Van Nuys Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyer Van Nuys, CA

If you’ve been hurt in an accident in Van Nuys, the aftermath can overwhelm everything. Medical appointments replace your normal routine. Bills pile up while you’re unable to work. Insurance adjusters call with questions designed to minimize what they pay. Meanwhile, you’re trying to recover from injuries you didn’t cause.

Cohen Injury Law Group represents accident victims in Van Nuys and throughout the San Fernando Valley. Our Van Nuys, CA personal injury lawyer handles the legal complexities so you can prioritize your recovery. We offer free consultations, require no upfront fees, and collect nothing unless we secure compensation for you.

Why Choose Cohen Injury Law Group for Personal Injury in Van Nuys, CA?

A History of Results

Securing fair compensation demands more than filing paperwork. Insurance companies deploy teams of professionals whose sole job involves paying you as little as possible. They scrutinize claims for weaknesses, delay processing, and make lowball offers hoping financial pressure will force acceptance. Overcoming these tactics requires thorough investigation, strategic negotiation, and demonstrated readiness to litigate. Firms that genuinely prepare for trial receive better settlement offers because insurers recognize which attorneys follow through on courtroom threats.

Our approach involves comprehensive case development from the start. We gather evidence methodically, consult with medical professionals to document injury severity, and work with accident reconstruction specialists when circumstances warrant. This foundation translates into stronger negotiating positions and better client outcomes.

Dedicated Attorneys

Nicholas E. Cohen serves as Managing Partner of Cohen Injury Law Group. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California and earned his law degree from Loyola Law School Los Angeles. His practice focuses on maximizing recovery for accident victims throughout the region, combining legal knowledge with business acumen to build claims that insurance companies take seriously.

Wayne R. Cohen founded the firm and has practiced personal injury law since 1991. He graduated with distinction from the University of Michigan and earned his J.D. cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law. His legal commentary has appeared in Fortune, Newsweek, US News, the Los Angeles Times, CNBC, and the ABA Journal.

Our Fee Structure

We understand that legal costs create concern for accident victims already facing financial strain. Our contingency fee arrangement eliminates that worry entirely. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all case expenses. Our fee comes only from compensation we recover for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I cannot recommend Nick to enough people! Ive been working with him for several months. He always responds quickly to me when I need him and he is very helpful and compassionate! Thanks Nick!” — Sarah Hallajian

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Van Nuys

Van Nuys sits at the heart of the San Fernando Valley, where the 405 and 101 freeways converge and major arterials like Sepulveda Boulevard, Van Nuys Boulevard, and Sherman Way carry heavy traffic daily. With over 130,000 residents, it ranks as the most populated neighborhood in the Valley. That density and traffic volume create conditions where accidents happen regularly. Our attorneys handle claims across multiple case types.

• Car accidents. Collisions on the 405, rear-end crashes on Sherman Way, sideswipe accidents on Sepulveda Boulevard, and intersection crashes throughout Van Nuys. We handle everything from minor fender-benders to catastrophic multi-vehicle pileups.
• Truck accidents. Commercial vehicles traveling through Van Nuys create serious hazards. Delivery trucks, 18-wheelers, and construction vehicles cause crashes that often result in severe injuries requiring extensive medical care and significant damages claims.
• Motorcycle accidents. Riders in Van Nuys face dangers from distracted drivers, vehicles making unsafe lane changes, and poor road conditions. Motorcyclists suffer disproportionately severe injuries when collisions occur, including road rash and head trauma.
• Pedestrian accidents. Van Nuys Boulevard and other commercial corridors see regular pedestrian traffic. Crosswalk collisions and accidents involving people walking along roadways cause devastating harm.
• Bicycle accidents. Cyclists commuting through Van Nuys or riding for recreation face risks from inattentive drivers. E-bikes and e-scooters have added complexity to these cases as more riders use electric vehicles on city streets.
• Rideshare accidents. Uber and Lyft vehicles operate throughout Van Nuys constantly. Accidents involving rideshare drivers create complex insurance situations with multiple potential coverage sources.
• Slip and fall accidents. Hotels, restaurants, shops, and other businesses in Van Nuys must maintain safe premises for visitors. When property conditions cause falls, injured parties may pursue compensation.
• Dog bites. California’s strict liability statute holds dog owners responsible when their animals bite people in public or lawfully on private property.

California Legal Requirements for Personal Injury Claims

Understanding California’s legal framework helps protect your rights and potential recovery.

Filing Deadlines

California law imposes a two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits under Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. Missing this deadline extinguishes your right to seek compensation, regardless of how clearly another party caused your injuries. Acting promptly gives your attorney time to investigate thoroughly and build the strongest possible case.

Claims Against Government Entities

Accidents involving government vehicles, public property, or city employees require special procedures. Under the California Government Claims Act, you must typically file an administrative claim within six months of injury. Many Van Nuys accidents occur on city streets or involve Metro buses, making this shortened deadline relevant.

Comparative Fault

California applies a pure comparative negligence standard. You can recover compensation even if you share some responsibility for the accident. Your recovery reduces proportionally based on your fault percentage. Someone found 25% at fault would receive 75% of their total damages. Insurance adjusters aggressively look for reasons to attribute fault to injured parties.

Insurance Minimums

California increased minimum auto insurance requirements effective January 2025 under Senate Bill 1107. Drivers must now carry at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage, plus $15,000 for property damage. Knowing how these changes affect claims helps accident victims navigate the process more effectively.

What Damages Are Recoverable in Van Nuys Personal Injury Cases?

California law allows injury victims to pursue compensation across multiple damage categories.

Economic Damages

Quantifiable financial losses anchor most personal injury claims. Medical expenses comprise a significant portion: emergency room visits, surgeries, hospitalization, physical therapy, prescription medications, diagnostic imaging, and medical equipment. Future treatment needs matter too, particularly for injuries requiring ongoing care. An injury that requires surgery today may need follow-up procedures years from now.

Someone with spinal injuries may face years of treatment, rehabilitation, and potential additional surgeries. Calculating lifetime medical costs requires careful analysis, sometimes involving medical and economic professionals who can project future needs. Lost wages include income missed during recovery, diminished earning capacity if injuries limit future work, and benefits lost due to employment disruption. Self-employed individuals face additional complications calculating their losses. Property damage and other out-of-pocket expenses round out economic damages.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering addresses the physical discomfort injuries cause. The chronic pain that disrupts sleep. The headaches that persist for months. The limited mobility that affects everything from household tasks to recreational activities.

Emotional distress includes anxiety, depression, fear, PTSD, and other psychological impacts following accidents. Loss of enjoyment of life captures activities injuries prevent you from pursuing. If playing basketball at Van Nuys Recreation Center brought you joy before the accident and your injuries have ended that, compensation should reflect the loss. Harm to relationships with family members and loved ones also falls within non-economic damages.

What Steps Should I Take After an Accident in Van Nuys?

Actions taken immediately after an accident affect both your health and your legal claim.

1. Prioritize safety. Move away from traffic hazards if possible. Activate hazard lights. Check on other people involved.
2. Call 911. Request police and emergency medical services. The LAPD Van Nuys Community Police Station responds to accidents within the area. An official accident report documents circumstances critical to your claim.
3. Seek medical attention. Get evaluated even if injuries seem minor. Adrenaline masks pain, and some conditions don’t show symptoms immediately. Prompt medical evaluation creates documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
4. Document everything. Photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, weather, traffic signals, skid marks, debris, and visible injuries. Capture insurance information and license plates from all involved parties.
5. Gather witness information. Collect names and phone numbers from anyone who observed the accident. Independent witness testimony can prove valuable if fault is disputed.
6. Report to the DMV. California law requires accident reporting within 10 days if anyone was injured or killed, or if property damage exceeded $1,000.
7. Preserve physical evidence. Keep damaged clothing, broken personal items, and anything else connected to the accident. Don’t repair your vehicle until it has been properly documented.
8. Be cautious with statements. Avoid admitting fault. Insurance adjusters record conversations and can use your statements to minimize or deny your claim.
9. Track your recovery. Maintain a journal documenting pain levels, symptoms, medical appointments, limitations on daily activities, and emotional impacts.
10. Contact an attorney promptly. Early legal involvement helps preserve evidence, manage insurance communications appropriately, and avoid common errors that undermine claims. Knowing when to hire an attorney makes a difference in outcomes.

Personal Injury Statistics in Van Nuys

Van Nuys experiences some of the highest accident rates in Los Angeles County. With over 130,000 residents, it ranks as the most populated neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley. That density, combined with major traffic corridors converging in the area, creates dangerous conditions for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

According to data compiled by the California Office of Traffic Safety, Los Angeles County consistently ranks among the worst in California for traffic fatalities and injuries. The Transportation Injury Mapping System maintained by UC Berkeley tracks collision data throughout the state, documenting thousands of injury crashes in the San Fernando Valley annually.

Van Nuys itself recorded 910 traffic incidents in 2022, making it one of the most dangerous areas in Los Angeles for drivers. The neighborhood contains six of the top 20 most dangerous intersections in Los Angeles, with nearly 195 collisions reported in 2023 alone at these locations. LAPD data confirms that two of the most dangerous intersections in all of Los Angeles are in Van Nuys: Sherman Way and Sepulveda Boulevard, and Burbank Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard.

The intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Roscoe Boulevard saw 65 serious crashes between 2021 and 2024. That averages to one serious wreck approximately every three weeks. The intersection of Roscoe Boulevard and Van Nuys Boulevard recorded 59 serious wrecks during the same period, including 14 felony hit-and-runs.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identifies distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving as leading factors in California accidents. These behaviors contribute heavily to Van Nuys collision statistics. The city’s Vision Zero initiative aimed to eliminate traffic deaths by 2025 but fell short. An audit found only half of planned safety improvements were ever completed, and road safety actually worsened during the initiative’s timeframe.

Van Nuys Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs

What does hiring a Van Nuys personal injury lawyer cost?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, meaning our fee comes from compensation we recover for you. If we don’t secure recovery, you owe us nothing.

How long do personal injury cases typically take?

Case timelines vary considerably based on injury severity, liability disputes, and whether litigation becomes necessary. Straightforward claims may resolve within several months. Complex cases can extend beyond a year.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?

Yes. California’s pure comparative fault system allows recovery even when you bear partial responsibility. Your compensation reduces by your fault percentage, making accurate fault determination important.

Should I accept the first settlement offer?

Exercise caution. Initial offers typically undervalue claims significantly. Insurance companies know injured people face financial pressure and may accept inadequate amounts. Having an attorney evaluate offers protects your interests.

What if the at-fault driver was uninsured?

Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may provide compensation. We examine all available coverage sources to maximize recovery.

How is fault determined in car accidents?

Multiple evidence types establish fault. Police reports, witness statements, photographs, video footage, accident reconstruction analysis, and professional opinions all contribute to proving negligence.

What types of injuries support personal injury claims?

Any injury caused by another’s negligence potentially supports a claim. This includes brain injuries, neck injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, and soft tissue damage.

Do most cases go to trial?

Most personal injury cases settle before trial. However, willingness to litigate produces better settlement outcomes. Insurance companies evaluate whether claimants and their attorneys will actually pursue cases through court.

What if symptoms appeared days after my accident?

Delayed symptom onset is common, particularly with soft tissue injuries, whiplash, and concussions. Seek medical attention when symptoms appear and inform your doctor about the accident. Medical documentation will help establish the connection to your accident.

How do Van Nuys accidents differ from other areas?

Van Nuys has unique traffic patterns due to freeway convergence, commercial density, and high population. The neighborhood contains multiple dangerous intersections requiring particular attention from investigators.

Can family members pursue claims if someone died in an accident?

Yes. Wrongful death claims allow eligible survivors to seek compensation for financial losses, loss of companionship, funeral and burial expenses, and the value of household services the deceased would have provided.

When should I hire a lawyer after a Van Nuys accident?

As soon as practical after the accident. Early involvement allows proper evidence preservation, prevents insurance company manipulation, and protects your claim from mistakes.

What evidence strengthens personal injury claims?

Strong evidence includes police reports, medical records, photographs, witness statements, employment documentation, and anything demonstrating how injuries affect your life.

How do rideshare accidents work?

Uber and Lyft accidents create complex insurance situations. Coverage depends on whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger. Multiple insurance policies may apply.

What happens during a free consultation?

We review your accident circumstances, discuss your injuries and treatment, explain your legal options, and answer your questions. There’s no obligation, and you pay nothing for this initial meeting.

Most Dangerous Locations for Personal Injury in Van Nuys

Certain areas present elevated accident risks in and around the Van Nuys neighborhood. Understanding where collisions occur most frequently can help residents and commuters exercise additional caution.

Sepulveda Boulevard and Sherman Way. This intersection consistently ranks among the most dangerous in all of Los Angeles. The combination of high traffic volume, proximity to freeway ramps, and complex signal timing creates regular collision opportunities. Vehicles entering and exiting the 405 encounter surface street traffic at different speeds.

Sepulveda Boulevard and Roscoe Boulevard. Data shows 65 serious crashes between 2021 and 2024. A gas station manager on the corner reports multiple people weekly requesting security footage of crashes. Drivers making right turns from incorrect lanes contribute to many collisions.

Van Nuys Boulevard and Roscoe Boulevard. This intersection recorded 59 serious wrecks including 14 felony hit-and-runs. The high volume of hit-and-runs suggests drivers flee after causing accidents, leaving victims without immediate recourse.

Burbank Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard. Another high-crash intersection where freeway traffic merges with surface street patterns. Speed differentials between vehicles create dangerous conditions.

Sherman Way corridor. The entire stretch of Sherman Way through Van Nuys recorded 178 traffic collisions in 2022. The street runs east to west across the Valley, carrying commuter traffic alongside commercial vehicle activity.

Oxnard Street and Van Nuys Boulevard. High pedestrian traffic from nearby businesses creates conflict points between vehicles and people on foot.

405 and 101 Freeway interchange. The freeway convergence and associated on-ramps and off-ramps see regular collisions during rush hours and throughout the day.

What Are Important Local Resources for Van Nuys Personal Injury?

Accident victims should know about available services in the Van Nuys area, including regional trauma centers and courts handling personal injury cases. Cohen Injury Law Group does not endorse these organizations, and listing them implies no business relationship.

Law Enforcement

LAPD Van Nuys Community Police Station – 6240 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91401 – (818) 374-9500

Medical Facilities

Valley Presbyterian Hospital – 15107 Vanowen Street, Van Nuys, CA 91405 – (818) 782-6600 – Certified Primary Stroke Center, STEMI Receiving Center, Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics

Providence Holy Cross Medical Center – Level II Trauma Center – 15031 Rinaldi Street, Mission Hills, CA 91345 – (818) 365-8051

Court Resources

Los Angeles County Superior Court – Van Nuys Courthouse East – 6230 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91401 – Civil cases including personal injury

Van Nuys Courthouse West – 14400 Erwin Street Mall, Van Nuys, CA 91401 – Traffic matters

California DMV

Van Nuys DMV – 14920 Vanowen Street, Van Nuys, CA 91405

Contact Cohen Injury Law Group

If you’ve been injured in a Van Nuys accident, Cohen Injury Law Group can help. Our personal injury attorneys understand the unique challenges facing accident victims in the San Fernando Valley and have the experience needed to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Free consultations are available with no obligation. We’ll discuss your situation, answer your questions, and explain your legal options at no cost. If we take your case, you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact us today. A Van Nuys personal injury attorney at our firm will evaluate your case and guide you through the process.