Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer

After a serious accident, you face physical pain, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about how your injury will affect your life. If your injury is due to someone else’s negligence, Jacoby and Meyers Injury Lawyers can help you understand your options and pursue compensation available under the law to get your life back.

Over 50 Years of Service: Since 1972, Jacoby & Meyers has proudly served the people of Los Angeles and California.
Proven Track Record as Seen in Case Results: We have recovered over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients, based on past cases; results vary depending on the facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Dedicated Legal Team: Our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys handle client cases with the dedication and resources they demand.
Contingency Fee Basis Available: Our clients trust us of our contingency fee arrangements, meaning attorney’s fees may depend on the outcome of the case; terms are explained during consultation.

Get an expert assessment of your case. Request a free consultation with us.

Personal Injury Awards

Why Los Angeles Trusts Jacoby & Meyers

For half a century, Jacoby & Meyers has represented injured victims across California communities. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers understand the specific challenges of handling Los Angeles court cases, dealing with local insurance adjusters, and managing claims against large entities.

50+ Years of Experience: Founded in 1972, we have a long history of protecting injured Californians.
Statewide Resources, Local Focus: With 14 offices across California and a deep presence in Los Angeles, we are accessible when you need us.
Litigation Readiness: We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring we negotiate from a position of strength.

Serious injuries require serious legal representation. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, do not face the insurance companies alone. Contact us to experience working with a client-first legal team.

Moving From Confusion to Clarity: Can I Afford a Personal Injury Lawyer?

After an accident in Los Angeles, whether on the crowded I-5 or I-405, at a construction site, a park, or on unsafe property, many people hesitate to call a lawyer because they’re worried about cost. Medical bills are piling up, work may be on hold, and the idea of legal fees can feel overwhelming.

You don’t have to let finances stop you from getting help. Our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles make quality legal representation accessible by offering:

No upfront costs – You never pay out of pocket to start your case.
Contingency fee representation – Attorney’s fees may depend on whether compensation is recovered.
No recovery, no legal fees – In many cases, attorney’s fees are not charged if there is no recovery; specific terms will be explained clearly during the initial consultation.
Insurance company handling – We manage all communication and negotiations on your behalf.

Our role is to remove both the legal and financial burden from your shoulders, so you can focus entirely on healing while we secure the compensation that accounts for both immediate and long-term needs.

Jacoby & Meyers’ fee structure allows injured individuals to access a personal injury firm recognized for its professional awards, where such recognitions are based on third-party criteria and do not guarantee outcomes.

What to Do After a Personal Injury in Los Angeles

Taking the proper steps immediately after an accident can significantly impact the strength of your future claim. If you are physically able, prioritize the following:

Seek Immediate Medical Care: Even if your injuries seem minor, adrenaline can mask symptoms. See a doctor immediately to document your condition.
Document the Scene: Take photographs of the hazard, vehicle damage, your injuries, and the surrounding environment.
Preserve Evidence: Keep torn clothing, damaged personal property, and copies of any physical reports provided at the scene.
Avoid Recorded Statements: Insurance adjusters may ask for a statement early in the process. Politely decline until you have spoken to an attorney.
Consult a Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer Early: Early intervention allows your legal team to secure evidence (like security footage) before it is erased.

Expert Legal Tip from Our Attorneys

Insurance companies often focus heavily on the timeline of your medical treatment when evaluating personal injury claims. A “gap in treatment,” waiting days or weeks to see a doctor after an accident, is frequently used by adjusters to argue that the injuries are not severe or were not caused by the accident. Establishing a clear, immediate medical record is one of the most effective ways to protect the value of your claim.

Common Causes of Accidents in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is home to nearly 3,878,705 people in 2025, making it the most populous city in California. With so many residents sharing the roads every day, heavy congestion is a constant reality, and it comes at a real cost. In 2023 alone, more than 58,758 people were killed or injured in car accidents in the area.

The county presents a unique environment for accidents, not just car crashes, due to high population density, heavy tourism, and specific infrastructure challenges. We handle claims arising from:

Negligent Driving: Distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence remain the leading causes of injury on LA roads.
Unsafe Property Conditions: Slips, trips, and falls caused by poor lighting, uneven pavement, or code violations in older buildings.
Rideshare Accidents: The high volume of Uber and Lyft vehicles in Los Angeles adds complexity regarding insurance coverage and liability.
Product Liability: Injuries caused by defective equipment, machinery, or consumer goods.
Public Transit Incidents: Accidents involving Metro buses or trains often involve claims against government entities.

Common Injuries in Serious Accident Cases

We represent clients who have sustained life-altering injuries that require long-term care and rehabilitation.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that TBI can result from falls, being struck by an object, or impact forces that move the brain within the skull, sometimes causing long-term damage.
Falls and Related Injuries. Falls are one of the leading causes of accidental injury and death worldwide, often resulting in fractures, head trauma, or other severe injury, particularly among older adults.
Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries. Fractures to the arms, legs, hips, ribs, or pelvis are common in serious accidents of all kinds. Severe fractures can lead to complications, permanent impairment, and reduced quality of life.
Internal Organ Injuries. Blunt force trauma can damage vital organs like the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries are especially dangerous because they may not be immediately visible but can become life-threatening without prompt medical attention.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries. According to Harvard Health, spinal cord trauma can result from significant impacts like falls or other serious injuries and may lead to paralysis or loss of sensory and motor functions.
Burns and Thermal Injuries. Burn injuries can result from fires, electrical exposure, chemicals, or hot surfaces. According to the American Burn Association, hospitals in the U.S. admit about 29,000 people each year for burn injuries, which equals roughly 89 burn-related hospitalizations per million people annually.
Dog Bites and Animal-Related Injuries. Dog attacks can cause deep puncture wounds, nerve damage, infections, and permanent scarring.

Who May Be Liable for Your Injuries?

Determining liability in a serious accident is rarely straightforward, as it requires a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties. In many Los Angeles personal injury cases, multiple individuals or entities may share legal responsibility for the harm you have suffered.

Possible liable parties include:

Drivers: Individuals who operated a vehicle negligently, such as by speeding, driving distracted, or being under the influence.
Employers: Companies can be held vicariously liable if their employee, such as a commercial truck driver, caused an accident while performing their job duties.
Property Owners: Landlords, business owners, or property management companies may be held responsible if an unsafe condition on their premises led to your injury.
Manufacturers: Companies that designed, manufactured, or sold defective products, such as faulty brakes or malfunctioning safety equipment, can be held liable.
Government Entities: Public agencies like the City of Los Angeles, Caltrans, or Metro may be responsible for dangerous road design, poor maintenance, or accidents involving public transit.

A personal injury attorney’s job is to uncover every source of liability so you can seek appropriate recovery under the law. Your well-being and justice should be their top priorities.

Why This Case Type Is Legally Complex

Serious injury cases in Los Angeles often involve layers of legal and logistical challenges that require experienced handling:

Multiple Defendants in Dense Urban Settings: Accidents in LA frequently involve several parties, drivers, employers, property owners, contractors, rideshare companies, or public agencies, each with separate insurers and legal teams.
California’s Comparative Fault Rules: Insurers commonly argue that traffic congestion, pedestrian behavior, or shared roadway conditions reduce their responsibility, potentially lowering compensation.
Rapid Loss of Critical Evidence: In a city with extensive surveillance cameras, rideshare data, and digital records, key evidence such as security footage or vehicle data can be overwritten or lost quickly if not preserved.
Causation Disputes Tied to Prior Conditions: Insurers often claim injuries stem from pre-existing conditions rather than the incident, especially when medical histories are complex.
Insurance Policy Limit Challenges: Severe injuries can exceed standard policy limits, making it necessary to identify all applicable coverage, including commercial, rideshare, or government-related policies, to address long-term care needs.

Because of these complexities, having knowledgeable legal representation matters. An experienced personal injury attorney understands Los Angeles–specific risks, deadlines, and insurance tactics, and can help protect evidence, navigate liability disputes, and pursue the full compensation needed for long-term recovery.

Our Personal Injury Case Results

Our personal injury attorneys have recovered over $2 billion in settlements on behalf of local accident victims in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area. Some of our personal injury case results include:

$19 Million

Ride Share Passenger
V.
Auto/Quadriplegic

$17.5 Million

Bike
V.
Truck/Paraplegic

$13 Million

Wrongful Death
V.
City

See More Case Results

Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome. Amounts listed are gross recoveries before attorney fees and costs.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

The goal of a personal injury claim is to secure the financial resources necessary for your future, as permitted under applicable law. While no amount of money can erase physical and emotional trauma, it can provide the support you and your family need to move forward.

Economic Damages

These are the measurable financial losses directly resulting from your injury.

Medical Expenses: Full reimbursement for all past and present medical costs, including emergency services, surgeries, hospital stays, and medication.
Future Medical Care: The projected cost of necessary long-term treatment, such as rehabilitation, in-home assistance, and additional surgeries.
Lost Income: Compensation for the wages and benefits you lost while unable to work.
Reduced Earning Capacity: Damages for the loss of future income if your injury permanently affects your ability to work or advance in your career.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages address the profound, non-financial impact the injury has had on your life.

Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you have endured.
Emotional Distress: Damages for trauma-related conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for your inability to engage in hobbies, activities, and daily routines you once valued.
Disfigurement: Damages for permanent scars or physical changes that alter your appearance.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases where the at-fault party acted with extreme recklessness or intentional malice, California courts may award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate you for losses but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

Calculating the full extent of these damages, especially future needs and non-economic losses, is complex and a common point of contention with insurance companies. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer knows how to accurately value your claim, gather the evidence to substantiate it, and fight to maximize the compensation you rightfully deserve based on the evidence gathered.

California Deadlines and Why Timing Matters

In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this window, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation.

Note that claims against government entities (such as a city bus accident or a slip and fall on public property) typically must be filed within six months. Given the bureaucracy involved in government claims, it is crucial for you to preserve evidence and file a claim quickly.

Call us to start your case today.

Why Legal Representation Matters

After a serious injury, insurance companies move quickly to protect themselves. Without legal guidance, injured people are often pressured, blamed, or pushed toward settlements that don’t reflect the full impact of their injuries.

An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer levels the playing field against insurance companies by:

Protecting you from common insurance tactics designed to minimize your payout. They act as your shield, handling all communications so you are not pressured into accepting a lowball offer.
Preserving critical evidence before it disappears or is compromised. This includes securing accident reports, witness statements, and other documentation that support your claim.
Managing California’s strict legal deadlines and complex procedures. A skilled attorney ensures every form is filed correctly and on time, helping protect your right to pursue compensation under applicable law.
Allowing you to focus completely on your physical and emotional healing instead of the stress of managing a legal battle. We handle the fight, so you can focus on getting your life back.

Having the right legal support can make the difference between uncertainty and clarity during recovery.

How to Choose the Right LA Personal Injury Lawyer

Selecting a lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make following an injury. More than hiring a firm, choosing a lawyer means selecting the right team for your specific needs.

Does the firm have experience with cases like yours?

Personal injury law covers many types of accidents, from serious roadway crashes to workplace injuries, dog bites, burns, and unsafe property conditions. Your attorney should have a proven history of handling cases similar to yours.

Our firm has represented injured clients across a wide range of personal injury matters and has recovered over $2 billion in compensation for victims, based on past cases. This long-standing record reflects decades of focused legal work and results. Results vary depending on the facts of each case.

Is the firm recognized and respected for its work?

Reputation matters. Consistent recognition from legal organizations, industry publications, and the broader legal community demonstrates a firm’s credibility and reliability. Awards and professional accolades highlight a commitment to excellence, not just in results, but also in ethics, professionalism, and client service.

Our personal injury firm is proud to be recognized by prestigious organizations based on their respective selection criteria and methodologies. Learn more about our awards.

Do they understand Los Angeles–specific challenges?

Local knowledge can make a meaningful difference. An effective legal team should be familiar with Los Angeles courts, judges, procedures, and the tactics commonly used by insurers and defense teams in California.

With more than 50 years of experience serving Los Angeles and communities across the state, our firm brings the regional insight needed to handle complex local cases.

Are they trial-ready?

Many personal injury firms aim for a quick settlement to avoid going to court. While this may seem efficient, the most favorable settlements are often achieved when the opposing side knows your attorney is prepared to go to trial and win. At Jacoby & Meyers, our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys are always ready to fight for your rights, in and out of the courtroom.

How Jacoby & Meyers Build Your Personal Injury Case

We follow a careful, transparent process designed to protect your rights and keep you informed from start to finish, especially important in complex personal injury claims.

Free case evaluation. We begin with a no-cost, no-obligation consultation to understand how the injury occurred, review initial medical information, and explain your legal options so you can make informed decisions from day one.
Comprehensive evidence collection. Our team moves quickly to gather critical evidence, including accident reports, medical records, imaging results, witness statements, and digital or video evidence needed to support your claim.
Handling insurance companies. We take over all communication and negotiations with insurers, protecting you from tactics designed to minimize or dismiss the seriousness of an injury.
Litigation when necessary. If the insurance company refuses to offer a settlement that reflects the true impact of your injury, we are fully prepared to file a lawsuit and pursue your case in court.
Focused resolution. Our goal is to pursue a resolution, through settlement or verdict, that accounts for the full scope of your medical needs, lost income, and the long-term cognitive and emotional effects of an injury.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

Jacoby & Meyers
Is Here
To Support You

What to Bring to Your First Consultation with Us

It’s normal to feel unsure about what to bring to your first legal consultation, especially when you’re dealing with pain or stress. Don’t worry. Even limited information can help us get started.

If you have them, bring:

Medical records or bills related to your injury
Photos or videos of the accident scene, injuries, or hazardous conditions
Accident or incident reports, if one was filed
Insurance information and any letters from insurers
Proof of lost income or out-of-pocket expenses
Notes or questions about what happened and how the injury has affected you

If you don’t have everything yet, that’s okay. Our legal team can help gather records and fill in the gaps. The most important step is reaching out early so your rights and options are protected.

Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers

When you hire Jacoby & Meyers, you are hiring a firm that helped define the personal injury landscape in California.

Established Authority: Founded in 1972, we have over 50 years of experience.
Proven Results: We have recovered over $2 billion for our clients, based on past cases. Results vary and do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contingency Arrangement Available: Many cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney’s fees may depend on the outcome; terms are explained during consultation.
24/7 Availability: Accidents do not happen on a schedule. We are available whenever you need us.

Client Stories

What Our Clients Have To Say

“Best firm there is. This Firm has been very helpful throughout the entire process. Adanhelly was been one of the best!!. Very helpful, and she sincerely makes me feel valued and taken care of. I highly recommend this law firm to EVERYBODY!”

– Ali M.

“Jacob & Meyers is the best, they handled our case immediately. Thank you for caring about us and getting us through this horrible thing that happened to us. Emily and the team are top-notch. If you’re looking for the best lawyers to fight for you, look no further; they will take care of your case.“

– Leslie J.

Read More Client Testimonials

The strength of our work is reflected in the experiences of the people we represent:

“Having Jacoby and Meyers handle my case has been a great experience, especially with great people working for them, such as Abigail Maldonado, who has exceeded my expectations in the final stage of my case. She kept me consistently updated and answered every question I had about my case. I would give her 10 stars if I could.” – Elliot Cureno from Google Review.

Read testimonials from other clients.

Disclaimer: Client testimonials describe personal experiences and opinions. Results may vary based on the unique facts of each case.

Real Case Results That Reflect Meaningful Outcomes

When someone suffers a serious injury or loses a loved one, the outcome of their case can shape their future. Over decades of practice, Jacoby & Meyers has secured more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements, helping injured individuals and families cover medical care, lost income, long-term support, and other life-changing needs.

$19 million — Ride-share passenger vs. auto, resulting in quadriplegia
$17.5 million — Bicycle vs. truck, catastrophic paralysis injury
$13 million — Wrongful death claim against a city or municipality
$11.9 million — Wrongful death in a truck collision
$11 million — Motorcycle vs. truck collision causing paraplegia
$9.24 million — Auto v. pedestrian with spinal cord injury

Disclaimer: These results demonstrate a pattern of achieving compensation for people facing life-changing injuries and tragic losses, outcomes that often provide the financial foundation victims and families need to rebuild. They do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of any other legal matter. Outcomes vary based on the facts and circumstances of each case.

Areas We Serve

While our main office is in Los Angeles, Jacoby & Meyers serves the entire region and state.

We represent clients throughout Los Angeles County, including Long Beach, Santa Monica, Glendale, Santa Clarita, and Pomona. Our network of 14 offices ensures that, wherever you are in California, high-quality legal representation is within reach.

Orange County
San Jose
San Francisco
San Diego
San Bernardino
Sacramento
Ontario
Oakland
Los Angeles
Fresno
Escondido
Brea
Bakersfield

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can help minimize your liability to help assess and address liability issues in your case.

What if a government entity caused my injury?

Cases involving government entities (like a city bus or a pothole on a public street) have stricter rules. You typically must file a specialized administrative claim within six months of the incident. It is vital to contact a lawyer immediately in these situations.

What if my symptoms appeared days after the accident?

Delayed symptoms are common, especially with whiplash or brain injuries. Seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear and contact an attorney. We can help evaluate whether delayed symptoms may be connected to the accident based on available evidence and medical input.

Will my case go to trial?

Most personal injury cases are settled out of court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial when appropriate based on the circumstances.

How much does it cost to hire Jacoby & Meyers?

It costs nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee basis. Attorney’s fees may depend on whether compensation is recovered, and terms will be explained during consultation. In many cases, if there is no recovery, attorney’s fees are not charged.

For more information, you can visit our FAQ page.

Get the Justice You Deserve

Do not let an insurance company dictate the value of your health and your future. If you have been injured in Los Angeles, contact Jacoby & Meyers today. We are available 24/7 to review your case and help you understand your legal options.

Call us now or fill out our contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts.

Other Cases We Take On

Michael Akiva is Managing Partner of Pre-Litigation of Jacoby & Meyers. Having started his career as an attorney at Latham & Watkins LLP, a prestigious, global corporate law firm, Michael quickly realized that representing big corporations was not for him. After leaving the firm, Michael dedicated himself to fighting for the rights of the injured. Education J.D. UCLA School of Law, Editor, UCLA Law Review B.S., Finance, University of Southern California, Magna cum laude