You file a car accident claim in Los Angeles by reporting the crash, collecting evidence of the damage and injuries, and submitting the claim to the correct insurance company before California’s filing deadline passes.
Missing a document or a deadline can reduce or end a valid claim. Even when you get it right, an insurance company may delay or deny your claim. Sometimes, they will offer a settlement that does not cover medical bills, or they may dispute who caused the crash.
Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers at Sweet James can help you manage your claim and recover the full compensation you are entitled to. Our team has experience helping injury victims for over 25 years combined. Call now to schedule your free consultation and tell us about your crash.
Steps to Filing a Car Accident Claim in Los Angeles
A car accident can be a jarring experience, even if your injuries are relatively minor. Taking these steps in the hours and days after a crash can impact the success of your claim:
- Request a copy of the police report if officers responded to the crash. The report includes the date, location, and basic facts of the collision, and you will need it as part of your claim file.
- Follow up on medical care if you have not already seen a doctor. Hospitals such as Cedars-Sinai Medical Center keep records of any treatment you receive, and your claim will need those records later.
- Notify your insurance company and the other driver’s insurer as soon as possible. Most policies set a notice deadline of just a few days, so delaying even by a day can affect your claim.
- Gather evidence from the day of the crash, including any photos you took of the vehicles and the road, along with contact information for witnesses. If you missed getting a witness’s information, check whether the police report lists any.
- Contact our car accident lawyers before you speak further with any insurance adjuster. An adjuster may call within a day or two of the crash, and anything you say can affect your claim. Our attorneys can review your case and talk to the insurance company on your behalf.
- Submit your evidence with your claim form to support the damages you are asking to recover.
Sweet James works on a contingency basis. You pay no upfront cost, and the fee comes out of your settlement only if your lawyer recovers money for you. This lets you pursue a claim while you are also covering medical bills and missed income.
Sweet James Car Accident Case Results
Sweet James has recovered significant settlements for car accident victims across California, including the following examples:
- In Los Angeles County, a client injured in a crash with a commercial vehicle received $1,750,000.
- In Mission Viejo, an automobile collision case resulted in a $1,250,000 recovery.
- In El Cajon, another automobile accident claim settled for $830,000.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique and must be evaluated on its own facts.
When the Insurance Company Denies Your Claim
Insurance companies may dispute how the crash happened, argue your injuries existed before the accident, or claim your treatment cost more than necessary. Insurers are businesses, and they will look for ways to reduce your payouts and benefit their own bottom line.
Sweet James can file a demand letter for the full compensation you are entitled to and negotiate directly with the insurance company on your behalf. When a fair settlement is not possible, the next step is filing a lawsuit.
Los Angeles car accident claims that go to court are typically filed at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, the main civil courthouse for Los Angeles County. Many claims settle once the insurance company sees you are prepared to go to court.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Claims in Los Angeles
Sweet James can address any additional car accident questions during your free initial consultation,
Do You Need a Police Report to File a Claim in Los Angeles?
A report is not required to file an insurance claim, but most insurers ask for one, and it carries weight when the two sides disagree about what happened. The Los Angeles Police Department and the California Highway Patrol both respond to local crashes.
What if the Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance?
If the at-fault driver has no insurance, you can file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage, if your policy includes it. Without that coverage, you may need to pursue the at-fault driver directly, which can require a lawsuit.
Can You File a Claim if You Were Partly at Fault for the Crash?
Yes, California follows a comparative negligence rule, so you can recover compensation even if you share some blame for the crash, though your settlement is reduced by your percentage of fault.
What Should You Do if the Crash Happened on a Freeway?
The California Highway Patrol, not local police, handles crashes on freeways such as the 405 and the 101. Move your vehicle to the shoulder if it is safe, call the California Highway Patrol, and gather what evidence you can before traffic clears the scene.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in California?
In California, CCP § 335.1 generally allows car accident victims two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Your insurance claim should start well before that deadline. Miss your deadline, and you lose your right to pursue legal action.
Get Help With Your Los Angeles Car Crash Claim
To file a car accident claim in Los Angeles, you need to do a few things. First, report the crash. Then, gather your medical records and repair bills and submit your claim within California’s two-year deadline.
Keep in mind that insurance companies often argue about who is at fault and might offer you less money than your claim is worth. You have the right to appeal, negotiate, or file a lawsuit in order to seek the compensation you need.
Sweet James has represented drivers across Los Angeles in car accident claims and can review your case at no cost. Call today for a free consultation.
