You don’t have to be speeding or distracted to end up in a serious crash in Los Angeles. In 2021, nearly 300 lives were lost in traffic collisions, a 21% increase from the previous year.
Some of the city’s busiest intersections, like Florence & Vermont and Oxnard & Van Nuys, saw deadly results.
Car accidents in Los Angeles can cause more damage than you think.
If you’ve been involved in a crash, take any symptoms seriously; early action can help protect both your health and your right to compensation.
Why “I Feel Fine” Can Be Misleading
It’s not unusual to feel physically fine immediately after a crash.
However, that sense of calm can be misleading.
Your body’s natural stress response, especially the release of adrenaline, can mask pain and injuries for hours or even days.
Symptoms like stiffness, headaches, dizziness, or abdominal pain can appear well after you’ve left the accident scene.
That’s why saying “I’m fine” at the scene, or later to an insurance adjuster, can work against you.
Even if you were trying to stay calm or polite, those words might be used to deny or reduce your injury claim later on.
Insurance companies often rely on early statements to argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t related to the crash at all.
Being proactive protects you. Always seek medical care, even if you feel okay, and avoid making definitive statements about your condition until you’ve been properly evaluated.
Documenting your symptoms early makes it easier to link them to the accident and protect your legal rights.
Not sure what to do next? Consult with our car accident lawyer before giving any statements to an insurance company.
A free consultation can help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
What to Do Right After a Car Accident in Los Angeles
Navigating the moments after a traffic accident can be overwhelming, making it easy to overlook critical steps. But these first steps can protect both your health and your right to compensation. Whether your accident happened on the 405 or a neighborhood street, following this checklist can help you stay focused and protect your future case.
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Ensure Your Safety First
If it’s safe and your car is still drivable, pull over to the side of the road or out of traffic. This helps prevent more accidents and keeps you, your passengers, and others safe. If you’re hurt or unsure whether it’s safe to move, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on and wait for help.
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File a Police Report
Regardless of how minor the accident may appear, contacting 911 is essential. A police report can help support your claim and any legal action you may take later. Inform the dispatcher of your location, report any injuries, and wait for emergency responders to arrive.
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Exchange Information
Document the other driver’s name, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance information. Remain courteous, but avoid making any statements regarding fault. Stick to the facts and let the professionals investigate later.
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Take Photos of the Scene
Take clear, detailed photos of the scene using your mobile device. This includes damage to the vehicles, skid marks, traffic signs, road conditions, and any injuries you have. Photos help tell the full story of what happened and may be valuable evidence later.
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Get Witness Information
If there are any witnesses to the accident, request their names and contact information. Witnesses can help confirm what happened if the other driver disagrees with your version of events. Their account can serve as valuable evidence in your case.
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Avoid Admitting Fault
Even if you believe you may have been at fault, do not admit responsibility. The details surrounding an accident can be complex, and fault is not always immediately clear. Saying “I’m sorry” or admitting fault can be used against you later, even if the other driver was partly to blame.
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See a Doctor As Soon As Possible
Some injuries don’t immediately appear. You might feel fine at the scene, but pain, dizziness, or soreness can appear hours or days later. Seeing a doctor right after the crash helps you catch hidden injuries and creates a medical record to support your claim.
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Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Once you’ve received medical attention, speak with an experienced car accident lawyer. An attorney can guide you through the legal process, deal with the insurance companies, and help protect your right to full compensation. The sooner you get legal advice, the easier it is to avoid costly mistakes and strengthen your claim from the start.
Frequent Post-Accident Errors That Can Weaken Your Case
Your actions following a crash are critical, but avoiding certain mistakes can be equally important. Simple mistakes made after a collision can seriously affect the outcome of your claim. Even honest statements or social media posts can be used against you later.
Here are common mistakes that could hurt your claim:
- Saying “I’m fine” or admitting fault – These words may seem polite or harmless, but insurance companies can twist them to say you weren’t injured or were fully to blame.
- Skipping medical care – Waiting to see a doctor can delay your recovery and make it harder to prove that the accident caused your injuries.
- Posting about the accident online – A simple photo or comment on social media can be taken out of context and used to question your credibility.
- Talking to the other driver’s insurance company – Their goal is to limit what they pay. You’re not required to give a recorded statement, and doing so without legal advice can backfire.
The safest move after a car accident in Los Angeles? Consulting with a personal injury lawyer before taking any action. A free consultation can protect your rights and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Hidden Injuries That Often Appear After a Car Accident
Some injuries take hours or even days to appear, especially after your adrenaline fades. These hidden injuries can lead to serious health problems if ignored, and make it harder to link them to the crash if you delay treatment. That’s why it’s so important to get checked out early and monitor symptoms over time.
Examples of delayed injuries include:
- Whiplash – stiffness or neck pain that gets worse
- Concussions – headache, memory issues, or light sensitivity
- Soft tissue damage – soreness, swelling, or reduced range of motion
- Internal bleeding – fatigue, dizziness, or stomach pain
- Emotional trauma – anxiety, panic attacks, or difficulty sleeping
If you notice any new symptoms, don’t ignore them. Seek medical care and consult a lawyer about your rights.
What Happens If You Wait to File a Claim?
Delaying a car accident claim can have serious consequences. In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. If your case involves a government agency or vehicle, the deadline can be as short as six months. Missing these deadlines means losing your right to seek compensation, regardless of how strong your case is.
But legal deadlines aren’t the only reason to act quickly. Waiting too long can also make it harder to gather evidence, track down witnesses, or link your injuries to the crash. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were unrelated or not serious if there’s a long gap between the accident and your medical treatment or claim.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Los Angeles
Driving in Los Angeles presents risks that are unique to the city. From congested freeways to aggressive merging, crashes can happen anywhere, from the 405 near LAX to surface streets in Koreatown. Understanding these patterns helps explain why even cautious drivers can get hurt.
Frequent causes of crashes in Los Angeles include:
- Distracted driving, including texting or using a GPS
- Speeding on major freeways like the 110, 405, or 101
- Running red lights at intersections such as Florence & Vermont or Oxnard & Van Nuys
- Rideshare and delivery drivers rushing through traffic near Hollywood or Westwood
- Hazardous road conditions, especially around ongoing construction zones or high-traffic areas like Sepulveda Pass
Even the most careful drivers can’t always avoid the risks on L.A.’s busy roads. When another driver’s poor decision puts you in harm’s way, you deserve strong legal support.
Signs You Need Legal Help After a Car Accident
You don’t need to wait for your situation to spiral before calling a lawyer. In fact, getting legal help early often leads to a better outcome. A personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and stop insurance companies from taking advantage of you while you’re still recovering.
Here are clear signs it’s time to reach out:
1. You were injured, even slightly
Pain, stiffness, or headaches can seem minor at first but often worsen over time. A lawyer can help document your injuries and ensure your medical treatment is fully covered.
2. You’re missing work because of the accident
Lost wages add up fast. An attorney can calculate what you’re owed and fight for full compensation, including future lost income if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term.
3. You’re unsure who was at fault
If the details are unclear or being disputed, a lawyer can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and protect you from being blamed unfairly.
4. The other driver had no insurance or limited coverage
A lawyer can help you file an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim and explore other sources of compensation you may not know about.
The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case. Consultations are free and could save you from costly mistakes.
How Our Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
After a crash, you may be dealing with pain, confusion, and nonstop phone calls from insurance adjusters. You don’t have to go through it alone. A car accident lawyer can take the pressure off your shoulders and make sure your rights are protected. If you’re dealing with a car accident, Los Angeles residents know how complex these cases can be without legal help.
Here’s what we’ll do to protect your rights and maximize your recovery:
- Communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf – We handle all calls, forms, and negotiations so you don’t have to deal with delays, confusion, or pressure tactics.
- Conduct a full investigation of the crash – We gather police reports, video footage, witness statements, and other critical evidence to build a strong case.
- Connect you with trusted medical providers – Whether you need a specialist or help accessing treatment, we ensure your injuries are properly diagnosed and documented.
- Assess the full value of your claim – We calculate your current and future losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, so nothing is left on the table.
- Fight for the compensation you deserve – Whether we’re negotiating a settlement or representing you in court, we don’t back down until you receive fair compensation.
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Take the First Move Toward Justice and Recovery!
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, drivers know all too well how quickly things can spiral, from physical pain to financial stress. With over 20 years of experience, our car accident lawyers know how to stand up to insurance companies and fight for what you’re owed.
You focus on healing, we’ll handle the rest. Call now to speak with a dedicated Los Angeles car accident lawyer who will fight for the justice you deserve.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should consult with an experienced attorney for advice on your specific situation.
