Harry Nalbandyan, Partner, Personal Injury Practice Group Leader

Car accidents are abundant here in Los Angeles, California. Our roads and freeways are constantly plagued by traffic, which inevitably leads to countless auto accidents day-in and day-out.

If you have been involved in a car wreck, the insurance company may try to throw you a low-ball settlement that doesn’t even come close to the full compensation you are entitled to under the law. That is why it is in your best interest to retain the legal services of a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles who can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

At Levin & Nalbandyan, LLP, we represent the victims of automobile crashes who are facing medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other unjust expenses resulting from the accident. We are here to help you fight for justice.

• Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics
• Types of Car Accidents
• How Long Do I Have to Report a Car Accident in California?
• Injuries & Fatalities
• Who Is Liable or Responsible for a Car Accident?
• What Compensation Am I Entitled to After a Car Accident?
• What to Do if You Are Injured in a Car Accident
• Hire the Right Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney

According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, car accidents have increased substantially in the past year. In 2021, 289 people were killed in traffic collisions, up nearly 21% from the previous year and 19% compared to 2019. 

As noted by the LA Times, car accidents in 2021 resulted in:

• 1,465 people being severely injured;
• 30% more injuries compared to the year before;
• A 35% increase in pedestrian injuries over 2020;
• 128 pedestrian deaths;
• A 24% increase in bicycle collisions; and
• 181 bicycle fatalities.

Tragically, most of these accidents are preventable, caused by inattention, speeding, and recklessness. If you are involved in a car accident, it is strongly recommended that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible. You only have a limited amount of time to file a claim for damages, or you may lose your right to compensation.

While accidents can range in severity, minor collisions can still result in long-term damage. Contact our office to discuss your rights and responsibilities after an auto collision.

Common types of car accidents in Los Angeles:

• Rollover collisions – One of the most devastating types of accidents is a rollover. Rollover collisions generally result in severe injuries and permanent vehicle damage.
  

• Rear-end crashes – Rear-end collisions are prevalent in big cities. The sudden impact may cause serious injuries such as traumatic brain injury, neck and back pain, and whiplash.
  

• Truck accidents – Because the city is a major transportation hub, 18-wheelers and semi-trucks are a common sight on area roadways. Truck crashes may include jackknifes, tire blowouts, and improperly secured cargo.

• Head-on collisions – Head-on collisions are another severe auto accident that often results in catastrophic injury or death. Head-on collisions may be caused by several factors, including wrong-way driving and driving under the influence.

• Construction accidents – Work zones or highway construction areas can cause confusion to any driver. Many work zone accidents are the result of speeding or driver inattention.
  

• Side-impact crashes – Side-impact crashes are usually caused by one driver running a red light or stop sign and broadsiding another vehicle. 

If you are involved in a car accident, it is not your job to determine fault. Hiring an attorney is the best way to ensure that the right party is held accountable for your injuries.

In California, you are required to file a report with both the DMV and the police if the accident resulted in injury or if property damage exceeded $1,000. You must file an SR 1 Form with the Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days of the accident. You must also file a report with either California Highway Patrol or the local police where the accident took place within 24 hours of the accident.

However, if a police officer comes to the scene of the accident and prepares a written report of their own, you are no longer responsible for filing a report with the police. In this case, you would only be responsible for filing the DMV report within 10 days of the accident.

Auto accidents can range from minor fender benders to severe head-on accidents. Regardless of the severity of the accident itself, the injuries that victims sustain can be serious. Even a seemingly minor rear-end accident can lead to severe whiplash and spinal cord injuries.

Before you speak with the insurance company or sign anything, be sure to consult with an attorney at our firm. We can ensure that your rights are protected as we develop a strategy to help you recover the maximum compensation.

If you lost a loved one in a car accident in Los Angeles, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for the mental anguish suffered, along with financial recovery. If the car accident was caused by a negligent individual, our team can help you piece your life back together by holding that party responsible. We understand that no amount of compensation will reduce the grief your family is experiencing, but it can help with the stress brought on by the accident.

It is not your responsibility to determine fault after an accident. It is also important to remember that even if you were partially to blame for the crash, you might still be entitled to compensation for your injuries. 

Potentially liable parties in car accident claims:

• A negligent driver
• An employer of a negligent driver
• A vehicle manufacturer
• An auto part manufacturer
• A government entity 

The insurance company of an at-fault driver may try to place all of the fault on you after an accident. They often use deceptive tactics to try to downplay injuries and deny claims. You should never sign something from an insurance company without having it reviewed by a Los Angeles car accident attorney. 

Furthermore, you should not make any statements admitting fault. A statement indicating that you were to blame for the accident can directly affect your right to compensation.

One of the most important decisions you will make after a car accident is retaining an attorney, but it can be challenging to know which one is right. You need a lawyer that will offer an honest case assessment so that you can decide how to move forward with your case.

The car accident lawyer you hire should have:

• Extensive experience
• Proven case results
• Verifiable client reviews
• Free initial case evaluations
• Recognition from legal organizations
• Notable accomplishments in the industry

When you have mounting medical bills and are unable to work, you need an attorney you can trust. At Levin & Nalbandyan, LLP, we are trial lawyers who have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. We fight to get injured parties the compensation they need and deserve after an auto accident.