Encino Car Accident Attorney

Have you or a loved one been the victim of a painful and life-changing car accident that was the fault of another individual? Are you and your family struggling due to the negligent or reckless behavior of the third party who harmed you? At the Younglove Law Firm, we are standing by, ready to help you.

Meet the Attorney

Encino personal injury attorney Douglas Younglove

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Our lead Encino personal injury attorney, Douglas Younglove, and the entire Younglove Law team are experienced with navigating personal injury cases. With over 30 years and hundreds of successful jury verdicts and settlements, Douglas Younglove is a champion for the rights of injured motor vehicle and car accident victims just like you.

Whenever Younglove Law takes on a case, we expect to conclude it successfully – seeking maximum compensation for your injuries. We always seek substantial financial awards for car accident victims because we know the toll an accident can have on your and your family’s lives. We’re so confident that we can successfully get you the compensation you deserve that you don’t have to pay us anything unless we win your case.

Book your free, no-obligation car accident case review online or call (602) 737-3333 to get started. We’re ready to assess the details of your case and give you an assessment as to your next steps.

Why Hire An Encino Car Accident Attorney As Soon As Possible

It’s critical to hire an Encino car accident lawyer as soon as you think you may have a case. There are two reasons for this.

First, a California car accident attorney can perform the following actions in your case:

  • Give Advice: An experienced lawyer provides invaluable advice to victims by explaining their legal rights, helping them understand the complexities of their case, and advising on the best course of action to pursue compensation.
  • Perform Research and Collect Evidence: Attorneys conduct thorough research and gather evidence, such as medical records, accident reports, and witness testimonies, to build a strong case that supports your claims and demonstrates liability.
  • Manage Documentation: Lawyers handle the complex paperwork and documentation involved in personal injury cases, ensuring that all necessary forms, filings, and records are managed to meet legal requirements.
  • Negotiate Your Case: Legal professionals skillfully negotiate with insurance companies and opposing parties, striving to reach favorable settlements.
  • Take Your Case To Trial: When settlements are unfair, an attorney can take your case to trial, representing your interests in court and presenting compelling arguments to secure the compensation you deserve.
  • Offer Legal Support: Throughout the entire legal process, car accident lawyers provide unwavering support, keeping you well-informed and protecting your rights. With an experienced attorney on your side, you have the best chance of successfully resolving your claims.

Encino Car Accident Resources

Firemen at car accident

Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I Hire an Encino Car Accident Attorney?

Here are a few reasons why we’re the law firm that the Encino community has trusted for nearly three decades:

  • Extensive trial experience. Our lead attorney, Douglas Younglove, has successfully litigated numerous car accident cases. In the past five years, he has successfully concluded over 300 trials. This trial-proven expertise gives them an edge when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting a case in court.
  • Contingency Fee Basis. You don’t have to worry about upfront costs or legal fees unless we win your case. We are truly invested in achieving a favorable outcome for you and will work tirelessly to maximize your compensation.
  • Communication and compassion. Younglove Law understands that going through a car accident can be a traumatic experience, and we prioritize keeping you informed every step of the way. You can expect regular updates on the progress of your case and prompt responses to any questions or concerns you may have.

What Damages Can I Recover After A California Car Accident?

While it would be nearly impossible to estimate what you could receive in damages after a car accident without contacting the Younglove Law team for your free case review, we think it’s helpful to understand what types of expenses a successful settlement or jury award can help pay for.

Here are examples of the damages you could receive due to legal action in California.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the real-world financial costs of your accident – anything with a clear, demonstrable dollar amount. Common examples of economic damages include:

  • Medical Bills
  • Lost Wages
  • Lost Future Earning Potential
  • Rehabilitation Costs
  • Funeral or Burial Expenses
  • Other Out-Of-Pocket Expenses Relating To The Accident

Non-Economic Damages

In contrast, non-economic damages costs related to the accident and the injuries experienced are not associated with a tangible dollar amount. That doesn’t make these damages any less entitled to receive compensation.

Examples of non-economic damages are:

  • Pain and Suffering
  • Emotional Distress
  • Anxiety and Depression
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Loss of Companionship
  • Loss of Consortium

In a victory for Californians, there are no caps on damages for motor vehicle-related accidents, even for non-economic damages. This means that a jury has the authority to grant a victim an amount in dollars as compensation, which should accurately reflect the extent of their injuries.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded in certain car accident cases to punish the defendant for particularly egregious behavior or misconduct. This serves as a deterrent against others taking similar actions in the future.

Common Injuries Victims Experience After Car Accidents

Car and motor vehicle accidents can have devastating consequences, often resulting in severe or life-threatening injuries. The impact of a motor vehicle accident can be life-altering.

Here’s an examination of tragically common injuries that can occur in a car or motor vehicle accident.

Catastrophic injuries are among the most severe and debilitating outcomes of car accidents. These injuries often involve extensive damage to the body and may result in long-term or permanent disabilities.

Spinal cord injuries are particularly problematic as they can lead to partial or complete paralysis. The spinal cord is a vital part of our central nervous system; any damage can result in significant loss of function or mobility.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are also prevalent in motor vehicle accidents. These occur when a sudden jolt or impact causes damage to brain tissue. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain trauma, with varying degrees of cognitive impairment and physical disabilities.

Burn injuries in motor vehicle accidents can occur in various ways. One common cause is the ignition of flammable liquids, such as gasoline, during a collision. The impact can rupture fuel tanks, causing an explosion and subsequent burns. Electrical malfunctions or fires resulting from a collision can also lead to serious thermal injuries.

So, if you or someone you know has been involved in a motor vehicle accident resulting in any injury mentioned above, it is essential to consult the Younglove Law Firm. Call us at (602) 737 -3333 for your free, no-obligation case review today.

Determining Fault In Car Accidents

Two major doctrines govern determining fault in car accident cases – contributory negligence and comparative negligence.

  • Contributory Negligence (also known as contributory fault) is the doctrine that if a victim is found responsible for their accident or injuries, even as little as 1%, they will be barred from recovering damages. Most states have shifted away from this doctrine.
  • Comparative Negligence (or fault) is the doctrine that victims are still entitled to recover damages even if they are somewhat at fault for their injuries or accidents.

How Does California Determine Fault In Car Accidents?

California has used the pure comparative negligence doctrine since 1975. Pure comparative negligence means that individuals involved in a case can recover damages, no matter how at fault they were for the accident. This means even someone found 99% at fault for the accident, can collect damages for the 1% of the accident that was not their fault.

Car accident

Repercussions of Waiting to File your Case

The longer you wait to file your case, the more challenging your case will be to win. This is for a few reasons, as discussed further below.

Statute of Limitations

In California, like many states, car accident lawsuits are governed by what’s known as the statute of limitations. This is essentially the allotted timeframe in which you have to bring legal action against a defendant.

For most motor vehicle and car accidents, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury. If the car accident causes the victim’s eventual death (whether it happened instantaneously or years later), then the victim’s family has two years from the date of the victim’s passing in which to file a wrongful death claim.

If the defendant is a governmental agency or organization, the victim only has 90 days to file an administrative claim, as California’s Government Code section 911.2 dictates.

While two years for most car accident cases sounds like a long time, that time passes quickly when dealing with the aftermath of your or a loved one’s car accident-related injury. It’s in the case’s best interest to begin proceedings immediately.

Evidence Collection

Another reason why it’s critical not to delay in filing legal proceedings in your Encino car accident case is how quickly evidence can disappear or degrade.

The following are common forms of evidence seen in car accident cases in California, accompanied by frequent reasons why they may no longer be viable the longer you wait.

  • Personal Narrative: As you are the authority on your accident, documenting your case through a personal narrative is critical for its success. If you don’t prioritize collecting your narrative quickly after the accident, you’ll likely forget key details that could make or break your case.
  • Eyewitness Testimony: Witnesses can move, forget, or decline to participate in your case the longer you wait.
  • Photographs, Videos, and Surveillance Footage: Files can be deleted, corrupted, or lost unless you prioritize preserving these key pieces of evidence in your car accident case.
  • Physical Evidence: Items such as the clothes you were wearing can be washed, lost, or thrown away if not intentionally preserved post-accident. Additionally, if your motor vehicle is inoperable, consider that you will likely have to “total” the vehicle or get it repaired. Without documenting or preserving the physical damage to your vehicle after the accident, you may face significant challenges in seeking compensation.
  • Police and Collision Reports: While the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires collision records to be kept for three years, it is critical to preserve this evidence sooner to ensure its availability. Requesting these records can be a complicated process, and it’s always best to do it when the case is recent.
  • Medical Bills: Promptly securing medical bills as evidence is essential because they can become increasingly challenging to manage after an accident. For example, medical bills usually accumulate over time, and without prompt access, it becomes harder to represent your total damages accurately.

Insurance Companies

Insurance companies and insurance adjusters employ many strategies whenever they approach claims. At the end of the day, an insurance company is a for-profit business. They have a financial incentive not to pay out claims while continuing to collect policyholder premiums to maximize their profits.

This will lead insurance companies to potentially use different tactics against car accident victims.

An insurance company may:

  • Deny a Claim. A lack of evidence or conflicting eyewitness accounts could cause an insurance company to argue that fault isn’t attributable in your case.
  • Minimize a Claim. If you wait to file a claim, an insurance company may claim that the incident wasn’t severe enough to warrant the amount of damages you are requesting in your case.

Starting legal proceedings in your case as soon as possible is encouraged to counteract tactics commonly employed by insurance companies.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Encino Today

Selecting the right law firm can make all the difference in the aftermath of your Encino car accident. That’s why the Younglove Law Firm should be at the top of your list when you select your law team. With our exceptional track record and commitment to excellence, we have established ourselves as a trusted name in the legal community.

Don’t settle for anything less than exceptional representation for your Encino car accident case – trust Younglove Law Firm to deliver results with professionalism and compassion. Contact us at (602) 737-3333 or book your free, no-obligation case review online today.