Personal Injury Lawyer in Encino, CA
If you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer in Encino, call My Lawyer Mark at (866) 721-5808. Make a free consultation and receive high-quality representation to obtain the maximum compensation for your damages. At My Lawyer Mark, we have extensive experience, understand the law, and know how to win. Hiring our services enhances your chances of obtaining the total compensation you deserve by law.
My Lawyer Mark is a personal injury law firm in Los Angeles that stands out for its commitment, fierce representation, and empathetic treatment toward their defendants. For us, you’re not just a client; you’re family. We use all our experience, knowledge, and resources to fight until the last dime on your behalf.
Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Encino?
Have you been hurt due to someone else’s negligence? You deserve fair compensation for your injuries and medical bills. A personal injury lawyer in Encino from My Lawyer Mark is here to fight for you.
We understand that recovering from an accident is stressful. Let us handle the legal side of things while you focus on healing. Our experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Don’t go through this alone. We offer 24/7 availability so that you can reach us anytime. Our team has a proven track record of success, recovering millions for our clients. We’ll navigate the complexities of your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure your rights are protected.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Encino Practice Areas
Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Uber/Lyft Accidents
- Wrongful Death
- Dog bite injuries
- Pedestrian accidents
- Premises liability
- Slip and fall
Personal Injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
- Amputations
- Burn Injuries
- Paralysis
- Spinal Chord Injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Am I Eligible for a Personal Injury Compensation?
No two personal injury claims are alike. We assess each situation individually to determine what compensation, if any, is appropriate. Here are some key factors we consider:
- How much blame do you share for the accident (called “comparative fault”)
- How serious your injuries are
- The cost of your medical care, including rehab and therapy
- Lost income due to missed work for treatment or recovery
- How your injuries affect your daily life (pain, limitations, etc.)
- Any lasting scars or disfigurement
- Ongoing physical restrictions caused by the injury
- Emotional trauma and suffering you’ve endured
Whether your injuries are life-threatening or significantly impact your ability to live a normal life
We’ll carefully examine all these factors to build a strong case for your personal injury claim.
What Qualifies as a Personal Injury?
In Encino, California, a lawyer and the courts can determine what counts as a personal injury case. Even if your situation seems like a valid claim, there’s no sure win. But it’s worth pursuing. Personal injury typically involves someone getting hurt, physically or emotionally, because of another person or thing’s actions.
Car accidents are typical examples, but many other situations qualify. It might fall under a different legal category, even if it’s not a personal injury case. So, if you believe you’ve been harmed, talk to a lawyer for guidance.
How to Determine Liability in a PI Claim
A personal injury lawyer in Encino can analyze your documents to identify the party responsible for your case. This determination is made based on the evidence presented at trial and aligns with personal injury law principles and California law. Here’s a breakdown of how fault and negligence are established:
Duty of Care
Assigning blame in a personal injury case hinges on the responsible party’s obligation to uphold a standard of care. For example, drivers must operate their vehicles safely by following traffic laws and being cautious. Property owners have a similar duty to maintain safe premises. A slip and fall injury could occur due to a poorly maintained or unsafe property.
Breach of Duty
Your lawyer must prove that the responsible party breached their duty of care towards you by acting negligently. For instance, drivers might have breached their duty by running a red light or speeding.
Causation
Your attorney must also establish a link between the responsible party’s actions or negligence and your injuries. Without their actions, you wouldn’t have been injured. If your lawyer successfully demonstrates this cause-and-effect relationship, the responsible party may be liable and face legal consequences.
Damages
Your lawyer must show that the breach of duty resulted in your suffering measurable harm. These damages could include lost wages, medical bills, physical and emotional suffering, property damage, and related expenses.
Strict Liability
Strict liability applies to situations where an individual or company’s actions cause harm to another person. The intent behind the action or the mental state of the person who caused the harm is irrelevant in the eyes of the law.
Intentional Wrongs
An intentional wrong is an act by an individual or company that deliberately harms another person, resulting in injury. Examples include assault, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
What Damages Can I Claim?
A personal injury lawsuit can recover two main types of damages:
Economic Damages
These are out-of-pocket costs that cover financial losses directly caused by the injury. Your lawyer can help determine a fair amount to claim based on current market prices. Examples include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and future care costs if you have a disability. Funeral expenses may also be included.
Non-Economic Damages
Intangible impacts that are harder to assign a dollar value to but definitely make an impact on the victim’s life. While not easily quantified, they are nonetheless significant. These can have a greater impact on your life than financial losses.
Examples include emotional distress, reputational harm, loss of ability to enjoy activities you used to, pain and suffering, and so on. Factors like your age, job, income level, and the severity of the injury can be considered when determining compensation for these impacts.
How Long Does a PI Claim Take?
A personal injury (PI) claim duration in California varies based on case complexity, injury severity, and legal processes. Generally, the timeline includes:
- Medical Treatment and Recovery: Depending on injuries, a few months to a few years.
- Investigation and Gathering Evidence: Several months.
- Filing the Claim and Negotiations: A few months to over a year.
- Filing a Lawsuit: This must be done within two years of injury.
- Pre-Trial Procedures and Discovery: Several months to over a year.
- Trial: A few days to several weeks, with the trial date possibly scheduled months or years later.
- Post-Trial Motions and Appeals: Additional months or years if applicable.
On average, straightforward cases resolve in one to two years, while complex ones can take several years. Your personal injury lawyer in Encino can give you a more precise timeline tailored to your particular case.
Time Limit to File Your Claim
There’s a deadline in Encino, California, to file a personal injury lawsuit: two years from the date of your injury. Acting quickly is important to your case. Talking to a lawyer right away can help you remember details clearly. Also, legal matters can take a long time, so filing sooner gives you more time to navigate the process effectively.
Accident Statistics in Encino
Here are the most recent traffic accident statistics for Encino, California, as part of Los Angeles County, up to 2023:
Overall Traffic Statistics for California
- In 2021, California saw a total of 4,285 traffic fatalities, which was a 7.6% increase from the previous year.
- Alcohol-impaired driving fatalities increased by 16% in 2021, reaching 1,370 deaths.
- Motorcycle fatalities rose by 3% to 565 deaths in 2021.
- Pedestrian fatalities also increased by 9.4% to 1,108 deaths in the same year.
Leading Causes of Traffic Accidents
The most common causes of car accidents in California include distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and moving violations such as running red lights and making illegal turns.
Streets and Intersections with Most Accidents in Encino
In Encino, California, several streets and intersections are prone to traffic accidents. Some of the most dangerous areas include:
- Ventura Boulevard: One of the busiest roads in Los Angeles County, known for heavy traffic and frequent accidents.
- Ventura Freeway (US-101): A major commuter route with high accident rates, especially during rush hours.
- Balboa Boulevard: A major north-south route that intersects with several busy streets, contributing to its high accident rate.
- White Oak Avenue: Another significant north-south route with high traffic volume and frequent collisions.
- Lindley Avenue: Known for traffic congestion and accidents, particularly at its major intersections.
In addition to these specific locations, accidents in Encino are commonly caused by distracted driving, speeding, and other moving violations.
What Can I Do After Suffering an Accident?
- Prioritize Safety: Ensure everyone’s okay. Only move your car if it’s safe and won’t worsen the situation.
- Check for Injuries: If someone is hurt, call emergency services immediately (dial 911).
- Get the Police Involved: In most cases, contacting the police is necessary. They’ll investigate the accident and create an official report.
- Gather Information: Exchange contact details with all involved drivers, including passengers and witnesses. Ask to see driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations for verification. Note down license plate numbers and Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs).
- Document the Accident: Take pictures with your phone or camera if you have one. Capture the damage to all vehicles and the surrounding area, including traffic signals and potential contributing factors (like obstacles).
- Leave a Note (if needed): If the owner of a damaged vehicle or property is absent, leave a note with your contact information and details about the accident.
- Contact Your Insurance Provider: Inform your insurance agent or company immediately.
- Report to the DMV (if applicable): If there are injuries or substantial damage (usually exceeding $750), you must report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days. Neglecting to do so could lead to a driver’s license suspension.
Useful Links if You Have an Accident in Encino
- DMV
- Encino Police Department
- Encino Fire-Rescue Department
- Los Angeles County Sheriff
- Hospitals in Encino
- Triple A Encino
How Much Does Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in Encino Cost?
At My Lawyer Mark, a personal injury lawyer in Encino works on a “no win, no fee” basis. This means you won’t shell out any money upfront for their help. Their payment depends entirely on winning your case and securing compensation for you. This approach offers several advantages:
- Zero Upfront Cost: You only pay when your lawyer recovers your damages. This lets you fight for your rights even if you’re strapped for cash.
- Percentage of Award: The lawyer’s fee is a portion of the total settlement you receive or the court award. This percentage can vary based on the lawyer and the case’s complexity.
- Aligned Goals: Because the lawyer’s fee hinges on winning your case, you can be confident they’re highly motivated to get you the best possible outcome.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Encino Today
Don’t look any further if you decide to hire a personal injury lawyer in Encino. Call My Lawyer Mark at (866) 721-5808 to have a free consultation for your case. Obtain maximum compensation, peace of mind, and professional services from lawyers who treat you like family. We’re available 24/7, and always pick up the phone to answer your questions.
