Best Car Accident Lawyers in Van Nuys

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Van Nuys, California?

  For non-emergency police responses in Van Nuys, you may call 1-877-ASK-LAPD (1-877-275-5273). You may also reach out to Van Nuys' police station at 818-374-9500 for voice calls and 855-736-3235 for TDD/TTY.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Van Nuys, California?

  Visit https://www.lapdonline.org/ to obtain a copy of the traffic collision report in Van Nuys. To request a police report via the US mail, download and fill out the traffic collision report request form, and submit it along with a check or money order for $16 made out to the LAPD Records and Identification Division, Document Processing Unit, PO Box 30158, Los Angeles, CA 90030. Note that police reports involving an arrest, a fatality, or a minor cannot be made available online; they must be obtained by US mail.

• What are the most dangerous roads in Van Nuys?

  Van Nuys intersections are one of the most dangerous roads in LA County. There has been a large increase in car accidents between 2022 and 2023, involving bicyclists and pedestrians along major roadways, such as Van Nuys Boulevard, Sepulveda Boulevard, and Sherman Way. There are also reports of motor vehicle collisions on nearby highways, including Interstate 408 and 170 Freeway.

• What are the most common types of car accidents in Van Nuys?

  There are different kinds of car accidents that often occur in Van Nuys, and each requires a specific strategy to build a case or negotiate for settlements. The following are the most common types of automobile collisions in the area:

  • Rollovers
  • Head-on collisions
  • Rear-end collisions
  • T-Bone/Broadsides
  • Ejections
  • Hits-and-runs
  • Single-car accidents
  • Impaired driver accidents

• What is the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit in Van Nuys?

  The statute of limitations for bringing a lawsuit following an automobile accident in Van Nuys and throughout California is two years. The day of the accident marks the start of this countdown. As a result, it is critical to submit any claim as soon as you can. If you wait too long to report your accident, the opposing party may contest it.

• How are car accident insurance claims in Van Nuys determined?

  Van Nuys abides by fault policies for insurance purposes. This means that the other party must be proven responsible for a claim to have a legal basis. Additionally, car accidents in Van Nuys are governed by the doctrine of comparative negligence, which states that if your actions contributed in any way to the accident, the amount of your claim will be reduced by the degree of responsibility ascribed to you. In other words, determining fault impacts the value of your claim.

• What are Van Nuys insurance company tactics that you should be aware of?

  The purpose of Van Nuys insurance adjusters is to pay as little as possible to car accident victims. They use numerous techniques to persuade victims to accept the smallest possible payment. The following are some of those tactics:

  • Making contact with the sufferer as soon as possible after the accident
  • Requesting a recorded statement from the victim
  • Requesting the victim's signature on a release form, allowing the insurance company to go into the victim's medical record

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.