Los Angeles is known for its heavy traffic, crowded streets, and unpredictable driving conditions, making car accidents a common occurrence. Whether it is a minor fender-bender or a car accident involving multiple vehicles, navigating the legal process can be overwhelming for injured victims. An expert car accident attorney in Los Angeles can help guide you through the process with ease, ensuring your rights are protected and you secure the compensation you deserve.
Burg & Brock has over 30 years of experience in handling even the most complex of personal injury cases. We can explain the legal options available to you, assist in investigations and negotiations, and represent you in court where necessary. Have you been a victim of a car accident in Los Angeles? Reach out today for a free case consultation.
A car accident attorney in Los Angeles is a legal professional who helps people who have been injured in an accident. Whether it's a minor car accident or a very serious auto accident, these attorneys assist car accident victims in protecting their rights and seeking the compensation they deserve. These lawyers help to guide clients through the legal process of filing a personal injury claim or car accident lawsuit, and ensure that everything, from the start to the finish, runs smoothly.
Experienced car accident attorneys understand the different California car accident laws and how they apply to each case. They can listen to your case, explain your legal options, and guide you on the next best step to take. A Los Angeles car accident attorney also assists with investigations, negotiations, and, where necessary, litigation, fighting aggressively to ensure that you recover compensation that reflects your losses.
A Los Angeles car accident attorney works to ensure that injured victims' rights are protected and they are able to recover full compensation for all their losses. However, the road to relief usually follows a series of intricate steps that must be duly followed. Below is a step-by-step process on how we work to protect our clients.
| Legal Requirement | Los Angeles Requirements | California Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Filing Deadline (Statute of Limitation) | People injured in a car accident in Los Angeles usually have two years to file a personal injury case. Because local courts are busy, it is important to prepare documents early and submit them on time. | In California, the law generally gives accident victims two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government vehicle is involved, the claim usually must be filed within six months. |
| Insurance Requirements | Drivers in Los Angeles must follow the same insurance rules as the rest of the state. However, because the city has heavy traffic, insurance companies may review accident claims more carefully. | California requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance. This includes $15,000 for one injured person, $30,000 for multiple injured people, and $5,000 for property damage. |
| Reporting a Car Accident | After an accident in Los Angeles, drivers often report the crash to the Los Angeles Police Department if there are injuries or major damage. Police reports can help support a legal claim. | Across California, drivers must report accidents involving injury, death, or major damage to the California Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. |
| Standard Case Timelines | In Los Angeles, accident claims may take longer because courts and roads are very busy. Some cases settle in a few months, while others may take a year or more if they go to court. | In other parts of California, timelines are similar, but some cases move faster if the courts are less crowded. Many cases are resolved within several months to a year. |
| How Burg & Brock Helps Clients | Burg Brock understands the local court system, traffic conditions, and accident trends in Los Angeles. This local knowledge helps them handle cases smoothly and avoid delays. | By following California laws and deadlines while also understanding local rules in Los Angeles, Burg Brock helps clients stay on track and work toward fair compensation after a car accident. |
In Los Angeles, car accident victims are entitled to receive different types of compensation depending on their case. There are two main types of compensation: compensation for economic damages and for non-economic damages. Economic losses often cover medical expenses such as hospital visits, emergency treatment, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and future medical care.
It also covers lost wages if the injuries are serious enough to prevent them from working for a period of time. In serious cases where the victim cannot return to work or must reduce work hours, compensation could also include loss of future earning ability. Non-economic damages refer to the physical pain and emotional stress a person experiences after a car accident.
This usually includes how the injuries from the crashes can affect daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Injured victims could also receive compensation for property damage, such as repairs or replacement for a damaged vehicle, and for other accident-related costs like transportation to medical appointments.
Most personal injury attorneys, such as Burg & Brock, work on a contingency fee basis. This means the attorney only gets paid if the client recovers compensation on their behalf. If the lawyer loses the case, the accident victim is not obligated to cover the attorney's fees. If compensation is secured, the contingency fee constitutes a percentage of the total recovery, which is often 25% to 40%, depending on the complexity of the case and whether the case went to trial.
In addition to the contingency fee, clients may also be responsible for other costs related to their case, although many of these expenses are usually handled by the law firm upfront and reimbursed from the settlement. These can include expenses for accident investigation, hiring medical experts, obtaining medical records, accident reconstruction specialists, court filing fees, and sometimes deposition costs.
The timeline for a car accident claim in Los Angeles can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and whether the claim was settled or went to trial. Initial consultation usually spans from 1 to 2 weeks or even less than that. The second stage, which is the investigation and evidence gathering phase, takes more time and can last for 2 to 6 weeks.
Filing a claim with the insurance companies can take up to 1 to 3 months because the insurance company at their end usually carries out their own investigations before accepting liability. The negotiation and settlement phase can span from 2 to 6 months, especially if the insurance company is unwilling or delays in responding and offering a reasonable settlement.
If the case is not resolved in negotiations, it then proceeds to litigation, which can take 6 months to 2 years. Overall, a minor car accident case can be resolved in 3 to 6 months, while complex cases with severe injuries, multiple parties, or disputed liability can take 1 to 2 years.
A Los Angeles car accident can be overwhelming and devastating, especially when serious injuries and multiple parties are involved. But you don’t have to face it alone. A skilled car accident attorney in Los Angeles can help you file a claim, negotiate with insurance, and litigate on your behalf to ensure you recover every economic and non-economic loss the accident must have inflicted on you.
Burg & Brock can help you investigate the cause of the accident, determine liable parties, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Our experienced car accident lawyers will guide you every step of the way, from your initial consultation to settlement or trial. Contact us today to get started.
This section provides answers to common questions about car accident attorneys in Los Angeles and why they are important.
After a car accident in Los Angeles, it’s important to ensure your safety and the safety of others first. Seek medical treatment for any injuries, even if they seem minor. Call the police to report the accident and gather information from other drivers and witnesses. Take photos of the accident scene and any property damage. Finally, contact a car accident attorney in Los Angeles as soon as possible to discuss your accident claim and protect your rights.
In most cases, California law gives car accident victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the accident involves a government vehicle or agency, the deadline may be shorter, usually six months. Filing on time is crucial because missing the statute of limitations can prevent you from recovering any compensation.
Not every car accident case goes to court. Many cases are resolved through negotiation with insurance companies, resulting in a car accident settlement. However, if the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation or disputes liability, your attorney may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit and taking the case to trial.
Yes, top-rated car accident attorneys such as Burg & Brock, Callahan & Blaine, the Accident Guys, DK Law, and M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers offer strong legal assistance and representation across Los Angeles. However, Burg & Brock stand out due to their thorough investigation and aggressive negotiation skills.
Most Los Angeles car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they recover compensation for you. The fee is usually a percentage of your car accident settlement or lawsuit award, often between 25% and 40%. Additional costs, such as accident investigation, expert fees, or court filing fees, may also apply but are typically covered by the law firm upfront and reimbursed from the settlement.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship with Burg Brock or any of its attorneys. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a licensed car accident attorney in Los Angeles. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
