You can file your suit were the accident took place, or where the defendant is located. or where the defendant does business. Since the accident took place in Los Angeles, that would be the logical place. If the company does business in Santa Clara County (Los Altos) you may be able to sue there. In california, you can file your small claims action by mail or in person. Not on line. If you file by mail send a copy of your complaint along with an orginial the the court. You can get more info at www.courtinfo.ca.gov and search small claims. Nolo Press also publishes books on how you can represent yourself in small claims. If you do not want to buy the book, a library may have the a book.

For options/packages you will need to talk directly with a photographer. Talk to several. Some photographers do both photo and video and you won't have to hire two different people. You will need to make sure the photographer is experienced with on location photography.