Encino's stretch of Ventura Boulevard runs from the 405 west to Lindley Avenue. If you were hurt in a crash, a fall or another accident in Encino, an Encino personal injury lawyer from our Woodland Hills office can help you understand your options. We take the insurance calls and the paperwork off your plate so you can focus on getting better.
This page covers who handles a crash report in Encino, what to do if a city street or city vehicle was involved, and where an Encino injury lawsuit would be filed. It's general information, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, start a free case review or give us a call.
Encino at a glance
- Part of
- The City of Los Angeles
- Ventura Boulevard
- Encino's section runs from the 405 west to Lindley Avenue
- LAPD station
- West Valley Community Police Station
Source: LAPD: West Valley Community Police Station (opens in a new tab)
- Crash investigations on city streets
- LAPD Valley Traffic Division
- Emergency room
- Encino Hospital Medical Center, 16237 Ventura Boulevard
Source: HCAI: Encino Hospital Medical Center profile (opens in a new tab)
Who handles a crash report in Encino?
It depends on where the crash happened. On Encino's streets, the LAPD handles it: Encino is in the LAPD's West Valley area, which runs from Corbin Avenue east to the 405 and from Mulholland Drive north to Roscoe Boulevard, and the LAPD's Valley Traffic Division investigates traffic collisions for its Valley Bureau. Freeway crashes are generally handled by the CHP; its West Valley Area office in Woodland Hills was created to take over the region's freeways and highways from the LAPD. Ask the officer at the scene for the report number.
If anyone was hurt, the drivers involved must also make a written report within 24 hours to the CHP or, inside a city, to the CHP or the city police department, and report the crash to the DMV within 10 days (Vehicle Code §20008 (opens in a new tab); §16000 (opens in a new tab)). Our car accident page walks through the other steps.
Sources: LAPD: West Valley Community Police Station (opens in a new tab); LAPD: Valley Traffic Division (opens in a new tab); CHP: (580) West Valley Area (opens in a new tab)
What if a city street, sidewalk or city vehicle was involved?
Encino is part of the City of Los Angeles, so a claim over a dangerous city street or sidewalk, or a crash with a city vehicle, usually starts with a written claim filed with the Los Angeles City Clerk, generally within six months of the incident. The City says only the City Clerk can accept it. Our Los Angeles page explains that process, claims involving Metro, the County or federal vehicles, and where injury lawsuits are filed.
Sources: City of Los Angeles, Ventura-Cahuenga Boulevard Corridor Specific Plan (effective March 14, 2026) (opens in a new tab); Los Angeles City Attorney: Claims (opens in a new tab); Los Angeles City Clerk: Claim for Damage (opens in a new tab); Government Code §911.2 (opens in a new tab)
Where would an Encino injury lawsuit be filed?
Usually in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Under a court order issued in May 2024, new unlimited personal injury cases have been filed, since October 2022, in the court district where the incident happened, as identified by the court's filing court locator. The court's Northwest District courthouses are Van Nuys Courthouse East and Van Nuys Courthouse West. Claims against federal agencies follow a separate federal process.
Sources: Los Angeles Superior Court, General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases (May 17, 2024) (opens in a new tab); Los Angeles Superior Court Local Rules, rule 2.2 (opens in a new tab)
Encino's main roads
Ventura Boulevard is Encino's main street. Under the City's Ventura-Cahuenga Boulevard Corridor Specific Plan, Encino's section of Ventura runs from the 405 west to Lindley Avenue, with Sherman Oaks on the other side of the 405 and Tarzana to the west of Lindley (specific plan (opens in a new tab)).
If you need emergency care, the state's hospital directory lists Encino Hospital Medical Center, at 16237 Ventura Boulevard, as a general acute care hospital with basic emergency services (HCAI (opens in a new tab)). In an emergency, call 911.
How we can help in Encino
- Car AccidentsRear-end crashes, intersection collisions, hit-and-runs and uninsured drivers.
- Motorcycle AccidentsRiders hurt by careless drivers, unsafe lane changes and left turns.
- Slip & FallFalls on wet floors, broken stairs, uneven walkways or poorly lit property.
- Dog BitesBites and attacks by someone else's dog, in public or on private property.
Encino questions
Do you have an office in Encino?
No. Our office is in Woodland Hills, west of Encino in the San Fernando Valley, past Tarzana. We take personal injury cases from Encino, the rest of the Valley and anywhere in California. Please call us first at (818) 465-8795 so we can set a time to talk, or start a free case review online.
Who do I get the police report from after a crash in Encino?
From the agency that responded. Crashes on Encino's streets are handled by the LAPD, whose Valley Traffic Division investigates traffic collisions for its Valley Bureau, and freeway crashes are generally handled by the CHP. Ask the officer at the scene for the report number, and keep it with your other records about the crash.
Sources: LAPD: Valley Traffic Division (opens in a new tab); CHP: (580) West Valley Area (opens in a new tab)
How long do I have if a City of Los Angeles vehicle hit me in Encino?
Generally six months to file a written injury claim with the Los Angeles City Clerk. If the City sends a written rejection, a lawsuit generally must be filed within six months after the rejection notice is delivered or mailed. These deadlines are much shorter than the usual two years, so talk to a lawyer early.
Sources: Government Code §911.2 (opens in a new tab); Government Code §945.6 (opens in a new tab); Los Angeles City Attorney: Claims (opens in a new tab)