California Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
# Rear-End Car Accidents in Woodland Hills, California: What Injured Drivers Should Know
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, contact the Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, A Law Corporation directly.
Getting rear-ended in Woodland Hills—whether on Ventura Boulevard, the 101, or a busy side street—can leave you with painful injuries, a damaged car, and a lot of questions. The Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, A Law Corporation is a California personal injury law firm that helps injured people in Woodland Hills and throughout the San Fernando Valley after serious car crashes, including clear-liability rear-end collisions.
Why Rear-End Collisions in Woodland Hills Are More Than “Fender Benders”
Even at moderate speeds, a sudden impact from behind can cause:
– Neck and back injuries (including herniated or bulging discs)
– Concussions and other head injuries
– Shoulder, hip, and knee injuries from the force of the seatbelt and impact
– Nerve and chronic pain conditions that may develop over time
Don’t assume your crash is “minor” just because your car is drivable or the damage looks limited. Your body absorbs a lot of force in a rear-end collision.
What to Do Right After a Rear-End Crash
1. Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt or you feel significant pain.
2. Move to safety if possible; turn on hazard lights.
3. Call the police and ask for an accident report.
4. Exchange information with the other driver and get contact details for any witnesses.
5. Take photos of the vehicles, damage, roadway, and your visible injuries.
If you feel dizzy, confused, or have neck/back pain, let paramedics and doctors know immediately.
Get Medical Care and Follow-Up Treatment
See a doctor, urgent care, or ER as soon as you can—even if symptoms are mild at first. Document:
– ER or clinic records
– Imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
– Prescriptions and treatment plans
Neck and back injuries, concussions, and soft tissue damage can worsen over days and weeks. Consistent treatment protects both your health and your claim.
Insurance, Fault, and Why a Lawyer Helps
In many California rear-end crashes, the driver who hit you from behind is at fault for following too closely or not paying attention. But insurance companies may still:
– Downplay your injuries
– Claim the crash was “low impact”
– Try to blame pre-existing conditions
Walch Law can investigate the crash, gather medical evidence, handle insurance adjusters, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a lawyer for a rear-end accident in Woodland Hills?
A: You’re not required to hire a lawyer, but having one can be very helpful if you have ongoing pain, missed work, or serious injuries. An attorney can communicate with the insurance company, gather evidence, and work to maximize your compensation.
Q: What if I didn’t feel hurt at the scene but now my neck and back hurt?
A: This is common. Adrenaline can hide pain after a crash, and symptoms often appear later. See a doctor right away, explain that you were in a rear-end collision, and then talk with a lawyer about how this affects your claim.
Q: How does the Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, A Law Corporation get paid?
A: In most rear-end accident cases, Walch Law works on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay attorney’s fees up front, and you only owe fees if the firm successfully recovers money for you.