Los Angeles, with its bustling streets and highways, sees a significant number of accidents daily, from car crashes and motorcycle collisions to pedestrian incidents. If you’ve been injured, seeking the right legal guidance is critical.
At Frantz Law Group, we specialize in personal injury cases. Our mission? Helping accident victims in Los Angeles fight for the compensation they deserve.
Navigating the legal system on your own, especially when you’re recovering, can feel impossible. That’s why we’re here—a trusted partner every step of the way.
Understanding Personal Injury Law in Los Angeles
The crux of personal injury law is responsibility. Someone’s negligence—whether it’s a reckless driver, a distracted pedestrian, or an employer ignoring safety standards—can cause harm. But what does that mean legally?
The Basics of Negligence and Liability
To win a personal injury case, it must be proven that another party acted negligently and directly caused the accident. Negligence typically involves:
- Duty of Care: The responsible party owed you a duty of care, such as obeying traffic laws while driving.
- Breach of Duty: The responsible party breached that duty—for example, speeding, running a red light, or ignoring safety regulations.
- Causation: The actions of the at-fault party resulted in the accident.
- Damages: You suffered quantifiable losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress, due to the injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Car Accident?
Discovering and proving the negligent individual liable for the collision is essential before pursuing a car accident claim.
Multiple parties can be responsible for the crash in a car accident, including the negligent driver, pedestrians, and even the car manufacturer.
A car accident lawyer can help you determine who is liable for your car accident and hold them accountable.
Partial Liability: What if I am Partly to Blame?
California is a pure comparative fault state, which means that a car accident victim can file a personal injury claim regardless of how much they are responsible for the accident damage.
If you are partially to blame for your car accident, your total recovery will be reduced by the percentage you are deemed to have contributed to the accident occurring.
An experienced car accident attorney can thoroughly investigate your claim to help determine your percentage of liability.
Damages and Compensation
In California, those injured in motor vehicle collisions may be eligible to recover financial compensation from the legally responsible party.
This can include economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress.
A car accident lawyer can help you determine the value of your car accident claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
California’s Statute of Limitations
California mandates strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to bring your case to court. Miss that window, and your chances of securing compensation disappear. If you’re unsure about your timeline, consult an attorney.
Common Injuries in Los Angeles Accidents
Accident injuries vary from minor bruises to life-altering conditions. Some of the most common include:
- Whiplash: Often caused by rear-end collisions, whiplash can lead to chronic neck pain if untreated.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): From mild concussions to severe brain trauma, TBIs can have long-term cognitive and physical effects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can cause partial or full paralysis, impacting mobility and quality of life.
- Broken Bones: Fractures may heal, but severe breaks can require surgery or lead to lifelong mobility issues.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments can limit movement and take months to heal.
These injuries don’t just hurt physically—they can disrupt your ability to work, emotional well-being, and financial stability.
The Claims Process for Los Angeles Accidents
Navigating the claims process after an accident may seem daunting, but breaking it into steps can help. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Seek Medical Attention
Some injuries aren’t immediately noticeable, even if you feel fine after an accident. A doctor can identify hidden issues such as internal bleeding or concussions.
Medical records also play a crucial role in your claim.
2. Report the Incident
Notify the police and file an accident report. If it’s a workplace injury, inform your employer and file a workers’ comp claim. Documentation strengthens your case.
3. Gather Evidence
Collect as much evidence as possible, including:
- Photos of the accident scene, damages, and injuries
- Witness contact details
- Medical bills and diagnosis notes
- Receipts for expenses like transportation costs to doctor visits
4. File an Insurance Claim
Contact your insurance company or the at-fault party’s insurer. Make sure your claim includes all relevant evidence and details.
5. Prepare for Settlement Negotiations
Most personal injury claims are settled out of court. However, insurance companies often offer lowball settlements to protect their profits. That’s where skilled attorneys step in to negotiate fair compensation.
6. File a Lawsuit—If Needed
If negotiations fail, filing a car accident lawsuit may be necessary. Your attorney will guide you through this complex process and represent your case in court if needed.
Choosing the Right Los Angeles Accident Attorney
Choosing the right law firm can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of filing a car accident claim and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Look for a car accident lawyer with extensive experience in car accident cases and a proven track record of success. One who can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
The best car accident attorney is dedicated to fighting for the rights of car accident victims and getting them the compensation they deserve.
Having the right legal advocate can make or break your case. Here’s why hiring an experienced personal injury attorney matters:
- Expertise: Personal injury law is complicated. An experienced attorney understands statutes, case law, and the tactics insurance companies use to devalue claims.
- Focus on Recovery: Handling legal paperwork and negotiations while injured is stressful. An attorney allows you to focus on healing while they handle the heavy lifting.
- Maximizing Compensation: Attorneys know how to assess damages accurately, from medical treatment bills to pain and suffering, ensuring you receive what you’re owed.
At Frantz Law Group, we treat every case as unique. No cookie-cutter solutions—just dedicated representation tailored to your needs.
Don’t face this alone. Let a car accident attorney fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Today: Frantz Law Group is Here for You
When recovering from an accident, the last thing you need is the added stress of legal battles. Frantz Law Group is here—to guide you through every step and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Your Recovery is Our Priority: We fight for your best interests so you can focus on healing.
- Experienced Legal Team: With decades of combined experience, our attorneys have seen it all.
- Personalized Representation: From consultation to case resolution, we tailor our services to fit your unique circumstances.
Contact Frantz Law Group today for a free consultation.