Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers

The Ultimate Guide to Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers

Getting into a car accident is never fun; it’s stressful, scary, and can leave you with injuries and vehicle damage. If you’ve been in a crash in LA, you might be wondering – do I need a lawyer? The short answer is: it depends, but having a good car accident attorney on your side can make a huge difference.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about finding and working with the best Los Angeles car accident lawyers. We’ll discuss why you might want legal representation, how to choose the right firm, what to expect from the process, and more. Let’s dive in!

Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in LA?

You’re not legally required to have a lawyer after a car crash, but there are several key benefits to having professional legal representation:

Maximize Your Settlement: Insurance companies are focused on paying out as little as possible. An experienced lawyer will fight to get you the full compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. They know all the tactics insurers use to lowball claims.

Handle the Paperwork: Car accident cases involve a mountain of forms, filings, and documentation. Your attorney and their team will take this off your plate so you can focus on recovery.

Prove Liability: To get compensation, you need to establish the other driver was at-fault. Lawyers have investigative resources to gather evidence like dashcam footage, witness testimony, and expert analysis to build a strong case.

Represent You in Court: If your case goes to trial, you absolutely need a skilled litigator arguing on your behalf against the other side’s lawyers. Don’t try to navigate the complex legal system alone.

Reddit has some good discussions on when hiring an attorney makes sense after a crash. Quora also has helpful insights from people who have been through the process.

How to Choose the Best LA Car Accident Lawyer

With so many options for car accident attorneys in Los Angeles, how do you pick the right one? Here are some key factors to consider:

Experience and Focus

Look for a lawyer or firm that specializes specifically in car accident and personal injury cases. You want someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes this area of law – not a general practice attorney. Experienced car crash lawyers will know all the ins and outs to maximize your case.

Track Record of Success

What kind of results has the lawyer gotten for past clients? Ask about their win rate and look for lots of positive reviews and testimonials. You can check ratings on sites like Avvo, LawInfo, and FindLaw.

Communication and Responsiveness

You want a lawyer who is easy to get in touch with and keeps you updated every step of the way. Avoid firms that treat you like just another number. Look for attorneys that are transparent about their processes and make you feel heard.

Fees and Costs

Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case – but their cut can range from 25-40% of your settlement. Be sure you understand all fees upfront and find a fair deal.

What to Expect Working With a Car Accident Attorney

So you’ve found a great LA car accident lawyer – what happens next? Here’s a quick overview of the process:

The Initial Consultation

Most firms offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case. Bring all documentation like police reports, medical records, photos/videos, and insurance info. Be prepared to give a detailed account of the accident.

The Investigation Phase

If the lawyer takes your case, their team will launch an in-depth investigation to gather all available evidence, interview witnesses, review footage, and build legal theories and strategies. You may need to give more statements.

Dealing With the Insurance Companies

Your lawyer will handle all communication and negotiation with the insurance companies moving forward. Never accept the first settlement offer – that’s just their opening bid.

Filing a Lawsuit (If Needed)

If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your attorney will file a personal injury lawsuit and prepare for trial. This process can take over a year, but most cases do settle before going to court.

Receiving Your Settlement

If you win your case, either through a settlement or court award, your lawyer will get a percentage cut of the money, per your agreed contingency fee. The rest is yours to pay bills and move forward with your life.

Common Questions About LA Car Accident Cases

What if I Was Partially At-Fault?

California follows a “pure comparative negligence” model, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible – but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can argue to minimize your liability.

What Damages Can I Claim?

Typical damages in a car accident case include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and potentially punitive damages if the other driver was grossly negligent.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit; acting quickly is advisable as evidence can disappear over time.

Do I Have a Case if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

Yes, you may still be able to recover damages from your own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy or through other avenues. Don’t assume you’re out of luck.

Top Car Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles

To give you a head start, here are some of the top-rated car accident law firms in the LA area based on client reviews and professional ratings:
Fein & Stein
Jacoby & Meyers
McMahon Law Firm
LA Injury Group
Wilshire Law Firm

Of course, do your own research to find the best fit for your specific situation and needs. Getting the right legal representation can make a huge difference in your car accident case.