North Hollywood Car Accident Lawyers
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North Hollywood Car Accident Lawyers Offering Representation Rooted In Integrity
North Hollywood is an affluent Los Angeles, CA neighborhood with many restaurants, parks, coffee shops, art museums, sound studios, and venues that serve as tourist attractions. The neighborhood was established in 1887 and is centrally located in the San Fernando Valley. The area was originally located in Toluca by the Water Company and the Lankershim Ranch Land. Later in 1896, the community was renamed Lankershim and was finally given the name North Hollywood in 1927.
Many of the numerous people who live in North Hollywood today are young professionals whose average age is 34.3 years old. That is almost two years below the state average. North Hollywood is a haven for the young and upcoming. Much of this population lives in Sherman Oaks.
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
Car Accidents In North Hollywood
A car accident can be tragic, unexpected, and life-altering. Car accidents can lead to property damage, injuries, disabilities, and even fatalities. If you have been involved in a vehicle accident, contact the attorneys at Arash Law. Our dedicated and experienced North Hollywood car accident lawyers can help victims seek compensation after getting hurt in a collision.
The effects of suffering a vehicle accident can be daunting and extensive, and the team at Arash Law understands the challenges you may face after a crash. We are dedicated to helping victims navigate the process of settling an accident claim or filing a lawsuit.
We can handle the insurance company negotiations and trial preparation and help guide you through the legal process. Arash Law takes care of the legal side of your claim so you can focus on your physical well-being. No matter the complexity of the case, we work diligently to help you pursue the compensation that may be able to help you get your life back on track.
After a car accident, you can seek financial compensation for property damage, medical bills, lost income, or other losses related to the accident. If you suffered an injury in a car accident, our North Hollywood car accident lawyers can represent your interests. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Sherman Oaks And Other Places Near North Hollywood
As of March 2022, the estimated population for North Hollywood sat at 74,124 people. The average income of the population is $53,859, a little over $11,000 below the California median state income. Many young professionals live and work in Sherman Oaks, a neighborhood near the North Hollywood area.
The population of Sherman Oaks is comprised of various ethnicities, including African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian, which represent the largest ethnic groups in the city. African Americans make up around 12 percent of the population, Hispanics about 18-24 percent, and Caucasians about 58-70 percent. Of the various residents, about one-quarter of them own their residences, which is around 40 percent below the United States average for home ownership.
Some notable places along with Sherman Oaks include Valley Glen, Valley Village, Sun Valley, Glendale, Beverly Hills, San Fernando, Van Nuys, and Burbank. With so many neighborhoods and cities near North Hollywood, the population is heavily concentrated.
Because of its heavily concentrated population, the traffic is naturally congested. As a result, the roads and freeways are some of the most heavily trafficked in the metro area. The freeways and roads total 5,134, and while that is a lot of roadways, they do make major streets like Victory Boulevard and Coldwater Canyon Avenue more accessible to drivers. While accessibility is greater, how busy these streets remain is more incredible, which heightens the rate of vehicle accidents.
Causes Of Vehicle Accidents
Car accidents occur for many reasons, but most accidents happen as a result of negligent driving. Negligent behavior on the road can lead to many calamities. According to the National Safety Council, about 4.4 million people nationwide suffered an injury in traffic accidents in 2019. In 2018, 3,563 vehicle accident fatalities occurred in California alone.
Statistically, about 25 percent of car accidents occur strictly due to distractions. These distractions can happen for any reason, including texting or talking on a cell phone while driving, or simply taking your eyes off the road to view the GPS navigator. Distracted driving is a common occurrence across the country and has caused the death of thousands of motorists.
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol causes accidents across the state. These accidents may end in serious injury or death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 32 people across the United States die in drunk driving accidents every 45 minutes. In 2020 alone, 11,654 people died in an accident involving a drunk driver.
Some accidents occur when the driver is too tired, maybe due to long hours at school or work. Fatigued driving is dangerous. A driver who gets behind the wheel without adequate sleep may experience microsleep. A microsleep episode can last anywhere from a fraction of a second to a few seconds, and during this time, the person is essentially asleep. At the moment when a driver’s eyes close, a severe accident can happen.
Speeding is a major cause of traffic crashes. Speeding claims the lives of thousands of travelers every year. It is negligent for a driver to operate a vehicle faster than the posted speed limit.
There are external causes of car accidents as well. These include inclement weather, medical emergencies, faulty roadways, vehicle defects, etc. Whatever the reasons, accidents still occur and can have debilitating effects and lead to various injuries.
Common Vehicle Accident Injuries
The variety of injuries following a car accident is tremendous and can range from minor to more serious. The most unfortunate circumstances can end in catastrophic injuries and fatalities, which are the most tragic. Other common injuries include:
- Cuts and bruises
- Whiplash
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Brain and spinal cord injuries
- Disfigurement
- Burns
- Internal bleeding & organ damage
Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries may cause the victim to suffer from current and future complications. These injuries include extensive burns, severe brain injuries, loss of a limb, spinal injuries, or any injury that can cause paralysis. With the complexity of these injuries, the financial toll they take can be significant for the victim and the victim’s family, in addition to the physical and psychological trauma.
These facets may require extensive rehabilitation and numerous medical expenses for the victim to fully recover. An experienced attorney can help the victim seek compensation to cover the costs, including lost income and property damage resulting from the accident.
Wrongful Death
Perhaps the most tragic part of any vehicle accident is when it results in the death of an involved party. If such a tragedy occurs, the loved ones of the deceased victim can seek compensation from the liable party’s insurance company.
While a judgment or settled claim can never replace the loss of a dear loved one, these wrongful death cases can be particularly complex and nuanced. A North Hollywood car accident lawyer can guide the victim’s family through the legal process. The attorney can help the family seek the compensation they need to relieve financial burdens that may surface from the accident.
These are just a few of the many injuries that can occur. If you experienced any of these, seeking guidance from a vehicle accident lawyer can help in pursuing compensation for your losses.
Actions To Take Following A Vehicle Accident
Not only are there the apparent harm and injuries that come after most vehicle accidents, but the aftermath of accidents can also be confusing. This confusion especially pertains to what actions are needed following the accident. Below are a few important actions to take.
First, call 911 and get emergency assistance. First responders will help de-escalate the situation as quickly and efficiently as possible. Get medical assistance quickly. Medical attention can save your life by detecting internal damage, like bleeding and organ damage. Getting a doctor’s opinion can also help establish causation for your legal claim.
Gather any evidence, such as pictures, names, witnesses, and statements, that is available at the scene. The closer to the time of the accident that these things are compiled, the less ambiguous the case details can be. Communicate with the police. The responding officers will draft a report.
Report the accident to your insurance company. Consider getting legal counsel before making the report. Having a North Hollywood car accident lawyer assist you can be beneficial to your overall claim.
Remember the statute of limitations. According to the statute of limitations in California, a lawsuit for bodily injury typically must be filed within two years of the accident. After two years, a vehicle accident victim may not be able to pursue any legal remedy. Filing a lawsuit sooner rather than later can help the victim’s claim.
Waiting to contact the liable driver’s insurance company until after speaking with a lawyer helps the victim avoid legal pitfalls. Our experienced North Hollywood car accident lawyers are familiar with insurance companies’ processes and can help victims navigate them.
Insurance companies often investigate claims to verify they are legitimate. They usually will attempt to contact the victim after the accident or request necessary documentation. Seemingly, the goal is to collect information they may use to check whether the claim is valid.
What Damages Are Recoverable In A Car Accident Claim?
Filing a personal injury claim following an accident is an attempt to obtain financial compensation for harm caused by the negligence of another party. If this negligence leads to property damage, injuries, disabilities, and fatalities, the victims or eligible family members may be able to pursue compensation. To seek said compensation, it is essential to know what can potentially be obtained in a lawsuit.
Damages Available In Most Car Accident Claims
The expenses that come from a car accident can far exceed what it initially seems. Hiring an experienced vehicle accident attorney can be helpful because they can assist you in pursuing financial restitution that reflects your losses. Your North Hollywood car accident lawyers will work diligently to help you evaluate the potential value of your losses. An attorney can help you file a claim for various types of damages, including the following:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are usually easily accounted for and less challenging to justify than other categories of damages. Examples of economic damage can include current and future medical bills, current and future lost income, vehicle repair estimates, alternate transportation costs, the cost of hiring domestic help, etc.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more abstract. Proving these damages is more difficult, so having an attorney assist you can help you present the evidence of your losses in a favorable light. Examples of non-economic damages include pain and suffering, decreased quality of life, loss of enjoyment of life, physical disability, disfigurement, embarrassment, etc.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not used to compensate the victim but to deter similar reckless behavior in the future. Punitive damages are available in California, but they are only awarded by the court in extreme circumstances. Ask your accident attorney about the amounts that may be available for your particular case.
Irrespective of the damages, any victim remains entitled to seek compensation for their losses. Contact the best possible North Hollywood car accident lawyer near you to begin building a legal team that will help you start the process of your claim.
What If I Am Partly To Blame For The Car Accident?
One of the vital parts of any vehicle accident case is establishing liability or who is potentially at fault. A victim may be partially responsible for the occurrence of the accident, so it is essential to know what to do or expect if that is the case.
The first step after a vehicle accident is contacting the police. The police officer will discuss the accident with both parties involved, and based on the information they receive and what is seen at the accident scene, they will draft a police report. Keep in mind that typically, police reports only accurately depict liability about 80 percent of the time, so it is crucial not to rely solely upon the police report for advocacy. If the liability seems to be incorrect upon reviewing the police report, our experienced North Hollywood car accident lawyers can investigate the accident to assess liability.
California is a comparative fault state. Comparative fault law generally applies when the victim of the accident is partially at fault. In some states, if the victim is found to have less than full liability for the vehicle accident, they can still pursue legal recourse for partial compensation. On the other hand, if the opposing party is found to be 100 percent liable for the accident, the victim has the legal right to seek total compensation for any losses. In California, if the accident victim is 99 percent at fault for causing the accident, then they can still seek 1% of their total damages.
How Long Will The Case Take To Resolve?
The details of any vehicle accident case are unique, so there is no definitive amount of time that each case takes. A typical car accident case is settled in four to six weeks. Some more severe cases can extend to months or even years to settle.
The only way to know how long the settlement will take is to consult with an experienced vehicle accident attorney, who can help determine the potentially liable party, gather the extent of the victim’s injuries, and compile any expenses resulting from the accident.
With the assistance of an experienced North Hollywood car accident lawyer, most accident cases can be settled through civil court, even though filing a personal injury lawsuit can be a complex and lengthy process. North Hollywood car accidents are classified as personal injury cases and are the most common type of lawsuit in civil courts.
Fortunately, 90-95 percent of vehicle accident lawsuits are settled between the victim’s car accident lawyers in North Hollywood and the liable driver’s insurer without going to trial. Preparing for any event that may transpire during the legal process is still essential.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
How To Handle A Vehicle Accident Case
In filing a personal injury lawsuit, it is essential to note that seeking compensation is not limited only to the liable driver. The prospect of seeking compensation can extend to any individual, company, or agency whose breach of a legal duty of care leads to the victim’s harm. Depending on the specifics of the case, a victim can seek compensation from the following:
- A vehicle parts manufacturer that sold a defective product that may have contributed to the victim’s accident.
- A government agency that did not keep roads in a safe condition.
- A repair shop that did negligent work on a vehicle.
Regarding negligence, some states allow victims to bypass proving the various elements of negligence and permit them to presume that the other driver, company, or agency was negligent. It applies if the victim can show that the defendant caused the accident by breaking the law or some form of regulation, which led to their injury, negligence per se, or negligence itself. Some possible broken laws or regulations can be a driver’s failure to yield, speeding, texting while driving, etc.
How A Car Accident Attorney Can Help With The Claim
In the process of a car accident lawsuit, the legal team can also offer access to medical specialists who understand the toll accidents take on victims. Additionally, lawyers can assist the victim in seeking compensation for their lost income and the money needed to repair or replace their vehicle.
The North Hollywood car accident lawyers can also work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t owe any attorney fees unless they obtain compensation on your behalf. Certain case costs may still apply regardless of the outcome. One of our lawyers will explain our fee structure during your free initial consultation.
Questions To Ask When Considering Hiring An Attorney
There are several questions that a victim must ask themselves following a car accident, especially when considering hiring an attorney. A few necessary questions include the following.
- Were there any injuries that required medical attention?
- Will missing work be necessary due to the accident?
- Does the police report accurately reflect what happened?
- Was there a fatality?
Questions To Ask During The Initial Consultation And How To Prepare
Upon hiring a North Hollywood car accident lawyer, there are also questions the victim will need to ask them. Many of the questions can be answered by the lawyer during the consultation, where the consultee will gather much of their knowledge base of the lawsuit process. The consultation will be the lawyer giving the consultee personalized legal insights specifically tailored to the case details.
Suppose a claim adjuster reaches out to the accident victim via letter, email, or phone. In that case, it is vital that the victim saves the correspondence and avoids responding until they consult the attorney. Communicating with the opposing party before speaking to the lawyer may impact the potential claim. If a recorded statement has already been given, the victim should bring that to the consultation.
To keep track of the events that transpired following the car accident, it is beneficial for the victim to keep a personal journal of their injuries. Not only should they record their injuries, but they should also record the difficulties resulting from them, which can include the inability to perform basic tasks and hobbies or the widespread pain they may endure. Bringing this journal to the consultation can assist the lawyer in discussing the victim’s non-economic losses. This is just a broad overview, but it provides a helpful platform for the consultation.
Some necessary questions that a potential client should ask at an initial consultation include:
- What details will you need about the accident?
- How much time is needed to file a claim?
- Is an appearance needed in court?
- What is needed after an accident?
Should I Hire A Car Accident Lawyer?
When determining whether to hire an attorney, the damages incurred or the extent of the injuries can be a factor. Even if the damages are minor, i.e., injuries, property damages, etc., you may still have the legal right to pursue compensation. The next step is determining when an injury lawyer should be contacted. Understandably, any car accident case has extenuating circumstances. Following an accident, consulting a lawyer as soon as possible can help you navigate the entire process. Moreover, the liable driver’s insurance company may offer a settlement immediately. A North Hollywood accident lawyer can assess the offer and determine whether it adequately addresses your losses.
Once all the questions above and the topics are considered, consider contacting a car accident lawyer in North Hollywood or anywhere else near you. Remembering to hire an experienced vehicle accident attorney can help you pursue compensation for your losses.
Knowing who is the best fit can be difficult with a vast list of vehicle accident attorneys in various areas. To help you approach this challenge, you can compile a selective list and conduct research to see which law firm has the experience and resources to manage your claim. Some things to look for when searching for a reasonable and experienced vehicle accident attorney:
- How did they resolve cases for previous clients?
- What do previous clients say about them?
- Do they work on a contingency fee basis with no upfront legal costs?
Car Accident Statistics
Vehicle accidents can be horrific tragedies for multiple parties involved. Unfortunately, these accidents are among the leading causes of preventable deaths in the United States. These accidents can result in property damage, injuries, disabilities, and, unfortunately, fatalities. Since its apex in the 20th century, the death rate from auto accidents has decreased. Still, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it remains substantially higher than in other developed countries. Whether property damage or injuries occur, or disabilities or fatalities, it is crucial for the victims to know the subsequent steps to take to pursue compensation and begin the legal process.
Contact Our North Hollywood Car Accident Lawyers
If you are searching for “North Hollywood car accident lawyers near me,” our team is here to help. Our injury law firm also assists car accident victims in Studio City, Burbank, Valley Village, Glendale, Sherman Oaks, and the entire San Fernando Valley. North Hollywood has seen a greater increase in traffic accidents over the past few years, which is why our team is available to take your call 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
The attorneys at Arash Law, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have decades of combined experience helping our clients pursue the compensation they may be entitled to after a car accident. Victims who suffer a loss after an accident may need an attorney to help them handle the legal aspects of their case while they heal physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Call us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We look forward to hearing from you.
