Car Accident Lawyer in Pasadena & Los Angeles
Car accident claims usually move through a liability insurance company first, which decides how much (if anything) to offer based on police reports, photos, medical records, and witness statements. The adjuster works for the insurer, not for you, and early settlement offers are frequently far below what a claim is actually worth once future treatment is factored in. An attorney can document the full extent of your injuries, deal with the insurance company directly, and file suit if a fair settlement isn’t offered.
Common Causes
- Distracted driving (phone use, texting)
- Speeding and following too closely
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Driving under the influence
- Unsafe lane changes and merges on freeways like the 210 and 110
Compensation That May Be Available
- Vehicle repair or total-loss value
- Emergency room, imaging, surgery, and physical therapy costs
- Lost income during recovery
- Pain and suffering
- Future care if injuries are long-term
California Law Note
California is an at-fault state: the driver(s) found responsible (or their insurer) pay for the damage. Because fault can be split between multiple drivers, how the police report characterizes the crash matters — it’s worth having it reviewed before you accept an insurer’s characterization of what happened.
Related Questions
What is my personal injury case worth?
There’s no fixed formula, and anyone who promises you a specific number before reviewing your medical records and the facts of your case is getting ahead of the evidence. Case value generally depends on the severity and permanence of your injuries, your total medical expenses (past and projected future treatment), lost income, the strength of the liability evidence, available insurance coverage, and how the injury has affected your daily life. A free consultation lets us look at your specific situation and give you a realistic, honest assessment rather than a guess.
View this answer on its own page →Should I give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company?
You are generally not required to give a recorded statement to the OTHER driver’s insurance company, and we recommend you don’t until you’ve spoken with an attorney. Adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that can be used later to minimize your claim — for example, asking "how are you feeling today?" to get you to casually say "fine." You can politely decline and refer them to your attorney. (Your OWN insurer may require cooperation under your policy — that’s a different relationship and worth asking us about specifically.)
View this answer on its own page →Office-Specific Information
Each office has its own detailed page on our main site:
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Discuss Your Car Accident Case — Free
Free consultation. No fee unless we recover compensation for you — case costs may still apply regardless of outcome; ask us for the specifics in writing.