Car accidents are some of the most common injury-causing incidents in the world. This is especially true in Southern California where dense populations can mean excessive traffic and numerous major highways converge throughout the region. Unfortunately, car accidents are also responsible for many major or life-threatening injuries and property damage. If you were involved in a car accident on the road in Long Beach, Los Angeles, or elsewhere in California, you don’t have to face thousands in medical bills and car repairs alone. A Long Beach car accident attorney can help you claim compensation for your injuries, car damages, and trauma by negotiating on your behalf.
Causes of Car Accidents
No car accident lawsuit is exactly the same. However, there are some common factors that can contribute to the frequency and severity of car accidents on Long Beach roads. While avoiding these factors may not protect you entirely from danger, it can significantly reduce your likelihood of being involved in a wreck. Car accidents in Long Beach are often caused by:
- Distracted driving – Perhaps the most common accident-causing factor, drivers who are distracted can fail to notice speed limits, braking or stopped vehicles, and stop light changes. Cell phones, eating, hygiene, and even passengers are distractions that should be minimized if you’re behind the wheel.
- Driving under the influence (DUI) – Not only is DUI a crime, it’s also grounds for a civil lawsuit on behalf of the innocent party or their family. Avoid drinking, smoking marijuana, or taking any other drugs that impact your ability to react, stay awake, or make choices.
- Reckless driving – Unfortunately, California is known for its aggressive drivers. While most practice defensive driving skills like scanning the road, others fail to drive safely and frequently perform dangerous maneuvers like weaving through traffic, tailgating, racing, and letting road rage get the better of them.
- Speeding – Some regions of major California highways are very easy to speed down. However, drivers should be aware that speed limits are designed to protect everyone on the road, including construction workers, other drivers, pedestrians, and motorcyclists.
Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car accident injuries can vary widely in severity, but those who have been involved in major collisions often share similar ailments.
- Broken bones
- Lacerations/abrasions
- Road rash
- Spinal injuries/paralysis
- Internal bleeding/injury
Those whose loved ones die in a car accident through the other driver’s negligence could be entitled to significant compensation.
Common Car Accident Damages in Long Beach
Car accident attorneys in Long Beach are experts at identifying your damages and demanding more for your pain. When you bring a car accident lawsuit, your lawyer will work with you to determine a list of areas where you lost time, money, opportunities, abilities, and more. Typically, car accident lawsuit damages are divided into two main groups: tangible damages and intangible damages.
Tangible damages are those which have a clear and obvious price attached to them, such as medical bills, car repairs, therapy costs, or lost wages
Intangible damages are those that are difficult to define or quantify, like pain and suffering, trauma, loss of consortium, loss of opportunity, and more.
Depending on the situation surrounding your car accident lawsuit, your attorney can help you list out which ones you may qualify for.
How Long Beach Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
When you’re involved in a car accident, you may wonder whether a lawsuit is truly necessary. If your car damage and injuries were minimal, it can feel like overkill to seek legal help. However, even just speaking with an attorney can help you determine if your case is worth pursuing. That’s why BD&J offers free consultations and is available 24/7 to speak with you. We’re here to listen, understand, and guide you after your car accident in Long Beach.
When your injuries are severe, an attorney can help make recovery a simpler process. Not only are your recovering from physical and mental trauma, but the stress of bringing a lawsuit can make the task feel impossible. Long Beach car accident lawyers are specialists in their field of personal injury law, and they are able to handle the entire claim filing process, including paying your medical bills, finding the best doctors for you, and negotiating aggressively on your behalf. Our Long Beach car accident lawyers aren’t intimidated by insurance companies’ large legal teams. At BD&J, we fight for what you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do car accident lawsuits take in California?
Car accident lawsuits in California can vary in length depending on several factors, such as the amount of evidence, number of responsible parties, location of the accident, and even the cooperation of insurance companies and drivers. For lawsuits that are simpler to prove where all parties are cooperative, claimants can expect the process to take a few months to a year. For complex claims, a year or more is not uncommon.
Should I get a Long Beach car accident lawyer if I’m partially at fault?
Yes! If you were partially at fault for the car accident that caused your injury in Long Beach, you could still be eligible for compensation for your medical bills and other costs. California personal injury claims operate under “comparative negligence” which identifies each party’s percentage of fault for the accident and reduces the final award amount by that percentage.
How much do car accident lawyers cost?
Unlike many other areas of law, most personal injury lawyers in Long Beach charge on a contingency basis. This means that the client pays no attorney’s fees upfront. Instead, they sign an agreement determining a percentage of the final settlement amount the car accident attorney will be entitled to as their attorney’s fees. Most contingency fee attorneys may charge between 25% and 35%.
Should I call the insurance company or a car accident attorney first?
While most people opt for calling the insurance company right away after an accident, this could also open accident victims up to intimidation and admission of fault. Unfortunately, insurance companies are well-known to minimize claims to save money. If you are seriously injured, it may be best to contact a Long Beach car accident attorney first for a consultation before you report the accident to your insurance. Your attorney can even handle any conversations with the insurance companies moving forward to ensure you’re being treated fairly.
How does the insurance company calculate pain and suffering?
Intangible damages like trauma and pain and suffering are often calculated using equations that take into account the severity of the accident and injuries. Typically, companies will multiply the sum of the tangible damages by 3, 4, or even 5, adding the result to the tangible damage amount. More uncommonly, some companies agree on a per diem rate and multiply a per diem rate by how long the victim was in recovery.
How to Retain a Successful Car Accident Attorney in Long Beach
Finding the right attorney after a car accident in Long Beach can be a headache, especially if you’re already recovering from your injuries. To locate the best lawyer for you, it helps to find the best reviews from clients like you. Car accident attorneys in Long Beach who prioritize their clients’ well-being by sending them to the best physicians, coming directly to wherever they are, and even paying living costs while they wait for their settlements often have the best client testimonials.
BD&J – 20 Years, $2 Billion*
BD&J has been securing justice for clients for more than two decades. Our team of award-winning car accident lawyers has gone above and beyond to serve the needs of clients most in need of an ally, from paying their medical bills for them to negotiating for the maximum compensation. We are proud to be the go-to personal injury attorney for thousands of California clients. If you were injured in a car accident in Long Beach or anywhere else in California, our team can come to your wherever you are.
