Car Accidents Attorneys in Los Angeles, California

Being involved in a car accident can be a devastating experience. An incident can result in minor or serious injuries, including whiplash, bruises, neck injuries, head injuries, broken bones, sprains, and back injuries. If you or someone you know was hurt in a car accident caused by a negligent party, you are eligible to pursue damages by filing a claim or lawsuit.  

With nearly a decade of extensive experience, I can help direct, support, and represent clients in their automobile accident claims and lawsuits. As an experienced California personal injury attorney, I can fight to help you pursue fair financial compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses.  

My firm – Antaramian Law, APC – proudly serves clients across Los Angeles, California, and in other communities throughout California in counties including Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and Kern. 

What to Do After an Accident

No matter who was at fault in the accident, it's important to know your first steps after getting in an accident:

1. Get to a safe place.

2. Call 911 if there are emergencies.

3. Notify the police.

4. Obtain all drivers' names, insurance information, driver's license numbers, addresses, and more.

5. Take pictures of damages and of the accident scene.

6. Contact an attorney.

7. Contact your insurance company.

It's essential to work with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights. An attorney can work with your insurance company, help determine who was at fault in the accident, and litigate when necessary.

Liability for Car Accidents in California

California is an at-fault state for auto accidents. Under the state's fault laws, the at-fault party (the driver who caused the traffic crash) will be held financially liable for injuries, property damages, and other losses suffered by the accident victims. To recover damages, the claimant or their legal representative can: 

• File a first-party claim with your own insurer.  

• File a third-party claim against the insurance carrier of the at-fault driver.  

• File a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault driver.  

A practiced California car accident attorney can determine the best way to proceed with your claims and help you pursue your deserved compensation. 

California Insurance Requirements

Additionally, motorists in California have to carry minimum liability insurance with the following coverage limits:  

• $15,000 for bodily injuries to one person per accident.  

• $30,000 for total bodily injuries to two or more people in a single accident.  

• $5,000 for property damage in a single accident.  

• Uninsured/Underinsured Bodily Injury Coverage (UM/UIM BI) – $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. 

State Laws & Personal Injury Claims

Here are some California state laws addressing auto accident claims: 

Statute of Limitations

In the state of California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including car accident cases, is two (2) years of the accident or injury. This means that the auto accident victim must commence a civil action to recover damages within two years from the date of the injury or accident (California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1). 

Proving Negligence

Also, in order to pursue damages, the plaintiff must prove negligence by showing that:  

• The at-fault driver owed you a duty of care.  

• The at-fault driver breached the expected duty by acting negligently.  

• The driver's negligence or recklessness caused your injuries.  

• You suffered actual harm, bodily injuries, property damages, or someone died in the accident. 

Pure Comparative Fault in California

California operates using the "pure comparative negligence" system. According to the principle, car accident victims may pursue damages from any other at-fault driver, even if they were partially or mostly at fault for their injuries. However, the total compensation that you recover will be reduced by your fault degree.  

For example, if the jury awards total damage of $90,000 against the at-fault party but discovers that you were 10% at fault for the traffic collision, your damages will be reduced by $9,000. As such, you will only recover 90% of $90,000 ($81,000). According to California's pure comparative negligence principle, you may still seek damages even if you were 99% liable for the accident or injury. 

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim

However, if the car accident caused the victim's death, their surviving loved ones may be entitled to recover wrongful death benefits. Under California law, a wrongful death claim can come forth if the misconduct or wrongful actions of another person causes someone's death. 

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

In California, any of the following parties may file a wrongful death claim:  

• The deceased person's ("decedent") surviving spouse or domestic partner.  

• The decedent's surviving children.  

• The surviving grandchildren of the decedent.  

• Anyone who would inherit from the decedent's estate by intestate succession.  

• Anyone who was financially dependent on the decedent.  

In addition, a wrongful death claim must be commenced within two years from the date of the person's death. An experienced wrongful death attorney can help file your claim and recover deserved compensation for your untimely loss. 

Discover Your Options

Getting hurt in a car accident can be stressful and affect you financially, physically, and emotionally. Regardless, you don't have to face financial liability and pain alone. A trusted personal injury attorney will be there to provide detailed guidance and help protect your legal rights.  

At Antaramian Law, APC I have the compassion, patience, knowledge, and experience to assist you and hold those responsible for your injuries and damages accountable. As your legal counsel, I can walk you through the procedures involved in filing car accident claims and seeking damages. In addition, I will represent you in your case and help you recover fair financial compensation to cover medical bills, lost income, mental anguish, pain and suffering, and other potential damages.