Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one was injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle wreck, you’re not alone. More than 200,000 people are hurt in Southern California crashes every year. Our Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm have helped thousands of crash victims get the compensation and justice they deserve.

What you can expect from The Barnes Firm:

  • FREE Car Accident Case Evaluation
  • 24/7 Access To Our Best Attorneys In L.A.
  • No-Fee Promise – Let’s Get You Compensation First
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About Car Accidents In Southern California

The days following a car accident can be a very stressful and challenging time for all parties involved, and that’s why it’s critical to choose the right law firm to handle your car accident claim if any injuries were sustained. At The Barnes Firm, our experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyers guide our clients through every step of the way, getting the best possible results. Whether it was a hit and run, head-on, or a multi-vehicle collision, our lawyers have worked on both minor and major car accident cases where we obtained favorable outcomes.

The Barnes Firm serves Los Angeles and nearby cities: Anaheim, Orange County, Glendale, Burbank, Hawthorne, Santa Monica, Torrance, Inglewood, Huntington Park, Long Beach, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, Pasadena, Santa Ana, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Irvine, and more…

The Different Types Of Car Accidents

Hit & Run Crashes

Los Angeles Police record about 20,000 hit and run accidents every year, leaving accident victims with the bill for repair costs and expensive injuries. Unfortunately, many hit and run drivers are not caught, but victims may still be entitled to compensation for their injuries. This includes:

  • Medical costs, both past and future
  • Pain & suffering
  • Property damage
  • Lost income
  • Lost earning capacity

If you are involved in a hit and run, whether it was a head-on or side-impact collision, the next step is to call the Los Angeles car accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm so we can submit a claim as soon as possible. If the hit and run occurred in a parking lot or parking garage, we are going to want to check in with the lot owner(s) to pull the tapes for potential suspects.

If the hit and run crash occurred while you were driving, you could increase your chances of collecting compensation by jotting down these details:

  • Make, model, and color of the vehicle
  • Witness statements
  • License plate number
  • What the other driver looked like
  • Where the car was headed

When choosing a law firm for your car accident, whether it was major or minor, experienced attorneys can make a big difference. The Los Angeles car accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm have handled hundreds of hit and run accidents with one goal in mind: the best possible result for our clients.

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Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end crashes are some of the most frequently reported car accidents, accounting for nearly two million of all automobile accidents documented in the U.S. These types of car accidents, while seemingly minor, can result in serious and costly damages to both the vehicle and the passenger’s health. Sometimes, they even turn into multi-vehicle crashes. Some of these physical and psychological injuries include:

  • Chronic pain & suffering
  • Whiplash
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Burns
  • Injuries from airbag deployment
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Fear of driving again

As one of the nation’s largest law firms, the Los Angeles car accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm work with clients who have sustained one or more of the injuries above from a rear-end collision. In most cases, the person who caused the collision will be the one liable to pay for all damages, unless they are insured against collision. In that case, their insurance company will pay. However, do not accept any settlements until you’ve consulted with an experienced Los Angeles car accident attorney from The Barnes Firm first. We will ensure that you receive fair compensation for not only the car damages, but any injuries and medical expenses too.

person taking a picture of a rear end car accident with their phone
toy cars simulating an accident where on is flipped on its side

T-Bone Accidents

Studies show that T-bone vehicle crashes, or side-impact crashes, account for nearly 13 percent of all car accidents, and the aftermath can range anywhere between a couple of bruises to completely devastating. A T-bone accident occurs when one vehicle is moving straight while another negligent vehicle strikes it from the side. T-bone accidents are also sometimes referred to as side-impact accidents, resulting in mild to severe injuries of those involved.

Proving Liability

Although it seems easy to establish liability in a T-bone wreck, it’s not always a walk in the park. Holding another motorist liable under the concept of negligence is something best handled by a skilled lawyer from The Barnes Firm. When you consult with us regarding your side-impact wreck, we can help prove that the at-fault driver:

  • Failed to exercise reasonable care, resulting in injuries
  • Owed you a duty of care
  • Breached duty of care

It’s absolutely vital to have a team of practiced car and truck accident lawyers in Los Angeles with years of experience handling T-bone crashes and a track record for getting the best possible results. That’s where The Barnes Firm comes in. If you or a loved one were recently involved in a T-bone car wreck, contact us today for a free consultation.

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Contact The Car Accident Lawyers of Los Angeles Today

The Barnes Firm understands that accidents happen, from fender benders to multi-vehicle collisions, but that doesn’t mean as a victim that you shouldn’t get the justice and compensation that you deserve. And because we focus solely on accident cases in Los Angeles, you can rest assured that we will fight for the best possible outcome. You never have to worry about getting a hold of your lawyer, as we are available around the clock 24/7 to handle any questions, concerns and give updates.

It can be difficult to get a settlement after a major auto accident, but not when you turn to The Barnes Firm. We understand the related laws and all the steps that need to be taken right after an accident, whether it’s big or small.

Schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys today by dialing (800)-800-0000.

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Questions For A Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

Car Accident Questions

Why Seek Medical Care Immediately After an Accident?

It’s crucial to seek medical care as soon as possible after your car accident. Waiting longer than 72 hours proves to insurance companies that you did not seek medical attention in a reasonable amount of time following the accident. That could hurt your chances of receiving compensation and gives the insurance companies reason to believe that the car accident didn’t cause your injuries.

How Can The Barnes Firm Help Me Recover Compensation?

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident that resulted in lost wages or disabilities, call on The Barnes Firm to fight for you and the compensation you deserve. You shouldn’t have to pay for any expenses or lost wages stemming from an accident that you didn’t cause.

The Barnes Firm is an accomplished personal injury firm in Los Angeles with experienced car accident lawyers who’ve been helping accident victims for decades. With many verdicts and settlements resulting in $1 million or more for past clients, you can trust The Barnes Firm to get the results that you deserve. Call today for your free consultation to get started on your claim.

The Barnes Firm (800) 800-0000

Questions About Whiplash

Can I Prove I Have Whiplash?

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries from a car accident, and doctors have proven it’s a result of some types of car accidents. According to The Mayo Clinic, whiplash is a “neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip.”  Rear-end accidents are the biggest proponent of whiplash injuries. However, it can occur in any type of car accident. Symptoms of whiplash include:

  • Neck pain
  • Neck stiffness
  • Inability to move your neck
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Tingling sensations

If you’re suffering from a whiplash injury as the result of a car accident, you should talk to a top car accident lawyer in Los Angeles who can help you recover compensation for your medical bills.

How Soon Should You Go to the Doctor for Whiplash Symptoms?

One of the primary indicators used to prove you have whiplash as the result of a car accident is how quickly you sought medical treatment. If you waited multiple weeks before visiting a doctor or medical professional to get treated for your symptoms, it’s more difficult to prove that your whiplash injury was caused by the car accident. That’s why if you suspect there was an injury following your accident, even if you only have a few symptoms, it’s in your best interest to seek medical attention right away.

Do You Need To Have Medical Evidence of Whiplash?

When you visit a doctor for your whiplash symptoms, they’ll likely conduct a variety of tests to identify the extent of your injury. Serious whiplash injuries are visible on imaging tests such as x-rays and MRIs. A car accident lawyer in LA says reported medical evidence is extremely beneficial for proving a whiplash claim, especially if the images were taken directly after or near the time of the accident.

Will Previous Whiplash Injuries Affect My Claim?

If you’ve suffered from whiplash or whiplash symptoms in the past, it might be more difficult to prove your accident claim. Insurers and those granting your claim will want to be certain that what you’re experiencing is new or different from what you went through in the past. It’s also beneficial to provide detailed information about your aches and pains to medical professionals at the scene of the accident and those you see after the accident.

Should You Undergo Regular Treatment For Whiplash?

To claim that you’re suffering from whiplash, it’s important to follow the doctor’s orders to alleviate your symptoms and heal your injury. If the doctor prescribes medical treatment, you should follow all the instructions accordingly. Not participating in medical treatment is a sign to the other party that your symptoms may not be as bad as you claim.

If you’re suffering from whiplash, you should also consult a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles about filing for a settlement to cover the cost of your medical bills. With the right representation, you might also be able to win compensation for your pain and suffering.  The Barnes Firm is a preferred option for many victims of car accidents in LA. Call today or contact the legal team online to schedule a free consultation.

Should You Go To The Hospital For Whiplash?

If you’ve been in a car accident, you know how scary the experience can be. You’re shaken from the entire episode and may be in severe pain, particularly if the crash was caused an injury. A car accident lawyer in Los Angeles says whiplash is the most common injury following a car accident, and it’s not an injury to be taken lightly. It’s caused by the forceful motion of your head knocking forward and back when your car is crashed into. This violent movement of your head causes damage to your neck, spine, and shoulders if left untreated.

Many accident victims may be wondering, Should You Go to the Hospital for Whiplash? All of the best car accident lawyers in Los Angeles say it’s always a good idea to visit a hospital and have a medical specialist look over your injuries to find out whether your condition is serious or not.

How Do I Treat Whiplash?

The best thing to do after a car accident is to take your whiplash injury seriously and seek out professional medical care. Many times, victims in a car accident don’t initially feel pain after a crash. That’s because in response to the shock of the collision, your body releases a spike of adrenaline and cortisol hormones that mask the pain and help you think clearly. Once the hormones wear off and your body starts to relax, that’s when the pain sets in.

Whiplash disturbs the delicate tissues, ligaments, and muscles around your spine. Waiting for your back, neck, and shoulders to become painfully stiff and sore from day-to-day irritants can worsen the extent of your injuries. That’s why it’s always a good idea to go to the hospital and get examined, even if you initially feel fine. This will establish a record of medical treatment that may support a future car accident claim.

Should I Go To The Hospital Or Urgent Care For Whiplash?

Going to an urgent care center or the hospital will allow a doctor to examine you and run telling tests and scans to get insight on the severity of your injury. Because other injuries can stem from whiplash, known as whiplash associated disorder (WAD), receiving care early on from a medical professional will tell you whether you might be facing further complications.

Because whiplash is an injury to the tissues, muscles, and ligaments, rather than the bones, an X-ray would not be helpful for your prognosis. Your doctor will likely have you lie down and ask for your feedback on your level of pain when gently moving your neck, back, and shoulders. In some cases, images from a sophisticated MRI scan can predict whether you might experience chronic pain in the future.

Based on your doctor’s evaluation, they’ll recommend a treatment plan to help your whiplash heal. Possible recommendations include:

  • Strengthening exercises and stretches
  • Physical therapy
  • Chiropractic care
  • Massage therapy
  • A neck brace to be worn
  • Pain medication
  • Injections to block pain, like an epidural, so tissues heal faster

The severity of your pain and injury will dictate the treatment options that your doctor suggests. Never attempt to self-diagnose your treatment plan, as the wrong adjustments can make your pain worse.

How Can I Ease Whiplash Pain At Home?

After visiting the hospital and receiving a treatment plan by a doctor, be sure to follow these  instructions carefully. General practices for self-care include:

  • Icing the sore area to help swelling for the 24 hours following your accident
  • Taking over-the-counter medication for pain and swelling
  • Avoiding physical work or labor that will irritate your injury

Ask your doctor about the best way to lie in bed at night, so you don’t further your injuries while sleeping. You may also be advised to stretch or strengthen specific muscles with at-home exercises. The key is not to overexert yourself and to listen to your body when doing these activities.

What Should I Do After Suffering Whiplash?

Knowing what to do, both medically and legally, about your whiplash injury following an accident is extremely important. Seek out the treatment you need right away. After treatment, you’ll want to at least explore your legal options. In many cases, there are avenues to make sure you’re compensated for any and all medical procedures, loss of wages, and other costs associated with an accident. You shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket to treat injuries that you didn’t cause.

The Barnes Firm has helped victims of car accidents for years across the state of California. With decades of experience fighting for victims’ personal injury claims, their best car accident lawyer in Los Angeles could recover the compensation that you deserve. You can trust their attorneys with their no fee promise, which means you won’t be required to pay a dime until they’ve secured financial compensation on your behalf. Call or request a consultation online for your free case evaluation.

The Barnes Firm (800) 800-0000

What is The Average Payout for Whiplash?

There’s no predetermined amount a person can receive for whiplash, but any time you’re injured in an accident due to another person’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation.

One of the most common reasons people seek compensation following car accidents is whiplash injuries. By filing a lawsuit against the negligent party, a whiplash victim improves their chances of winning a financial settlement. If you’re suffering from whiplash as the result of an auto accident, hiring a trusted attorney is your best course of action.

How Can You Overcome Whiplash Injuries?

Whiplash is a common injury sustained in car accidents. The major impact experienced during an accident can cause a sudden jerking movement of the driver or the passenger’s head – much like a whip. Such movement is a recipe for immediate pain and long-term damage.

Whiplash victims experience a variety of symptoms from their injury, including but not limited to:

  • Severe neck pain
  • Stiff neck
  • Headaches
  • Loss of range of motion in the neck
  • Shoulder pain
  • Upper arm pain
  • Overall body discomfort

A car accident lawyer in Los Angeles says the symptoms associated with whiplash are known to increase over time. Just because you’re not in pain immediately following a car accident doesn’t mean you didn’t sustain an injury. It’s in your best interest to be evaluated by a medical doctor as soon as possible. If a whiplash injury doesn’t get addressed with the appropriate medical treatment, you’re at risk of life-long pain and suffering.

Do Pain and Suffering Affect My Whiplash Claim?

Pain and suffering is a term that’s used to describe the emotional distress that the long-term physical pain from an accident-related injury causes. Examples of pain and suffering include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Physical limitations caused by an injury
  • Memory loss
  • Insomnia
  • Loss of relationships due to injury
  • PTSD
  • Change of lifestyle due to injury

When you hire a car accident attorney in Los Angeles to represent you in a personal injury case, they will gather information and evidence to prove that the pain and suffering you’re enduring is grounds for financial compensation.

Treatments for whiplash injuries are decided by medical doctors and determined based upon the severity of your injury. Oftentimes, doctors will prescribe intense physical therapy treatment before they explore medical alternatives such as surgery. Treatment for whiplash and similar injuries can be expensive.

In addition to medical bills and the cost of ongoing therapy, people who suffer from whiplash also experience:

  • Lost wages due to time off of work
  • Loss of future wages due to long-term pain
  • Medical equipment costs
  • Pain and suffering

What's The Whiplash Claims Process Like?

If you’re suffering from whiplash, the first thing you should do is contact and be seen by a medical professional. It’s also in your best interest to contact an experienced personal injury attorney to assist you with your claim. Likewise, documenting your injuries and all of the costs associated with them will prove favorable when you file a lawsuit against the negligent party.

Most whiplash personal injury claims are settled before they go to court. The average payout for a whiplash lawsuit ranges between $1,000-$100,000, depending on the nature of the accident and injury.

The Los Angeles car accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm are a trustworthy source of legal representation for your personal injury claim. If you’ve recently sustained a whiplash injury from a car accident, there’s no better time to give them a call than right now. The Barnes Personal Injury Attorneys are committed to getting the best possible result for your case and will walk you through the entire legal process from beginning to end.

To schedule a free consultation, call our office or contact us online today.

The Barnes Firm (800)-800-0000

Questions About Employment After A Car Accident

Can I Take Time Off After a Car Accident?

For more severe accidents causing significant injuries, victims will usually have to take time to heal and recover before getting back to their jobs or school. Even for those who can return to work within a reasonable time, there might be doctor’s appointments and physical therapy that cut into the workday.

For some people, this time taken off from work can be an added stress if their job or boss doesn’t fully understand the situation. Keep in mind, however, that your health is the most important thing and getting treatment is paramount to avoid complications later down the road.

What if My Injuries Prevent Me from Working Indefinitely After a Car Accident?

The most severe injuries following a car accident can leave victims temporarily or permanently disabled. Depending on the employer’s sick leave policy, some victims might lose their jobs after requesting to take off for an extended period to recover from their injuries. Losing income can have disastrous outcomes for a family’s finances.

If you’re unable to return to work or are permanently disabled from a car accident, a personal injury suit can earn back the compensation that was lost. An experienced personal injury attorney will analyze your circumstances and determine a favorable amount of payment to cover your lost wages for the time taken off work. If you can’t return at all because of permanent injuries, it’s possible to receive compensation to make up for the wages that you would have expected from that job. That’s why consulting with a professional and experienced lawyer is crucial when it comes to personal injury claims for compensation.

How Long Should I Wait Before Returning to Work?

Every injury is different for each person after experiencing a car accident. There isn’t a set amount of time that you should take off, except however long your doctor advises. Most doctors are very conservative with their recommendations for time to take off from work. Listen to your doctor’s advice overall, but also consider how long you can financially afford to take off from work, and if filing a personal injury claim can help. A personal injury claim for compensation can help compensate you for lost wages, medical bills, damage to your vehicle, pain and suffering, and much more.

The severity of your injury will ultimately dictate how much time you’ll need to take off for your recovery. Never try to cut short the doctor’s recommended time. Doing so can result in further injuries that will have you out of commission for an even longer time period.

How Do Unemployment Benefits Work?

Unemployment benefits were created to help individuals make ends meet when they’re unable to work. But to receive these benefits, the following stipulations must apply:

  • You must be willing and able to work
  • You must be actively searching for work

For example, if you’ve been laid off from your job through no error of your own and are actively searching for other employment options, then you’re entitled to claim unemployment for that period in-between jobs. A car accident lawyer in Los Angeles says without meeting both conditions, it’s unlikely that unemployment benefits will be granted.

What Happens If You’re Left With Injuries So Severe That You’re Unable To Work?

Trying to navigate the steps you need to take following the accident can feel overwhelming. Questions like who was at fault and whose insurance policy should cover your expenses all need to be answered. That’s why it’s essential to have expert legal counsel to guide you through this experience so you can get back to normalcy.

You might wonder what financial benefits you’re entitled to and whether you can file for unemployment. While you can’t claim unemployment in some situations, there are other options that could be available to you. A car accident lawyer in Los Angeles can help you explore those options.

Can I Receive Unemployment if I Can't Work After a Car Accident?

In situations involving a car accident that prevent you from returning to work, it depends on the reasons why you can’t work. If you sustained injuries that left you unable to perform your job functions, then you truly are unable to work. In that situation, a Los Angeles car accident lawyer says you won’t be able to claim unemployment because you don’t meet the criteria for those benefits.

What Should I Do If I Lost My Job After An Accident?

If you’re attempting to claim unemployment after an accident because you lost your job for reasons unrelated to your injury, then you might be entitled to those benefits. Let’s say you sustain minor injuries after an accident. They don’t prevent you from doing your job, but you get laid off anyway. In that situation, a car accident lawyer in LA says you might still have a case for claiming unemployment, since you meet both criteria points where you’re able to work and are looking for work.

What If I Don't Qualify For Unemployment After An Accident?

If your injuries from a car accident prevent you from returning to work, you won’t be able to claim unemployment because you’re not able to work. However, you can seek other payments.

Filing a personal injury claim could help you pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to your injury in the form of a personal injury settlement. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work for an unforeseeable amount of time, then you most likely need to consider claiming payments for disability.

Having an experienced car accident attorney in Los Angeles will help you navigate the answers to these questions and help you receive the maximum benefit for your injuries.

My Question Isn't Here - How Can I Get Answers?

At The Barnes Firm, our car accident attorneys in Los Angeles have decades of combined experience helping car accident victims move forward with their lives. We’re serious about helping our clients, and we understand what you’re going through. Our experienced attorneys will do everything possible to help you get the compensation that you deserve. We are available 24/7 to offer car accident victims a free consultation. If your car accident injuries prevent you from visiting us, then we will come to you. Fill out our contact form online or call us today.

The Barnes Firm (800) 800-0000

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five star reviews

The Barnes Firm was very friendly, always quick to respond to our calls, emails. When we had any questions or concerns they were there to walk us through everything. Would definitely recommend them to anyone that is looking for an attorney that will honestly fight for you and has your best interest in mind.

-Nichole W.

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