Encino Car Accident Lawyer
Pursuing Personal Injury Claims in Sherman Oaks & Studio City, CA
Car accidents are a harsh reality on California roads. As one of the most populous states in the union, traffic crashes affect thousands of lives each year. According to the California Highway Patrol, more than 200,000 individuals were injured, and almost 4,000 died in 2020 traffic accidents in the state.
Taking legal action when someone else's negligence affects you or a loved one is vital. At Law Offices of Colleen O'Hara, we can provide the legal support you need in the aftermath of a car crash in which you were injured due to the negligence, recklessness, or wrongdoing of another party.
Injured in a car accident? Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation at (213) 996-0529!
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle
Traffic collisions can happen in various ways, each with unique challenges and consequences. We handle all types of car accident injury claims, including but not limited to the following.
- Rear-end collisions: Among the most common types of crashes, often caused by distracted or tailgating drivers.
- T-bone or broadside accidents: These are highly dangerous accidents that frequently occur at intersections due to failing to yield or running red lights.
- Pedestrian accidents: Tragically, these involve pedestrians struck by vehicles, often in crosswalks or due to driver inattention.
- Head-on collisions: Often caused by wrong-way driving, these serious accidents result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the direct impact forces involved.
- Side-swipe collisions: These occur when two vehicles traveling side by side make contact, often due to negligent lane changes or distracted driving. This can potentially lead to loss of control and further crashes.
- Vehicle rollovers: Frequently caused by high-speed turns, uneven road surfaces, or vehicle design flaws, rollovers are particularly dangerous as they often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
- Hit-and-run: Incidents where the at-fault driver flees the scene, leaving victims with physical injuries and property damage.
- Drunk driving accidents: Collisions caused by intoxicated drivers who impair their ability to operate vehicles responsibly.
- Multi-vehicle pile-ups: These complex accidents often involve unclear liability and significant injuries.
The most common cause of these accidents is human error, ranging from distracted driving to speeding, running traffic lights, or otherwise disobeying traffic laws. Such behaviors make implicated drivers liable in personal injury claims.
Additionally, vehicle and component parts manufacturers may be liable for defective products that cause or contribute to car accidents. These parts include airbags, brakes, seatbelts, tires, and more.
Why You Need an Attorney After an Encino Car Accident
After an accident, an insurance adjuster will likely contact you quickly, offering a “reasonable” settlement. However, these initial offers are often far below the actual value of your claim.
Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts by shifting blame or undervaluing your injuries. Accepting a low offer could leave you without the funds needed to cover ongoing medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages you may not be aware of immediately.
Insurance adjusters count on the vulnerability and lack of knowledge of accident victims. An experienced personal injury attorney on your side means no one can take advantage of you during this time. Attorney O’Hara’s representation levels the playing field and puts a professional in charge who can fight for a fair settlement that reflects your losses.
Confused about your legal options? Our experienced attorneys are here to help. Contact us now at (213) 996-0529 to discuss your case!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Car Accidents in Encino
What if the other driver leaves the scene of the accident?
- If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, try to remember as many details as possible about the vehicle (make, model, color, license plate number) and report it to the police immediately. You may also be able to file a claim under your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.
Do I need to see a doctor even if I feel fine?
- Yes. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. Seeing a doctor ensures that any hidden injuries are diagnosed and documented, which is important for your health and potential legal claim.
How long does it take to settle a car accident claim?
- It depends on the complexity of your case. Some claims are settled in a few months, while others take over a year—especially if there are disputes over liability or serious injuries requiring long-term treatment.
Can I still get compensation if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?
- Yes, but your compensation may be reduced. The insurance company might argue that your injuries were worse because you weren’t buckled up. However, the at-fault driver is still responsible for causing the accident.
What if my car accident was caused by bad road conditions?
- You may be able to file a claim against the city, county, or state agency responsible for maintaining the roads. These claims have strict deadlines (often within six months), so it's important to act quickly.
Should I accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company?
- No. Insurance companies often start with low offers to save money. Before accepting any settlement, consult a lawyer to ensure you're getting fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Can I file a claim if a family member died in a car accident?
- Yes. If a loved one died due to someone else's negligence, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.
Compassionate Service, Unwavering Integrity.
Our Commitment
to You
-
Fighting for Justice, Every Step of the WayWhether you’ve been injured due to negligence or are seeking a second chance through post-conviction relief, we are committed to protecting your rights and your future.
-
Legal Advocacy Without BarriersWith Spanish-speaking services and free consultations, we ensure that language and cost are never obstacles to getting the legal help you need.
-
Proven Results, Compassionate RepresentationFrom personal injury claims to post-conviction relief, we fight tirelessly for the best outcome, so you can move forward with confidence.
-
Your Case, Your Future—Handled With CareEvery case is personal. Whether you’re recovering from an accident or challenging a conviction, we provide strategic, results-driven representation tailored to your needs.
How We Can Help in Encino Car Accident Claims
We work vigorously to help you pursue maximum compensation for your past and future medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.
We take the following steps to achieve optimum results.
- Comprehensive investigation: We gather critical evidence, including police reports, medical records, video surveillance or traffic camera footage, accident reconstruction expert testimony, and witness testimony, to build a solid case.
- Determining liability: We analyze the factors that led to the accident to clearly establish negligence.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: We know insurers' strategies and are prepared to counter them, maximizing your compensation.
- Advocating for you in court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we can take your case to trial to achieve the justice you deserve.
- Empathetic support: In addition to the legal process, we offer empathetic guidance to help reduce stress during this challenging time.
With the help of the Law Offices of Colleen O'Hara, you can have peace of mind knowing that your case is in proven legal professional hands, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
Call (213) 996-0529 or contact us online for a free case evaluation with our Encino car accident attorney.
