Long Beach Car Accident Lawyer

Long Beach Car Accident Attorney

A serious collision can overwhelm an injured person with medical treatment, vehicle repairs, and lost wages while an insurance company investigates what happened. A Long Beach car accident lawyer can review evidence from a crash and assess whether another driver or party may be liable for losses. California negligence and traffic laws may impact both liability for a collision and an injured person’s right to seek compensation.

Drivers in Long Beach face traffic accidents throughout the city, including along major freeways like I-710 and Pacific Coast Highway. Additionally, traffic associated with the Port of Long Beach places passenger vehicles on roads with large commercial trucks. Whether a collision happens in a traffic jam or on a highway, liability depends on the circumstances and should not be presumed based on a single driver’s position.

Car Accident

Contact Hobbs Law Group 24/7 to schedule a free case review with a car accident lawyer. You will not pay us anything unless you win.

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Our Commitment to Our Clients

Hobbs Law Group advocates for individuals who have suffered significant harm due to someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or wrongdoing. From our office in Long Beach, our investigative team reviews how an accident occurred and works to identify parties that may be held legally responsible.

We offer free consultations to potential clients and represent those who accept our services on a contingency fee basis. You do not owe out-of-pocket fees for our legal services. Instead, we receive payment from a settlement or jury award.

Determining Fault in a California Car Accident

In Long Beach County, there were a total of 3,774 people injured or killed in road accidents in 2023. There were 380 speed-related collisions and 496 hit-and-run collisions. These accidents can happen for a number of reasons, and the specific details determine who can be deemed at fault.

California Civil Code § 1714 starts with a general duty we owe to each other. That duty requires each person to use “reasonable care” in any situation. In the case of a motor vehicle accident, it may be necessary to determine whether a driver breached their duty of care by reviewing their actions before the crash and evaluating any traffic laws or car accident laws that were broken.

Evidence that may help determine fault can include photos from the scene, video recordings, witness testimony, property damage, and police reports. In more serious crashes, other evidence such as driving speed and the point of impact can help to recreate how the accident happened.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Long Beach

Medical needs and safety should always be your first priority after a car accident. Once you know everyone involved in a crash is safe and receives the necessary medical treatment, collecting information can help you preserve important evidence from the accident scene.

Drivers should try to collect identifying information from other drivers, collect their insurance information, and take photographs of vehicle damage and the surrounding area. Information from witnesses can also help if the drivers later disagree about the facts of the collision.

California Vehicle Code § 16000 also requires individuals to report accidents to the California DMV within 10 days when there were injuries or deaths, or when the collision caused more than $1,000 in property damage.

The SR-1 form must be filed no matter who was at fault for the crash and is separate from any report submitted to the police or insurance company. Hire a car accident lawyer in Long Beach, CA as soon as possible to advocate for you should you decide to file a legal claim.

Potential Injuries After a Car Accident

The force generated during a motor vehicle collision can harm many different parts of the body. Symptoms of those injuries may not always be noticeable right after an accident occurs. Based on where and how a person was impacted during the accident, they can suffer from:

• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• A traumatic brain injury
• Burns
• Internal injuries
• Spinal cord injuries

Individuals may also suffer cuts and bruising from broken glass, seat belts, or striking interior components of the car. Since many of these injuries can develop over time, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

The severity of injuries can impact both medical bills and the value of a car accident claim. Medical records can serve as proof of an individual’s injuries by detailing their diagnosis and the treatments received. Proper medical documentation can show the injury you sustained and whether it is likely to have lasting effects. When some injuries do not appear immediately, receiving medical treatment can help establish the full scope of injuries.

FAQs About Long Beach, CA Car Accident Laws

What Happens if You Don’t Report an Accident Within 24 Hours in California?

In California, you only need to report an accident to law enforcement within 24 hours if it resulted in injuries or death. If you fail to do so, you could be fined, have complications with your injury claim, and potentially face other legal consequences. If you miss the 24-hour deadline, you should still report the accident immediately and contact our personal injury law firm.

How Long After a Car Accident in California Can You Still Report It?

Drivers who experience a qualifying accident in California have 10 days to report the accident to the DMV using form SR-1. You are required to file an SR-1 if anyone is injured or killed in the collision or if property damage exceeds $1,000. Fault does not matter for this requirement, and it is separate from what is required by police and insurance companies. Drivers who fail to file an SR-1 when necessary can have their license suspended.

Who Is at Fault in a Three-Car Rear-End Collision in Long Beach?

Determining who was at fault in a three-car rear-end collision in Long Beach depends on the circumstances surrounding each individual impact. California law requires all drivers to drive at a speed and distance that allows them to stop at a reasonable and prudent distance. The person driving at the rear is usually responsible for causing a chain reaction accident. However, fault can be split when two or more drivers each play a role in the crash.

Can People File a Claim After Getting Rear-Ended in Long Beach?

Yes, a person can file a claim after getting rear-ended in Long Beach. When another driver’s negligence causes a victim to suffer injuries and losses, that person has the right to file a claim. However, many rear-end accident claims are resolved through insurance companies without ever going to court. Whether a legal claim is warranted depends on a variety of factors.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Long Beach Today

If you have been injured in a car accident, a Long Beach car accident attorney at Hobbs Law Group can help you seek compensation. Contact us today for a consultation.