Ronni Whitehead

I am a Senior Trial Attorney at The Barnes Firm in Los Angeles, focusing exclusively on personal injury law. I’ve dedicated my career to helping injured individuals overcome obstacles like unpaid medical bills, lost wages, and disruptions to family life, and it's my mission to secure full, fair compensation for the lasting changes caused by someone else’s negligence.

What makes my practice unique is both my deep experience and the support system around me. I'm part of a team of top-tier attorneys and support staff in the Los Angeles area, and when I take on a case, it means we're fully committed—the time, resources, and effort necessary are assured to make your case the success it should be. That blend of personal dedication and institutional strength is what drives every case I take on.

How will my medical bills get paid after an accident?

This is one of the biggest concerns for many clients. Depending on your case, your bills may be covered by insurance, a settlement, or through medical providers who agree to wait until your case is resolved. My role is to make sure those bills don’t overwhelm you while we fight for full compensation to cover them.

What if I can’t work because of my injuries?

Lost wages are a common part of personal injury claims. We document the time you’ve missed from work, as well as any impact on your future earning capacity, and include that in your case. The goal is to make sure you’re compensated not just for what you’ve already lost, but for what you may continue to lose if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term.

How long will it take to resolve my case?

Some cases can be resolved in just a few months, while more complex cases may take longer, especially if they go to trial. I never want clients to feel rushed into a settlement that doesn’t meet their needs. My commitment is to take the time necessary to maximize your recovery, while keeping you informed along the way.

Is California a no-fault state for car accidents?

No—California is not a no-fault state. Instead, it follows a fault-based system, which means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages through their insurance. That’s why proving liability is so important in California cases. As your attorney, I gather the evidence needed to hold the at-fault party accountable and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident—can I still recover damages in California?

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 20% at fault and your damages were $100,000, you could still recover $80,000. My job is to minimize any blame placed on you and fight for the maximum recovery possible.

One of the most challenging parts of personal injury law is seeing how dramatically an accident can disrupt someone’s life. Clients often come to me while facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of not knowing how they’ll move forward. At the same time, insurance companies work hard to minimize or deny claims, which only adds to the pressure.

What drives me through these challenges is my commitment to leveling the playing field. At The Barnes Firm, we have the experience, resources, and team support to take on even the largest insurers. My focus is always on guiding clients with compassion while fighting relentlessly to secure the full, fair compensation they deserve.

From early on in my career, I was drawn to personal injury law because it gave me the opportunity to stand up for people during some of the most difficult times of their lives. I’ve seen how accidents can create sudden financial and emotional hardships, and I wanted to be the advocate who could lift that burden and fight for fairness.

What I’d like clients to know is that when they come to me, they’re not just another case file—I see the person and the family behind every claim. At The Barnes Firm, we combine the resources of one of the nation’s largest personal injury firms with the personalized attention each client deserves. My promise is to guide clients with compassion, keep them informed, and fight tirelessly to make sure they receive full and fair compensation.

At the end of the day, my greatest reward is knowing I’ve helped someone rebuild their life and move forward after an accident. That commitment drives me every single day.