Being involved in an accident in Los Angeles can turn your life upside down in seconds. Whether it’s a car crash on a congested freeway, a pedestrian accident in a busy crosswalk, or a collision in the San Fernando Valley, the consequences can range from minor injuries to life‑altering trauma. Knowing exactly what to do after an accident can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover full compensation.
This comprehensive guide—prepared from the perspective of experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorneys—explainswhat to do after a car accident, your legal rights under California law, and how LA Injury Lawyers can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention (What to Do After a Car Accident)
Your health always comes first. Call911 immediately after an accident. Police and paramedics should evaluate the scene and your condition, even if your injuries seem minor. Many serious injuries—such as concussions, internal bleeding, or soft‑tissue damage—do not show symptoms right away.
Prompt medical treatment:
- Protects your health
- Creates a clear medical record linking your injuries to the accident
- Prevents insurance companies from claiming your injuries are unrelated
Follow all medical instructions carefully and attend follow‑up appointments. Delays or gaps in treatment can weaken your claim.
Step 2: Document the Accident Scene
If you are physically able, gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. Strong documentation can significantly impact the success of your case.
Collect the following:
- Photos or videos of vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and visible injuries
- Contact information for drivers, witnesses, and passengers
- Insurance and driver’s license information
- A copy of the police report or the report number
In pedestrian accidents, photographs of crosswalks, signals, and surrounding traffic conditions are especially important.
Step 3: Notify Insurance Companies—With Caution
Report the accident to your insurance company promptly, but keep your statements factual and brief.Do not admit fault or speculate about what happened.
Be cautious if the other party’s insurance company contacts you. Adjusters often:
- Request recorded statements
- Offer quick, low settlements
- Downplay injuries
You are not required to provide a recorded statement without legal representation. Once you hire an attorney, they will handle all communications on your behalf.
Step 4: Understand Your Rights Under California Law
California personal injury laws provide important protections for accident victims.
Comparative Negligence
Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Your total award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Pedestrian Rights
Pedestrians generally have the right‑of‑way in marked and unmarked crosswalks. Drivers must yield when turning and may not pass vehicles stopped for pedestrians.
Statute of Limitations
In most cases, you havetwo years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Claims involving government entities may have shorter deadlines.
Step 5: Keep Detailed Records
Maintain copies of:
- Medical bills and treatment records
- Prescription costs
- Lost wage documentation
- Repair estimates and receipts
Consider keeping a personal injury journal to document pain levels, emotional distress, and how your injuries affect daily life. These details help support claims for pain and suffering.
Step 6: Avoid Social Media Mistakes
Insurance companies and defense attorneys often monitor social media accounts. Photos or comments taken out of context can be used to challenge your injury claim.
Avoid posting about:
- Your accident
- Your injuries
- Physical activities or travel
Step 7: Why Hiring a Los Angeles Injury Lawyer Matters
Handling an injury claim alone can be overwhelming—especially while you are trying to recover. An experienced Los Angeles injury attorney can:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly
- Preserve and gather evidence
- Calculate the full value of your damages
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
- Take your case to trial if necessary
Compensation You May Recover
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium
Car Accidents in the San Fernando Valley
Car accidents are common throughout the San Fernando Valley due to heavy freeway traffic, aggressive driving, distracted driving, DUI incidents, and ongoing road construction. Areas such as Sherman Oaks, Encino, Northridge, and North Hollywood see frequent collisions.
If you are injured in a San Fernando Valley car accident, taking immediate legal action can make a critical difference in your case outcome.
Why Trust LA Injury Lawyers
LA Injury Lawyers has decades of combined experience representing accident victims throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for injured clients, including:
- $11 million for a brain injury victim
- $10 million for a car accident survivor
- $8.2 million for a motorcycle accident
- $7 million for a serious back injury case
We work on acontingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Take Action Today
The aftermath of an accident can be confusing and stressful, but you do not have to face it alone. Taking the right steps early—seeking medical care, documenting evidence, and consulting a skilled attorney—can protect your future.
Injured in a car or pedestrian accident in Los Angeles or the San Fernando Valley?
Contact LA Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation — call (818) 418-4000 or email info@lainjurylawyers.com
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do immediately after an accident in Los Angeles?
Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene if possible, and contact a personal injury attorney. - Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. California follows comparative negligence rules. - How long do I have to file a claim?
Generally, two years from the date of the accident, though some exceptions apply. - Do I need a lawyer for my accident claim?
While not required, having an experienced attorney significantly improves your chances of receiving full compensation.
