Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer

Were you injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, CA?

At Cohen Injury Law Group, we are helping injured clients in Los Angeles pursue full recovery in car accident matters.

If another driver ran a red light, rear-ended you on the 101, or struck your vehicle in a parking lot, you may be facing medical appointments, repair estimates, and calls from more than one insurance company. These demands often arrive while you are still unable to work or drive.

Our attorneys represent drivers, passengers, and rideshare riders injured in collisions throughout Los Angeles. Wayne Cohen has represented auto accident victims since he began practicing law in 1991. A Los Angeles, CA car accident lawyer at our firm can explain your options during a free consultation. Contact us today to schedule a time to speak with our office.

Car Accident Lawyer Los Angeles, CA

A car accident lawyer represents people injured in motor vehicle collisions caused by another driver’s negligence. This work includes investigating how the crash happened, determining which insurance policies apply, and pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost income, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering.

Speed was a factor in 12,094 fatal and injury collisions in Los Angeles County in 2022, according to OTS county rankings. Many of these crashes involve more than one driver and more than one insurer. A Los Angeles car accident attorney can identify each source of coverage and handle communication with every company involved.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Los Angeles

Collisions on Los Angeles streets and freeways take many forms, and the type of crash often determines how fault is proven. Our car accident lawyers in Los Angeles handle the following cases.

• Side-swipe accidents. Unsafe lane changes and merges cause many side-swipe crashes on multi-lane roads. We examine vehicle damage patterns and witness accounts to establish which driver left the lane.
• T-bone accidents. Drivers who run red lights or fail to yield on left turns frequently cause side-impact crashes at intersections. Occupants on the struck side of the vehicle often suffer serious injuries.
• Rideshare accidents. Collisions with Uber and Lyft vehicles raise questions about which policy pays, including the company’s commercial coverage and any other driver’s insurance. We identify the responsible insurers based on who caused the collision.
• Truck accidents. A passenger vehicle struck by a tractor-trailer or delivery truck often sustains severe damage because of the difference in size and weight. These claims may involve the truck driver, the trucking company, and the company that loaded the cargo.
• Motorcycle accidents. Many motorcycle crashes occur when a car driver turns left in front of a rider or changes lanes without checking a blind spot. Riders have little protection in these collisions and frequently suffer fractures and head injuries.
• Pedestrian accidents. Drivers who fail to yield in crosswalks or back out of driveways without looking can cause serious harm to people on foot. We review signal timing, crosswalk markings, and available video to show how the collision occurred.
• Bicycle accidents. Cyclists are injured when drivers open car doors into bike lanes, turn across a cyclist’s path, or pass too closely. These claims often depend on witness statements and damage to the bicycle itself.
• Bus accidents. Collisions involving Metro buses, school buses, and private shuttles can injure passengers and occupants of other vehicles. Claims against a public transit agency require a written claim to be presented within six months.
• Scooter accidents. Riders of electric scooters are often struck by cars turning at intersections or pulling out of parking spaces. We identify the driver’s insurance and document the rider’s injuries and the condition of the scooter.
• Hit-and-run accidents. Injured drivers can often still recover compensation after a hit-and-run crash through their own uninsured motorist coverage. We work to identify the fleeing driver and document the claim.

Why Choose Cohen Injury Law Group as My Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles, CA?

Organized Evidence From the Start of Your Claim

Nicholas Cohen attended Loyola Law School on a merit scholarship and ranked fourth in his class after his first year. He applies technology and data-driven methods to case evaluation. In a car accident claim, that work centers on organizing the police report, vehicle damage estimates, and medical records so that each loss is documented before negotiations begin.

Experience With Vehicle Safety and Liability

Wayne Cohen has handled auto accident claims for more than three decades, and his clients have recovered millions of dollars over the course of his career. He has commented publicly on vehicle liability, including in TechCrunch coverage of a federal investigation into a fatal crash involving Tesla’s Autopilot system. Clients who hire a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles, CA from our firm pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for them.

What Is Important to Understand About a Car Accident Case?

What Are Important Aspects of a Car Accident Case?

When a Los Angeles car accident attorney evaluates a claim, a few practical issues usually shape the outcome. Each of the following affects how much compensation is available and how quickly a claim can resolve.

• Insurance coverage. The at-fault driver’s policy limits may not cover serious injuries, so we review your own policy for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and deal with insurance companies on your behalf.
• Proof of fault. Fault is established through physical evidence, witness statements, and the collision report, not through the drivers’ accounts alone.
• Medical documentation. Treatment records connect your injuries to the crash and show how they affect your daily activities and your ability to work.
• Property damage. Repair costs, the vehicle’s loss in value, and rental expenses are part of the claim and are often handled on a separate track from the injury claim.

Damages, Liability, and Compensation for Car Accident Cases

Every driver in California has a duty to use ordinary care, as stated in Civil Code section 1714. A driver who speeds, follows too closely, or fails to yield and causes a crash can be held responsible for the resulting harm. Liability may also extend to an employer whose driver was working at the time.

Recoverable damages in a car accident case usually include medical bills, future treatment costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, vehicle repair or replacement, and compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. When a crash causes a brain injury, the claim also accounts for long-term care and changes in the person’s ability to work. Families who lose a loved one in a collision may bring a wrongful death claim.

One limit applies specifically to motor vehicle cases. Under Civil Code section 3333.4, an injured person who was driving without insurance generally cannot recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, although economic damages remain available.

What Should You Bring to Your Car Accident Consultation?

The following documents allow our attorneys to review the facts of your crash during the first meeting. You can still schedule a consultation if you do not have all of them.

• Your auto insurance declarations page lists the coverage available to you, including any uninsured motorist benefits.
• The collision report number or a copy of the report shows how police documented the crash.
• Photographs of the vehicles, the scene, and your injuries preserve evidence of the impact.
• Medical records, bills, and repair estimates show the costs you have incurred so far.

During the consultation, a Los Angeles car accident lawyer will review these materials, ask how the collision occurred, and explain whether you have a claim. If the evidence does not support a claim against the other driver, we will explain why.

What Is the Car Accident Case Timeline?

The length of a car accident case depends on the severity of the injuries and whether the insurer accepts responsibility. When you work with our Los Angeles car accident lawyers, a typical case timeline includes these stages.

• Investigation. We gather the collision report, photographs, witness information, and insurance details in the first weeks after the crash.
• Medical treatment. We track your treatment and wait until your doctors can describe your long-term condition before valuing the claim.
• Demand and negotiation. We send a written demand to the insurer with supporting records, and many claims settle at this stage.
• Litigation. If the insurer does not offer fair compensation, we file a lawsuit and exchange evidence with the defense.
• Resolution. The case concludes through settlement, mediation, or trial.

Most Dangerous Locations for Car Accidents in Los Angeles

LADOT’s Vision Zero analysis ranks city corridors by the number of collisions that killed or seriously injured someone. The following street segments are among the top-scoring corridors in that 2024 study.

Dangerous streets:

• Western Avenue between 65th Street and 42nd Place runs through South Los Angeles with heavy traffic and frequent turning movements.
• Figueroa Street between 66th Street and 82nd Street is one of the highest-scoring corridors in the study.
• La Brea Avenue between Adams Boulevard and Veronica Street carries north-south commuter traffic through the Mid-City area.
• Century Boulevard between Vermont Avenue and Avalon Boulevard is also ranked among the top corridors.
• 7th Street between Ceres Avenue and Francisco Street crosses downtown with dense vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Freeways present different hazards than surface streets, including high speeds, sudden congestion, and frequent merges. The I-5, I-10, and I-405 appear on statewide lists of dangerous roads, and the routes below also carry heavy daily traffic through Los Angeles.

Dangerous highways:

• The SR-60 (Pomona Freeway) connects East Los Angeles with the eastern suburbs and carries heavy commuter and truck traffic.
• The I-105 (Century Freeway) runs east to west through South Los Angeles toward LAX.
• The SR-134 (Ventura Freeway) links the San Fernando Valley with Glendale and Pasadena.
• The SR-118 (Ronald Reagan Freeway) serves the northern San Fernando Valley.
• The SR-2 (Glendale Freeway) connects Echo Park and Silver Lake with Glendale.

Reach Out to Cohen Injury Law Group to Schedule a Consultation

Your first meeting with our firm is free. A Los Angeles car accident attorney will review the collision, identify the insurance policies involved, and explain the next steps in your claim. You will not pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation. Contact us by phone or online to arrange a consultation at a time that works for you.

Car Accident Statistics in Los Angeles

Alcohol was involved in collisions that killed or injured 1,508 people in the City of Los Angeles in 2023, according to OTS city crash data. Police in the city made 3,515 DUI arrests that same year. Freeway collisions handled only by the CHP are counted separately and are not part of these city totals.

Alcohol-impaired crashes caused about one-third of all traffic deaths in California in 2023. Seat belt use also affects outcomes, as unrestrained occupants accounted for hundreds of deaths statewide that year.

The following figures from the California Office of Traffic Safety show the scope of the problem:

• Collisions involving a driver ages 21 to 34 who had been drinking killed or injured 735 people in the City of Los Angeles in 2023.
• Countywide, 6,200 people were killed or injured in alcohol-involved collisions in 2023, according to county crash rankings.
• Alcohol-impaired driving caused 1,355 deaths in California in 2023, down from 1,419 in 2022, according to OTS statewide data.
• Unrestrained vehicle occupant deaths in California fell from 853 in 2022 to 780 in 2023.

Types of Evidence Used in Car Accident Cases

Evidence determines who is found at fault and how much compensation an injured person can recover. The following types of evidence appear in most cases our Los Angeles car accident lawyers handle.

• Traffic collision reports. Officers record the location, vehicle positions, statements, and any citations issued. Although the report’s findings are not binding, insurers rely on it when evaluating fault.
• Photographs and video. Images of vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, and road conditions show how the impact occurred. Footage from dashboard cameras, traffic cameras, and nearby businesses can capture the crash itself, but businesses often record over their footage within weeks.
• Vehicle data. Many vehicles contain event data recorders that store speed, braking, and seat belt use in the seconds before a collision. This data can confirm or contradict a driver’s account.
• Witness statements. Passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians can describe signal colors, lane changes, and driver behavior. Statements taken soon after the crash are generally the most reliable.
• Medical records. Emergency room notes, imaging, and treatment records document injuries such as whiplash and back injuries. These records connect each injury to the crash.
• Phone records. In distracted driving cases, cell phone records obtained through the lawsuit can show texting or calls at the moment of impact.
• Repair estimates and vehicle valuations. Repair invoices, total-loss valuations, and rental receipts establish the property damage portion of the claim.
• Accident reconstruction. In disputed cases, a trained accident reconstructionist can use vehicle damage, road measurements, and data recorder information to explain how the collision occurred.

Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer FAQs

What does a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles charge?

Our firm represents car accident clients on a contingency fee basis. There is no charge for the initial consultation and no upfront payment. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover, and that percentage is stated in a written agreement before we begin work. If we do not recover compensation for you, you do not owe an attorney fee. You can review the agreement and ask questions before deciding whether to hire our firm.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in California?

Most personal injury lawsuits arising from a car accident must be filed within two years of the crash. A lawsuit for damage to your vehicle or other property generally has a three-year deadline. If a city vehicle, public bus, or government employee caused the crash, a written claim must usually be presented to the agency within six months. We review the applicable statute of limitations at the first meeting so that no deadline is missed.

Can I recover compensation if I did not have car insurance?

You may still recover economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs, from the driver who caused the crash. However, California law generally bars uninsured drivers from recovering non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, in motor vehicle cases. Exceptions exist, including when the at-fault driver was convicted of driving under the influence. Different rules apply when an uninsured driver causes the crash, and your own uninsured motorist coverage may pay for your losses.

Who pays my medical bills after a car accident in Los Angeles?

In the short term, your health insurance or the medical payments coverage on your auto policy may pay for treatment as you receive it. Those payers may later seek reimbursement from your settlement, and we account for those claims when we negotiate. The at-fault driver’s liability insurance is ultimately responsible for your medical expenses, up to its policy limits. Many drivers carry only the minimum coverage required by state law, which may not be enough to pay for serious injuries.

Should I see a doctor if I feel fine after a car accident?

Yes. Some injuries, including concussions, internal injuries, and soft tissue damage, may not cause noticeable symptoms for hours or days after a collision. A prompt medical evaluation protects your health and creates a record that connects your injuries to the crash. Insurance companies often argue that a delay in treatment means an injury was minor or was caused by something else. Keep copies of every record and follow your doctor’s treatment plan.

What if the driver who hit me was working at the time?

When a driver causes a crash while performing job duties, the employer may share responsibility for the resulting injuries. This often applies to delivery drivers, company vehicle operators, and commercial drivers. Employer insurance policies typically carry higher limits than personal auto policies. A Los Angeles car accident attorney can investigate whether the driver was on the job, which company owned the vehicle, and which insurance policies cover the collision.

What if my injury was caused by an Uber or Lyft driver?

Rideshare crashes may involve the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s commercial policy, or another motorist’s coverage. The policy that applies depends on who caused the crash and the circumstances of the trip. Passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians can all bring claims after a rideshare collision. A car accident lawyer in LA can request trip records, the driver’s account status, and insurance information early so that the correct coverage is identified before the insurers dispute responsibility.

Can I recover the lost value of my car and rental costs?

Yes. Property damage claims can include the cost of repairs, the vehicle’s fair market value if it is a total loss, and rental car expenses while your vehicle is out of service. A vehicle that has been in a serious collision may also be worth less after repairs, which is known as diminished value. Keep all repair estimates, invoices, and rental receipts so these costs can be documented and included in the claim.

What should I do if the insurance company is delaying my claim?

Request the reason for the delay in writing and keep a record of every communication with the adjuster. Do not sign a release or accept a final payment until you understand the full extent of your injuries. If an insurer is handling a claim unfairly, you can submit a complaint to the California Department of Insurance. Our attorneys can also take over communication with the insurer and respond to its requests on your behalf.

Do I need a police report to file a car accident claim?

A police report is not required to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit, but it is valuable evidence. The report records the location, the drivers involved, witness information, and the officer’s observations. If police did not respond to the scene, you can still document the crash through photographs, witness statements, and medical records. When a report exists, we can request a copy for you once the agency releases it and review it for errors or missing information.

Important Resources for Los Angeles Car Accident Cases

What Are Important California Legal Resources for Car Accident Cases?

The statutes below set the filing deadlines and damages rules that apply to most car accident claims in California. Each can be read on the state’s official legislative website.

• CCP § 335.1 establishes the two-year filing period for most injury lawsuits arising from a collision.
• CCP § 338 provides a three-year deadline for actions for injury to personal property, including vehicles.
• Government Code § 911.2 sets a six-month deadline to present an injury claim to a city, county, or other public entity.
• Civil Code § 3333 sets the general measure of damages for injuries caused by another person’s wrongful conduct.

What Are Important Local Resources for Los Angeles Car Accident Cases?

People injured in Los Angeles car accidents often need to contact law enforcement, medical providers, and state agencies after a crash. The following organizations serve drivers in the Los Angeles area.

• LAPD West Traffic Division: (213) 473-0222. This division investigates traffic collisions in the Hollywood, Olympic, Pacific, West Los Angeles, and Wilshire areas.
• CHP West Los Angeles: (424) 577-8700. This CHP office handles freeway collisions on the Westside and in the LAX area.
• Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: (310) 423-3277. Cedars-Sinai operates a Level I trauma center in the Beverly Grove area.
• Bureau of Automotive Repair: (800) 952-5210. This state agency accepts complaints about auto body and repair shops.

Cohen Injury Law Group does not endorse and is not affiliated with any organization listed above. This list is provided for informational purposes only.

About Cohen Injury Law Group

Cohen Injury Law Group maintains offices in downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Ventura, and our phones are answered 24 hours a day. Wayne Cohen has taught Trial Skills at GW Law since 1993 and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Nicholas Cohen earned his undergraduate degree at USC before completing law school in Los Angeles.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

“Highly recommend!! All my questions always answered promptly & felt like I was the priority. Would recommend to any friend that had an accident !!”

• Taylor Brueggenjohann

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Additional Resources for Los Angeles Car Accident Cases

• What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Car Accident in California
• Dealing with Insurance Adjusters: What Not to Say After an Accident
• Hiring a Lawyer vs. Handling Your Own Injury Claim: Real Cost Analysis
• I was in a car accident while vacationing in California. Should I hire a local attorney?

Contact Cohen Injury Law Group

Cohen Injury Law Group offers free consultations to people injured in car accidents throughout Los Angeles. We handle these cases on a contingency basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. At your consultation, we will review the collision report, your medical treatment, and the insurance policies involved, and we will explain your legal options. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day. Contact us to speak with a Los Angeles car accident lawyer about your case.