California Car Accident Lawyer
Injured in a California car accident? Weiss Attorneys helps injured drivers, passengers and families evaluate fault, insurance coverage and compensation. From our Sherman Oaks office, we represent clients throughout California and offer phone and video consultations.
Call (213) 583-0977 or request a free consultation. Hablamos Español.
How our car accident attorneys help
A collision claim involves more than sending medical bills to an adjuster. We examine how the crash happened, identify potentially responsible parties, review available coverage and organize evidence connecting the collision to your injuries. When settlement discussions do not resolve a claim, we evaluate whether litigation is appropriate.
Meet your California injury attorneys
Sammy Weiss, Esq.
Founder of Weiss Attorneys, established in 1974. His practice includes personal injury, auto accidents, and slip and trip-and-fall matters.
Scarlett Farrokh, Esq.
Licensed in California since 2013. She primarily oversees the firm’s personal injury and civil matters and earned her J.D. at Southwestern Law School.
Read existing client reviews and ask who will handle your matter. Our office is in Sherman Oaks, with phone and video consultations available throughout California.
Representation begins only after we accept your matter and enter a written agreement.
Car accident claims we evaluate
- Rear-end crashes and chain-reaction collisions.
- Intersection accidents, unsafe turns and disputed right of way.
- Distracted driving and suspected impaired driving.
- Uninsured or underinsured drivers and hit-and-run injuries.
- Collisions involving delivery vehicles, commercial trucks or rideshare trips.
- Passenger injuries and crashes involving several potentially responsible parties.
A vehicle owner’s identity, an employer’s involvement or a police officer’s opinion may raise additional questions; none replaces a careful review of the facts. For local assistance, see our Sherman Oaks car accident attorney page. Browse our California injury guides by city for other communities.
Injuries and their effect on daily life
Collision claims may involve neck, back and whiplash injuries, broken bones, or spinal cord injuries. Keep treatment records, bills, work restrictions and a factual record of daily limitations. Describe prior conditions accurately; the evaluation needs to distinguish existing symptoms from changes after the collision.
What if I share responsibility for the crash?
Sharing some responsibility does not automatically end every California injury claim. Comparative fault may reduce recoverable damages according to the injured person’s share of responsibility. An insurer’s allegation is not a final determination. Preserve photographs, video, witness information and the collision report so the disputed actions can be evaluated. See the California Courts civil jury instructions.
What happens after the consultation?
- Evaluate the matter. We review the incident, available records, potentially responsible parties and urgent deadlines, and discuss whether representation is appropriate.
- Agree on representation. If the matter is accepted, the written agreement explains the scope, attorney fees and case costs.
- Build the claim. For accepted matters, the work may include gathering records, reviewing coverage and documenting injuries and losses.
- Evaluate resolution. Settlement discussions and possible litigation depend on the evidence and circumstances. Ask us about the next step in your matter.
What evidence can make a difference?
| Question | Evidence to preserve |
|---|---|
| Who caused the collision? | Scene photographs, vehicle damage, witness contacts, traffic signals, dashcam recordings and the collision report. |
| What injuries resulted? | Treatment records, imaging, symptoms reported to providers and a clear history of prior conditions. |
| What losses followed? | Medical bills, receipts, work restrictions, wage records and documentation of daily limitations. |
| What coverage may apply? | Policy declarations, claim correspondence, passenger or household policies and facts about commercial or rideshare activity. |
Video and vehicle data may be overwritten or lost. Tell an attorney promptly about nearby cameras, a vehicle awaiting repair or disposal, and witnesses who may be difficult to locate. Keep original files and avoid editing recordings.
How much is a California car accident settlement worth?
No online average or calculator can predict your recovery. A useful evaluation considers liability evidence, the nature and duration of injuries, treatment needs, lost earnings, future limitations and collectible coverage. Medical expenses alone do not determine a case’s value, and surgery does not establish a guaranteed settlement amount.
Read our California car accident settlement guide. Before accepting an offer, review what claims the release resolves and the expected net recovery after attorney fees, case costs and applicable liens or reimbursement obligations.
What if the insurance offer is too low?
Ask what the insurer disputes: responsibility, medical causation, treatment, income loss or coverage. The next step should address that issue with evidence. A demand without records supporting the claimed losses may leave important questions unanswered. Keep all written offers and do not assume negotiations extend a filing deadline.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist questions
Your own policy may provide coverage when a responsible driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance. Eligibility, policy conditions, offsets and claim deadlines require review. Before signing a release, obtain advice about its effect on other insurance rights. The California Department of Insurance automobile guide explains common coverage types.
What should you do after a crash?
- Get appropriate medical attention and describe symptoms accurately.
- Preserve photographs, recordings, witness information and the report number.
- Notify your own insurer as required by your policy and retain correspondence.
- Keep treatment, expense and work-loss records together.
- Get legal advice before signing a bodily injury release or assuming you know the deadline.
See our guide to what happens after a California car accident.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer if the other driver admits fault?
An admission may help, but injury causation, insurance coverage and the amount of loss can remain disputed. Legal assistance may be particularly useful when injuries persist, several parties are involved or you are asked to sign a release.
How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
We offer a free consultation and handle accepted personal injury matters under a written contingency fee agreement. That agreement explains attorney fees, case costs and responsibility for expenses. Ask about both fees and costs before deciding.
How long does a claim take?
Timing depends on medical information, liability disputes, coverage, negotiations and whether a lawsuit is needed. We can discuss the next steps in your circumstances; no particular timeline or result is guaranteed.
How long do I have to sue?
Many California personal injury actions have a two-year deadline, but exceptions and shorter requirements apply. Government-related claims may require an administrative claim within six months. Insurance claims can involve separate requirements. Consult promptly. See the California Courts personal injury guide.
Discuss your accident with Weiss Attorneys
Bring the collision report, photographs, insurance information, treatment records and any settlement offer. Request a free consultation or call (213) 583-0977. Our office is at 4515 Van Nuys Blvd, Unit 401, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403; we serve clients throughout California.
For unsafe-property injuries, see our California slip and fall lawyer guide.
