Car Accident Lawyer in Glendale, CA

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of serious injury in Glendale, California. The busy corridors of Brand Boulevard, the Ventura Freeway (134), and the Glendale Freeway (2) see heavy daily traffic, and even a low-speed collision can leave victims with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and long-term pain. California is an at-fault insurance state, which means the driver responsible for causing the crash is also responsible for the harm they cause, but insurance companies rarely pay full value without a fight.

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

Your first priority is safety and medical care. Call 911 to report the collision and request an ambulance for anyone injured. California law requires drivers to stop, exchange names, insurance details, and vehicle registration, and to report the accident to the DMV within 10 days if anyone is injured or if property damage exceeds $1,000. Gather evidence at the scene if you are able: photograph vehicle damage, the roadway, traffic controls, and visible injuries, and collect contact information from witnesses. Seek a medical evaluation right away, even if you feel fine, because some injuries, including concussions and soft-tissue damage, may not show symptoms until hours or days later.

California's Statute of Limitations

In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, and three years for a property-damage-only claim. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is strict, and missing it usually bars you from recovering anything at all. Claims against a government entity, such as a collision caused by a city vehicle or a dangerous road condition, require a separate administrative claim filed within six months. Speaking with a car accident lawyer early helps preserve evidence, meet deadlines, and protect the full value of your claim.

Compensation Available to Injured Drivers

An injured accident victim may recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover measurable losses such as emergency room treatment, surgery, physical therapy, prescription medication, lost income, and vehicle repair or replacement. Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and scarring or disfigurement. In cases involving drunk driving, reckless driving, or hit-and-run, California law also allows punitive damages designed to punish especially wrongful conduct. A thorough attorney documents every loss, works with medical providers, and negotiates with insurers to reach a fair settlement or, when necessary, takes the case to trial.

How Abelian Law Firm Helps

Abelian Law Firm, APC represents injured drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists throughout Glendale and Los Angeles County. Founder Gohar Abelian handles each case personally, from the first consultation through resolution, and has secured millions of dollars for clients, including a $2.5M settlement in 2025. The firm advances all case costs, so clients pay nothing unless and until there is a recovery. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a collision, request a free consultation to understand your rights and the value of your claim.