Encino Injury and Accident Lawyers

Injured in the Valley? DK Law Is Here for You

If you or a loved one has been injured in Encino or anywhere in the San Fernando Valley, the road to recovery can feel overwhelming. You need legal support that’s fast, trustworthy, and completely focused on your well-being. 

At DK Law, we’re here to guide you through every step. We’ll fight for the maximum compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.

San Fernando Valley Accident Statistics

The San Fernando Valley is home to more than 1.8 million residents and sees a steady influx of visitors due to its proximity to major attractions and business hubs. With this high volume of daily traffic, it’s no surprise that accidents are frequent, affecting not only drivers but also motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

In 2023 alone, Los Angeles reported over 10,000 traffic accidents, including:

• 1,230 pedestrian accidents
• 869 motorcycle accidents
• 354 bicycle accidents

These numbers highlight the ongoing risks Valley residents face every time they hit the road.

Dangerous Roads, Freeways, and Intersections

Many of the roads and freeways in the San Fernando Valley are among the most congested and hazardous in all of Los Angeles County. High traffic volumes, frequent stoplights, and complex intersections contribute to a greater risk of serious collisions.

Some of the most dangerous routes and intersections include:

When Do I Need a Lawyer?

After an accident, it’s not always obvious when to involve a lawyer, but acting quickly can make a big difference. You should strongly consider hiring a personal injury attorney if:

• You’ve suffered serious injuries or emotional trauma
• Your medical bills and lost wages are piling up
• The insurance company is delaying, denying, or offering a low settlement
• Fault is disputed or unclear 

At DK Law, we know how to handle complex claims and push back against insurance tactics. Our team builds strong, evidence-based cases designed to maximize your compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. 

With our free consultation, there’s no risk in finding out where you stand—we’ll give you honest answers and guidance from day one. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. If you wait too long, you could permanently lose your right to seek compensation.

That said, some exceptions apply that could toll or extend the two-year deadline:

• Your accident involved a government agency 
• Your injury was not discovered right away
• You were a minor when the accident happened 

What Are Common Injuries?

Injuries from vehicle accidents, slip and fall incidents, workplace accidents, and premises liability cases can range from minor to life-altering. The severity often depends on the circumstances of the incident, the force of impact, and the medical attention received.

Our attorneys have handled a wide variety of injury cases and are fully prepared to advocate for clients facing all types of physical and emotional trauma, including:

• Broken bones – Often requiring surgery, casts, and extended rehabilitation
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – Ranging from concussions to long-term cognitive impairment
• Spinal cord injuries – Which may cause chronic pain, paralysis, or mobility limitations
• Whiplash – A common yet painful neck injury, especially in rear-end collisions
• Soft tissue injuries – Including sprains, tears, strains, and deep bruising that may limit movement
• Internal injuries – Such as organ damage or internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening if untreated

How Fault Is Determined in Accident Cases

Establishing fault is a critical part of any personal injury claim. In California, most accident cases are based on negligence, which is the legal concept that someone failed to act with reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person.

To prove negligence, four key elements must be established:

Duty of Care

The first step is showing that the other party owed you a duty of care. This means they had a legal responsibility to act in a reasonably safe manner. For example, drivers must obey traffic laws, property owners must keep their premises safe, and employers must maintain a hazard-free workplace.

Breach

Once a duty of care is established, the next element is breach—proving that the responsible party failed to uphold their duty. This could involve distracted driving, failing to clean up a spill, ignoring safety regulations, or other negligent behavior.

Causation

To succeed in your claim, you must show that the breach of duty directly caused your injuries. This is known as causation. It must be clear that your injuries were a direct result of the other party’s actions, not from some unrelated event.

Damages

Finally, you must demonstrate that you suffered actual damages—whether physical, emotional, or financial. This includes medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other measurable losses tied to the accident.

How Comparative Negligence Affects Compensation

California follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What Compensation Can I Recover?

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation that helps you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Our team pursues both economic and non-economic damages to ensure you receive the full amount you’re owed, including:

• Medical expenses – Hospital bills, surgery, medications, rehabilitation, and other treatment costs
• Lost wages – Income lost due to time away from work during recovery
• Property damage – Costs to repair or replace damaged vehicles or personal belongings
• Future medical care – Anticipated costs for ongoing treatment, therapy, or assistive devices
• Loss of earning capacity – Compensation for the impact your injury has on future income or career opportunities
• Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
• Loss of consortium – The negative effects your injury has on your relationship with a spouse or partner

Remember: The Insurance Company Is Not on Your Side

Navigating personal injury law is difficult enough, but it becomes even more challenging when insurance companies get involved. These companies are not on your side. Their primary goal is to protect their bottom line, not to fairly compensate you.

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and often use manipulative tactics to get you to settle for less than you deserve. They may pressure you to accept a quick offer, downplay the severity of your injuries, or twist your statements to shift blame. That’s why having a skilled legal team on your side isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

At DK Law, we know exactly how insurance companies operate—and more importantly, we know how to fight back. From day one, we work to level the playing field by:

• Conducting a detailed review of your accident during your free consultation
• Analyzing medical records and treatment plans to understand the full extent of your injuries
• Investigating the crash thoroughly and collecting key evidence, including photos, videos, and witness statements

Once your case is built, we negotiate directly with the insurance company on your behalf. We never accept a lowball offer, and if the insurer refuses to be fair, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court.

What To Do Immediately After an Accident

Call 911 If There Are Injuries

If anyone is injured or if there is significant property damage, call 911 right away. Emergency responders will provide medical assistance and create an official accident report, which is important for both insurance and legal purposes.

Exchange Information

Get the name, contact details, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance information of all parties involved. If there are any witnesses, try to collect their contact information as well.

Document the Scene

Use your phone to take photos or videos of the vehicles, injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, and any other relevant details. This evidence can be vital in proving fault and damages later.

Don’t Admit Fault or Apologize

Even if you feel partially responsible, do not admit fault or apologize at the scene. Stick to the facts when speaking to others or the police—an apology could be misinterpreted as admitting liability.

See a Doctor

Your health must always be the number one concern after an accident. Therefore, don’t delay seeking medical treatment. Even if you feel okay, some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Getting a medical evaluation protects your health and creates documentation that links your injuries to the accident.

Talk to a Lawyer

Before speaking with insurance companies or signing anything, contact a personal injury attorney. At DK Law, we offer free consultations and can help protect your rights from day one, so you don’t have to face this alone.

The DK Law Difference

From Encino to Van Nuys to Burbank, the team at DK Law knows the Valley inside and out. We bring local knowledge, legal experience, and a deep commitment to serving our community. We don’t just understand the legal system—we understand the neighborhoods, the roads, the courts, and the challenges Valley residents face after an accident.

When you choose DK Law, you’re getting:

• Warm and welcoming legal support tailored to your unique situation
• 24/7 availability—we’re here whenever you need us
• No upfront fees—you don’t pay unless we win your case
• Dedicated case managers to guide you every step of the way
• Proven results, with a 99% success rate and recognition from top legal organizations

We’re proud to be a trusted legal ally for injured victims in the Valley—and we’re ready to go all the way for the justice and compensation you deserve.