Los Angeles CA Vehicular Accidents Attorney

Struggling after a crash? Our LA accident lawyers are here to protect your rights.

Finding yourself involved in a vehicle accident in Los Angeles can be a daunting experience. Whether you’re dealing with minor injuries or significant losses, a Los Angeles vehicle accident lawyer will advocate for your rights and provide the support you need during this challenging time. Let’s explore how the right legal representation can make all the difference in your recovery journey.

Quick Summary: 

• Vehicle accidents, or traffic collisions, occur when a vehicle hits another vehicle, object, or pedestrian. They can range from minor fender-benders to serious crashes causing significant damage and injuries. Navigating the aftermath involves addressing legal, medical, and insurance issues, making professional guidance essential for protecting your rights.
• Common types include rear-end collisions, side-impact (T-bone) crashes, head-on collisions, rollovers, single-vehicle accidents, hit-and-run incidents, and multi-vehicle accidents. Each type has unique characteristics and potential impacts, affecting the severity of injuries and the complexity of legal and insurance processes.
• Vehicular collisions often result from distracted driving, drowsy driving, road rage, speeding, DUI, reckless driving, poor weather conditions, road defects, and vehicle defects. Addressing these causes through better driving practices and vehicle maintenance can help reduce the risk of accidents.
• Accidents can lead to a range of injuries, including spinal cord injuries, concussions, fractures, whiplash, and permanent disabilities. Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. Seeking timely medical evaluation and legal guidance is important for addressing both immediate and long-term impacts.

If you’ve been involved in a vehicle accident, discover how you can navigate the aftermath of your accident and achieve the best possible resolution.

What Are Vehicle Accidents?

Vehicle accidents, also known as traffic accidents or car accidents, occur when a vehicle collides with another vehicle, object, or pedestrian. These incidents can vary widely in severity, from minor fender-benders to major collisions that result in significant damage and injuries.

The aftermath of a vehicle accident often involves legal, medical, and insurance-related issues, making it important for those involved to seek professional guidance to navigate these complexities and ensure their rights are protected.

What Are Examples of Vehicle Accidents?

Vehicle accidents come in various forms, each with distinct characteristics and potential impacts. Here are some common types:

• Rear-End Collisions: Occur when one vehicle hits the back of another. These accidents are often caused by sudden stops, tailgating, or distracted driving. 
• Side-Impact Collisions (T-Bone): Happen when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another, forming a T-shape. These collisions often occur at intersections and can cause severe injuries due to the limited protection on the sides of vehicles.
• Head-On Collisions: Involve the front of two vehicles colliding with each other. These accidents are typically high-impact and can result in serious injuries or fatalities, as the forces are concentrated on the front of the vehicles.
• Rollovers: Occur when a vehicle overturns onto its roof or side. Rollovers can be triggered by sharp turns, high speeds, or collisions with other vehicles or objects. 
• Single-Vehicle Accidents: Involve only one vehicle and can include scenarios like hitting a stationary object, losing control, or running off the road. These accidents can be caused by driver error, mechanical failure, or hazardous road conditions.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents: Where one driver leaves the scene after causing a collision. These accidents can complicate legal and insurance processes, as identifying and locating the responsible party becomes challenging.
• Multi-Vehicle Accidents: Involve more than two vehicles and can create complex situations with multiple parties involved. These accidents often occur on busy highways or at major intersections and can result in a chain reaction of collisions.

Understanding these types can help in assessing the causes and potential impacts of an accident, which is significant for legal and insurance purposes.

What are the Common Causes of Vehicular Collisions?

Vehicular collisions can result from a variety of factors, often involving a combination of driver behavior, environmental conditions, and vehicle-related issues. Here are some common causes:

• Distracted Driving: Includes activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car entertainment systems while driving. Distractions take the driver’s focus away from the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Drowsy Driving: Drowsy driving impairs concentration, reaction times, and decision-making, similar to the effects of alcohol. Falling asleep at the wheel is a serious risk for tired drivers.
• Road Rage: Aggressive or violent behavior by drivers in response to perceived slights or frustrations while on the road can escalate quickly and lead to severe accidents or confrontations. 
• Speeding: Driving above the posted speed limits or too fast for road conditions can reduce a driver’s ability to react quickly to hazards and increase the severity of accidents.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, or running red lights can lead to dangerous collisions.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and fog can reduce visibility and road traction, making it difficult to control the vehicle and increasing the risk of skidding or losing control.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces can cause drivers to lose control. Additionally, poorly marked or designed roads can contribute to accidents.
• Vehicle Defects: Mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or engine problems can lead to accidents. Regular maintenance is important to ensure vehicle safety.
• Running Red Lights: Disregarding traffic signals can lead to dangerous side-impact collisions, especially at busy intersections.
• Inadequate Driver Training: Lack of proper driving skills and knowledge can contribute to poor decision-making and unsafe driving practices.

Addressing these causes through better driving practices, vehicle maintenance, and awareness of road conditions can help reduce the risk of accidents.

What Injuries Results from Vehicular Accidents?

Vehicular accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor to life-threatening. This can leave victims with physical and emotional damages that last for years or even a lifetime.  Common injuries resulting from vehicular accidents include:

• Spinal Cord Injuries: Can result in partial or complete loss of function below the site of injury. These injuries can lead to paralysis or significant mobility issues.
• Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Result from a direct impact to the head or a violent shaking motion. Symptoms can range from mild (headaches, dizziness) to severe (loss of consciousness, cognitive impairments).
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Can occur from the force of the impact or being thrown against hard surfaces. Commonly affected bones include the ribs, arms, legs, and pelvis.
• Whiplash: Caused by the sudden jerking motion of the head and neck, often leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Whiplash can sometimes cause long-term discomfort.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Result from broken glass, metal, or other debris. These can vary from minor scrapes to deep wounds requiring stitches.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Include damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Common examples are sprains, strains, and contusions, which can cause pain and swelling.
• Facial Injuries: May involve fractures, lacerations, or disfigurement due to impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or other objects.
• Permanent Disabilities: Result from severe injuries that lead to long-term or lifelong impairments, affecting an individual’s ability to perform daily activities or work. Examples include permanent paralysis, loss of limb, or significant cognitive impairments.
• Psychological Injuries: Include emotional and mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, which can result from the trauma of the accident.
• Wrongful Death: Occurs when an individual dies as a result of the negligence or wrongful act of another party. Families of deceased victims may be entitled to compensation for loss of income, funeral expenses, and emotional suffering.

The full impact of injuries from a vehicular accident may not be immediately apparent, so it’s essential to seek medical evaluation even if symptoms seem minor initially. 

What Should I Do After a Vehicular Accident?

Vehicular accidents usually happen in a blink of an eye, without much time to process how they happened, while the consequences can be devastating. If you get involved in a vehicular accident, what you do after can affect your ability to recover financial compensation for your losses.  Here’s a guide on what to do:

• Stay at the Scene

Don’t leave the scene, but move the vehicles out of traffic, if possible. If the accident is fairly minor with no serious injuries, try to get all vehicles moved over to a shoulder and outside the flow of traffic. Keep in mind that leaving the scene of an accident can result in serious criminal charges.

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Check if anyone was injured, starting with you and your passengers. If you discover any injuries, immediately call 911. Be careful not to move anyone with neck or back pain.

• Call the Police

Call the police and report if there are injuries, significant property damage, or death. An officer will speak to everyone involved in the accident and prepare a police report.

• Exchange Insurance and Contact Information

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other motorists involved, passengers, and any witnesses. It is important to get the following details:

• Names
• Addresses
• Phone numbers
• Driver’s license 
• License plate numbers
• Basic insurance information

• Gather Potential Evidence

Gather all information you can from the accident scene. Take pictures of any vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and area conditions. Note details related to the vehicles involved in the accident, including:

• Vehicle model & year
• License plate number
• General description (color, bumper stickers, and dents)

• Watch What You Say

Watch what you say at the scene of the car accident, regardless of how you feel or what you think may have caused the accident. Don’t admit fault for the car accident to the other driver or the police. If you admit to liability at the scene of the accident, your words can be used against you.

• Write Out What Happened

Write out exactly what happened, as best as you can remember, including:

• The specific date, time, weather, and location of the accident
• Your location on the road and what you were doing at the moment of impact
• What the other car was doing at the time of the accident
• The direction you were driving

• Notify and Cooperate With Your Car Insurance Company

Regardless of who is at fault for the car accident, it is important to contact your car insurance company and report the crash as soon as possible. Failure to provide timely notice to your car insurance company could jeopardize your coverage.

In addition, you must cooperate with your car insurance company’s investigation. You should answer their questions and provide them with evidence or information you collected following the accident.

• Keep Careful Records

If you have to make vehicle repairs or get medical treatments, keep records of everything. You should also keep a record of who you talk to and what you talk about. Be sure not to delete any emails you exchange with anyone about the accident. Even if you don’t plan on filing a claim, you might change your mind, and you’ll need records to show your accident-related losses and damages.

• Consult an Attorney

If there are significant damages, injuries, or disputes about fault, consider consulting a Los Angeles vehicle accident lawyer. They can provide guidance on your legal rights, help with negotiations, and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Taking these steps can help you navigate the aftermath of an accident effectively and safeguard your interests.

What Types of Compensation Am I Entitled To?

After a vehicular accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the specifics of your case. Compensation generally aims to cover the costs and losses associated with the accident. Here are the main types of compensation you might be entitled to:

1. Medical Expenses: Covers the cost of medical treatment related to the accident, including hospital bills, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and any future medical care required as a result of the injuries.
2. Lost Wages: Compensates for income lost due to time missed from work while recovering from injuries. It can also include lost earning capacity if your ability to work in the future is impacted by the accident.
3. Property Damage: Covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
4. Pain and Suffering: Provides compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries. This is a non-economic damage that can vary significantly based on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life.
5. Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensates for the reduction in your ability to enjoy daily activities and hobbies due to the accident. This can include loss of recreational activities or changes in lifestyle.
6. Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact the accident has on your relationship with your spouse or partner. This may include emotional distress or loss of companionship and support.
7. Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Provides compensation if the accident results in permanent physical impairments or disfigurement that affect your quality of life and ability to perform daily tasks.
8. Legal Fees: In some cases, you may be able to recover the costs of legal fees associated with pursuing your claim, particularly if your case goes to trial.
9. Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Covers any additional expenses incurred as a result of the accident, such as transportation costs for medical appointments or hiring help for household chores during recovery.
10. Punitive Damages: These are given more to punish the defendant and discourage them from acting similarly in the future. If the conduct of the defendant was particularly malicious or willful, then you may receive punitive damages as well.

The specific types and amounts of compensation you’re entitled to depend on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the extent of property damage, and the impact on your life and livelihood. 

Is There a Deadline For Filing Vehicle Accident Lawsuits?

Yes, there is a deadline for filing a vehicle accident lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from vehicle accidents, is two years from the date of the accident. 

However, there are some important considerations:

1. Discovery Rule: In some cases, the statute of limitations may be extended if the injury or damage was not immediately apparent. This rule allows the clock to start from the date when the injury or damage was discovered or should have been discovered.
2. Claims Against Government Entities: If your accident involves a government vehicle or entity, the deadline for filing a claim may be shorter, often six months from the date of the accident. 
3. Minor Claimants: If the injured party is a minor (under 18 years old), the statute of limitations is generally extended until they reach the age of 18. For minors, the deadline to file a lawsuit typically starts when they turn 18, giving them until their 20th birthday to file.
4. Insurance Claims: While the statute of limitations applies to filing a lawsuit, it’s important to notify your insurance company and start the claims process as soon as possible after the accident. Insurance policies may have their own deadlines for reporting claims and providing necessary documentation.

Given the complexities and potential variations in deadlines, it’s important to ensure that all necessary legal actions are taken within the required timeframes.

Why Do I Need a Vehicular Accidents Attorney in California?

While we don’t think about getting into an accident when we’re in our cars, vehicular crashes can and do happen. Dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and potential legal proceedings can be overwhelming. This is where a Los Angeles vehicle accident lawyer can make a significant difference. They can:

• Provide strong legal representation 
• Review and investigate the cause of your accident
• Build a compelling case 
• Negotiate with the insurance companies
• Hold all negligent parties responsible

Having an experienced attorney by your side can not only alleviate stress. It can also increase your chances of a successful outcome and while you concentrate on your healing.

Call Our Experienced Los Angeles Vehicle Accident Lawyer Now!

With so many vehicles on the road, vehicle accidents are more likely to occur throughout the city and suburbs of Los Angeles. The possibility of a car crash exists every time a driver gets behind the wheel, so it’s important to understand the risks before heading out on the road.

Our Los Angeles vehicle accident lawyer at Conlogue Law LLP can provide invaluable support and advocacy. We’ll work diligently to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries, damages, and losses.

Focus on your recovery and move forward with confidence knowing that your case is in capable hands. Call us today for a free initial consultation. We provide legal help in various personal injury cases, civil rights violations and handle litigation.