What To Do If You Are Injured In A Car Accident In Los Angeles

If you are injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, what you do in the first hours and days can directly affect your medical outcome, your financial stability, and the value of your injury claim. LA crashes are not just “fender benders”—they are high-speed freeway collisions, multi-vehicle pileups, rideshare wrecks, delivery truck impacts, intersection crashes, and pedestrian knockdowns that send people to the ER every day. And while you’re trying to process pain, shock, and confusion, the insurance companies are already working to minimize what they pay you.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do—step-by-step—after a Los Angeles crash, including medical priorities, evidence preservation, dealing with insurance adjusters, and the legal realities that determine what your case is worth.

If you were hurt and want immediate guidance, call the car accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus at 818-784-8544 for a free consultation. One call can protect your case and stop the insurance company from controlling the narrative.

1) Put Your Health First—But Understand That Medical Documentation Protects Your Claim

If you feel injured, treat it like a serious medical event, not a paperwork event. Some injuries are obvious (broken bones, deep lacerations). Many are not (concussion, internal injury, disc herniation, nerve damage). Adrenaline can mask symptoms, and delayed pain is common.

Get medical care immediately if you have any of these red flags:

• Headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, memory issues

• Neck or back pain, stiffness, spasms

• Numbness, tingling, weakness

• Chest pain or shortness of breath

• Abdominal pain or fainting

• Severe bruising or swelling

• Any loss of consciousness

If you were transported by ambulance, went to the ER, or were hospitalized, your case is already serious. Do not downplay symptoms—make sure every complaint is recorded.

If you’re unsure whether you should go to urgent care, the ER, or a specialist after an LA crash, call 818-784-8544. A free consultation can help you avoid mistakes that insurers weaponize.

2) Call 911 and Make Sure a Police Report Is Created

In Los Angeles, it’s common for people to exchange information and leave—especially in busy intersections or when traffic is dangerous. But if you’re injured, you want documentation.

Call 911 and request police and/or medical assistance. Then:

• Ask for the incident number

• Confirm the responding agency (LAPD, CHP, LASD, or local PD)

• Request how to obtain the report

Why the report matters

When liability is disputed later, the police report often becomes the baseline record. It’s not always accurate—but it’s a starting point that helps establish:

• Parties involved

• Witnesses

• Initial statements

• Location and time

• Possible citations

If the police didn’t respond, you can still document the crash and pursue a claim—but you’ll need stronger evidence. For help preserving evidence and building the case properly, call 818-784-8544.

3) Preserve Evidence Immediately—Because LA Evidence Disappears Fast

Los Angeles is full of potential evidence sources, but the window to secure them is short:

• Traffic cameras

• Metro and bus cameras

• Storefront surveillance

• Parking garage cameras

• Dash cams

• Ring doorbells

• Witnesses who were passing by

Many systems overwrite footage in days. Witnesses disappear. Vehicles get repaired or totaled.

Take these steps at the scene (if safe):

• Photograph all vehicles from multiple angles

• Photograph the intersection, signals, lane markings, skid marks, debris

• Capture license plates and VIN (if visible)

• Record a quick video walking around the scene

• Photograph visible injuries

If you want a law firm to take over evidence preservation immediately, call The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus at 818-784-8544.

4) Get the Other Driver’s Information—But Don’t Argue or Negotiate at the Scene

At a minimum, you want:

• Driver name, phone, address

• Insurance company and policy number

• Driver’s license number

• License plate

• Vehicle make/model

• Photos of the insurance card

If the other driver is aggressive or evasive, do not escalate. Let law enforcement handle it and document what you can.

If the driver flees, it becomes a hit-and-run—still potentially recoverable through your own UM coverage (depending on your policy), but the case becomes time-sensitive. Call 818-784-8544 immediately.

5) Do Not Give a Recorded Statement to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company

This is one of the biggest mistakes injured people make. Adjusters often call within 24–72 hours. They may sound helpful. Their job is to limit exposure.

They will ask questions designed to:

• Lock you into phrasing they can twist later

• Suggest you were partly at fault

• Minimize your injuries

• Establish “prior conditions” they can blame

Common traps:

• “How are you feeling today?”

• “Were you distracted?”

• “Did you see them coming?”

• “Are you sure you were in your lane?”

• “Any prior injuries?”

Before speaking to any adjuster, call 818-784-8544.

6) California Fault Rules: You Can Still Recover Even If You’re Partly at Fault

California follows pure comparative negligence, which means you can recover damages even if you share some fault—your compensation is reduced by your percentage.

Insurance companies use this rule aggressively. Even when the other driver is clearly negligent, the insurer may claim:

• You were speeding

• You changed lanes

• You “should have avoided” the crash

• You stopped too fast

• You were in their blind spot

A strong claim is built with evidence—not arguments. If fault is disputed, call 818-784-8544 to protect your case.

7) Follow Through With Treatment—Gaps Are Insurance Ammunition

After the ER, many victims feel “better” for a day or two and then worsen. That’s common. But insurers love gaps in care because they create doubt.

Your treatment should be consistent and documented:

• Primary care follow-up

• Orthopedic evaluation (for fractures, joints, shoulders, knees)

• Neurology evaluation (for concussion/TBI symptoms)

• Pain management when appropriate

• Physical therapy and rehab if prescribed

• Imaging (MRI/CT) when clinically indicated

If your doctor recommends treatment and you don’t follow through, insurers argue:

• You got better quickly

• Something else caused your injury

If you’re not sure what treatment path makes sense after your LA crash, call 818-784-8544.

8) Document Your Injuries and Your Life Impact

A car accident claim is not just about a diagnosis—it’s about the impact on your life.

Start documenting:

• Pain levels day-to-day

• Sleep disruption

• Mobility limits (stairs, driving, standing)

• Missed work and lost income

• Missed family events or responsibilities

• Emotional symptoms (anxiety, panic in traffic, PTSD signs)

Photograph visible injuries

Bruising evolves. Swelling changes. Cuts scar. Take photos daily for the first 1–2 weeks.

If your injuries are serious, call 818-784-8544 so a legal team can build your case correctly from the start.

9) Understand the Types of Insurance Coverage That May Apply in Los Angeles

Even when the other driver is clearly at fault, coverage can be complicated. Potential sources include:

The at-fault driver’s liability insurance

This is the primary source when they have adequate coverage.

Your MedPay coverage

If you carry MedPay, it may cover medical costs regardless of fault up to policy limits.

Your UM/UIM coverage

If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, your UM/UIM can be critical—especially for serious injuries.

Rideshare coverage (Uber/Lyft)

Coverage depends on whether the app was on, whether the driver was en route, etc.

Employer coverage

If the at-fault driver was on the job, employer liability may apply.

If you need help identifying coverage and protecting your claim, call 818-784-8544.

10) Common LA Crash Scenarios That Require Immediate Legal Help

Some crashes are automatically high-risk from a legal standpoint. If any of these apply, you should talk to a lawyer quickly:

• You went to the ER, were hospitalized, or need surgery

• You suspect concussion or TBI

• You have a spinal injury or radiating nerve pain

• Liability is disputed

• A commercial vehicle was involved (delivery truck, company vehicle)

• A rideshare was involved

• The driver was uninsured/underinsured

• It was a hit-and-run

• Multiple vehicles were involved

• You’re being blamed or cited

For immediate help, call The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus at 818-784-8544.

11) What Your Los Angeles Injury Claim Can Include

A serious injury claim can include both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages

• ER and hospital bills

• Imaging and specialist care

• Surgery and rehabilitation

• Physical therapy

• Medication and medical equipment

• Future medical care

• Lost wages

• Loss of earning capacity

• Out-of-pocket expenses

Non-economic damages

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Loss of enjoyment of life

• Disfigurement/scarring

• PTSD symptoms

The more serious the injury, the more important it is to build the case thoroughly—not rush to settle.

Call 818-784-8544 for a free consultation.

12) Do Not Accept the First Settlement Offer (Especially If You’re Still Treating)

Insurers often offer early money to close the claim before:

• You get an MRI

• A specialist diagnoses disc injury or tear

• A concussion becomes clearly documented

• Surgery is recommended

• Long-term limitations are established

Once you sign a release, the case is done—even if your condition worsens later.

Before signing anything, call 818-784-8544.

13) Social Media: Assume Everything Can Be Used Against You

If you’re injured, be cautious with social media. Insurance companies and defense firms often monitor public posts. Examples:

• A smiling photo becomes “they’re fine”

• A family outing becomes “no limitations”

• A gym post becomes “injury unrelated”

It’s not about paranoia—it’s about reality.

If you’re concerned about what you’ve already posted, call 818-784-8544.

14) How Long Will Your LA Car Accident Case Take?

Timing depends on:

• How long you treat

• Whether you reach medical improvement

• The insurance coverage and defense posture

If you want a strategy that balances speed with maximizing value, call 818-784-8544.

15) Frequently Asked Questions

What if the crash was “minor” but I’m in pain now?

Delayed symptoms are common. Document symptoms. Follow up with a doctor.

What if I didn’t get a police report?

You can still pursue a claim. Evidence becomes more important—photos, witnesses, video.

What if I was partly at fault?

California comparative negligence still allows recovery. Don’t assume you have “no case.”

What if the other driver has minimum insurance?

UM/UIM may apply, and additional liable parties may exist depending on facts.

For answers tailored to your case, call 818-784-8544.

Protect Your Health First—Then Protect Your Claim Before the Insurance Company Controls It

If you were injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, you need to move decisively. Get medical care. Preserve evidence. Don’t give recorded statements. Don’t accept a lowball settlement while you’re still treating. And don’t let an insurance company define what your pain, your missed work, and your future medical needs are “worth.”

Call The Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus at 818-784-8544 for a free consultation. The sooner you call, the sooner evidence can be preserved and the sooner you can focus on healing while your case is protected.