Car Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA

If you were injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, a car accident lawyer can help you evaluate potential claims, insurance issues, evidence, damages, and California deadlines. This directory helps you compare attorneys and personal injury firms listed as serving the Los Angeles area.

TL;DR / Quick Summary

• California deadline: California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) § 335.1 generally provides a 2-year period for an action for injury to, or death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.
• Government claims: California Government Code § 911.2 generally requires certain claims involving death, personal injury, or injury to personal property to be presented within 6 months after accrual.
• Insurance minimums: California’s standard minimum liability limits are $30,000/$60,000/$15,000.
• SR-1 reporting: A qualifying California traffic accident generally must be reported to the DMV within 10 days.
• Fault: California is an at-fault state and recognizes comparative fault, so an injured person’s recovery may be reduced by that person’s percentage of responsibility.

These are general California rules. Exceptions, additional requirements, and different deadlines can apply depending on the claim and circumstances.

Car Accident Attorneys Serving Los Angeles

Bottom line: The attorneys listed here are included because their directory profiles identify them as serving the Los Angeles area. Compare experience, practice areas, communication, fees, and service area before choosing an attorney.

The attorneys and personal injury firms on this page are independent businesses. An individual directory profile may include an office address supplied for that listing.

An office address does not necessarily mean that a firm maintains an office in every city it serves. Some law firms represent clients throughout multiple California communities.

When comparing a Los Angeles car accident attorney, consider asking:

• Experience: Does the attorney regularly handle California car accident and personal injury claims?
• Case type: Does the firm handle collisions similar to yours?
• Attorney: Who will actually handle your case after the initial consultation?
• Communication: How will the firm communicate with you during the claim?
• Fees: How are attorney fees and case expenses calculated?
• Litigation: Does the attorney have experience taking personal injury cases to court?
• Service area: Does the firm currently represent clients in your location?

Review the attorney’s written fee agreement and representation documents carefully before signing.

California Car Accident Laws in Los Angeles

Bottom line: Los Angeles car accident claims are generally governed by California law, including rules concerning negligence, comparative fault, insurance, damages, and filing deadlines.

The outcome of a car accident claim depends on the facts and evidence. Depending on the collision, relevant evidence may include:

• Police reports: Official reports and recorded observations concerning the collision.
• Photographs: Images of vehicles, injuries, roadway conditions, signs, signals, and property damage.
• Video evidence: Dashcam, surveillance, traffic-camera, or other available footage.
• Witness information: Statements and contact information from people who observed the crash.
• Medical records: Documentation of injuries, treatment, prognosis, and related expenses.
• Vehicle evidence: Damage patterns, repair records, photographs, and other physical evidence.
• Insurance records: Applicable policies, coverage information, and claim communications.

The applicable law can depend on the type of claim, the parties involved, the location of the accident, and the specific facts.

California Car Accident Filing Deadlines

Bottom line: CCP § 335.1 generally provides a 2-year period for an action for injury to, or death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another. Other deadlines and exceptions can apply.

Rule	Time limit	California authority	What it means
Personal injury or death caused by wrongful act or neglect	2 years	CCP § 335.1	Generally applies to an action for injury to, or death of, an individual caused by wrongful act or neglect.
Certain claims against a government entity	6 months	Gov. Code § 911.2	Generally requires presentation of covered claims involving death, personal injury, or personal property within six months after accrual.
Qualifying California accident report	10 days	CVC § 16000 / DMV SR-1 requirements	A qualifying accident generally must be reported to the DMV within 10 days.

For the current statutory language, see the live California Legislative Information pages for CCP § 335.1 and Government Code § 911.2

For the accident-reporting statute, see California Vehicle Code § 16000

Important: Do not assume that every California car accident claim automatically has two years to be filed. Different claims can have different deadlines, and special rules may apply to government entities and other circumstances.

Claims Involving Government Entities

Bottom line: A collision involving a government vehicle, government employee, or potentially dangerous public property can involve a special government-claim procedure and a much shorter deadline.

Under Government Code § 911.2, a claim relating to a cause of action for death, injury to a person, injury to personal property, or injury to growing crops generally must be presented within 6 months after accrual. The statute separately provides a one-year period for other causes of action.

Do not wait to investigate a potential government claim. The 6-month claim-presentation requirement under Gov. Code § 911.2 is different from the general 2-year period under CCP § 335.1.

If a collision may involve a city, county, state agency, public vehicle, or other government entity, prompt advice from a qualified California attorney may be appropriate.

Is California a No-Fault or At-Fault State?

Bottom line: California is an at-fault state, not a no-fault auto insurance state.

California’s automobile insurance system generally distinguishes liability coverage for accidents that are your fault from uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for qualifying accidents where the other driver is at fault and lacks sufficient insurance.

The question of legal fault is separate from the question of what insurance coverage may be available. Both can require analysis of the accident facts and applicable policies.

For current consumer insurance information, see the California Department of Insurance Automobile Insurance Guide.

California Comparative Fault

Bottom line: California recognizes comparative fault, meaning an injured person’s damages may be reduced according to the percentage of responsibility assigned to that person.

California’s comparative-fault doctrine is associated with Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804. The Judicial Council’s current CACI No. 405 explains that when a plaintiff’s negligence contributed to the harm, the plaintiff’s damages are reduced by the percentage of responsibility determined by the fact finder.

See the official California Judicial Council Civil Jury Instructions for current CACI materials.

For example, if a fact finder determines that total damages are $100,000 and assigns 20% responsibility to the injured person, a 20% reduction would result in $80,000 before considering other legal or factual issues.

That example is illustrative only. Actual fault and damages depend on the evidence and circumstances.

Being partly at fault does not automatically mean that an injured person has no claim.

California Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

Bottom line: California’s standard minimum liability limits are $30,000/$60,000/$15,000.

Coverage	California minimum
Bodily injury or death — one person	$30,000
Bodily injury or death — two or more people in one accident	$60,000
Property damage — one accident	$15,000

The California Department of Insurance states that these minimum liability limits apply to standard auto policies, with $30,000/$60,000 for bodily injury liability and $15,000 for property damage liability.

These increased minimum limits took effect beginning January 1, 2025.

The minimum insurance limits do not mean that an injured person’s losses are automatically limited to those amounts.

Potential recovery can depend on liability, damages, applicable policies, policy limits, the number of claimants, and other circumstances.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may also become important when the responsible driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage.

See the live California Department of Insurance Automobile Coverage Limits page for current coverage information.

California DMV SR-1 Accident Reporting

Bottom line: A qualifying California traffic accident generally must be reported to the DMV within 10 days.

California Vehicle Code § 16000 requires a driver involved in a qualifying accident to report it within 10 days when the accident results in property damage to any one person exceeding $1,000, bodily injury, or death.

The California DMV provides the following SR-1 requirements:

Situation	SR-1 requirement
Injury	Report generally required
Death	Report generally required
Property damage over $1,000	Report generally required
Fault	Reporting requirement applies regardless of fault
Deadline	10 days

The DMV states that the SR-1 is required in addition to reports made to police, the California Highway Patrol, or an insurance company.

The statutory requirement is found in California Vehicle Code § 16000

For the current filing process, see the official California DMV SR-1 Accident Reporting page.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles

Bottom line: After a Los Angeles car accident, prioritize safety and medical care, document the collision when safe, preserve evidence, exchange required information, and address applicable reporting and insurance requirements.

When circumstances permit:

1. Check injuries: Obtain emergency medical care when necessary.
2. Get safe: Move away from immediate traffic danger when it is safe and lawful to do so.
3. Contact authorities: Call law enforcement or emergency services when appropriate.
4. Exchange information: Obtain identifying and insurance information from the other driver or drivers.
5. Document damage: Photograph vehicles and visible property damage.
6. Record conditions: Photograph roadway conditions, traffic controls, signs, and the surrounding scene when safe.
7. Identify witnesses: Preserve witness names and contact information when possible.
8. Keep records: Save medical bills, treatment records, repair estimates, receipts, and other accident-related documents.
9. Notify insurance: Follow the applicable requirements of your insurance policy.
10. Check SR-1: Determine whether California’s 10-day DMV reporting requirement applies.

The California Department of Insurance also provides consumer guidance on what to do after an accident, including documenting the accident and dealing with insurance claims.

Avoid making assumptions about fault at the scene. The facts can be more complicated than they initially appear.

Related resource:

• What to Do After a Car Accident

Common Types of Car Accidents in Los Angeles

Bottom line: Los Angeles car accident claims can involve many collision types, and the legal issues depend on the circumstances rather than the accident category alone.

Common collision types include:

• Rear-end crashes: Collisions involving a vehicle striking another from behind.
• Intersection crashes: Accidents involving turns, traffic signals, stop signs, or crossing traffic.
• Lane-change crashes: Collisions occurring during merging or changing lanes.
• Freeway crashes: Accidents on major Los Angeles-area freeways.
• Multi-vehicle crashes: Collisions involving multiple vehicles.
• Distracted driving: Crashes potentially involving driver distraction.
• Speed-related crashes: Collisions in which speed may be a contributing factor.
• Impaired driving: Accidents involving suspected alcohol or drug impairment.
• Hit-and-run crashes: Collisions where a driver leaves without fulfilling applicable legal duties.
• Uninsured-driver crashes: Accidents involving drivers without applicable insurance.
• Pedestrian collisions: Crashes involving a vehicle and pedestrian.
• Bicycle collisions: Accidents involving bicycles and motor vehicles.
• Motorcycle crashes: Collisions involving motorcycles and other vehicles.
• Rideshare accidents: Crashes involving rideshare transportation.
• Truck accidents: Collisions involving commercial trucks or other large vehicles.

Los Angeles Traffic and Car Accident Safety

Bottom line: Los Angeles has a complex transportation network spanning freeways, major arterials, residential streets, and heavily traveled intersections. Traffic-safety statistics provide context but do not establish legal fault in an individual accident.

Major Los Angeles-area routes include:

• Interstate 5
• Interstate 10
• Interstate 405
• Interstate 110
• U.S. 101
• State Route 60
• State Route 134
• State Route 210

In a February 12, 2026 update, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation reported that approximately 1 in 5 fatal crashes in the City of Los Angeles in 2024 were directly attributed to speeding. LADOT also reported that unsafe speed was the primary collision factor in 40% of vehicle-only collisions resulting in a fatality in its Vision Zero Safety Study.

These are citywide traffic-safety statistics. They do not establish negligence or liability in a particular accident.

For current city traffic-safety information, see the Los Angeles Department of Transportation.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Los Angeles Car Accident?

Bottom line: Depending on the facts and legal basis of a claim, compensation may include economic and non-economic damages resulting from an accident and qualifying injuries.

Potential losses can include:

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospital treatment, physician bills, medication, rehabilitation, and other qualifying medical costs.
• Future care: Reasonably supported future medical or rehabilitation needs.
• Lost wages: Income lost because of accident-related injuries.
• Earning capacity: Potential reduction in the ability to earn income.
• Property damage: Qualifying damage to a vehicle or other property.
• Out-of-pocket costs: Other documented expenses related to the accident.
• Pain and suffering: Certain non-economic damages associated with qualifying personal injuries.
• Emotional harm: Certain non-economic losses where recognized by applicable law.

The availability and amount of damages depend on the facts, evidence, applicable law, insurance coverage, and other circumstances.

A lawyer cannot accurately value every claim simply from the type of accident. Injury severity and duration, medical evidence, liability evidence, financial losses, insurance coverage, and other factors can affect the analysis.

What If the Other Driver Has No Insurance?

Bottom line: An uninsured or underinsured driver can create additional insurance issues, including potential claims under applicable uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

California Department of Insurance materials explain that uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can protect against qualifying accidents involving an at-fault driver who has no insurance or insufficient insurance, subject to the applicable policy and circumstances.

Potential coverage depends on the actual insurance policy and facts of the accident.

If you were involved in a hit-and-run or accident with an uninsured driver, preserve available evidence and review your insurance coverage promptly.

How Much Does a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

Bottom line: There is no single fee that every Los Angeles car accident attorney charges. Fee arrangements vary by attorney, case, and representation terms.

Some personal injury lawyers use contingency-fee agreements, under which the attorney’s compensation is tied to the outcome of the case rather than being charged as a traditional hourly fee.

The exact arrangement should be established in the written fee agreement.

Before hiring a car accident attorney, ask:

• Fee percentage: What fee or percentage applies?
• Trial fee: Does the fee change if the case goes to trial?
• Case expenses: Which costs are charged separately from attorney fees?
• Litigation costs: Who pays litigation expenses?
• No recovery: What happens if there is no recovery?
• Written agreement: Can I review the complete fee agreement before signing?

California Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5 prohibits lawyers from making an agreement for, charging, or collecting an unconscionable or illegal fee. The rule also addresses factors relevant to determining whether a fee is unconscionable and notes that some fee agreements must be in writing.

See the State Bar of California Rules of Professional Conduct for the current rules.

How to Choose a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer

Bottom line: The right attorney for a particular accident depends on the facts, injuries, insurance issues, and type of legal representation needed.

Experience With California Personal Injury Cases

Look for experience handling motor-vehicle accident claims under California law.

Experience With Your Collision Type

Relevant experience may include freeway crashes, pedestrian collisions, motorcycle accidents, rideshare claims, commercial vehicle crashes, or cases involving serious injuries.

Communication

Ask who will be responsible for your case and how the firm communicates with clients.

Fee Transparency

Make sure you understand attorney fees and case expenses before entering into a representation agreement.

Litigation Experience

Some accident claims resolve through insurance negotiations, while others may require litigation. Ask about the attorney’s experience with the litigation process when appropriate.

Geographic Service Area

Confirm that the firm currently represents clients in the relevant Los Angeles area and handles your type of case.

Los Angeles County Superior Court and Car Accident Cases

Bottom line: Civil jurisdiction and venue depend on the amount in controversy, parties, claims, jurisdiction, and other circumstances. Not every car accident case belongs in the same courthouse or court division.

The Los Angeles Superior Court currently describes these civil jurisdiction categories:

Case category	Amount / threshold
Unlimited civil jurisdiction	More than $35,000
Limited civil jurisdiction	$35,000 or less
Small Claims — natural persons	$12,500 or less

The Los Angeles Superior Court states that unlimited jurisdiction covers disputes exceeding $35,000, limited jurisdiction covers disputes of $35,000 or less, and Small Claims cases for natural persons can involve amounts up to $12,500.

These thresholds describe jurisdictional categories. They do not mean that a person can automatically choose any Los Angeles courthouse.

Venue, jurisdiction, filing procedures, and the appropriate court location depend on the particular case.

For current information, see the Los Angeles Superior Court Civil Division.

Frequently Asked Questions About Los Angeles Car Accidents

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in California?

Two years is the general period under CCP § 335.1 for many personal injury actions involving injury to or death of an individual caused by wrongful act or neglect. The statute states: “Within two years” for an action for assault, battery, or injury to, or death of, an individual caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.

Other deadlines and exceptions can apply, including special rules for government claims.

Read the current California CCP § 335.1.

Is California a no-fault state?

No. California is an at-fault state. California’s Department of Insurance describes liability coverage as applying to accidents that are your fault, while uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage addresses qualifying accidents where the other driver is at fault and lacks sufficient insurance.

Can I recover damages if I was partly at fault?

Yes, potentially. California recognizes comparative fault, and CACI No. 405 states that a plaintiff’s damages are reduced by the percentage of responsibility assigned to the plaintiff when the applicable requirements for comparative fault are established.

The doctrine is associated with Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804.

What are California’s minimum car insurance limits?

$30,000/$60,000/$15,000. The current standard minimum liability limits are $30,000 for bodily injury or death to one person, $60,000 for bodily injury or death to two or more people in one accident, and $15,000 for property damage.

When is an SR-1 required in California?

Within 10 days for a qualifying accident. California Vehicle Code § 16000 requires reporting when an accident results in property damage to any one person exceeding $1,000, bodily injury, or death.

The DMV states that the SR-1 requirement applies regardless of fault and is separate from reports made to law enforcement or an insurance company.

What happens if a government vehicle was involved?

A special government-claim procedure may apply. Government Code § 911.2 generally requires covered claims involving death, personal injury, or personal property to be presented within 6 months after accrual.

A government-related accident should be evaluated promptly because additional procedural requirements may apply.

What if the other driver has no insurance?

Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may provide a potential source of recovery. Whether coverage applies depends on the applicable policy, facts, liability, and other circumstances.

Can I still have a claim after a hit-and-run?

Possibly. Available legal and insurance options depend on whether the driver can be identified, available insurance coverage, evidence, injuries, and other circumstances.

What damages can I recover after a car accident?

Potential damages can include economic and non-economic losses. Depending on the claim, these can include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, future economic losses, pain and suffering, and other qualifying damages.

How much does a car accident lawyer cost?

There is no universal fee. Some personal injury attorneys use contingency-fee agreements, but the percentage, expenses, and other terms vary and should be reviewed in the written fee agreement.

California Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5 governs attorney fees and prohibits illegal or unconscionable fees.

Should I hire a Los Angeles car accident attorney?

It may be useful to consult an attorney when an accident involves significant injuries, disputed liability, substantial damages, uninsured or underinsured motorists, a government entity, a commercial vehicle, a death, or complicated insurance issues. Whether legal representation is appropriate depends on the circumstances.

Nearby Cities

If you are looking for a car accident attorney outside Los Angeles, explore our city-specific attorney directories for nearby communities:

• Houston Car Accident Lawyers
• Chicago Car Accident Lawyers
• San Diego Car Accident Lawyers
• Miami Car Accident Lawyers

Find a Car Accident Lawyer Serving Los Angeles

Bottom line: Use the directory listings on this page to compare attorneys and personal injury firms identified by their profiles as serving the Los Angeles area.

When contacting an attorney, having basic information about the collision can make the initial discussion more useful. This may include:

• Accident details: Date, time, and location of the collision.
• Vehicle information: Vehicles involved and available insurance information.
• Photographs: Images of vehicles, injuries, roadway conditions, and property damage.
• Medical information: Treatment received and available medical records or bills.
• Reports: Police, CHP, incident, or other relevant reports.
• Witness information: Names and contact information for available witnesses.

No directory can determine which attorney is right for a particular case. Consider speaking directly with qualified attorneys and reviewing their representation terms before making a decision.

Legal Information Disclaimer

This page provides general educational information about California car accidents and Los Angeles-area attorney directories. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

California laws, court procedures, insurance rules, and deadlines can contain exceptions and may change. The information on this page should not be used to determine whether a particular legal claim is timely or what legal strategy should be followed.

The attorneys and firms displayed in this directory are independent businesses. Their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, guarantee of results, or guarantee of availability.

For advice about a specific accident or potential claim, consult a lawyer licensed to practice in California.