Car Accident Lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA
If you were injured in a car accident in Woodland Hills or the San Fernando Valley, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. California law allows accident victims to file claims against at-fault drivers, their insurance companies, and in some cases third parties. Attorney Barry P. Goldberg has represented car accident victims in the San Fernando Valley for over 41 years. Call (818) 222-6994 for a free consultation.
“In my 41 years handling accident cases in the San Fernando Valley, the single biggest mistake I see victims make is posting about their accident on social media. Insurance companies run searches on your accounts, and anything you say, even a joke, can and will be used against you. Don’t post anything about your accident. The temptation is there, but it always comes back to hurt you. Exchange information, stay off social media, and call a lawyer first.”
– Barry P. Goldberg
Why Does Hiring a Local Woodland Hills Car Accident Lawyer Matter?
Attorney Barry P. Goldberg is a lifelong San Fernando Valley resident who has lived in Van Nuys, Canoga Park, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Chatsworth, and Calabasas. He has represented accident victims locally for over 41 years.
When you are fighting insurance companies after a car accident, the details matter. Where exactly did the accident happen? What are traffic conditions like at that intersection? Are there traffic cameras nearby? Is there a history of accidents at that location?
Mr. Goldberg has driven thousands of miles on the San Fernando Valley’s streets, boulevards, and freeways. There is a good chance he knows exactly where your accident occurred. That local knowledge translates directly into stronger cases and better outcomes for clients.
Sepulveda and Roscoe in Panorama City was recently ranked the second most dangerous intersection in the entire city of Los Angeles, with 65 serious crashes between 2021 and 2024. It sits directly off a 405 Freeway offramp, where drivers exit at 70 miles per hour onto a surface street that is not designed for that speed. Mr. Goldberg has represented clients injured at that intersection and others along the Sepulveda corridor for decades. When a client calls and describes where their accident happened, there is a very good chance he already knows the road, the traffic patterns, and the problems with that intersection. That kind of local knowledge matters when building a case.
What Types of Car Accident Cases Does Goldberg Injury Lawyers Handle?
Mr. Goldberg provides experienced, compassionate, and aggressive legal representation for individuals and families suffering from all types of car accidents in the San Fernando Valley, including speeding, running red lights, merging errors, tailgating, and other forms of driver negligence.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving is a growing problem in the San Fernando Valley and throughout Southern California. If you were injured in an accident caused by a driver who was talking, texting, eating, taking photos, or using social media behind the wheel, we can help you pursue just compensation.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk drivers face criminal penalties, but those penalties do nothing to compensate victims. If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a drunk driving accident, Mr. Goldberg can help you pursue a separate civil claim against the drunk driver’s insurance company.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Mr. Goldberg has extensive experience in hit-and-run cases, which present unique legal challenges. In many cases, compensation can be recovered through your own uninsured motorist policy. Mr. Goldberg’s decades of experience with UM/UIM claims makes him particularly effective in these cases.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Accidents
Mr. Goldberg is widely recognized for his significant experience with uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. He routinely represents clients in UM/UIM claims against their own insurance companies, and he does not hesitate to take these cases to trial when insurers refuse to pay fairly.
Vehicle Defect Accidents
In California, vehicle defect cases fall under “strict liability,” meaning victims do not need to prove negligence. However, establishing that a vehicle or part was defective is complex, especially against major manufacturers. Mr. Goldberg has the experience to secure just outcomes in these cases.
Third-Party Negligence Accidents
Beyond negligent drivers, Mr. Goldberg frequently represents clients in cases against vehicle owners, property owners, employers, businesses, government entities, and private contractors whose negligence caused or contributed to an accident.
Recent Car Accident Case Results
$1,500,000 Wrongful Death Recovery: Calabasas, CA
Barry P. Goldberg recovered $1,500,000 in a wrongful death case involving a motorcycle struck by an automobile in Calabasas. The family retained Barry P. Goldberg to pursue the full value of the claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance.
$1,250,000 Head-On Collision Recovery: Calabasas, CA
Barry P. Goldberg recovered $1,250,000 for a client injured in a head-on collision in Calabasas. The at-fault driver crossed into oncoming traffic, causing severe injuries that required extensive medical treatment.
What Happens After I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Understanding the claims process helps set expectations. Here is what typically happens after you retain Goldberg Injury Lawyers:
- Free case evaluation. You meet with a Woodland Hills car accident lawyer to review the details of your accident. This consultation is confidential and carries no obligation.
- Investigation and documentation. Your attorney contacts both your insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurer, gathers police reports, medical records, and evidence from the scene.
- Medical treatment continues. You focus on your recovery while your legal team handles the case. Keep all appointments and follow all doctor instructions.
- Demand and negotiation. Your attorney calculates your total losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress, then negotiates with the insurance company.
- Resolution or litigation. If a fair settlement is reached, your case is resolved. If the insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith, your attorney takes the case to court.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Woodland Hills
How much does it cost to hire a Woodland Hills car accident lawyer?
At Goldberg Injury Lawyers, it costs you nothing out of pocket. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you win compensation. Our fee comes from the settlement amount, so you will not owe attorney fees regardless of the outcome.
What should I do after a car accident in Woodland Hills?
Call the police and make sure a report is filed. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine, as some injuries have delayed symptoms. Document the scene with photos if possible. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Then call (818) 222-6994 for a free consultation.
What compensation can I recover after a car accident in California?
California personal injury law allows you to recover compensation for medical expenses (past and future), lost income and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. The specific amount depends on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of your accident.
What are my options after a hit-and-run accident?
In most cases, you can file a claim against your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy. It may also be possible to identify the hit-and-run driver through eyewitness accounts, traffic cameras, or other evidence. In some situations, a third party such as a government entity responsible for road conditions may also share liability.
Can I pursue a car accident claim without an attorney?
You can, but it is not recommended. Without legal representation, you may not know the full value of your losses, you won’t be able to identify when insurance companies are giving you misleading information, and you won’t be prepared to litigate if a fair settlement isn’t offered. The prospect of litigation is often what pushes insurers to settle fairly.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in California?
California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions that can shorten or extend this deadline. Claims against government entities, for example, must be filed within six months. Consult an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Should I accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company?
You should almost never accept the first offer. Insurance companies make initial offers before you know the full extent of your injuries, which is exactly the point. Many car accident injuries, including soft tissue damage, herniated discs, and concussion symptoms, take weeks or months to fully present. An early settlement locks you out of recovering costs for treatment you don’t even know you need yet. An experienced car accident lawyer can evaluate whether an offer reflects the true value of your claim before you commit to anything.
What if I was partially at fault for the car accident?
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you are found to be 20% at fault, you can still recover $80,000. Insurance companies frequently try to shift blame onto victims to reduce payouts. An attorney can investigate the facts and push back on inflated fault percentages.
How long does a car accident claim take to settle in California?
Most car accident claims in California settle within several months to a year, but timelines vary based on the severity of injuries, the complexity of fault, and whether the insurance company negotiates in good faith. Cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability may take longer, especially if litigation becomes necessary. Your attorney will not push you to settle before your medical treatment is complete, because settling too early is one of the most common ways victims leave money on the table.
Why Choose Goldberg Injury Lawyers for Your Car Accident Case?
- 41+ years of experience representing car accident victims in the San Fernando Valley
- Super Lawyers honoree for 15 consecutive years (2012 to 2026), including Top 100 Southern California in 2021
- Avvo Clients’ Choice Award recipient (2013, 2014, 2015, 2025) with a 10/10 Superb rating
- Recognized by Inc. 5000 and Law Firm 500 (#110 fastest growing)
- Specialized expertise in uninsured and underinsured motorist claims
- Local knowledge of San Fernando Valley roads, intersections, and courthouses
- Contingency fee basis with no upfront costs and free consultations
- Se Habla Español
Schedule Your Free Consultation
To learn more about how a Woodland Hills car accident lawyer can help you pursue maximum compensation, call or click to arrange your free initial consultation. You can reach us 24/7 at (818) 222-6994, or send us a message online to receive a callback as soon as possible.
Goldberg Injury Lawyers serves Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Canoga Park, Northridge, Chatsworth, Granada Hills, Reseda, Simi Valley, El Cajon, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, and communities throughout Southern California.
Client Review
“Mr. Goldberg is a skilled and knowledgeable colleague. Anyone who has suffered a personal injury from an auto accident would be in good hands with him.”
Nareg K.
