What To Do After Being Injured In A Car Accident In Los Angeles

If you are injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, you should seek medical attention immediately, document the crash, avoid speaking with insurance adjusters, and contact an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer right away to protect your health and your claim.

Car accidents happen every day across Los Angeles — on crowded freeways, busy surface streets, and dangerous intersections. What you do immediately after a crash can significantly affect your physical recovery, financial compensation, and legal rights.

This guide explains exactly what to do after being injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, step by step.

Step 1: Get Medical Care Immediately

Your health comes first — always.

Even if you feel “okay,” many serious injuries are delayed, including:

• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries

• Neck and spinal injuries

• Internal bleeding

• Soft-tissue damage

After a crash:

• Call 911 if you are injured

• Accept medical treatment at the scene if offered

• Go to the ER, urgent care, or your doctor as soon as possible

• Follow all medical instructions and attend follow-ups

🚨 Delaying treatment gives insurance companies ammunition to deny or reduce your claim.

Step 2: Call the Police and File a Report

Always report a car accident involving injuries in Los Angeles.

A police report:

• Creates an official record

• Identifies drivers, witnesses, and insurance information

• Documents fault-related observations

This report often becomes a key piece of evidence in an injury claim.

Step 3: Document the Accident Scene

If you are physically able, gather evidence immediately.

Take photos or video of:

• All vehicles involved

• License plates

• Damage and debris

• Road conditions and skid marks

• Traffic signals and signage

• Visible injuries

Collect:

• Driver names and insurance details

• Witness names and phone numbers

📸 Evidence disappears quickly in Los Angeles traffic.

Step 4: Do NOT Admit Fault

Be polite — but do not speculate or apologize.

Avoid statements like:

• “I’m sorry”

• “I didn’t see you”

• “It might have been my fault”

Fault is determined through investigation, not roadside conversation.

Step 5: Do NOT Talk to Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies often call within hours or days.

Important rules:

• Do not give recorded statements

• Do not sign documents

• Do not accept early settlement offers

Insurance adjusters are trained to:

• Minimize injuries

• Shift blame

• Lock you into damaging statements

You are not required to speak with the other driver’s insurer.

Step 6: Understand California Comparative Fault

California uses pure comparative negligence.

This means:

• You can still recover compensation even if partially at fault

• Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault

Insurance companies often inflate fault to reduce payouts — experienced legal representation matters here.

Step 7: Keep Detailed Records

Strong claims are built on documentation.

Keep copies of:

• Medical records and bills

• Prescriptions and therapy invoices

• Lost wage documentation

• Vehicle repair estimates

• Insurance correspondence

Organized records = leverage.

Step 8: Stay Off Social Media

Insurance companies monitor social media closely.

Avoid posting:

• Photos of yourself

• Updates about the accident

• Comments about injuries or recovery

Even harmless posts can be twisted against you.

Step 9: Contact a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer

Serious injuries require experienced legal help.

A car accident lawyer can:

• Investigate the crash

• Preserve critical evidence

• Handle insurance companies

• Accurately value your claim

• Negotiate aggressively

• File a lawsuit if needed

Waiting too long can seriously damage your case.

Why Should You Choose The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus?

Many injured victims choose The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus because results, experience, and preparation matter — especially when insurance companies push back.

Key reasons clients choose this firm:

• Decades of Los Angeles Car Accident Experience
  Over 39 years handling serious car accident cases throughout Los Angeles and Southern California.

• Proven Results in High-Stakes Injury Claims
  Billions recovered for injured clients in complex and hard-fought cases.

• Focus on Serious and Catastrophic Injuries
  Including brain injuries, spinal injuries, permanent disability, and wrongful death.

• Trial-Ready Representation
  Insurance companies negotiate differently when they know a firm is prepared to go to court.

• Plaintiff-Only Representation
  The firm represents injured people — never insurance companies.

• Clear Communication and Client Focus
  Clients consistently cite transparency, responsiveness, and personal attention.

What This Means for You

Choosing the right law firm can affect:

• The value of your settlement

• Whether insurers take your claim seriously

• How aggressively your case is handled

• Your long-term financial recovery

What Compensation May Be Available

Depending on your case, you may recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)

• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Permanent disability

• Property damage

• Wrongful death damages (in fatal crashes)

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident

Avoid these costly errors:

• Delaying medical care

• Speaking to insurers alone

• Accepting quick settlements

• Failing to document injuries

• Posting on social media

• Missing legal deadlines

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Los Angeles?

In most cases, California law allows two years from the date of the accident.

⚠️ Shorter deadlines may apply if:

• A government vehicle is involved

• A public entity may be responsible

Missing deadlines can permanently bar your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Los Angeles?

Get medical care, call police, document the scene, avoid insurance statements, and contact a car accident lawyer.

Should I go to the hospital if I feel fine?

Yes. Many injuries are delayed, and medical records are critical to your claim.

Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. California allows recovery under comparative fault rules.

How much is my car accident case worth?

It depends on injuries, medical costs, lost income, fault, and long-term impact. An attorney can evaluate this accurately.

Do I need a lawyer for a car accident injury claim?

If you were injured, legal representation significantly increases your chance of fair compensation.

Take Action Now — Waiting Hurts Your Case

Insurance companies move fast. Evidence disappears. Deadlines approach.

If you were injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, do not wait.

Call The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus NOW

📞 818-784-8544

• Free consultation

• No upfront fees

• You pay nothing unless compensation is recovered

The sooner you call, the sooner your rights are protected.