If you’re injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, you should first get to safety, call 911 so LAPD or CHP can document the crash, get immediate medical care, gather evidence (photos, witnesses, insurance info), file any required reports, and call an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer like The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus at 818-784-8544 before you talk to any insurance company.

Los Angeles is one of the most dangerous places in the country to drive. LAPD data reported in early 2024 shows 336 people were killed in traffic crashes in 2024 in the City of Los Angeles alone—the highest number in more than 20 years.

Other analyses show that in 2024, there were more than 52,000 car accidents in Los Angeles, averaging over 140 crashes per day, with thousands of people injured or killed across LA County.

So if you’ve just been in a wreck on the 405, 101, 10, 110, Sunset Blvd, Ventura Blvd, Wilshire, or anywhere else in LA, you are not alone—and what you do next really matters.

Quick Checklist: 10 Immediate Steps After a Car Accident in Los Angeles

Here’s your fast summary of exactly what to do:

1. Move to safety if you can do so without making your injuries worse.

2. Call 911 – ask for an ambulance (if needed) and LAPD or CHP to respond.

3. Get medical care immediately (ER or urgent care), even if you “feel okay.”

4. Document the scene – photos, video, skid marks, traffic lights, street signs.

5. Exchange information – drivers’ licenses, insurance, plate numbers, contact info.

6. Get witness info – names, phone numbers, email, photos of their IDs if possible.

7. Do NOT admit fault or apologize, even casually.

8. Report the crash to your insurance company, but do not give a recorded statement before talking to a lawyer.

9. File an SR-1 with DMV within 10 days if there was injury or property damage above $1,000.

10. Call The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus at 818-784-8544 for free legal guidance before you sign or agree to anything.

Now let’s walk through each step in more detail.

Step 1: Get to a Safe Location and Check for Injuries

Los Angeles crashes often happen:

• On high-speed freeways like I-405 and US-101

• At busy intersections in DTLA, Hollywood, Koreatown, the Valley, and the Westside

• On crowded streets like Sunset Blvd, Santa Monica Blvd, and Ventura Blvd

This means you may be surrounded by fast-moving traffic even after the impact.

If you’re able:

• Turn on your hazard lights.

• Move your vehicle to the shoulder or a nearby safe spot, if it can be safely driven.

• If your car can’t move, stay inside with your seatbelt on unless the car is smoking, on fire, or in immediate danger.

Do a quick self-check and check passengers:

• Head, neck, or back pain

• Bleeding, chest pain, difficulty breathing

• Confusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness

If anything feels wrong, assume it’s serious until a doctor says otherwise.

Step 2: Call 911 and Ask for LAPD or CHP

In LA, car crashes may be investigated by:

• LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department) within city limits

• CHP (California Highway Patrol) on freeways and certain highways

You want an official police report. It’s one of the most important pieces of evidence for your case.

When you call 911:

• Tell them you’ve been in a crash

• Give the exact location (nearest intersection, freeway exit, or mile marker)

• Mention any injuries so they send medical help

Even if the other driver suggests “we don’t need the police,” call anyway—especially if:

• Someone is injured

• There’s significant damage

• The other driver is aggressive, drunk, or acting suspicious

• You suspect they might flee the scene

Later, your lawyer will use the Traffic Collision Report from LAPD or CHP to help prove liability and damages.

Step 3: Get Medical Care Immediately (Even if You Feel “Fine”)

Adrenaline can mask pain. Many serious injuries from LA car accidents—such as whiplash, concussions, spinal injuries, and internal bleeding—don’t fully show symptoms until hours or days later.

You should:

• Accept transport by ambulance if paramedics recommend it, OR

• Go to the ER or urgent care the same day, as soon as reasonably possible

Explain exactly what happened:

• Type of crash: rear-end, T-bone, side-swipe, head-on

• Position in the car: driver, front passenger, back seat

• Where you feel pain or any unusual symptoms

Proper medical records from day one help:

• Protect your health

• Create a clear link between the crash and your injuries

• Prevent the insurance company from arguing that you “weren’t really hurt” or that something else caused your pain

If you delay seeing a doctor, insurers love to say:

“If you were really hurt, you would have gone to the ER right away.”

Don’t give them that advantage.

Step 4: Document the Crash Scene Like a Lawyer Would

If it’s safe and you’re physically able, your phone becomes one of your best tools.

Take pictures and short videos of:

• All vehicles involved, from multiple angles

• License plates

• Visible damage (close-ups and wide shots)

• Skid marks, broken glass, and debris

• Traffic lights, stop signs, and road markings

• Nearby landmarks (signs for 405, 101, 10, “Sunset Blvd,” “Hollywood Blvd,” etc.)

• Weather and lighting conditions (nighttime, rain, fog, glare)

Also:

• Photograph your visible injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling, etc.)

• Capture any admissions or aggressive behavior from the other driver, if safe to do so

This evidence can be crucial when:

• The other driver later changes their story

• The insurance company tries to blame traffic or visibility

• We reconstruct how the crash happened

Step 5: Exchange Information the Right Way

California law requires drivers to exchange:

• Full name and contact information

• Driver’s license number

• Vehicle registration and license plate number

• Insurance company name and policy number

Stay calm and factual. Do not:

• Apologize or say “I’m sorry” (it can be twisted as an admission of fault)

• Argue or lose your temper

• Accept cash “to make it go away”

If the other driver seems intoxicated, aggressive, or wants to leave quickly, make notes about:

• Their behavior

• Any smell of alcohol or signs of impairment

• What they say

Tell the responding officer your observations. That could impact the crash report and liability findings.

Step 6: Get Witness Information

In LA traffic, independent witnesses can make or break a case.

Ask any bystanders or other drivers who saw the crash:

• For their name, cell number, and email

• Whether they’d be willing to give a short statement later

Your lawyer can follow up with them. Even a brief text like “I saw the other driver run the red light” can be powerful.

Step 7: Understand Your Legal Reporting Duties (DMV SR-1)

California has a separate DMV reporting requirement for most crashes.

You (or your attorney/insurer) must file a Form SR-1 with the DMV within 10 days if:

• Anyone was injured (even slightly), or

• Anyone was killed, or

• There was more than $1,000 in property damage

Important:

• A police report does NOT automatically satisfy this DMV requirement.

• Failing to file can lead to driver’s license issues, regardless of fault.

When you hire The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus, we help you navigate and coordinate these reporting requirements correctly so you don’t accidentally hurt your case or your license.

Step 8: Report the Crash to Your Insurance—But Be Very Careful

You generally must notify your own insurance company within a reasonable time. Check your policy; some carriers are strict.

When you call:

• Confirm basic facts: date, time, location, vehicles, and that there were injuries.

• Do NOT guess about fault or injuries. If you don’t know, say you don’t know.

• Do not agree to a detailed recorded statement until you’ve talked to a lawyer.

The other driver’s insurance company will likely call you too. Their goal is simple:

• Get you on a recorded call

• Make you say something they can use to minimize or deny your claim

• Push a quick, low settlement before you understand your injuries

You have the right to say:

“I’m not comfortable giving a statement right now. I’m still getting medical care. My attorney will contact you.”

Then call 818-784-8544 and let us take over those conversations.

Step 9: Call a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer As Soon As Possible

In a city where hundreds of people die in crashes each year and tens of thousands are hurt, insurance companies treat serious LA cases like a business decision, not a human tragedy.

When you call the car accident lawyers at The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus:

• Your consultation is free.

• You pay no attorney’s fees up front.

• We only get paid if we win money for you.

From the start, we:

• Protect you from insurance adjusters

• Help you find the right medical care

• Preserve evidence, photos, video, and data

• Obtain LAPD / CHP reports and 911 records

• Investigate all potential sources of insurance coverage (including uninsured/underinsured motorist policies)

The earlier we’re involved, the stronger your case can be.

📞 Injured in an LA car crash? Call 818-784-8544 now.

Key Los Angeles & California Laws That Affect Your Claim

1. Statute of Limitations (Deadlines to File)

In most California car accident injury cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.

If you miss that deadline, you can lose your right to recover anything, no matter how badly you were hurt.

There are exceptions and shorter deadlines—for example, if a government entity (city, county, Caltrans) is involved, you may have to file a claim within six months.

Because these rules can be complicated, the safest move is to talk to a lawyer immediately, rather than waiting and hoping.

2. Comparative Negligence

California follows pure comparative negligence. That means:

• You can still recover money even if you were partially at fault.

• Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Insurance companies will often try to blame you for:

• “Stopping too suddenly”

• “Going too fast for conditions”

• “Not paying attention”

Part of our job is to push back against these tactics and present evidence that puts responsibility where it truly belongs.

3. Insurance Minimums & Coverage

California drivers must carry at least minimum liability coverage (recently increased), but in a serious injury case, minimum policies are rarely enough.

We look for:

• The at-fault driver’s liability limits

• Any Umbrella or excess policies

• Employer or commercial policies (if the driver was working)

• Your own UM/UIM coverage

• Potentially liable third parties (bars, rideshare companies, etc., depending on facts)

What Types of Injuries Are Common in LA Car Accidents?

On the 405, 101, and other high-speed LA roads, impact forces can be severe. Common injuries include:

• Neck and back injuries – herniated discs, bulging discs, sprains/strains

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – concussions, post-concussion syndrome

• Shoulder injuries – rotator cuff tears, labrum tears

• Knee injuries – meniscus tears, ligament damage

• Fractures – arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, facial bones

• Internal injuries – organ damage, internal bleeding

• Scars and disfigurement from cuts or burns

• Psychological trauma – anxiety, PTSD, fear of driving

These injuries can require:

• ER visits, hospitalization, and surgery

• Pain management, injections, and physical therapy

• Long-term or permanent restrictions on work and daily activities

You’re entitled to pursue all of your losses, not just your hospital bill.

What NOT to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles

Just as important as what you should do is what you must avoid:

• ❌ Don’t apologize or accept blame at the scene.

• ❌ Don’t skip medical care or “tough it out.”

• ❌ Don’t post about the crash on social media. Insurance adjusters and defense lawyers love to dig through your posts.

• ❌ Don’t give a detailed recorded statement to any insurance company without legal advice.

• ❌ Don’t sign anything (especially a release) or accept a check without knowing what your case is really worth.

• ❌ Don’t wait months to talk to a lawyer and then find out it’s too late to fix early mistakes.

If you’re unsure whether something is safe, call 818-784-8544 first and ask.

How Much Is My Los Angeles Car Accident Case Worth?

There is no universal chart, but we look at:

• Medical bills (past and future)

• Lost wages and lost earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Impact on your daily life (sleep, family, hobbies, driving, etc.)

• Scarring, disfigurement, and permanent limitations

• Strength of liability and available insurance coverage

Because Los Angeles has such severe crash statistics and high medical costs, even a “moderate” injury case can involve tens of thousands of dollars in treatment and significant lost income.

Our job is to:

1. Document every category of damage with evidence

2. Present your story in a powerful, organized way

3. Refuse to settle for lowball offers that don’t reflect what you’ve truly lost

How The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus Help LA Car Accident Victims

When you hire us after a Los Angeles crash, we:

1. Investigate Quickly

   • Obtain LAPD/CHP reports and body-cam/911 records when available

   • Preserve crucial evidence like photos, surveillance footage, and vehicle data

2. Handle the Insurance Companies

   • Take over communications so you don’t get trapped in tricky questions

   • Stop harassing calls and confusing paperwork

3. Coordinate Your Medical Care

   • Help you understand your options for treatment

   • Make sure your injuries are properly documented

4. Build a Strong Damages Case

   • Collect all medical records and bills

   • Work with experts (if needed) to prove future care needs and lost earning capacity

5. Negotiate and, If Needed, Litigate

   • Present a comprehensive demand package

   • Negotiate aggressively

   • File a lawsuit and prepare for trial when insurers won’t be fair

You’re free to focus on healing. We focus on winning.

FAQ: Injured in a Car Accident in Los Angeles

Do I have to call the police for every crash in LA?

If there are injuries, death, or significant damage, you should absolutely call 911 and have LAPD or CHP respond. Their report is important evidence and helps protect you if the other driver later changes their story.

Do I have to report the accident to the DMV?

Yes—if anyone was injured or if property damage is over $1,000, you (or your insurer/attorney) must file an SR-1 with the DMV within 10 days, even if the crash was not your fault and even if a police report was filed.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Most California car accident injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash, but there are exceptions and shorter deadlines in some cases (especially with government entities).

The other driver’s insurance already called me. What should I do?

You can politely tell them you’re not comfortable giving a statement until you speak with a lawyer. Then call The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus at 818-784-8544 and let us take it from there.

What if the other driver was uninsured or fled the scene?

You may still have options through:

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy

• Other liable parties (employer, vehicle owner, etc.)

We review all potential coverage and pursue every path available.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?

We work on a contingency fee:

• No upfront fees

• No hourly billing

• We only get paid if we recover money for you

Ready to Take the Next Step? Here’s Exactly What to Do Now

If you were injured in a car accident anywhere in Los Angeles—on the 405, the 101, Sunset Blvd, in DTLA, Hollywood, the Valley, or anywhere in Southern California—the next steps are simple:

1. Get medical care and follow your doctor’s instructions.

2. Gather and save evidence—photos, reports, bills, and receipts.

3. Do not talk to insurance adjusters alone.

4. Call The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus at 818-784-8544 for a free case review.

We’ll explain your rights, handle the insurance companies, and fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

Don’t wait. Waiting only helps the insurance company—not you.

📞 Call 818-784-8544 now or contact us online to get started.