Best Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
If you’ve been in a car accident in Los Angeles, you need the right lawyer to protect your rights and get you the fair compensation you deserve. Elissa Best, founder of Best Law, is a car accident lawyer and top rated advocate with years of experience fighting for accident victims.
From severe injuries to property damage to dealing with insurance companies, Elissa provides personalized services to fit your needs. Best Law offers a free consultation so you can get the advice you need with no risk. Contact us today to get started.
Personal Injury
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How Can a Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles Help?
A car accident lawyer in Los Angeles can help you get fair compensation for your injuries and damages. First they will conduct an investigation of the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, medical records and witness statements to build your case. They will also work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to prove the extent of your injuries and who was at fault.
Dealing with insurance companies can be tricky after a car accident. Attorneys like Elissa Best have experience negotiating with insurance adjusters so you don’t get taken advantage of. Insurance companies try to settle for as little as possible and a good attorney makes sure you’re not taken advantage of and that all your costs are covered – medical bills, lost wages and future rehabilitation. By handling your car accident claim they make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Plus a car accident lawyer does all the legal paperwork, meets deadlines and represents you in court if necessary. This complete support allows you to focus on recovery while your lawyer handles the legal aspects of the case. With the right lawyer you can expect a smoother process and better results.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle
At Best Law we have experience handling all types of car accident cases in Los Angeles. Our team of car accident lawyers provides personalized service and aggressive representation to each of our clients. We handle:
Our car accident lawyers will help you get the most compensation for your injuries and losses.
California Car Accident Laws
After a car accident, navigating the legal system can be overwhelming but understanding California’s car accident laws is crucial to winning your case. Here are the key laws and regulations:
- At-fault state: California is an at-fault state meaning the driver who causes the accident is responsible for paying the victims. So it’s important to prove fault clearly.
- Liability insurance requirements: All drivers in California must carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. This way victims can get compensated for their injuries.
- Statute of limitations: The time limit to file a personal injury claim in California is generally two years from the date of the accident or injury discovery. Missing this deadline will mean losing the right to get compensated.
- Comparative negligence: California law allows comparative negligence meaning even if a driver is partially at fault for the accident they can still recover damages. But the damages will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Our car accident lawyers know California car accident laws and will help our clients through the legal process to get the compensation they deserve.
What Questions Should I Ask A Car Accident Lawyer When Hiring?
Hiring the right lawyer is key to your case. To make sure you choose the best, ask the following:
- How many years of experience do you have with auto accident cases in Los Angeles? Los Angeles has specific traffic laws and high accident rates, local experience is important. An attorney who knows the local courts and opposing attorneys can navigate the system better.
- How many cases similar to mine have you handled? Ask about their track record with similar cases to gauge their expertise and success rate.
- What is your fee structure? Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis meaning they only get paid if you win. Clarify this upfront to avoid misunderstandings about financial expectations.
- How will you communicate with me? Make sure the lawyer prioritizes transparency and is available to answer your questions throughout the process.
- What’s the timeline for my case? Knowing the expected duration helps manage your expectations about settlement or trial.
These questions will help you find a lawyer who is qualified and right for you.
Injured? Get The Compensation You Deserve
Honest Transparent Representation
Our approach at Best Law is centered around treating clients like family. We handle every case with the same care, honesty, and integrity that we would extend to our own loved ones. Transparency and a commitment to justice are the foundations of our legal practice.
Timely Results
We prioritize achieving timely results for our clients. We aim to move your case forward consistently and efficiently, ensuring you receive justice, closure, and the compensation you deserve as quickly as possible.
What to Do and What Not to Do After A Car Accident
After a car crash your immediate actions are crucial, for your health and for your case:
What to Do:
- Get Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries show up later. Going to the doctor also ensures you have medical records to support your injury claim.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, car damage and any visible injuries. This evidence is key to proving fault.
- File a Police Report: A police report creates an official record of the accident which is important for both insurance and legal claims.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible to comply with policy requirements.
What Not To Do:
- Don’t Admit Fault: Even a simple sorry can be interpreted as admitting fault. Stick to the facts when talking to the other driver and police.
- Don’t Settle Too Fast: Insurance companies will offer low initial settlements. Talk to an attorney before accepting any offer.
- Don’t Wait Too Long: Waiting too long can harm your case. The sooner you talk to an attorney the better.
By doing these and avoiding these mistakes you’ll increase your chances of winning.
Common Injuries from Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries some of which can have long lasting effects on a victim’s life. Common injuries are:
Our car accident lawyers have experience with cases involving all types of injuries and can help you get the maximum compensation you deserve.
What is the Process?
The process after a motor vehicle accident typically goes like this:
- Initial Consultation: The process starts with a free consultation where your attorney will go over the details of your accident, injuries and potential claim.
- Investigation: Your lawyer will collect and analyze evidence such as medical records, police reports and witness statements. They may also work with experts in accident reconstruction to prove fault.
- Demand Letter: Once your attorney has a solid understanding of the damages they may send a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company outlining your injuries and the compensation you’re seeking.
- Negotiations: Your case may or may not settle during this phase. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to get a fair settlement.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If negotiations fail your attorney will file a lawsuit. The case will then go into the discovery phase where both sides will exchange information.
- Trial: If the case doesn’t settle during discovery it goes to trial where a judge or jury will determine fault and the amount of compensation.
The whole process can take several months to years depending on the complexity of the case and if it goes to trial.
Negligence in a Los Angeles Car Accident
Proving negligence is key to winning a car accident case. In California, negligence means showing the at-fault party failed to exercise reasonable care, directly causing the accident and your injuries.
To prove negligence your attorney must show four elements:
- Duty of Care: The defendant had a legal duty to act with care on the road (e.g. obey traffic laws).
- Breach of Duty: The defendant breached this duty by acting carelessly (e.g. speeding, texting while driving).
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the accident and your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages or emotional distress.
Solid evidence such as eyewitness testimony, accident reports and expert analysis is key to proving these elements. Experienced attorneys like Elissa Best use this evidence to prove negligence and get you the maximum compensation.
Legal Liability in Car Accident Cases
Legal liability in car accident cases depends on many factors including the behavior of the drivers involved and local traffic laws. In many cases liability is clear cut – like when a driver runs a red light. But in more complex cases there may be multiple parties at fault.
California is a comparative negligence state which means each party involved in the accident can be assigned a percentage of the fault. If you were partially at fault in the accident your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example if you were 20% at fault you would still be entitled to 80% of the damages.
Your lawyer will look into all the factors that led to the accident to make sure the responsible parties are held accountable and you get the compensation you deserve.
Our Commitment to You
How Does Comparative Negligence Affect Car Accident Claims?
California’s comparative negligence rule allows accident victims to recover even if they were partially at fault. Under this rule the total amount of compensation you receive is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example if a judge determines you were 25% at fault your total compensation would be reduced by 25%.
Comparative negligence can have a big impact on your claim. Insurance companies will try to assign you a higher percentage of fault to pay out less. An experienced attorney like Elissa Best will work to minimize your share of the blame and get you the maximum compensation. Even if you were partially at fault you should still file a claim as you can still recover a big portion of your damages.
Costs and Expenses
Many accident victims worry about the cost of hiring an attorney but most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront and your attorney only gets paid if you win your case. The contingency fee is usually a percentage of the settlement or court award.
In addition to legal fees there may be other costs such as court filing fees, expert witness fees and the cost of getting medical records. But these costs are usually paid by the law firm and deducted from your settlement if you win.
Working with a reputable firm like Best Law means clients get expert legal representation without the upfront cost.
Can I Afford a Car Accident Lawyer?
Yes most people can afford a car accident lawyer because of the contingency fee arrangement. This means accident victims can get legal representation regardless of their financial situation. Best Law works on a contingency basis so you won’t pay legal fees unless she gets you compensation.
This no-win no-fee arrangement means you can get justice without the upfront cost. Plus your lawyer will often pay for the cost of investigations, expert witnesses and court fees upfront and deduct them from your settlement when the case is resolved.
Client Testimonials - Our Commitment to Excellence
“One thing about Elissa is that she actually CARES. I was rear-ended and hired an attorney who would never return my calls and really didn’t care about my case. I came across Elissa on social media and reached out to her. After speaking with her I immediately fired my old attorney and hired Elissa. She always returned my calls and she settled my case pretty quickly. I recommend her to anyone who needs a personal injury lawyer.”
“After suffering a serious injury from a slip and fall accident, I was overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. From our very first meeting, Elissa demonstrated compassion for my situation. Her expertise was evident as she meticulously gathered evidence, communicated with insurance companies, and kept me informed every step of the way. Best Law fought tirelessly to ensure I received the compensation I deserved, covering my medical expenses and lost wages.”
Types of Compensation for Car Accident Victims in Los Angeles
Car accident victims in Los Angeles can recover:
- Medical Expenses: Past and future medical bills from the accident including hospital bills, surgeries, medications and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: If you can’t work because of your injuries you may be compensated for lost wages, immediate and future income if you can’t go back to your previous job.
- Pain and Suffering: For the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident you can be reimbursed for repairs or replacement.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the at-fault party was extremely reckless or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded to the defendant.
The amount of compensation you are entitled to will depend on your individual case and the extent of your injuries.
Car Accident Stats in California
Car accidents are all too common in California with thousands of injuries and fatalities each year. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety there were over 223,000 car accidents in California in 2020 resulting in over 3,600 fatalities and over 220,000 injuries. The most common causes of car accidents in California are:
- Distracted driving: 23% of all car accidents in California
- Speeding: 20% of all car accidents
- Drunk driving: 15% of all car accidents
- Failure to yield: 12% of all car accidents (especially at intersections)
Our car accident lawyers will help our clients get the maximum compensation for their injuries and losses by using their expertise to navigate the car accident laws in California.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit?
In California the statute of limitations to file a car accident lawsuit is generally 2 years from the date of the accident. This means if you don’t file a lawsuit within this time frame you may lose your right to get compensation for your injuries. There are exceptions to this rule such as cases involving government entities or minors where different deadlines apply. For example if the claim involves a government agency (e.g. a city bus accident) you have only 6 months to file a claim.
You need to act fast and contact a lawyer as soon as possible to make sure you meet these deadlines. Delaying can weaken your case as evidence disappears and witness memories fade. Elissa Best and her team at Best Law get to work quickly to make sure all paperwork is filed on time and protect your legal rights from the start.
Why Choose Best Law For Your Personal Injury Case in Los Angeles?
Choosing Best Law means choosing a firm that puts your needs first. Here’s why we stand out:
When you choose Best Law, you’re choosing a partner dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Proven Track Record
Client-Centered Approach
No Win, No Fee Guarantee
Experienced Team
What if I was partially at fault for the accident? Can I still file a claim?
Yes you can still file a claim even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Under California’s comparative negligence law, accident victims can recover damages even if they were partly to blame. Your damages will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you are found to be 30% responsible for the accident then your total damages will be reduced by 30%. So, if your damages are $100,000 you would get $70,000.
This law allows partially responsible drivers to recover for their injuries. An experienced lawyer like Elissa Best can help minimize your percentage of fault and get you more money. Insurance companies will try to assign more fault to you to reduce their payout so having legal representation is crucial in these cases.
Will my car accident case go to court?
Most car accident cases are settled outside of court through negotiations with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However if a fair settlement can’t be reached your case may go to trial. Whether your case goes to court depends on many factors such as the complexity of the case, the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate and the extent of your damages.
Best Law tries to settle cases whenever possible to save its clients time and stress. However, if a fair settlement cant be reached, they will take the case to trial and fight for your rights in court. Going to trial can take longer to resolve the case but may result in a higher award if the case is strong.
FAQs
Meet The Top Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles, Elissa Best
Elissa Best, founder of Best Law, is a top car accident lawyer in Los Angeles. With years of experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants, she brings a unique perspective to her practice. She worked for big insurance companies early in her career, so she knows how they operate and how to beat them.
At Best Law, Elissa provides personalized, client focused representation, meaning that ever case gets the attention it deserves. Her firm handles all types of personal injury cases from car accidents to wrongful death claims. She has a proven record of getting big settlements and verdicts for her clients so they can recover and get back to their lives.
Elissa Best’s passion for justice plus her tenacity makes her one of the top car accident lawyers in Los Angeles. Whether through negotiations or courtroom litigation she will hold the irresponsible parties accountable and get her clients fair compensation.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
At Best Law we know that dealing with personal injury or legal challenges can be both stressful and confusing. That’s why we offer free consultations to help you understand your options and provide the legal guidance you need. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys are experienced in handling a wide range of cases, from car accidents to workplace injuries, and are committed to protecting your rights every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and discuss your case with one of our skilled attorneys. We are here to provide the support and representation you need, so don’t hesitate to reach out. Your path to justice starts with a simple call or message.
“Ms. Best used her wealth of knowledge and experience to secure a favorable settlement for me. Being in a car accident is never fun but Ms. Best made the negotiation and settlement process pain free. The Best Law firm is super professional, and I will highly recommend everyone to them after having such a wonderful experience. Truly the best and better than all the rest!”