Jacoby & Meyers‘ car accident lawyers are distinguished in the field and have won over two billion dollars for all our clients. Car accidents are prevalent in the United States, and California is no exception.
California, the most populated state in the country, has a significant number of car accidents each year due to its extensive network of highways and urban regions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 42,795 fatalities from vehicle crashes in 2022.
Car accidents can lead to unexpected challenges, from injuries to mounting medical bills and repair costs. If you’ve been in a collision, it’s essential to know your legal rights and options. A Los Angeles car accident lawyer can help you pursue justice and fair compensation while easing your financial burden.
Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers?
- Proven Success: Over $2 billion recovered for personal injury and wrongful death cases.
- Client-First Approach: We prioritize your needs, offering clear guidance and legal expertise every step of the way.
- No Fees Until We Win: You pay nothing upfront—we only get paid if we secure compensation for you.
- Free Consultation, Anytime: Call us at 800-500-0000—our lines are open 24/7 to provide advice and support.
How We Help:
- Evaluate your case to identify the best legal strategy.
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies to secure the maximum compensation.
- Manage medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses, so you can focus on recovery.
Need Answers?
Our experienced attorneys have compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions from car accident victims. These insights help you understand your rights and make informed decisions about your case.
Don’t face this alone. Let Jacoby & Meyers fight for the justice and compensation you deserve—contact us today to get started.
What should I do after an auto accident?
Car accident victims sometimes commit actions that put themselves in danger and jeopardize their claim. If you are involved in a car accident in Los Angeles, you must know the appropriate steps to ensure your safety and help defend your claim when a negligent driver hits you.
The following are the dos and don’ts when handling vehicle collisions:
Do’s After a Crash
- Stay calm.
- Call 911 or the Los Angeles Police Department.
- Check if you have injuries from the impact of the car crash.
- Contact the nearest hospital in Los Angeles and seek medical attention swiftly.
- If you can, gather evidence at the accident scene, such as the other driver’s contact details, photos of the crash, and witness statements.
- Cooperate with the police officers.
- Seek legal advice from a Los Angeles car accident lawyer who can help establish your car accident claim.
Don’ts After a Collision
- Not Seeking Medical Attention
Remember that your health is the most important thing you need to attend to after a vehicle crash. Make sure to seek medical attention to avoid further health complications. - Admit fault
Simply saying sorry may hold you accountable for the car accident, even if you didn’t cause it. Any car crash attorney will advise you to stick to the facts and be cautious about leading questions. Listen intently and answer as briefly & honestly as you can without jeopardizing yourself and admitting fault. (TIP: Best to call an auto accident lawyer right away so you know how to answer the authorities in case you are partially liable for the car crash.) - Leaving the accident scene without notifying authorities or other involved parties.
If you leave the accident scene without exchanging information with the involved individual or notifying the authorities, you may appear as the at-fault driver in the car accident. In most cases, you can also be tagged as a hit-and-run driver. If you are unsure what to do, best to call a car crash attorney who can give you quick on-the-spot advice. - Failing to Obtain the Other Driver’s Information.
Any auto accident lawyer will advise you to collect as much information about the other party involved in the accident. The contact information of the other driver is critical, especially if you are filing a personal injury claim. You can properly address your claim to the negligent party and collect compensation if you have the appropriate information. - Failing to Gather Other Evidence at the Scene.
You must have valid proof to show that the negligent driver caused your collision. If you have been physically wounded, you should contact a car accident attorney in California to gather the evidence needed for your personal injury claim. - Providing a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company.
While insurance companies should cover an accident’s expenses, they will try their best to reduce the compensation or completely dismiss your case. Providing a recorded statement without legal assistance from an expert auto accident lawyer may hurt your claim, especially if you share unnecessary information. - Filing a car accident claim independently.
While it is true that you may pursue a case without legal representation in minor accidents, it is still best to reach out to a car accident attorney to protect your legal rights. In most cases, insurance providers offer lowball settlements without considering all the damages from your collision.
What types of compensation can I recover?
A car accident claim may be pursued if the negligent party’s acts caused injuries and other losses. In this regard, you must justify your accident’s damages to seek a settlement.
In most cases, an accident will result in the following damages:
- Economic damages are monetary losses determined by invoices, receipts, and other documentation.
- Non-economic damages are non-monetary losses suffered as a result of the accident. This can involve emotional anguish and a loss of enjoyment in life.
- Punitive damages are additional costs the court imposes if the at-fault party’s acts are deemed excessive or intentional.
| Economic Damages | Non-Economic Damages |
|---|---|
| Medical Bills | Pain & suffering |
| Other health-related expenses, such as medical treatment or aid | Emotional Distress |
| Vehicle repair or replacement costs | Post-traumatic Stress Disorder |
| Lost wages | Loss of Life Enjoyment |
| Future loss of income | Loss of Companionship or Love |
Economic damages are simple to calculate and include in your settlement. What about non-monetary losses? Los Angeles car accident lawyer are skilled in calculating non-monetary damages to maximize your maximum compensation.
They can also evaluate your personal injury case, determine whether you are eligible for punitive damages, and include them in your settlement.
How will my case value be computed?
In Los Angeles, the value of your car accident claim typically depends on various factors, including:
- the complexity of the case,
- the extent of your injuries and damages,
- and its impact on your life.
For example, one car accident victim sustained minor facial lacerations from a car crash. On the other hand, another injured driver incurred a permanent leg disability from a crash. When comparing these two scenarios, the initial case will likely have a lower settlement than the latter since the impact of the collision is more severe.
Another instance is when you are partially liable for the crash. This is crucial information that you must disclose to your auto accident lawyer right away so they can help you still get what you deserve. For example, you weren’t wearing a seatbelt when a drunk driver hit you. From the scenario, we can deduce that you are at least 10% responsible for the accident, while the drunk driver is 90% accountable for the crash. You will likely receive 90% restitution for the accident damage in such a case.
This is why it is essential to consult with a Los Angeles car accident attorney who can examine the facts of your accident and determine fair compensation for you.
Who can be held liable for a car accident in Los Angeles?
Discovering and proving the negligent individual liable for the collision is essential before pursuing a car accident claim. In a car accident, particular parties can be responsible for the crash.
The Negligent Driver
The driver is one of the most common parties liable for a car accident. Since they are responsible for others’ safety on the road, a simple violation of traffic rules can cause an accident, resulting in injuries and other damage. The most frequent driver errors that result in car accidents are the following:
- speeding
- distracted driving
- driver fatigue
- impaired driving
- reckless driving
- tailgating
- disobeying traffic signals and road signs
- inexperienced driving, and
- lane splitting.
If you have sufficient evidence demonstrating the driver’s infractions that caused the accident, you may file a personal injury claim against the other driver.
Multiple Parties
If multiple parties caused your accident, you may file several car accident claims against each. While this may seem beneficial when maximizing your case, it can also be overwhelming and challenging.
In some cases, victims who pursue multiple cases at once lose their claim. It is best to contact a Los Angeles auto accident attorney with the knowledge and resources to gather evidence for each claim and prove the liability of the negligent parties involved.
Other Negligent Entities
In Los Angeles, there are times when neither you nor the other driver are to blame for the accident. Poor road conditions may cause a car accident in several instances, such as: potholes, uneven pavements, missing or illegible road signage, faulty traffic signals, Thawed ice or snow on the road, and others.
In such cases, you may file a lawsuit against the local authority responsible for road maintenance. You must, however, do so within six months of the car crash.
If, on the other hand, the crash was caused by faulty vehicle parts or products, you may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer. In such circumstances, you will then be pursuing a product liability claim.
Client review: ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
They are reliable, helpful, and responsive! I got into a car accident and not knowing who I should contact I came across a commercial and called that moment, I spoke to a representative. I was transferred to a case coordinator that was very helpful and answered all the questions I had. Marina was very helpful.
Melanie Meas – Actual Client
Partial Liability: What if I am partly to blame?
California is a pure comparative fault state. This means that a car accident victim can file a personal injury claim regardless of how much they are responsible for the accident damage.
Suppose you were talking on the phone while driving when a drunk driver hit you in San Bernardino or anywhere in California. Since you were guilty of being distracted on the road, you were found 40% responsible for the crash. You may receive 60% compensation for the accident damage in this case.
On the other hand, the impaired driver can also claim 40% restitution for the damages caused by the crash. These numbers vary per case and this is why you must be 100% transparent with your car accident lawyer if you still want to be compensated for your damages.
Do I really need a car accident lawyer?
Even if you think you might win your claim without hiring a Los Angeles car accident lawyer, you might end up losing your case, especially if you lack evidence and knowledge when defending a personal injury claim.
For instance, you were hit by a negligent driver who was drunk at the time of the accident. While their wrongful action is evident, the at-fault party’s insurance provider insists you are liable since you apologized to their client at the accident scene. In such cases, you may end up losing your claim.
Another example is when you avoid hiring a car accident lawyer since you think the crash resulted in minor damage. Let’s say the other driver’s insurance company offered an initial settlement; you accepted it since you thought it was fair. Months after the settlement, you discovered that you had late-appearing injuries.
You can no longer reopen your claim in such an instance, especially if the compensation has already been settled. Regardless of whether there is a minor or catastrophic auto collision, hiring a Los Angeles auto accident lawyer with expertise and experience in handling car accident claims is still best.
How can a car accident lawyer help me?
If, from the list above, you feel like your case might benefit from a car accident lawyer, it pays to know exactly what they should do for you. Here’s what auto accident attorneys usually do for you:
- Processes all paper works for you
- Makes sure you get the most settlement
- Educates and guides you through the legal process
- Represent you in court
- Gather evidence that might be hard to find
- Ensure you are compensated for all the damages
- Enlist medical professionals and other experts to create a stronger case
How much does Jacoby & Meyers charge?
Most Los Angeles and California car accident lawyers charge between 33.3% – 40% of your total settlement. This is why you must choose a firm that has a track record of winning settlements and has the experience of getting more than what was initially offered.
If you just got involved in an accident and are suffering from injuries, you probably missed work or even have your car totaled and unusable. In short, you may not have the resources to seek compensation or pay a lawyer upfront.
We know this well at Jacoby & Meyers that’s why we work purely on a contingency fee basis.
How much do I need to pay upfront?
Nothing. You don’t need to shell out a dime.
The contingency basis fee structure means you won’t need to shell out a dime until we win your case. No fees until we win.
This also means that if your case does not go to trial and you don’t recover anything, you also don’t pay anything at all. Which gives you all the more reason to trust your lawyer. It is also in their best interest to win your case and get you the highest settlement possible.
If you think about it, they will not spend time and advance money on a case they are not confident in winning in the first place.
The Jacoby & Meyers Difference: Very few people come out unscathed from a car accident. We know this at J&M that’s why we assist our clients even with their medical needs. Unlike other law firms, we help you get the medical assistance you need. This way, you can focus on recovery while we focus on winning your case.
Can I fire my car accident lawyer?
Yes, you can. After some time has passed, you might feel that you are not aligned with your lawyer or that your lawyer isn’t really on your side. It could also be a logistical issue. You might prefer a local lawyer who has more area-specific experience.
It only makes sense that a Los Angeles car accident attorney would have more experience and connections to win a car wreck in Los Angeles County than someone from Nevada.
It can also be a correspondence issue. You might not have the same communication style or you simply didn’t feel like you are a priority.
This is why it’s important to get to know your personal injury law firm before signing with them.
Read: My Personal Injury Settlement is Late; How Long Will It Take?
J&M Tip: Get to know your potential car wreck lawyer by visiting their social media channels and even their LinkedIn accounts. Do they have the track record to win cases like yours? What advocacies are they involved in? What is their company culture like?
Though it’s important to take your time in choosing a law firm, be wary of the time limitations as well. Reading their blogs, checking social media posts and even reading reviews can help you gauge if this is the right firm for you.
How do I choose the best car accident attorney?
Car wreck lawyers are everywhere. How do you choose the right one? Here are things to consider when choosing the best car accident lawyer for your case:
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- Winning Track Record
- Success in Business
- The roster of lawyers and team members
- Public Image
- Awards and Acknowledgements
- Communication and Rapport
Hiring a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer: Process Overview
Below is a summary of the steps a typical client goes through during their car accident lawsuit case in California:
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- STEP 1: Intake
We gather all documents, photos, and information needed to start your case.
- STEP 1: Intake
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- STEP 2: Treatment
Your Case Manager will help you get to the doctor and communicate with the insurance company. If you were in a car accident, we also help fix your car.
- STEP 2: Treatment
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- STEP 3: Medical Records
After all the medical treatments you need for your injury, a Medical Specialist will assist you in obtaining and reviewing all medical bills and records.
- STEP 3: Medical Records
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- STEP 4: Demands
We put all your bills, records, and other documents in a demand packet and send it to the insurance company to demand compensation. If they act reasonably, we negotiate a settlement. If not, we must file paperwork in court and begin litigation.
- STEP 4: Demands
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- STEP 5: Liens negotiation
You’ve settled your case! Once the demands or litigation process leads to a resolution, we negotiate your medical bills and give you a check.
- STEP 5: Liens negotiation
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- STEP 6: Litigation
If you have a complicated case, we might recommend proceeding to litigation to maximize your payout. While it may take longer for your case to be settled, you will likely have a higher settlement value at the end of the legal process. Don’t worry; the decision always lies in your hands. We will have your back if you want to proceed to trial or settle your claim through medication
- STEP 6: Litigation
First meeting with your car accident lawyer: What to bring, what to expect
Since not all cases need to be litigated (This is a good thing for clients because this means you can get your settlement sooner), initial consultations are conducted by legal teams first.
Your initial consultation with the legal team will allow you to determine how much you can get from your accident and if your lawyer can win your case.
It is essential to bring the necessary documents to help your car accident lawyer and their legal team to understand the facts of your crash and determine your viable legal options.
Prepare the following documents and information before meeting with a personal injury attorney:
Medical Records
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- The name of the hospital and attending doctors
- Identification of the emergency ambulance service
- Doctor’s diagnosis of your car accident injuries
- Medical bills and receipts
- Documents validating future medical treatments, if necessary
- Health treatments, rehabilitations, and prescriptions
- Medical examinations
- Document indicating the time and date you were admitted and released from the hospital
Insurance Information
-
- A document presenting the details about your insurance provider
- Files highlighting the coverage of your insurance policy outlining auto insurance
Police Accident Report
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- Police Accident Report from the responding law department
- The accident report from the fire department, if any
Other Necessary Evidence
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- Accident photos presenting your car accident injuries and damages from the crash
- Witness testimonies
- Other driver’s contact information
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The Jacoby & Meyers Difference: How we handle your case
We can always say that we have the best car accident lawyers in Los Angeles and the whole of California. Our awards and billions of settlements won can attest to that. But that’s what all car accident lawyers in California would tell you. So instead of saying we are the best, let us show you how we make a difference: Full-suite, beginning to end.
Full-suite, beginning to end.
Being in this field for 50+ years, we know there’s a long and rocky way to a “settlement”. A client coming out of a car accident will have needs and pains that need immediate attention even before a settlement is received. This is why we offer a full-suite service for all our clients. Doctors, field expert resources, car rentals, x-rays, MRIs – if you get into an accident, how will you pay for all these? At Jacoby & Meyers, we take care of our clients from the day of the accident up to the day they sign their settlement checks. Full-service, from beginning to end.
Client Empowerment
Client empowerment is at the core of Jacoby & Meyers so we developed materials that can help you understand your personal injury claim every step of the way. Lawyers and team members will guide you through complex legal processes so you can make educated decisions along the way.
A Team of Integrity
Unlike other law firms, Jacoby & Meyers has TEAMS to handle your case. This means that an expert handles every stage. This also means that your case will move as fast as it possibly can. Though all cases have different timelines, you can rest assured that a team is focusing on your case every single day. Our goal is for you to get the maximum compensation you can get, and we will exhaust all legal options to do so. However, we will never compromise our values of honesty, fairness, and transparency. Our teams are all trained to give full disclosure of all pertinent information that may affect the proceedings of a case. This all ties back to how we create a healthy and empowered relationship with our clients at the firm.
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- What happens if the at-fault party does not have insurance?
- Who is at-fault in a T-bone car accident?
- Who can be sued in a car accident case?
- Who is at-fault in a multi-vehicle accident?
- What happens if I feel the pain AFTER my car accident?
- How long does settlement negotiation take?
- Is hit-and-run a felony in California?
- Hit and Run Investigation In California
- Best Car Accident Lawyer: 4 Questions You Must Ask
Do you have any more questions? Read about our Frequently Asked Car Accident Questions here.
Los Angeles and California Car Accident Statistics
A quick preview of Los Angeles Car Crash statistics:
Overall Numbers:
- 2021 saw a 7.6% increase in traffic fatalities alone. From 3,980 in 2020 to 4,285 in 2021.
- MDR ( Mileage Death Rate) for the year 2021 was at 1.38. (MDR is fatalities per 100 million miles traveled)
California DUI Statistics
- A huge 16% increase from 2020 to 2021.
- These fatalities involve accidents involving a car driver or motorcycle rider with a reported Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or above.
Drug-impaired Driving
- 52.9% of drivers killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2021 tested positive for both legal and/or illegal drugs. This number shows a 5.5% decrease from 2020.
Passenger Protection
- Unrestrained Passenger Occupant fatalities increased in 2021. From all seating locations, passenger vehicle occupant deaths rose to 12.4% in 2021 vs. 2020.
Motorcycle Vehicle Collisions
- Deaths from motorcycle crashes increased 3% from 2020 (549 deaths) vs. in 2021 (565 deaths)
- Death from not wearing proper helmet protection in creased 9% in 2021 vs. 2020.
Teen Driving
- Teen drivers (aged 15-20) who were involved in fatal crashes rose to 14.8% in 2021.
Pedestrian & Bicycle Crash Statistics
- Pedestrian deaths rose to 9.4% from 1,013 in 2020 to 1,108 in 2021.
- Bicycle accident deaths on the otherhand decreased 8% in 2021 vs. 2020.
Data Source: Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Accessed from: https://www.ots.ca.gov/ots-and-traffic-safety/score-card/
Get a Free Consultation With a Los Angeles Auto Accident Lawyer
This may be your first car accident or personal injury lawsuit, but our California car accident lawyers have helped thousands of clients just like you. You can be confident that you are in capable hands when you choose Jacoby & Meyers to represent you.
Your no-obligation consultation will be confidential and free of charge. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by speaking to one of our experienced attorneys.
Our Main Office in Los Angeles, California
Call or text 866-559-7223 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
