Former LAPD Officer • Trial Attorney • Law Professor
Car Accident Attorney
Los Angeles & Southern California
Serving Los Angeles • Orange • Ventura • Riverside • San Bernardino • San Diego Counties • All of California
We have recovered millions for car accident victims. Insurance companies know we go to trial — and that changes everything.
The Insurance Company Is Not on Your Side. We Are.
Los Angeles is one of the most congested cities in the world. The 405, the 101, the 10, the 110 — millions of cars, trucks, and rideshare vehicles share these roads every day. When a crash happens, the insurance company's goal is simple: pay you as little as possible, as fast as possible, before you understand what your case is really worth.
Attorney Michael P. Kade built his practice to counter exactly that. As a former LAPD officer, he has investigated accident scenes firsthand — he knows how law enforcement collects evidence, what the police report does and does not capture, and how to fill in the gaps that insurance companies exploit. As a trial attorney, he has taken cases to verdict when insurers refused to pay fair value. Insurance companies know which attorneys go to trial and which ones settle cheap. Kade Law has a reputation for going to trial — and that reputation translates directly into better settlement offers from day one.
We have recovered millions for car accident victims throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and the rest of California. If you were injured in a car accident, call us now — available 24/7, no fee unless we win.
The Single Most Important Thing You Can Do Right Now
Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company — not even your own — before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that reduce or eliminate your claim. Call us first. It costs you nothing and could be worth everything.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle
Every type of crash presents different legal issues, different insurance coverage questions, and different evidence challenges. Attorney Kade has handled them all.
Rear-End Collisions
The most common type of crash in Los Angeles. The rear driver is almost always presumed at fault under California law. These crashes cause whiplash, herniated discs, and traumatic brain injuries that are often dismissed by insurance companies as "minor."
California Vehicle Code § 21703 requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance. Rear-end crashes create a strong presumption of negligence against the following driver.
T-Bone / Side-Impact Crashes
Side-impact collisions at intersections are among the most deadly. The door provides minimal protection. These crashes frequently cause broken ribs, internal organ damage, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
Liability typically turns on who had the right of way — traffic signal data, surveillance footage, and witness testimony are critical. We act fast to preserve this evidence.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on crashes are the most deadly type of collision. They occur on freeways, two-lane roads, and in wrong-way driving incidents. Survivors often suffer catastrophic, life-altering injuries.
Wrong-way driving on a freeway may involve DUI, medical emergency, or road design defects. We investigate every angle — including whether Caltrans or a municipality bears liability for road conditions.
Rideshare Accidents (Uber / Lyft)
Uber and Lyft accidents involve complex insurance coverage questions. Whether the driver was logged into the app, had a passenger, or was between rides determines which insurance policy applies — and the coverage amounts vary dramatically.
Uber and Lyft carry $1 million in liability coverage when a driver has an active passenger. Attorney Kade navigates the rideshare insurance maze to maximize your recovery.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
California has one of the highest hit-and-run rates in the country. If the at-fault driver fled, you may still be able to recover through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage — even if the driver is never identified.
California Insurance Code requires insurers to offer UM coverage. We help you navigate your own insurance company's claims process and fight lowball UM offers.
Truck & Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Crashes involving semi-trucks, delivery vehicles, and commercial vehicles cause catastrophic injuries. These cases involve federal trucking regulations (FMCSA), driver logs, maintenance records, and corporate defendants with aggressive legal teams.
We immediately send preservation letters to trucking companies demanding retention of black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records — evidence that disappears fast.
Drunk Driving Accidents
DUI crashes often result in the most serious injuries. In addition to compensatory damages, California allows punitive damages against drunk drivers — which can dramatically increase your recovery.
A DUI conviction creates strong evidence of negligence per se. We pursue both the drunk driver and, where applicable, the bar or restaurant that over-served them under California's Dram Shop liability rules.
Uninsured / Underinsured Driver Accidents
Approximately 17% of California drivers carry no insurance. If you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your own UM/UIM coverage may be your primary source of recovery — and your own insurer will fight to minimize it.
We handle UM/UIM claims and take your own insurance company to arbitration or litigation when they refuse to pay fair value. Your insurer has the same duty of good faith as any other insurer.
What to Do After a Car Accident in California
The steps you take in the hours and days after a crash can make or break your case. Follow this guide — and call us as soon as possible.
Call 911 Immediately
Even if injuries seem minor. A police report creates an official record of the crash — including the officer's initial fault determination — that is critical evidence in your case. California law requires you to report accidents involving injury or death.
Get Medical Attention Right Away
Go to the emergency room or urgent care immediately — even if you feel fine. Traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and soft tissue injuries are not always immediately apparent. A medical record from the day of the crash is critical evidence. Gaps in treatment are used by insurers to argue your injuries were not serious.
Document Everything at the Scene
Photograph all vehicles from multiple angles, the road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and your visible injuries. Get the other driver's name, license number, insurance information, and vehicle registration. Get names and contact information from all witnesses before they leave.
Do Not Admit Fault
Do not apologize, admit fault, or make any statements about the crash at the scene — even casual ones. Anything you say can be used against you. Simply exchange information and let the police and attorneys sort out fault.
Decline Recorded Statements
The other driver's insurance company will call quickly asking for a recorded statement. You are not required to give one. Politely decline and tell them your attorney will be in touch. Do not give a recorded statement to your own insurer either without first speaking with us.
Call Kade Law — Available 24/7
The sooner you call, the more evidence we can preserve. Surveillance footage is overwritten within days. Witnesses forget details. Physical evidence disappears. Call 310-870-8000 any time — day or night. Your consultation is free and there is no fee unless we win.
Insurance Company Tactics — and How We Counter Them
Insurance adjusters are not on your side. They are trained to minimize your claim. Here is what they do — and how Attorney Kade fights back.
The Quick Settlement Offer
An adjuster calls within days of the crash offering a fast settlement — often before you know the full extent of your injuries.
Our counter: Never accept. Once you sign a release, you cannot go back for more money. The offer is almost always a fraction of what your case is worth.
The Recorded Statement Request
"We just need a quick recorded statement to process your claim." This is a trap — adjusters are trained to get you to say things that minimize or eliminate your claim.
Our counter: You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer. Politely decline and call us first.
Disputing Causation
"Your injuries were pre-existing" or "the crash wasn't severe enough to cause those injuries." Insurers hire doctors to dispute the connection between the crash and your injuries.
Our counter: We work with your treating physicians and, when necessary, independent medical experts to establish the direct causal link between the crash and every injury you suffered.
Inflating Your Fault Percentage
Under California's comparative fault rules, every percentage of fault assigned to you reduces your recovery. Insurers aggressively argue you were speeding, distracted, or failed to avoid the crash.
Our counter: We reconstruct the accident using police reports, surveillance footage, witness testimony, and accident reconstruction experts to establish the true fault allocation.
Delaying the Claim
Insurers drag out the claims process hoping you will become desperate and accept a low offer, or that the statute of limitations will run.
Our counter: We file suit when necessary and use the litigation process to force a fair resolution. Insurers know we go to trial — which changes the negotiating dynamic entirely.
Disputing Medical Necessity
"That treatment wasn't necessary" or "you treated too much." Insurers hire medical reviewers to second-guess your doctors' treatment decisions.
Our counter: We document medical necessity through your treating physicians' records and, when challenged, through independent medical experts who support your treatment.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents cause a wide range of injuries — from soft tissue injuries that insurance companies dismiss as "minor" to catastrophic injuries that change lives forever. Do not let an insurer minimize what happened to you.
- Whiplash and cervical spine injuries — Often dismissed as "minor" by insurers — can cause chronic pain and disability
- Herniated and bulging discs — Lumbar and cervical disc injuries frequently require surgery and long-term treatment
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — Concussions, skull fractures, diffuse axonal injury — symptoms may not appear for days
- Spinal cord injuries — Partial or complete paralysis — among the most catastrophic and expensive injuries
- Broken bones and fractures — Ribs, arms, legs, pelvis, facial bones — often requiring surgery and hardware
- Internal organ damage — Liver, spleen, kidney injuries — life-threatening and not always immediately apparent
- Knee injuries — ACL/MCL tears, meniscus damage, patellar fractures from dashboard impact
- Shoulder injuries — Rotator cuff tears, labral tears, dislocations from seatbelt and airbag forces
- Soft tissue injuries — Sprains, strains, and contusions that cause chronic pain and reduced mobility
- Psychological injuries — PTSD, anxiety, depression, and driving phobia following serious crashes
- Scarring and disfigurement — Permanent scarring from lacerations, burns, and road rash
- Wrongful death — When a loved one is killed — we fight for the full value of their life
What Compensation Can You Recover?
California law entitles injured car accident victims to full compensation for all losses caused by the at-fault driver's negligence.
Economic Damages
- Emergency room, hospitalization, and surgery
- Specialist care, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
- Future medical treatment and ongoing care
- Lost wages while recovering
- Reduced earning capacity if permanently disabled
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Rental car costs
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (impact on relationships)
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Punitive Damages
- Available against drunk drivers (Civil Code § 3294)
- Available for intentional or malicious conduct
- Can dramatically increase total recovery
California Car Accident Law: What You Need to Know
Pure Comparative Fault (Civil Code § 1714)
California follows a pure comparative fault rule — you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault. If you were 30% at fault and your damages are $200,000, you recover $140,000. Insurance companies aggressively try to inflate your fault percentage. Attorney Kade fights to minimize any fault attributed to you.
Statute of Limitations (CCP § 335.1)
You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For property damage only, you have three years. If the at-fault driver was operating a government vehicle, you must file a government tort claim within six months. Missing these deadlines permanently bars your claim.
Mandatory Insurance (Vehicle Code § 16020)
California requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident / $5,000 property damage. These minimums are woefully inadequate for serious injuries. We identify all available insurance coverage — including umbrella policies and UM/UIM coverage — to maximize your recovery.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Approximately 17% of California drivers carry no insurance. California law requires insurers to offer UM/UIM coverage. If you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your own UM/UIM coverage may be your primary source of recovery — and your own insurer will fight to minimize it. We handle UM/UIM claims and take insurers to arbitration when necessary.
Punitive Damages for DUI Crashes
California Civil Code § 3294 allows punitive damages against defendants who act with malice, oppression, or fraud. Courts have consistently held that drunk driving constitutes malice — making punitive damages available in DUI crash cases. These can dramatically increase your total recovery beyond compensatory damages.
Dram Shop Liability
California Business and Professions Code § 25602.1 allows claims against bars and restaurants that serve alcohol to obviously intoxicated minors who then cause accidents. If a minor who was served alcohol caused your crash, the establishment that served them may share liability.
Why Car Accident Victims Choose Kade Law
Not all car accident attorneys are the same. The attorney you choose directly affects how much you recover.
Former LAPD Officer
Attorney Kade investigated accident scenes as an LAPD officer. He knows exactly how law enforcement collects evidence, what the police report captures and misses, and how to build on it to establish liability.
Trial-Tested — We Go to Verdict
Insurance companies track which attorneys go to trial. Kade Law has a reputation for taking cases to verdict when insurers refuse to pay fair value. That reputation means better settlement offers from day one.
We Fight Your Own Insurer Too
UM/UIM claims pit you against your own insurance company. We handle these claims and take insurers to arbitration or litigation when they act in bad faith.
No Fee Unless We Win
You pay absolutely nothing upfront. Our fee is a percentage of what we recover for you. If we don't win, you owe us nothing — period.
Available 24/7
Accidents don't happen on a schedule. Call us any time — day or night — and speak with someone who can help you protect your rights immediately.
All of Southern California
We handle car accident cases throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties — and anywhere else in California.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in California?
California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For property damage only, you have three years. If the other driver was a government employee driving a government vehicle, you must file a government tort claim within six months. Missing these deadlines permanently bars your claim — contact an attorney immediately, even if you are still treating for your injuries.
What if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured?
California has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country — approximately 17% of drivers carry no insurance. If you were hit by an uninsured driver, you may be able to recover through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. If the at-fault driver was underinsured, your underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage can make up the difference. Attorney Kade handles UM/UIM claims and fights your own insurance company when they try to minimize your recovery.
What if I was partially at fault for the car accident?
California follows a pure comparative fault rule (Civil Code § 1714). You can recover damages even if you were partially at fault — your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 25% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you recover $75,000. Insurance companies aggressively try to inflate your percentage of fault to reduce their payout. Attorney Kade fights to minimize any fault attributed to you.
Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?
Almost never. Insurance companies make early settlement offers before the full extent of your injuries is known — often before you have finished treating. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you cannot go back for more money, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than initially thought. Never accept a settlement offer without first consulting an attorney who can evaluate whether it reflects the true value of your case.
How much is my car accident case worth?
The value of a car accident case depends on: the severity of your injuries and whether they are permanent; your medical expenses (past and future); lost wages and reduced earning capacity; pain and suffering; property damage; and the at-fault driver's insurance policy limits. Cases involving catastrophic injuries — spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations — can be worth millions. Attorney Kade evaluates every case individually and fights for the maximum recovery.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in California?
Call 911 immediately — even if injuries seem minor. Get medical attention right away; some injuries (traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, soft tissue injuries) are not immediately apparent. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver. Photograph the scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Get witness names and contact information. Do not admit fault or apologize at the scene. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Call Kade Law as soon as possible.
Car Accident Attorney Serving All of Southern California
We handle car accident cases throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County, and the rest of California.
Injured in a Car Accident? Call Now.
The insurance company already has a team working to minimize your claim. You need an attorney who will fight back.
We have recovered millions for car accident victims. No fee unless we win.
Available 24/7 • All of Southern California • No fee unless we win
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