Motor Vehicle Accidents in Los Angeles
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If you have sustained a serious injury because of a car accident, you will have many questions that need to be answered: How will I pay all these medical bills? How can I afford to take time off from my job? The emotional and financial stress can be devastating. Call us at the Motor Vehicle Accident Law Offices of “insert attorney name” in Los Angeles. We can help you.
Overview
- In Los Angeles, millions of vehicular accidents take place on the freeways each year.
- According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, 1 out of every 5 people in the United States will be involved in an auto accident during their lifetime.
- Common causes of automobile accidents:
- Driver negligence
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs
- Road conditions – potholes, construction
- Fatigue
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Weather conditions – rain, fog
- Injuries that can occur:
- Whiplash
- Broken legs or arms
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord, head, back, neck injuries
- Types of motor vehicle accidents:
- Rear-end collisions
- SUV rollover
- Drunk driving
- Mechanical defects – i.e. seat belts malfunction
- Fact: Do not settle by yourself. You will recover more if you are represented by an experienced Motor Vehicle Accident attorney.
What to do if you are involved in an auto accident
- Stop. Move your car out of traffic.
- If you do not stop, you can face criminal prosecution.
- Stay calm.
- Call the police – wait for them.
- Call an ambulance if anyone is injured.
- Get the information from other driver:
- Name
- Address
- Telephone number
- Driver’s license
- Insurance company name
- Get all passenger and witness names (if any)
- Keep a camera in your car – take photos of your injuries, damages and road conditions.
To do
- Call your insurance company as soon as possible – give them all the facts and make sure you understand your coverage.
- See your doctor even if you do not have any visible scars or bruises.
- Get a copy of the police report.
- Contact an attorney.
Don’t do
- Do NOT admit to any fault verbally or in writing.
- Do not arrive at a settlement with the other driver.
- Do not sign any releases with your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company. Insurance companies usually offer a low estimate.
- Do not accept a check that says “final payment” unless you are satisfied with the amount.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
- It is illegal to drive in California without a driver’s license or auto insurance coverage.
- California law requires all drivers to have automobile insurance.
- California law requires that you have at least the minimum amount of coverage:
- $15,000 for injury or death – 1 person
- $30,000 for injury or death – 2 or more people
- $5,000 for property damage caused
- This type of coverage will help you recover damages for medical and auto repairs if you are involved in an auto accident with an uninsured driver.
Personal Injury
- Definition: Bodily injury caused by another person’s negligence while driving.
- You can be awarded for:
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
- Emotional stress
- Disfigurement
- Miscellaneous general damages
- There is a Statute of Limitation in filing a personal injury claim; file as quickly as possible.
Wrongful Death
- The loss of a loved one due to another person’s negligence or wrongful act while driving.
- If you are an heir of the person who was killed, you can file for compensation:
- Financial support
- Love that has been taken away
- Comfort and care
- There is a Statute of Limitations to file a claim for a wrongful death.
- It can be extended if there is “delayed discovery”.
Attorney Next Steps
- A demand letter will be sent to the other driver’s insurance company.
- They will have 10 days to respond.
- During litigation, we will prove:
- That the other driver was at fault due to negligence.
- Your injuries were caused due to the accident
- The medical expenses incurred because of the injuries.
Conclusion
If you are involved in an auto accident in Southern California, you will need the expertise of an attorney from the Motor Vehicle Accident Law Offices of “insert attorney name”. We have the experience in dealing with insurance companies and know when to reach a settlement that is right for you.