Being involved in a car accident is stressful for anyone, but if you’re a passenger, the experience can feel especially confusing and overwhelming. You weren’t driving, you didn’t control the situation, yet you may still be facing medical bills, lost wages, and physical or emotional injuries. Knowing what to do in the hours, days, and weeks after an accident can make a big difference in protecting your rights and maximizing the compensation you deserve.
At Steinberg Injury Lawyers, we’ve been helping injured passengers throughout Southern California since 1982. With decades of experience navigating the complex world of auto insurance, local traffic laws, and passenger injury claims, our team knows exactly what it takes to get results for people in Los Angeles who have been hurt in car accidents.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand what to do if you’re injured as a passenger, along with insights specific to LA and Southern California accidents.
Step 1: Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
The very first priority after a car accident is safety. If possible, move yourself and others to a safe location, especially on busy LA freeways like the 405, 101, or 10. These roads are notoriously crowded, and leaving the accident scene without moving to safety can put you at risk of further injury.
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to call 911. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be immediately obvious but can have serious long-term consequences. Documenting your injuries early and receiving medical attention can also strengthen your claim when working with a car accident lawyer.
In Los Angeles, several top medical facilities, like Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA Medical Center, and LAC+USC Medical Center, are experienced in treating accident-related passenger injuries. Seeking treatment promptly ensures your health is prioritized and that all injuries are properly recorded for legal purposes.
Step 2: Gather Evidence at the Scene
Passengers in Los Angeles accidents often find themselves in multi-vehicle collisions, especially during rush hour. Gathering evidence at the scene is crucial. Here’s what to do:
- Take photos: Capture all vehicles involved, damage to your own and other cars, skid marks, traffic signs, and road conditions.
- Collect contact information: Obtain names, phone numbers, and insurance details from all drivers and passengers. Don’t forget witnesses. LA intersections often have pedestrians or other drivers who may have seen what happened.
- Record police information: Make sure you get the police report number. If the LAPD or local city police respond, your car accident lawyer can use this official documentation to support your case.
Evidence gathered at the scene helps your attorney establish fault, demonstrate the severity of your injuries, and negotiate effectively with insurance companies.
Step 3: Avoid Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Injury Claim
Even after an accident, passengers often unintentionally hurt their own injury claim. Some common mistakes include:
- Admitting fault: Even casual statements like “I shouldn’t have been in the car” can be misinterpreted by insurance companies.
- Posting on social media: Avoid sharing details or photos of the accident. Adjusters in LA sometimes monitor online activity for inconsistencies.
- Accepting a quick settlement: Insurance companies often try to settle quickly for less than what you deserve. Don’t sign anything without consulting a car accident lawyer who can review your claim and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Step 4: Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Early
One of the most important steps after being injured as a passenger is contacting a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Early consultation allows your attorney to:
- Handle all communications with insurance companies.
- Collect and preserve medical records.
- Investigate the accident scene thoroughly, sometimes even using accident reconstruction experts.
In Los Angeles, accidents can involve multiple drivers, complex freeway conditions, and traffic camera evidence. Having a lawyer familiar with local procedures can make all the difference. Steinberg Injury Lawyers has extensive experience handling passenger injury cases across LA, from downtown intersections to multi-lane freeway pileups, ensuring that nothing is overlooked.
Step 5: Understand Your Legal Rights as a Passenger
Many injured passengers assume they can’t recover damages because they weren’t driving, but that’s not true. In California, passengers have the right to seek compensation for injuries sustained in an accident, regardless of fault.
You may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses (past and future treatment)
- Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs or long-term care if needed
In LA, insurance claims can be complicated, especially with multiple vehicles involved. Your car accident injury lawyer at Steinberg Injury Lawyers knows the ins and outs of California’s laws and how to negotiate with local insurance companies to secure maximum compensation.
Step 6: Next Steps After Consulting a Lawyer
Once you’ve engaged a lawyer, the focus shifts to building a strong case and pursuing your claim. This may include:
- Filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit in Los Angeles County if needed.
- Coordinating with medical providers for ongoing treatment and documentation.
- Navigating LA’s court system and understanding potential timelines for settlement or litigation.
At Steinberg Injury Lawyers, we understand that waiting for passenger compensation can be stressful. That’s why we offer fast, client-focused services, including settlement advances to help injured passengers manage medical bills and living expenses while your claim is being processed.
Why Passengers Choose Steinberg Injury Lawyers in Los Angeles
There are many law firms in LA, but here’s why passengers trust Steinberg Injury Lawyers:
- Experience: Serving Southern California since 1982, with thousands of successful passenger injury claims.
- Local expertise: Deep understanding of LA traffic laws, local courts, and insurance practices.
- Comprehensive support: Access to top medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists.
- Client-focused approach: Fast service, settlement advances, and clear communication every step of the way.
Injured as a Passenger? A Car Accident Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights
Los Angeles roads are busy and accidents can be complicated but you don’t have to navigate this process alone. Steinberg Injury Lawyers has the experience, local knowledge, and commitment to help passengers like you secure the justice and compensation they deserve.
