Woodland Hills Auto Accident Lawyer
An auto accident lawyer Woodland Hills CA residents depend on from Barry P. Goldberg knows that in the aftermath of an accident, you may have plenty of questions. If you were injured in
a car crash, you may be wondering, who is responsible? What if you are being blamed for what happened, even if you are sure you weren’t at-fault? But maybe you think you did contribute to the accident happening, and now you aren’t sure what the repercussions will be. Identifying who is actually at-fault for a car accident is important, especially if the reckless driver does not have enough insurance to cover the victim’s injuries and losses. As the victim in an auto collision, you have the right to collect compensation for what you have endured.
How do you know who is responsible for the accident, and how do you prove this successfully? Your legal team can investigate the accident more in-depth than the average person would be able to, since they know how the system works and their connections allow them to find out what they need to know. After talking with you and performing investigations, your Woodland Hills auto accident lawyer may uncover that one or more of the following parties are potentially at-fault:
- The driver
- The manufacturer
- The owner
- The driver’s employer
- A business
- A contractor
- A government entity
As you can see, there are numerous parties aside from just the car driver who may be partially responsible for what happened. A manufacturer may have released a defective product, which led to it malfunctioning while in motion. A common example of this would be a tire that blows out on the road unexpectedly. When this happens, a driver can easily lose control over the vehicle itself. So does this mean the driver is at-fault, or the manufacturer who released the faulty tires? These are questions that your legal team can answer. If you were in an accident with a vehicle owned by an employer, then it’s possible they share liability as well. The employer may have failed to train the driver properly or had neglected to maintain the vehicle as they should. At times, a government entity can be at-fault for an accident too, and this is particularly true if there was an issue with a street light, pothole, or other road hazard that
was not attended to by the municipality.
The aftermath of a serious car wreck can be a confusing time, and victims may not know the options that are available to them, that is, unless they have a lawyer advocating for their behalf. We can imagine the pain and stress you are going through, so please do not hesitate to call us for support. If you or someone you care about was the victim in a recent accident, we encourage you to contact our Woodland Hills lawyer auto accident team from Barry P. Goldberg for the guidance you need.
The fact of the matter is, accidents happen. And when you find yourself in one, you may have to deal with injury, vehicle repairs, loss of wages, an increase to your insurance premium, and so much more. Being a safe driver can go a long way in preventing you and your family from suffering and loss in the aftermath of a serious wreck. But as an auto accident lawyer Woodland Hills CA residents rely on from Barry P. Goldberg knows, if another driver decides to act recklessly, then no matter how safe you are driving, you may find yourself the victim of an auto accident.
Rear-End Collisions
Drivers tailgate by following too closely behind another vehicle, and they may not be able to stop in time if they need to. A driver may need to suddenly halt because of a pedestrian crossing, a red light is approaching, there is a stop sign up ahead, or because traffic is backing up. Always allow enough space between you and another driver, so you can prevent a rear end collision from happening to you. It may be a good habit to also occasionally look in your rearview mirror when you’re approaching a stop to make sure the car behind you has seen you
halt. And if someone is tailgating you, get out of their way as soon as possible.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
Single vehicle accidents can happen if a driver collides with debri, road barriers, or another object. Some suggestions for preventing single-vehicle accidents include always driving based on the weather, paying attention and avoiding use of the phone, and avoiding the temptation to speed. As a Woodland Hills auto accident lawyer has seen, too many drivers operate their vehicle in the same way no matter what the weather is like. The truth of the matter is, rain, ice, and snow can cause people to easily lose control of their vehicle.
Backing Up Accidents
If you are backing out of a parking spot, your driveway, or somewhere else, an accident may occur. One of the best approaches to avoiding accidents when backing up is to try to prevent having to move your vehicle backwards in the first place. Whenever you can, park in such a way where you won’t have to reverse into the flow of traffic. It’s best to exit a parking space in a forward direction. Another useful tip to prevent back up collisions is driving a car that has a backup camera. But if your vehicle doesn’t have one already, you can have one installed for you.
Parked Vehicle Theft
Regardless of where you park your car, there’s always a chance that it will be broken into by ill-intentioned people. There are some things that you can do to help avoid unnecessary damage being done to your car. Remember that stolen items from your vehicle can constitute a loss and you may be able to file this under your homeowners insurance coverage. But as our Woodland Hills lawyer auto accident team can explain, damage that happens to your vehicle while the break in occurs would be filed under your personal auto insurance coverage.
Should You Represent Yourself in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
If you were seriously hurt as the result of another person’s negligence, you might be considering suing them and wondering if you should represent yourself or contact a Woodland Hills auto accident lawyer. After all, if you hire a lawyer, you’ll have to pay them, right? Well, not necessarily. At Barry P. Goldberg, APLC, when we accept a personal injury case, we do not charge our clients unless we win a jury award or negotiate a settlement. In the absence of either, you will not owe us anything.
The Advantages of Working with an Experienced Woodland Hills Auto Accident Lawyer
In addition to not having to pay one of our personal injury lawyers unless we recover damages, our expertise can pay off for you in other ways, as well. Specifically, owing to our extensive experience with handling cases like these, we have a thorough understanding of what damages can be included in a claim.
For instance, did you know that a personal injury claim can include the costs of future anticipated medical treatment? If you need surgery for your injury in the upcoming years, that will be a significant cost. Your attorney can make sure any existing or potential damages are considered. Our legal team will then make every possible effort to recover the amount we specify in your claim. Unless you are significantly experienced in pursuing justice for personal injury cases, it is very likely that we can recover more funds for you than you can do on your own.
You May Not Need to Go to Court
When you work with one of our personal injury lawyers, your best interests will be protected. After a careful review of your personal injury case, your Woodland Hills auto accident lawyer from our firm may determine that a settlement is preferable to litigation. This is often the case because a settlement may result in just as much money as a jury award but will be faster to negotiate than undergoing a court trial.
Each auto accident lawyer in Woodland Hills CA from our firm has had significant success negotiating settlements on behalf of our clients. Give us a call to discuss your case and find out more about how we might assist you. In addition, if we are not able to negotiate a settlement, we will not charge you for our legal services.
Do Not Delay
The law requires that victims of personal injury accidents must file a claim within a certain period of time after the accident. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. There are some exceptions to this rule, but they are very rare. Talk to a Woodland Hills auto accident lawyer to find out more about how the statute of limitations might affect your case and by when you must file. Also, note that it’s critical that you file the claim correctly and with the correct authority. We can make sure that all of these details are handled as they must be and before the deadline expires.
Call an Auto Accident Lawyer Woodland Hills CA Clients Depend On
If you have been injured in a personal injury accident, contact us to find out more about how we can help you. Call 818-222-6994 today to request a meeting with a Woodland Hills auto accident lawyer at no charge.
Steps to Take After an Auto Accident
An auto accident is one of the most traumatic events you can experience and can cause you to feel a wide range of emotions. However, the steps you take immediately afterward can affect the outcome of your auto accident claim. Here are a few things you need to do.
Contact the Police
Whenever a car accident occurs, the police need to be called. They have to come to the scene of an accident and file a report that includes important information about the crash, like when and where it occurred and the names of everyone involved. A police report can serve as valuable evidence for your claim, so obtain a copy for your Woodland Hills auto accident lawyer. To obtain a free police report, you have to ask a claims representative for your insurance company to request a copy.
Seek Medical Care
Regardless of how you feel after the accident, you should go to the emergency room promptly to get checked out. Some injuries, like whiplash, may not show symptoms right away and you don’t want to put your health at risk. If you don’t seek medical care right away, the negligent party’s insurance party might also try to argue that you aren’t truly injured. A doctor will evaluate the extent of your injuries and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
The doctor who is treating your injuries has your best interests in mind, so it’s important to listen to his or her instructions. Whether your doctor wants you to go to physical therapy or be on bedrest, you should take his or her advice seriously. If you stop treatment too early, you will just put your health in jeopardy.
Write in a Journal
Since memories fade over time, a Woodland Hills auto accident lawyer recommends writing down everything you remember about the accident as soon as possible. For example, if you recall the driver who caused the accident talking on a cellphone before the collision, jot that information down. It’s also a good idea to write about the symptoms you’ve been experiencing since your accident.
Woodland Hills Auto Accident Law Infographic
Woodland Hills Auto Accident Law FAQs
Will A Pre-Existing Injury Affect My Claim?
If you have been injured in a car accident, and have begun the claims process, you can expect the insurance company to start an investigation. This could include a number of steps, including a review of your medical records. They may do this to not only review your current injuries, but also any pre-existing injuries. If they find that you have a pre-existing injury that could be associated with an injury sustained in the car accident, they might argue that it caused or worsened the “new injuries”. When this happens the settlement offered to you may be denied or significantly reduced. Having a Woodland Hills auto accident lawyer on your side is recommended.
You might be wondering whether or not you should even pursue compensation. Or, will the at-fault party be able to escape liability because you have a pre-existing injury? As a leading auto accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, it may be necessary to have to go to extraordinary measures in order to defend your injury. Please call Barry P. Goldberg for advice on what to do next.
Lawyer Barry P. Goldberg can review your medical records to get an understanding of what is going on. We may also call upon our expert witnesses, such as a doctor, to provide testimony that proves your injury was healed at the time of the accident. If the injury was still healing, it may be necessary to provide further evidence.
As your lawyer is building a sound defense that protects your rights and interests, the defending side may be working hard to show a burden of proof in that your pre-existing injury is the cause, or related to, your current injuries. They might also find a doctor who suggests their allegation is true. Keep in mind if the defending side also uncovers an unknown condition, such as carpal tunnel, bursitis, or arthritis, and this is not in your medical records, your case should not be affected.
The insurance company has a goal to settle for the least amount of money possible. They do this through limiting claims, and a pre-existing injury is a great way to minimize compensation. Unfortunately, as a Woodland Hills auto accident lawyer might tell you, pre-existing injuries are one of the easiest ways for an insurance company to argue their way out of a fair and just settlement. For this reason alone you should not delay in having a lawyer on your side.
If you have any pre-existing injury, and have been involved in a car accident, please do not delay in consulting with lawyer, Barry P. Goldberg. In the meantime, we would recommend the following:
- Avoid speaking to the defending insurance company (you can let them know a lawyer will be in touch)
- Avoid signing, or agreeing, to anything
- Avoid making a statement without first talking to a lawyer
- Remain off of social media
- Follow all of your doctor’s orders
Why should I hire a lawyer?
There are many benefits to hiring a Woodland Hills auto accident lawyer who will work hard for you and advocate for your rights as a personal injury victim. A strong personal injury lawyer can make a difference and can prevent you from making mistakes that you may make throughout the duration of your case. The person responsible for the accident should be held accountable to the fullest extent. They will fight hard for you and pursue the person at fault. Find out more about how you can request legal assistance by talking with a reputable and qualified lawyer in your area now to discuss how you can get the help that you need.
When should I speak with an accident lawyer?
The time to talk to a lawyer if you have suffered car accident injuries is as soon as possible. It may be a good time to meet with a reliable auto accident lawyer that residents trust if you have recently been injured in an accident. You only have a few years to file a car accident claim. Whether you were riding a car or were struck by one, you may be able to get compensation that can go towards your expenses. After they evaluate your case, they can advise you on your rights and explain your next steps so that you can file your claim.
What damages can I recover in an auto accident?
One of the first things that many people want to find out are the damages that they may be able to receive. The expenses of a sudden auto accident are just one of the challenges that individuals who recover from an accident are confronted with. A lawyer can assist with damages like medical bills, property loss, missed wages, and other losses you suffered. Car accidents can be hard to recover from, and if you have severe injuries paying for your medical treatment can be difficult to pay for. Let a skilled and experienced lawyer compute the damages for you so that you can recover the complete amount you are entitled to receive.
Can I file a claim if I have partial fault?
Many people who have been injured in car accidents but think they had partial fault are hesitant to proceed with legal action. However, you should not immediately dismiss the chance at getting compensation just because you contributed to the accident. As a Woodland Hills auto accident lawyer can explain, states have their own set of laws, but in many states you can recover a partial amount despite having a percentage of fault. No matter what kind of accident you have been injured in, you deserve to get the help you are looking for, so contact a lawyer right away. Ask a lawyer if you have questions about filing a claim if you are partially at fault.
Is it too late to file a claim?
It’s important to file a claim as soon as you can because there is not much time to do so. There could be other issues that come up which can prevent you from filing your claim on time. As long as you take action and can have your claim submitted within the statute of limitations for personal injury accidents, it will not be too late. However, do not make assumptions and first go to a lawyer for information. A skilled Woodland Hills auto accident lawyer can do the work to prepare your claim properly so that it is submitted on time, so contact one if you need urgent assistance.
Speak to a Lawyer
Pursuing a car accident claim is complex, so you want someone with knowledge and experience on your side. A Woodland Hills auto accident lawyer will help you file your claim on time, gather the appropriate evidence, negotiate with the insurance company and stand up for your rights. Many accident lawyers also work on a contingency basis, so you won’t owe them any money upfront. During your initial consultation, it’s helpful to bring documents that pertain to your case, such as a police report, medical records and your journal.
As an auto accident lawyer Woodland Hills CA victims trust at Barry P. Goldberg knows, every single year hundreds upon thousands of people are seriously injured in car accidents. And many of these injuries are quite serious or even life-threatening. Those who find themselves victims in an accident have the right to seek compensation for the injuries and other losses they sustained because of another driver’s recklessness on the road. If this is true for you, then we suggest contacting our law firm now for assistance.
Our team has experience representing victims, just like you, who are probably in pain and worried about their finances. You may have had to spend money to get medical treatments or repair your vehicle. You may even have lost out on earnings due to staying home to rest or attend doctor’s appointments. Perhaps you had accumulated paid time off at work that you were saving for something else, but now you had to use it to recover from the accident. There are so many ways that someone’s life can be affected after an auto collision.
Not everyone realizes just how much a lawyer can be helpful during this time. If you were injured in an accident, then there are many ways that your life is going to be affected. Firstly, you may be in physical pain and having to deal with the stress of medical appointments, treatments, taking medications, etc. Those with more severe injury may have been hospitalized or undergone emergency surgery to save their lives. It is rare for someone to walk away from a car accident completely uninjured. Common injuries for auto collisions tend to include whiplash, traumatic brain injury, broken bones, concussions, burns, spinal cord damage, mental anguish, and more. When calculating your potential monetary award, your Woodland Hills auto accident lawyer will be focused on the severity of your injuries and making sure your compensation includes current and future expenses.
Even those who don’t believe that they have been hurt in an accident are strongly advised to visit a doctor anyway. The reason for this is because many times your injuries will not show themselves immediately, as there are some conditions that have delayed symptoms. Furthermore, it will be influential to your car accident case if you have visited a doctor and have paperwork that officially states what your injuries are. Without medical documentation, it’s going to be much harder to prove that you sustained certain types of injuries.
As your lawyer can review with you, evidence is going to be key in the outcome of your claim, and the more you have the better your chances are at receiving fair restitution. When meeting us, be forthcoming about your injuries and all the ways your life has been adversely affected. If you were in an accident and need help, don’t delay. Call our Woodland Hills lawyer auto accident team from Barry P. Goldberg now to get an appointment as soon as possible.