Car Accident Lawyer In Encino
Car Accident Attorneys Seeking Compensation for the Injured
An auto accident can negatively impact your job, your family, your health, and your quality of life. Even an apparently minor collision may result in serious injuries.
If you have been hurt because someone was negligent, our Encino auto accident attorneys can help you seek compensation for your injuries, including pain and suffering, past and future medical bills, and lost income. Williams And Seemen represents clients injured in motor vehicle accidents in the Sherman Oaks area and throughout California.
Call (818) 536-7776 now or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with our auto accident attorneys in Encino.
Encino Car Accident Lawyers Handling a Range of Claims
The financial costs of an accident can take a heavy toll on its victims. Our knowledge of California statutes and personal injury law enables us to confidently seek the compensation you deserve.
At Williams And Seemen, we represent clients involved in accidents caused by:
- Distracted driving — Drivers who fail to pay attention to the road put others in danger. Texting, talking on a cellphone or using a GPS are just some of the distractions that can lead to accidents.
- Reckless driving — Excessive speeding or failing to follow other traffic rules can result in devastating collisions. We examine police reports and witness testimony to substantiate your claim.
- Drunk driving — There is no excuse for taking the wheel when impaired by alcohol. Our attorneys go after drunk drivers who put others’ lives at risk.
- Weather conditions — Rain, snow and other weather conditions create challenges for drivers and can affect the functionality of cars. When weather is a factor in an accident, we work to show how much of the accident was a driver’s fault and how much was unavoidable.
- Defective auto parts — Automakers who fail to alert their customers to defects can be held liable for their negligence. Similarly, if a driver doesn’t attempt to remedy a known problem with their vehicle, they may face repercussions when they become involved in an accident.
Our attorneys are known as skilled and trustworthy advocates for auto accident victims and will support you throughout the legal process.
Who Pays the Medical Bills in a Car Accident in California?
Under laws in California, the person responsible for causing the accident or injury is responsible for paying the injured person’s medical bills. The person responsible doesn't always pay the bill right away, they may also force the injured person to file a lawsuit to pay for their bills. An injured person will usually need to look into:
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Private health insurance
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Medicare, or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
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Workers’ Compensation
What Is the Most Common Reason for Traffic Fatalities in California?
The most common reason for traffic fatalities in California is distracted driving, drunk driving, and speeding. 80% of car accidents involve some form of distracted driving, and mobile phones play a large part in those distracted driving accidents. In California, hundreds of thousands of distracted drivers receive tickets for mobile phone use while driving.
Contact Our Encino Auto Accident Lawyer
When you file a claim with an insurance company, getting the monetary compensation you deserve can be time-consuming and stressful. Insurers, adjusters, and their attorneys try to pay the minimum amount of accident compensation possible, but we help our clients to prepare strong claims and we challenge insurers who attempt to deny them.
To establish liability for the accident and substantiate the severity of your injuries, we may bring in experts in various fields, from trauma doctors to collision reconstruction analysts.
It is important to speak to an auto accident attorney in Encinoimmediately following an car accident to ensure the preservation of crucial evidence and witness recollection. In addition, California law places time limits on filing an automobile accident claim. Our Encino auto accident lawyers are committed to the timely investigation of your claim.
Selecting a capable Encino auto accident lawyer is one of the best choices you can make after a car accident. Call (818) 536-7776 now to get started.
California Car Accident FAQ
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
After a car accident in California, prioritize your safety and the safety of others involved. Check for injuries and call emergency services if necessary. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s), gather evidence such as photos and witness statements, and report the accident to your insurance company. It's also essential to seek medical attention, even if you don't feel injured right away.
Do I need to hire a car accident attorney if I've been injured in California?
While it's not mandatory to hire a car accident attorney in California, it's highly recommended, especially if you've been injured. An experienced attorney can help protect your rights, navigate the legal process, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions to this rule, so it's crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don't miss any deadlines.
What damages can I recover in a car accident lawsuit in California?
If you've been injured in a car accident in California, you may be entitled to various types of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. An experienced California auto accident attorney can evaluate your case and help you pursue maximum compensation for your damages.
What if I was partially at fault for the car accident in California?
California follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. An experienced California auto accident attorney can assess the circumstances of your case and help determine your level of fault and potential recovery.
You have questions
We Have Answers-
I have been in an accident, what should I do?
If you have been involved in an accident there are certain steps you should take to make sure you are properly compensated for your damaged property, medical bills and injuries. Always make sure to gather as much information as you can about the other party. This includes vehicle descriptions, license plate number, insurance information, and contact information. Be certain to gather the contact information for any witnesses because many people leave the scene of an accident believing the other party has accepted responsibility only to find out later that the other party is actually placing you at fault. Also take photos of the scene, damage to all vehicles involved, and the individuals involved. If there is a police officer on the scene, get his/her name, badge or I.D. number, and contact information. This information will be useful when attempting to obtain the police report. These are just a few things to keep in mind to streamline the handling of your claim. Below is a list of common most common questions we receive regarding personal injury claims.
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Why should I hire an attorney, can't I just handle my claim myself?
The short answer is yes, you can handle your personal injury claim yourself, but it is never a good idea. Remember, the insurance company is there to represent the best interest of their insured. This means they will sometimes try to deny liability for your property damage, minimize your medical expenses, or outright deny your claim for bodily injury compensation. Personal injury law is complex and requires an experienced professional to analyze every factor involved in your case to ensure your rights are protected. This is why it is important to hire an experienced personal injury attorney with an in depth knowledge of the law to secure the best possible outcome for you and your family.
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How do I know who is at fault?
Understand that determinations of fault are not always clear or consistent. For instance, a responding officer might deem you or the other party at fault, but the officer’s opinion is not binding upon the insurance company. Even if the insurance company determines you to be at fault, you might still be able to recover. This is one of many reasons you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can thoroughly investigate the case in order to support and document who is truly at fault. When at the scene, avoid volunteering your opinion about who is to blame for the accident. You might think you were at fault and later learn that the other driver is as much or more to blame than you are for the accident. Keep in mind, statements you make about the accident could be used against you at a later time.