Encino Auto Accident Attorneys

An automobile accident can come out of nowhere. Fortunately, the majority of collisions are relatively minor. After all, most people will experience a “fender bender” in their lifetimes with no long-term effects. However, this isn’t always the case.

In some instances, a collision could change a person’s life forever — or at least disrupt it for some time. If you experience such an incident, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. A car accident lawyer in Encino, CA, can help you understand your rights.

At V&A Law Firm, our team of California personal injury attorneys understands how devastating these collisions can be. Recovering from an accident can take time, and between lost income and medical bills, the outlook can be bleak.

Situations become even more disheartening when it’s driver negligence that leads to such injuries. You have an uphill battle ahead of you, but it’s not a task you have to take on alone. Our Encino car accident lawyers will review your case and help you understand your options.

Contact our Encino car accident attorneys today for a free case evaluation.

Are You Entitled To Compensation In A Car Accident Case?

Not everyone who experiences a motor vehicle accident will be entitled to compensation. That’s because the outcome of any case comes down to proving liability. This is why some law firms will rush into settlement negotiations with an insurance company.

At V&A Law Firm, we know that a settlement is sometimes appropriate — but it’s important that you work with a trial Encino car accident attorney who is willing to litigate. That’s because it may come down to proving liability in court.

In such a situation, it must be shown that a negligent driver was at fault for a collision. To do so, one must first prove that a duty of care existed. This is fairly simple since all drivers have a duty to act safely on the road. It’s also necessary to show that a violation of duty took place, and because of this violation, damages occurred. These damages can be economic or non-economic. If it’s necessary to prove that an at-fault driver was liable, understanding the common causes of crashes can prove invaluable:

Distracted driving
Hit and run
Drunk driving
Roadway hazards
Cell phone use
Defective vehicles
Weather conditions
Road rage
Speeding
Inexperienced motorists

Clearly, many variables can lead to an accident. In some situations, it may appear that no one is at fault. Before you resign yourself to lost wages and pay for your own medical treatment, though, consider speaking with an Encino, CA, car accident attorney. The fact is that there may be a liable party even if it seems no one was at fault. For instance, imagine a situation where heavy rains look like the apparent culprit in a single-vehicle accident. In reality, local authorities may be at fault for improper rainwater management.

The moral of the story is that you shouldn’t make any assumptions. If you’ve been injured in a car crash, reach out to a personal injury lawyer today. You may be entitled to substantial compensation.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations For A California Car Accident Claim?

When a car accident victim suffers losses due to a negligent driver, they’re often entitled to compensation. This is particularly true for those in California since we live in a pure comparative negligence state.

As such, it’s possible to recover damages even if you were partially at fault for an accident. However, this right is not absolute. If you fail to file a personal injury claim for your car wreck before the statute of limitations expires, you will have forfeited your right to seek compensation.

In California, the statute of limitations for car wreck lawsuits is two years. There are some exceptions to this rule — such as when injuries aren’t immediately apparent or the defendant leaves the state. However, it’s generally the case that waiting longer than two years removes any chance of compensation. This is even true if you lose a loved one in a fatal collision. And while you could still seek money with an insurance claim, this won’t get you far since insurers will have no incentive to settle.

Yes, two years may seem like a long time. However, it can go by in a flash. Remember, you’ll likely be dealing with severe injuries and emotional trauma. Additionally, there’s a good chance the insurance provider will try to drag out settlement negotiations.

If they succeed at this, they can put you in a difficult situation where you may feel pressured to settle. As such, you should not wait to contact a car accident lawyer in Encino, CA. At V&A Law Firm, we’ll get started on your case right away and fight for fair compensation.

What Compensation Is Available For Car Accident Injuries?

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, you may be entitled to various damages. This is why the at-fault party’s insurer might prefer to settle rather than go to court. Once a case lands before a judge or jury, the potential for high compensatory damages can significantly increase. In a best-case scenario, a settlement agreement can be reached without litigation. If your case goes to trial, though, you may be entitled to the following financial recovery:

Economic damages: Compensation for actual financial losses. This could include property damage, lost wages, costs of medical care, physical therapy expenses, and more.
Non-economic damages: Compensation for non-financial damages. This can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment in life, and other intangible losses.
Punitive damages: If it’s shown that a defendant acted especially egregiously in a legal claim, the courts may award additional damages to punish the at-fault party.

Keep in mind that not all these damages will be relevant to every lawsuit. Proving that punitive damages are appropriate is a tall order, and establishing non-economic losses can prove more difficult than actual financial damages. This is precisely why you should have an Encino, CA, car accident lawyer on your side. From whiplash in minor fender benders to catastrophic injuries stemming from head-on collisions, our personal injury law firm is here to help.

Should You Accept A Car Accident Settlement?

Unless you were involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, the at-fault driver’s insurance company would likely offer a settlement. Of course, this doesn’t mean that their offer is fair. In fact, adjusters will often contact accident victims before the severity of their injuries and losses becomes fully apparent.

They’ll often see it as a win if they can get away with only paying for your property damage and early medical expenses. Unfortunately, many car accident victims have learned the hard way that expenses can continue to add up.

This is why you should never agree to or sign anything before speaking with an auto collision lawyer in Encino, CA. An experienced legal professional will typically know what your case is worth. And if passengers were in your vehicle, n car accident attorney can help you determine varying compensation amounts for each party.

The simple fact is that an insurance company will do everything in its power to pay as little as possible. However, once they hear from the law offices representing the victims of these car accidents, they’re usually more willing to play fair.

Over 90% of personal injury cases get settled prior to trial. As such, settlement agreements are often an ideal result that results in fair compensation. However, it’s imperative that insurance companies aren’t allowed to unilaterally dictate these outcomes. Let our Encino car accident attorneys fight to ensure you get a fair conclusion to your case.

Contact Our Car Accident Attorney Encino, CA Today

Suffering a major injury can completely upend a person’s life, but even minor car accidents can cause serious disruption. After all, a single broken bone in an injured victim’s foot can prevent them from working. While the injury itself may seem minor, the repercussions are pretty severe.

That’s why you should consider reaching out to an Encino car accident lawyer regardless of the circumstances of your case. Holding liable parties responsible is the only way to secure fair compensation, and an experienced legal professional can assist in this endeavor.

At V&A Law Firm, you’ll work directly with an Encino car accident attorney committed to securing a beneficial outcome on your behalf. We know how to deal with insurance companies, and in many cases, we can secure a fair settlement while avoiding litigation.

However, it’s sometimes necessary to sue liable parties and their insurers in court. Regardless of how your case plays out, we’ll advocate tirelessly on your behalf. Contact us today by calling 818-369-3270 to schedule your free consultation with a personal injury attorney.

Let our car accident lawyers in Encino, CA help you seek justice.