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| Boilerpipe Text | Joshua W. Glotzer, Esq
Managing Partner
Los Angeles is one of the busiest cities in the country, and car accidents often happen when people least expect them.
If you were seriously injured, you may be unable to work while watching your medical expenses and regular bills mount alarmingly. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be eligible for compensation.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash, call Los Angeles car accident attorneys Joshua Glotzer and Daniel Leib, today at
(747) 241-8288
or
message us
for a free consultation. We advocate for car accident victims every day, so let’s discuss a potential car accident lawsuit with you.
Our Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys Fights for Your Rights
The aftermath of a car accident can be a confusing, anxiety-ridden time. You may be in shock and shaken from the accident itself and may have sustained serious injuries as the result of another’s negligence.
Dealing with insurance companies and medical professionals while attempting to keep your “normal” life going forward can seem overwhelming.
Glozter & Leib Los Angeles car accident lawyers would be honored to fight for your rights. With experience dealing with countless car accident cases, their lawyers can also help you. Schedule a free consultation with to discuss your car accident claim.
How Common Are Car Accidents in Los Angeles?
With a population of more than 4 million (over 10 million in Los Angeles County), Los Angeles reportedly has more cars than people. When you add the estimated 45.5 million annual visitors to Los Angeles County, you see why many consider Los Angeles traffic a veritable nightmare.
California residents and visitors are so used to driving that most would not even think about what to do after a car or truck accident.
Los Angeles car accident statistics from the CDC state that our city faces an average of 848 fatal car crashes per year, and that does not even include accidents that cause serious personal injury.
According to the latest data:
Throughout 2022, Los Angeles experienced over 52,000 car accidents, averaging around 1,000 incidents per week.
In the same year, more than 320 people lost their lives in fatal car accidents in Los Angeles.
As the numbers indicate, Los Angeles can be a dangerous city to drive in. If you’ve been hurt, call us to discuss your case.
When a person is hurt or killed in a car accident, there is so much that needs to be done that the victim or the victim’s family is not equipped to handle themselves.
It is important to remember that insurance companies do not represent victims or policyholders—in fact, they actively seek to minimize or deny any payment.
Los Angeles car accident attorney, Joshua Glotzer, advocates for his client’s best interests in the aftermath of a car wreck.
Our LA injury firm helps motor vehicle accident victims with the following types of claims:
Car Accidents
Truck Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Bus Accidents
The Importance of an Experienced Legal Team
The other party’s insurance company may offer to pay a minimal amount of money as settlement for your case, or they will try to make you believe that you’re not entitled to any compensation and will deny your claim altogether.
Talking to an accident attorney in Los Angeles as soon as possible after an accident can ensure that your rights to compensation under California law are protected.
Whether you suffer a serious injury or a minor injury consisting of soft tissue injuries to your neck and back, our Los Angeles car accident attorneys can help you obtain compensation for your injuries.
Why You Should Talk to an Attorney Before Dealing With an Insurance Company
After a car accident, it’s always best to talk to a lawyer first. At a minimum, you can report the accident to your own insurance company and give your own insurance company a statement.
But you should never talk to, or give a statement to, the other party’s insurance company, as it may use your statement against you to minimize your personal injury claim or deny your injury claim altogether.
After a car or truck accident, insurance agents and trucking companies will try to blame for the accident on the victims to avoid paying out auto accident settlements. They aim to pay nothing or as little as possible to anyone involved in the accident.
The insurance agent is a professional who does this daily; the average person is ill-equipped to stand up for his or her rights and fight back in these situations.
Our LA accident attorneys can be your advocate after a car or truck accident. Unlike a layperson, we can offer experienced negotiation skills and investigative services and file a lawsuit on your behalf if the other party does not offer a fair settlement.
We are not afraid to take a car accident case to court for a trial if we believe it would have better results for our clients.
A car or truck accident case can bring closure, results, and justice to victims and families of people killed in accidents, resulting in the following and more:
Holding those who did them harm accountable
Receiving payment for medical bills, car repairs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more
Changing the policies and practices of businesses, insurance companies, and/or truck companies to help prevent others from being hurt similarly
Ensuring victims and their families get the closure and financial assistance they need to heal emotionally and physically
Preparing for the Initial Consultation
Your Los Angeles auto accident attorney must gather all relevant information to assess your situation.
During the initial consultation after a car accident, we advise you to bring as much information as possible, including:
Medical records
Medical bills
Emergency room bills
Emergency room records
Information on the other driver, such as the driver’s name, address, and telephone number
Insurance information for both parties to the accident
Pictures of the accident and of your injuries
Names, addresses, and phone numbers of witnesses
In California, you may not be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering if you were not insured during the accident. Talk to your lawyer about this issue if you are uninsured.
What Compensation Are You Entitled to Following a Los Angeles Auto Collision?
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident that was not your fault—or at least mostly not your fault—you may wonder what compensation you may be entitled to.
When an accident is minor, many people will file a police report and let their insurance company know. Still, they may pay the losses out of pocket to avoid potentially increasing their insurance rates.
You may be entitled to two compensatory damages for a more extreme accident:
Economic
and
Non-Economic
.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the most common type of damage meant to “make you whole again.”
Compensatory economic damages can cover the following:
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Loss of earning capacity (future wages)
Property loss (damage to your vehicle)
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic (general) damages include those that do not have an easily-calculated dollar amount.
Non-economic damages tend to be much more subjective and include the following:
Emotional distress or trauma caused by the accident
Pain and suffering
The inability to have children due to accident-related injuries
A disfigurement that causes you emotional pain
The loss of an extremity, which can lead to psychological issues
Loss of consortium if the auto accident resulted in a strain on your relationship
Punitive damages could be awarded if the person who hit you is deemed careless, such as when a DUI driver injures a person. Punitive damages punish the defendant and deter others from acting similarly.
Establishing Fault After a Car Accident
Following a car collision, the question of who was at fault typically arises after ensuring everyone is medically cared for.Â
Determining fault can be tricky; however, from the insurance company’s perspective, it is determined in the following manner. The first issue is whether a state is “fault” or “no-fault.” Like many other states, California is considered a fault or tort state regarding automobile accidents.
This means that in California before a person’s insurance pays for damages, that person must be found to be responsible for causing the accident.
In no-fault states, there is no requirement to show who was at fault. The insured person collects from his or her own insurance company for all medical expenses and lost wages.
In fault states like California, when an accident occurs, the at-fault driver’s insurance will pay for car repairs, medical expenses, and other losses such as lost wages or pain and suffering.
California also follows the
pure comparative negligence law
, which allocates fault between the parties, reducing recovery accordingly.
This means if the damages in an auto accident amounted to $60,000 and were judged to be 20 percent at fault, you can still recover damages for 80 percent of that $60,000, or $48,000. In other words, you will seek compensation directly proportional to your degree of responsibility for the crash.
For instance, let’s say a driver who is going over the speed limit hits you as you quickly change lanes. The court may find the speeding driver 60 percent responsible since, if he or she had been driving the speed limit, your sudden lane change might not have resulted in an accident. The remaining 40 percent of responsibility may be allocated to you for failing to look and signal before changing lanes properly.
Factors Involved in Determining Fault
There are many factors involved in determining who was at fault for your auto accident, such as:
1. The Police Report
The police report is a vital piece of the puzzle in determining who was at fault in an auto accident. Police officers are trained to determine fault in the face of conflicting stories and to accurately “read” the evidence at the accident scene. Insurance companies will typically put significant stock in the police report.
2. Evidence You Collect
Following your auto accident, if you are not severely injured, it can be extremely helpful to your eventual case to take photographs of the vehicles, injuries, and scene of the accident to help your insurance company determine fault.
If there were witnesses to the accident, make sure you jot down names and phone numbers, giving your Los Angeles auto accident attorney a strong foundation to build your case.
3. Which Driver Admits Fault at the Scene
You must never admit fault at the scene of an accident. Cooperate with the police and exchange information with the other driver, but do no more than state the facts. You may not be aware of the true cause of your accident, so even if you believe you are the at-fault driver, allow the police and your insurance company to come to that conclusion on their own.
What Are the Causes of Los Angeles Motor Vehicle Accidents?
Of course, every automobile accident is unique, and yours is no exception.
The facts and circumstances surrounding your accident will determine how you will proceed; however, some of the more common factors and causes involved in automobile accidents include:
1. Distracted Driving
California Code 23123(a)
governs driving while talking on a cell phone, while
California Code 23123.5
governs texting while driving. Many experts feel distracted driving has become the top cause of car collisions in our increasingly busy lives. As a nation of multi-taskers, we have allowed that habit to extend into our time behind the wheel.
At any given moment, most drivers on the roadways likely have at least a part of their attention somewhere other than on the road. We are considering work, which child needs to be picked up or dropped off, our plans for the upcoming weekend, and what we will cook for dinner. When you add these mental distractions to actual physical distractions, you can see how this increases the risk of an accident. If you have been injured by a distracted driver, let our personal injury attorney fight for you.
Drivers routinely:
Talk on their cell phones
Send or receive text messages
Eat an entire meal
Turn around to see what the children are doing in the back seat
Change radio stations
Check the GPS
Talk to passengers
Watch what’s happening on the side of the road
In 2021, 140 people were killed in California in crashes involving a distracted driver, marking a 27.3% increase from 2020. Mobile devices continue to be the leading distraction for drivers, whether texting, taking pictures, emailing, or using apps. According to a
2023 California Office of Traffic and Safety Public Opinion Survey
, 74.2% of Californians consider distracted driving, such as texting or talking, to be their primary traffic safety concern on California roadways.
Cell phone use may be the most dangerous distraction of all. Although California motorists were prohibited from talking on hand-held cell phones while driving in 2008, and a ban on texting came in 2009, subsequent studies have shown that even hands-free technology can be a huge distraction.
In a 2022 survey by the
American Automobile Association
, nearly all drivers (93%) considered texting or emailing while driving very or extremely dangerous. However, 37% admitted to reading a text or email while driving in the past month, and 27% confessed to typing one while driving. Some research points to the fact that talking on a cell phone while driving is equivalent to having a blood alcohol content of .08 percent (the legal limit).
2. Fatigued Driving
California enacted a resolution that proclaimed April 6, 2005, as Drowsy Driver Awareness Day in response to the number of fatigued drivers on the roadways. According to the National Sleep Foundation,
60 percent of drivers
admit to driving while feeling very tired or exhausted. More than a full third admit to falling asleep while driving. Four percent (11 million drivers) say they have been involved in a car collision or nearly had a collision because they fell asleep while driving. According to the NHTSA, a minimum of
100,000 auto collisions
directly result from driver fatigue.
Here are some additional facts about fatigued driving:
It can be difficult to determine whether an accident resulted from a fatigued driver, as there is no “test” to determine the level of fatigue.
Self-reporting of fatigue does not result in reliable data because few people want to admit they were exhausted yet got behind the wheel anyway.
Police are not trained to identify drowsiness as a collision factor;
Collisions attributed to other causes may be the result of fatigued driving.
Young adults between 18 and 29 are most likely to drive while drowsy or fatigued.
Men are more likely than women to drive while fatigued and twice as likely to fall asleep behind the wheel.
Adults with children in the household and shift workers are more likely to drive while drowsy or fatigued.
Almost three-fourths of Americans drive to and from work, many of whom are drowsy drivers.
3. Reckless Driving
A criminal offense, although it is punishable as a misdemeanor in most situations. Reckless driving is showing willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others or driving in a careless, reckless, or negligent manner. Reckless driving can also include failing to maintain reasonable and proper vehicle control.
Reckless driving charges under
California Vehicle Code 23103
can come with other criminal charges from the same incident. While reckless driving may sound relatively minor, there are major consequences associated with reckless driving charges, including imprisonment for five to 90 days, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. If convicted of reckless driving, you will also receive two points on your driver’s license and may have your automobile insurance canceled.
Reckless driving can include:
Excessive speed
Tailgating
Failure to yield
Failure to use blinkers
Drunk driving
Distracted driving
Passing red lights or stop signs in a manner that endangers others
Changing lanes back and forth in a manner which endangers others
Failure to have proper lights on your automobile
According to the NHTSA, inclement weather is responsible for as many as
22 percent of all automobile accidents
. The following types of weather can adversely affect driving:
High winds can result in lane obstructions due to visibility issues caused by dust or lane obstructions from wind-blown debris, increasing accident risk.
Rain can diminish visibility, result in pavement friction and lane obstructions due to accidents, and increase risk.
Fog can also lower visibility, resulting in delays, speed variances, and an increased accident risk.
Most car collisions related to weather occur on wet pavement during rainfall. Freeway travel speeds can be reduced by three to 16 percent when rain is present—estimates of the delayed vehicle hours due to inclement weather nationwide is 544 million hours.
4. Auto Defects
Auto defects, particularly with vehicles’ tires and brakes, are responsible for many auto accidents. Although radial tires manufactured today are safer than twenty-five years ago, problems can still occur due to improper air pressure or tire traction. Under-inflated tires are the number one cause of blowouts, and when a blowout occurs in heavy traffic, there could be several resulting accidents.
Research has shown that automobiles with ABS are more likely to be involved in a fatal rollover accident than other brakes. Braking systems are extremely complex and can fail for various reasons, whether improper installation or basic design flaws. Brake defects are rarely noticeable until the brakes fail. In addition to defective brakes or tires, a vehicle’s suspension keeps the car’s tires in contact with the roadway in a stable manner. Defective suspension can prevent a driver from navigating a road obstacle in a manner that avoids an accident.
5. Impaired Drivers
In 2021, 1,370 people lost their lives
in alcohol-related crashes in California
, a 16% increase from 2020. These fatalities made up nearly one-third of all traffic deaths in the state.
More facts about
impaired drivers and auto accidents
include:
Traffic fatalities increased by approximately 7.6%, rising from 3,980 in 2020 to 4,285 in 2021. The 2021 Mileage Death Rate (MDR), which measures fatalities per 100 million miles traveled, stood at 1.38.
Fatalities in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers or motorcycle riders (with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher) rose by 16%, from 1,180 in 2020 to 1,370 in 2021.
In 2021, 52.9% of all drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes who were tested showed positive results for legal or illegal drugs, representing a decrease of approximately 5.5% from 2020.
Fatalities among unrestrained passenger vehicle occupants in all seating positions increased by 12.4%, climbing from 782 in 2020 to 878 in 2021.
Fatal crashes involving teen drivers (ages 15-20) increased by 14.8%, from 413 in 2020 to 474 in 2021.
Pedestrian fatalities
increased by 9.4%, rising from 1,013 in 2020 to 1,108 in 2021, while
bicycle fatalities
decreased by 8%, from 136 in 2020 to 125 in 2021.
Where Do Most Car Accidents Occur?
According to the 2024 release of numbers from the
California DMV
, California has nearly 36 million registered drivers. In the same reporting year, the
National Traffic Highway Safety Administration
(NHTSA) reported that California had 4,285 fatalities, marking an increase from the previous year. Unfortunately, almost half of these fatalities were pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-occupants.
The most recent California NHTSA annual report (2024) highlights reveal several concerning trends. Traffic fatalities increased by a little over 3% from the previous year, totaling 3,847. Alcohol-related fatalities saw a substantial rise of 20%, reaching 1,159. Drug-impaired fatalities involving victims who tested positive for legal and illegal drugs increased by almost 8%. Fatalities from unrestrained passengers also surged by nearly 20%, resulting in 756 deaths. Additionally, teenage driver deaths rose by about 23% from the previous reporting year.
Common Car Crash Injuries
Although the injuries sustained from a car accident will vary from one accident to another, some injuries are more common following a car crash. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:
Head Injuries
Head injuries
are among the worst injuries a person can receive from a car accident. When a collision occurs, the driver and passengers may hit their heads against a window, a dashboard, or a steering wheel, resulting in open head wounds.
The brain can also be slammed from one side of the skull to the other as the head snaps forward and backward.
Traumatic brain injuries
can occur, ranging from a relatively mild concussion to a coma or lasting cognitive issues.
Back Injuries
Back injuries
are also common among those involved in a car collision.
These injuries can range from mild to moderate pain levels, which last several days to several weeks, to
spinal cord damage
, which can lead to permanent paralysis on the most severe end or reduced sensation, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, limited mobility, and pain in the arms and legs on the less severe side.
Neck Injuries
Although
whiplash
often has a negative connotation, in part because no specific medical test can confirm it, it is a very real, very painful injury.
When a car is struck from the rear, the sudden movement of the head and neck can result in neck muscle and ligament damage, which causes great pain for the victim for a considerable amount of time.
Chest Injuries
Blunt force trauma suffered in a car collision can result in a collapsed lung or broken ribs.
Internal bleeding in the chest area may be the most immediate problem following an
injury to the chest
. However, there may also be damage to internal organs or to the abdomen.
Facial Lacerations
Following a car accident, injuries to the face are commonly seen when the face strikes the windshield, collides with an airbag, strikes the dash or steering wheel, and comes into contact with shattered glass.
Bruises and scrapes are common, and lacerations and fractures can also result from a car accident. In graver car accidents, the jaw can be injured or fractured, or there can be considerable dental injuries. Our experienced car accident attorneys are ready to advocate for you.
Psychological Injuries
Emotional trauma following a car collision is fairly common, resulting in the inability to sleep, PTSD, persistent anxiety, and depression.
A
recent study
suggested that a full third of all those involved in a non-fatal auto accident suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder, phobias, depression, and persistent anxiety for as long as a year following the accident.
Many people who have been involved in dangerous car accidents may even find it difficult to get back into a car, whether as drivers or passengers.
Many more injuries can result from a car accident, including
broken bones
and other internal injuries. Even if you think you are fine following an auto accident, it is a good idea to be checked out at the ER or by your doctor.
In many cases, the adrenaline rush you experience when a car accident can mask injury symptoms. You may think you are okay, then days or even weeks following the auto accident, you can experience dire effects from an injury sustained during the collision.
At this point, it can be much more difficult to convince an insurance company that you did receive your injuries from the car crash. You need experienced car accident lawyers in your corner. We would be honored to help you.
Speak to Our Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys Today
You can rely on our firm whenever an accident involves you, your family, or your friends. We represent clients like we would represent members of our own family and work tirelessly to ensure that you get the maximum value of the injury settlement or jury award you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto collision,
contact
or call Los Angeles car accident attorneys
Joshua Glotzer and Daniel Leib for a free consultation at
(747) 241-8288
. Schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced car accident attorney. |
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Los Angeles is one of the busiest cities in the country, and car accidents often happen when people least expect them.
If you were seriously injured, you may be unable to work while watching your medical expenses and regular bills mount alarmingly. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be eligible for compensation.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash, call Los Angeles car accident attorneys Joshua Glotzer and Daniel Leib, today at [(747) 241-8288](tel:%20+17472418288) or [message us](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/contact) for a free consultation. We advocate for car accident victims every day, so let’s discuss a potential car accident lawsuit with you.
**Jump to Topic** [hide](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/)
[Our Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys Fights for Your Rights](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/#Our_Los_Angeles_Car_Accident_Attorneys_Fights_for_Your_Rights)
[How Common Are Car Accidents in Los Angeles?](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/#How_Common_Are_Car_Accidents_in_Los_Angeles)
[The Importance of an Experienced Legal Team](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/#The_Importance_of_an_Experienced_Legal_Team)
[Why You Should Talk to an Attorney Before Dealing With an Insurance Company](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/#Why_You_Should_Talk_to_an_Attorney_Before_Dealing_With_an_Insurance_Company)
[Preparing for the Initial Consultation](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/#Preparing_for_the_Initial_Consultation)
[What Compensation Are You Entitled to Following a Los Angeles Auto Collision?](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/#What_Compensation_Are_You_Entitled_to_Following_a_Los_Angeles_Auto_Collision)
[Establishing Fault After a Car Accident](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/#Establishing_Fault_After_a_Car_Accident)
[What Are the Causes of Los Angeles Motor Vehicle Accidents?](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/#What_Are_the_Causes_of_Los_Angeles_Motor_Vehicle_Accidents)
[Where Do Most Car Accidents Occur?](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/#Where_Do_Most_Car_Accidents_Occur)
[Common Car Crash Injuries](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/#Common_Car_Crash_Injuries)
[Speak to Our Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys Today](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/#Speak_to_Our_Los_Angeles_Car_Accident_Attorneys_Today)
## Our Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys Fights for Your Rights
The aftermath of a car accident can be a confusing, anxiety-ridden time. You may be in shock and shaken from the accident itself and may have sustained serious injuries as the result of another’s negligence.
Dealing with insurance companies and medical professionals while attempting to keep your “normal” life going forward can seem overwhelming.
Glozter & Leib Los Angeles car accident lawyers would be honored to fight for your rights. With experience dealing with countless car accident cases, their lawyers can also help you. Schedule a free consultation with to discuss your car accident claim.
## How Common Are Car Accidents in Los Angeles?
With a population of more than 4 million (over 10 million in Los Angeles County), Los Angeles reportedly has more cars than people. When you add the estimated 45.5 million annual visitors to Los Angeles County, you see why many consider Los Angeles traffic a veritable nightmare.
California residents and visitors are so used to driving that most would not even think about what to do after a car or truck accident.
Los Angeles car accident statistics from the CDC state that our city faces an average of 848 fatal car crashes per year, and that does not even include accidents that cause serious personal injury.
According to the latest data:
- Throughout 2022, Los Angeles experienced over 52,000 car accidents, averaging around 1,000 incidents per week.
- In the same year, more than 320 people lost their lives in fatal car accidents in Los Angeles.
As the numbers indicate, Los Angeles can be a dangerous city to drive in. If you’ve been hurt, call us to discuss your case.
When a person is hurt or killed in a car accident, there is so much that needs to be done that the victim or the victim’s family is not equipped to handle themselves. It is important to remember that insurance companies do not represent victims or policyholders—in fact, they actively seek to minimize or deny any payment. Los Angeles car accident attorney, Joshua Glotzer, advocates for his client’s best interests in the aftermath of a car wreck.
**Our LA injury firm helps motor vehicle accident victims with the following types of claims:**
- Car Accidents
- [Truck Accidents](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-truck-accident-attorney/)
- [Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-motorcycle-accident-attorney)
- [Bus Accidents](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-bus-accident-attorney/)
## The Importance of an Experienced Legal Team
The other party’s insurance company may offer to pay a minimal amount of money as settlement for your case, or they will try to make you believe that you’re not entitled to any compensation and will deny your claim altogether.
Talking to an accident attorney in Los Angeles as soon as possible after an accident can ensure that your rights to compensation under California law are protected. Whether you suffer a serious injury or a minor injury consisting of soft tissue injuries to your neck and back, our Los Angeles car accident attorneys can help you obtain compensation for your injuries.
## Why You Should Talk to an Attorney Before Dealing With an Insurance Company
After a car accident, it’s always best to talk to a lawyer first. At a minimum, you can report the accident to your own insurance company and give your own insurance company a statement. But you should never talk to, or give a statement to, the other party’s insurance company, as it may use your statement against you to minimize your personal injury claim or deny your injury claim altogether.
After a car or truck accident, insurance agents and trucking companies will try to blame for the accident on the victims to avoid paying out auto accident settlements. They aim to pay nothing or as little as possible to anyone involved in the accident. The insurance agent is a professional who does this daily; the average person is ill-equipped to stand up for his or her rights and fight back in these situations.
Our LA accident attorneys can be your advocate after a car or truck accident. Unlike a layperson, we can offer experienced negotiation skills and investigative services and file a lawsuit on your behalf if the other party does not offer a fair settlement. We are not afraid to take a car accident case to court for a trial if we believe it would have better results for our clients.
A car or truck accident case can bring closure, results, and justice to victims and families of people killed in accidents, resulting in the following and more:
- Holding those who did them harm accountable
- Receiving payment for medical bills, car repairs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more
- Changing the policies and practices of businesses, insurance companies, and/or truck companies to help prevent others from being hurt similarly
- Ensuring victims and their families get the closure and financial assistance they need to heal emotionally and physically
## Preparing for the Initial Consultation
Your Los Angeles auto accident attorney must gather all relevant information to assess your situation. During the initial consultation after a car accident, we advise you to bring as much information as possible, including:
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Emergency room bills
- Emergency room records
- Information on the other driver, such as the driver’s name, address, and telephone number
- Insurance information for both parties to the accident
- Pictures of the accident and of your injuries
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of witnesses
In California, you may not be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering if you were not insured during the accident. Talk to your lawyer about this issue if you are uninsured.
## What Compensation Are You Entitled to Following a Los Angeles Auto Collision?
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident that was not your fault—or at least mostly not your fault—you may wonder what compensation you may be entitled to. When an accident is minor, many people will file a police report and let their insurance company know. Still, they may pay the losses out of pocket to avoid potentially increasing their insurance rates.
You may be entitled to two compensatory damages for a more extreme accident: **Economic** and **Non-Economic**.
### Economic Damages
Economic damages are the most common type of damage meant to “make you whole again.” Compensatory economic damages can cover the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity (future wages)
- Property loss (damage to your vehicle)
### Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic (general) damages include those that do not have an easily-calculated dollar amount. Non-economic damages tend to be much more subjective and include the following:
- Emotional distress or trauma caused by the accident
- Pain and suffering
- The inability to have children due to accident-related injuries
- A disfigurement that causes you emotional pain
- The loss of an extremity, which can lead to psychological issues
- Loss of consortium if the auto accident resulted in a strain on your relationship
- Punitive damages could be awarded if the person who hit you is deemed careless, such as when a DUI driver injures a person. Punitive damages punish the defendant and deter others from acting similarly.
## Establishing Fault After a Car Accident
Following a car collision, the question of who was at fault typically arises after ensuring everyone is medically cared for. Determining fault can be tricky; however, from the insurance company’s perspective, it is determined in the following manner. The first issue is whether a state is “fault” or “no-fault.” Like many other states, California is considered a fault or tort state regarding automobile accidents. This means that in California before a person’s insurance pays for damages, that person must be found to be responsible for causing the accident.
In no-fault states, there is no requirement to show who was at fault. The insured person collects from his or her own insurance company for all medical expenses and lost wages. In fault states like California, when an accident occurs, the at-fault driver’s insurance will pay for car repairs, medical expenses, and other losses such as lost wages or pain and suffering.
California also follows the [pure comparative negligence law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparative_negligence), which allocates fault between the parties, reducing recovery accordingly. This means if the damages in an auto accident amounted to \$60,000 and were judged to be 20 percent at fault, you can still recover damages for 80 percent of that \$60,000, or \$48,000. In other words, you will seek compensation directly proportional to your degree of responsibility for the crash.
For instance, let’s say a driver who is going over the speed limit hits you as you quickly change lanes. The court may find the speeding driver 60 percent responsible since, if he or she had been driving the speed limit, your sudden lane change might not have resulted in an accident. The remaining 40 percent of responsibility may be allocated to you for failing to look and signal before changing lanes properly.
### Factors Involved in Determining Fault
There are many factors involved in determining who was at fault for your auto accident, such as:
#### 1\. The Police Report
The police report is a vital piece of the puzzle in determining who was at fault in an auto accident. Police officers are trained to determine fault in the face of conflicting stories and to accurately “read” the evidence at the accident scene. Insurance companies will typically put significant stock in the police report.
#### 2\. Evidence You Collect
Following your auto accident, if you are not severely injured, it can be extremely helpful to your eventual case to take photographs of the vehicles, injuries, and scene of the accident to help your insurance company determine fault.
If there were witnesses to the accident, make sure you jot down names and phone numbers, giving your Los Angeles auto accident attorney a strong foundation to build your case.
#### 3\. Which Driver Admits Fault at the Scene
You must never admit fault at the scene of an accident. Cooperate with the police and exchange information with the other driver, but do no more than state the facts. You may not be aware of the true cause of your accident, so even if you believe you are the at-fault driver, allow the police and your insurance company to come to that conclusion on their own.
## What Are the Causes of Los Angeles Motor Vehicle Accidents?
Of course, every automobile accident is unique, and yours is no exception. The facts and circumstances surrounding your accident will determine how you will proceed; however, some of the more common factors and causes involved in automobile accidents include:
### 1\. Distracted Driving
[California Code 23123(a)](http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=23123.) governs driving while talking on a cell phone, while [California Code 23123.5](https://law.justia.com/codes/california/code-veh/division-11/chapter-12/article-1/section-23123-5/#:~:text=\(a\)%20A%20person%20shall%20not,and%20hands-free%20operation%2C%20and) governs texting while driving. Many experts feel distracted driving has become the top cause of car collisions in our increasingly busy lives. As a nation of multi-taskers, we have allowed that habit to extend into our time behind the wheel.
At any given moment, most drivers on the roadways likely have at least a part of their attention somewhere other than on the road. We are considering work, which child needs to be picked up or dropped off, our plans for the upcoming weekend, and what we will cook for dinner. When you add these mental distractions to actual physical distractions, you can see how this increases the risk of an accident. If you have been injured by a distracted driver, let our personal injury attorney fight for you.
Drivers routinely:
- Talk on their cell phones
- Send or receive text messages
- Eat an entire meal
- Turn around to see what the children are doing in the back seat
- Change radio stations
- Check the GPS
- Talk to passengers
- Watch what’s happening on the side of the road
In 2021, 140 people were killed in California in crashes involving a distracted driver, marking a 27.3% increase from 2020. Mobile devices continue to be the leading distraction for drivers, whether texting, taking pictures, emailing, or using apps. According to a [2023 California Office of Traffic and Safety Public Opinion Survey](https://www.ots.ca.gov/grants/distracted-driving/), 74.2% of Californians consider distracted driving, such as texting or talking, to be their primary traffic safety concern on California roadways.
Cell phone use may be the most dangerous distraction of all. Although California motorists were prohibited from talking on hand-held cell phones while driving in 2008, and a ban on texting came in 2009, subsequent studies have shown that even hands-free technology can be a huge distraction.
In a 2022 survey by the [American Automobile Association](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/texting-driving-statistics/), nearly all drivers (93%) considered texting or emailing while driving very or extremely dangerous. However, 37% admitted to reading a text or email while driving in the past month, and 27% confessed to typing one while driving. Some research points to the fact that talking on a cell phone while driving is equivalent to having a blood alcohol content of .08 percent (the legal limit).
### 2\. Fatigued Driving
California enacted a resolution that proclaimed April 6, 2005, as Drowsy Driver Awareness Day in response to the number of fatigued drivers on the roadways. According to the National Sleep Foundation, [60 percent of drivers](https://www.thensf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/National-Sleep-Foundation-Breaking-Report_Drowsy-Driving.pdf) admit to driving while feeling very tired or exhausted. More than a full third admit to falling asleep while driving. Four percent (11 million drivers) say they have been involved in a car collision or nearly had a collision because they fell asleep while driving. According to the NHTSA, a minimum of [100,000 auto collisions](https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop16050/m7.htm#:~:text=The%20National%20Highway%20Transportation%20Safety,%24125%20billion%20in%20monetary%20losses.) directly result from driver fatigue.
Here are some additional facts about fatigued driving:
- It can be difficult to determine whether an accident resulted from a fatigued driver, as there is no “test” to determine the level of fatigue.
- Self-reporting of fatigue does not result in reliable data because few people want to admit they were exhausted yet got behind the wheel anyway.
- Police are not trained to identify drowsiness as a collision factor;
- Collisions attributed to other causes may be the result of fatigued driving.
- Young adults between 18 and 29 are most likely to drive while drowsy or fatigued.
- Men are more likely than women to drive while fatigued and twice as likely to fall asleep behind the wheel.
- Adults with children in the household and shift workers are more likely to drive while drowsy or fatigued.
- Almost three-fourths of Americans drive to and from work, many of whom are drowsy drivers.
### 3\. Reckless Driving
A criminal offense, although it is punishable as a misdemeanor in most situations. Reckless driving is showing willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others or driving in a careless, reckless, or negligent manner. Reckless driving can also include failing to maintain reasonable and proper vehicle control.
Reckless driving charges under [California Vehicle Code 23103](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=23103.) can come with other criminal charges from the same incident. While reckless driving may sound relatively minor, there are major consequences associated with reckless driving charges, including imprisonment for five to 90 days, a fine of up to \$1,000, or both. If convicted of reckless driving, you will also receive two points on your driver’s license and may have your automobile insurance canceled.
Reckless driving can include:
- Excessive speed
- Tailgating
- Failure to yield
- Failure to use blinkers
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Passing red lights or stop signs in a manner that endangers others
- Changing lanes back and forth in a manner which endangers others
- Failure to have proper lights on your automobile
According to the NHTSA, inclement weather is responsible for as many as [22 percent of all automobile accidents](http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/q1_roadimpact.htm). The following types of weather can adversely affect driving:
- High winds can result in lane obstructions due to visibility issues caused by dust or lane obstructions from wind-blown debris, increasing accident risk.
- Rain can diminish visibility, result in pavement friction and lane obstructions due to accidents, and increase risk.
- Fog can also lower visibility, resulting in delays, speed variances, and an increased accident risk.
Most car collisions related to weather occur on wet pavement during rainfall. Freeway travel speeds can be reduced by three to 16 percent when rain is present—estimates of the delayed vehicle hours due to inclement weather nationwide is 544 million hours.
### 4\. Auto Defects
Auto defects, particularly with vehicles’ tires and brakes, are responsible for many auto accidents. Although radial tires manufactured today are safer than twenty-five years ago, problems can still occur due to improper air pressure or tire traction. Under-inflated tires are the number one cause of blowouts, and when a blowout occurs in heavy traffic, there could be several resulting accidents.
Research has shown that automobiles with ABS are more likely to be involved in a fatal rollover accident than other brakes. Braking systems are extremely complex and can fail for various reasons, whether improper installation or basic design flaws. Brake defects are rarely noticeable until the brakes fail. In addition to defective brakes or tires, a vehicle’s suspension keeps the car’s tires in contact with the roadway in a stable manner. Defective suspension can prevent a driver from navigating a road obstacle in a manner that avoids an accident.
### 5\. Impaired Drivers
In 2021, 1,370 people lost their lives [in alcohol-related crashes in California](https://www.ots.ca.gov/grants/alcohol-impaired-driving/), a 16% increase from 2020. These fatalities made up nearly one-third of all traffic deaths in the state.
More facts about [impaired drivers and auto accidents](https://www.ots.ca.gov/ots-and-traffic-safety/score-card/) include:
- Traffic fatalities increased by approximately 7.6%, rising from 3,980 in 2020 to 4,285 in 2021. The 2021 Mileage Death Rate (MDR), which measures fatalities per 100 million miles traveled, stood at 1.38.
- Fatalities in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers or motorcycle riders (with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher) rose by 16%, from 1,180 in 2020 to 1,370 in 2021.
- In 2021, 52.9% of all drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes who were tested showed positive results for legal or illegal drugs, representing a decrease of approximately 5.5% from 2020.
- Fatalities among unrestrained passenger vehicle occupants in all seating positions increased by 12.4%, climbing from 782 in 2020 to 878 in 2021.
- Fatal crashes involving teen drivers (ages 15-20) increased by 14.8%, from 413 in 2020 to 474 in 2021.
- [Pedestrian fatalities](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-pedestrian-accident-attorney/) increased by 9.4%, rising from 1,013 in 2020 to 1,108 in 2021, while [bicycle fatalities](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-bicycle-accident-attorney/) decreased by 8%, from 136 in 2020 to 125 in 2021.
[](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Glotzer-Leib-Los-Angeles-Car-Accident-Attorney-scaled.jpg)
## Where Do Most Car Accidents Occur?
According to the 2024 release of numbers from the [California DMV](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2021/02/estimated_fee_paid_by_county_report.pdf), California has nearly 36 million registered drivers. In the same reporting year, the [National Traffic Highway Safety Administration](https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/2021-12/ca_fy22_hsp-tag.pdf) (NHTSA) reported that California had 4,285 fatalities, marking an increase from the previous year. Unfortunately, almost half of these fatalities were pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-occupants.
The most recent California NHTSA annual report (2024) highlights reveal several concerning trends. Traffic fatalities increased by a little over 3% from the previous year, totaling 3,847. Alcohol-related fatalities saw a substantial rise of 20%, reaching 1,159. Drug-impaired fatalities involving victims who tested positive for legal and illegal drugs increased by almost 8%. Fatalities from unrestrained passengers also surged by nearly 20%, resulting in 756 deaths. Additionally, teenage driver deaths rose by about 23% from the previous reporting year.
## Common Car Crash Injuries
Although the injuries sustained from a car accident will vary from one accident to another, some injuries are more common following a car crash. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:
### Head Injuries
[Head injuries](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-brain-injury-attorney/) are among the worst injuries a person can receive from a car accident. When a collision occurs, the driver and passengers may hit their heads against a window, a dashboard, or a steering wheel, resulting in open head wounds.
The brain can also be slammed from one side of the skull to the other as the head snaps forward and backward.
[Traumatic brain injuries](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-brain-injury-attorney/) can occur, ranging from a relatively mild concussion to a coma or lasting cognitive issues.
### Back Injuries
[Back injuries](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer/) are also common among those involved in a car collision.
These injuries can range from mild to moderate pain levels, which last several days to several weeks, to [spinal cord damage](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer/), which can lead to permanent paralysis on the most severe end or reduced sensation, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, limited mobility, and pain in the arms and legs on the less severe side.
### Neck Injuries
Although [whiplash](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/whiplash/) often has a negative connotation, in part because no specific medical test can confirm it, it is a very real, very painful injury.
When a car is struck from the rear, the sudden movement of the head and neck can result in neck muscle and ligament damage, which causes great pain for the victim for a considerable amount of time.
### Chest Injuries
Blunt force trauma suffered in a car collision can result in a collapsed lung or broken ribs.
Internal bleeding in the chest area may be the most immediate problem following an [injury to the chest](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-chest-injury-lawyer/). However, there may also be damage to internal organs or to the abdomen.
### Facial Lacerations
Following a car accident, injuries to the face are commonly seen when the face strikes the windshield, collides with an airbag, strikes the dash or steering wheel, and comes into contact with shattered glass.
Bruises and scrapes are common, and lacerations and fractures can also result from a car accident. In graver car accidents, the jaw can be injured or fractured, or there can be considerable dental injuries. Our experienced car accident attorneys are ready to advocate for you.
### Psychological Injuries
Emotional trauma following a car collision is fairly common, resulting in the inability to sleep, PTSD, persistent anxiety, and depression.
A [recent study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2396820/) suggested that a full third of all those involved in a non-fatal auto accident suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder, phobias, depression, and persistent anxiety for as long as a year following the accident.
Many people who have been involved in dangerous car accidents may even find it difficult to get back into a car, whether as drivers or passengers.
Many more injuries can result from a car accident, including [broken bones](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-broken-bones-lawyer/) and other internal injuries. Even if you think you are fine following an auto accident, it is a good idea to be checked out at the ER or by your doctor.
In many cases, the adrenaline rush you experience when a car accident can mask injury symptoms. You may think you are okay, then days or even weeks following the auto accident, you can experience dire effects from an injury sustained during the collision.
At this point, it can be much more difficult to convince an insurance company that you did receive your injuries from the car crash. You need experienced car accident lawyers in your corner. We would be honored to help you.
## Speak to Our Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys Today
You can rely on our firm whenever an accident involves you, your family, or your friends. We represent clients like we would represent members of our own family and work tirelessly to ensure that you get the maximum value of the injury settlement or jury award you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto collision, [contact](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/contact/) or call Los Angeles car accident attorneys Joshua Glotzer and Daniel Leib for a free consultation at [(747) 241-8288](tel:%20+17472418288). Schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced car accident attorney.
### Related Links
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- [Los Angeles Recreational Vehicle Accident Attorney](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/recreational-vehicle/)
- [Is California a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/is-california-a-no-fault-state-for-car-accidents/)
- [Los Angeles Red Light Accident Lawyer](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/red-light-accident/)
- [Los Angeles Rear-End Collision Lawyer](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/rear-end-collision/)
- [Los Angeles Neck Injury Attorney](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/neck-injury/)
- [Los Angeles Drunk Driving Injury Lawyer](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/drunk-driving-injury/)
- [What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/what-does-a-car-accident-lawyer-do/)
- [Los Angeles Defective Airbag Attorney](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/defective-airbags/)
- [Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/statistics/)
- [Los Angeles Whiplash Lawyer](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/whiplash/)
- [Los Angeles Soft Tissue Injury Lawyer](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/soft-tissue-injury/)
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“Mr. Josh Glotzer is a great attorney. Over the last 15 years he has helped me on a number of cases with professionalism, and more importantly a positive outcome in my favor. I have referred him to a number of friends and colleagues, all of which have been equally as happy with his legal representation. I trust him and confident in legal ability. I highly recommend his law firm.”
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“My wife was in a car accident last year and Josh did an amazing job representing her. It’s very refreshing to see someone in his profession that actually cares and puts his clients first. He’s the best in the business and I feel so fortunate that I was referred to him. Keep up the great work and thanks for everything you did for my family!”
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| Readable Markdown | [ Joshua W. Glotzer, Esq Managing Partner]()
Los Angeles is one of the busiest cities in the country, and car accidents often happen when people least expect them.
If you were seriously injured, you may be unable to work while watching your medical expenses and regular bills mount alarmingly. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be eligible for compensation.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash, call Los Angeles car accident attorneys Joshua Glotzer and Daniel Leib, today at [(747) 241-8288](tel:%20+17472418288) or [message us](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/contact) for a free consultation. We advocate for car accident victims every day, so let’s discuss a potential car accident lawsuit with you.
## Our Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys Fights for Your Rights
The aftermath of a car accident can be a confusing, anxiety-ridden time. You may be in shock and shaken from the accident itself and may have sustained serious injuries as the result of another’s negligence.
Dealing with insurance companies and medical professionals while attempting to keep your “normal” life going forward can seem overwhelming.
Glozter & Leib Los Angeles car accident lawyers would be honored to fight for your rights. With experience dealing with countless car accident cases, their lawyers can also help you. Schedule a free consultation with to discuss your car accident claim.
## How Common Are Car Accidents in Los Angeles?
With a population of more than 4 million (over 10 million in Los Angeles County), Los Angeles reportedly has more cars than people. When you add the estimated 45.5 million annual visitors to Los Angeles County, you see why many consider Los Angeles traffic a veritable nightmare.
California residents and visitors are so used to driving that most would not even think about what to do after a car or truck accident.
Los Angeles car accident statistics from the CDC state that our city faces an average of 848 fatal car crashes per year, and that does not even include accidents that cause serious personal injury.
According to the latest data:
- Throughout 2022, Los Angeles experienced over 52,000 car accidents, averaging around 1,000 incidents per week.
- In the same year, more than 320 people lost their lives in fatal car accidents in Los Angeles.
As the numbers indicate, Los Angeles can be a dangerous city to drive in. If you’ve been hurt, call us to discuss your case.
When a person is hurt or killed in a car accident, there is so much that needs to be done that the victim or the victim’s family is not equipped to handle themselves. It is important to remember that insurance companies do not represent victims or policyholders—in fact, they actively seek to minimize or deny any payment. Los Angeles car accident attorney, Joshua Glotzer, advocates for his client’s best interests in the aftermath of a car wreck.
**Our LA injury firm helps motor vehicle accident victims with the following types of claims:**
- Car Accidents
- [Truck Accidents](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-truck-accident-attorney/)
- [Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-motorcycle-accident-attorney)
- [Bus Accidents](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-bus-accident-attorney/)
## The Importance of an Experienced Legal Team
The other party’s insurance company may offer to pay a minimal amount of money as settlement for your case, or they will try to make you believe that you’re not entitled to any compensation and will deny your claim altogether.
Talking to an accident attorney in Los Angeles as soon as possible after an accident can ensure that your rights to compensation under California law are protected. Whether you suffer a serious injury or a minor injury consisting of soft tissue injuries to your neck and back, our Los Angeles car accident attorneys can help you obtain compensation for your injuries.
## Why You Should Talk to an Attorney Before Dealing With an Insurance Company
After a car accident, it’s always best to talk to a lawyer first. At a minimum, you can report the accident to your own insurance company and give your own insurance company a statement. But you should never talk to, or give a statement to, the other party’s insurance company, as it may use your statement against you to minimize your personal injury claim or deny your injury claim altogether.
After a car or truck accident, insurance agents and trucking companies will try to blame for the accident on the victims to avoid paying out auto accident settlements. They aim to pay nothing or as little as possible to anyone involved in the accident. The insurance agent is a professional who does this daily; the average person is ill-equipped to stand up for his or her rights and fight back in these situations.
Our LA accident attorneys can be your advocate after a car or truck accident. Unlike a layperson, we can offer experienced negotiation skills and investigative services and file a lawsuit on your behalf if the other party does not offer a fair settlement. We are not afraid to take a car accident case to court for a trial if we believe it would have better results for our clients.
A car or truck accident case can bring closure, results, and justice to victims and families of people killed in accidents, resulting in the following and more:
- Holding those who did them harm accountable
- Receiving payment for medical bills, car repairs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more
- Changing the policies and practices of businesses, insurance companies, and/or truck companies to help prevent others from being hurt similarly
- Ensuring victims and their families get the closure and financial assistance they need to heal emotionally and physically
## Preparing for the Initial Consultation
Your Los Angeles auto accident attorney must gather all relevant information to assess your situation. During the initial consultation after a car accident, we advise you to bring as much information as possible, including:
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Emergency room bills
- Emergency room records
- Information on the other driver, such as the driver’s name, address, and telephone number
- Insurance information for both parties to the accident
- Pictures of the accident and of your injuries
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of witnesses
In California, you may not be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering if you were not insured during the accident. Talk to your lawyer about this issue if you are uninsured.
## What Compensation Are You Entitled to Following a Los Angeles Auto Collision?
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident that was not your fault—or at least mostly not your fault—you may wonder what compensation you may be entitled to. When an accident is minor, many people will file a police report and let their insurance company know. Still, they may pay the losses out of pocket to avoid potentially increasing their insurance rates.
You may be entitled to two compensatory damages for a more extreme accident: **Economic** and **Non-Economic**.
### Economic Damages
Economic damages are the most common type of damage meant to “make you whole again.” Compensatory economic damages can cover the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity (future wages)
- Property loss (damage to your vehicle)
### Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic (general) damages include those that do not have an easily-calculated dollar amount. Non-economic damages tend to be much more subjective and include the following:
- Emotional distress or trauma caused by the accident
- Pain and suffering
- The inability to have children due to accident-related injuries
- A disfigurement that causes you emotional pain
- The loss of an extremity, which can lead to psychological issues
- Loss of consortium if the auto accident resulted in a strain on your relationship
- Punitive damages could be awarded if the person who hit you is deemed careless, such as when a DUI driver injures a person. Punitive damages punish the defendant and deter others from acting similarly.
## Establishing Fault After a Car Accident
Following a car collision, the question of who was at fault typically arises after ensuring everyone is medically cared for. Determining fault can be tricky; however, from the insurance company’s perspective, it is determined in the following manner. The first issue is whether a state is “fault” or “no-fault.” Like many other states, California is considered a fault or tort state regarding automobile accidents. This means that in California before a person’s insurance pays for damages, that person must be found to be responsible for causing the accident.
In no-fault states, there is no requirement to show who was at fault. The insured person collects from his or her own insurance company for all medical expenses and lost wages. In fault states like California, when an accident occurs, the at-fault driver’s insurance will pay for car repairs, medical expenses, and other losses such as lost wages or pain and suffering.
California also follows the [pure comparative negligence law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparative_negligence), which allocates fault between the parties, reducing recovery accordingly. This means if the damages in an auto accident amounted to \$60,000 and were judged to be 20 percent at fault, you can still recover damages for 80 percent of that \$60,000, or \$48,000. In other words, you will seek compensation directly proportional to your degree of responsibility for the crash.
For instance, let’s say a driver who is going over the speed limit hits you as you quickly change lanes. The court may find the speeding driver 60 percent responsible since, if he or she had been driving the speed limit, your sudden lane change might not have resulted in an accident. The remaining 40 percent of responsibility may be allocated to you for failing to look and signal before changing lanes properly.
### Factors Involved in Determining Fault
There are many factors involved in determining who was at fault for your auto accident, such as:
#### 1\. The Police Report
The police report is a vital piece of the puzzle in determining who was at fault in an auto accident. Police officers are trained to determine fault in the face of conflicting stories and to accurately “read” the evidence at the accident scene. Insurance companies will typically put significant stock in the police report.
#### 2\. Evidence You Collect
Following your auto accident, if you are not severely injured, it can be extremely helpful to your eventual case to take photographs of the vehicles, injuries, and scene of the accident to help your insurance company determine fault.
If there were witnesses to the accident, make sure you jot down names and phone numbers, giving your Los Angeles auto accident attorney a strong foundation to build your case.
#### 3\. Which Driver Admits Fault at the Scene
You must never admit fault at the scene of an accident. Cooperate with the police and exchange information with the other driver, but do no more than state the facts. You may not be aware of the true cause of your accident, so even if you believe you are the at-fault driver, allow the police and your insurance company to come to that conclusion on their own.
## What Are the Causes of Los Angeles Motor Vehicle Accidents?
Of course, every automobile accident is unique, and yours is no exception. The facts and circumstances surrounding your accident will determine how you will proceed; however, some of the more common factors and causes involved in automobile accidents include:
### 1\. Distracted Driving
[California Code 23123(a)](http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=23123.) governs driving while talking on a cell phone, while [California Code 23123.5](https://law.justia.com/codes/california/code-veh/division-11/chapter-12/article-1/section-23123-5/#:~:text=\(a\)%20A%20person%20shall%20not,and%20hands-free%20operation%2C%20and) governs texting while driving. Many experts feel distracted driving has become the top cause of car collisions in our increasingly busy lives. As a nation of multi-taskers, we have allowed that habit to extend into our time behind the wheel.
At any given moment, most drivers on the roadways likely have at least a part of their attention somewhere other than on the road. We are considering work, which child needs to be picked up or dropped off, our plans for the upcoming weekend, and what we will cook for dinner. When you add these mental distractions to actual physical distractions, you can see how this increases the risk of an accident. If you have been injured by a distracted driver, let our personal injury attorney fight for you.
Drivers routinely:
- Talk on their cell phones
- Send or receive text messages
- Eat an entire meal
- Turn around to see what the children are doing in the back seat
- Change radio stations
- Check the GPS
- Talk to passengers
- Watch what’s happening on the side of the road
In 2021, 140 people were killed in California in crashes involving a distracted driver, marking a 27.3% increase from 2020. Mobile devices continue to be the leading distraction for drivers, whether texting, taking pictures, emailing, or using apps. According to a [2023 California Office of Traffic and Safety Public Opinion Survey](https://www.ots.ca.gov/grants/distracted-driving/), 74.2% of Californians consider distracted driving, such as texting or talking, to be their primary traffic safety concern on California roadways.
Cell phone use may be the most dangerous distraction of all. Although California motorists were prohibited from talking on hand-held cell phones while driving in 2008, and a ban on texting came in 2009, subsequent studies have shown that even hands-free technology can be a huge distraction.
In a 2022 survey by the [American Automobile Association](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/texting-driving-statistics/), nearly all drivers (93%) considered texting or emailing while driving very or extremely dangerous. However, 37% admitted to reading a text or email while driving in the past month, and 27% confessed to typing one while driving. Some research points to the fact that talking on a cell phone while driving is equivalent to having a blood alcohol content of .08 percent (the legal limit).
### 2\. Fatigued Driving
California enacted a resolution that proclaimed April 6, 2005, as Drowsy Driver Awareness Day in response to the number of fatigued drivers on the roadways. According to the National Sleep Foundation, [60 percent of drivers](https://www.thensf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/National-Sleep-Foundation-Breaking-Report_Drowsy-Driving.pdf) admit to driving while feeling very tired or exhausted. More than a full third admit to falling asleep while driving. Four percent (11 million drivers) say they have been involved in a car collision or nearly had a collision because they fell asleep while driving. According to the NHTSA, a minimum of [100,000 auto collisions](https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop16050/m7.htm#:~:text=The%20National%20Highway%20Transportation%20Safety,%24125%20billion%20in%20monetary%20losses.) directly result from driver fatigue.
Here are some additional facts about fatigued driving:
- It can be difficult to determine whether an accident resulted from a fatigued driver, as there is no “test” to determine the level of fatigue.
- Self-reporting of fatigue does not result in reliable data because few people want to admit they were exhausted yet got behind the wheel anyway.
- Police are not trained to identify drowsiness as a collision factor;
- Collisions attributed to other causes may be the result of fatigued driving.
- Young adults between 18 and 29 are most likely to drive while drowsy or fatigued.
- Men are more likely than women to drive while fatigued and twice as likely to fall asleep behind the wheel.
- Adults with children in the household and shift workers are more likely to drive while drowsy or fatigued.
- Almost three-fourths of Americans drive to and from work, many of whom are drowsy drivers.
### 3\. Reckless Driving
A criminal offense, although it is punishable as a misdemeanor in most situations. Reckless driving is showing willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others or driving in a careless, reckless, or negligent manner. Reckless driving can also include failing to maintain reasonable and proper vehicle control.
Reckless driving charges under [California Vehicle Code 23103](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=23103.) can come with other criminal charges from the same incident. While reckless driving may sound relatively minor, there are major consequences associated with reckless driving charges, including imprisonment for five to 90 days, a fine of up to \$1,000, or both. If convicted of reckless driving, you will also receive two points on your driver’s license and may have your automobile insurance canceled.
Reckless driving can include:
- Excessive speed
- Tailgating
- Failure to yield
- Failure to use blinkers
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Passing red lights or stop signs in a manner that endangers others
- Changing lanes back and forth in a manner which endangers others
- Failure to have proper lights on your automobile
According to the NHTSA, inclement weather is responsible for as many as [22 percent of all automobile accidents](http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/q1_roadimpact.htm). The following types of weather can adversely affect driving:
- High winds can result in lane obstructions due to visibility issues caused by dust or lane obstructions from wind-blown debris, increasing accident risk.
- Rain can diminish visibility, result in pavement friction and lane obstructions due to accidents, and increase risk.
- Fog can also lower visibility, resulting in delays, speed variances, and an increased accident risk.
Most car collisions related to weather occur on wet pavement during rainfall. Freeway travel speeds can be reduced by three to 16 percent when rain is present—estimates of the delayed vehicle hours due to inclement weather nationwide is 544 million hours.
### 4\. Auto Defects
Auto defects, particularly with vehicles’ tires and brakes, are responsible for many auto accidents. Although radial tires manufactured today are safer than twenty-five years ago, problems can still occur due to improper air pressure or tire traction. Under-inflated tires are the number one cause of blowouts, and when a blowout occurs in heavy traffic, there could be several resulting accidents.
Research has shown that automobiles with ABS are more likely to be involved in a fatal rollover accident than other brakes. Braking systems are extremely complex and can fail for various reasons, whether improper installation or basic design flaws. Brake defects are rarely noticeable until the brakes fail. In addition to defective brakes or tires, a vehicle’s suspension keeps the car’s tires in contact with the roadway in a stable manner. Defective suspension can prevent a driver from navigating a road obstacle in a manner that avoids an accident.
### 5\. Impaired Drivers
In 2021, 1,370 people lost their lives [in alcohol-related crashes in California](https://www.ots.ca.gov/grants/alcohol-impaired-driving/), a 16% increase from 2020. These fatalities made up nearly one-third of all traffic deaths in the state.
More facts about [impaired drivers and auto accidents](https://www.ots.ca.gov/ots-and-traffic-safety/score-card/) include:
- Traffic fatalities increased by approximately 7.6%, rising from 3,980 in 2020 to 4,285 in 2021. The 2021 Mileage Death Rate (MDR), which measures fatalities per 100 million miles traveled, stood at 1.38.
- Fatalities in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers or motorcycle riders (with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher) rose by 16%, from 1,180 in 2020 to 1,370 in 2021.
- In 2021, 52.9% of all drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes who were tested showed positive results for legal or illegal drugs, representing a decrease of approximately 5.5% from 2020.
- Fatalities among unrestrained passenger vehicle occupants in all seating positions increased by 12.4%, climbing from 782 in 2020 to 878 in 2021.
- Fatal crashes involving teen drivers (ages 15-20) increased by 14.8%, from 413 in 2020 to 474 in 2021.
- [Pedestrian fatalities](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-pedestrian-accident-attorney/) increased by 9.4%, rising from 1,013 in 2020 to 1,108 in 2021, while [bicycle fatalities](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-bicycle-accident-attorney/) decreased by 8%, from 136 in 2020 to 125 in 2021.
[](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Glotzer-Leib-Los-Angeles-Car-Accident-Attorney-scaled.jpg)
## Where Do Most Car Accidents Occur?
According to the 2024 release of numbers from the [California DMV](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2021/02/estimated_fee_paid_by_county_report.pdf), California has nearly 36 million registered drivers. In the same reporting year, the [National Traffic Highway Safety Administration](https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/2021-12/ca_fy22_hsp-tag.pdf) (NHTSA) reported that California had 4,285 fatalities, marking an increase from the previous year. Unfortunately, almost half of these fatalities were pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-occupants.
The most recent California NHTSA annual report (2024) highlights reveal several concerning trends. Traffic fatalities increased by a little over 3% from the previous year, totaling 3,847. Alcohol-related fatalities saw a substantial rise of 20%, reaching 1,159. Drug-impaired fatalities involving victims who tested positive for legal and illegal drugs increased by almost 8%. Fatalities from unrestrained passengers also surged by nearly 20%, resulting in 756 deaths. Additionally, teenage driver deaths rose by about 23% from the previous reporting year.
## Common Car Crash Injuries
Although the injuries sustained from a car accident will vary from one accident to another, some injuries are more common following a car crash. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:
### Head Injuries
[Head injuries](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-brain-injury-attorney/) are among the worst injuries a person can receive from a car accident. When a collision occurs, the driver and passengers may hit their heads against a window, a dashboard, or a steering wheel, resulting in open head wounds.
The brain can also be slammed from one side of the skull to the other as the head snaps forward and backward.
[Traumatic brain injuries](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-brain-injury-attorney/) can occur, ranging from a relatively mild concussion to a coma or lasting cognitive issues.
### Back Injuries
[Back injuries](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer/) are also common among those involved in a car collision.
These injuries can range from mild to moderate pain levels, which last several days to several weeks, to [spinal cord damage](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer/), which can lead to permanent paralysis on the most severe end or reduced sensation, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, limited mobility, and pain in the arms and legs on the less severe side.
### Neck Injuries
Although [whiplash](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-car-accident-attorney/whiplash/) often has a negative connotation, in part because no specific medical test can confirm it, it is a very real, very painful injury.
When a car is struck from the rear, the sudden movement of the head and neck can result in neck muscle and ligament damage, which causes great pain for the victim for a considerable amount of time.
### Chest Injuries
Blunt force trauma suffered in a car collision can result in a collapsed lung or broken ribs.
Internal bleeding in the chest area may be the most immediate problem following an [injury to the chest](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-chest-injury-lawyer/). However, there may also be damage to internal organs or to the abdomen.
### Facial Lacerations
Following a car accident, injuries to the face are commonly seen when the face strikes the windshield, collides with an airbag, strikes the dash or steering wheel, and comes into contact with shattered glass.
Bruises and scrapes are common, and lacerations and fractures can also result from a car accident. In graver car accidents, the jaw can be injured or fractured, or there can be considerable dental injuries. Our experienced car accident attorneys are ready to advocate for you.
### Psychological Injuries
Emotional trauma following a car collision is fairly common, resulting in the inability to sleep, PTSD, persistent anxiety, and depression.
A [recent study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2396820/) suggested that a full third of all those involved in a non-fatal auto accident suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder, phobias, depression, and persistent anxiety for as long as a year following the accident.
Many people who have been involved in dangerous car accidents may even find it difficult to get back into a car, whether as drivers or passengers.
Many more injuries can result from a car accident, including [broken bones](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/los-angeles-broken-bones-lawyer/) and other internal injuries. Even if you think you are fine following an auto accident, it is a good idea to be checked out at the ER or by your doctor.
In many cases, the adrenaline rush you experience when a car accident can mask injury symptoms. You may think you are okay, then days or even weeks following the auto accident, you can experience dire effects from an injury sustained during the collision.
At this point, it can be much more difficult to convince an insurance company that you did receive your injuries from the car crash. You need experienced car accident lawyers in your corner. We would be honored to help you.
## Speak to Our Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys Today
You can rely on our firm whenever an accident involves you, your family, or your friends. We represent clients like we would represent members of our own family and work tirelessly to ensure that you get the maximum value of the injury settlement or jury award you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto collision, [contact](https://www.socalpersonalinjurylawyer.com/contact/) or call Los Angeles car accident attorneys Joshua Glotzer and Daniel Leib for a free consultation at [(747) 241-8288](tel:%20+17472418288). Schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced car accident attorney. |
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