Encino Car Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Compassionate Legal Support From Our Encino Car Accident Lawyers
Encino has a generally low traffic incident rate. Regardless, every driver must be aware of their rights following a collision. Encino is an urban hub for people from all walks of life. This region of Los Angeles constantly witnesses vehicles moving in and out of the neighborhood, increasing the likelihood of car accidents. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), about 129 victims were killed and injured on Encino and San Fernando roads in 2020.
Car accidents often lead to costly medical bills, lost wages, pricey car repairs, and other intangible damages. Unfortunately, thousands of victims across the state are unaware that they’re able to seek compensation after such incidents.
The first step to pursuing these financial damages is seeking legal guidance from an attorney. Fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form, and we’ll help you explore legal action following a car accident. Contact our Encino car accident attorneys at (888) 488-1391to discuss your accident and next steps.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
How Can Experienced Car Accident Lawyers In Encino Help You?
While victims may file an insurance claim on their own, working with a lawyer can provide guidance and help them better understand the process.
Here are ways Encino car accident lawyers can help you:
- Reexamining the police report to refute claims made by the other party.
- Analyzing witness testimonies to support your claim.
- Quantifying the types of damages that should be included in your claim.
- Communicating with the insurance company to revisit their settlement offer.
- Bringing your case to court if a settlement isn’t reached.
A car accident is overwhelming in many ways, but the legal proceedings that follow can be even more stressful. Hiring an attorney allows victims to focus on their recovery while their legal team handles the case.
Why Choose Arash Law’s Car Accident Attorneys In Encino, CA?
Arash Law is an injury law firm in California that offers its legal services to every city and neighborhood in the state. Here’s why you should consider working with Arash Law’s attorneys:
- Free Initial Consultation — Our team offers a free initial consultation to evaluate your case. We’ll help you understand whether you have a valid claim and discuss the legal options available for your situation.
- Help Beyond Legal Services — A car accident leads to all sorts of damages, which often affect victims physically and emotionally. Apart from pursuing compensation, our lawyers can help victims arrange access to psychologists, chiropractors, and surgeons in California, providing support for different aspects of their recovery.
- No Fees Unless We Win — We don’t charge our clients by the hour or ask for upfront lawyer fees. Instead, we sign clients on a contingency fee agreement. Our car accident lawyers in Encino only get paid if they obtain compensation for your case. Nevertheless, clients may still be responsible for other case-related costs. Our team can clarify this fee structure and other potential expenses before moving forward with your case.
What Should I Do After A Car Accident In Encino?
After being involved in any accident, your safety and well-being should be the priority. Here’s what to do after a car accident:
- Call 911 – After moving to a safe location, call emergency services and inform them of your area and what happened. Be sure to let them know if you need medical attention as well.
- Document The Scene – Pull out your phone and take photos or videos of your surroundings, especially essential pieces of evidence you may use for your claim. Read our guide on what’s included in an accident report for instructions.
- Gather Contact Information – Get the contact information of all drivers involved in the incident. You should also list their insurance information to make it easier to file a claim. However, avoid talking to insurance companies before you talk to your lawyer.
- See A Doctor – Make sure you see a doctor regardless of whether you think you have an injury or not. Some injuries may not be superficial and only appear upon closer examination. Save every receipt for your visits as well.
- Talk To A Lawyer – After an accident, consulting with a car accident lawyer can help you manage insurance companies, understand your rights, and avoid potential mishaps. They can advocate for your interests if you decide to pursue a claim.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Encino, California
Human error is among the primary causes of car accidents in Encino and virtually every part of the US. Most of these accidents involve one or several of the following elements:
Drunk Driving
In 2020, San Fernando law enforcers made 86 DUI arrests. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 37 people die in drunk-driving crashes in the US every day. Alcohol and drugs can impair a person’s driving ability due to poor judgment, slow reaction times, and compromised coordination.
Speeding
While there are only eight fatal and injury crashes in San Fernando involving speeding-related incidents, that number is still too many for something that is easily avoidable. In a recent study on the relationship between speed and the probability of fatal injury, the risk was only 5% while driving at 18 MPH. However, the likelihood of death increases to 90% at 50 MPH.
Distracted Driving
In 2021, 140 people were killed in California because of distracted driving accidents. Distracted driving increases the risk of crashing your vehicle since your eyes are focused on something else.
Failure To Yield
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (CA-DMV) imposes several right-of-way rules and regulations to keep our roads safe. Unfortunately, numerous drivers disobey these rules regularly, leading to traffic safety concerns. Failure to yield accident attorneys can refer to existing statutes to establish liability in these cases.
Reckless Driving
Thousands of drivers use Encino roads to go to and from Los Angeles. Some of these drivers are still in high spirits from prior LA activities, causing them to disregard other motorists. Reckless driving can create additional traffic hazards in the neighborhood.
Our Encino car accident attorneys can investigate your accident and determine if one of these factors caused the collision. If you suffered injuries and property damage from drivers exhibiting these behaviors, our team can assist you with your case.
Common Car Accident Injuries
The injuries suffered by the victim in a car accident vary based on several factors, including the vehicles’ speeds and the angle of impact. Here are common injuries car accident victims may experience:
- Cuts And Lacerations
- Broken Bones
- Soft Tissue Damage
- Eye Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Amputation
- Paralysis
If you have questions about your injuries and potential compensation, we’re here to help. Our Encino car accident lawyers can give you guidance and insight to help you better understand your options.
How To Pursue Damages After A Car Accident In Encino, CA
Generally, car accident victims can seek compensation through three legal methods: an out-of-court settlement, an insurance claim, or a lawsuit. Here’s how they differ:
Out-Of-Court Settlement
Ideally, Encino car accident attorneys will try to resolve the conflict without having to file a case in court. This brings us to the first legal method, known as out-of-court settlements.
These are settlements or “written agreements” between the victim and the guilty party outlining the details of the compensation. If the guilty party can pay for the damages and the victim agrees to the compensation amount, an out-of-court settlement is a feasible option.
Insurance Claim
Although insurance claims resolve disputes outside of court, they’re different from out-of-court settlements in many ways. For starters, insurance claims work within the boundaries of the policy.
While payouts can vary, having a personal injury attorney means you have someone who can advocate for your interests when dealing with insurers. In some cases, the liable party may agree to pay the remaining compensation amount if the insurance policy can’t cover it all.
This means both parties agree to resolve the dispute through a combination of an out-of-court settlement and an insurance claim.
Lawsuit
If both parties can’t reach an agreeable resolution outside of court, your lawyer can bring the case to trial if it is a viable option. Lawsuits typically take longer to settle. However, it’s sometimes the only avenue available for victims to seek compensation.
How Do You Establish Liability In An Encino Car Accident?
The burden of proof typically falls on the plaintiff in car accident cases. That is, your Encino car accident attorneys must have evidence to prove that the defendant bears responsibility for the crash. Proving liability or fault generally involves one or several of the following elements:
- Negligence – Failure to exercise the duty of care for other drivers or pedestrians using the road.
- Intent – An act committed with the goal of harming others.
- Recklessness – Willful disregard of traffic laws and other people’s safety.
- Strict Liability – The fault is determined despite the absence of negligence, intent, or recklessness (i.e., brake failure, tire blow-up, etc.).
Victims must recognize that California is a “comparative fault” state. It means that you may still seek compensation for your injuries despite being partially responsible for the accident. However, the amount you may receive will be based on how much you are at fault.
For example, let’s say that the accident was 50% because of another driver’s recklessness and 50% because of your negligence. It means you may still be able to pursue 50% of the total damages.
December 2016: $22M+ verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case. The entire details of the case can be found in the public record filings by the defendant entity that sued its defense.– BRIAN BEECHER
How Much Money Can You Receive In A Car Accident Settlement In Encino?
Every car accident is different, which means the settlement varies substantially as well. The final amount will depend on several factors, such as the severity of the victim’s injuries, the extent of damages, and the negligent party’s actions that led to the incident.
On the other hand, more severe cases that lead to paralysis, TBIs, and wrongful death typically result in substantial losses. Depending on the specifics of the case, our car accident attorneys in Encino can help victims pursue the following types of damages:
- Economic Damages – Medical expenses, repairs for damaged vehicles, lost wages, etc.
- Non-Economic Damages – Pain and suffering, emotional distress, inconvenience, loss of consortium, etc.
- Punitive Damages – Additional compensation meant to punish the defendant for malicious conduct.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Filing A Car Accident Lawsuit In Encino?
The deadline to sue someone depends on the type of lawsuit you plan to file. Car accidents commonly lead to injuries or property damage. Generally, the statute of limitations for each lawsuit is as follows:
- Personal Injury – Two years from the date of injury or date of discovery.
- Property Damage – Three years from the date the damage occurred.
Nevertheless, there are certain exceptions to these deadlines. Discussing your case with an injury attorney may help you understand the time limit that applies to your case. Additionally, the guilty party’s failure to accomplish their duties according to the settlement agreement is also grounds for a civil case. The statute of limitations for this offense is as follows:
- Oral Contract – Two years from the date the oral agreement was breached.
- Written Contract – Four years from the date the written agreement was violated.
The legal proceedings for filing a lawsuit are much more complex than insurance claims. A practiced attorney can explain the details of your case and provide valuable insights.
Encino Car Accident FAQs
When Should I Hire Encino Car Accident Attorneys?
Consulting and hiring an attorney as soon as someone’s negligence injures you or damages your property provides you with legal support early in the process. It is advisable to consider working with one if your case involves severe injuries, substantial property damage, or a dispute in liability, among others. They can assess your claim and advise you on the appropriate legal steps to take.
Where Do Most Car Accidents Occur In Encino, California?
Most car accidents in Encino occur on Freeway 101, Freeway 405, and other major roads such as Ventura Blvd., Mulholland Dr., Reseda Blvd., Lindley Ave., Burbank Blvd., and White Oak Ave.
Can I Continue To Drive My Car After An Accident?
You should only drive your car if you have carefully checked that it is safe and legal to do so. Accidents can cause hidden damage that may make your vehicle unsafe, such as issues with the brakes, tires, or steering.
You should wait for emergency personnel to clear the scene before leaving. Furthermore, it is advisable that you exchange information with the other drivers and that your car doesn’t have structural damage before driving away.
Contact Arash Law’s Encino Car Accident Lawyers To Get Legal Support
You don’t have to handle the legal aspects of your car accident case alone. Arash Khorsandi, Esq., and his team of car accident attorneys provide legal services that fit the unique aspects of your case. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Apart from Encino, we also assist car accident victims who are in Calabasas, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, San Fernando, Culver City, Burbank, Agoura Hills, Glendale, Westlake Village, Inglewood, Santa Clarita, and Malibu.
