In the heart of Van Nuys, amidst its bustling avenues, car accidents are an all-too-frequent reality. Facing the aftermath—soaring medical expenses, intricate insurance claims, and emotional upheaval—can be a daunting task. With our Van Nuys car accident lawyers at Martinian Lawyers by your side, you’re not alone. Drawing upon a solid foundation of experience, compassion, and robust legal acumen, our dedicated team is committed to ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. When the unexpected strikes, let Martinian Lawyers be your guiding beacon. Contact us today for your free consultation.
Why Choose Martinian Lawyers?
Car accidents are regrettably common, especially in the busy streets of Van Nuys. At Martinian Lawyers, we bring to the table an unmatched depth of legal experience. Our Van Nuys car accident lawyers are profoundly familiar with the intricate details of California’s car accident laws. Our strong knowledge in this space ensures that every client receives personalized attention, as we understand that each case presents unique challenges. We deliver strategies and counsel specifically tailored to the particularities of your accident and its aftermath. Our Van Nuys car accident attorneys will take on an aggressive negotiation strategy against the insurance companies. Knowing that insurance companies typically take rigid stances, our lawyers will advocate your position with fervor, ensuring your case is presented compellingly to achieve a positive outcome.
What Our Clients Have to Say
“Martinian Lawyers car accident attorney service was excellent from the beginning! I spoke with Sylvia who answered all my questions to my satisfaction. Great customer service and follow up call. Definitely will call if any further auto car or motorcycle accidents occur! Thanks Sylvia” – I.Y.
“Highly recommend this law firm they were such a huge help when I had my car accident. Always checked in to see how I was doing and made sure they all the paper work they needed to move on with the process way quicker. Happy with what I received and will definitely keep them in mind.” – V
Read more client testimonials here!
Meet Our Experienced Team
- We proudly offer multilingual support in recognition of Van Nuys’ diverse population, guaranteeing every client feels genuinely understood.
- Our expansive network of resources, from medical experts to accident reconstruction specialists, solidifies our commitment to backing every facet of your claim with expert testimony.
- We place immense value on human connections. Recognizing the emotional strain accidents impose, our team extends beyond mere legalities, providing heartfelt support, and ensuring every client feels valued and acknowledged. Whether you’re in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident in Van Nuys, Martinian Lawyers has got you covered.
Van Nuys Car Accident Resources
- Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use
- Common Types of Van Nuys Car Accidents
- Common Injuries in Car Accidents
- Evidence in Car Accident Claims
- Proving Liability
- What Compensation You May Recover
- Statute of Limitations
- Contact Martinian Lawyers
Common Insurance Company Tactics to Deny or Undervalue Claims
Insurance companies rarely write out large settlement checks easily, despite their glossy ads. Instead, powerful insurance companies prioritize their profits over paying out on claims. Insurance adjusters assigned to accident cases often use the following tactics to undervalue claims or wrongfully deny a valid claim:
- They may call you very soon after the accident with a low settlement offer in exchange for signing away your right to a lawsuit. They may attempt to take advantage before you know the full extent of the financial damages you face from the accident
- Insurance adjusters call you on a recorded line and then take innocent remarks like, “I’m fine, thank you,” to use out of context against you later
- They sometimes ask for medical authorization to review your injury report and then scour your medical history for a previous injury or medical condition and then claim it’s the true cause of your symptoms
- They may deny that the treatment your doctor recommended is necessary and refuse to cover it
Insurance companies use these and other methods, such as endlessly delaying to demoralize injury victims into accepting lower settlements than they are entitled to. It’s best to hire a car accident attorney and then direct all communication with insurance representatives to your lawyer.
Common Types of Van Nuys Car Accidents
Drivers need to be vigilant, especially in busy areas like Van Nuys, to reduce the risk of auto accidents. Common types of car accidents in Van Nuys we have seen at Martinian Lawyers include:
- Rear-end Collisions: Often due to inattentive driving, sudden stops, or tailgating, these are among the most common types of car accidents.
- T-bone or Side-impact Collisions: These occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another, often at intersections.
- Head-on Collisions: While less common, these accidents can be particularly severe. They usually occur due to wrong-way driving, fatigue, or loss of vehicle control.
- Hit and Runs: Unfortunately, some drivers leave the scene after causing an accident, making this a notable type of incident.
- Pedestrian Accidents: In busy urban areas, vehicles colliding with pedestrians is a genuine concern, especially at crosswalks and intersections.
- Bicycle Accidents: As more people opt for eco-friendly transport, collisions between cars and bicycles can occur, especially in areas without dedicated bike lanes.
- Multi-vehicle Pile-ups: These can result from chain reactions, especially in heavy traffic conditions or poor visibility situations.
- Parking Lot Accidents: With tight spaces and cars moving in all directions, fender benders and other minor accidents are common in parking areas.
- Sideswipe Collisions: These happen when two cars traveling parallel to each other make side-to-side contact, often due to lane-changing without proper signaling or checking.
- Rollovers: While less common, certain conditions or high speeds can lead to vehicles flipping over, especially for taller vehicles like SUVs with a higher center of gravity
What Types of Injuries Are Common in Car Accident Claims in Van Nuys?
A car crash puts tremendous force on the human body. Although seat belts undoubtedly save lives, they cannot prevent all crash-force injuries. In an accident at a sedate 30 MPH, a 100-pound person becomes a 3,000-pound force. Car accident injuries cited in accident claims in Van Nuys and the surrounding Los Angeles area include the following:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Knee injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Thoracic injuries or internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries including sprains, torn ligaments, bruises, lacerations, and abrasions
Serious injuries have serious consequences on the victim’s life. Even less severe injuries can quickly cause financial hardship. If someone else was at fault, the state’s comparative negligence car accident laws compel them to cover the damages through their car insurance liability coverage.
Evidence in Van Nuys Car Accident Claims
Evidence collection plays a pivotal role in establishing the legitimacy of a claim and ensuring you receive the justice you deserve. Comprehensive evidence not only solidifies a claim but also provides a clearer picture of the events leading up to, during, and after the accident. Key pieces of evidence to strengthen your case include police reports, which offer an unbiased account of the accident scene; witness statements to capture multiple perspectives; and any available surveillance or dashcam footage that might provide a visual recount of the incident.
Another key piece of evidence is to establish the type of damages you might be able to recover. Medical records and bills can provide an objective number to establish those amounts which we will use to tie directly to the accident. We also seek out expert testimonies when necessary, which can include accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and even mechanics who can attest to the cost and extent of vehicle damage. In the digital age, even data from smartphones or onboard vehicle computers can be instrumental in painting a comprehensive picture of the events.
Proving Liability for a Car Accident Claim in Van Nuys
Once your Van Nuys car accident lawyer gathers and documents evidence, they will assemble a demand package with evidence proving the at-fault party’s liability by showing the following:
- That the at-fault party owed a duty of care to others on the road to take reasonable measures to prevent injury
- They breached this duty by acting negligently or recklessly
- Their breach of the duty of care directly caused injury
- The injury victim experienced damages from the injury
All of the physical and financial consequences of a car accident are your “damages” in a car accident claim. This may be far more than property damage if you’ve been injured.
What Compensation Can I Get For My Car Accident Injuries in Van Nuys?
A car accident with injuries is a terrifying and traumatic experience. It’s even worse if the trauma continues later, as you deal with medical bills at the same time that you have missed paychecks or may be temporarily or permanently unable to return to work. A successful claim for damages after a car accident recovers compensation for damages such as the following:
- Property damage to your vehicle and personal property
- Reimbursement for past medical expenses
- Future medical expenses if you need further treatment
- Lost income
- Future income loss/diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Any other non-economic damages that might apply in your case like disfigurement compensation, loss of limb, or PTSD
Van Nuys car accident attorneys typically use a calculation for intangible pain and suffering damages based on the amount of your medical expenditures or for the level of pain you’re expected to endure each day until you reach your maximum medical improvement. While non-economic damages like pain and suffering are more difficult to assign a monetary amount, they are the worst aspect of the injuries for victims to endure. Financial compensation doesn’t erase pain but it relieves financial worries and helps victims achieve a sense of justice after a car accident.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Van Nuys Car Accident Claims?
The statute of limitations refers to the period of time in which a legal claim must be filed to remain valid. Generally, if injuries occur due to a auto accident, a claim must be filed within two (2) years from the date of the accident for a personal injury claim under California Code of Civil Procedure 335.1.
There are some exceptions to this general rule:
- Wrongful Death: In situations where a tragic loss occurs due to a fatal accident, the surviving spouse or eligible claimant has two (2) years from the date of passing to file a wrongful death claim in Van Nuys.
- Mental Capacity: The statute of limitations will “toll” if an individual loses mental capacity until the individual can make a sound decision. For instance, if severe injuries lead to a lack of capacity to make informed decisions, the statute of limitations will resume once the individual can independently make decisions and give consent under California Civil Procedure 352.
Contact Our Van Nuys Car Accident Lawyers Today
At Martinian Lawyers, our dedication to seeking justice for car accident victims is unparalleled. Our Van Nuys car accident lawyers combine experience, knowledge, and genuine compassion to ensure every client receives the representation they deserve. Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. If you or a loved one has been impacted by a car accident in Van Nuys, don’t wait. Reach out to our esteemed Van Nuys personal injury lawyers today for more information and let us champion your rights, ensuring that justice prevails on your behalf.