Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers

Los Angeles is infamous for its busy roadways and hours of traffic. If you’ve been caught in an unfortunate accident while driving on Los Angeles roads and you or a loved one is injured from a car accident, you may be able to recover compensation. Serious car accidents can leave a lasting burden on you and your family. At MKP Law Group, LLP our attorneys represent Los Angeles car accident injury victims and work hard to collect the maximum compensation for our clients.

We know the physical, emotional and financial hardships that can result from car accidents and work hard to ensure our clients understand their rights as we help them negotiate their settlement. Having an experienced local Los Angeles car accident lawyer by your side is important to navigate the legal process and recover damages.

Here at MKP Law Group, LLP we always work on what is known as a contingency fee basis, meaning WE DON’T GET PAID UNLESS WE WIN. There are no upfront, out-of-pocket costs to our clients. Call us today at 310-285-5353 to schedule your 100% free consultation.

Why Hire a Los Angeles Auto Accident Attorney?

So, when is the right time to get an attorney for a car accident?

As soon as possible.

Hiring a qualified car accident injury attorney is crucial for a variety of reasons including:

• Helping you get the right medical treatment for your injuries
• Handling the complicated insurance companies
• Determining and proving who was at fault in the car accident
• Negotiating claims to get you the maximum compensation
• Having someone on your side to represent you in legal procedures
• Providing personalized services with no up-front costs

Common Mistakes Made Following Car Accidents

Insurance companies offer very low settlements and often victims will accept amounts much lower than they should. We’ve commonly seen victims of traffic accidents without legal representation make these mistakes:

• Signing authorizations or documents that can damage your case
• Giving recorded statements to the adjuster without proper consul
• Accepting low-ball offers for settlements
• Paying insurance deductibles for car repairs

Our experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer team will thoroughly investigate your case, collect evidence, and work to maximize the compensation you receive for your claim.

We work closely with a team of medical experts throughout Los Angeles and California to ensure that you or your loved one receives top-notch medical care for a speedy and healthy recovery while we deal with the legal process and negotiate with the insurance companies to get you top dollar.

MKP Law Group, LLP’s team strives to make the process as easy and quick as possible for you. We work on cases throughout Los Angeles and the State of California. Call us at 310-285-5353 to schedule your free consultation.

All of our cases are on a contingency fee basis, meaning if we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us a dime.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Los Angeles

Living in Southern California, car accidents are an unfortunate part of life. Whether you are a bicyclist, pedestrian, motorcyclist, Uber/Lyft passenger or driver, there are dangerous drivers on seemingly every California roadway. The most common causes of car accidents and traffic accidents in Los Angeles include:

• Inattentiveness/distracted driving
• Texting while driving
• Speeding
• Intoxication
• Reckless driving
• Driver fatigue
• Inclement weather
• Failure to obey traffic signals
• Vehicle defects

OTS Car Accident Crash Rankings for Los Angeles County (Latest Data: 2018)

In California, there is an annual report collected by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). The latest rankings show that there were a total of 91,462 victims killed and injured in Los Angeles County car accidents in 2018.

These Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Rankings serve as a comparison for cities in California to highlight problem areas and identify what they are doing well. These county rankings for Los Angeles County include details for total crashes and all who were either killed or injured within Los Angeles in car accidents.

We've sorted the data according to the number of victims for each type of crash.

The following are the top 3 most serious types of crashes resulting in the suffering of victims (either killed or injured) in 2018 Los Angeles car accidents:

• Speed Related Car Accidents: 18,238 Victims
• Nighttime (9:00 p.m. to 2:59 p.m.) Car Accidents: 9,061 Victims
• Hit and Run Car Accidents: 8,331 Victims

Car accidents can lead to serious, life-long injuries. How much your auto accident claim is worth depends on a multitude of factors including the extent of your injuries, whether you were at all responsible for the accident, and the insurance limits that provide coverage for the vehicles.

What to do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, there are several things to keep in mind:

1)    Obtain the Driver’s Insurance Information

After moving to a safe area, it is crucial that you obtain the other driver’s insurance and contact information. Taking photos of the other party’s driver’s license and insurance card are the best ways to make sure you get all necessary information. Without getting the other driver’s insurance information, you could be stuck taking care of your medical bills and car repairs on your own without receiving the compensation you deserve from the at-fault driver.

2)    Obtain Any Witness Information

Independent witnesses can be extremely helpful in proving your claim, as often times the other driver or their insurance company disputes liability. Independent witnesses to the incident can provide statements and prove who truly caused the accident. Obtaining the witness’ contact information allows our team to investigate and get the facts straight in order to put the “he-said she-said” debate to rest.

3)    Call the Police and Take Photographs

It is always best to have the police come to the scene of the incident and create what is known as a Traffic Collision Report. These reports are very helpful in showing who is at-fault in the accident, and they also include important information about the other driver if you are too injured to obtain that information at the scene of the accident. Photographs of the vehicles at the scene of the incident can also be helpful in proving who is responsible for the accident. Drivers in California are required to notify the California DMV if the accident resulted in over $750.00 in property damage; if so the driver must report the accident to the DMV within ten (10) days of the accident.

4)    Do Not Give Statement (Recorded or Not) to the Other Insurance Company

Oftentimes the other driver’s insurance company will demand that you give a statement, which is sometimes recorded, about the accident and your injuries. You are under NO obligation to do so, and oftentimes these recorded statements are used against you to damage your case. Insurance adjusters can ask tricky questions to confuse you and try to get you to minimize your injuries or place you at-fault for the accident. If you do give a statement, never minimize your injuries. Insurance companies cannot talk to you if you are represented by an attorney and that is why it is crucial to hire MKP as your attorneys immediately so they can cut the insurance red-tape and get you the compensation you deserve.

5)     Do Not Delay in Getting Medical Treatment

Oftentimes in car accidents, the sorts of injuries that people suffer do not become severe until a few days after the accident. That does not mean you should not seek medical treatment from a trained professional immediately following a car accident. Delays in treatment give insurance companies ammunition to downplay the severity of your injuries or claim they are unrelated to the accident. Our team at MKP Law Group, LLP works with some of the best medical professionals and can put you in touch with skilled doctors and therapists that are close and convenient to you in order to get you back on your feet.

6)    Contact MKP Law Group, LLP Today

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident contact us today at 310-285-5353 so that we can start fighting to get you the compensation you deserve. At MKP Law Group, LLP, we have personal injury attorneys that are highly experienced in handling auto accidents and have obtained large settlements on behalf of our clients. We know how to deal with insurance companies so that you do not have to and, instead, can focus on getting better. MKP Law Group, LLP’s team strives to make the process as easy and quick as possible for you. The team at MKP Law Group, LLP is experienced, attentive, dependable and tenacious so call us today to schedule your 100% consultation. As always, if we don’t win your case you don’t owe us a dime.

Car Accident Injuries

We always advise injury victims to see a doctor immediately or within 24 hours after a car accident.

Many injuries are not immediately felt at the scene of the accident as our bodies naturally produce adrenaline in response to the traumatic event. However, many injuries including whiplash can be caused even by low-impact collisions. So even if you think you were not hurt in an automobile accident, we still recommend seeing a doctor or going to an urgent care clinic just as a precaution.

There are many types of injuries that can be caused following a car accident including:

• Soft tissue injuries: damaged or stretched muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
• Scrapes & cuts: Deep cuts and lacerations can cause serious damage to nerves or muscles.
• Head injuries: From whiplash and concussions to traumatic brain injury.
• Neck & Back: Ruptured disks or paralysis can cause permanent damage or disabilities.
• Chest injuries: Broken ribs or injured internal organs.
• Arm & Leg injuries: Can range from bumps to severely damaged joints or subsequent amputations.
• Internal Bleeding: Delicate organs can be severely damaged and cause internal bleeding.
• Burns: Cars that catch on fire can cause very serious burns and permanent scarring or disability.
• Mental & Emotional: PTSD or other emotional or anxiety disorders.

Unfortunately, it is far too common that auto-accidents result in serious, life-long injuries/disabilities and even death. In those serious cases, choosing the right accident injury lawyer is so important. The accident injury lawyers at MKP Law Group, LLP understand that no amount of money can fully compensate for the loss of a loved one or make you whole after suffering serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries or paralysis but when you hire MKP Law Group, LLP you know your attorney is doing everything possible to get you the compensation you deserve.

Stats on Accidents in Los Angeles, CA

California is the most heavily populated state in the United States of America, with millions of vehicles on California’s roadways.

California, Southern California in particular, is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, with millions of tourists driving to and throughout California every year.

Unfortunately, all these motorists lead to thousands of motor vehicle accidents every year in California. Our Southern California auto accident lawyers are experienced in handling accident cases and have represented thousands of accident victims.

Los Angeles  Car Accident Statistics

Traffic accidents are on the rise in Los Angeles, with annual increases since 2010. However, the trend has leveled off since 2017 and is even showing declines in 2020.

• There were 4,552 Los Angeles traffic collisions in February 2020, a 3% increase over February 2019, which saw 4,418 collisions. LAcity.org.
• More than 236 people were killed in car crashes in 2019, and more than 50% were walking. Curbed.
• Vision Zero is a plan to eliminate walking traffic deaths by 2025. Vision Zero.

Traffic fatalities, especially with pedestrians, are tragic, and we hope to see the Vision Zero project achieve its goal by 2025.

California Car Accident Statistics

• 3,606 motor-vehicle deaths in California in 2019 (iii.org)
• 1,924 fatally injured California passenger vehicle occupants in 2018 (iihs.org)
• 70% of California vehicle crash deaths occurred in urban areas in 2018 (iihs.org)

California may be known for its traffic jams and high population (#1 in the US), but it’s auto insurance rates are remarkably average. Following reports from iii.org’s 2017 data, the average annual rate is $957.08. While the overall average taken from all the states is$1,004.58. The highest rates are in Louisiana ($1,443.72) and the lowest is in North Dakota ($659.94).

US Car Accident Statistics

• 2,710,000 total highway accident injuries in 2018 (US Bureau of Transportation Statistics)
• 36,096 Highway accident fatalities in 2019 (US Bureau of Transportation Statistics)
• 12,239 Highway passenger car fatalities in 2019 (US Bureau of Transportation Statistics)

Frequently Asked Questions:

What questions should I ask an attorney for a car accident?

It is important to make a list of questions to ask your attorney prior to hiring them to ensure they will be a good fit for you and your case.

Each individual case and client has a different set of priorities and concerns. So, decide what is important to you. Do you want someone who is easy to talk to and will keep you updated on a daily basis? Are you more concerned about the fees and processes?

Here are some general topics to structure your questions around:

• Verifying background and expertise.
• What is their method for working with clients?
• Understand their investigative process.
• How do they organize and manage cases?
• How often will they be in touch with you?
• What does the attorney need from you?

When should I hire an attorney for a car accident?

In general, hiring an attorney is highly recommended when:

• The question of fault is an issue.
• You have been severely injured or someone died.
• You have extensive damages to your car.
• You are in a complicated situation (multi-car accident, uber accident, etc).

Many lawyers offer free consultations and “contingency service” meaning you don’t have to pay to contact them and seek their expert recommendations such as the team at MKP Law Group, LLP.

Of course, if there are no damages or it was a very small accident, you may prefer not to. However, seeking advice is always a best practice. Talking to an attorney can help clear up any confusion you have and help you with understanding your rights.

How are pain and suffering valued?

We know that there is nothing that can take away the pain and suffering that injured victims have experienced and may still be experiencing.

When it comes to negotiating a settlement, calculating a monetary amount to account for pain and suffering that comes with injuries is part of the formula.

Multiplier Method: This method takes the full cost of past, present, and predicted future medical bills and multiplies that by a “multiplier.” Then any other economic damages (lost wages, property damages, etc) are added onto that amount.

(Past, present, and future medical bills) x (multiplier 1.5 to 5) + (Total Economic Damages: property damages, lost wages, etc.) = Reasonable Value of Case

The multiplier method usually uses a multiplier between 1.5 and 5. That means that the minimum value of pain and suffering is worth at least 1.5 times the actual cost of repairing the injury.

Per Diem Method: ‘Per diem’ is Latin for “by the day.” This means that the formula uses a daily pain and suffering calculation in the formula for valuation. In this case there is often a value set for each day, such as $100 for each day.

In this case it is important to have a “start” date (the accident date) and a proposed recovery period that sets a final date of full recovery.

For example: There was an accident on January 1st. The injured victim broke a limb, was in a cast and then had to complete a certain amount of physical therapy. The entire length of injury and recovery time lasted until June 30. This means that the victim should get $100 for 181 days (Jan 1 to June 30) for a total of $18,100 for pain and suffering.

In sum: there are many different methods of calculation for pain and suffering.

Pain and suffering is something that must be determined on a case by case basis because the measure will be different for each individual.

If an injury has completely devastated the future potential for an individual's opportunity to get a job or function normally their pain and suffering will be dramatically different than someone who has had a serious break that subsequently healed.

How much is my car accident case worth?

It depends. Each car accident is very different and we can’t simply put a dollar amount on a case or claim without knowing the details.

Car accident attorneys work hard to investigate cases, get to know their clients, and transform the damages into dollar amounts that adequately compensate for losses. Many factors come into play in these calculations including injury severity, emotional trauma, insurance coverages, fault, and much, much more.

Considerations for valuing cases include:

• Medical Treatment Costs
• Rehab Expenses
• Home Modification Costs (Ex: Wheelchair ramp)
• Recovery Costs
• Lost Wages
• Domestic Services
• Emotional Distress
• Reduced Quality of Life
• Scarring or Disfigurement
• Severity of Injury

Can I still get rewarded damages in a hit and run case?

Often your own auto insurance may provide a solution for situations in which the at-fault driver is unidentified.

The first thing to do is make sure to properly document your hit-and-run accident. Following the accident, you must call the police so they can investigate the crash site. Call your insurance agent as soon as possible to report the crash.

If you carry uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance, you may be eligible for recovering damages.

Contact MKP Law Group, LLP Today

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident contact us today at 310-285-5353 so that we can start fighting to get you the compensation you deserve.

At MKP Law Group, LLP, we have personal injury attorneys that are highly experienced in handling auto accidents and have obtained large settlements on behalf of our clients.

We know how to deal with insurance companies so that you do not have to and, instead, can focus on getting better.

MKP Law Group, LLP’s team strives to make the process as easy and quick as possible for you. The team at MKP Law Group, LLP is experienced, attentive, dependable and tenacious so call us today to schedule your 100% consultation. As always, if we don’t win your case you don’t owe us a dime.