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This guide covers what to do immediately after a car accident in Los Angeles, California. Topics include staying safe at the scene, documenting evidence, exchanging information, seeking medical attention, dealing with insurance adjusters, and when to contact a personal injury attorney. Los Angeles County recorded over 58,000 injury-causing crashes in 2024. California’s fault-based liability system means the negligent driver is responsible for damages. Gdolian Law offers free consultations and operates on a no-fee-until-we-win basis from their Tarzana, CA office.
Los Angeles has roughly 164 car accidents every single day.
Let that number sit for a second. That is not a typo. Every day, around 164 collisions happen across this city. And in 2024, Los Angeles County saw over 58,000 crashes that resulted in injury or death, with 653 people losing their lives on these roads.
So if you are reading this because you or someone you care about just got into an accident… you are not alone. Not even close.
But here is the thing nobody tells you in that moment: what you do in the first few hours and days after a crash can completely change the outcome of your case. The difference between getting the compensation you actually deserve and walking away with pennies on the dollar often comes down to a handful of decisions made while you are still shaken up.
This is the guide I wish every driver in LA had saved on their phone before they needed it.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles?
Here are some things you need to do after a car accident in Los Angeles:
Step 1: Stop. Stay at the Scene. Check Yourself
First things first. If you are physically able to, pull over to a safe spot. Turn your hazards on. Take a breath.
I know that sounds simple, but people panic. They forget the basics. California law requires you to stop at the scene of any accident that involves injury or property damage. Leaving can turn a civil matter into a criminal one, and that is a hole nobody wants to dig out of.
Check yourself for injuries. Then check your passengers. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if the injuries seem minor, getting paramedics on scene creates an official record. That record matters later more than most people realize.
And here is something a lot of folks do not think about: adrenaline is a liar. You might feel completely fine standing on the side of the 101, but your body could be masking a soft tissue injury, a concussion, or worse. Do not assume “I feel okay” means “I am okay.”
Step 2: Call the Police and Get a Report
Even for fender benders, get a police report. I cannot stress this enough.
Insurance companies love it when there is no official documentation. It gives them room to twist the narrative. A police report locks in the basic facts: who was involved, what happened, where it happened, and often includes the officer’s preliminary assessment of fault.
When the officer arrives, be honest but careful. Stick to the facts. Do not speculate about what happened. Do not say “I think I might have been going a little fast” or “Maybe I did not see them.” Those kinds of offhand comments have a way of showing up in insurance files months later, taken completely out of context.
Step 3: Document Everything You Can
Your phone is the most powerful evidence-gathering tool you own. Use it.
Take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved. Get wide shots and close-ups. Photograph the intersection, traffic signals, road conditions, skid marks, debris. If there are any visible injuries, photograph those too (with consent if it is someone else).
Grab screenshots of the location on your GPS. Note the time. If it was raining or dark or the road was under construction, document that. Weather, visibility, road conditions… all of it matters.
Get the other driver’s name, phone number, insurance information, license plate, and driver’s license number. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information too. Witnesses disappear fast, and their statements can be the difference between a he-said-she-said situation and a clear case.
Step 4: Get Medical Attention Within 72 Hours
This is where people make one of the biggest mistakes I see.
They feel “mostly fine” after the accident. Maybe a little sore. They figure they will see how they feel in a week. By the time they finally go to a doctor, it has been two or three weeks, and now the insurance company is arguing that their injuries must not be related to the crash because they waited so long.
Go to the doctor within 72 hours. Period. Even if you feel okay. Let a medical professional evaluate you and create a record. Soft tissue injuries, concussions, and internal injuries often do not present symptoms immediately. But if you wait, the insurance adjuster will absolutely use that gap against you.
Tell your doctor exactly what happened. Be specific about where you hurt and what movements make it worse. This documentation becomes foundational evidence in your case.
Step 5: Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement to the Other Driver’s Insurance
This is the one that gets people. The other driver’s insurance company will call you. They will sound friendly. Concerned, even. They will say they just want to “get your side of the story.”
What they actually want is ammunition to minimize your claim.
Anything you say in a recorded statement can and will be used to reduce your payout. They are trained to ask questions in ways that get you to downplay your injuries or accidentally accept partial fault.
You are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance. You can politely decline and say “I am working with an attorney.” That is it. That is the whole script.
Step 6: Do Not Post About the Accident on Social Media
I know this one sounds obvious, but you would be surprised how many cases get complicated because someone posted a photo of themselves at a friend’s birthday party two weeks after claiming they could barely get out of bed.
Insurance adjusters routinely check social media. They are looking for anything they can use to argue that your injuries are not as bad as you say. A single Instagram photo can undermine months of documented medical treatment.
The safest move? Just do not post about the accident, your injuries, or your daily activities until your case is resolved.
Step 7: Keep a File. Stay Organized.
Create a folder (digital or physical) and keep everything in one place. Medical bills. Receipts for prescriptions. Documentation of missed work. Correspondence with insurance companies. Repair estimates for your vehicle.
This might feel like busywork when you are dealing with pain and stress, but it pays off. Having an organized record makes your attorney’s job easier and strengthens your case significantly.
Step 8: Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney Before You Accept Any Settlement
Here is the reality most people do not understand about insurance settlements: the first offer is almost never the right number.
Insurance companies are businesses. Their job is to pay out as little as possible. The adjuster who sounds so helpful on the phone has quotas and metrics they are trying to hit. That initial settlement offer? It is designed to close your claim fast, before you realize the full extent of your injuries.
A personal injury attorney can evaluate what your case is actually worth based on your medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment needs, pain and suffering, and more. Many people who accept early settlements leave tens of thousands (sometimes hundreds of thousands) of dollars on the table.
At Gdolian Law, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. If you have been hurt in a car accident in Los Angeles, Tarzana, or anywhere in the greater LA area, call us at (424) 274-1046 or visit mad4justice.com to schedule a free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?
California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. For claims against government entities, you may have as little as six months. Do not wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
What if the accident was partially my fault?
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages.
What types of compensation can I get after a car accident?
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages. Each case is different, and an experienced attorney can help determine what applies to your situation.
Should I talk to my own insurance company?
You should notify your own insurance company about the accident, but be careful about the details you share. It is always wise to consult with an attorney first so you understand what to say and what to avoid.
How much does a personal injury attorney cost?
At Gdolian Law, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win. There is no upfront cost, and consultations are free. Call (424) 274-1046 to speak with our team.
About Gdolian Law
Gdolian Law is a personal injury law firm based in Tarzana, California, serving clients throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Led by attorney Uriel R. Gdolian, a UCLA graduate who finished in the top 5% of his class, the firm handles cases involving auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and falls, traumatic brain injuries, Uber/Lyft accidents, dog bites, and wrongful death. The firm has recovered millions for injury victims, including a $15.5 million trucking accident settlement. Gdolian Law is a proud member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA). Contact us at (424) 274-1046 or visit mad4justice.com.
