Were you injured in a car crash in Encino, California? Did someone else cause it? If so, the at-fault party may be liable for your losses, including lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
The best way to recover the compensation you deserve under California law is to hire an experienced Encino car accident lawyer.
The top-rated legal team at M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers will work to maximize your financial recovery. We’ve used our 100 years of combined experience to secure $400+ million for our clients. Hiring us means you’ll have a trusted advocate on your side fighting for your rights.
Contact our law office at (877) 300-4535 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your car accident with a personal injury attorney in Encino, CA.
How Can an Attorney Help Me After a Car Accident in Encino, CA?
After a collision, you may have several questions. What steps should you take next? How do you get compensation for your damages? What if the other driver tries to blame you?
An experienced Encino personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the various issues that may arise. At M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle these types of cases every day. While every claim is unique, we have the experience and resources to reach a fair resolution.
If you hire our personal injury law firm after a collision in Encino, CA, we’ll:
- Listen to your version of what happened and provide honest advice
- Thoroughly investigate the crash and identify anyone who shares liability
- Gather evidence and consult experts if needed to prove your case
- Negotiate a fair car accident settlement with the insurance company
- Litigate your personal injury case in court if necessary
We highly recommend not accepting a settlement offer from an insurance adjuster until you speak with an attorney. Once you sign an agreement, you cannot ask for more money later – even if you discover new injuries.
Our Encino car accident attorneys offer a free case evaluation, so take advantage of it by scheduling yours today.
How Common Are Car Accidents in Encino?
Car accidents are a common occurrence in California, with thousands of people being injured or killed each year. According to the CA Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), statewide traffic fatalities increased by 7.6% between 2020 and 2021.
Encino – located in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles – experiences hundreds of collisions annually.
According to the OTS, San Fernando experienced the following fatal and injury crashes in recent years:
- 2017: 122
- 2018: 159
- 2019: 152
- 2020: 129
This data only represents the number of collisions that resulted in a known injury or fatality. Thousands more crashes occur throughout the area that may not be reported or where injuries are unknown.
What Causes Most Car Crashes in Encino?
Motor vehicle accidents are typically caused by driver error or negligence, such as:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving, including eating, texting, or rubbernecking
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Running stop signs and red lights
- Aggressive driving, including tailgating
- Unsafe turns and lane changes
- Driving under the influence
However, not all crashes result from a driver’s mistake. In some cases, things like road defects or defective auto parts can contribute to accidents.
We Can Help After Any Type of Car Accident
At M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers, our skilled attorneys can take on your case no matter what type of accident you were involved in, including:
Call today to discuss your auto accident and learn how we can help.
What Is the Value of My Encino Car Accident Claim?
Most people want to know the value of their claim. However, it’s impossible to give an exact dollar amount without knowing the specifics of your case.
When our Encino personal injury attorneys are calculating your damages, we’ll likely need answers to the following:
- What injuries have you suffered? How severe are they?
- Did you miss time from work due to your injuries?
- Can you work in the same capacity as before the collision?
- Were you partially responsible for the crash?
- How has the wreck and your injuries affected you physically and emotionally?
- Is the at-fault driver insured?
The answers to these and other vital questions will guide us as we assess your case.
What Compensation Is Available After a Collision in Encino, CA?
Encino car accident victims can seek compensation for all losses suffered due to the crash.
Most people know they can recover financial losses, known as economic damages:
- Medical costs incurred for ambulance bills, medical treatment, follow-ups, etc.
- Future medical expenses
- Physical therapy
- Out-of-pocket expenses for reasonable and necessary items
- Property damage
- Lost income and job benefits
- Diminished earning potential
Not as many people are aware that they can also pursue non-economic damages, such as:
In some car accident cases, a California court may award punitive damages, such as if the defendant acted with a willful disregard for your safety. For example, if a drunk driver crashed into you and permanently disabled you, punitive damages may be warranted.
Can I Recover Compensation If I Share Blame for a Car Accident in Encino, California?
In California personal injury cases, all parties who share responsibility for a traffic accident are assigned a percentage of fault. That includes the injury victim (plaintiff).
You can still recover compensation if you were partially responsible for the crash. However, your settlement or court award will be reduced by your percentage of blame. This is California’s pure comparative negligence principle.
For example, say you were speeding when a distracted driver crashed into your vehicle. A jury decides that you are 25% responsible for the collision. The defendant would be on the hook for 75% of your damages.
If the other driver or their insurance company is trying to shift blame to you for the crash, seek legal help immediately.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents range from minor fender benders to fatal collisions.
That means people can suffer an array of injuries in these accidents, including:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Knee injuries
- Chest injuries
- Nerve damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Paralysis and other spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Burns
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death
Whether you’ve suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a deadly crash, our experienced personal injury lawyers in Encino can help.
How Do I Prove Negligence in an Encino Car Accident Case?
Most car crashes result from a driver’s negligence. That means they’re accidental and entirely preventable. However, even if a person doesn’t intend to injure someone, they should be held accountable for the damages they cause.
If you were injured in a crash in Encino, you have the burden of proving the four elements of negligence:
- The driver owed you a duty of care. All California drivers must follow state and local traffic laws and drive safely, so this element is easy to meet.
- The driver breached their duty of care by acting unreasonably under the circumstances. For example, they ran a red light.
- The driver’s breach caused the accident. For example, when they ran the red light, they T-boned your car.
- You sustained damages, such as property damage, medical bills, and chronic pain.
The types of evidence needed to prove your personal injury claim might include:
- Car accident report
- Surveillance footage
- Photos and video of the accident scene
- Eyewitness statements
- Physical evidence from the crash
- Expert witness opinions
- Medical records
- Repair shop estimates
- Pain and suffering journal
Proving negligence and damages in a California car accident claim isn’t always straightforward. We’ll use our skills and resources to prove that you’re entitled to compensation from the other party.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Los Angeles County, CA?
Most car accident attorneys in Encino and throughout California work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t owe any money upfront, and the amount you pay for attorney’s fees will depend on the outcome of your case.
Attorney’s fees will be deducted from any settlement or jury award your lawyer acquires on your behalf. When you sign a contingency fee agreement, it will outline the percentage they’ll take. It’s typically between 33-40% but may vary depending on your case.
How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Lawsuit in California?
The California statute of limitations typically gives car accident victims two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there could be exceptions.
Don’t miss this vital deadline. Otherwise, you’ll forfeit your right to pursue damages in a California court. Contact our car accident lawyers in Encino to preserve your rights.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation With Our Experienced Encino Car Accident Lawyers
If you were involved in a car accident in Encino, CA, the legal team at M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers can help. We’ll deal with insurance companies and legal matters while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Call our Encino car accident attorneys today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal right to compensation.
