Los Angeles Car Accidents: A Legal and Medical Guide to Protecting Your Rights

Every year, tens of thousands of car accidents occur in Los Angeles, from fender benders on the I-405 to high-speed crashes on the I-10 or 101 Freeway. If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, you’re not alone. But here’s the harsh truth: insurance companies don’t care about your pain. They care about paying you as little as possible.

That’s why understanding the most common car accident injuries and what to do next is crucial. The steps you take immediately after a crash can determine whether you get maximum compensation or end up paying out-of-pocket for medical bills and lost wages.

As a top-rated Los Angeles car accident lawyer, I’ve seen it all. In this powerful guide, you’ll learn:

• The most common injuries after a car accident
• Why insurance companies will try to devalue your claim
• The step-by-step process to protect your health and legal rights
• How to get the compensation you deserve
• When to call a Los Angeles personal injury attorney to fight for you

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Common Injuries After a Car Accident

Car accidents cause a wide range of injuries, from mild whiplash to life-altering paralysis. Even if you feel “fine” right after the crash, some injuries take days or weeks to appear—and waiting too long to seek medical attention can hurt your case.

1. Whiplash and Neck Injuries

One of the most common car accident injuries, whiplash occurs when your neck is forcefully snapped forward and backward, stretching muscles and ligaments beyond their normal range.

🚨 Symptoms of Whiplash:
✔️ Neck pain & stiffness
✔️ Headaches, dizziness, & blurred vision
✔️ Fatigue & difficulty concentrating
✔️ Shoulder & upper back pain

What to Do Next:
✅ See a doctor immediately—delayed treatment hurts your injury claim.
✅ Get MRI or X-ray scans to document soft tissue damage.
✅ Never accept a quick insurance settlement—whiplash pain can last months or even years.

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2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) & Concussions

Head injuries range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can result in permanent cognitive damage. These injuries often occur in high-speed collisions or when a victim’s head hits the dashboard, window, or steering wheel.

🚨 Symptoms of a Brain Injury:
✔️ Memory loss, confusion & difficulty concentrating
✔️ Persistent headaches, dizziness, & nausea
✔️ Sensitivity to light & sound
✔️ Mood swings, depression, or personality changes

What to Do Next:
✅ Get a neurological exam, CT scan, or MRI—brain damage isn’t always immediately visible.
✅ Keep detailed records of headaches, memory issues, and medical visits.
✅ Contact a Los Angeles car accident lawyer to fight for long-term compensation.

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3. Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis

One of the most devastating injuries after a car crash, spinal cord damage can lead to permanent paralysis or loss of motor function.

🚨 Common Symptoms:
✔️ Intense back pain or pressure in the neck, head, or spine
✔️ Loss of sensation or movement in limbs
✔️ Difficulty breathing
✔️ Loss of bladder or bowel control

What to Do Next:
✅ Do not move if you suspect a spinal injury—wait for emergency responders.
✅ Undergo immediate imaging tests (MRI, CT scan) to assess nerve damage.
✅ Hire a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer—spinal injuries require millions in lifetime care, and insurance companies will fight hard to minimize payouts.

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4. Broken Bones & Fractures

The impact of a crash can lead to serious fractures, especially in arms, legs, ribs, collarbones, and the skull. Some fractures may require surgery, plates, or screws, leading to permanent mobility issues.

🚨 Signs of a Fracture:
✔️ Severe pain & swelling
✔️ Deformity or inability to move the affected limb
✔️ Bruising & tenderness

What to Do Next:
✅ Get X-rays & MRIs to confirm fractures.
✅ Follow all recommended medical treatments—insurance companies will use non-compliance against you.
✅ Work with an aggressive car accident attorney in Los Angeles to demand full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and future therapy costs.

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5. Internal Bleeding & Organ Damage

Blunt force trauma from a crash can cause internal bleeding, leading to life-threatening complications. The worst part? Symptoms may not appear immediately.

🚨 Signs of Internal Injuries:
✔️ Deep bruising or discoloration
✔️ Dizziness, fainting, or nausea
✔️ Abdominal pain or swelling

What to Do Next:
✅ Always go to an emergency room after a crash.
✅ Get CT scans and ultrasounds to check for organ damage.
✅ Never settle early—some internal injuries worsen over time and require extensive treatment.

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What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles

1. Call 911 Immediately

🚔 Get an official police report—insurance companies rely on police reports to determine fault.

2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

🚑 Do NOT wait to see a doctor—insurance companies will argue that your injuries aren’t serious if you delay treatment.

3. Gather Evidence

📸 Take pictures of:
✔️ Vehicle damage
✔️ Your injuries
✔️ Road conditions & traffic signals

👁 Get witness statements & their contact info—witnesses can make or break your case.

4. Call a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer

💰 Insurance companies are NOT on your side. They want to settle quickly and cheaply. A skilled car accident attorney will:
✔️ Fight for maximum compensation
✔️ Handle all negotiations with insurance adjusters
✔️ Get you paid for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering

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Why You Need a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer NOW

🚨 Did you know?

• California has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
• Insurance companies delay payouts on purpose—they know victims get desperate.
• Without a top-rated attorney, you risk getting far less than you deserve.

At The Law Offices Of Gerald L. Marcus, we have won millions for accident victims. We fight insurance companies—and we win.

📞 Call 818-784-8544 for a FREE consultation.
📍 Serving Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Glendale, Burbank & all of LA County.