Injured? We Fight for What You Deserve
One moment you're driving to work or picking up groceries, and the next you're sitting on the side of the road trying to process what just happened. Car accidents are one of the most common ways people get injured in California, yet most drivers don't know what to do in the aftermath beyond exchanging insurance information. At Jingozian Law Group, our car wreck attorneys in Los Angeles help accident victims every day who assumed their insurance company would take care of everything, only to find out the hard way that it doesn't work that way. From dealing with adjusters who want to settle quickly to understanding what your claim is worth, there's a lot more to the process. Keep reading to find out how to protect yourself after a collision and avoid the mistakes that could leave you paying out of pocket for someone else's negligence.
The minutes and hours after a crash matter most, and what you do during that window can make or break your case down the road. First, check yourself and passengers for injuries, then call 911 so police can document the scene and create a report. Even if you feel fine, get checked out by a doctor within 24 to 48 hours because adrenaline can mask pain. Some injuries like whiplash or internal bleeding, don't show symptoms right away. While you're waiting forthe police, use your phone to take photos of both vehicles from multiple angles, including visible damage, skid marks, traffic signs, and the intersection or roadway. Exchange information with the other driver, but keep the conversation minimal and don't apologize or admit fault. Even a casual "sorry" can be twisted by insurance companies. Get contact information from any witnesses because their accounts can be critical if the other driver changes their story. A car accident lawyer in Los Angeles will tell you that clients who document everything at the scene put themselves in a much stronger position when negotiations begin, so take those extra five minutes to gather evidence before you leave.
The other driver's insurance adjuster is not there to help you, and their job is actually to pay you as little as possible. Insurance companies are businesses, so every dollar they don't pay you goes back into their bottom line; adjusters are trained to use specific tactics that minimize payouts. They'll call you within days of the accident, act friendly and concerned, and try to get you to accept a quick settlement before you've finished your medical treatment or understand the full extent of your injuries. Their lowball offer might sound good when you're stressed about bills and missing work, but if you accept it, you can't go back and ask for more money later, even if your injuries turn out to be worse than you thought. Adjusters also ask detailed questions to get you to say something they can use against you, like admitting you weren't paying attention or that you've had back pain before. Working with an auto accident attorney in Los Angeles matters so much because they know these tactics inside and out and can handle communication with the insurance company on your behalf. You don't have to play their game when you have someone in your corner who understands the rules.
In some cases, you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, though your percentage of blame reduces your payout. Insurance companies know this and may pin as much fault on you as possible to lower what they owe, so they'll scrutinize every detail of the accident to find anything that suggests you contributed to the crash. Fault determination involves examining police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, vehicle damage patterns, and accident reconstruction experts. The other driver might claim you were speeding or ran a yellow light, and without solid evidence to counter those claims, your word against theirs becomes a battle you might not win. A vehicle accident injury attorney in Los Angeles can investigate your accident, gather evidence that protects your percentage of recovery, and push back against unfair fault assignments. Don't let the insurance company write the story of what happened when you have the ability to present your own evidence.
Most people think their car accident claim is worth whatever their medical bills add up to, but that number represents just a fraction of what you're entitled to recover. You can claim compensation for wages if you missed work during recovery, and for reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or working the same hours. Pain and suffering covers the physical discomfort you've endured, while emotional distress is about the anxiety, depression, and trauma that car accidents has caused. You might also recover compensation for loss of enjoyment of life if you can't participate in hobbies, sports, or activities you loved before the crash. Future medical expenses matter as well, especially for serious injuries that require ongoing care, surgeries, or long term rehabilitation. An experienced auto accident attorney in Los Angeles won't let the insurance company pressure you into accepting less than you deserve. Your claim should reflect everything this accident has cost you, not just the bills that have already arrived in your mailbox.
If you've been injured in a car accident, don't handle the insurance process alone or accept a settlement before you know what your case is worth. Contact Jingozian Law Group today for a consultation to discuss your options. Our team has spent years helping Los Angeles accident victims recover the compensation needed to move forward. As a trusted vehicle accident injury attorney in Los Angeles and a go to car accidents lawyer in Los Angeles, we combine aggressive representation with the personal attention your case deserves.
At My Lawyer Manwel, we fight for your rights in personal injury and employment law. See what our clients say about working with us.
I contacted My Lawyer Manwel for help with an employment dispute, and I’m very pleased with the service I received. He was knowledgeable, honest, and supportive throughout the entire process. Manwel kept me informed and handled negotiations with confidence and professionalism. He made a difficult situation much easier to manage and achieved a positive resolution. I would not hesitate to recommend My Lawyer Manwel to anyone needing experienced and reliable legal representation.
My Lawyer Manwel was incredibly helpful during my personal injury case. After my accident, I felt stressed and unsure of what to expect. Manwel explained everything in simple terms and was always available to answer my questions. He handled the legal details with professionalism and care, allowing me to focus on recovery. The settlement he secured helped cover my medical expenses and eased my financial worries. I truly appreciate his dedication and highly recommend his services.
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My Lawyer Manwel provided excellent support during my personal injury case. From the beginning, he was professional, patient, and very knowledgeable. He took the time to explain my rights and the legal process clearly, which made me feel confident and informed. Manwel handled all communication with the insurance company and kept me updated throughout the case. His dedication and attention to detail truly stood out. Thanks to his hard work, my case had a positive outcome. I highly recommend My Lawyer Manwel to anyone needing a trustworthy personal injury attorney.
Don't sign without carefully reviewing all of the terms, including release of claims, non-disparagement clauses, and confidentiality provisions. You usually have the right to consult with an attorney who can negotiate better terms on your behalf.
Enforceability varies dramatically by state, with some banning them entirely and others enforcing them when reasonable in scope and duration. Recent legal trends have moved toward limiting these agreements. Having an attorney review your specific agreement is essential.
Most discrimination claims must first be filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or your state's equivalent agency before pursuing a lawsuit. Strict deadlines apply, often within one hundred eighty to three hundred days of the discriminatory act.
Misclassification occurs when employers label workers as contractors to avoid providing benefits owed to employees. The determination depends on factors like company control over your work, schedule flexibility, and who provides tools and equipment.
Numerous federal and state laws protect employees who report illegal activity, safety violations, or fraud from employer retaliation. Whistleblowers may be entitled to reinstatement, back pay, and other remedies if they face adverse employment actions.
Generally speaking, employers have some flexibility to modify duties and compensation, but they can't make any changes that violate contracts, discriminate, or constitute retaliation. Sudden changes following a complaint or protected activity may raise legal concerns.
A hostile work environment exists when unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic is pervasive or severe enough to create an intimidating or abusive workplace. This goes beyond occasional rudeness and must materially affect your ability to do your job.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the majority of employees working more than forty hours per week must receive overtime pay at one and a half times their regular rate. However, certain exemptions apply based on salary level and job duties, which employers sometimes misapply.
Wrongful termination happens if an employee is fired in a way that violates federal or state laws, employment contracts, or public policy. Examples include being fired due to discrimination, retaliation for whistleblowing, or refusing to engage in illegal activities.
Federal and state law prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who report illegal conduct or file discrimination complaints. Retaliation can include termination, demotion, or creating a hostile environment. If you experience retaliation, you may have an additional legal claim.
Document every incident in detail. That includes dates, times, witnesses, and what occurred. Report the harassment through your company's internal complaint process and keep copies of all communications. If internal channels don't resolve the issue, consulting with an attorney is an important next step.
Workplace discrimination occurs when an employer treats someone unfavorably because of a protected characteristic like race, gender, age, religion, disability, or national origin. This can include hiring and firing decisions, promotions, pay, job assignments, and harassment.
If your health insurance paid for any treatment that's related to your injury, they may have a right to reimbursement from any settlement through a process called subrogation. Your attorney can often negotiate these liens down to maximize what you keep.
A settlement is an agreement that is reached outside of the court, where the at-fault party agrees to pay compensation in exchange for releasing liability. A verdict is a decision that's made by a judge or jury after a trial determines the outcome.
While you can represent yourself, insurance companies often take advantage of unrepresented claimants with lowball settlements. Studies show that injured individuals who hire attorneys recover significantly more compensation even after paying legal fees.
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of injuries, and whether it settles or goes to trial. Simpler cases may resolve in a few months, while complex litigation can take several years.
You may still have options, including your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if the incident involved a vehicle. An experienced attorney can identify all of the potential sources of compensation available to you.
Fault is normally established by examining evidence like police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony. Your attorney will investigate the circumstances to build a compelling case. In some states, you may still recover damages even if you were partially at fault.
First, get medical attention even if you feel okay, as some injuries don't show symptoms right away. Document everything, including photos of the scene and witness contact information, and avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before talking to an attorney.
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court via negotiations with insurance companies or the opposing party. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, taking your case to trial may be necessary to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court via negotiations with insurance companies or the opposing party. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, taking your case to trial may be necessary to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Victims can recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, pain, and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer.
Every state has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits, typically ranging from one to four years depending on where you live. Missing this deadline almost always means losing your right to pursue compensation, so consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your injury.
A personal injury case is when someone suffers harm because another party was negligent, reckless, or engaged in intentional misconduct. A few examples include car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries. If someone else's actions led to your injury, you may have grounds for a claim.