Being injured in a crash can leave you with questions about what to do next. At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, Accident & Injury Lawyers, our Glendale car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and what steps make sense. We serve clients throughout Glendale, California, from our Burbank office, just minutes away on the 134. Learn more about our Glendale personal injury lawyers.
We offer a free consultation and handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so there’s no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. Online appointments are available if it’s easier to talk from home.
Injured in a car accident in Glendale? Request a free consultation.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Glendale
A car collision may cause emotional distress that makes it hard to figure out what should be done next. Doing certain things will benefit you and your rights in the long run. They are not required to be executed in a certain way but still can affect your situation for the better.
These steps should be taken after a car accident in Glendale:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Dial 911 and allow paramedics to examine you. There may be some delayed injuries that are not present immediately.
- Report the Accident: Call the police (or CHP if you are on the freeway) to have it reported. Find out the procedure to obtain a copy of the accident report.
- Collect Evidence: Use your cell phone to document the scene of the accident, damages and anything else that is needed to provide explanation of events.
- Exchange Contact Information: Give your driver’s license, insurance card and other information to the other driver.
- Inform Your Insurance Company: Make sure you notify your insurance company about the accident, but do not admit liability.
- Contact a Glendale Car Accident Attorney: A lawyer will be able to inform you about your options and secure your interests.
After an accident happens, you may want to ask questions. A Glendale car accident lawyer will be able to answer all of them, tell you whether you have a case, and estimate its value. You do not need to worry about everything by yourself.
Many victims of car accidents delay seeking professional help. Seeking early assistance from a car accident attorney in Glendale can increase your chances of getting proper compensation.
Where Do Most Car Accidents Happen in Glendale?
Car accidents in Glendale usually occur where there is a combination of high traffic volume, freeways, and shopping centers:
- Ventura Freeway (SR-134): Freeway on-ramps and off-ramps at Brand Blvd., Central Ave., and Glendale Ave., causing frequent rear-end and lane-changing accidents.
- Glendale Freeway (SR-2) and I-5: Freeways with high-speed traffic and quick merging, resulting in multi-car accidents.
- Brand Blvd. and Colorado St.: Busy city center intersection with frequent red light and left turn accidents.
- Surrounding Glendale Galleria and The Americana at Brand: Freeway exits from parking structures with heavy pedestrian traffic and motorists searching for parking.
- Glendale Ave., Glenoaks Blvd., and Verdugo Rd.: Major commuting roadways with turning traffic.
Glendale Car Accident Statistics (OTS 2023)
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s 2023 crash rankings for Glendale (OTS):
| Category | Glendale, 2023 | Rank among 62 similar California cities* |
|---|---|---|
| People killed or injured in crashes | 593 | 53rd |
| Speed-related injury collisions | 74 | 55th |
| Hit-and-run injury collisions | 47 | 47th |
| Nighttime injury collisions (9 pm–3 am) | 51 | 52nd |
| Pedestrians killed or injured | 72 | 14th |
| Pedestrians age 65+ killed or injured | 22 | 2nd |
| Bicyclists killed or injured | 23 | 51st |
*In OTS rankings, 1st means the highest number among similar-size cities.
The numbers show that pedestrian crashes, especially those involving older adults, are a bigger problem in Glendale than in most similar cities. Many crashes also involve speed and drivers who leave the scene.
Looking for a Glendale car accident lawyer near me? Call (626) 793-8607.
Who Can Be Liable in a Glendale Car Accident – Car Owner or Driver?
In the event of a collision, the question of liability arises, meaning who is responsible for the accident and its consequences. Most often, this is the driver, but there are cases when the owner of the car is responsible for the accident.
A driver who acted carelessly may be found negligent. But if the car’s owner let someone unfit drive their vehicle, they could also be at fault. This is especially true in cases involving teen drivers, company vehicles, or borrowed cars.
Under California Civil Code §1714, everyone has a duty to act with reasonable care. That includes both drivers and vehicle owners. If they ignore that duty, they may be legally responsible for what happens.
In some situations, others might also share blame. That can include rideshare companies, delivery services, or even manufacturers if a car part fails. An experienced accident lawyer can help sort out who may be liable in your specific case.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in California?
If you’ve been injured in a crash, you have a limited time to take legal action. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California.
- Injury claims: generally two years from the crash.
- Vehicle and property damage: generally three years.
- Government vehicle or dangerous public road: a claim generally must be filed within six months.
- Wrongful death: generally two years from the date of death.
- Injured minors: the deadline is often paused until the child turns 18, but ask a lawyer early.
Waiting too long could mean losing your chance to recover anything. It’s smart to speak with a Glendale car accident attorney as soon as you can, even if you’re still getting care or deciding what to do.
Lawsuits from Glendale crashes are typically filed with the Los Angeles County Superior Court, which has a courthouse at 600 E. Broadway in Glendale.
How a Glendale Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Getting legal help after a crash can make the process feel less confusing. A Glendale car accident lawyer can explain what matters most in your case and help you take the next step.
Your attorney will look into how the crash happened. This includes gathering evidence, reviewing reports, and finding out who is at fault. If someone else’s carelessness caused the crash, they should be held responsible.
A car accident lawyer in Glendale also works directly with insurance companies. Many times, they try to pay as little as possible. Your lawyer will push for a fair offer and take the case to court if needed.
Most of all, your attorney will look for all the ways the accident has affected your life. This means making sure you’re asking for the full amount you may be owed, not just what the insurance company wants to pay.
What Happens After You Call Us
- Free consultation. We listen to what happened, answer your questions, and tell you whether we think you have a claim.
- Sign a representation agreement. If you decide to work with us, the agreement explains our contingency fee and how case costs are handled.
- Investigation. We collect the police report, photos, witness information, and medical records.
- Treatment and documentation. You focus on getting better while we track your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
- Negotiation, or trial if needed. We present your claim to the insurance company and push for a fair settlement, and we are prepared to go to court if they refuse.
How Much Does a Glendale Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
You don’t pay anything upfront. We handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means our fee is a percentage of the money we recover for you. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fee.
Case costs, such as filing fees, medical records, or expert fees, are separate from the attorney fee. Your agreement explains how these costs are handled, and we’ll walk you through it during your free consultation.
How Lawyers Calculate Damages in a Car Accident Case
The amount you may recover in a personal injury claim depends on how the crash changed your life. Some costs are easy to count, and others are harder to measure.
Economic damages are the things you’ve already lost, like pay from missed work or car repairs. They also include any medical care related to your injury.
Non-economic damages focus on what you’ve been through, like physical pain, stress, or the impact on your daily life. These vary from person to person.
In more serious crashes, your lawyer may also look at future losses. This includes long-term care, help at home, or changes in how much you can earn over time. In rare cases, punitive damages may apply if the driver acted with extreme recklessness, such as some DUI crashes.
What Are the Chances of Winning a Car Accident Lawsuit?
[Read more: What are the Chances of Winning a Car Accident Lawsuit?]
Every case is different, and the outcome depends on a few key things. A Glendale car accident lawyer can help you understand where your case stands and what to expect.
Stronger evidence makes a case more likely to succeed. That includes photos, police reports, medical records, and witness statements. These help show what really happened and who was responsible.
Your chances can also depend on how fault is shared. Under California law, even if you’re partly at fault, you may still recover money, just a smaller amount.
Preparation matters too. A car accident attorney who builds the case carefully, deals with insurance companies, and is ready to present your side in court puts you in a stronger position.
Should You Accept the Insurance Company’s First Offer?
Usually not without a review. First offers often come before you know the full cost of your injuries, including future treatment and time off work. Once you accept, you generally can’t ask for more later. Have a lawyer review any offer before you sign.
Do You Need a Lawyer if the Crash Wasn’t Your Fault?
Often, yes. Even when fault seems clear, the other driver may change their story, and the insurance company may still argue that your injuries are minor or unrelated to the crash. A lawyer can protect your claim from the start.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Glendale
Different types of accidents can cause different kinds of harm. Some crashes happen because of how someone drives. Others happen because of where or when the crash takes place.
Below are the most common accident types in the Glendale area, based on local crash data and what we’ve seen in cases across the city.
A. Driver Behavior-Related Accidents
- Distracted Driving – Looking at a phone, GPS, or anything else while driving causes many crashes in Glendale.
- Aggressive Driving – Tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and ignoring red lights are common behaviors behind serious accidents.
- Drunk Driving – Driving under the influence continues to be a risk, especially on weekends and at night.
- Speeding Accidents – Glendale recorded 74 speed-related injury collisions in 2023.
B. Road Type or Conditions
- Freeway Accidents (I-5, 134, 2) – High-speed crashes happen often near on-ramps and during lane merges on these freeways.
- Side-Impact Collisions at Intersections – Areas like Brand Blvd & Colorado St see frequent T-bone crashes from red light or stop sign violations.
- Nighttime Driving Accidents – Glendale had 51 nighttime injury collisions in 2023. Lower visibility and fatigue make night driving more dangerous.
C. Vehicle or Victim Type
- Uber/Lyft & Food Delivery Accidents – Rideshare and delivery drivers often rush between stops, increasing the chance of collisions.
- Teen Driver Crashes – Less experience behind the wheel can lead to mistakes, especially around local high schools.
- Fatal Accidents – Some crashes result in loss of life, which may lead to wrongful death claims for surviving family.
- Hit-And-Run Crashes – Glendale recorded 47 hit-and-run injury collisions in 2023, leaving victims to sort through recovery on their own.
- Pedestrians Hit by Cars – 72 pedestrians were killed or injured in Glendale in 2023. See our Glendale pedestrian accident lawyer page.
Common Injuries From Car Accidents
Some injuries heal quickly. Others stay with you. After a crash, it’s important to know what symptoms to look for and when to ask for help.
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Lacerations and contusions
- Internal organ injuries and bleeding
- Chronic pain and disability
Each injury can impact your work, your daily routine, and your ability to live comfortably. Many injured Glendale residents are treated at Adventist Health Glendale, Glendale Memorial Hospital or USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. Getting care early protects your health and creates the medical records your claim depends on.
California’s Pure Comparative Fault Rule Explained
In California, more than one person can be responsible for a crash. Even if you were partly at fault, you may still be able to recover compensation.
California follows a pure comparative fault rule. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. You still recover the rest, and unlike some states, California doesn’t bar recovery even if you were mostly at fault.
The law looks at how much each person’s actions contributed to the accident. Evidence, witness statements, and traffic laws all come into play.
Factors to Consider When Hiring a Glendale Car Accident Attorney
Not all lawyers handle car accident cases the same way. If you’ve been injured, the attorney you choose can affect how your case turns out. It helps to know what to look for before making a decision.
Look for someone with experience in Glendale-area cases who knows how the local court system works.
Ask about past results. A lawyer who has handled cases like yours should be able to share examples of verdicts and settlements, especially for car, truck, or motorcycle accidents.
You also want a legal team that communicates clearly and often. This includes support staff who return calls, send updates, and make sure you’re never left wondering what’s happening.
Many clients also check reviews on Google or Avvo before calling. Awards or listings on sites like Super Lawyers can help show how others view an attorney’s work.
Need a car accident lawyer Glendale residents can contact for help? Discuss your claim today.
Why Choose Our Glendale Car Accident Lawyers
We focus on helping people in Glendale who’ve been hurt in car accidents and need a legal team they can trust. From serious injury cases to wrongful death claims, we know what it takes to build a strong case.
Our team has handled cases across Los Angeles County, including truck and motorcycle accidents. We know how local adjusters and defense lawyers approach these cases and how to respond to their tactics.
You don’t pay anything up front. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. Free consultations are available by phone, in person, or online, whatever’s easiest for you.
We serve clients in English, Spanish and Portuguese and work closely with clients so nothing gets missed.
Let our team handle the stress while you focus on healing.
FAQs About Glendale Car Accident Cases
These are some of the most common questions people ask after a crash. Every case is different, but this can help you understand what to expect.
Do I need a lawyer if my injuries are minor?
Even with small injuries, a lawyer can help make sure you’re treated fairly by insurance companies and not pressured to settle too early.
How long will my case take to resolve?
Some cases settle in a few months, while others take longer if they go to court. It depends on your injuries, treatment, and how the other side responds.
What if the other driver is uninsured or flees the scene?
You may still have coverage through your own uninsured motorist policy. After a hit-and-run, report it to police within 24 hours and notify your insurer promptly. A Glendale car accident attorney can review your policy and explain your options.
What’s the average Glendale car accident settlement?
There’s no reliable average. Settlements depend on the injuries, medical costs, lost income, insurance limits and how the crash happened. A serious injury usually results in a higher claim than a minor one.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. California uses pure comparative fault. You can still recover money, but the amount is reduced by your share of the blame.
What if I was in an Uber or Lyft during the crash?
These companies have insurance that may cover your injuries, depending on what the driver was doing at the time. These cases can be more complex.
Do I need to come to your Burbank office if I live in Glendale?
No. Our Burbank office is a short drive via the 134, and we also offer phone and online appointments.
Do you also handle slip and fall accidents or other injuries?
Yes. We help with many types of personal injury claims, including truck crashes, motorcycle collisions, and unsafe property injuries.
Talk to a Glendale, California Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a crash, you don’t have to deal with the next steps on your own. The Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, Accident & Injury Lawyers helps people just like you every day.
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. You can call, message, or set up an online appointment any time.
Our office helps clients throughout Glendale and nearby areas. Whether you were hit by another driver, injured in a rideshare, or lost a loved one in a crash, we’re ready to help.
Call (626) 793-8607 to speak with a Glendale car accident lawyer or schedule your free case review now.
Questions after a Glendale car crash? Call (626) 793-8607 for a free consultation.
