North Hollywood Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyer North Hollywood, CA

If you’ve been injured in an accident in North Hollywood, CA, you’re likely facing medical bills, missed work, and an insurance company that seems more focused on protecting its bottom line than helping you recover. The physical pain is difficult enough without the added stress of financial uncertainty.

Cohen Injury Law Group represents accident victims throughout the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles County. Our North Hollywood, CA personal injury lawyer has been standing up for injured clients since 1991, handling everything from freeway collisions near the Hollywood Split to pedestrian accidents along Lankershim Boulevard. We offer free case evaluations and work on contingency, meaning you pay us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Why Choose Cohen Injury Law Group for Personal Injury in North Hollywood, CA?

Local Legal Knowledge and California Personal Injury Law

North Hollywood sits at the heart of the eastern San Fernando Valley, where some of the region’s busiest corridors converge. The Hollywood Split, officially the Bruce T. Hinman Memorial Interchange, marks where US 101, SR 134, and SR 170 intersect in a configuration that confuses even longtime LA drivers. Add major surface streets like Victory Boulevard, Lankershim Boulevard, and Vineland Avenue, all carrying heavy traffic through commercial and residential zones, and you have an area where accidents happen daily.

Managing partner Nicholas E. Cohen earned his undergraduate degree from USC and his law degree from Loyola Law School Los Angeles. He combines sharp legal instincts with practical business sense that benefits clients throughout the claims process. Founding partner Wayne R. Cohen has practiced personal injury law since 1991. He graduated with distinction from the University of Michigan, then earned his law degree cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law. His analysis has appeared in Fortune, the Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, US News, CNBC, and the ABA Journal.

Together, they lead a firm built on results rather than volume. If you need a personal injury attorney in North Hollywood, CA, our team brings both local knowledge and proven courtroom ability to your case.

No Fees Unless We Win

We handle North Hollywood personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing to get started. We advance all costs and expenses. Our fee comes from your recovery, and only if we win. This arrangement puts quality legal representation within reach of everyone, regardless of financial circumstances.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Nick is an excellent attorney that will go above and beyond for his clients. He helped me win a life changing amount of money when no one else thought I had a case.” — Andrew Romanoff

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in North Hollywood

Our North Hollywood, CA personal injury attorneys represent clients across a wide spectrum of accident types. The specific facts of each case shape our legal strategy.

• Car accidents. From rear-end collisions on the 170 Freeway to intersection crashes at Victory and Vineland, motor vehicle accidents remain the most common source of serious injuries in North Hollywood. We handle claims involving negligent driving, speeding, drunk driving, and distracted motorists.
• Truck accidents. Commercial vehicles traveling between Valley distribution centers and passing through on the 170 and 101 freeways cause catastrophic injuries when collisions occur. These cases often involve multiple liable parties including drivers, trucking companies, and cargo loaders.
• Motorcycle accidents. California permits lane splitting, but other drivers often don’t respect motorcyclists’ space. Left-turn accidents and rear-end collisions leave riders with spinal injuries, road rash, and fractures.
• Pedestrian accidents. The NoHo Arts District, Metro stations, and busy commercial corridors along Lankershim and Magnolia draw significant foot traffic. When drivers fail to yield or speed through crosswalks, pedestrians suffer devastating injuries.
• Bicycle accidents. Cyclists face dangers from dooring incidents near parked cars, right-hook collisions at intersections, and drivers drifting into bike lanes. Head injuries and broken bones are common even with helmet use.
• Slip and fall accidents. Property owners must maintain reasonably safe conditions. Wet floors in Valley Plaza stores, broken sidewalks along Burbank Boulevard, or poorly lit parking structures can all lead to serious fall injuries.
• Dog bites. California Civil Code Section 3342 imposes strict liability on dog owners when their animals bite someone lawfully present in a public place or on private property. Prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous tendencies isn’t required.
• Rideshare accidents. Uber and Lyft accidents create complicated insurance coverage questions. We determine which policies apply and pursue claims against all available sources of recovery.

California Legal Requirements for Personal Injury Claims

Several California laws directly impact personal injury cases filed by North Hollywood residents.

Statute of Limitations

California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1 gives injury victims two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Courts enforce this deadline strictly. Miss it by even a day and your case will likely be dismissed regardless of how clearly the other party was at fault.

Certain circumstances can affect this deadline. Injuries that weren’t immediately discoverable may have a later start date. The California courts explain these exceptions in greater detail. Consulting an injury lawyer early protects your rights.

Claims Against Government Entities

Accidents involving Metro buses, city vehicles, or hazardous conditions on public streets require special procedures. Before suing a government entity, you must file an administrative claim, typically within six months of the accident. Strict rules govern these claims, and missing deadlines usually bars recovery completely.

Comparative Fault

California applies pure comparative fault rules to personal injury cases. If you share some responsibility for your accident, you can still recover damages. A jury assesses each party’s percentage of fault and reduces your award accordingly. Even if you were 60% at fault, you could still recover 40% of your damages.

Insurance adjusters exploit this rule by exaggerating your share of blame. Preserving evidence and building a strong case helps counter these tactics.

Updated Insurance Minimums

California recently increased minimum auto insurance requirements for the first time in nearly 60 years. Senate Bill 1107, effective January 1, 2025, raised minimums to $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, plus $15,000 for property damage. This insurance update provides better protection than the old 15/30/5 minimums, but serious accidents often produce damages exceeding even these higher limits.

What Damages Are Recoverable in North Hollywood Personal Injury Cases?

California law permits injury victims to recover compensation across several categories of damages.

Economic Damages

These represent your quantifiable financial losses. Medical expenses, including emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment. Lost wages from missed work during recovery. Diminished future earning capacity if injuries limit your ability to work long-term. Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings. Future medical care costs for injuries requiring ongoing treatment.

Calculating economic damages requires thorough documentation: medical records and bills, employment records, tax returns, and sometimes testimony from vocational specialists and life care planners.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering damages address the physical discomfort of your injuries and the ordeal of treatment and recovery. Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Loss of enjoyment, when injuries prevent activities that previously brought you pleasure. Damage to relationships with spouses, children, and others.

Insurance companies apply formulas designed to minimize these damages. Our attorneys know how to present non-economic losses persuasively through medical records, testimony, and documentation of how your life has changed.

Punitive Damages

When a defendant’s conduct rises to the level of malice or conscious disregard for others’ safety, such as drunk driving, California permits punitive damages intended to punish wrongdoing and deter similar behavior. These awards are relatively rare but can substantially increase total recovery.

What Steps Should I Take After an Accident in North Hollywood?

What you do in the hours and days following an accident affects both your health and your legal options.

1. Move to safety. If you can move without aggravating injuries, get to a safe location away from traffic. Activate hazard lights.
2. Call 911. Report the accident and request medical assistance. A police report creates official documentation of the scene and initial findings.
3. Get medical attention. Some injuries, particularly soft tissue damage and internal bleeding, don’t produce immediate symptoms. Get examined even if you feel okay.
4. Document everything. Photograph vehicle damage, the accident scene, traffic signals, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Record the time, weather, and lighting conditions.
5. Exchange information. Get names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details from all drivers involved. Don’t discuss fault.
6. Find witnesses. Collect contact information from anyone who saw what happened. Independent witness testimony can prove crucial when stories conflict.
7. Report to the DMV. California requires reporting accidents involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the DMV within 10 days.
8. Preserve physical evidence. Don’t repair your vehicle until it’s been thoroughly photographed. Keep damaged clothing and personal items.
9. Be careful with statements. Avoid admitting fault at the scene. Don’t provide recorded statements to insurance companies without legal guidance. Adjusters are trained to minimize claims.
10. Consult an attorney promptly. Early legal involvement preserves evidence, protects against common mistakes, and establishes the strongest possible claim.

Personal Injury Statistics in North Hollywood

The roads in and around North Hollywood reflect a broader regional pattern of dangerous driving conditions.

Los Angeles County recorded over 58,000 crashes involving death or injury in 2024, according to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety and the Transportation Injury Mapping System. The county has averaged nearly 788 traffic-related deaths annually over the past five years.

Within the city of Los Angeles, 2024 saw approximately 302 traffic fatalities. That figure decreased slightly from 345 deaths in 2023, but traffic deaths still exceeded homicides in Los Angeles for the third consecutive year. Pedestrians accounted for more than half of all traffic deaths in the city, with roughly 170 killed in 2024.

Statewide, California recorded 4,061 traffic fatalities in 2023, down nearly 11% from 4,539 in 2022, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 40,901 national traffic deaths in 2023, a 4.3% decline from the previous year.

Distracted driving remains a persistent threat. NHTSA data indicates that distracted driving killed 3,308 people nationwide in 2022 and injured approximately 289,310 others.

Sun Valley, adjacent to North Hollywood, ranked among the communities with the highest traffic fatality counts in Los Angeles since 2023. The eastern Valley’s combination of high traffic volume, complex interchanges, and busy commercial corridors creates persistent danger for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

North Hollywood Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?

Nothing upfront. Our contingency fee structure means we get paid only when you do. Our fee comes as a percentage of your recovery.

How long will my personal injury case take?

It varies widely. Straightforward cases with clear fault and well-documented injuries may settle within several months. Cases involving disputed fault, serious injuries, or large damages often take a year or longer. Adding trial extends the timeline further. We can estimate your specific case timeline after reviewing the facts.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

You may have uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy that applies. We also investigate whether other parties share responsibility, such as vehicle owners, employers, or government entities responsible for road conditions.

Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?

Not without legal advice first. Insurance adjusters ask questions strategically designed to minimize your claim or establish partial fault. What seems like a routine conversation can damage your case.

What if I was partially at fault for my accident?

California’s comparative fault system allows recovery even when you share blame. Your damages are reduced by your fault percentage, but you don’t forfeit your entire claim.

How much is my case worth?

Case value depends on many factors: injury severity, medical costs, lost income, long-term effects, pain and suffering, strength of the evidence, and available insurance coverage. We assess all these elements after investigating your claim.

When should I hire an attorney?

As soon as possible. Knowing when to hire a lawyer protects you early. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and the insurance company begins building its case immediately. Early involvement lets us preserve what matters.

What if my accident happened at work?

Workplace injuries typically involve workers’ compensation, but third-party claims may also exist if someone other than your employer or coworker caused your injury. Both avenues may be worth pursuing.

Do I have to go to court?

Most personal injury cases settle before trial. But our willingness to try cases strengthens settlement negotiations. Insurers offer more when they know you have attorneys who won’t back down.

What medical treatment should I get?

Follow your doctor’s recommendations. Gaps in treatment give insurers ammunition to argue your injuries aren’t serious. We can still pursue your claim, but prompt medical attention strengthens your case significantly.

Can I handle my claim without a lawyer?

You can try. But studies consistently show that represented claimants recover more, even after attorney fees, than those who negotiate alone. Insurance companies know which claims have legal backing.

What happens during a free consultation?

We review your accident, discuss your injuries, explain your options, and answer questions. There’s no charge and no obligation. It’s simply an opportunity to understand where you stand.

How do I prove the other driver was at fault?

Through evidence: police reports, witness statements, photographs, video footage, phone records, professional reconstruction. We handle this investigation on your behalf.

What if my injuries get worse after I settle?

Generally, you cannot pursue additional compensation once you sign a release. That’s why understanding the full extent of your injuries before settling is critical.

Will my case go to trial?

A small percentage of cases go to trial. Most resolve through settlement. But thorough trial preparation produces better settlements, so we approach every case as if it’s headed to court.

Most Dangerous Locations for Personal Injury in North Hollywood

Certain locations in North Hollywood see higher accident rates due to traffic patterns, road design, and driver behavior.

The Hollywood Split, where US 101, SR 134, and SR 170 converge, creates confusion for drivers unfamiliar with the area. The interchange’s layout forces abrupt directional changes, and missing ramps require last-second lane changes. Collisions here range from minor fender-benders to serious multi-vehicle crashes.

Lankershim Boulevard runs through the heart of North Hollywood, connecting the NoHo Arts District to Studio City and Universal City. High traffic volumes, frequent pedestrian crossings, transit stops, and businesses generating turning movements all contribute to accident frequency.

Victory Boulevard carries heavy east-west traffic through residential and commercial zones. Intersections at Vineland Avenue, Laurel Canyon Boulevard, and Lankershim Boulevard regularly appear in accident reports.

Vineland Avenue serves as another major north-south corridor. The three-way intersection where Vineland, Lankershim, and Camarillo converge creates particular hazards due to unusual traffic patterns.

The 170 Freeway (Hollywood Freeway) carries substantial traffic between the Hollywood Split and Interstate 5. Speeding, aggressive driving, and sudden slowdowns produce frequent rear-end and sideswipe collisions.

Burbank Boulevard, where it passes through North Hollywood, mixes commercial traffic with residential neighborhood access. Limited visibility at certain intersections increases collision risk.

What Are Important Local Resources for North Hollywood Personal Injury?

North Hollywood residents have access to numerous emergency, medical, and legal resources. Nearby trauma centers and courts serve the San Fernando Valley. The following information is provided for reference only. Cohen Injury Law Group does not endorse these organizations, and listing them implies no business relationship.

Law Enforcement

• LAPD North Hollywood Community Police Station – 11640 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
• California Highway Patrol – For freeway accidents – 911 or local CHP office

Medical Facilities

• Providence Holy Cross Medical Center – Level II Trauma Center – 15031 Rinaldi Street, Mission Hills, CA 91345 – (818) 365-8051
• Northridge Hospital Medical Center – Level II Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center – 18300 Roscoe Blvd, Northridge, CA 91325 – (818) 885-8500

Court Resources

• Los Angeles County Superior Court – Van Nuys Courthouse East – 6230 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91401 – (818) 901-4799
• Van Nuys Courthouse West – 14400 Erwin Street Mall, Van Nuys, CA 91401 – (818) 989-6900

California DMV

• DMV – Multiple locations serve the area – (800) 777-0133

Contact Cohen Injury Law Group

Accidents inflict more than physical injuries. They disrupt your income, strain your relationships, and fill your days with appointments, paperwork, and worry. You shouldn’t have to fight the insurance company alone while trying to heal.

Cohen Injury Law Group offers free consultations to accident victims in North Hollywood and throughout the San Fernando Valley. Our injury attorneys serving North Hollywood, CA will review your case, explain your options, and answer your questions honestly. If we take your case, you pay nothing unless we win.

Don’t wait while evidence disappears and deadlines approach. Contact our firm today and let an experienced North Hollywood personal injury attorney help you understand what comes next.