Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer
Injured in a crash in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Glendale, or Burbank? Gary Partamian helps car accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and he deals with the insurance companies so you can focus on getting better.
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Recent Car Accident Settlements
Settlement for a 78-year-old driver who suffered multiple fractures when a semi-truck made an illegal U-turn in Pomona.
Settlement for a client whose car was struck by a semi-truck.
Policy limits recovery for one adult and two minor clients after a car crash.
Read the case summaries: semi-truck settlement and policy limits settlement, or see all case results. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different, and results depend on the facts and law that apply to each matter.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles
- Get medical care first. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Some injuries do not show symptoms for hours or days.
- Call the police. A police report creates an independent record of what happened.
- Document everything. Photograph the scene, vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries. Get witness names and numbers.
- Report the crash to the DMV. California requires an SR-1 report within 10 days if anyone was injured or damage exceeds $1,000.
- Be careful with insurers. You do not have to give the other driver’s insurer a recorded statement. Talk to a lawyer first.
More detail: what to do after a car accident in California.
Car Accident Cases We Handle
Who Pays After a Car Accident in California?
California is an at-fault state. The driver who caused the crash, and their insurance company, is responsible for your losses. A few California rules shape every claim:
- Pure comparative fault. You can still recover if you were partly at fault. If you were 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages.
- Minimum insurance is often not enough. California’s minimum liability coverage is $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident, so we look for every available policy, including your own uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
- Uninsured drivers face limits. Under Proposition 213, a driver who was uninsured at the time of the crash generally cannot recover pain and suffering damages (Civil Code 3333.4).
- Other parties may share responsibility. An employer, a rideshare company, or a government agency responsible for a dangerous road may also be liable. See who pays in an Uber or Lyft accident.
Compensation You May Recover
Learn how common car accident injuries affect a claim, how pain and suffering is calculated, and about our wrongful death practice.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
There is no average settlement that applies to every car accident case. In California, the value of a claim depends on:
- Your injuries and future care. The severity of the injury, surgeries, and treatment you will need going forward.
- Lost income. Wages you missed and any reduced ability to work in the future.
- Pain and life impact. How the injury affects your daily life, relationships, and activities.
- Fault. Under California’s comparative fault rule, your recovery is reduced by any share of fault assigned to you.
- Available insurance. The policies that apply often set a practical ceiling on recovery, so we look for every source.
Many Los Angeles car accident claims are limited by the at-fault driver’s policy, which may be as low as California’s $30,000 minimum. Your own underinsured motorist coverage can add to that recovery.
Car Accidents in Pasadena, Glendale, and Burbank
Los Angeles County has some of the busiest roads in the country. Around our Pasadena office, serious crashes happen on the 210, 134, 2, and 5 freeways and on busy streets like Colorado Boulevard, Lake Avenue, Brand Boulevard in Glendale, and Glenoaks Boulevard in Burbank. You can see how your city compares in the California Office of Traffic Safety crash rankings.
California Car Accident Deadlines
To file a personal injury lawsuit in most cases (Code of Civil Procedure 335.1).
To file a claim for damage to your vehicle or other property.
To file a government claim if a city, county, or state agency was involved (Government Code 911.2).
Missing a deadline can end your case before it starts, and evidence like video footage disappears quickly. Read how long you have to claim an injury. See also how long a settlement takes.
Car Accident FAQs
How much are most car accident settlements in California?
There is no typical number. A settlement depends on your medical costs, lost income, how long recovery takes, how the injuries affect your daily life, and how much insurance coverage is available.
Is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident?
If you were injured, missed work, or the insurer is disputing fault or offering less than your bills, a lawyer can protect the value of your claim. For a minor fender-bender with no injuries, you may not need one.
How soon should I contact a car accident lawyer?
As soon as you can after getting medical care. Early contact helps preserve evidence like video footage and witness statements.
Do I need a lawyer if I was not injured?
Property-damage-only claims are usually handled directly with the insurer. But some injuries appear days later. If pain develops, see a doctor and talk to a lawyer before you settle.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
Be cautious. Early offers often come before the full extent of your injuries is known, and once you accept, you usually cannot ask for more.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
Gary offers a free consultation so you can understand your options before deciding anything. Ask about fee arrangements during your consultation.
Why Work With Gary Partamian?
Areas we serve: Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Alhambra, Los Angeles County, Riverside, and Orange County.
Related practice areas: Personal injury, Truck accidents, Uber and Lyft accidents, Motorcycle accidents, Pedestrian accidents.
Free Consultation With a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer
Tell us what happened. Gary will review your situation and explain your options at no cost.
About the attorney: Gary Partamian is the founder of Partamian Law Firm. He previously practiced at a leading Los Angeles plaintiffs’ firm and as a Senior Associate at Kabateck LLP, and was selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars for 2025. Last updated October 2026.
This page is attorney advertising and provides general information, not legal advice. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.