Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of injury in California. With dense traffic across Los Angeles County, including Sherman Oaks, collisions happen daily and often leave victims unsure of their legal rights, insurance options, and next steps.

California is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for damages. Injured victims may seek compensation through insurance claims or legal action. California also follows pure comparative negligence, allowing recovery even if the injured person was partially at fault.

Car accidents frequently occur due to:
•    Distracted driving (cell phones, GPS use)
•    Speeding or aggressive driving
•    Driving under the influence
•    Failure to yield or obey traffic signals
•    Rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic
•    Unsafe lane changes
•    Poor road conditions or vehicle defects
Even low-impact collisions can cause serious or delayed injuries.
 
California uses pure comparative negligence.
This means an injured person can recover compensation even if they were partially responsible. The total recovery is reduced by the person’s percentage of fault.
 
As of January 1, 2025, California law requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage:
•    $30,000 per injured person
•    $60,000 per accident
•    $15,000 for property damage
These limits are often inadequate in serious injury cases, which is why uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can be critical.
 
Taking the proper steps after an accident can help protect your health and legal rights:
1.    Call 911 and report the collision
2.    Seek medical care immediately
3.    Exchange information with all involved drivers
4.    Photograph the scene, vehicles, and injuries
5.    Obtain witness contact information
6.    Avoid recorded insurance statements without guidance
7.    Keep all medical and accident-related records
 
Car accident injuries may include:
•    Whiplash and soft-tissue injuries
•    Head and traumatic brain injuries
•    Back and spinal injuries
•    Broken bones and fractures
•    Internal injuries
•    Emotional trauma and anxiety
Some symptoms may appear days or weeks later.
 
In California, injured individuals may be entitled to compensation for:
•    Medical expenses
•    Lost wages
•    Reduced earning capacity
•    Pain and suffering
•    Property damage
Each case depends on liability, insurance coverage, and injury severity.
 
Most car accident injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident date. Claims involving government entities may have significantly shorter deadlines.
 
Sherman Oaks experiences heavy congestion along the 101 and 405 freeways, increasing the risk of rear-end and multi-vehicle collisions. Los Angeles consistently ranks among the cities with the highest number of car accidents in California. Dense traffic, rideshare vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists often complicate liability determinations. Accident victims should document freeway crashes carefully, as fault disputes are common.
 
Insurance companies often focus on limiting payouts. Early settlement offers may not reflect long-term medical needs, future care, or the full impact of an injury. Understanding how claims work helps injured individuals make informed decisions.

Speaking with an experienced personal injury professional can help you better understand:
•    How fault may be determined
•    What compensation may be available
•    Important deadlines that could apply

At our Sherman Oaks based personal injury firm consultations and case reviews are always free and do not require you to move forward with a claim. Yana Di Bella is a personal injury law expert with over 30 years of experience assisting injured individuals and families throughout Sherman Oaks, and Los Angeles County. Known for her clear communication, compassionate approach, and deep understanding of California personal injury law, Yana focuses on helping clients feel informed and supported throughout the claims process So, if you have been injured in a car accident anywhere in California and are seeking general information about your rights or the claims process, you may benefit from a free, no-obligation case review.