Article Summary

Being involved in a car accident in Los Angeles can be stressful and confusing — especially when you’re dealing with painful injuries, medical bills, and aggressive insurance adjusters. The good news is that you don’t have to face this alone.

This guide explains every step of the process when you hire an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer to protect your rights. You’ll learn how your attorney gathers evidence, coordinates medical care, negotiates with insurance companies, and fights for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Whether your crash happened on the 405, the 10, or a city street anywhere in Los Angeles County, this article will help you understand what to expect — and why having a trusted legal team on your side makes all the difference.

1. Speak Directly With a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney

When you contact our firm, you’ll speak directly with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney — not an intake operator or call service. This ensures we fully understand your case, analyze liability, identify insurance coverage, and discuss all potential damages.

Once retained, your attorney will personally guide you through the process and immediately begin protecting your rights.

2. Notify the Insurance Companies Promptly

After you hire us, we notify:

• The at-fault driver’s insurance company that you’re represented by legal counsel, and
• Your own insurance company, if applicable, to activate any medical payments or uninsured motorist coverage.

This stops adjusters from contacting you directly and ensures all communication goes through your Los Angeles car accident lawyer.

3. Gather and Preserve Critical Evidence

Your claim’s success depends on strong evidence. Our team will:

• Obtain and review your police report.
• Have our in-house investigator interview witnesses and gather statements.
• Collect photos and video from the crash scene and vehicle damage.
• Request surveillance footage and other time-sensitive evidence before it’s deleted.

Early and thorough investigation strengthens your Los Angeles auto accident claim from the start.

4. Coordinate Your Medical Treatment

Getting quality medical care is essential for both your recovery and your case.
Our medical services coordinator will connect you with trusted doctors throughout Los Angeles who specialize in auto accident injuries — such as orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, neurologists, and pain management physicians.

If you don’t have health insurance, you can still get treatment with no upfront cost. Medical bills can be handled on a lien basis, meaning they’re paid later from your settlement.

5. Track Your Progress and Build Your Case

As you recover, your Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will:

• Stay in contact with your doctors
• Gather medical records and bills
• Document lost wages and other economic impacts

We’ll also keep you informed with regular updates, so you always know exactly where your case stands.

6. Evaluate the Value of Your Los Angeles Car Accident Claim

Once your treatment is complete, your attorney will determine the full value of your claim, considering both tangible and intangible losses:

• Economic damages – medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and future care needs
• Non-economic damages – pain, suffering, emotional distress, and quality-of-life losses

We rely on our decades of experience — not impersonal software — to determine what your Los Angeles car accident case is truly worth.

7. Negotiate for a Fair Settlement

A detailed settlement demand package is sent to the insurance company, including all evidence, medical documentation, and legal arguments.
We work tirelessly to settle your case fairly and efficiently, saving you the expense and delay of litigation whenever possible.

If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we’re fully prepared to file suit.

8. File a Lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court if Necessary

Sometimes, insurers undervalue valid claims or deny liability altogether. When that happens, your attorney will file a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court.

This step demonstrates your seriousness, often prompting a more reasonable settlement, and — if necessary — allows us to fight for your full compensation in front of a jury.

9. Conduct Discovery and Litigation

Once the case enters litigation, your legal team moves aggressively:

• Sending formal discovery requests
• Taking depositions of defendants and witnesses
• Filing motions to compel evidence when needed

Our proactive strategy ensures your Los Angeles car crash case stays on track and keeps the insurance company accountable.

10. Keep You Updated Every Step of the Way

Client communication is at the heart of our firm.
You’ll receive consistent updates, have direct contact with your attorney, and never be passed off to assistants or case managers.

We take pride in treating every client like family — with honesty, respect, and personal attention.

11. Final Settlement and Distribution of Funds

Once your claim settles, we’ll carefully review the offer with you before accepting it.
We’ll also negotiate with medical providers and lienholders to reduce what you owe and maximize what you take home.

A full written breakdown of your disbursement will be provided so you know exactly how your settlement funds are distributed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Claims in Los Angeles

1. When should I call a Los Angeles car accident lawyer?

As soon as possible — ideally within 24 to 48 hours after the accident. Fast action helps preserve evidence, protect your rights, and prevent damaging statements to insurance adjusters.

2. What if I don’t have health insurance?

That’s okay. We work with Los Angeles medical professionals who treat accident victims with no upfront cost. Your treatment is paid once your case resolves.

3. How long does it take to settle a car accident case in Los Angeles?

Most car accident claims settle within 4–12 months, depending on medical treatment and insurer cooperation. More serious or complex cases may take longer.

4. Should I talk to the insurance adjuster?

No. Once you have an attorney, the insurance company must contact us directly. This protects you from saying something that could weaken your case.

5. What does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?

We work on a contingency fee — you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we successfully recover money for you.

6. What should I bring to my first consultation?

Bring any accident-related information you have: the police report, insurance details, photos, witness info, and any medical records. If you don’t have everything, that’s fine — we’ll help track it down.

7. Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?

Yes. California’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages even if you were partly at fault. Your award is simply reduced by your share of responsibility.

8. Will my case go to trial?

Most don’t — but if necessary, our Los Angeles car accident attorneys are experienced trial lawyers who know how to present your case effectively in court.

9. How are pain and suffering damages calculated?

There’s no fixed formula. We look at how your injuries have affected your daily life — work, family time, emotional well-being, and overall enjoyment of life — to create a fair valuation.

10. When will I receive my settlement check?

Most clients receive their settlement funds within 2–4 weeks after resolution, once liens are finalized and funds are disbursed. We’ll keep you informed each step of the way.

Conclusion: Get Help from a Trusted Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer

Recovering from a car accident can be overwhelming — physically, emotionally, and financially. But with the right legal representation, you can focus on healing while your attorney handles everything else — insurance companies, medical bills, and negotiations.

If you or someone you love was injured in an auto collision anywhere in Los Angeles County or Southern California, don’t wait to get the help you deserve.

👉 Call Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC toll-free today at 866-966-5240 for a free consultation.
We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions, explain your rights, and start fighting for the compensation you need to move forward.