Thousands of car accidents occur in the United States every day, and Long Beach, California is no exception. Car accidents can result in serious injuries to drivers, passengers, and bystanders.
Beyond physical injuries, car accidents often result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial costs. Many people don’t realize that they could recover financial compensation after a car accident—even if they were partially at fault.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car accident, you could have a personal injury claim. Contact Long Beach car accident lawyer, Michael Beliz, today for a free consultation.
Case Spotlight
$90,000.00 Settlement amountREAR END CAR ACCIDENT
The Beliz Law Firm obtained a $90,000 settlement on behalf of a 67-year old grandmother. The client was stopped in her vehicle at the intersection of Muller Street and Lincoln Avenue in the Anaheim. While the client waited for the signal light to turn from red to green, a driver of a sedan was traveling at a speed of 60 miles per hour in an attempt to make a dentist appointment. The driver realized too late that there were stopped vehicle ahead and was unable to slow down the sedan in time. The sedan rear-ended the client’s vehicle and pushed it into the car ahead. The client’s vehicle was totaled.
The client was taken by ambulance to University of California, Irvine hospital. The client was diagnosed with a non-surgical fracture to the sternum. The client stayed under the care of medical personal for a few days. Afterwards, the client presented to her primary care physician for follow-up visits once a month for three months for the aches in her chest but no physical therapy was needed.
The Beliz Law signed the grandmother and filed a lawsuit against the negligent driver. After getting useful information about the driver through discovery and the defense of the client’s deposition, the case went to mediation and settled for $90,000.00.
Experienced Long Beach Car Accident Attorney Ready To Serve You
Thousands of car accidents occur in the United States every day, and Long Beach, California is no exception. Car accidents can result in serious injuries to drivers, passengers, and bystanders.
Beyond physical injuries, car accidents often result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial costs.
Many people don’t realize that they could recover financial compensation after a car accident—even if they were partially at fault. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car accident in Long Beach, California, you could have a personal injury claim.
In addition to car accident claims, our experienced attorney at The Beliz Law Firm, P.C. also represents individuals dealing with a variety of personal injury claims including:
- Trucking accident claims,
- Motorcycle accident claims,
- Dog attack claims,
- Pedestrian accident claims,
- Bike accident claims,
- Lyft accident claims,
- Uber accident claims,
- Bus accident claims,
- Brain injury claims,
- Premises liability claims, and
- Wrongful death claims.
A Long Beach car accident lawyer can help guide you through the process of filing your personal injury claim. Contact The Beliz Law Firm, P.C. today to start with your free consultation.
Long Beach Car Accident Statistics
Long Beach sits on the edge of Los Angeles County, which is the most populous county in the entire United States. As of the 2020 census, Los Angeles County reported over 10 million inhabitants. With so many people living in a small area, car accidents occur rather frequently. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, Los Angeles County recorded 88,814 car accident fatalities and injuries throughout 2019.
Long Beach alone reported 3,113 fatalities and injuries from traffic accidents. Compared to other California cities with similar-sized populations, Long Beach ranks fifth in the number of fatalities and injuries caused by traffic accidents. Additionally, 373 of the traffic accidents cited speed as the primary factor that caused the crash. And 351 car accidents occurred between the hours of 9:00 PM and 2:59 AM, ranking first among other California cities of similar size.
If you were involved in a car accident in Long Beach, don’t go it alone. Hiring a Long Beach car accident lawyer to help handle your case can provide a huge advantage compared to not having a lawyer at all. Contact us today to find out what compensation you’re owed.
Small Firm Attention, Big Firm Results
You don't have to face the aftermath of a car accident alone. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Long Beach?
Call the Police
After a car crash you want to call the police. You want the police to present to the accident scene and write a report on the incident. In the report, the police will gather the facts of the drivers and vehicles involved in the crash. In addition, police will describe the scene; take narratives from each driver; determine any violations in the vehicle code and make a conclusion on who is the at-fault driver. Finally the officer in the report will state whether any driver will be cited for the collision.
The traffic collision report written by the officer can be used as persuasive evidence to prove liability against the at-fault driver.
In a police report the information may include:
- Names, addresses phone numbers and driver’s license numbers of the drivers
- Insurance information including company name and policy number
- Vehicle information including, make, model, license plate number and vehicle identification numbers
- Location of the collision that includes street, city, and judicial district
- Primary collision factor
- Location of the vehicles property damage and description of severity
- Weather conditions, lighting, traffic control devices, cell phone in use, sobriety
- A diagram or a stretch of the accident scene
- Description of injuries involving any of the parties involved
- How the officer was notified of the incident
- Statements from the various parties
- Area of impact
- Cause/summary of the collision
Gather Information
The second big step is gathering essential information. Typically, the police will assist this step with a traffic collision report. However, if the police do not write a report, get the information yourself.
Name, address, phone number and insurance information are crucial to opening a claim for either property damage or personal injuries. Everybody carries a cell phone nowadays, and taking photos is an
essential step you can take to make gathering information easier. Take photos of the other driver’s license, insurance card, and license plate, in addition to the vehicles and accident scene.
You should gather the information from any witnesses at the scene as well. Independent witnesses are often instrumental in cases. Getting their name and phone number, even a brief description of the accident details can influence the determination of who is at fault for the accident, especially if there is disputed liability
Medical Attention
Finally, the third step is to seek a medical provider. If the accident was severe, you may need to be taken by ambulance to a local hospital’s emergency room. If do not feel pain at the scene but soon after the accident, you should visit your doctor, emergency room or an urgent care facility.
Many times you don’t feel pain immediately thanks to adrenaline flowing in your body after the accident. Only after time and some rest may you actually start feeling pains to the body. If this happens to you, go to the doctor as needed.
Those are the three essential steps that must be taken in the moments immediately following a car accident.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Long Beach
Car accidents in Long Beach can stem from various causes, many of which are preventable. Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents:
- Distracted Driving: Includes texting, phone calls, eating, and other activities that divert attention from the road.
- Speeding: Reduces reaction time and increases the severity of impacts, especially dangerous in high-traffic areas.
- Drunk Driving: Impairs judgment, slows reflexes, and diminishes coordination, often leading to serious accidents.
- Running Red Lights: Ignoring traffic signals can result in high-speed collisions, particularly at busy intersections.
- Tailgating: Following too closely behind another vehicle reduces stopping time and increases the risk of rear-end collisions.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Failing to signal or check blind spots can cause dangerous side-impact or merging accidents.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, and slick roads make it harder to maintain control and stop quickly.
- Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, and other obstacles can cause drivers to swerve or lose control, especially in crowded areas.
Common Types of Car Accidents
Car accidents can occur in a variety of ways, each with unique legal and injury implications.
- Head-On Collisions: Two vehicles collide directly, often resulting in severe injuries due to the force of impact.
- Rear-End Collisions: A vehicle strikes the car in front, typically due to following too closely or sudden braking; commonly causes neck and back injuries.
- Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collisions: One vehicle hits the side of another, often at intersections, posing serious risks to passengers on the impacted side.
- Sideswipe Accidents: Vehicles traveling in the same direction make side contact, sometimes leading to loss of control or secondary collisions.
- Hit-and-Run Incidents: The responsible driver leaves the scene, complicating the process of recovering damages for the victim.
- Multi-Car Accidents: Involves several vehicles, usually resulting in complex liability issues and a high risk of multiple injuries.
- Rollover Accidents: A vehicle flips over, which is common in high-speed or sharp-turn scenarios and can lead to serious, even life-threatening, injuries.
- Drunk Driving Accidents: Collisions caused by impaired drivers often involve reckless behavior, which can lead to serious injury and punitive damages.
- Single-Vehicle Accidents: Occur when one vehicle strikes an obstacle or loses control, potentially due to road conditions or driver error.
Each type of accident has specific legal considerations and injury risks. At The Beliz Law Firm, we provide skilled representation to Long Beach accident victims, helping them recover the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been involved in any type of accident, reach out for a consultation.
How Can I Prove A Car Accident Claim?
To prove a car accident claim, you need to demonstrate that the other driver’s negligence caused the collision. Proving negligence requires three elements.
- First, you must show that the other driver had a duty to operate his or her vehicle in a reasonably prudent manner. That means the other driver must act as a reasonable driver would in the same circumstances.
- Second, you must prove that the other driver breached that duty. There are multiple ways to show that a driver breached their duty to safely operate their vehicle. For example, driving over the posted speed limit can prove that a driver breached their duty.
- Third, you must prove that the other driver’s breach caused the car accident, which resulted in you suffering harm or damages.
California uses the rule of pure comparative negligence for personal injury cases. That means even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still bring a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if the judge finds you 20% at fault for the accident and awards you $100,000, you will receive only $80,000 in compensation. In making your case, a Long Beach car accident attorney can help you gather and present evidence that reduces the amount of fault attributed to you.
Showing negligence can prove extremely difficult, even for a seasoned attorney. After an accident, report the accident to highway patrol or the local police department. Exchange pertinent information with the other driver, including insurance. Take photos of the property damage of the vehicles involved and of the scene. Find independent witnesses of the incident and gather their information.
With a Long Beach car accident attorney, we can help you demonstrate the elements of negligence to show that you are entitled to the compensation you deserve.
Car Accident Claim Statute Of Limitations
The statute of limitations sets a time limit for filing a legal claim. If you don’t file your personal injury claim within the statute of limitations, the court will likely dismiss your case. Under California law, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, subject to a few exceptions. The most noted exception is if the car accident was caused by a governmental entity. If so, then the statute of limitations shorten from two years to only six (6) months.
If you suffered injuries in a car accident in Long Beach, CA, reach out to a car accident lawyer at The Beliz Law Firm, P.C. as soon as possible so that you don’t miss the window during which you are able to file your claim.
Common Injuries Caused In Car Accidents
A large number of car accidents lead to serious injuries. The severity of the injuries depends on a number of factors. Some of the most common injuries suffered in car accidents include:
- Ruptured Vertebrae: A severe spinal injury where vertebrae crack or fracture, often leading to intense pain, reduced mobility, and sometimes permanent nerve damage. Recovery may involve surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Brain injuries caused by a blow to the head, often resulting in symptoms like memory loss, dizziness, headaches, and, in severe cases, long-term cognitive or physical impairment. TBIs can require extensive treatment and ongoing therapy.
- Broken Bones: Fractures are common in car accidents, affecting areas like arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. Some breaks may heal with a cast, while more severe fractures might require surgery and physical therapy.
- Whiplash: A neck injury caused by rapid, forceful movement of the head and neck. Symptoms can include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. Whiplash may heal over time, but severe cases can cause chronic pain and mobility issues.
- Lacerations: Deep cuts or wounds caused by sharp objects or shattered glass. Lacerations can lead to significant blood loss and may leave permanent scars, often requiring stitches or surgical repair.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord that can result in partial or full paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the injury. These injuries often require extensive medical care and can lead to lifelong changes.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A psychological condition that develops after a traumatic event, like a car accident. PTSD symptoms may include flashbacks, anxiety, and nightmares, often requiring counseling or therapy for recovery.
These injuries may require physical therapy to a surgical operation to recover completely. We understand the hardship a serious injury can inflict on a person’s life. The Beliz Law Firm can help you recover the compensation you deserve. If you suffered injuries as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact a Long Beach car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Damages Available In A Long Beach Car Accident Claim
There are three categories of damages available to injured parties in a car accident claim: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
ECONOMIC DAMAGES
Economic damages include quantifiable losses you suffered as a result of the accident. Common economic damages include:
- Past medical bills,
- Future medical bills,
- Rehabilitation costs,
- Lost wages,
- Loss of future earning capacity, and
- Vehicle repair costs.
Economic damages aim to compensate the injured party for direct monetary losses. They are the kind of damages that are easily calculated from documents like receipts and projections of future medical costs.
NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES
Non-economic damages include non-quantifiable losses you suffered as a result of the accident. Common non-economic damages include:
- Emotional distress,
- Pain and suffering,
- Mental anguish, and
- Loss of companionship.
Without a set dollar value, calculating non-economic damages typically proves much more difficult than calculating economic damages. It is best to contact a Long Beach car accident attorney to help you get an idea of what your non-economic damages might be.
PUNITIVE DAMAGES
Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages don’t aim to compensate the victim for the harm they suffered. Instead, punitive damages aim to punish the at-fault party for egregious conduct. To receive this type of damages, you must prove that the defendant willfully and consciously disregarded the right and safety of others. California courts very rarely award punitive damages in car accident cases, however the most common case of receiving punitive damages is in drunk driving accidents. If the driver has a history of DUI convictions and then caused an injury car accident, the court may inclined to award punitives.
Contact Our Long Beach Car Accident Attorney
If you’re ready to share your story with Long Beach car accident attorney Michael Beliz, please call us or contact our firm. If you prefer email we invite you to complete the short form at the bottom of this page.
We offer free, fully confidential initial legal consultations. Our compassionate Long Beach car accident lawyer will review your claim, explain your rights to you, and help you assess your legal options.
Long Beach Car Accident FAQs
Assess whether you suffered any injuries or pain from any of your body parts. If you feel pain, stay in your vehicle, contact authorities and wait for paramedics for help.
After accessing your body condition, you should contact authorities to report the accident, exchange auto insurance with the other driver, photograph any property damage to both vehicles, find witnesses, and promptly seek medical attention.
You should get the other driver’s name, driver’s license number, address, phone number, license plate number of the vehicle, make and model of the vehicle, and the registered owner’s name. Additionally, you should get information regarding the other driver’s auto insurance information like auto insurance company name, policy number, and adjuster’s name, phone number and address.
Generally yes. You or someone representing you (i.e. attorney or your insurance company) needs to notify the DMV whenever there is an auto accident on a California street/highway or private property within ten (10) days if there was an injury, death or property damage in excess of $750.
No. There is no law or case that forces you to speak to the other driver’s auto insurance company. At some point after the accident, you should present your injuries and damages to the other side. You should contact a reputable and knowledge Long Beach car accident attorney to determine the proper time to begin a dialog with the other driver’s auto insurance company.
Generally, one must file a personal injury lawsuit within two (2) years from the date of injury. But California’s statute of limitations laws can be complex. The time limitation for filing a lawsuit is different in different types of cases. The applicable statute of limitations for any particular case requires the analysis and advice of a reputable Long Beach car accident lawyer.
A skilled and knowledgeable Long Beach car accident attorney may be able to get you compensation for your past medical expenses, future medical expenses, loss of earnings past and future earnings, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. In addition, you may be able to receive compensation related to the property damage of your vehicle, tow charges, rental charges and loss of use of your vehicle.
Yes. A reputable California car accident lawyer will help determine whether there are other parties who may be liable in the accident. A well knowledge attorney may look at whether the vehicle was owned by a different person other than the driver, if the driver was in the course and scope of employment, if there was negligent entrustment of the vehicle or many other fact scenarios.
If you have underinsured motorist coverage, you may be able to be compensated for the difference between the other driver’s insurance and your underinsured motorist coverage. For example the other driver may only have a $15,000 policy and your injuries are greater then the policy but you have a $100,000 underinsured policy limit. Therefore once you exhausted the other driver’s insurance policy, you may get up to another $75,000 in compensation to equal your underinsured policy limit.
What Else Should You Look For In A Long Beach Car Accident Attorney?
When you’re looking for the best legal representation for your personal injury case, you want to find someone you can trust.