Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers

What Should I Do After an Accident?

Knowing what steps to take after an accident in Los Angeles can protect your health and legal rights. Whether it’s a car accident, slip and fall, or any other type of personal injury, here’s what you should do:

• Ensure safety. Move to a safe area if possible and check yourself and others for injuries. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers if you’re on the road.
• Call 911. Report the accident and request emergency services. The police will create an official report, which can be crucial for your case. If medical attention is needed, paramedics will provide immediate care.
• Document the scene. Take photos and videos of the accident location, any property damage, injuries, and relevant details like road conditions or hazards. These visuals can serve as vital evidence for your claim.
• Gather information. Collect names, contact details, and insurance information from all parties involved. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information as well.
• Avoid discussing fault. Refrain from admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later. Stick to the facts when speaking with the police or others at the scene.
• Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately, and medical records will help link your injuries to the accident.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer. Consulting our experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorneys early on can protect your rights and ensure you’re properly compensated. We will handle insurance companies and legal paperwork while you focus on recovery.

Taking these steps after an accident can strengthen your claim and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact us for a free consultation. We’re here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

How the Personal Injury Claim Process Works

Going through a personal injury claim can feel overwhelming, but our experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyers make the process straightforward and stress-free. Here’s how it typically works:

• Free Initial Consultation – Your first meeting with our team is always free. We’ll discuss the details of your case, including the nature of your injuries, how the accident occurred, and the damages you’ve experienced.
• Filing Your Claim – Once we gather the necessary evidence, we’ll file a formal petition or complaint with the court to begin your personal injury case.
• Serving the At-Fault Party – The at-fault party, known as the defendant, will be served a copy of the petition or complaint, notifying them of the legal action against them.
• Defendant’s Response – After being served, the defendant has a limited time to respond. They may choose to hire legal representation to address the claims.
• Pre-Trial Discovery – During this phase, both sides exchange evidence and witness information. This can include police reports, medical records, insurance communications, and statements from witnesses.
• Settlement Negotiations – Most personal injury cases are resolved during this stage through settlement discussions, mediation, or arbitration, avoiding the need for a trial.
• Trial (if necessary) – If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case will proceed to trial. Our team is fully prepared to present a strong case and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
• Verdict – If we win your case, you’ll receive the compensation awarded by the court or agreed upon in the settlement. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing—our fees are only paid if we recover money for you.

How Can Hiring Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys Help?

Being injured in an accident can disrupt your life in many ways. Along with the physical pain and emotional stress, you may face mounting medical bills, lost income, and other unexpected expenses. Trying to manage these challenges while dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming and often leads to accepting less compensation than you deserve.

That’s why having an experienced personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles is essential. Our team is committed to protecting your rights and helping you secure the compensation you’re entitled to. A Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can:

• Investigate the accident and collect the necessary evidence to support your claim.
• Protect you from unfair accusations if the other party tries to shift the blame.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
• Take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to provide reasonable compensation.

We’re here to handle the details while you focus on recovering and moving forward.

Common Types of Personal Injury Claims We Handle in LA

Personal injury cases often result in severe and life-altering injuries. Here are some of the most common types of injuries we handle in LA:

• Traumatic brain injuries from car accidents, falls, or other incidents can lead to lasting complications. We work with medical experts to demonstrate the long-term impact on your life and future.
• Spinal cord injuries can result in limited mobility or paralysis. Our team fights to ensure your settlement covers ongoing care, therapy, and medical expenses.
• Broken bones often require extensive treatment and recovery, causing pain and potential long-term disability. We aim to secure compensation for these medical costs and hardships.
• Internal injuries from blunt force trauma can lead to significant organ damage and costly medical treatments. We seek financial recovery for these damages and related expenses.
• Severe burns can require multiple skin grafts and leave permanent scars or disfigurement. We advocate for compensation that accounts for both the physical and emotional toll of these injuries.
• Loss of a loved one due to negligence can have devastating emotional and financial effects. We work to secure compensation for funeral costs, loss of income, and the pain of losing companionship.

Types of Cases Our Personal Injury Lawyers Handle in LA

At Thompson Law, our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys have extensive experience helping clients recover compensation for a wide range of accidents. We understand that many accidents are preventable and result from someone else’s negligence. If you’ve been injured due to another party’s carelessness, contact us for a free, no-obligation case review.

Here are some types of personal injury cases we handle in Los Angeles:

• Car accidents – Car crashes can lead to severe injuries and financial challenges. If your accident was caused by distracted driving, reckless actions, or negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
• Construction site injuries – Construction sites are inherently dangerous, with risks such as falls, unsafe scaffolding, defective equipment, and inadequate safety measures. If you’ve been injured on a job site, we’ll help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
• Medical malpractice – Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to provide proper care. When medical errors or negligence cause harm, the consequences can be devastating. Our team is here to advocate for victims of medical malpractice.
• Defective products – When unsafe or faulty products cause injury, manufacturers, designers, or distributors may be held accountable. We’ll fight to ensure the responsible parties are held liable for the harm caused.
• Workplace injuries – Unsafe working conditions can lead to accidents involving falls, equipment malfunctions, or exposure to hazardous materials. If you’ve been injured at work, we can guide you in seeking appropriate compensation.

We also represent clients in cases involving:

• Catastrophic injuries
• Commercial vehicle accidents
• Slip and fall injuries
• Dog bites
• Motorcycle accidents
• Trucking accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Oil field injuries
• Wrongful death

If your specific injury isn’t listed here, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles are dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you need to recover and move forward. Contact us today to discuss your case.

Why Choose Thompson Law

Selecting the right legal team after an accident is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your recovery and compensation. At Thompson Law, we bring experience, dedication, and a client-focused approach to every case. Here’s why we’re a trusted choice for personal injury cases in Los Angeles:

• No upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we win your case and recover compensation for you.
• Proven success. With over $1.9 billion recovered for our clients, our team has the expertise to achieve the best possible outcome.
• Simple and fast process. Getting started is easy. Contact us anytime, speak with a lawyer right away, and sign up quickly from your smartphone or computer. We’ll begin working on your case immediately.
• Always available. Accidents don’t wait for convenient times, and neither do we. Our team is here 24/7 to provide the support and guidance you need.
• Personalized care. We treat every client with respect and compassion, keeping you informed and involved throughout the process.
• Bilingual support. Our bilingual team is ready to assist Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring language is never a barrier to justice.

At Thompson Law, we’re dedicated to maximizing your compensation and making the legal process as stress-free as possible. Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or building a strong case, we handle every detail so you can focus on healing.

California law sets a strict deadline for filing a claim, so don’t delay. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers fight for the justice and financial relief you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between personal accident and personal injury?

Personal accident typically refers to insurance coverage that pays a fixed amount for injuries from accidents, regardless of who is at fault. Examples include benefits for broken bones or burns under accident insurance policies.

Personal injury, however, involves legal claims where your injury results from another person’s negligence. Common personal injury cases in Los Angeles include car accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, or medical malpractice. These cases seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and other damages caused by the responsible party.

What qualifies as an injury?

An injury in personal injury law includes physical, emotional, or financial harm caused by an accident or someone’s negligence. Examples include:

• Physical harm such as broken bones, burns, whiplash, or traumatic brain injuries.
• Emotional distress like PTSD, anxiety, or depression caused by the incident.
• Financial losses from medical expenses, lost income, or long-term rehabilitation needs.

What is the difference between personal injury and negligence?

Personal injury is a type of legal case where someone is harmed because of another party’s actions or negligence. This category includes car crashes, defective products, or unsafe premises.

Negligence is a key legal concept in personal injury cases. It means someone failed to act with reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. Proving negligence—such as distracted driving or failure to maintain safe property conditions—is essential to winning a personal injury case in Los Angeles.

How much compensation can you get for a personal injury in Los Angeles?

Compensation varies widely depending on the case’s details, including injury severity, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Typical ranges include:

• Minor injuries, such as sprains, often settle between $3,000 and $10,000.
• Moderate injuries, like fractures or surgery, may result in $25,000 to $100,000.
• Severe injuries, such as paralysis or brain trauma, can lead to settlements exceeding $500,000 or even millions in catastrophic cases.

How long does a personal injury case take in Los Angeles?

The timeline for a personal injury case depends on factors like the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and negotiations with insurance companies.

• Simple cases with minor injuries may settle in a few months.
• Complex cases involving disputes over liability or severe injuries may take one to two years or longer, especially if they go to trial.
  Our team works diligently to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.