Glendale Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents can happen without warning and may leave injured drivers and passengers dealing with medical treatment, vehicle damage, missed work, and insurance claims. If another driver's negligence caused your accident, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses under California law.
At Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., our car accident lawyer represents people injured in motor vehicle accidents throughout Los Angeles County, including Glendale, California. We investigate how the collision occurred, gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and work to pursue fair compensation for our clients.
If you were injured in a car accident in Glendale, contact Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C. online or call 323-524-8994 to schedule a free consultation about your case.
How Can a Glendale Car Accident Lawyer Help After a Crash?
After an accident, an insurance company may begin investigating the claim immediately. The insurer may request statements, review medical records, question the extent of the injuries, or dispute who was responsible for the collision.
Having an attorney handle the claim can help protect your interests while you focus on your medical treatment and recovery.
A Glendale car accident lawyer can help by:
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Investigating how the accident occurred
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Reviewing police reports and available accident records
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Gathering photographs, videos, dashcam footage, and other evidence
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Identifying witnesses
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Reviewing medical records and documentation of injuries
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Determining which parties may be responsible
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Communicating and negotiating with insurance companies
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Documenting lost wages and other financial losses
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Evaluating potential economic and non-economic damages
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Filing a personal injury lawsuit when appropriate
Understanding the personal injury claims process in California can also help accident victims know what to expect as their case progresses.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Glendale
The severity of injuries caused by a car accident can vary considerably depending on the speed of the vehicles, direction of impact, use of seat belts, location of impact, and other circumstances.
Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:
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Whiplash and other neck injuries
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Back injuries
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Broken bones and fractures
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Lacerations and cuts
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Shoulder injuries
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Knee and leg injuries
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Nerve damage
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Spinal cord injuries
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Traumatic brain injuries
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Head injuries
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Chronic pain
A serious collision can also affect someone emotionally and psychologically. Depending on the circumstances, an injured person may experience anxiety, emotional distress, or other psychological effects following an accident.
Because some injuries may not be immediately apparent, accident victims should take their symptoms seriously and obtain appropriate medical attention following a collision.
Types of Car Accidents in Glendale, California
Glendale drivers encounter a wide variety of traffic conditions, from local streets and intersections to busy freeways. Different types of collisions can also create different questions regarding fault and liability.
Common types of car accidents include:
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Rear-end collisions: These commonly occur when a driver fails to maintain sufficient distance from the vehicle ahead or cannot stop safely when traffic slows.
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T-bone accidents: Side-impact crashes frequently occur at intersections when a driver fails to yield, makes an unsafe turn, or disregards a traffic signal. Learn more about how these cases are handled on our T-bone accident lawyer page.
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Head-on collisions: These crashes can result in serious or life-threatening injuries because of the combined forces involved.
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Sideswipe accidents: A sideswipe may happen when a driver makes an unsafe lane change, drifts from a lane, or fails to recognize another vehicle traveling alongside them.
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Left-turn accidents: These collisions can occur when a driver turns across approaching traffic without sufficient time or distance to complete the maneuver safely.
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Multi-vehicle accidents: Collisions involving several vehicles can create complicated liability questions because the actions of multiple drivers may have contributed to the accident.
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Hit-and-run accidents: When an at-fault driver leaves the scene, recovering compensation can involve additional insurance and investigative issues.
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Rollover accidents: Rollovers can cause significant injuries, particularly when occupants experience multiple impacts or are ejected from the vehicle.
The type of collision can provide important evidence about how an accident occurred, but it does not automatically establish liability. A proper investigation may require examining vehicle damage, witness statements, photographs, video footage, traffic laws, police reports, and other available evidence.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Glendale
Car accidents can result from many different forms of negligence. Some crashes involve an obvious traffic violation, while others require a more detailed investigation to determine what happened.
Driver Negligence
Driver behavior is a major factor in many California car accidents. Examples include:
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Distracted driving
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Texting while driving
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Speeding
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Following another vehicle too closely
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Unsafe lane changes
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Running red lights
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Failing to stop at stop signs
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Failing to yield the right-of-way
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Unsafe left turns
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Drowsy driving
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Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
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Reckless or aggressive driving
For example, California Vehicle Code §21703 requires motorists to avoid following another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent under the circumstances. Rear-end collisions can occur when drivers fail to maintain sufficient following distance.
Vehicle Problems
Some collisions may involve mechanical or vehicle-related problems, including:
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Brake failures
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Tire failures
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Steering problems
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Suspension problems
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Defective vehicle components
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Manufacturing defects
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Improper vehicle maintenance
When a defective vehicle or component contributes to an accident, additional parties may potentially be involved in the claim.
Road and Environmental Conditions
Road conditions can also contribute to a collision. Examples include:
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Poor visibility
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Wet or slippery roads
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Road debris
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Construction zones
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Obstructed traffic signs
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Malfunctioning traffic signals
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Poorly maintained roadways
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Glare
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Inadequate lighting
Determining the cause of an accident is an important part of determining who may be legally responsible for the resulting injuries and losses.
Who May Be Liable for a Glendale Car Accident?
In many car accident cases, the negligent driver is responsible. However, depending on how the accident occurred, other individuals, businesses, or entities may potentially share responsibility.
Potentially liable parties may include:
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Another driver
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The employer of a driver acting within the scope of employment
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A commercial vehicle operator
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A vehicle owner
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A vehicle or auto-parts manufacturer
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A maintenance or repair company
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A government entity responsible for certain dangerous roadway conditions
Under California Civil Code §1714, individuals generally have responsibility for injuries caused by their failure to exercise ordinary care. Establishing negligence typically requires examining the specific facts and circumstances surrounding the collision.
What If I Was Partially At Fault for a Glendale Car Accident?
Being partially responsible for a collision does not necessarily prevent an injured person from recovering compensation in California.
California follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means an injured person's compensation can generally be reduced according to their percentage of responsibility for the accident.
For example, if an injured person sustained $100,000 in damages but was determined to be 20% responsible for the collision, the recoverable amount could be reduced by 20%.
Insurance companies may attempt to assign a greater percentage of responsibility to an injured person in order to reduce the value of a claim. This makes evidence concerning how the collision occurred particularly important.
You can learn more about determining responsibility after an accident on our California car accident fault resource.
What Compensation Can You Pursue After a Glendale Car Accident?
The amount and types of compensation available after an accident depend on the facts of the case, the injuries sustained, available insurance coverage, and other factors.
Depending on the circumstances, a car accident claim may seek compensation for:
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Past medical expenses
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Future medical expenses
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Emergency treatment
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Rehabilitation and physical therapy
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Lost wages
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Loss of future earning capacity
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Property damage
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Other accident-related losses
A serious injury may create expenses and consequences that continue long after the initial accident. For that reason, evaluating only the medical bills that have accumulated immediately after a collision may not reflect the full extent of an injured person's damages.
Learn more about factors that may affect compensation in our guide on maximizing a California car accident settlement.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Glendale Car Accident
After an accident, the insurance company will investigate the claim and determine whether it believes its insured is responsible. Even when liability appears straightforward, disagreements may arise over the severity of injuries, necessary medical treatment, lost income, or the value of the claim.
Insurance adjusters may also request recorded statements or seek information about an injured person's medical history.
Before accepting a settlement, it is important to understand what the settlement covers because resolving a claim generally involves releasing the responsible party from further liability.
Our guide on negotiating a fair settlement with an insurance adjuster provides additional information about the insurance negotiation process.
Glendale Rear-End Accident Case Result
Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C. has represented a client injured in a rear-end motor vehicle accident in Glendale, California. Our firm investigated the accident and pursued compensation for the injuries caused by the collision.
You can review this and other outcomes on our car accident case results page.
Past results do not guarantee, warrant, or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case depends on its individual facts and circumstances.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Glendale?
The actions you take after an accident may affect both your health and your ability to document a potential personal injury claim.
When appropriate, consider taking the following steps:
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Call 911 and report the collision if anyone is injured or emergency assistance is necessary.
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Obtain medical attention for your injuries.
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Exchange information with the other drivers involved.
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Photograph the accident scene, vehicles, visible injuries, road conditions, and other relevant evidence when it is safe to do so.
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Obtain witness information if anyone observed the collision.
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Preserve evidence, including photographs, videos, medical records, repair estimates, and communications with insurance companies.
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Notify your insurance company about the accident.
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Be cautious when discussing fault before the accident has been fully investigated.
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Speak with a car accident attorney if you were injured or liability is disputed.
If an insurance claim does not resolve the matter, a lawsuit may sometimes become necessary. Our step-by-step guide to filing a car accident lawsuit in California explains the general process.
Why Choose Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C. for a Glendale Car Accident Claim?
At Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., we represent people who have suffered injuries because of another person's negligence.
When handling a car accident claim, our legal team can investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, gather available evidence, evaluate insurance coverage, document damages, communicate with insurance companies, and pursue compensation based on the facts of the case.
We understand that an accident can create physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Our goal is to handle the legal aspects of the claim while keeping our clients informed throughout the process.
You can also review our car accident case results to learn more about matters our firm has handled.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glendale Car Accidents
Do I need a lawyer after a car accident in Glendale?
California law does not require you to hire an attorney to pursue an insurance claim. However, speaking with a lawyer may be particularly helpful when you suffered significant injuries, liability is disputed, multiple vehicles were involved, or an insurance company is challenging the value of your claim.
How much is my Glendale car accident claim worth?
There is no standard value for a car accident claim. The potential value depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, future treatment, lost income, property damage, available insurance coverage, liability, and the impact of the injuries on your life.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
If an at-fault driver is uninsured or does not have enough insurance to cover your losses, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage under your own policy may potentially apply, depending on your policy and the circumstances.
Can I recover compensation if I was partly responsible for the accident?
Potentially, yes. California follows pure comparative negligence principles, meaning compensation can generally be reduced according to your percentage of fault rather than automatically eliminated because you shared responsibility.
Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?
A settlement should be evaluated carefully before it is accepted. An early offer may be made before the full extent of medical treatment, future expenses, lost earnings, or other damages is known. Once a claim is settled and an appropriate release is signed, additional compensation generally cannot be pursued from the released party for the same claim.
How long does a Glendale car accident case take?
The timeline depends on factors such as the severity of the injuries, length of medical treatment, whether liability is disputed, insurance negotiations, and whether litigation becomes necessary. Some claims resolve through settlement, while more complicated disputes can take substantially longer.
Contact a Glendale Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident in Glendale, you do not have to navigate the insurance and claims process without legal guidance.
At Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., our California car accident lawyer can review the circumstances of your collision, explain your legal options, and determine how we may be able to help you pursue compensation.
Call 323-524-8994 or contact Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C. online to schedule a free consultation about your Glendale car accident case.
Attorney advertising. This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Testimonials, past experience, and success stories are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of future outcomes.
