Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer

In an instant, a motor vehicle collision can dramatically change your life. Serious car accidents can result in lasting, sometimes permanent injury, disability, and death. Even somewhat minor crashes can create devastating financial pressures, such as an inability to earn income or staggering bills for medical treatment and hospitalization. At the same time, insurance companies often prey on car accident victims – doing everything in their power to avoid paying claims at a time when policyholders need them most.

California is home to some of the nation’s deadliest highways, and our Los Angeles car accident attorneys focus solely on helping those injured in preventable accidents get the fair compensation they need to move forward and recover from their injuries. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in an auto accident in Los Angeles, we can help. 

Call (310) 928-6200 today for a free and confidential case evaluation. We handle all car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning we charge no fees unless we win.

Meet Your Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys

Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP boasts extensive experience handling intricate lawsuits arising from injuries or fatalities caused by negligence or misconduct. Our team of attorneys consistently garners recognition for their excellence from fellow trial attorneys, legal organizations, and prestigious publications nationwide. Acknowledged as a “Tier 1” Firm in Plaintiffs’ Personal Injury Litigation, Plaintiffs Product Liability Litigation, and Plaintiffs Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®, we hold the highest possible ranking. Additionally, the National Law Journal identifies us as one of the foremost Plaintiff’s law firms in the country.

Awards We Have Won

We regularly take on large corporations and government agencies or entities whose negligence causes our clients’ injuries and hold them accountable. Our top-rated Los Angeles personal injury lawyers have always been champions of consumer rights. The size, clout, or financial strength of wrongdoers is never a deterrent to our pursuit of justice.

Why Hire Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP for Your Los Angeles Car Accident Claim?

• We have the skills, experience, and resources needed to take cases involving motor vehicle accidents where they need to go.
• Our attorneys are ready, willing, and exceptionally able to take cases to trial and win.
• We have a proven track record of winning cases for our clients against large insurance companies, government entities, and even automobile and parts manufacturers.
• We provide the highest quality legal representation on a contingency fee basis, meaning we charge absolutely no fees unless we win.
• We advance all costs associated with any personal injury claim we handle.
• Our Los Angeles truck accident lawyers and car accident attorneys offer a free and confidential case evaluation.

We Have Won Record-Breaking Car Accident Settlements

Anderson v. General Motors – $4.9 BILLION

A jury awarded $4.9 billion to the Anderson family due to a defectively designed fuel system in their Chevy Malibu, which caused the vehicle to burst into flames after being rear-ended. This verdict is noted as the largest personal injury verdict in history.

Lampe v. Continental General Tire – $54 MILLION

A jury awarded $54 million in a spinal cord injury case resulting from a crash caused by a defective tire and tread separation.

Lennig v. CRST, Inc. – $52.7 MILLION

A jury awarded $52.7 million in a case involving an auto accident that resulted in personal injury.

We’re Proud To Have Been Featured In

How Can a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Help?

While it is possible to handle a car accident case without an attorney, you may put yourself at a distinct disadvantage – especially in complex cases or those involving serious injury. Hiring an experienced attorney to protect your best interests can allow you to focus on your family and your recovery.

When you decide that Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP is the right firm for you, our legal team begins working on your behalf right away, leaving no stone unturned to build the strongest case possible on your behalf.

• We hire investigators to examine the accident scene, find witnesses, and collect other important evidence.
• We bring in medical and scientific experts when necessary and appropriate.
• We handle all communication with the insurance company to prevent them from attempting to devalue your case.
• Our auto accident lawyers also handle all paperwork and case filings to ensure that your case meets all deadlines and is filed within the statute of limitations.
• Our teams look for any and every source of liability and car insurance coverage to maximize compensation.
• We review your medical records and injuries, connect you with experts that can help make sure nothing goes undiagnosed, and properly determine how much your current and future medical needs will require.
• If the insurance companies decide not to treat you fairly, we will take them to court to hold them accountable for the full value of your injuries.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident in Los Angeles?

In California, those injured in motor vehicle collisions may be eligible to recover financial compensation from the legally responsible party for the expenses they incur. These expenses are referred to as either special or general damages. Most often, damages are paid via an insurance policy, not out of the other driver’s pocket.

While there are several types of recoverable damages in California personal injury claims, they broadly fit into 3 distinct categories: economic (or special) damages, non-economic (or general), and punitive damages. In cases where someone is killed, their families may be eligible to file a Los Angeles wrongful death claim and survivor action as well.

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to the tangible, financial losses and hardships that accident injury victims suffer. This can include:

Medical Expenses

Serious injuries may result in significant medical costs immediately following the accident as well as long into the future. Past and future medical bills, physical therapy, cognitive therapy, ambulance and emergency medicine fees, medical devices, and accessories, and in-home medical care in the case of temporary or permanent disability are all recoverable damages.

Lost Wages

If the accident or injury has prevented you from returning to work, even for a short time, your lost wages – and resulting financial hardship – such as missed rent or mortgage payments – are also recoverable economic damages. This may include time spent in the hospital, at medical appointments, or while temporarily disabled.

Reduced Earning Capacity

In cases where the injury affects your future ability to earn income, you may be eligible for compensation based on your past earnings. The amount of future wages awarded may be determined by your age, occupation, experience, skill, and even your life expectancy.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are awarded for the intangible ways car accident injuries affect your life. Due to the intangible nature of the damages in this category, the amount awarded depends largely on your attorney’s ability to prove the valuation. While some states limit the amount of non-economic damages available, in accordance with Cal. Code of Civ. Proc. § 3333.4 California does not currently cap them. Non-economic damages can include:

Pain and Suffering

California law allows you to place a monetary value on the pain and suffering an injury caused you. Factors involved include the type and severity of the injury, the amount of and length of time the victim suffered pain, and the likelihood the victim would continue to experience pain or suffering in the future. This also includes mental and emotional distress damages following an accident.

Disfigurement

Compensation may be available for the mental suffering that accompanies severe scarring or disfigurement in a personal injury case. Physical impairment, inconvenience, loss of companionship, reduced quality of life, and many other non-pecuniary damages (damages that can’t be measured in monetary value) are also recoverable.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are reserved for cases involving intentional harm or when the responsible party is especially reckless. Punitive damages typically serve as a punishment for individuals or corporate entities and as an example to prevent similar behavior from occurring again.

Anderson vs. General Motors is, perhaps, one of the greatest examples of punitive damages in action. After the Anderson family’s Chevy Malibu exploded in a crash, we found a series of internal communications proving that General Motors was both aware of the issue and that they decided it was cheaper not to fix it. After a lengthy trial, a California court awarded our clients a 4.9 billion dollar verdict, with $4.8 billion in the form of punitive damages.

How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Claim?

All personal injury cases, car accidents included, are subject to strict time limits known as the statute of limitations. In California, the statute of limitations for auto accident claims is typically two years from the date of the injury as outlined in Cal. Code of Civ. Proc. § 335.1.

If you fail to file a lawsuit within this two-year window, the court will refuse to hear any future case. However, the actual time frame may be shorter or longer depending upon the specific facts of your case.

For example, claims involving governmental entities have a much shorter window of six months. Additionally, there are certain situations that affect when the statute “clock” begins or that might extend the window. If you think you may have a case, it is always advised that you speak with a car accident lawyer to ensure that your case is heard within the statutory window.

Legal Liability in Los Angeles Car Accident Cases

While they are often referred to as car accidents, motor vehicle collisions are usually anything but accidents. In most cases, they are the result of negligence on the part of a driver, manufacturer, or governmental entity and are entirely preventable.

In car accident and personal injury cases, the concept of negligence is key in determining liability for a collision. The legal definition of negligence is loosely: a failure to exercise the level of care that an ordinary person would have exercised under the same circumstances. This failure can occur through both action and omission.

Other drivers have a duty to drive in a way that doesn’t endanger other motorists. This includes obeying traffic safety laws, signs, and signals, not operating their vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and refraining from distractions such as cell phone use and texting. Government agencies have a duty to design safe roadways and keep them well-maintained to minimize the risk that drivers face while using them. Any defects or poor road designs might lead to an increase in car accidents.

Vehicle and auto parts manufacturers have a legal duty to make sure that their products (vehicles and parts) are safe and do not contain defects. A failure of this duty of care may leave that party legally responsible for any collision and resultant injury. Depending on the specifics of the incident, one or more parties could be held responsible for damages in a car accident.

Los Angeles Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions

What Do I Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles?

The actions a car accident victim takes after a crash could play an important role in the outcome of a car accident case. Here are some of the steps you should take after a motor vehicle accident from our car accident lawyers:

1. Seek medical treatment. Even if you don’t have any visible injuries, you could have a concussion or other serious injuries that need medical professional care. Additionally, many injuries do not manifest themselves until days later. So don’t wait to visit the doctor and get medical attention right after an accident.
2. Contact the police. The police will create an accident report that can help support a car accident claim.
3. Gather evidence and contact information. Take pictures of the scene of the accident, gather contact information from the parties involved and any witnesses, and ask for the other driver’s driver’s license information, license plate number, and make and model of the vehicle. Take a picture of any property damage.
4. Document your injuries. Make sure you save all medical records from your injuries.
5. Don’t post on social media. Avoid posting anything related to your accident on social media, even something innocent could be misinterpreted and affect your case.
6. Contact a car accident attorney. Call a Los Angeles car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident to discuss your legal options and fight for the fair compensation that you deserve. Your attorney can guide you on the next steps, handle all the interactions with all car insurance companies involved, and protect your best interests.

How Is Negligence Determined in a Los Angeles Car Accident Claim?

There are four primary elements that must be present in order to establish negligence in a car accident case:

1. The defendant owed a legal duty to the plaintiff
2. The defendant breached that duty
3. The plaintiff suffered actual harm or injury
4. The defendant’s breach caused the injury

Essentially, to be held legally responsible, the person or entity that caused your accident must have acted or failed to act in a way that caused your injury.

While this is the legal threshold for negligence, California operates under a pure comparative negligence system in car accident cases. This means that you can still recover compensation, even if you are found to be partially at fault for the collision. However, the amount of compensation you can receive will be reduced by the degree you are found to be at fault.

What Are The Most Common Car Accident Injuries in California?

As mentioned by our Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys, motor vehicle collisions are among the most common causes of serious injury and death in the United States. Common injuries in car crashes include:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury caused by sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement, often occurring in car accidents. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness. Severe cases can lead to chronic pain or reduced mobility, significantly affecting daily life and work activities.
• Traumatic brain injuries: TBIs result from a blow or jolt to the head, disrupting normal brain function. They range from mild concussions to severe injuries causing long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. Recovery can be lengthy and often involves specialized rehabilitation.
• Spinal cord injuries: These injuries can lead to partial or complete loss of sensation and mobility below the injury site. Depending on the severity, victims may face lifelong paralysis, requiring wheelchairs or assistive devices. Emotional and financial burdens are often substantial for patients and families.
• Amputations: Amputations occur when a limb is severed or surgically removed due to severe trauma. This life-altering injury often necessitates prosthetics, rehabilitation, and emotional support to help individuals adapt to their new circumstances.
• Burn injuries: Burns can result from heat, chemicals, or electrical sources, causing skin and tissue damage. Severe burns may require skin grafts, surgeries, and long-term care to manage scarring and prevent infections. Psychological trauma is also common.
• Broken bones and internal injuries: Fractures and internal organ damage can result from high-impact trauma. Treatment might involve surgeries, physical therapy, or prolonged rest. Internal injuries, such as organ rupture, can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
• Mental and emotional injuries: Psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can arise from experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. Symptoms include flashbacks, anxiety, and depression, often requiring therapy and long-term support.
• Death: The most devastating outcome, death leaves families grappling with immense grief and financial challenges, especially if the deceased was a primary breadwinner. Legal and emotional support is often essential for surviving loved ones.

In the U.S., over 3 million people are injured in car accidents annually. Sadly, many injuries go untreated or undiagnosed, leaving the victim to suffer the short and long-term effects on their physical, financial, and emotional health.

Get a Free Consultation With a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer

At Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, our Los Angeles car accident attorneys are uniquely equipped to handle all types of motor vehicle accident and crash cases, including:

• Los Angeles truck accidents: Collisions involving large commercial trucks often result in catastrophic injuries due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. These cases may involve complex factors like driver fatigue, improper loading, maintenance failures, or violations of federal trucking regulations.
• Los Angeles automotive product liability: When a defective vehicle or auto part causes an accident or makes injuries worse, manufacturers and designers can be held accountable. Common examples include brake failures, faulty airbags, or dangerous fuel system designs.
• Los Angeles pedestrian accidents: Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer serious or fatal injuries. These incidents frequently involve driver negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield at crosswalks.
• Los Angeles bicycle accidents: Cyclists are especially vulnerable on busy city streets. Bicycle accidents often occur when drivers fail to see cyclists, open car doors into bike lanes, or ignore right-of-way laws, leading to severe or even permanent injuries.
• Los Angeles motorcycle accidents: Motorcyclists face greater risks on the road, and accidents are often caused by drivers failing to notice motorcycles or making unsafe lane changes. Injuries can be life-altering, including spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and road rash.
• Los Angeles aviation accidents: Though rare, aviation accidents can be devastating. Whether it’s a private plane crash, commercial airline incident, or helicopter malfunction, these cases often involve federal investigations and demand highly specialized legal experience.
• And more

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, please call our office in Los Angeles today at (310) 477-1700. We offer a confidential and free case evaluation with our experienced car accident attorneys and serve car crash victims in Orange County, San Bernardino, Riverside, and across Southern California.