California Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Van Nuys, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, or anywhere in Los Angeles County, the decisions you make in the first hours and days can have a major impact on your health — and on the compensation you should recover.
As a Woodland Hills car accident lawyer in our law firm with 50 years experience, the Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, A Law Corporation, has helped thousands of injured clients recover millions of dollars after serious accidents and wrongful death tragic collisions. This article explains what to do after a crash, common mistakes to avoid, and why choosing an experienced local personal injury attorney can make all the difference.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Woodland Hills
- Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Even if you feel “okay,” many serious injuries — including concussions, internal bleeding, and soft-tissue damage — do not show symptoms immediately. Prompt medical care protects your health and creates critical documentation for your injury claim. You should consider going to the closes emergency room hospital, urgent care or contact our offices for some doctors who can see you on a lien basis, which means you do not have to pay until your case is over.
- Call the Police and Get a Report
A police report – technically called a traffic collision report — provides an objective record of what happened and can be vital when liability is disputed. Please be sure to communicate any and all injuries.
- Document the Accident Scene
Use your cell phone to take photos of:
- Vehicle damage
- Road conditions
- Traffic signals and signs
- Visible injuries
- The license plate of every involved vehicle
- The driver’s license of every involved person
- The insurance cards and information of every involved person and vehicle
This evidence can be extremely important later, especially if the other party’s insurance company challenges your claim.
Common Mistakes That Reduce Car Accident Settlements
- Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer
Insurance companies are not on your side — even your own insurer. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that can reduce or deny your claim. Speaking with a Woodland Hills personal injury attorney first helps protect your rights. Bottom line, we advise do not give any statements to any insurance adjuster until you first consult with an experienced injury accident lawyer.
- Delaying Medical Treatment
Gaps in care and treatment are often used by insurers to argue that your injuries are not serious or were caused by something else.
- Accepting a Quick Settlement
Early settlement offers are usually far lower than what your case is truly worth. Once you accept and sign the settlement release, you usually cannot go back for more — even if your injuries worsen.
How California Injury Law Affects Your Case
Comparative Fault in California
California follows a comparative fault rule. This means you may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you are found 20% responsible, you can still recover 80% of your damages.
An experienced Los Angeles County car accident lawyer knows how to challenge unfair fault allocations and maximize your recovery.
Statute of Limitations
California law limits the amount of time you have to settle or file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit when you cannot timely settle. Missing the deadline can permanently bar your claim. There are different time limits for adults and minors, bodily injury (usually 2 years from date of incident) and property damage (usually 3 years from date of incident), government claims (usually requires a government claim form be filed within 6 months of the incident, etc.). and more, so please contact us as soon as possible so we may guide you based on the specific facts and circumstances of your own case. (Note: there are many exceptions for these time limit rules so please consult an experienced injury accident attorney).
What Compensation Is Available After a Serious Accident?
Depending on your case, compensation may include:
- Past and future hospital and other medical expenses
- Lost wages, income and loss of earning capacity
- Pain, suffering and inconvenience
- Emotional distress
- Property damage, including diminished value
- Loss of enjoyment of life activities
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
A knowledgeable wrongful death lawyer in Woodland Hills ensures that no category of compensation is overlooked.
Why Local Experience Matters in Woodland Hills and Los Angeles County
Accident cases are not just about the law — they are about local knowledge. Courts, doctors, specialists, MRI facilities, physical therapists and other health care providers, insurance practices, and procedures vary throughout Los Angeles County. A lawyer who regularly handles cases in Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Van Nuys, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, and the San Fernando Valley brings valuable insight that out-of-area firms simply do not have.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, ALC
When you hire our law firm, you benefit from:
- 50 years of personal injury and wrongful death experience
- Thousands of cases WON!
- Millions of dollars recovered for our injured clients
- A success rate exceeding 98%*
- We are a close family business, providing personal care
- Personal attention and direct access to your attorney and case manager
- No fees unless and until we win your case
- Assistance in finding doctors and other specialists
- Assistance with transportation to your doctors when needed
- Cash advances when appropriate
We understand how devastating a serious accident can be — physically, emotionally and financially. Our goal is to take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
Speak With a Woodland Hills Car Accident Lawyer Today – Our Consultation is Absolutely FREE
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident — or if your family has suffered a tragic wrongful death — do not wait. Evidence can disappear, memories fade, and deadlines approach faster than you think.
Call 866-INJURY-2 (866-465-8792) or 818.222.3400 (after hours dial 1)
Or contact us online for a FREE consultation – info@WalchLaw.com
The Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, ALC, often referred to as Walch Law, proudly represents accident victims throughout Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Van Nuys, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, and all of Los Angeles County. You pay nothing unless we win — and we fight relentlessly to obtain the maximum compensation you deserve.