Sherman Oaks Car Accident Lawyers Fighting for Crash Victims

Our attorneys can help you maximize the value of your injury claim or lawsuit

Due to heavy traffic, serious car accidents happen often in Southern California, especially in areas like Sherman Oaks. The process of recovering compensation for your injuries after a crash that was someone else’s fault can be complicated. That’s why it’s so important to contact an experienced Sherman Oaks car accident lawyer to protect your rights and aggressively advocate for your best interests.

At Oaks Law Firm, our car accident attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact a serious crash can have on you and your loved ones. We are here to listen to what happened, answer your questions, and explain how our law firm can help you find your way forward. If you were injured or a loved one died in a Sherman Oaks crash, contact us today - 24/7 - for a free and confidential case evaluation.

Common types of car accidents in Sherman Oaks

Crash victims shouldn’t have to endure the consequences of someone else’s negligent actions. From our office in Sherman Oaks, our dedicated car accident lawyers handle a wide range of motor vehicle accident cases, including:

Rear-end collisions

These are the most common types of car accidents in Sherman Oaks and across the country. Rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another, often due to tailgating, speeding, or distracted driving. Victims frequently suffer neck injuries, such as whiplash.

Side-impact crashes

Also known as T-bone accidents, these occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. Typically happening at intersections, such as those on Riverside Drive and Ventura and Magnolia Boulevards, these crashes often result from running stop signs or red lights. The injuries from side-impact crashes can be severe due to the limited protection on the side of vehicles.

Sideswipe crashes

Sideswipe accidents happen when two parallel vehicles traveling in the same direction collide. These incidents often occur when a driver attempts to change lanes on highways like the 405 or 101 without checking for other vehicles, or when a distracted driver drifts into an adjacent lane.

Rollover crashes

Rollover accidents involve a vehicle flipping onto its roof or side and are particularly dangerous. These crashes often occur due to excessive speed, sharp turns, or hitting curbs. SUVs are especially prone to rollovers due to their higher center of gravity. In Sherman Oaks, these accidents commonly occur near highway interchanges and on/off ramps.

Head-on collisions

Among the most deadly car accidents, head-on collisions involve the front ends of two vehicles crashing into each other. These high-impact accidents often result from unsafe passing, drifting into oncoming traffic, or drivers traveling the wrong way on highways due to intoxication, fatigue, or confusion.

Hit-and-run accidents

Hit-and-runs occur when a driver involved in an accident fails to stop and exchange information or assist the injured. In California, about 2,000 fatal hit-and-run accidents occur annually. This is a criminal act that can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, especially if injuries are involved. Drivers are legally required to remain at the scene, provide information, and wait for law enforcement.

Hit by a distracted driver

Multitasking behind the wheel is a common yet dangerous behavior. Activities like texting, eating, grooming, or interacting with passengers can distract drivers, leading to serious accidents. These distractions take a driver’s attention away from the road and hands off the wheel.

Hit by a drunk driver

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol severely impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to operate a vehicle safely. Even minimal consumption can lead to reckless driving and increased accident risk. Drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries and significant property damage.

Speed-related crashes

Exceeding the speed limit is a major contributor to car accidents. Speeding reduces a driver's ability to react to unexpected situations and increases the severity of crashes. In Sherman Oaks, speeding is a common factor in many accidents, particularly where drivers fail to adjust their speed to road conditions.

Fatigued driving accidents

Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as driving under the influence. Fatigue impairs a driver’s alertness and reaction time. Drivers who are too tired to stay awake should pull over and rest rather than risk causing an accident.

Learn how to get cash now for your injury claim; contact Oaks Law Firm if you’ve been injured in a California accident.

What is your car accident claim worth?

Most settlements are paid with insurance policies. California requires that all people buy liability insurance to register their vehicles with the state. At a minimum, drivers must carry policies with at least $15,000-$20,000 if they injure someone, with a cap of $30,000-$35,000 per collision.

If that doesn’t sound like enough to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, you’re probably right. In the Sherman Oaks area, an overnight hospital stay alone costs over $10,000.

Add to this that a good portion of California drivers are uninsured, and you can see how it can be difficult for injured crash victims to recover compensation in Sherman Oaks.

But, depending on circumstances, injured crash victims in California may be eligible to file claims with multiple parties – including their own insurance provider. The reliable legal team at Oaks Law Firm will investigate your crash and identify the available sources of liability and compensation.

Steps to take after a car accident in Sherman Oaks

Ensure safety: First and foremost, ensure the safety of everyone involved. If possible, move vehicles out of traffic to a safe location. Turn on hazard lights and use flares or warning triangles if available.
Check for injuries: Check yourself and others for injuries. Even if injuries appear minor, seek medical attention as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Call the police: Report the incident to local law enforcement. A police accident report is an essential document that can serve as a critical piece of evidence in your claim. Cooperate with the police and provide an accurate account of what happened.
Exchange information: Gather contact and insurance information from all drivers involved in the accident. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, driver's license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details.
Document the scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Documenting the scene can help provide a clear picture of what happened.
Gather witness information: If there are any witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information and statements. Witnesses can provide valuable testimony to support your claim.
Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, it's crucial to seek medical evaluation as some injuries may manifest later. Keep all medical records and follow the prescribed treatment plan.
Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with the necessary information but avoid making any statements that could be used against you.
Consult an attorney: Contact an experienced car accident attorney to discuss your case. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve under California law.

Understanding California car accident laws

Fault and negligence: California follows a "fault" system in car accidents, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is liable for the resulting damages. Determining fault involves proving that a driver acted negligently, such as by speeding, distracted driving, or violating traffic laws.
Comparative negligence: California uses a "comparative negligence" rule, which means that fault can be shared among multiple parties. If you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 35% at fault, your damages will be reduced by 35%.
Statute of limitations: In California, you have a limited time to file a car accident lawsuit. The statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation.
Insurance requirements: California law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. The minimum requirements are $15,000 for injury/death to one person, $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person, and $5,000 for property damage.

Types of injuries crash victims can suffer

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe. Some common injuries include:

Whiplash: A neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head. Whiplash can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Fractures and broken bones: The impact of a collision can cause bones to break or fracture, often requiring medical treatment and prolonged recovery.
Head injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur when the head is struck or jolted. These injuries can have long-term effects on cognitive function and overall health.
Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting a person's mobility and quality of life.
Soft tissue injuries: Injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, such as sprains and strains, are common in car accidents and can cause significant pain and discomfort.
Internal injuries: The force of an accident can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs, which may not be immediately visible but require urgent medical attention.
Cuts and lacerations: Broken glass, metal, and other debris can cause cuts and lacerations, which may require stitches or other medical treatment.

Understanding the insurance claims process

After a car accident, navigating the insurance claims process can be complex. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved:

Filing a claim: Notify your insurance company and the at-fault driver's insurer about the accident. Provide them with accurate information, including the police report, medical records, and any evidence you have collected.
Investigation: The insurance companies will investigate the accident to determine fault and assess the damages. This may involve reviewing the police report, speaking with witnesses, and examining medical records and repair estimates.
Determining liability: The insurance adjusters will determine liability based on the evidence gathered. If fault is disputed, this process can become complicated, and legal representation may be necessary.
Evaluating damages: The insurers will assess the extent of the damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Based on these factors, they will calculate a settlement offer.
Settlement negotiation: The insurance company may offer a settlement to cover your damages. It's important to review this offer carefully, as it may not fully compensate you for your losses. Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements. It's important to consult with an attorney before accepting any offer. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Accepting or rejecting the Offer: You can accept the settlement offer if it is fair or reject it and negotiate for a higher amount. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, you may need to file a lawsuit.
Litigation: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney may advise filing a lawsuit. The case may go to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome.

Do I need an attorney for a car accident claim?

While not required, having an attorney can significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. An experienced attorney can navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your best interests.

Contact a Sherman Oaks car accident lawyer today

If you’ve been injured or a loved one died in an accident in the Sherman Oaks area, hold the at-fault party accountable; We’ll help you get every dollar you deserve. Best of all, you get the Oaks Law Firm no fee unless we win guarantee. That’s because we work for our clients on a contingency fee basis. See how Oaks Law Firm can help you. Contact our Sherman Oaks law firm today for a confidential, free case evaluation.