What Should I Do After a Personal Injury Accident in Los Angeles, California?
Personal injury accidents can happen suddenly and leave you feeling overwhelmed, injured, and uncertain about what steps to take next. Whether it’s a car crash on I-405, a slip and fall at a retail store in downtown LA, or a dog bite in a public park, knowing what to do immediately after the incident can significantly impact your recovery and legal claim.
In Los Angeles, where traffic congestion and urban activity heighten the risk of accidents, taking the right steps after a personal injury is critical to protecting your health, financial well-being, and legal rights.
This comprehensive guide explains what to do after an injury, who to contact, what evidence to preserve, and how a dedicated Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can support you every step of the way.
What to Do After a Personal Injury Accident in Los Angeles, CA
If you’ve been hurt in an accident in Los Angeles, you might be wondering what comes next. The steps you take immediately after the incident can greatly influence your physical recovery, legal outcome, and financial stability. Whether your injury happened on a freeway, at a workplace, or during a casual outing, it’s important to stay calm and follow a clear plan.
This guide breaks down the most important things you should do following a personal injury accident in LA, from protecting your health to preserving legal evidence.
Step-by-Step Guide: What Should You Do After a Personal Injury Accident in Los Angeles?
Every personal injury case is different, but most follow a predictable sequence of actions that help protect your rights. Below is a step-by-step guide tailored for injury victims in Los Angeles. Following these steps can help you build a strong legal case, deal with insurance companies more effectively, and ensure you receive the care you need.
Step 1: Ensure Safety and Call Emergency Services
Immediately after an accident, the first priority is safety. If you are in a vehicle collision, move to a safe location if possible. Turn on hazard lights and keep calm.
🚨 Call 911 if:
- Anyone is injured or unconscious
- There is significant property damage
- The scene poses a risk to others (e.g., traffic hazards, fire, etc.)
Even if you think your injuries are “minor,” calling emergency responders can be crucial documentation for any future personal injury claim.
Step 2: Call the Police and File a Report
In Los Angeles, it’s always best to call the police after an accident, specially car accidents involving injury or property damage over $1,000. The police will assess the scene, talk to witnesses, and file an official accident report, which becomes a key piece of evidence in your injury case.
If law enforcement doesn’t respond, you are required to file a Report of Traffic Accident (Form SR-1) with the California DMV within 10 days.
Step 3: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away.
Getting medical care not only ensures your health is protected but also establishes a record of your injuries vital when filing a personal injury claim.
Tip: Keep all medical bills, prescriptions, imaging reports, and discharge instructions for your records.
Step 4: Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You’re Able)
If you’re physically able and it’s safe to do so, begin collecting evidence while still at the scene. The stronger your documentation, the more compelling your claim will be when dealing with insurers or in court.
📸 What to Collect:
- Photos of injuries, vehicles, hazardous conditions, or equipment
- Video footage of the scene and surroundings
- Witness names, phone numbers, and written statements if possible
- Insurance and contact information from other parties
- Police badge numbers and incident numbers
Step 5: Avoid Making Statements or Admitting Fault
Be polite but cautious when speaking with the other party or witnesses. Do not admit fault or make statements like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you.” These can be used against you later, even if you were simply being courteous.
Also, don’t provide recorded statements to insurance companies without legal representation.
Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Provider
In car accident cases, California drivers are legally required to report an accident to their insurer within a reasonable time, usually within 24–72 hours. Provide the facts only to avoid discussing blame or speculating about your injuries.
Step 7: Document Everything After the Accident
Start a personal injury file or folder to keep track of all related documents. You’ll need this to help your attorney build a strong claim.
Include:
- Medical reports and receipts
- Days missed from work and lost wages
- Notes on pain levels or limitations
- Insurance claim numbers and correspondence
- Repair or property damage estimates
Pro tip: Keep a journal detailing how your injury affects your daily life. This helps demonstrate non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Step 8: Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Los Angeles
Hiring a personal injury attorney early can make a major difference in the success of your claim. In many cases, insurance companies offer lowball settlements, hoping victims won’t know their rights.
A knowledgeable Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can help you:
- Evaluate the true value of your case
- Collect and preserve evidence
- Handle insurance negotiations
- File a lawsuit if necessary
- Meet California’s legal deadlines (2-year statute of limitations for most claims)
Why You Should Call GoSuits After a Personal Injury in Los Angeles
At GoSuits, we know how stressful the aftermath of an accident can be. You’re dealing with injuries, insurance pressure, and uncertainty about what to do next. That’s why we make it easy to get the help you need.
Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers will guide you from day one. We help preserve evidence, communicate with insurers, and pursue the full compensation you deserve. You don’t pay anything upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
Whether your accident happened on the 405, at a construction site, or during an Uber ride through downtown LA, our legal team is ready to protect your rights.
Call GoSuits today or schedule a free consultation online. The sooner you reach out, the stronger your case will be.
Common Types of Personal Injury Accidents in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is known for its bustling traffic, active lifestyle, and dense population all of which contribute to a variety of injury scenarios:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
- Slip and fall incidents
- Workplace injuries
- Dog bites
- Uber/Lyft or rideshare accidents
- Construction site injuries
No matter the cause, if your injury was due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to pursue compensation.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Personal Injury Claim?
California law allows victims to seek both economic and non-economic damages:
💰 Economic Damages:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
💔 Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or disability
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault party’s behavior was specially reckless or malicious.
Los Angeles Personal Injury Claim Timeline
While every case is unique, here’s a rough overview of how a typical injury claim in LA might progress:
- Accident and injury occur
- Medical treatment begins
- Evidence collected and attorney hired
- Claim filed with insurance
- Settlement negotiations start
- Case settled OR lawsuit filed
- Trial (if necessary)
Most cases are settled out of court within a few months to a year, depending on complexity and injury severity.
FAQs
Should I call the police after a car accident in LA?
Yes. You should always call the police after a car accident in Los Angeles, specially if there are injuries or property damage. The police report provides an official record of the incident, which can be crucial when filing a personal injury claim or dealing with insurance companies.
Do I need to go to the hospital right after the accident?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to seek immediate medical attention even if injuries seem minor. Some conditions, like internal injuries or concussions, may not show symptoms right away. Early diagnosis helps ensure proper treatment and creates essential documentation for your injury case.
What evidence should I collect at the scene of an injury in Los Angeles?
Gather photos of the scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, road conditions, and any contributing hazards. Collect names and contact details of witnesses, and exchange insurance information with the other party. If police are present, note the officer’s name and report number.
Should I contact a personal injury lawyer immediately after my accident?
Yes. Reaching out to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible ensures you protect your rights and get help navigating complex insurance issues. A lawyer will preserve crucial evidence, guide you through paperwork, and help you avoid common mistakes that could hurt your case.
