Best Car Accident Lawyers in Woodland Hills

FAQs

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

  You can contact 1-877-ASK-LAPD or (1-877-275-5273) to report non-emergency situations.

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

  To obtain your Traffic Collision Report online, go to https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/ui/report/search?state=CA&jurisdiction=Los%20Angeles%20Police%20Department%20-%20LAPD. To request a report via US Mail, download and complete the Traffic Collision Report Request and return it with a $16.00 check or money order made payable to the LAPD.

• Do you need to file a report to the Department of Motor Vehicles for car accident cases in Woodland Hills?

  Yes. According to California Vehicle Code (CVC) §16000, if you were involved in a car accident in Woodland Hills, you must file a claim for death, injuries, or property damage within 10 days. CVC §20008 requires vehicle drivers, including those involved in a hit-and-run accident, to file a written police report and submit it to the Highway Patrol or local precinct if the police car fails to appear, as well as to document the other driver's negligence.

• What should you do after a hit-and-run car accident in Woodland Hills?

  According to the California Vehicle Code 20002, drivers must stay at the accident scene and cooperate with the other parties involved. You can consider if the incident is a hit-and-run case if the driver chooses to go away from the accident scene and not showing the required identification and insurance information.

• Do you have to file a claim right away after a car accident in Woodland Hills?

  Yes. Individuals who have been a part of a car accident in Woodland Hills must file claims two years from the date of the accident. You are encouraged to process liability claims because your case will depend on witnesses' testimonies, physical evidence, and police investigation and reports. It is more difficult to establish fault when too much time has passed.

• How can you determine the value of your wrecked vehicle after a car accident in Woodland Hills?

  After a Woodland Hills car accident, you must work with insurance companies to determine the value of your wrecked vehicle. Insurance adjusters will inspect the vehicle and evaluate its apparent condition prior to the accident, mileage, and modifications. They will then use actual sales figures of comparable vehicles and price guides to determine the value of your vehicle.

• Can you still file a claim if you were partially at fault in a Woodland Hills car accident?

  Yes. Woodland Hills follows California's at-fault state law, which means whoever is responsible for the accident will pay for the damages. You can file claims against at-fault drivers' insurance companies. You need to identify the driver who caused the accident and prove their negligence during the insurance process.

• 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.