Car Accident Attorneys
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Los Angeles car accident lawyer: quick answers
Who handles car accident cases at B&D Law Group in Los Angeles?
B&D Law Group, APLC is a personal injury firm with its main office at 10700 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90025. We handle car accident injury and wrongful death claims across Los Angeles County and California. Call (888) 977-2238 for a free case review.
Who is liable for a car accident in California?
The driver who failed to use reasonable care is responsible for the harm it causes (Civil Code § 1714(a)). A vehicle owner who let that driver use the car is also liable, but only up to $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident and $5,000 in property damage (Vehicle Code §§ 17150, 17151). A business can be responsible when its employee or agent caused the crash while doing its work (Civil Code § 2338).
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in California?
Two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). A claim for vehicle damage only has three years (§ 338(c)(1)). If a city, county, Caltrans or any other public agency may share the blame, a written claim is due within six months (Government Code § 911.2).
Can I recover if I was partly at fault or uninsured?
Partly at fault: yes. California uses pure comparative fault, so your recovery is reduced by your share of fault but not barred (Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804). Uninsured: if you were driving without insurance, owned an uninsured car involved in the crash, or were convicted of DUI for that crash, California generally bars pain and suffering damages, but medical bills, lost wages and other economic losses remain recoverable (Civil Code § 3333.4). There is an exception for an uninsured owner hit by a driver convicted of DUI for that crash.
What does it cost to hire B&D for a car accident case?
The case review is free. We work on contingency, so there is no attorney fee unless we recover for you.
What results has B&D obtained in car accident cases?
Our published case results include $5 million (2019) and $3 million (2019) in auto versus van cases and $1.25 million (2017) in an auto versus auto case. Every case turns on its own facts, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Statutes checked October 5, 2026. General information, not legal advice about your case. B&D Law Group, APLC, Los Angeles, California.
Overview of Car Accidents
Car accidents often lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences for those involved. In the United States alone, millions of car crashes are reported annually. Typical incidents include rear-end collisions, side-impact crashes, and head-on collisions.
Insurance claims and legal proceedings often follow these incidents, necessitating professional assistance. A car accident attorney is essential for navigating these complex processes. Besides legal help, accident reports and witness statements are critical in establishing the facts. Collecting accurate information immediately after the incident is crucial to strengthening a case.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that victims receive fair compensation. For a thorough case review, contact B&D Injury Law Group today.
Local Laws Regarding Car Accidents
Local laws regarding car accidents vary, necessitating a thorough understanding and strategic approach. In some jurisdictions, laws require a particular procedure after an accident, including mandatory reporting, securing the scene, and exchanging information. Regulations may also specify time limits for filing claims and pursuing legal actions, which are crucial for protecting one’s rights.
Consequently, drivers must stay informed about their state’s car accident laws. Understanding those laws helps them navigate the aftermath effectively and ensures compliance, minimizing potential legal repercussions or compensation delays.
A knowledgeable car accident attorney can provide essential guidance on local regulations, assisting clients with every step to achieve the best outcome. Their expertise ensures that all legal requirements are met, facilitating a smooth process and bolstering the chances for a favorable resolution.
California car accident law at a glance
- Deadline to sue: two years from the crash for injuries (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1); three years for vehicle damage only (§ 338(c)(1)).
- Government vehicle or road: a written claim is due within six months (Government Code § 911.2).
- Shared fault: California uses pure comparative fault. Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault but not barred (Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804).
- Minimum insurance: $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident and $15,000 property damage for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025 (Vehicle Code § 16056). Uninsured motorist coverage has the same $30,000 / $60,000 floor (Insurance Code § 11580.2(a)(1) and (m)).
Statutes checked October 26, 2026. General information, not legal advice about your case.
Importance of Accident Reports
Accident reports are essential for legal proceedings following car accidents. Accident reports contain vital information, including timestamps, location, and witness statements. These details are indispensable for reconstructing events accurately, thereby providing a solid foundation for legal arguments.
Furthermore, insurance companies rely heavily on these reports to assess claims. Ensuring the report’s accuracy can expedite the compensation process, safeguarding the injured party’s financial recovery.
Role of a Car Accidents Attorney
A car accident attorney provides essential legal guidance and advocacy after an accident. That experience makes sure you meet every procedural requirement, including filing within the statute of limitations. Moreover, they meticulously analyze accident reports and gather necessary evidence, strengthening cases to facilitate optimal outcomes.
Attorneys also handle communication with insurance companies. That takes the burden off you while you are still recovering, and prevents conversations that could damage your claim. Furthermore, attorneys document and pursue the claim for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
A competent car accident attorney can significantly impact the resolution of a case. Contact B&D Injury Law Group today for a free case review and take confident steps toward securing your legal rights.
Filing Insurance Claims
Timely filing of insurance claims is paramount to beginning the recovery process following a car accident. This ensures the preservation of vital evidence and meets deadlines to avoid complications. Gather all relevant documentation about your claim, including medical records, police reports, and witness statements.
Accurately documenting all interactions with insurance representatives can significantly bolster a claim’s strength. Maintaining detailed records helps avoid discrepancies and supports the pursuit of fair compensation.
The assistance of a car accident attorney can facilitate the claims process. We work through local laws and insurance policies to pursue every category of loss the law allows.
Documenting Medical Expenses
Accurately documenting medical expenses is crucial to the success of a car accident claim. It ensures that victims receive compensation for all incurred medical costs. Detailed records should include bills, receipts, and any correspondence from healthcare providers.
Detailed medical records are instrumental in substantiating the financial impact of the injuries sustained. Comprehensive documentation should cover consultations, treatments, surgeries, medications, and follow-up care.
Having a car accident attorney review these documents can provide additional clarity. Their expertise in identifying pertinent details helps make sure no category of loss is overlooked.
Compensation for Car Accidents
Victims of car accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation to cover their losses, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts.
An experienced car accident attorney will help counter these tactics by building a strong case based on thorough evidence collection and legal expertise. We negotiate settlements that reflect what you actually lost, and go to court when that is what it takes.
Time Limits for Filing Claims
Statutes of limitations govern how long you can wait. California law sets the specific timeframe for filing personal injury claims, which can significantly impact one’s ability to seek damages. In California you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file an injury lawsuit (Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1) and three years for a claim over vehicle damage alone (section 338(c)(1)). If a city, county or other public agency may share the blame, a written claim is due within six months (Government Code section 911.2).
Always consult a car accident attorney promptly. The sooner legal proceedings are initiated, the better the chances of securing necessary documentation and witness statements.
Navigating Court Proceedings
One’s journey through the legal system after a car accident can be daunting. Knowing what to expect and having a competent car accident attorney by one’s side is vital to navigating the complexities. Initially, attorneys will ensure all the necessary documents are filed correctly and on time. They will also handle communication with the insurance companies and opposing parties.
Trusting an attorney’s expertise means not facing the legal system alone. With a seasoned attorney, you will have guidance through every stage, from discovery to trial, if necessary. Legal jargon and procedures can be overwhelming – but with clear, timely advice from experienced professionals, you can feel more confident about the process.
Benefits of Legal Representation
Professional representation helps you pursue fair compensation for injuries and losses sustained. Choosing a car accident attorney provides invaluable expertise in understanding local laws, accident reports, and witness statements. They ensure comprehensive case preparation, which is crucial for achieving favorable outcomes.
Free Case Review with B&D Injury Law Group
Considering the complexities of car accident cases, having professional guidance can significantly impact the outcome. Every case turns on its own facts, so an early review helps protect the evidence and the filing deadlines.
A free case review with B&D Injury Law Group provides an excellent opportunity to understand your legal standing and potential options. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to helping you navigate the legal system with confidence and clarity.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. If you have been injured, speak with a licensed attorney about your specific situation.
Related Practice Areas
Not every serious collision happens between two cars. We also represent people hurt in:
- Train accidents – crossing collisions, derailments and platform injuries.
- Boat accidents – operator negligence and unsafe watercraft on California waters.
- Airplane accidents – commercial, charter and private aviation claims.
Cities where we handle these cases
- Los Angeles personal injury attorneys
- San Diego personal injury attorneys
- San Jose personal injury attorneys
- San Francisco personal injury attorneys
- Fresno personal injury attorneys
- Sacramento personal injury attorneys
- Long Beach personal injury attorneys
- Oakland personal injury attorneys
- Bakersfield personal injury attorneys
- Anaheim personal injury attorneys
- Irvine personal injury attorneys
- Riverside personal injury attorneys
- Chico personal injury attorneys
- Citrus Heights personal injury attorneys
- Elk Grove personal injury attorneys
- Eureka personal injury attorneys
- Folsom personal injury attorneys
- Lincoln personal injury attorneys
- All areas we serve