Best Car Accident Lawyers in Pacific Palisades

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Pacific Palisades, California?

  The West Los Angeles Community Police Station covers Pacific Palisades. To report non-emergencies, call (310) 444-0701 or 877-ASK-LAPD.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Pacific Palisades, California?

  If you want to get your Traffic Collision Report online, please go to https://policereports.lexisnexis.com. If you want to request a report by mail, download the Traffic Collision Report Request form, fill it out, and send it back with a $16.00 check or money order made out to the LAPD. Do not send cash.

  Los Angeles Police Department Records and Identification Division Document Processing Unit P.O. Box 30158 Los Angeles, CA 90030

• What should you do if your teen is in a car accident in Pacific Palisades?

  Advise your teen to report the automobile accident in Pacific Palisades. They should call the police and get information from the other party. Contact a lawyer to help file claims after an accident. No matter who caused the accident, a skilled attorney can defend you or your teen. Your lawyer can negotiate reasonable compensation for damages and injuries if the other party caused the accident.

• Can a car accident victim sue the Pacific Palisades government or the city of Los Angeles?

  If someone has been in a Pacific Palisades car accident or had damage to their property because of bad road conditions, they may be able to get money from the city. There are rules that let a plaintiff sue under certain circumstances. Citizens have the right to file a claim for property damage against government agencies like the city, county, or state. Examples of city-managed road conditions include:

  • potholes
  • cracks and breaks
  • incorrect or missing street signage
  • street with unreasonably tight spaces
  • construction debris

• Is it worth it to get a lawyer for a minor car accident in Pacific Palisades?

  Yes. You can't be sure that your accident wasn't serious until a doctor gives you the all-clear. It could take hours, days, or even weeks for an injury to reach its full level of pain. When someone gets hurt in Pacific Palisades, it's always a good idea to talk to a lawyer. No matter how bad your injuries are, a car accident lawyer can make sure you get the money you need to get better. This includes making sure you have enough money for future medical bills.

• What are the dangerous roads in Pacific Palisades?

  The junction of Pacific Coast Highway and Temescal Canyon Road is one of the most hazardous in Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation. This crossroads was voted the city's most important one and is located right near Palisades Charter High School. LADOT also includes PCH and Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades on its list of priority intersections within Los Angeles. At the entrance to the Santa Monica Pier, on Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue, and at the junction of Lincoln Boulevard and Washington Boulevard in Venice are other potentially dangerous crossroads on the Westside.

• What are some common injuries suffered in a Pacific Palisades car accident?

  Common vehicle accident injuries may cause significant brain and spinal cord trauma. Whiplash, which may induce headaches and persistent discomfort, can also result from rear-end collisions and would need long-term therapy and medication. When automobile occupants contact with the frame or glass, side-impact collisions may cause traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries may cause lifelong neurological damage. In addition, side-impact collisions could potentially injure ligaments, muscles, and soft tissues. After a minor automobile accident in Pacific Palisades, consult your doctor immediately to check for injuries.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.