Los Angeles is one of the most congested cities in the United States, and with thousands of vehicles on the road each day, car accidents are, unfortunately, common. If you’ve been hurt in a car crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and stress from dealing with insurance companies. Working with an experienced car accident lawyer in Los Angeles can make all the difference in your ability to recover compensation and move forward.
At Callahan & Blaine, our legal team is made up of 29 seasoned attorneys – each with at least eight years of litigation experience. With a 40-year history of trial success and a proven track record of high-value results, including a $58 million bad-faith insurance judgment, we are trusted advocates for car accident victims across California. When you choose us, your car accident claim is handled with strategy, precision, and personal care to pursue a fair settlement.
What to Do Following a Car Accident in Los Angeles
The moments after a car accident are chaotic, but your actions can impact your ability to seek compensation later. Your safety comes first – move to a secure location if possible and assess any injuries. Always call for emergency assistance and ensure the accident is officially documented through a police accident report.
Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries appear minor. Many common car accident injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not show symptoms immediately. Prompt medical treatment creates medical records that are crucial for connecting your injuries to the accident and supporting your personal injury claim.
After addressing your health, gather information from the accident scene. Photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, and traffic signs. Exchange insurance details with the other driver and collect witness information. This evidence will help your car accident attorney build a compelling claim.
Understanding Liability in a Los Angeles Car Accident Case
Proving liability is the cornerstone of any successful car accident lawsuit. In California, you must show that the at-fault driver owed a duty of care, breached that duty through negligence, and directly caused your injuries and damages. This legal process often requires a detailed investigation and clear documentation.
Your car accident attorney will analyze police reports, review medical records, consult with experts, and examine footage or witness statements. In cases involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death, our legal team works to identify all liable parties – whether it’s another driver, a commercial operator, or even a government entity responsible for road conditions.
Because the burden of proof lies with the accident victim, working with an experienced car accident attorney is essential. At Callahan & Blaine, we don’t leave details to chance – we build every car accident case with the rigor needed to withstand courtroom scrutiny or insurance pushback.
Common Car Accident Injuries and Their Long-Term Effects
Car accident injuries can vary widely in severity, from minor bruises to life-altering conditions. Some of the most common car accident injuries include whiplash, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury, and soft tissue damage. These injuries often require immediate medical attention and, in many cases, ongoing treatment or physical therapy. Unfortunately, some accident victims downplay their symptoms or delay care, which can hurt both their recovery and their personal injury claim.
In more serious personal injury cases like paralysis or traumatic brain injury can permanently affect a person’s ability to work, care for themselves, or enjoy daily life. These types of injuries often lead to complex personal injury lawsuits that demand aggressive legal representation. Our experienced car accident lawyers understand the lifelong impact of severe injuries and work to recover compensation that fully reflects the scope of your physical, emotional, and financial losses.
Dealing with Insurance Providers After a Car Accident
Communicating with an insurance company after a car accident may seem straightforward, but accident victims must tread carefully. Insurance providers are trained to minimize payouts, even when liability is clear. They may ask leading questions, downplay your personal injury case, or offer quick settlements that fail to account for future medical expenses and long-term recovery needs.
Having a skilled car accident attorney on your side helps level the playing field. A car accident attorney lawyer can handle all negotiations, push back against bad faith tactics, and ensure the insurance claims process is conducted fairly. At Callahan & Blaine, we review every offer carefully and fight for full and fair compensation so you aren’t left with uncovered medical bills or out-of-pocket expenses. Let our legal team deal with the insurer – you focus on healing.
How Los Angeles Insurance Companies Try to Undervalue Car Accident Claims
One of the biggest obstacles in any car accident case is dealing with the insurance company. Insurers are in the business of protecting their own profits, not your recovery. They may downplay your injuries, challenge medical treatment, or delay the insurance claims process in hopes you’ll accept a lower offer.
We’ve seen these tactics countless times. That’s why we recommend letting your car accident lawyer handle communications with the insurance provider. Whether you’re facing a denied claim or an unreasonably low offer, our team can step in and negotiate aggressively for the full value of your damages – including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our experience as both trial lawyers and negotiators gives us a unique edge. Insurance providers know that Callahan & Blaine won’t hesitate to take a case to trial when needed, which often leads to higher car accident settlements.
Calculating the Value of a Car Accident Claim
Every car accident case is unique, and the value of your personal injury claim depends on many factors. Medical bills, rehabilitation, time off work, and property damage all contribute to your losses. If you’ve suffered traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or other severe injuries, your future care needs and reduced earning capacity must also be factored into your claim.
In serious car crash cases, we often work with medical experts and economists to calculate both economic and non-economic damages. Your claim may include compensation for medical treatment, psychological trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and other lasting effects of the accident. Our goal is to present a clear and compelling picture of how the accident has impacted your life – and why you deserve fair compensation.
How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge?
One of the most common questions we hear from accident victims is how much car accident lawyers charge. At Callahan & Blaine, we represent clients on a contingency fee basis – meaning you pay nothing upfront. Our fees are only collected if we secure a recovery on your behalf. This allows car accident victims to pursue justice without taking on additional financial stress.
During your free consultation, we’ll explain how the fee structure works and answer any questions you have about the legal process. We believe that every accident victim should have access to high-level legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. With our firm, you’ll receive dedicated attention, a powerful legal team, and a commitment to pursuing the fair settlement you deserve.
Legal Representation for All Types of Car Accident Cases
Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers have handled a wide range of car accident cases, including those involving distracted driving, drunk drivers, rear-end collisions, hit-and-runs, rideshare accidents, and more. Whether you were a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist, our law firm is prepared to protect your rights.
In more complex motor vehicle accidents, such as multi-car pileups or crashes involving commercial vehicles, it’s especially important to have experienced car accident lawyers on your side. We handle accident investigations, gather expert testimony, and represent your interests from day one through trial or settlement.
Schedule an Initial Consultation With the Trusted Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys at Callahan & Blaine
Your path to recovery and justice after a car accident in San Diego starts with the right legal representation. At Callahan & Blaine, we are dedicated to providing personalized strategies that cater to your situation. Our experienced team of car accident lawyers is skilled at negotiating with challenging parties, ensuring your case is handled with professionalism and care.
Allow us to manage the complexities of your legal claim, giving you the freedom to concentrate on your recovery. Contact us at 714-769-6913 or complete our contact form to schedule your initial consultation and work with our robust team to seek justice.
The Importance of Acting Quickly After a Los Angeles Car Accident
California law gives car accident victims a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit – generally two years from the date of the crash. Delays can lead to lost evidence, expired medical records, or reduced credibility. Prompt legal action ensures your rights are protected and gives your attorney more time to build a strong case.
Don’t wait to speak with a qualified auto accident lawyer. If you’ve been injured in a car crash in Los Angeles, Callahan & Blaine can help you understand your options, calculate your potential recovery, and hold the at-fault driver accountable.
Car Accident Claim FAQs
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in California?
The statute of limitations is commonly two years from the date of the accident. If the claim involves property damage only, you have three years. It is important to act quickly, as waiting too long may result in losing your right to compensation.
What should I do after a car accident?
After an accident, prioritize safety by moving out of traffic, if possible, and seeking medical attention. Take pictures and video footage, gather contact details from witnesses, and obtain insurance details with the opposing driver. Always report the accident to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible.
Can I still recover damages if I am partially at fault?
Yes. California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means that even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you could still recover damagesthanks to California’s comparative negligence system. However, damages will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
What damages can I recover after a car accident?
Victims of car accidents in California may recover present and future economic and non-economic damages, including medical bills, property damage, and emotional suffering.
What is the timeline for a car accident lawsuit?
The timeline for a car accident lawsuit varies depending on the complexity of the case, but here is a general breakdown:
- Initial Consultation and Filing the Claim: After meeting with an attorney, they will begin the process by filing your claim. This can take a few weeks, depending on how quickly you gather the necessary information.
- Investigation and Discovery: The discovery phase, where both parties gather evidence, can take several months to over a year.
- Negotiations: Generally, car accident claims are settled outside of court, which may occur within a few months after discovery. Settlement discussions can lead to a resolution or a trial date if a settlement is not reached.
- Trial (if necessary): If your case goes to trial, it may take over a year from the filing date, depending on court schedules and other factors.
While some cases are resolved in a few months, others can take years, especially if they go to trial. Your Callahan & Blaine attorney will keep you informed throughout the process.
