Encino Car Accident Lawyer | Fight Insurers & Win Compensation

Most car accident cases in Encino involve driver negligence. A driver may be liable if they were texting, speeding, making unsafe lane changes, running a red light, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or simply following too closely.

Even driving while overly fatigued can be considered negligent if it leads to a crash. These behaviors reflect a failure to use reasonable care, and when they cause an accident, the driver can be held financially accountable for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

California law also allows the owner of a vehicle to be held responsible for harm caused by another person driving their car. This is known as vicarious liability, and it applies if the driver had express or implied permission to use the vehicle.

For example, if a family member, friend, or employee borrows a car and causes a collision, the owner’s insurance may be the first line of coverage.

There are exceptions. If the vehicle was stolen or taken without permission, or if the driver went far beyond the scope of consent (for instance, taking a long trip when only allowed a short errand), the owner may not be liable. Still, these situations can become complex, and insurers often dispute the facts.

Sometimes owners can be held directly liable for the decision to allow someone unsafe to drive their vehicle. This legal concept, called negligent entrustment, applies when the owner knew or reasonably should have known that the driver was unfit.

Examples include giving a car to an unlicensed or underage driver, lending it to someone with a history of reckless driving, or handing the keys to a person who is visibly intoxicated or impaired.
In these cases, the focus is not just on the driver’s actions, but on the owner’s poor judgment in allowing them to use the car in the first place.

Employer Liability for Commercial Drivers

Accidents caused by commercial or work-related vehicles often involve additional parties. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, an employer may be liable if their employee causes an accident while performing job-related duties, such as making deliveries or driving between job sites.

This is true even if the employer did not own the vehicle. Employers may also face claims if they failed to properly train, supervise, or screen their drivers.

Not all accidents are caused by driver behavior. In some cases, a collision is the result of a defective part, such as failing brakes, faulty tires, or malfunctioning airbags.

In these situations, product liability law applies. California’s strict liability rules mean that manufacturers, distributors, or retailers may be held responsible regardless of whether they acted negligently.
Victims in these cases do not have to prove carelessness, only that a defect existed and contributed to the accident.

California follows a fault-based system, meaning that the party or parties who caused the crash are responsible for covering damages.

Because multiple parties may be involved, a negligent driver, a permissive owner, an employer, or a manufacturer, identifying every potential source of liability is key to securing full compensation.

The more complete the investigation, the more opportunities there are to recover for medical treatment, lost wages, vehicle repair, and long-term rehabilitation.

At Prestige Law Firm P.C., our experienced car accident lawyers dig into every detail: who was behind the wheel, who owned the vehicle, whether the driver was working at the time, and whether a defective part contributed. By holding every responsible party accountable, we maximize the resources available for our clients’ recovery.