East Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyer East Los Angeles, CA

If you’ve been hurt in an accident in East Los Angeles, you’re likely dealing with mounting medical bills, missed time at work, and an insurance adjuster who seems more interested in closing your file than helping you recover. The physical pain is hard enough. The financial pressure makes everything worse.

Our East Los Angeles, CA personal injury lawyer understands what local families face after serious accidents, and we know how to fight back against insurance companies that undervalue claims. We offer free consultations and handle cases on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win.

Why Choose Cohen Injury Law Group for Personal Injury in East Los Angeles, CA?

Local Legal Knowledge and California Personal Injury Law

East Los Angeles isn’t like other parts of the county. The East LA Interchange alone, where the I-5, I-10, US 101, and SR 60 converge, funnels roughly half a million vehicles through daily, making it one of the busiest traffic interchanges in the world. Atlantic Boulevard, Whittier Boulevard, and the surface streets connecting Commerce, Maywood, and unincorporated East LA create a patchwork of jurisdictions and high-traffic corridors where accidents happen constantly.

Founding partner Wayne R. Cohen has practiced personal injury law since 1991. He graduated with distinction from the University of Michigan and earned his law degree cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law. His work has been featured in Fortune, the Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, US News, CNBC, and the ABA Journal.

Managing partner Nicholas E. Cohen brings a combination of legal skill and business acumen to the firm. He earned his undergraduate degree from USC and his law degree from Loyola Law School Los Angeles. Together, they lead a firm built on client results.

If you need a personal injury attorney in East Los Angeles, CA, our attorneys have the local knowledge and courtroom experience to handle your case from investigation through trial if necessary.

Proven Results for Injury Victims

We take cases insurance companies consider difficult: serious injuries, disputed liability, complex medical situations. And we fight until our clients receive fair compensation.

The insurance industry knows which firms prepare for trial and which settle cheap. We prepare every case as if it’s going to a jury. That approach produces better settlement offers and, when necessary, better verdicts.

No Fees Unless We Win

We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs. We advance all case expenses. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Nick is an excellent attorney that will go above and beyond for his clients. He helped me win a life changing amount of money when no one else thought I had a case.” — Andrew Romanoff

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in East Los Angeles

East Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at Cohen Injury Law Group represent victims across a range of accident types. Each case brings its own challenges, and we tailor our approach to the specific facts and injuries involved.

• Car accidents. Rear-end collisions on the I-10, sideswipe accidents along Atlantic Boulevard, and multi-vehicle pile-ups at busy intersections are common in East LA. We handle claims involving distracted driving, speeding, DUI, and other driver misconduct.
• Truck accidents. Commercial trucks traveling through the East LA Interchange and along industrial corridors in Commerce and Vernon cause devastating injuries. We pursue claims against trucking companies, drivers, and maintenance contractors.
• Motorcycle accidents. Lane-splitting disputes, left-turn collisions, and rear-end crashes leave riders with broken bones, road rash, and worse. California’s comparative fault rules mean riders can recover even if partially at fault.
• Pedestrian accidents. Crosswalk collisions near schools, bus stops, and shopping centers along Whittier Boulevard and César Chávez Avenue cause serious injuries to pedestrians who have no protection against a moving vehicle.
• Bicycle accidents. Dooring accidents, right-hook collisions, and bike lane intrusions happen daily throughout the East LA area. Cyclists often sustain traumatic brain injuries and spinal damage.
• Slip and fall accidents. Property owners who fail to maintain safe premises, such as wet floors in grocery stores, uneven pavement in parking lots, or broken stairs in apartment complexes, can be held liable for resulting injuries.
• Dog bites. Under California Civil Code Section 3342, dog owners face strict liability when their animals bite someone in a public place or lawfully on private property. You don’t need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
• Rideshare accidents. Uber and Lyft accidents involve complicated insurance questions. We determine which policy applies, whether the driver’s personal coverage or the rideshare company’s $1 million policy, and pursue maximum compensation.

California Legal Requirements for Personal Injury Claims

California law creates both opportunities and deadlines for injury victims. Understanding these requirements helps protect your right to compensation.

Statute of Limitations

Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss this deadline and the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, regardless of how strong your claim might be.

Exceptions exist. If you didn’t discover your injury immediately, since some soft tissue injuries don’t show symptoms for days or weeks, the clock may start from the date of discovery. If the defendant left the state, certain tolling provisions may apply. But relying on exceptions is risky. The sooner you consult an attorney, the better protected your claim will be. You can read more about the statute of limitations on our resources page.

Claims Against Government Entities

Accidents involving city buses, county vehicles, or dangerous conditions on public property require a government tort claim before you can file suit. Under the California Government Code, you typically have just six months from the date of injury to file this administrative claim. The rules are strict, and missing the deadline can bar your recovery entirely.

Comparative Fault

California follows a pure comparative fault system. Even if you were partially responsible for your accident, you can still recover damages. They’ll just be reduced by your percentage of fault. If a jury finds you 30% at fault for a collision, you recover 70% of your total damages.

Insurance companies exploit this rule by inflating your share of fault to reduce their payout. An experienced East Los Angeles injury lawyer knows how to counter these tactics with proper evidence and investigation.

Updated Insurance Minimums

California recently doubled its minimum auto insurance requirements for the first time since 1967. Under Senate Bill 1107, effective January 1, 2025, drivers must carry at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, plus $15,000 in property damage coverage. While this insurance increase provides better protection than the old minimums, serious accidents often exceed even these higher limits.

What Damages Are Recoverable in East Los Angeles Personal Injury Cases?

California personal injury law allows victims to recover several categories of damages.

Economic Damages

These cover your measurable financial losses: hospital bills, surgery costs, physical therapy, prescription medications, medical equipment, and future medical care. They also include lost wages from missed work and diminished earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term. Property damage, including vehicle repairs or replacement and damaged personal belongings, falls here as well.

Documenting economic damages requires gathering medical records, bills, pay stubs, tax returns, and sometimes professional testimony about future losses. We work with medical professionals and economists to ensure nothing gets overlooked.

Non-Economic Damages

Beyond your financial losses, California law recognizes harm that cannot be reduced to a dollar figure through bills or calculations. Pain and suffering compensation addresses the physical pain from your injuries, the emotional distress of recovery, anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and damage to personal relationships. These damages require a different kind of proof: testimony about how your life has changed, documentation of psychological impact, sometimes testimony from family members who’ve witnessed your struggles.

Insurance companies routinely undervalue non-economic damages. They use formulas and software programs designed to minimize what they pay. Our attorneys know how to present these damages persuasively to adjusters and, when necessary, to juries.

Punitive Damages

In cases involving extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct, such as drunk driving, California law permits punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. These damages are uncommon but can significantly increase total recovery in appropriate cases.

What Steps Should I Take After an Accident in East Los Angeles?

The actions you take immediately after an accident affect both your health and your legal claim. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Ensure safety first. Move to a safe location if possible without worsening injuries. Turn on hazard lights. Check on others involved.
2. Call 911. Request police and medical assistance. An official accident report creates crucial documentation for your claim.
3. Seek medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, get examined. Some neck injuries and internal trauma don’t manifest immediately.
4. Document the scene. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and visible injuries. Capture license plates and insurance information from all drivers.
5. Gather witness information. Get names and phone numbers from anyone who saw what happened. Witness testimony can be crucial when fault is disputed.
6. Report the accident. California law requires reporting accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 to the DMV within 10 days.
7. Preserve evidence. Keep damaged clothing and personal items. Don’t repair your vehicle until it’s been properly photographed and documented.
8. Be careful with statements. Don’t admit fault at the scene. Don’t give recorded statements to insurance companies without legal advice. Adjusters use your words against you.
9. Track your expenses and symptoms. Keep a journal documenting pain levels, medical appointments, missed work, and how injuries affect daily activities.
10. Contact an injury attorney. The earlier you involve legal counsel, the better we can preserve evidence, handle insurance company communications, and protect your claim.

Personal Injury Statistics in East Los Angeles

Los Angeles County consistently reports more traffic fatalities than any other county in California. The numbers paint a sobering picture of road dangers in our region.

According to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety and the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), Los Angeles County recorded over 58,000 crashes involving death or injury in 2024 alone. Traffic-related deaths in the county averaged nearly 788 annually over the past five years.

The city of Los Angeles saw 302 traffic fatalities in 2024, a slight decline from 345 in 2023, but still higher than pre-pandemic levels. For perspective, traffic deaths exceeded homicides in Los Angeles for the third consecutive year. More people died from vehicle collisions than from gun violence.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that approximately 40,901 people died in traffic crashes nationally in 2023, a 4.3% decrease from 2022. California’s statewide fatalities dropped nearly 11% from 4,539 in 2022 to 4,061 in 2023, but urban areas like Los Angeles continue driving these numbers due to traffic density and infrastructure challenges.

Pedestrians face particular danger. In 2024, pedestrian fatalities accounted for more than half of all traffic deaths in the city of Los Angeles, with 170 pedestrians killed. East Los Angeles, with its mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and industrial areas, sees its share of these incidents.

Distracted driving remains a leading cause. According to NHTSA data, distracted driving killed 3,308 people and injured an estimated 289,310 in 2022. Among those killed, 621 were pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.

These aren’t just statistics. Each number represents someone’s family member, friend, or neighbor whose life changed in an instant because of another person’s carelessness.

East Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?

Nothing upfront. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so we only get paid if we recover compensation for you, and our fee comes as a percentage of your recovery. You don’t need money to afford quality legal representation.

How long will my personal injury case take?

Timelines vary significantly. Simple cases with clear liability and documented injuries might settle in a few months. Complex cases involving disputed fault, catastrophic injuries, or multiple defendants can take a year or more. Trial adds additional time. We can estimate a more specific case timeline after reviewing your situation.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

California requires uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, and many drivers carry underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage as well. We can pursue a claim under your own policy. We may also investigate whether other parties bear responsibility, including vehicle owners, employers, or government entities responsible for road conditions.

Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?

Not without consulting an attorney first. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to minimize your claim or shift blame to you. Anything you say can be used to reduce your compensation.

What if I was partially at fault for my accident?

California’s pure comparative fault system allows recovery even if you share blame. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault, but you don’t lose your right to compensation.

How much is my case worth?

Every case is different. Value depends on injury severity, medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, liability clarity, and available insurance coverage. We can provide a realistic assessment after reviewing your medical records and investigating your claim.

When should I hire an attorney?

As soon as possible after your accident. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget details. Insurance companies start building their defense immediately. Early involvement allows us to preserve evidence, avoid common mistakes, and protect your rights from the start.

What if the accident happened at work?

Workplace injuries typically involve workers’ compensation claims, but third-party liability claims may also apply if someone other than your employer caused the accident. We can help determine your options.

Do I have to go to court?

Most personal injury cases settle without trial. But having an attorney prepared to try your case often produces better settlement offers. If the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation, we’re ready for the courtroom.

What medical treatment should I get?

Follow your doctor’s recommendations. Gaps in treatment give insurance companies an excuse to argue your injuries aren’t serious. Keep all appointments, take prescribed medications, and complete recommended therapy.

Can I handle my claim without a lawyer?

You can, but studies consistently show that represented claimants recover more, even after attorney fees, than unrepresented claimants. Insurance companies know which claims have legal backing.

What happens during a free consultation?

We review the facts of your accident, discuss your injuries, explain your legal options, and answer your questions. There’s no pressure and no obligation.

How do I prove the other driver was at fault?

Evidence including police reports, witness statements, photos, video footage, cell phone records, and accident reconstruction professional testimony can establish fault. We handle this investigation.

What if my injuries get worse after I settle?

Once you sign a release, you generally cannot pursue additional compensation, even if injuries worsen. This is why it’s crucial to understand the full extent of your injuries before settling.

Will my case go to trial?

Statistically, most cases settle. But preparation for trial produces better outcomes. We prepare every case as if it’s headed to a jury.

Most Dangerous Locations for Personal Injury in East Los Angeles

Certain areas in and around East Los Angeles see disproportionately high rates of serious accidents.

The East LA Interchange remains one of the most dangerous interchanges not just in Los Angeles but in the world. Where the I-5, I-10, US 101, and SR 60 converge, complex merge patterns and high traffic volumes produce regular collisions, some involving serious injuries.

Whittier Boulevard runs through the heart of East Los Angeles. Heavy commercial traffic, frequent pedestrian crossings, and multiple signalized intersections create numerous collision points. Rear-end accidents and pedestrian incidents occur regularly along this corridor.

Atlantic Boulevard connects East LA to Commerce and cities further south. This busy arterial sees high truck traffic serving nearby industrial areas, along with significant passenger vehicle and pedestrian activity.

César Chávez Avenue (formerly Brooklyn Avenue) handles substantial traffic through commercial and residential areas. Bus stops, shopping centers, and dense development increase exposure to accidents.

The I-10 Freeway through East Los Angeles experiences frequent rear-end collisions, sideswipe accidents, and multi-vehicle crashes, particularly during rush hour when speeds alternate between highway velocity and sudden stops.

Third Street near the East LA Sheriff’s Station and surrounding areas see regular accident response activity, reflecting the frequency of collisions in the vicinity.

What Are Important Local Resources for East Los Angeles Personal Injury?

Accident victims in East Los Angeles have access to several important local resources, including nearby trauma centers and courts throughout Los Angeles County. The following list provides contact information for key services. Note: Cohen Injury Law Group does not endorse these organizations, and listing them does not imply any business relationship.

Law Enforcement

• East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station – 5019 E. 3rd Street, East Los Angeles, CA 90022 – (323) 264-4151
• California Highway Patrol – For freeway accidents – 911 or local CHP office

Medical Facilities

• Los Angeles General Medical Center (formerly LAC+USC) – Level I Trauma Center – 2051 Marengo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033 – (323) 226-2622
• California Hospital Medical Center – Level II Trauma Center – 1401 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90015 – (213) 748-2411
• St. Francis Medical Center – Level II Trauma Center – 3630 E. Imperial Highway, Lynwood, CA 90262 – (310) 900-8900

Court Resources

• Los Angeles County Superior Court – Stanley Mosk Courthouse – 111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 – (213) 830-0800
• East Los Angeles Courthouse – 214 S. Fetterly Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90022 – (213) 742-1884

California DMV

• East Los Angeles DMV – 3615 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90063 – (800) 777-0133

Contact Cohen Injury Law Group

If you or a family member has been injured in an East Los Angeles accident, Cohen Injury Law Group is ready to help. Our personal injury lawyers in East Los Angeles, CA understand what local families face after serious accidents, and we have the experience to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

We offer free consultations with no strings attached. You can discuss your case, ask questions, and understand your options without any financial commitment. If we take your case, you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact us today. An experienced East LA personal injury attorney at our firm will review your situation, explain your rights, and help you understand the next steps. We respond quickly and treat every inquiry with the attention it deserves.