Burbank Personal Injury Lawyer

How much does a Burbank personal injury lawyer cost? A Burbank personal injury attorney typically works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you generally pay no upfront attorney fees. Instead, the attorney receives a percentage of your settlement or court award if your case is successful.

A serious injury changes your life fast. One day you’re commuting down Interstate 5 or picking up lunch near Burbank Town Center, and the next you’re facing medical bills, missed paychecks, and a long recovery you didn’t ask for. If someone else’s carelessness hurt you, a trusted Burbank personal injury lawyer can help. They will guide you on how to get the compensation California law allows.

At Jacoby & Meyers, our personal injury lawyers have helped injured Californians since 1972, and our personal injury lawyers bring that same experience to local clients. Jacoby & Meyers has recovered more than $2 billion in settlements and verdicts, and our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees at all unless we win your case. We handle everything from the first phone call to the final settlement or verdict, so you can focus on getting better.

We know Burbank isn’t generic Los Angeles sprawl. It’s a specific place with its own traffic patterns, its own courthouse, and its own emergency rooms, and that local knowledge shapes how we build your case. Real client testimonials and industry awards reflect the kind of representation you can expect. If you’re ready to talk to someone, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why Choose Us for Your Burbank Injury Case

Jacoby & Meyers has practiced California personal injury law since 1972, and that half-century of experience means our Burbank personal injury lawyers have handled nearly every type of accident claim the state’s courts see. Our attorneys, including partner Laura Frank Sedrish (California State Bar #181226, admitted to practice in 1995), focus exclusively on catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation.

In 2025, Sedrish and Jacoby & Meyers attorney Maria Gomez earned recognition from TopVerdict.com. They ranked in TopVerdict’s Top 10 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements in California and Top 50 Wrongful Death Settlements. This honor reflects real case outcomes, not just advertising. Firmwide, 4 Jacoby & Meyers attorneys are recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, a peer-reviewed honor. That track record matters because insurance companies know which firms are prepared to take serious injury cases to trial when a fair settlement isn’t offered.

We built our firm on a simple idea: legal representation should be accessible, not just available to people who can afford a retainer. That’s why every consultation is free, and every case is on a contingency basis. You don’t pay us unless we recover money for you.

What Our Clients Have To Say

How We Help Burbank Accident Victims

As Burbank personal injury lawyers, we handle many types of personal injury claims, not just car accidents. Our attorneys regularly represent clients injured in:

• Car, motorcycle, and rideshare accidents along corridors like the I-5, State Route 134, Magnolia Boulevard, and San Fernando Boulevard
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents, including along the Chandler Bikeway and near Burbank Town Center
• Slip and fall and premises liability claims at local businesses, apartment complexes, and public spaces
• Wrongful death claims on behalf of surviving family members
• Dog bites, nursing home abuse, and workplace injury claims

When you’re recovering from an accident involving Hollywood Burbank Airport traffic, a Metrolink crossing, or a fender-bender outside Warner Bros. Studios, you need an attorney who understands how those local systems actually work, not a generic script. We investigate the scene, gather evidence before it disappears, and deal directly with insurance adjusters so you don’t have to negotiate against a trained professional on your own.

What to Do When Involved in a Car Crash

After a car accident in Burbank, move to safety, call 911, and seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask injuries like whiplash or internal bleeding for hours or days.

Once you’re safe, take these steps if you’re able to:

1. Call the Burbank Police Department at (818) 238-3100 to report the crash and request an officer at the scene.
2. Photograph the vehicles, the road, and any visible injuries before traffic clears the scene.
3. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, but avoid discussing fault.
4. See a doctor, even for minor symptoms, and keep every medical record.
5. File your California SR-1 form with the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured or property damage exceeds $1,000, as required under Vehicle Code §16000. This is separate from the police report and separate from your insurance claim.
6. Contact a Burbank personal injury attorney before giving a recorded statement to any insurance company.

What Actually Happens After an Accident in Burbank?

Here’s what victims in Burbank often don’t expect: your Burbank Police Department collision report usually isn’t available for at least four days after the crash, and the department requires that review-and-approval window before you can purchase a copy online through LexisNexis or in person at the Records Bureau for $15. If your insurance company is pressuring you to settle before that report exists, that’s a sign to slow down, not speed up.

Burbank’s Traffic Bureau, reachable at (818) 238-3100, handles the crash data and citations for accidents on city streets. If your accident happened on the I-5 or SR-134, jurisdiction may fall to the California Highway Patrol instead, which changes who investigates and who holds the report.

If your case proceeds to litigation, it’s typically filed at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Burbank Courthouse, located at 300 E. Olive Ave., Burbank, CA 91502. This courthouse handles civil, criminal, and traffic matters for the North Central Judicial District, including personal injury and tort filings.

Causes of Car Accidents in Burbank

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) 2023 rankings, Burbank recorded 546 people killed or injured in traffic collisions that year, ranking 17th out of 62 similarly sized California cities for total fatal-and-injury crash victims. That data, drawn from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), points to a few recurring patterns:

• Speed-related driving, which contributed to 62 fatal and injury collisions citywide that year
• Nighttime crashes, with 35 fatal and injury collisions occurring between 9:00 p.m. and 2:59 a.m.
• Hit-and-run incidents, accounting for 31 fatal and injury collisions
• Pedestrian-involved crashes, a separate OTS category in which Burbank ranked 11th out of 62 comparable cities, with 47 pedestrian victims, including a concentration among pedestrians 65 and older

These categories are tracked separately by OTS, so a spike in one (like pedestrian crashes) doesn’t necessarily mean the same is true citywide. Together, they show that Burbank’s studio traffic, tourist visitors, and busy areas like Magnolia Boulevard and Olive Avenue create real risks for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Car accidents in Burbank commonly result in:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries, especially from rear-end collisions on freeways like the I-5
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), from high-speed impacts or striking the head against the vehicle interior
• Spinal cord injuries, which can result in partial or full paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures, particularly in T-bone or side-impact collisions
• Internal injuries, which may not show symptoms right away

Certain injuries, especially TBIs and internal bleeding, can be tough to prove. Having the right medical documentation and expert testimony is essential. That’s why insurance companies often offer low payouts for injuries that aren’t visible. They see this difficulty as a reason to undervalue claims.

Who Is Liable for the Crash?

Liability in a Burbank car accident typically falls on the driver who acted negligently, meaning they failed to exercise the reasonable care that Civil Code §1714 requires of every driver. That could mean running a red light on Olive Avenue, following too closely on the 134, or driving while distracted.

California is a pure comparative negligence state, so you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the crash. Your percentage of fault simply reduces your total award. Liability isn’t always limited to the other driver either. Depending on the situation, responsibility for the crash could belong to a rideshare company, a vehicle maker, a road maintenance agency, or an employer whose driver was working at the time.

Legal Tip from Our Attorneys

If a government vehicle or a hazard on a city-maintained road contributed to your accident, you generally must file a formal claim with the government entity within six months of the incident under the California Government Claims Act, Government Code §911.2, not the standard two-year statute of limitations. Missing this shorter window can permanently bar your claim, so don’t wait to seek legal advice if a city vehicle, a city road defect, or a public agency was involved.

What Compensation Can I Expect After a Car Accident?

The value of a Burbank personal injury case depends on a few key factors. These include your medical costs, lost income, and how severe your injuries are according to California law. Compensation, or “damages,” generally falls into three categories:

• Economic damages: medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, and lost earning capacity
• Non-economic damages: pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages: awarded in rare cases involving especially reckless or malicious conduct

Cases involving Burbank Police Department reports, multi-vehicle collisions, or disputed liability often require additional investigation, which can affect how long your case takes to resolve and how much it may ultimately be worth. There’s no guaranteed number, and any lawyer who promises you a specific outcome before reviewing your case isn’t being straight with you.

Our attorneys prepare every personal injury case as though it may ultimately proceed to trial. That preparation often strengthens our position during injury settlement negotiations and helps us pursue the full compensation our clients deserve.

Statute of Limitations

You generally have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California, under CCP §335.1. If you wait past that deadline, the court will likely bar your claim entirely, regardless of how strong your case is.

There are limited exceptions. Claims against a government entity require a formal claims notice within 6 months under Government Code § 911.2, as noted above. Claims involving a minor, or cases where the injury wasn’t discovered right away, may also follow different timelines. These exceptions are narrow, so it’s worth confirming your specific deadline with an attorney rather than assuming you qualify.

Pitfall Alert: Many accident victims focus entirely on the two-year lawsuit deadline and forget the separate, much shorter 10-day SR-1 filing requirement with the DMV under Vehicle Code §16000. Missing that filing can lead to a driver’s license suspension even if your injury claim is still well within its own deadline.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Case

A Burbank personal injury lawyer does more than file paperwork. Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators whose job is to close your claim for as little as possible, and they’re skilled at it. A common tactic in multi-vehicle Burbank collisions is disputing lane changes, reaction times, or right-of-way to shift a larger share of fault onto you, since your compensation shrinks with every percentage point of fault assigned to your side.

Adjusters may also request a recorded statement early, before you know the full extent of your injuries, then use your own words against you later if your condition turns out to be worse than it seemed at first. Having an attorney handle communication with the insurance company from day one closes off that opening.

What Does the Legal Process Look Like

When you hire a Burbank personal injury attorney, your claim typically moves through five stages: investigation, treatment, demand, negotiation, and litigation if necessary. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

1. Investigation: We gather police reports, photos, witness statements, and any available surveillance or dashcam footage.
2. Medical treatment: You focus on recovery while we track your treatment and document your damages.
3. Demand letter: Once your condition stabilizes, we send a formal demand to the insurance company outlining liability and damages.
4. Negotiation: We negotiate for a fair settlement. Most personal injury claims resolve at this stage.
5. Litigation: If the insurer won’t offer a fair number, we’re prepared to file suit and take your case through the Los Angeles County Superior Court system, including trial if necessary.

What to Look for in a Lawyer

Look for a lawyer with experience handling cases like yours, a strong track record, and a clear understanding of Burbank laws. You should also choose someone who communicates clearly, answers your questions, and makes you feel comfortable throughout the process.

When you’re comparing a personal injury attorney Burbank CA residents trust, look for:

• A verifiable track record of settlements and verdicts, not just advertising claims
• Contingency fee representation, so you pay nothing unless you recover compensation
• Trial readiness, since insurance companies negotiate differently with firms they know will actually go to court
• Direct communication, so you’re not left wondering about your case’s status for weeks at a time
• Local knowledge of Burbank’s courts, police procedures, and hospitals

Ask any prospective attorney how many cases like yours they’ve actually resolved, and ask to see real results, not just a dollar figure on a billboard.

Testimonials

Real clients have described their experience working with our team. One client, matched with attorney Isabella Cannata after being rear-ended at a stoplight, described the experience as reassuring and thorough from the first call. Other clients across our California offices have highlighted our responsiveness and the way our team kept them informed at every stage of a difficult process.

“I would highly recommend Jacoby & Meyers and especially Laura Sedrish to anyone who is seeking representation after a serious injury. Laura fought for me to the very end and negotiated a good settlement for my case. She is relentless in fighting for her clients.”

-Arkadi Razoumovitch from Google Review

Read more client testimonials from people we have represented across California.

Disclaimer: Testimonials are voluntary statements from former clients. They do not guarantee or predict the outcome of your case.

Case Results

While individual results depend on the specific facts of each case, our firm’s track record includes:

• $19 million: rideshare passenger v. auto collision (quadriplegic injury)
• $17.5 million: bicyclist v. truck (paraplegic injury)
• $13 million: wrongful death v. city
• $11.9 million: wrongful death v. truck
• $11 million: motorcyclist v. truck (paraplegic injury)
• $10.75 million: wrongful death v. truck
• $1,990,000: premises liability claim against a retail chain

View our full case results page for more examples of how we have helped injury victims.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Amounts listed are gross recoveries before attorney fees and costs, and results depend on the specific facts of each case.

Areas We Serve

Our Burbank personal injury lawyers also represent injury victims throughout the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles area, including Los Angeles, Glendale, North Hollywood, Studio City, and Pasadena. 

Our services also extend throughout California through our statewide network of offices, including:

• Long Beach
• Orange County
• San Diego
• San Jose
• San Francisco
• Oakland
• Sacramento
• San Bernardino
• Ontario
• Bakersfield
• Fresno
• Escondido
• Brea

See the areas we serve here.

Local Resources

Emergency Rooms & Urgent Care

• Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center: 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA 91505. Phone: (818) 843-5111. A 24-hour, hospital-based emergency department located directly across from Walt Disney Company headquarters.
• Care Fast Urgent Care – Burbank: 353 N. Pass Ave., Ste. D, Burbank, CA 91505. Phone: (818) 482-2273. Walk-in urgent care, open 7 days a week.

Accident Reports & Law Enforcement

• Burbank Police Department: 200 N. Third St., Burbank, CA 91502. Non-emergency line: (818) 238-3000. Traffic Bureau: (818) 238-3100. Per the department’s own collision report page, reports are typically available four or more days after the incident. They can be purchased online through LexisNexis or in person at the Records Bureau for $15.

Local Courthouse

• Los Angeles County Superior Court, Burbank Courthouse: 300 E. Olive Ave., Burbank, CA 91502. Handles civil, criminal, and traffic matters for the North Central Judicial District. The courthouse operates separate phone lines by department; per the Los Angeles County government services locator, Civil Service/Intake can be reached at (818) 557-3482.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and is subject to change. Please confirm current hours, fees, and procedures directly with each organization before visiting.

Nearest Jacoby & Meyers Office: Los Angeles (flagship): 2000 Ave of the Stars, Suite 1150S, Los Angeles, CA 90067, (213) 296-0792.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a personal injury lawyer cost in California?

Most California personal injury lawyers, including Jacoby & Meyers, work on contingency, meaning you pay no upfront fees. Your attorney only gets paid, typically a percentage of your settlement or verdict, if your case succeeds. This structure is designed so cost never blocks access to legal representation, even in serious injury cases in Burbank.

What is the hardest injury to prove after an accident?

Injuries that aren’t immediately visible are often the hardest to prove. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), soft tissue injuries, chronic pain, and emotional distress may not appear on X-rays or other imaging tests, making it easier for insurance companies to question their severity. Strong medical records, diagnostic testing, expert opinions, and consistent treatment can help establish the full extent of these injuries. An experienced Burbank personal injury attorney can gather the evidence needed to support your claim and pursue fair compensation.

Do I have a valid personal injury claim?

You likely have a valid claim if another party’s negligence, meaning their failure to use reasonable care under Civil Code §1714, caused your injury. This applies to car accidents, slip-and-falls, and other incidents in Burbank. A Burbank personal injury lawyer can review your specific facts and the local police or incident report during a free consultation.

What is the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in California?

California law generally gives you 2 years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under CCP § 335.1. Claims against a government agency require a formal notice within six months instead, under Government Code §911.2. Missing either deadline can permanently bar your Burbank injury claim, so consult an attorney early.

What should I do after an auto accident in Burbank?

Call 911, seek medical attention, and contact the Burbank Police Department at (818) 238-3000 to file a report. Photograph the scene, exchange information, and file your SR-1 form with the DMV within 10 days if required under Vehicle Code §16000. Then speak with a personal injury lawyer Burbank CA residents trust before discussing fault with any insurance company.

Can you negotiate with my insurance company on my behalf?

Yes. Jacoby & Meyers handles all communication and negotiation with insurance adjusters on your behalf, so you’re not pressured into a lowball settlement. We’ve recovered over $2 billion for California accident victims through negotiation and, when necessary, litigation.

What affects a settlement for a car accident?

Every settlement for a car accident depends on the unique facts of the case, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, available insurance coverage, and whether liability is disputed. While no attorney can guarantee a specific outcome, a thorough investigation and strong supporting evidence can improve your chances of recovering fair compensation.

What is the true value of my personal injury claim?

Your claim’s value depends on your medical costs, lost income, and the severity and permanence of your injuries. Cases involving disputed liability or catastrophic injuries in Burbank often carry higher value but also require more investigation. A free consultation can give you an honest, case-specific assessment.

Get a Free Consultation Today

You don’t have to navigate a personal injury claim in Burbank alone, and you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket to get experienced legal representation. If you need an experienced Burbank personal injury lawyer, contact Jacoby & Meyers today for a free consultation. Fill out our online contact form to get started. Remember, you have a limited window under CCP §335.1 to act, so don’t wait to protect your rights.

Attorney Review

This page was reviewed by Laura Frank Sedrish, Partner at Jacoby & Meyers and California State Bar member #181226 (admitted 1995). Sedrish focuses her practice on catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death litigation and was recognized by TopVerdict.com as one of California’s top motor vehicle accident and wrongful death settlements in 2025.

Last Updated: September 3, 2026

Other Practice Areas

Jacoby & Meyers also handles truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, rideshare accidents, slip-and-fall claims, dog bites, and wrongful death cases throughout California. Visit our full list of practice areas to learn more about how we can help.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Case results depend on the specific facts of each case.