negligence. We handle a wide range of car accident injury cases, including, but not limited to, those resulting in:

  • Amputation
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Burns
  • Chest injuries
  • Concussion
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Permanent disabilities
  • Scarring
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Whiplash
  • Wrongful death

If you have suffered any of these injuries or any other harm, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention for your safety and well-being. 

After receiving medical care, contact The JLF Firm for legal guidance and representation from an experienced car accident lawyer. We are dedicated to helping injured victims access the necessary medical care and support they need to achieve a full and effective recovery.

 

What To Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles

Following an accident, certain precautions must be taken to protect your well-being and to preserve your rights should you plan to file a car accident claim. Here are seven steps to take following a car crash:

  1. Prioritize Safety: Move away from traffic and check for injuries. If injuries or significant vehicle damage are present, immediately contact emergency services (911).
  2. Contact the Police: Notify the police department to report the accident. Ensure an official record is created, and obtain the police report number.
  3. Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries.
  4. Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s), but do not discuss fault. Also, the contact information of any present witnesses must be collected.
  5. Seek Medical Attention: Attend all scheduled doctor’s appointments and follow medical advice. Keep detailed records of all medical treatment and expenses.
  6. Notify Your Insurance Company: Promptly notify your insurance company about the accident. Be truthful but avoid speculating or admitting fault.
  7. Avoid Contact with Other Driver’s Insurance: If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, be cautious and avoid giving recorded statements.

To ensure you are on the right track and to address any concerns you may have regarding the information provided by the insurance company, schedule a free consultation with a Los Angeles car accident lawyer. 

This free case evaluation will allow you to discuss your rights and explore your legal options with an experienced legal professional.

 

Maximize Compensation: How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Get You What You Deserve

The JLF Firm is home to some of the top experienced car accident lawyers in Southern California, dedicated to assisting car accident survivors and their families throughout the often complex personal injury lawsuit and claims process.

We understand the challenges victims face after an accident, and we are here to provide experienced legal guidance–all on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. 

This arrangement makes our award-winning legal representation accessible to everyone who needs it, regardless of their current financial situation.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, we encourage you to contact us for a consultation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys by contacting us online or calling us at 888-303-9472. We can help you understand your legal rights and explore your options for recovering compensation for your injuries and other damages. 

Other Personal Injury Practice Areas We Specialize In

 

The JLF Firm Corporate Office


Location Address:
8255 Firestone Ave, Ste 207,
Downey, CA 90241

Phone Number:
562-667-3104

 

Our Other Locations in Southern California

The JLF Firm has additional locations in the following Southern California cities:

Case Process Easy As 1-2-3!

It may be your first time working with a personal injury lawyer, but our team makes the process simple and affordable. As soon as you hire our firm, you can rely on us to take care of everything. Here’s how it works.

01

100% Free Consultation

Contact one of our local law firms any time. We’ll sit down to learn about your situation at no cost or obligation to you.

02

Easy Sign Up Process

If we’re the right fit for your legal needs, then we’ll walk you through what information we need to represent you going forward.

03

We Get To Work On Your Case

We examine evidence, make demands of the insurance company, and fight hard for every financial award you’re entitled to.

Available 24/7
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No Fee Unless We Win. Period.
Get in touch with us today to get started with your FREE case review. We’re only a call, click, or short drive away.

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