Long Beach is home to The Pike, the land surrounding Rainbow Harbor with an amusement park, waterfront, and shopping centers. It’s best known for events like the Long Beach Pride Festival and the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. It is not as busy as Los Angeles but is frequently chosen as a location for movies and television shows.
With all these amazing facts about this Southern California city, you might think it’s safe for locals, tourists, and motorists. Long Beach has its share of crime, but it’s relatively safe for locals and tourists. If you avoid areas flagged as dangerous and remain vigilant, you don’t have to worry.
However, while driving along the city streets, you must be cautious. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report shows a three percent increase in California traffic fatalities in 2020. While three percent seems small, it is 128 more deaths than that reported for 2019.
Last weekend, a solo crash along the Pacific Coast Highway led to the death of a 29-year-old man from Whittier. He died after a Mercedes Benz rear-ended an unoccupied box truck. The accident caused the closure of Pacific Coast Highway’s westbound lanes.
This is an example of the types of incidents that the city’s Vision Zero Action Plan seeks to prevent. Safe Streets Long Beach aims to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries by 2026. Its goal is admirable. Still, it does not guarantee people’s safety.
If you’re a party to a car accident in Long Beach, you don’t just need a doctor. You might need a legal team to help you protect your rights to claim financial compensation. The Personal Injury Center can help you with that.
Our team offers sound advice to our clients while helping them network with the best lawyers in our database. We partner with reputable law firms and Long Beach car accident attorneys. The personal injury lawyers in our network with impressive success rates in handling car accident cases. We will help you fight for justice and seek a favorable verdict with the right personal injury attorneys.
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What To Do After a Car Accident in Long Beach
Car crashes are common and can be incredibly traumatic. NHTSA estimates there will be about 42 915 traffic fatalities in 2021. This is by far the highest projection since 2005.
If you have just been in an accident, you have a lot on your plate dealing with the aftermath of your injuries. Aside from property damage, you also need to deal with the legal process that may follow. The experience can be emotionally draining and stressful, even if you did not sustain injuries. Luckily, we can help you navigate through this.
Here are the necessary steps you should take following a car accident.
Dial 911
A car accident is an emergency, and you should inform the authorities immediately. You can send a text if you can’t speak to a 911 dispatcher. Include your location, nature of injuries, and the number of possibly injured people in this message.
A 911 dispatcher will need details about where it happened and if there are any injuries or deaths involved. With the correct information, the first responders can find you easily.
It’s also essential to move your vehicle only after the police arrive unless it would be dangerous otherwise. Moving your car could cause additional accidents and make it more difficult for the police to investigate.
Don’t leave the scene until after the police arrive and all parties have exchanged critical information.
Get medical attention
What to do after an accident would depends on your circumstance. Generally, you shouldn’t move if you’re injured. However, use your common sense. If the gas tank leaks or you’re near a collapsing structure, you will want to exit the vehicle. You must assess your environment to know whether you must evacuate or stay still and wait for help.
If you’re injured, get medical attention. If you think you have a concussion or broken bones, go to the emergency room. You can get treatment for minor injuries at home, but this is not advisable.
Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to get checked out by a doctor. This is to make sure that there are no serious injuries. Also, your injuries might not be visible but are, in fact, hemorrhagic. It’s advisable to err on the side of caution, so seek medical care.
Most victims suffer from injuries like whiplash, broken bones, concussions, and minor injuries remedied by physical therapy. Unfortunately, some motor vehicle accidents lead to traumatic brain injuries and even wrongful death.
Don’t force yourself to move if you’re bleeding profusely or feeling severe pain in any body part. Wait for help to arrive. The paramedics will bring you to the hospital as soon as possible. Your doctor can help prevent serious medical repercussions.
If other people are involved in the accident, stay with them until help arrives. Try to keep track of how many people were involved in the accident. Get their information so they can be contacted later (name, phone number).
Document the scene of the accident
After an auto accident:
- Take pictures and make notes of any damages to vehicles or property.
- Ensure you get pictures of both sides of each car involved in the accident.
- Get close-up photos of any damage. It also helps to photograph skid marks and paint transfers on each vehicle.
Please take photos of the accident scene with your phone as soon as possible after it happens. This will help settle disagreements about who was at fault or what happened during or immediately before the crash.
You’ll need to show these photos to your
Contact your car and health insurer as soon after the accident as possible. This ensures they know what happened and can render the appropriate assistance.
Talk to your insurance provider
The sooner you report the accident, the faster your
Your
You need to inform them of everything you know about what happened. Through this, they can help you determine what to do next. However, it’s best to talk to them with your lawyer to protect your rights. An experienced car accident attorney can ensure you do not settle for lowball offers.
Call a Long Beach car accident lawyer
Your first instinct might be to get in touch with your
Ensure that you take pictures of all damages on both vehicles. You must also file a police report for injuries or property damage. Also, keep receipts for any expenses related to the accident—even if they’re small ones like gas money or repairs. These receipts will come in handy during negotiations with your
The sooner you reach out to an attorney, the sooner you can collect compensation for your injuries and losses. Specifically, a car accident attorney can help you with the following:
- Collecting information about the collision and the other parties involved in the collision
- Contacting witnesses who may have seen the crash or have information about it
- Pursuing a claim against the at-fault driver’s
insurance company (if applicable) - Obtaining medical treatment after an accident
Get a free evaluation today!
Long Beach Traffic Laws: What Drivers Should Know
Many drivers don’t realize how often they break the law and put themselves, other drivers, and pedestrians in danger. It’s essential to understand and follow the rules of the road, so you can stay safe while driving. Understanding and observing traffic laws in Long Beach can also ensure that you’re not harming anyone on the road.
Here’s a general guide to the essential traffic laws you need to know as a driver.
- There are speed limits in every state. These can vary depending on the type of road and the time of day. You should always obey these limits unless an emergency requires you to go faster.
- Suppose you’re in an accident or someone sustains injuries because of something you did. In that case, you may have to pay for the person’s medical bills and other injury-related costs.
- The police officer who arrives at the scene will probably ask if anyone has
insurance coverage. They’ll do this before determining whether or not to give everyone tickets for breaking any laws related to driving safely. - Suppose you’ve got coverage through your or another company’s policies. Those companies will help cover some expenses instead of making you pay out-of-pocket. However, it’s always best to avoid being caught off guard by unexpected costs.
- California is a comparative negligence state. This means the state will determine the fault of each party in a car accident, including injured victims. They can still sue, but the court will reduce any awards by the percentage of their fault for the accident.
This part of the article will cover some of the most common Long Beach traffic laws all drivers should know.
Seatbelt use
Seatbelts are one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself safe in the car. They protect you during a collision and help keep you from being ejected from the vehicle during traffic accidents.
Under Section 27315 of the California Vehicle Code, motorists below 16 can only operate a motor vehicle with a seatbelt. This applies to drivers and front and back passengers. Only two people can stay in the backseat if there are only two seat belts, and both need to buckle up. Legislators designed the law to prevent injuries and deaths caused by collisions with cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
The NHTSA reports that using seatbelts saved over 14,000 lives in 2017. On the other hand, not wearing a seatbelt can have fatal consequences.
The NHTSA recommends that drivers buckle up every time they get behind the wheel. This is true regardless of where they’re going and how long they plan to drive.
Not wearing your seatbelt can lead to a $20 fine for the first offense. You will pay $50 for each subsequent violation.
Speed limit
Long Beach, California, adheres to the Basic Law of Speed. The speed limit law ensures the safety of drivers, pedestrians, and anyone else on the road.
According to the law, a person should only drive at a prudent or reasonable speed that won’t jeopardize the safety of others. This law also states that the area’s traffic survey and engineering should be the basis for speed limits.
The following are a few of the speed limits set for specific roads:
- Prima facie: 25 miles per hour
- Alamitos Avenue: 30 miles per hour
- Anaheim Road: 30 miles per hour
- Appian Way: 30 miles per hour
- Artesia Boulevard: 35 to 40 miles per hour
- Atherton Street: 40 miles per hour
- Bixby Road: 25 miles per hour
- Cedar Avenue: 25 miles per hour
- Dairy Avenue: 25 miles per hour
For a more detailed discussion of these speed limits, check out Chapter 10.12.010 of Long Beach’s Municipal Code.
Distracted driving
California prohibits the use of handheld phones and other electronic devices while driving. The Office of Traffic Safety bans texting and driving for all drivers, regardless of age. Drivers may not engage in activities that could distract their attention from the road.
The law applies to all motor vehicle drivers on public roadways and private roads open to public access. It prohibits using handheld electronic communication devices, including phones, tablets, and computers.
The regulations also cover equipment such as GPS devices and stereo systems.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Getting involved in a collision can be a difficult time. You may be in physical pain from the injuries you sustained and the emotional stress of the experience. You may also struggle financially due to medical treatment and other accident-related expenses.
The good news is you have various options to recover from problems resulting from an accident. One is to hire a lawyer specializing in personal injury law. Your lawyer can help you understand your rights and options after an accident. If the accident is due to the negligence and recklessness of another, you might have grounds to sue for compensation.
Help collect evidence
When you’ve been in an accident, getting the right help is vital. A car accident lawyer helps you collect evidence of the other driver’s negligence. Aside from that, they can also help you get compensation for your injuries.
Evidence is the key to winning your case. A car accident lawyer can help collect what you need to prove your case and get compensation. The evidence can include the following:
- Photos of the scene of the accident
- Medical records for car accident injuries suffered
- Whether the driver is guilty of drunk driving or driving under the influence (DUI)
- Police reports about what happened at the location of the accident
Negotiate with insurance companies
Negotiating with an
If you can’t pay for vehicle repairs or medical bills, take legal action against the other driver and their insurer. Your lawyer can help ensure that the other party’s
However,
Provide legal advice
The legal process can be daunting if you have been in a car accident. You may have questions about your rights and responsibilities. You may need to find out what your
A car accident lawyer has experience with personal injury cases and knows how to represent your interests best. They can guide you through the steps of filing a claim.
They’ll help determine whether it is worth filing a lawsuit against another driver or their
An experienced attorney will know how to help protect your interests during litigation and negotiations. They will ensure you get just compensation for your losses. These include medical expenses and lost wages due to injuries sustained in an accident that was not your fault. While monetary awards may not solve all your problems, they make the situation more bearable.
How The Personal Injury Center Can Help
You won’t want to be overwhelmed with paperwork and legalities when you’re involved in a car accident. Fortunately, help is just a click away. The Personal Injury Center provides a platform to find legal advisors committed to making your experience easy, stress-free, and straightforward.
Getting legal advice from someone who understands the impact of accident-related injuries on one’s life is essential. We provide resources to help you deal with a stressful situation. Most importantly, we can match you with experienced car accident lawyers in Long Beach to take up your case.
Contact us today for a free consultation!
FAQs on Car Accident Lawyer Long Beach
What are the legal fees for a car accident lawyer in Long Beach?
The legal fees involved in filing a car accident case in Long Beach are in three categories. These are contingency fees, court fees, and retainer fees.Â
Contingency fees could cost around 33.33% of the monetary amount you'll receive if you settle or win the case. The percentage your lawyer gets could go up or down, depending on your contract. However, it's often within the 25 to 40% range.Â
On the other hand, court fees could include costs for the following:Â
- Court filingÂ
- Police report copies
- Court reporter
- Medical recordsÂ
- Subpoenas and summons
- Expert witnessesÂ
Retainer fees may be hourly or on contingency. Be sure to have a written contract about the payment terms based on your agreement with the lawyer.
Why should you reach out to a car accident lawyer in Long Beach?
You may need to contact a car accident lawyer for several reasons. First, you should reach out if you have been in an accident that was not your fault. In this case, your insurance company may refuse to cover any costs associated with the accident. You may also need to reach out if your insurance company refuses to pay medical bills related to your injuries.
Another reason for reaching out is if you were involved in an accident that damaged someone else's vehicle or property. If this is the case, it's essential to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. This will give the lawyer time to begin negotiating on your behalf.
You must lawyer up if another party has contacted you about their injuries and medical bills. Do this before making any decisions regarding these claims or accepting offers from other parties involved in the accident.
How long before the action to file a car accident case in California expires?
Actions arising from a car accident in California expire two years after the accident. If the parties involved are minors, the statute of limitation extends until they reach the age of majority. After this period, parties are barred from suing based on the same causes of action.
