Your Battle, Our Compass:

Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer

Injured in a car accident in Los Angeles? With 3.9 million residents and 55,000+ annual collisions, our attorneys handle every type of car accident case. Call (213) 516-9809. See all our California office locations.

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TL;DR — Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer
Los Angeles leads the nation in traffic collisions with over 55,000 annually across the 405, 101, I-5, I-10, and PCH. Compass Law Group has recovered $250,000,000+ for California injury victims including a $5,000,000 car accident settlement. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers handle every type of car accident — from freeway pileups to intersection T-bones to hit-and-runs. No win, no fee. Free 24/7 consultation in English, Spanish, Farsi, and Korean at (213) 516-9809. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Practice Areas We Handle in Los Angeles

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Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers: Fighting for Maximum Compensation

Los Angeles has more car accidents than any other city in the United States. The California Highway Patrol reported over 55,000 injury collisions in LA County in 2024 alone — an average of 150 crashes every single day. The 405 Freeway between the Sepulveda Pass and LAX consistently ranks among the most dangerous stretches of highway in the country. The I-10 through Downtown LA, the 101 through Hollywood, and PCH through Malibu each produce hundreds of serious injury crashes annually.

Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at Compass Law Group, 633 W 5th Street, 26th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071, have recovered over $250 million for injured clients — including a $5,000,000 car accident settlement and a $2,500,000 car accident recovery. When you’re hurt in a car crash on the 405, at the intersection of Wilshire and Western, or in a hit-and-run on Sunset Blvd, you need attorneys who know LA County courts, local insurance adjusters, and California negligence law inside and out. Call (213) 516-9809 for a free consultation.

Why Choose Compass Law Group for Your Los Angeles Car Accident Case?

  • Deep Los Angeles Experience: Our attorneys handle car accident cases from Boyle Heights to Brentwood, from the Valley to the South Bay. We know every courthouse in LA County — from Stanley Mosk on Hill Street to the Torrance and Pasadena courthouses. We know which adjusters lowball and which judges hold defendants accountable.
  • $250 Million+ in Recoveries: Including a $5,000,000 car accident settlement, $2,500,000 car accident verdict, and $14.5 million in a truck accident case. Every dollar we recover is for real people with real injuries. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
  • Multilingual Team — No Barriers: Los Angeles is the most diverse city in America. We serve car accident victims in English, Spanish, Farsi, and Korean from our Downtown LA office. Every client gets a direct line to their attorney, not a call center.
  • Zero Upfront Cost: You owe Compass Law Group nothing unless we recover compensation. No retainer, no hourly billing, no hidden fees. We advance all costs — accident reconstruction, medical experts, court filing fees. Call (213) 516-9809.
Car accident scene on Los Angeles freeway
Multi-Vehicle Collision on LA Freeway | Los Angeles, CA

Who Is Liable in a Los Angeles Car Accident?

California is a fault-based state for car accidents, meaning the driver who caused the crash is financially responsible for your injuries under Civil Code §1714. But liability in Los Angeles is rarely straightforward. In a city with 6.5 million registered vehicles, multi-car pileups on the 405, Uber and Lyft drivers running red lights in Koreatown, and construction zones narrowing lanes on the I-10, multiple parties often share blame.

Our investigation goes beyond the police report. We pull traffic camera footage from LADOT, obtain cell phone records proving distracted driving, hire accident reconstructionists who’ve testified at Stanley Mosk Courthouse, and subpoena black box data from the at-fault vehicle. Under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover — your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but never eliminated.

Potentially liable parties include the other driver, their employer (if driving for work), the City of Los Angeles (for dangerous road conditions under Government Code §835), vehicle manufacturers (for defective brakes or airbags), and bars or restaurants that overserved a drunk driver under California’s social host liability laws.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Los Angeles

  • 405 Freeway Rear-End Collisions: Stop-and-go traffic between the 10 and 101 interchanges produces thousands of rear-end crashes annually — the single most common car accident type in LA.
  • 101/110 Interchange Merge Crashes: The Four-Level Interchange in Downtown LA is one of the most accident-prone interchanges in the nation, with aggressive lane changes causing sideswipes daily.
  • I-5 Downtown Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Heavy commuter and commercial truck traffic through the Boyle Heights corridor leads to high-speed chain-reaction crashes.
  • Wilshire Blvd Intersection Accidents: The 16-mile Wilshire corridor from Downtown to Santa Monica has some of LA’s most dangerous intersections, particularly at Western, Vermont, and La Brea.
  • PCH High-Speed Collisions (Malibu): Pacific Coast Highway’s winding two-lane stretches through Malibu see frequent head-on collisions and cliff-edge rollover crashes, especially at night.
  • Hit-and-Run Crashes in Koreatown: LAPD reports that nearly 50% of all car accidents in Los Angeles involve a hit-and-run driver — the highest rate in the country. Koreatown, East Hollywood, and South LA are hotspots.
  • Distracted Driving on Sunset Blvd: Despite California’s hands-free law (CVC §23123), phone use while driving remains the leading cause of intersection crashes along Sunset from Echo Park to Pacific Palisades.
  • Red Light Violations in Hollywood: Hollywood Blvd at Highland, Vine, and Cahuenga are among the most red-light-camera-cited intersections in California.
  • Uninsured Drivers in South LA: An estimated 15% of LA County drivers carry no insurance. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, your own UM/UIM policy becomes critical.
  • DUI Crashes on Weekend Nights: Friday and Saturday nights on the 101, Sunset Strip, and Downtown’s bar district produce a disproportionate share of DUI-related accidents.
Emergency medical response to car accident in Los Angeles
Emergency Medical Response to Car Accident | Los Angeles, CA

How We Value a Los Angeles Car Accident Case

No responsible attorney quotes a settlement number before reviewing the evidence. At Compass Law Group, we build case value methodically. We start with your medical records — ER visits at Cedars-Sinai on Beverly Blvd, trauma surgery at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center in Westwood, or emergency care at LAC+USC Medical Center in Boyle Heights. We obtain future care projections from your treating physicians, calculate lost wages and diminished earning capacity, and document the non-economic toll: chronic pain, PTSD, the inability to drive on the freeway without panic attacks.

Car accident cases in Los Angeles carry higher value than the national average because of California’s generous damages framework, LA County jury tendencies, and the high cost of living that amplifies economic losses. Our track record reflects this:

  • $5,000,000 — Car accident settlement, multi-vehicle freeway collision
  • $2,500,000 — Car accident verdict, intersection T-bone crash
  • $14,500,000 — Truck accident verdict involving a passenger vehicle

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique.

Compensation Available for Los Angeles Car Accident Victims

  • Economic Damages: Emergency medical expenses, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, lost wages (past and future), diminished earning capacity, property damage, rental car costs, and out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, PTSD and anxiety, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium (impact on your spouse/family), scarring and disfigurement.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases involving extreme recklessness — such as street racing, extreme DUI, or intentional road rage — California courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct.

Types of Injuries in Los Angeles Car Accidents

The force of car collisions on LA freeways — where speeds regularly exceed 65 mph — produces severe injuries that can permanently alter your life:

  • Whiplash and cervical spine injuries (the most common car accident injury)
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from head impact or violent deceleration
  • Herniated discs and spinal cord damage leading to paralysis
  • Broken bones — ribs, pelvis, femur, wrists (especially in T-bone impacts)
  • Internal organ damage from seatbelt compression or steering wheel impact
  • Severe burn injuries from post-collision vehicle fires
  • Lacerations and facial scarring from shattered glass
  • Wrongful death — car accidents are the #1 cause of accidental death in LA County for ages 5-44

How Insurance Companies Fight Car Accident Claims in Los Angeles

California is home to some of the largest and most aggressive insurance companies in the nation. After a car accident in LA, expect the at-fault driver’s insurer to deploy every tactic available to minimize your claim:

  • Immediate Recorded Statements: An adjuster will call within 48 hours, sounding friendly and sympathetic, asking you to describe the accident “in your own words.” Every word you say is being recorded and will be used to find inconsistencies that undermine your claim.
  • Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring: Investigators may follow you to the grocery store, photograph you carrying bags, and argue your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed. They’ll scour your Instagram and Facebook for photos of you smiling, exercising, or socializing.
  • Quick Lowball Offers: Insurance companies know that accident victims face mounting medical bills and lost income. They’ll offer a fast settlement — often 10-20% of your claim’s true value — hoping financial pressure forces you to accept.
  • Disputing Medical Necessity: The insurer’s hired doctors will review your records and claim your treatment was excessive, your injuries were pre-existing, or you didn’t need that MRI at Cedars-Sinai.

Having Compass Law Group in your corner changes the dynamic entirely. Insurance companies know which firms go to trial — and they know we do.

California’s Comparative Negligence in Car Accident Cases

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule under Civil Code §1714 — you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. If a jury finds you 25% responsible for the accident, you still receive 75% of your total damages. This is critical in LA car accidents where both drivers often share some degree of fault — running a yellow light, exceeding the speed limit, failing to signal. Insurance companies aggressively argue comparative fault to reduce payouts, which is exactly why having experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyers matters.

Attorney reviewing car accident case documents in Los Angeles
Legal Team Reviewing Car Accident Case | Los Angeles, CA

What to Do in the First 72 Hours After a Car Accident in Los Angeles

The decisions you make in the first three days after a car crash on the 405, at an intersection in Hollywood, or in a parking lot in Westwood can determine whether your case settles for full value or falls apart:

  1. Get to Safety and Call 911: Move out of traffic if you can. LAPD or CHP will respond and file an official collision report (CHP Form 555) — this document is critical evidence. Request the report number before officers leave.
  2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Go to the nearest ER — Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Ronald Reagan, or Good Samaritan Hospital in DTLA. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline masks injuries like traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding, and herniated discs. Medical records from the first 72 hours are your strongest evidence.
  3. Document Everything: Photograph vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, street signs, the other driver’s license plate, insurance card, and license. Record the location — cross streets, freeway mile marker, or parking lot name. Get names and phone numbers from witnesses.
  4. Do Not Give a Recorded Statement: The at-fault driver’s insurance company will call quickly. Politely decline to give a recorded statement. Anything you say — “I’m feeling okay” or “I didn’t see them coming” — will be twisted to minimize your claim.
  5. Call a Car Accident Lawyer: Insurance companies deploy adjusters within hours. You need an advocate immediately. Compass Law Group offers free consultations 24/7 at (213) 516-9809.

California Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims

Under CCP §335.1, you have two years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. For property damage claims, the deadline extends to three years under CCP §338(c). If a government vehicle or city bus was involved, you must file an administrative claim within six months under the California Tort Claims Act. For minors, the two-year clock doesn’t start until they turn 18. Missing these deadlines permanently bars your claim — no exceptions.

The California Rules That Govern Car Accident Cases

California car accident cases are governed by a combination of the Vehicle Code (CVC), Civil Code (CC), and Code of Civil Procedure (CCP). Key statutes include CVC §22350 (basic speed law), CVC §21703 (following too closely), CVC §22107 (unsafe lane changes), CVC §21453 (red light violations), and CVC §23123 (cell phone use while driving). Violations of these statutes create a presumption of negligence — known as “negligence per se” — which significantly strengthens your case.

California also requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 under CVC §16056 (increasing to $50,000/$100,000/$30,000 in 2025). However, an estimated 15% of LA drivers are uninsured, making uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage critical for your protection.

Evidence That Wins Car Accident Cases in Los Angeles

The strongest car accident cases are built on evidence gathered in the first 72 hours. We work with accident reconstructionists, biomechanical engineers, and medical experts who have testified in courtrooms across LA County. Key evidence includes:

The CHP or LAPD collision report, traffic camera footage from LADOT and Caltrans, dashcam and surveillance video from nearby businesses, cell phone records proving distracted driving, the at-fault vehicle’s event data recorder (“black box”), medical records documenting injury onset and treatment, witness statements, and expert testimony on causation and damages. In hit-and-run cases — which account for nearly half of all LA collisions — we work with LAPD’s Hit-and-Run Detail and use intersection camera footage to identify fleeing drivers.

Los Angeles Car Accident Statistics

  • Over 55,000 injury collisions in LA County annually — more than any other U.S. county (CHP SWITRS)
  • Approximately 700+ traffic fatalities per year in the City of Los Angeles (LADOT Vision Zero)
  • Nearly 50% of all LA crashes are hit-and-runs — the highest rate of any major U.S. city
  • The 405, I-10, and 101 are the three deadliest freeways in Los Angeles County
  • An estimated 15% of LA drivers are uninsured, well above the national average of 12.6%
  • Average car accident settlement in LA County: $150,000-$500,000 for moderate injuries; $1M+ for catastrophic injuries

Sources: CHP Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, NHTSA, LADOT

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is liable in a Los Angeles car accident?+
California is a fault-based state — the driver who caused the accident is liable under Civil Code §1714. However, multiple parties can share liability: the other driver, their employer, the City of Los Angeles for dangerous road conditions (Government Code §835), vehicle manufacturers for defective parts, and even bars that overserved a drunk driver. Compass Law Group investigates every potential defendant to maximize your recovery. Under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, you can recover even if partially at fault.
How much is my Los Angeles car accident case worth?+
Car accident case values in LA County range from $150,000 for moderate soft tissue injuries to $5,000,000+ for catastrophic injuries. Key factors include injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, available insurance coverage, liability clarity, and the impact on your daily life. Compass Law Group has recovered $5,000,000 and $2,500,000 in individual car accident cases. LA County juries tend to award higher damages than the national average due to the high cost of living. Contact us for a free case evaluation at (213) 516-9809.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in California?+
Two years from the date of the accident under CCP §335.1 for personal injury claims. Three years for property damage under CCP §338(c). If a government vehicle was involved, you must file an administrative claim within six months under the California Tort Claims Act. For minors, the statute doesn’t begin until age 18. Missing these deadlines permanently bars your claim. Evidence also deteriorates over time — traffic camera footage is typically deleted within 30-90 days.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in LA?+
Call 911 to get LAPD or CHP on scene. Seek medical attention at the nearest ER — Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Ronald Reagan, or Good Samaritan in DTLA. Document everything: photos of damage, street signs, the other driver’s information, and witness contacts. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company. Then call a car accident lawyer immediately — insurance companies deploy adjusters within hours and you need an advocate protecting your rights from day one. Compass Law Group offers free 24/7 consultations.
How much does a Los Angeles car accident lawyer cost?+
Nothing upfront. Compass Law Group works on contingency — we charge zero until we recover money for you. Our fee comes only from the settlement or verdict, typically 33-40%. If we don’t win, you owe nothing. We also advance all litigation costs: accident reconstruction experts, medical record retrieval, deposition fees, court filings, and expert witnesses. This means you get full legal representation from a $250M+ firm without any financial risk.
What types of car accidents does Compass Law Group handle in LA?+
We handle every type of car accident in Los Angeles: freeway rear-end collisions on the 405 and I-5, intersection T-bones on Wilshire and Western, head-on collisions on PCH, hit-and-runs throughout South LA and Koreatown, rideshare accidents, drunk driving crashes, multi-car pileups, parking lot accidents, and single-vehicle rollovers. Each accident type requires specific evidence and investigation strategies.
Can I still recover if I was partially at fault for the car accident?+
Yes. California follows pure comparative negligence — you can recover damages even if you were 99% at fault (though your award is reduced proportionally). If you’re found 30% responsible for a car accident on the 405 and your damages total $1,000,000, you still recover $700,000. Insurance companies aggressively argue comparative fault to reduce payouts — they’ll claim you were speeding, didn’t signal, or failed to yield. Our attorneys fight to minimize any fault attributed to you.
How long does a car accident case take to settle in Los Angeles?+
Minor-to-moderate car accident cases with clear liability typically settle in 6-12 months. Cases involving catastrophic injuries, disputed fault, or uninsured/underinsured motorists can take 18 months to 3 years — especially if they go to trial at Stanley Mosk or another LA County courthouse. We push for the fastest resolution that maximizes your compensation. We never rush a settlement that undervalues your injuries, and we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial.
What evidence is most important in a car accident case?+
The CHP or LAPD collision report, traffic camera footage from LADOT and Caltrans, dashcam video, cell phone records (proving distracted driving), the at-fault vehicle’s event data recorder (EDR/”black box”), your medical records from the first 72 hours, photographs of the scene and damage, witness statements, and expert testimony. In hit-and-run cases, we work with LAPD’s Hit-and-Run Detail to identify the driver using intersection cameras and license plate readers.
Why should I hire a car accident lawyer instead of handling the claim myself?+
Studies consistently show that represented car accident victims recover 3-4 times more than those who negotiate alone — even after attorney fees. Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators who handle thousands of claims annually; you handle one. A lawyer manages evidence preservation, medical lien negotiation, insurance correspondence, expert coordination, and litigation if the insurer won’t offer fair value. You focus on healing while we fight for every dollar you’re owed.

Talk to a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in a car accident anywhere in Los Angeles — from the 405 to Wilshire Boulevard to PCH — call Compass Law Group at (213) 516-9809. Free consultation, no fees unless we win. Available 24/7 in English, Spanish, Farsi, and Korean. Visit our Los Angeles office at 633 W 5th Street, 26th Floor.

Joseph Shirazi — Managing Partner
Joseph Shirazi
Managing Partner · CA Bar #265403
National Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Avvo 10.0 Superb. Loyola Law School graduate. Joseph has recovered millions for injury victims across Los Angeles and leads every case with relentless preparation and a commitment to maximum results.
📍 Visit Our Los Angeles Office
Compass Law Group, LLP
633 W 5th Street, 26th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 516-9809 — Free consultation, 24/7
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California's
Gold Standard
Injury Law Firm

With Joseph Shirazi and Simon Esfandi at the helm, our firm is a trusted name in accident law in California.

Meet Our Managing Partners

Joseph Shirazi
Managing Partner · CA Bar #265403

National Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Avvo 10.0 Superb. Loyola Law School graduate. Recognized for his $14,500,000 truck accident verdict and a $13,000,000 trial verdict.

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Simon Esfandi — Managing Partner
Simon Esfandi
Managing Partner · CA Bar #275307

Super Lawyers Rising Star. Southwestern Law School graduate. Led the firm’s $9,870,000 motorcycle accident settlement and a $2,250,000 rideshare recovery.

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Firm Recognition
  • ★ National Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • ★ Super Lawyers Rising Star
  • ★ Avvo 10.0 Superb Rating
  • ★ Top 40 Under 40
  • ★ Consumer Attorneys of California · CAALA · AAJ
Total Recovered for Clients
$250,000,000+
$14.5M truck verdict · $13M trial verdict · $9.87M motorcycle · $5M car accident
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique.
Client Rating
★★★★★ 5.0
193+ verified Google reviews · No win, no fee

Countless Real Client Reviews Verified by Google

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Jerry

After 10 accidents and 9 attorneys, the client met Simon, who stood out for his honesty and clear communication. Years later, after another accident, the client called Simon and was impressed by his professionalism and follow-through. Simon explained everything, connected him with top doctors, and kept every promise. It was the first time the client felt truly supported—highly recommending Simon and Joseph for their integrity and dedication.

Jacob

Jacob was rear-ended by a big rig and left nearly paralyzed for a year. He found Cooper Law Group, and Joseph and Simon personally helped him through the legal process. Over two years, they ensured he got the medical care and surgeries he needed, helped repair his car, and secured the compensation he deserved. He highly recommends them for truly fighting for their clients.

Blandine

During the early days of COVID, Blandine was hit by a car while biking to work. Alone and unsure of what to do, they found Compass Law Group. Joseph was the first to respond with care and clarity. Throughout the case, the team—Joseph, Simon, and Julie—provided support, regular check-ins, and made the client feel safe and cared for. They now consider the firm like family and highly recommend them for their compassion and competence.

Understanding Your Rights:

Frequently Asked
Questions

Understanding whether a claim exists is one of the challenges of personal injury law. This is why we offer free initial consultations to help you make this determination and allow you an avenue to vindicate your rights.

We’re committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims throughout Southern California, and, unlike other California personal injury attorneys, we will take on any case if we can help, no matter how big or small.

Personal injury involves harm to an individual’s body or property caused by someone else’s negligence. It can range from minor to significant injuries, often requiring legal action to recover damages. We specialize in representing and securing fair settlements for such victims.

Our client-focused approach ensures personalized attention, detailed case building, and compelling evidence presentation. We’re skilled in negotiating settlements and prepared for trial with aggressive strategies. Our firm maintains transparent communication, involves clients in the process, and utilizes a wide network of expert witnesses and resources to strengthen cases. Choosing us means trusting a team dedicated to your success and justice.

No matter the injury size, you have rights that need defending. Many injuries seem minor at first but can worsen over time. Ignoring treatment or legal advice risks your health and compensation. Seek immediate medical and legal help after any accident to ensure proper diagnosis and strengthen your compensation claim.