Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer

• Over 100 years of combined legal experience. Founded in 2003.
• Hundreds of millions recovered for car accident victims across California.
• Free consultation. No fee unless we win. Available 24/7 at (310) 361-3010.

Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

Under the California Statute of Limitations (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1), you have just two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. The clock starts ticking immediately after the crash, and it doesn’t stop while you’re recovering or negotiating with an insurer.

The stakes in Los Angeles are particularly high. Insurance companies here handle thousands of claims a year from the clogged freeways 405, 101, 110, and I-10. They’ll try to pay you as little as possible and close your claim fast. By the time you understand what your case is worth, it may already be too late.

And over 20% of California drivers carry no insurance at all, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). If the driver who hit you is one of them, you may still have legal options, but you’ll need to move quickly.

This is where BANA LAW steps in. We communicate with the insurer and build a claim that includes all your losses. And if the insurer refuses a fair offer, we can take your case to trial. Call us at (310) 361-3010 for a free case review.

Car Accidents by the Numbers in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the most dangerous places in the country for a car accident. Here are some of the facts and figures you need to know:

• California recorded 4,061 traffic fatalities in 2023. Los Angeles County claimed more of those deaths than any other county in the state, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.
• 336 people died in traffic crashes in the City of Los Angeles in 2023. This was the highest fatality total in more than 20 years.
• California’s minimum auto insurance requirements rose to 30/60/15 on January 1, 2025, under Senate Bill 1107. But many drivers on the road now still carry pre-SB 1107 policies that are inadequate in a serious injury case.
• The most dangerous freeways in LA County are the I-405, I-110, US-101, and I-10. They account for a large share of the county’s fatal and injury crashes each year. Sunset Blvd, Wilshire Blvd, and Vermont Ave also consistently show up in LAPD traffic collision records.
• Minor injury settlements in California can range from $5,000 to $25,000. But if you suffered a catastrophic or permanent injury and had high medical costs and damages, your case could reach seven figures.

Los Angeles Car Accident Analysis (2025–2026 Trends)

Speed is often a factor in LA crashes. In California, 1,303 people were killed in speeding-related crashes in 2023. That’s 32% of all traffic deaths in the state. And Los Angeles County recorded 299 of those deaths and 1,124 serious injuries, more than any other county in California.

Timing is important, too. The most dangerous time to be on the road nationally is usually the afternoon rush, with Friday afternoons producing more accidents than any other day of the week. LA is no exception, with heavy congestion, end-of-week tiredness, and drivers wanting to get home faster all contributing.

Some of the worst stretches for accidents in the city are I-5, I-10, US-101, I-105, and I-405. Here, high traffic volume and vehicles merging into fast-moving traffic create a constant risk of crashes. And Downtown Los Angeles saw more fatal collisions than any other part of the city in 2023, according to Crosstown LA’s analysis of LAPD Traffic Division data.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Los Angeles

Every accident type is different, and so is the path to getting you paid. BANA LAW handles the full range of car crashes across Los Angeles County:

• Rear-end collisions. The rear driver is almost always responsible, but getting what you deserve after a
  rear-end crash can still be challenging. Insurers may dispute the severity of your injuries, particularly in whiplash and soft-tissue cases.
• Head-on collisions. Head-on crashes, some of the most deadly accident types, often involve wrong-way driving or a vehicle crossing the center line at speed.
• T-bone and side-impact collisions. Side-impacts typically happen when drivers run red lights or fail to yield at LA intersections. Passengers on the struck side are often seriously injured as they lack protection.
• Rollover accidents. Rollover crashes often involve SUVs and trucks and can result in head injuries, spinal trauma, and fatalities.
• Hit-and-run accidents. Report the hit-and-run to police immediately and call a lawyer before you speak to an insurer. Your own uninsured motorist coverage may pay out even if the other driver is never found.
• DUI accidents. Courts can award punitive damages in DUI cases on top of compensation to punish the at-fault driver. Insurers may be more willing to settle fairly, as they could face a much larger payout.
• Drugged driving accidents. Impairment from prescription drugs, marijuana, and other substances causes many crashes throughout LA County. Drugged driving accident cases can be tricky to litigate as they require specific evidence to establish impairment.
• Rideshare accidents. Rideshare crashes can be complex, as insurance coverage changes based on the Uber or Lyft driver’s status at the time of the crash.
• Tesla and autonomous vehicle accidents. Liability in Tesla and other AV crashes is still being defined under California law and may involve both driver and manufacturer responsibility.
• Multi-vehicle accidents. Freeway pile-ups can be tricky, as they require tracing the fault across multiple parties. We typically work with accident reconstruction experts in such cases.
• Distracted driving accidents. Phone use while driving causes many crashes in LA each year. Documenting the distraction can be challenging, but it is key to building a strong claim.
• Uninsured motorist accidents. If the at-fault driver in your crash lacks sufficient insurance coverage, your own UM/UIM policy can step in.
• Intersection accidents. Intersection crashes are common in LA, whether they result from drivers running red lights or right-of-way confusion. Accident reconstruction is often required to determine the cause of the crash.
• Road rage accidents. Road rage and deliberate aggressive maneuvers can support your negligence claim and push damages above those of a standard crash.
• Parking lot accidents. Low-speed crashes in parking lots still cause real injuries and raise liability questions, even if insurers often try to minimize payouts in such crashes.
• Drowsy driving accidents. Proving that driver fatigue caused your accident can be tricky unless there is evidence, such as driver logs in crashes involving commercial trucks, phone records, and eyewitness statements.
• School zone accidents. Crashes near schools are subject to specific speed laws and may even give rise to municipal liability, depending on the circumstances.
• Reckless driving accidents. Reckless driving isn’t just a triviality. Aggressive, high-speed, or careless driving that goes beyond standard negligence can lead to higher damages in your claim.

After any type of car crash in LA, getting legal advice helps you understand the next best steps to protect your health and compensation claim. Contact us to discuss your specific accident type with our Los Angeles car accident attorneys.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Los Angeles

Driver error and negligence are the leading causes of crashes nationally, according to the
NHTSA’s crash causation study. And LA is no exception. Proving exactly why your crash happened is essential to win your case. We investigate the causes of LA collisions to secure the necessary evidence:

• Distracted Driving: We can pull phone records to prove the driver was texting or distracted.
• Unsafe Speed and Lane Changes: Dashcam footage, witness statements, and skid marks on freeways like the 101 and 110 can show that a driver was too fast or cut across lanes without looking.
• Impairment (DUI): A police report and toxicology results from the night of the crash are the foundation of an impaired driving claim. We can secure both to strengthen your claim.
• Bad Weather and Road Conditions: We hold drivers accountable for failing to adjust their speed and driving behavior to rain, glare or a poor road surface.
• Vehicle Defects: Sometimes, the fault for your accident lies with the manufacturer. We can inspect a vehicle with industry experts to determine whether a manufacturing defect (like failing brakes or malfunctioning steering) caused your crash.
• Fatigue and Drowsiness: Commercial driver logs and electronic data from the vehicle itself can show how long a driver had been on the road before the crash. That evidence is time-sensitive, and BANA LAW moves immediately to secure it.

Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Los Angeles

Crosstown LA’s analysis of LAPD collision data identified South Figueroa and Slauson Avenue in South Los Angeles as the city’s most dangerous intersection, with 66 serious crashes recorded over four years. The intersection is just one block away from an I-110 freeway exit.

Proximity to highway off-ramps is a pattern in car crashes in LA. The intersections closest to freeway exits consistently produce crashes. Sepulveda Blvd and Roscoe Blvd in Panorama City recorded 65 serious collisions over the same period, and they are just two blocks from the 405.

The freeways are where the accident numbers explode. Crosstown’s analysis of CHP crash records ranked the northbound I-110 between the 105 and 101 as the most dangerous freeway stretch in the city, with over 160 crashes per mile. The I-405 and I-10 are not far behind, with drivers merging at speed into heavy traffic.

Off the freeways, Vermont Ave, Sunset Blvd, and Wilshire Blvd see some of the highest collision rates of any roads in the city. The heavy traffic, busy crosswalks, and drivers running red lights make these streets dangerous at any time of day.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles

The steps you take in the hours and days after a crash in LA directly affect how much compensation you can recover. Follow these seven steps:

1. Get to safety. Move your vehicle out of traffic if you can do so safely. Turn on your hazard lights and stay well clear of moving lanes.
2. Call 911 and get a police report. Make sure the police attend your crash. A written police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence you can have. Request emergency medical assistance if you or anyone else is injured.
3. Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine, some injuries, including concussions and soft tissue damage, may only show up hours after a crash. But waiting too long to see a doctor can be a mistake, as it gives the insurer ammunition to reduce or deny your claim.
4. Document the scene. If you’re able, photograph all involved vehicles, the intersection, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Don’t forget to ask for witness names and contact information. A witness statement, especially if there is little other evidence, can prove your case.
5. Exchange information. Exchange information with other drivers, but don’t say anything about fault. While partial fault does not bar your claim under California’s pure comparative negligence law (Cal. Civ. Code § 1714(a)), it does reduce your compensation. What you say at the crash scene could be used against you later.
6. Don’t give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer. You are not required to give recorded statements. Adjusters often use them to trip victims up and pay them less than they deserve. Ask insurers to deal with your attorney instead.
7. Call a Los Angeles car accident attorney before you call an insurer. Your attorney protects your claim and advises you on what to say so you don’t lower your compensation award.

Compensation Available After a Los Angeles Car Accident

Your losses after a car accident aren’t just an emergency room bill. A full claim covers every category of damage the crash caused you. Depending on the specifics of your claim, you could recover:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospitalization, physical therapy, and any medical equipment you need during recovery.
• Future medical costs, if your injuries require ongoing treatment. We use medical experts to calculate your estimated future expenses.
• Lost wages, such as income you lost during recovery. Lost wages can include salary, freelance income, and business revenue.
• Loss of earning capacity, if your injuries permanently reduce your ability to work at the same level as before the accident. You could claim the difference in lifetime earnings.
• Pain and suffering, such as physical pain and emotional distress. If you’re severely injured, such non-economic damages may exceed your economic losses.
• Property damage, if your vehicle and other belongings require repair or replacement. When calculating your vehicle’s value, make sure you consult the Kelley Blue Book (KBB), as insurance adjusters may undervalue it.
• Loss of consortium, if the injuries had an impact on your relationship with your partner or spouse. Your spouse or partner may be able to claim loss of consortium damages.
• Punitive damages are awarded in rare cases involving deliberately harmful conduct. In a DUI crash, for example, a jury may award punitive damages in addition to compensation.

Typical Settlement Ranges

Every accident and injury is unique, and there is no “average” Los Angeles car accident settlement. Compensation varies widely based on injury severity, fault, and the insurance available from the at-fault driver. Here are some examples of settlement ranges:

• Minor injuries, including whiplash and soft tissue damage, usually settle for $5,000 to $25,000.
• Moderate injuries such as broken bones or concussions can settle for between $25,000 and $100,000.
• Severe and catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage, can reach into seven figures.
• Wrongful death cases are variable, but may result in seven-figure recoveries.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, and every case depends on its specific facts.

Call our Los Angeles auto accident attorneys at (310) 361-3010 to get a realistic assessment of what your case may be worth.

California Car Accident Laws You Need to Know

California has some laws that directly affect what you can claim and how long you have to claim it. Knowing these laws before you talk to an insurer could make a difference to your case.

• Statute of limitations. Under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For property damage claims only, the deadline extends to three years under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 338. But if a government entity is involved, you only have six months to file a claim.
• Pure comparative negligence. California follows pure comparative negligence. This means if you were 20% at fault for a crash, you can only recover 80% of your damages. Even if you were mostly at fault, you can still recover something. But having a lawyer in your corner is crucial, as insurers may try to assign you more fault to reduce your compensation.
  
• At-fault (tort) system. California is not a no-fault state. The driver responsible for the crash is responsible for the damages. This means you can file a claim directly against the at-fault driver’s insurer.
• SB 1107 minimum insurance. Senate Bill 1107, which became effective on January 1, 2025, raised California’s minimum auto insurance limits to 30/60/15 ($30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage). The previous minimums had not changed since 1967. Unfortunately, drivers on the road today may still carry the old limits.
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. California law requires insurers to offer UM/UIM coverage, but drivers can reject it in writing. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured and you carry UM/UIM coverage, your own policy becomes your safety net.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in Los Angeles?

When you work with us, you pay $0 out of pocket. BANA LAW handles car accident cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there is no fee unless we win and you recover compensation.

The standard contingency fee in California is 33% of the recovery if the case resolves before a lawsuit is filed. If a case proceeds through litigation, the fee is typically 40%. We will also front your case expenses, including filing fees, expert witness costs, and investigative costs, so you have nothing to worry about. Our Los Angeles car accident attorneys will walk you through exactly how expenses work before you sign anything.

Real Results — Los Angeles Car Accident Cases

These are some of the results BANA LAW has recovered for real clients:

• $23,700,000: Motorcycle vs truck accident
• $6,250,000: Motorcycle vs truck accident
• $4,500,000: Auto accident
• $4,290,000: Pickup truck accident
• $3,400,000: Rideshare accident
• $3,000,000: Pedestrian accident

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case depends on its specific facts.

Why Choose BANA LAW After a Los Angeles Car Accident

BANA LAW was founded in 2003 by P. Ryan Banafshe to fight for injured Californians against insurance companies. More than 20 years later, the firm has eight attorneys focused on personal injury law and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients across California. Here’s what sets us apart:

• We try cases. Many firms in LA settle everything to avoid the cost of a trial. BANA LAW fights hard for what clients deserve, and we go to court when the insurer’s offer falls short. Insurance companies know, and they settle higher with firms that try cases.
• Over 100 years of combined legal experience. Your case is handled by a licensed attorney from day one, not a paralegal or case manager.
• Se Habla Español. Our team serves clients in English and Spanish. We are one of the few LA personal injury firms that can represent you fully in both languages, from the first call through to settlement.
• We advance all case costs. Filing fees, expert witnesses, and investigations are all covered by us until your case resolves. You pay nothing out of pocket.
• Recognized by the legal community. P. Ryan Banafshe holds recognition from Best Lawyers in America (2024), Super Lawyers (2025), Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent (2025), Avvo 10.0 Top Rated, Best Law Firms (2025), Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Attorney.
• California State Bar verified. P. Ryan Banafshe (Bar #224061) is an active member of the California State Bar and in good standing.

Our Los Angeles office is at 1875 Century Park East, Suite 1500. We’re here for you 24 hours a day.

How to Choose the Right Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

Choosing an LA car accident lawyer for your case is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Most people compare only two or three firms before choosing, or end up picking a firm from a billboard. Here is what to do instead:

Look for a Firm That Tries Cases

Insurers in LA know the firms that litigate and price their offers accordingly. This means a firm with a genuine trial record usually gets better offers before a court date is ever set. Ask any attorney you speak with: how many car accident cases have you taken to trial in the past two years? The answer tells you more than hundreds of testimonials.

Make Sure You Work Directly with an Attorney

Many large firms assign your file to a paralegal after the initial consultation. Ask this question directly: “Will I be working with you, or will my case be handled by a case manager?” The answer tells you how much attention your case will receive from a qualified attorney.

Ask About Trial Verdicts, Not Just Settlement Totals

Firms that settle large volumes of low-value cases can show impressive total recovery numbers without ever actually winning a high-stakes serious injury case at trial. Ask for specific verdicts in cases similar to yours. A firm with real trial experience can help you get better results, even if your case never goes to trial.

Contingency Fee Structure

A lawyer who bills hourly gets paid whether you win or lose. A contingency fee lawyer only gets paid when you do, which means their interests are fully aligned with yours from day one. But even with a contingency fee agreement, there could be unexpected upfront costs, like legal expenses, so make sure you know who pays for what before you hire a firm.

Check the California State Bar Profile

Every licensed California attorney has a public profile on the State Bar website. You can confirm they are in good standing and check for any history of public discipline. This takes two minutes, and any firm worth hiring will encourage you to do it.

Read Google Reviews, not the Firm’s Curated Website Testimonials

A firm’s website only shows what they want you to see. It’s always a good idea to look at Google reviews from the past 12 months. Also, pay attention to how the firm responds to negative feedback. That response can tell you a lot about how a firm operates.

Confirm the Firm Handles Your Specific Accident Type

Rideshare crashes, truck accidents, hit-and-run cases, and DUI accidents each involve different insurance structures and other complexities. A firm that primarily handles minor collisions may not have the breadth of experience that your case needs. Always ask whether they have handled cases like yours before, and what the outcomes were.

At BANA LAW, we meet every item on this list. Our attorneys try cases and have secured verdicts reaching $23,700,000 for injured clients. Your file is handled directly by a licensed attorney, and we are completely transparent about our fee agreements from day one. Schedule a free consultation at (866) 418-1437 and hold us to every item on this list.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is my car accident case worth in Los Angeles?

How much your case is worth depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical costs, lost income, and the insurance coverage of the at-fault driver. Minor soft tissue injuries often settle between $5,000 and $25,000. Serious injuries involving surgery, hospitalization, or permanent disability can produce six- or even seven-figure recoveries.

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in California?

You generally have two years to file from the date of the accident under
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1.
For property damage only, the deadline is three years under
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 338.
And if a government vehicle caused the crash, you have only six months to file a government tort claim. If you’re unsure which deadline applies to you, contact an attorney as soon as possible.

How much does a car accident lawyer cost in Los Angeles?

If you choose an attorney who works on a no-win-no-fee basis (contingency agreement), you pay nothing up front. BANA LAW works on a contingency fee, and we advance all case costs. That means if we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?

No. Their adjuster’s main job is to minimize what the company pays out, and they will try to twist your words to reduce or even deny your claim. Protect your claim, and don’t give a recorded statement, accept any offer, or sign anything from the opposing insurer before you have spoken with an attorney.

What if I’m partially at fault for the accident?

In California, if you have some fault for a crash, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, as the state follows pure comparative negligence law. That said, you can still recover something even if you were mostly at fault. Beware of insurers trying to inflate your fault percentage unreasonably, and work with an attorney who pushes back.

Do I need a lawyer for a car accident that wasn’t my fault?

Yes, especially if you have significant damages and injuries. When another driver caused your crash, their insurer will look for ways to reduce what they pay you. A Los Angeles car accident attorney levels that field at no upfront cost to you. If the other driver was responsible, you owe us nothing unless we win and recover compensation.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance in California?

Approximately 20% of California drivers are uninsured. If the at-fault driver is one of them, your own uninsured motorist coverage may be your primary source of recovery. But you could also pursue the driver directly through a lawsuit. Your options depend on your specific policy and the facts of the crash.

How long does a car accident case take to settle in California?

Minor cases with clear liability and limited injuries can settle in a few months. However, cases involving serious or permanent injuries, disputed liability, or litigation can take as long as one to three years. Despite this, going to trial can pay off. Keep an open mind, as the right result for you may not be the fastest one.

Can I still file a claim if I didn’t go to the hospital right away?

Yes, but be prepared for the gap in treatment to be used against you. Insurers may argue that if you were seriously injured, you would have sought immediate care. That’s why it’s essential after a crash to see a doctor as soon as possible and follow every treatment recommendation. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to connect your injuries to the crash and recover a fair settlement.

What if my car accident happened on an LA freeway?

Freeway crashes often involve higher speeds and more serious injuries than urban street accidents. And evidence, including skid marks, vehicle data, and traffic camera footage, disappears relatively fast here. If you experienced a freeway accident, consider getting an attorney into your corner as quickly as possible so they can start preserving evidence and building your case.

Areas We Serve in and Around Los Angeles

If your accident happened anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area, BANA LAW is here to help. We represent car accident victims across the following neighborhoods and cities:

• Beverly Hills
• Santa Monica
• Hollywood
• Downtown Los Angeles
• West Los Angeles
• Pasadena
• Glendale
• Burbank
• Long Beach
• Inglewood
• Culver City
• Sherman Oaks
• Studio City
• Encino
• Van Nuys
• Woodland Hills
• Torrance
• Compton
• Carson
• El Monte
• Pomona
• San Bernardino
• Riverside
• Fontana
• Anaheim
• Irvine
• Ontario
• Fresno

If your city is not listed, call us. We serve clients throughout Los Angeles County and Southern California.

Contact a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Today

A car accident can change your life forever. Medical and car repair bills arrive before you even have a chance to process what happened. And an insurance company may already be planning how to reduce what you’re owed.

You do not have to handle this alone. BANA LAW has been fighting for injured Californians for over two decades, and we know what it takes to stand up to insurers. Your free consultation is only a call away. We’ll tell you honestly what your case is worth, and what you should do next.

Call (310) 361-3010 or contact us here today to get clarity. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You pay nothing unless we win.