Glendale Car Accident Lawyer
Injured in a Car Accident in Glendale?
Car accidents happen in seconds, but the effects can last for months or years: medical treatment, time away from work, a damaged vehicle, and real pain. If someone else's carelessness caused your crash, Tapanian Law, APC can help you understand your options and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
When you call, you speak directly with attorney Raffi Tapanian. We handle car accident cases on a contingency basis, so there are no attorney's fees unless we win, and the first consultation is free.
Protect Your Rights From Day One
Insurance companies move quickly after a crash. They may call within days, ask for a recorded statement, and offer a quick settlement before the full extent of your injuries is known. Once you accept, you generally can't ask for more. We take over communication with the insurers so that nothing you say is used against you and you are not pressured into a low offer.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Distracted driving, including texting and phone use
Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
Drunk or drugged driving
Running red lights and stop signs
Unsafe lane changes and failure to yield
Rear-end collisions from tailgating
Hit-and-run drivers
Drowsy driving
Crashes happen on busy Glendale roads like Brand Boulevard, Colorado Street, and Glendale Avenue and on nearby freeways such as the Glendale Freeway (SR-2), Ventura Freeway (SR-134), and Golden State Freeway (I-5).
Injuries We See After Car Crashes
Whiplash and neck or back injuries
Broken bones
Head injuries and concussions
Spinal cord injuries
Internal injuries
Cuts, scarring, and burns
Emotional trauma, including anxiety after a crash
What to Do After a Car Accident
Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
Move to safety if you can, and call the police so a report is filed.
Exchange names, contact details, license plates, and insurance information.
Photograph vehicles, the scene, traffic signs, and your injuries.
Get contact information for witnesses.
See a doctor promptly, even if you feel okay.
Don't admit fault, and don't give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer before speaking with a lawyer.
Call us at (818) 433-4977.
What Compensation May Be Available
Depending on the facts, you may be able to seek payment for medical bills (past and future), lost income, pain and suffering, vehicle repair or replacement, and other losses. We evaluate each case individually and do not promise any particular outcome.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
Usually the at-fault driver, but sometimes more than one party shares responsibility, such as an employer if the driver was working, a vehicle owner, a bar or host in some drunk-driving situations, or a government entity if a dangerous road condition contributed. We investigate to identify every source of recovery.
If You Were Partly at Fault
California follows a comparative-fault approach, which generally means you may still recover something even if you share some blame, though your compensation may be reduced. Insurers often exaggerate your share of fault, which is another reason to speak with a lawyer early.
How We Handle Your Car Accident Case
We investigate the crash, gather the police report, photos, and medical records, and deal with every insurer so you can focus on getting better. If a fair settlement isn't offered, we are prepared to file a lawsuit.
Why Injured Drivers and Passengers Choose Tapanian Law
Direct access to the attorney. Raffi Tapanian handles your case personally, not a case manager.
No attorney's fees unless we win.
Free consultation, with no obligation.
Local. Based in Glendale and serving clients across Los Angeles County, including Burbank and Pasadena.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first after a car accident?
Get medical attention, call the police, and document what you can. Then call a lawyer before giving any statement to an insurance company.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in California?
Deadlines vary. Many injury claims must be filed within about two years, and claims against a government entity can have much shorter deadlines. Don't wait.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
You may still have options through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. We review your policy and the facts to identify them.
What if the driver who hit me left the scene?
Report the hit-and-run to police immediately. Coverage may still be available through your own policy, and we can explain your options.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor accident?
Not every fender-bender needs one, but injuries that seem minor can turn out to be serious. A free consultation costs nothing and helps you decide.
How much does it cost?
No attorney's fees unless we win your case, and the consultation is free.
Related Pages
Multi-Car Accidents · Truck Accidents · Lyft and Uber Accidents · Pedestrian Accidents · All personal injury services · About Raffi Tapanian
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Claims
1. What should I do after a car accident in Glendale, CA?
After a car accident, prioritize safety and seek medical attention if needed. Report the collision when required, exchange information with the other driver, take photographs of the scene and vehicle damage when safe, and collect witness contact information. Notify your insurer as appropriate and keep records of medical treatment and accident-related expenses. If you were injured, consider consulting a car accident lawyer before accepting a settlement.
2. When should I contact a car accident lawyer in Glendale?
Consider contacting a car accident lawyer as soon as possible if you suffered injuries, the other driver disputes fault, an insurance company denies your claim, or your injuries may require ongoing treatment. Early legal guidance can help preserve evidence, identify potential sources of compensation, and address communications with insurers while you focus on recovery.
3. What compensation can I recover after a car accident in California?
Depending on the circumstances, an injured person may be able to recover medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other legally recognized damages. Compensation for vehicle damage may also be available. The amount depends on the injuries, evidence, liability, insurance coverage, and other factors affecting the claim.
4. Who is at fault in a California car accident?
Fault depends on the circumstances of the collision and the evidence available. Potentially relevant factors include speeding, distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, failure to yield, and violations of traffic laws. Police reports, photographs, witness accounts, vehicle damage, and other evidence may help establish what happened. More than one party can share responsibility under California law.
5. Can I file a car accident claim if I was partially at fault?
Yes. California's comparative negligence rules generally allow an injured person to seek compensation even if they share responsibility for a collision. Any damages awarded may be reduced based on that person's percentage of fault. An attorney can review the available evidence and help evaluate how fault may affect a potential claim.
6. What if the other driver does not have insurance?
You may still have options after a collision with an uninsured driver. Depending on your policy and the circumstances, uninsured motorist coverage may help pay for certain losses. Other potential sources of recovery may also exist. Review your insurance policy, preserve accident records, and seek legal advice to understand the options available to you.
7. How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in California?
The general deadline for a California lawsuit seeking compensation for personal injuries from a car accident is usually two years from the date of injury. Property damage claims generally have a different deadline, commonly three years. Special rules may apply, particularly when a government entity is involved, so do not assume the standard deadline applies to every case.
8. How much does a car accident lawyer in Glendale cost?
The cost depends on the attorney's fee arrangement and the circumstances of the case. Tapanian Law advertises a no-fee-unless-we-win arrangement for its car accident representation. Ask the firm to explain the applicable contingency fee, case expenses, and payment terms during your consultation so you understand the arrangement before proceeding.
