Injured in a Car Accident in LA? Get the Compensation You Deserve.

Car Accidents in Los Angeles: What You Need to Know

California is an at-fault (tort) state for car accidents, meaning the driver who caused the crash is generally responsible for resulting injuries and damages. Under California Vehicle Code § 22350 (the Basic Speed Law) and various negligence standards, injured victims have the right to pursue compensation from at-fault drivers and their insurance companies.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in LA

• Distracted driving — texting, phone use, in-car technology
• Speeding on the 405, 101, 10, and other LA freeways
• Rear-end collisions in heavy stop-and-go traffic
• Drunk and impaired driving
• Failure to yield at intersections and merge zones
• Unsafe lane changes and blind-spot failures
• Running red lights and stop signs
• Aggressive driving and road rage

Injuries Commonly Seen in Car Crashes

The injuries from a car accident can range from minor to life-altering. Common injuries seen in LA car accident cases include:

• Whiplash and soft-tissue neck injuries
• Herniated and bulging discs in the spine
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal injuries and organ damage
• Shoulder injuries (rotator cuff tears, AC joint injuries)
• Knee injuries (torn ligament, meniscus damage)
• Psychological trauma, anxiety, and PTSD

What Damages Can You Recover?

Under California law, injured accident victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses — emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment
• Future medical costs — projected care you will need due to your injuries
• Lost wages — income you lost while recovering from your injuries
• Loss of future earning capacity — if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term
• Pain and suffering — physical pain and emotional distress
• Property damage — repair or replacement of your vehicle

Getting an Accident Report in Los Angeles

After a car accident in LA, a police report is a critical piece of evidence. You can obtain a copy of your accident report:

• LAPD Traffic Collision Reports: Request online through the LAPD or in person at the nearest LAPD station. Reports are typically available 5–7 business days after the accident.
• CHP Traffic Collision Reports: If a California Highway Patrol officer responded, request your CHP 555 report through the CHP online portal or the nearest CHP area office.
• SR-1 Form: California law requires you to self-report an accident to the DMV (via SR-1 form) if there was injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 — within 10 days of the accident.

California's Comparative Fault Rules

California follows "pure comparative negligence" (Cal. Civ. Code § 1714). Even if you contributed to the accident in some way, you can still recover damages — your award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury finds you were 25% at fault and your total damages are $200,000, you would recover $150,000.

This is important because insurance adjusters will often try to blame you — even when you are clearly not at fault — to reduce your payout. An experienced attorney knows these tactics and can push back effectively.

The Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in California

Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the accident involved a government vehicle or was on government property (city bus, county road), you may need to file a government tort claim within 6 months of the incident.

Waiting too long can permanently bar your right to compensation. Contact an attorney as soon as possible.