Canoga Park Car Accident FAQs
A car accident on a busy Canoga Park road can leave you injured, confused, and overwhelmed. In the aftermath, you are likely to have urgent questions about medical bills, vehicle repairs, and your legal rights. The insurance and legal processes can be complicated, but getting clear answers is the first step toward protecting yourself and your future.
At Walch Law, we have been helping accident victims in the San Fernando Valley for over 45 years. We have compiled this list of frequently asked questions to provide the immediate clarity you need. Simply put– we know how to win your case for the most money possible as quickly as possible. It only takes one call to hire us and no money upfront– get in touch with Canoga Park lawyers at Walch Law today.
What are the first steps I should take after a car accident?
Your priority is safety and health. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is hurt. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, but do not discuss fault. Use your phone to take pictures of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
Do I need to call the police for a minor accident?
Yes. Even for minor accidents, it is crucial to call the police. A police report is an essential piece of evidence that documents the facts of the crash, witness information, and often contains the officer’s initial assessment of fault. Without a police report, it can become your word against the other driver’s, making it much harder to prove your claim.
How is fault determined in a California car accident?
Fault is determined by the legal principle of negligence. An individual is negligent if they fail to act with reasonable care, and that failure causes an accident. California also follows a “pure comparative fault” rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of blame. For example, if you are found to be 10% at fault, your total award will be reduced by 10%.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
You should be very cautious. The other driver’s insurance adjuster is not on your side. Their goal is to minimize the amount their company has to pay. You can provide basic facts, but you should never give a recorded statement, admit any fault, or accept a quick settlement offer without first speaking to an experienced car accident attorney.
What happens if the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough?
This is where your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage becomes vital. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or their policy limits are too low to cover your damages, you can file a claim against your own UM/UIM policy. We strongly recommend everyone carry this optional but critical coverage.
What is MedPay and how does it work?
Medical Payments (MedPay) is another optional coverage on your own auto policy. It covers your initial medical expenses up to a set limit (e.g., $5,000) regardless of who was at fault. It can be very helpful for covering immediate co-pays and deductibles while your main injury claim is pending.
How are my medical bills paid while my case is ongoing?
Initially, your medical bills can be paid by your health insurance, MedPay coverage, or through a medical lien. A lien means a doctor agrees to provide treatment with the promise of being paid directly from your future settlement. Once your case settles, your attorney will negotiate any liens to reduce the amount you have to pay back, maximizing your net recovery.
What is the difference between a property damage claim and an injury claim?
These are two separate claims. The property damage claim covers the repair or replacement of your vehicle and can be settled relatively quickly. The personal injury claim covers your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You should never settle your injury claim until you have completed all medical treatment and the full extent of your injuries is known.
How is “pain and suffering” calculated?
There is no exact formula. “Pain and suffering” is non-economic damage that compensates you for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident. An experienced attorney calculates its value based on the severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery, the impact on your daily life, and any permanent impairment.
What if the accident was a hit-and-run?
First, report the crash to the police immediately. Your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) policy can be used to cover your injuries in a hit-and-run, as the fleeing driver is treated as being uninsured. It is essential to have evidence that there was physical contact between your vehicle (or person) and the phantom vehicle.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim?
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if your claim is against a government entity (e.g., a city bus or poorly maintained road), you have only six months to file a formal government claim. It is critical to act quickly to preserve your rights.
When should I hire a car accident lawyer?
You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident, especially if you have been injured. The best Canoga Park car accident attorney can immediately take over communication with insurance companies, help you get proper medical care, preserve critical evidence, and protect you from mistakes that could damage your claim.
Get Legal Help from Walch Law
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident in Canoga Park can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. The experienced team at Walch Law is here to handle every aspect of your claim, from investigation to settlement, so you can focus on healing. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case.
Contact Walch Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us fight for the justice and maximum compensation you deserve. 1-844-999-5342
