Car Accidents

Car Accident Help in Los Angeles

November 16, 2010 | by Robert Walch

If you have been injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, you need an experienced Los Angeles attorney you can trust. If you need it, our office can help you with all of your accident and injury needs, including:
1) Getting your car repaired (or reimbursed if your vehicle is a total loss);
2) Coordinating a rental for any time you are without your car, or getting you compensated for any time you are without the use of your car;
3) Helping you find a doctor in your area who can see you on a lien basis (meaning the doctor will wait for payment until your case is resolved and you will not have to pay up front or pay any co-pay for each visit);
4) Facilitating a loan on your settlement if you are in urgent need of funds; and
5) Fighting to obtain a monetary settlement that compensates you for your damages, which may include: pain, suffering, loss of earnings, loss of ability to take part in and enjoy life activities, and any other losses you have suffered as a result of someone else’s negligence.

Value of Witnesses in Accident Cases In California

November 14, 2010 | by Gary Walch

If you have an accident in California, we cannot emphasize enough how important it is to obtain the identity of all favorable witnesses and their contact information should you need their testimony to win your case.

Two recent cases we handled within the past year show the importance of having witnesses even when you might believe the other party is at fault and witnesses might not be necessary.

In a recent premises liability case we settled for over two million ($2,000,000.00) dollars, the other side tried to place some comparative liability on our client because he had a few beers earlier in the day. In this case, the railing on a balcony broke, causing our client to fall to the ground. The other side tried to suggest our client may have jumped or fell due to intoxication. Our client was clearly not intoxicated, and even if he was, the railing breaking had nothing to do with moderate drinking. Nevertheless, the fact we secured statements from two others confirming only very moderate drinking and no intoxication, eliminated that issue from the defense attorney’s contentions.

What You Should Do If You Are In A Car Accident In Los Angeles

November 13, 2010 | by Gary Walch

Accidents happen. We all hope to avoid them, but what should you do if while driving in Los Angeles you are stopped for a red light and rear ended or while going through a green light hit by someone who ran the red and broadsided you, often called a T-Bone collision?

If you are the victim of an accident in L.A. (which includes Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley with North Hollywood, Studio City, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Reseda, Tarzana, Canoga Park and Woodland Hills) here are some things you should do:

• If the collision is not your fault, you should call 911 to report it to the LAPD to obtain a police report called a Traffic Collision Report. Even with the wait for the police to arrive, this time will be more than saved later by having the police document what occurred, the parties involved, who is at fault and why.
• If you are injured, do not be shy or macho when asked. Do not deny it or make light of it. It is important to document all injuries. Further, we understand that often the LAPD is busy and may not come to investigate and prepare a report of an auto accident unless there are injuries. Thus, when asked, be sure to identify each injury you have.
• Be sure to get the full name, current address and telephone numbers of all persons involved. Ask to see their drivers’ licenses and proof of automobile insurance, write down all of the information on the license and insurance card, and ask if there are any new addresses.
• Write down the full license plate number on each involved vehicle.