Long Beach Car Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident in Long Beach, you need to understand your rights and options. Car accidents can lead to serious repercussions, and at Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, we’re dedicated to guiding you through these challenging times. Our free consultations are designed to review your case thoroughly and advise you on the best course of action.

Long Beach Car Accident Statistics

Every year, people in Long Beach and across California face the distressing consequences of car accidents. These incidents not only cause physical harm but also emotional and financial distress. In Los Angeles County, which includes Long Beach, the statistics are alarming. In 2021, there were 658 fatalities and 4,282 severe injuries due to car accidents. Long Beach is no stranger to these dangers. High-traffic areas like Pacific Coast Highway, 7th Street, and the intersections around Downtown Long Beach are particularly prone to accidents.

Total Injuries & Fatalities

• 2019: 2,276
• 2020: 2,085
• 2021: 2,480
• 2022: 2,491
• 2023: 1,621

Statistics on Fatal and Injury Causing Collisions in Long Beach

In Long Beach, the number of accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities has been under scrutiny for the past five years. With 2,276 accidents recorded in 2019 and 1,621 in 2023, a notable decline of 29% has been observed during this period. This trend suggests a positive shift towards safer roads in the city. Nonetheless, continuous efforts are crucial to sustain and further improve these statistics, ensuring the well-being of all road users.

Primary Collision Factor

• Right-of-Way: 296
• Unsafe Speed: 225
• Traffic Signals and Signs: 181
• Improper Turning: 226
• DUI: 95
• All Other: 598

Statistics on Common Causes of Collisions in Long Beach

Additionally, analysis of collision data reveals a significant trend in Long Beach concerning the primary collision factor. Last year, a predominant issue stemmed from drivers failing to yield the right of way. This observation underscores the importance of adherence to traffic regulations and heightened awareness among motorists. Addressing this specific concern through targeted awareness campaigns and enhanced enforcement measures could potentially mitigate such incidents and contribute to overall road safety improvements in the community.

Which Roads and Intersections in Long Beach Are the Most Dangerous?

Long Beach is home to several hotspots for car accidents. Recognizing these areas can help drivers be more vigilant and cautious:

Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)

Pacific Coast Highway, with its dense traffic flow and variable speed limits, is a hotspot for vehicular mishaps in Long Beach. The road’s extensive stretch through the city, coupled with areas of heavy congestion and frequent speed changes, significantly increases the risk of collisions. Motorists are advised to exercise heightened caution when driving on PCH, especially during peak hours.

7th Street

7th Street, especially near intersections such as 7th Street and Bellflower Boulevard, is known for being particularly prone to accidents. The combination of heavy traffic, complex signal patterns, and the busy nature of the thoroughfare contributes to a higher likelihood of incidents. Drivers should remain particularly alert at these intersections, where the convergence of various traffic flows can lead to dangerous situations.

Downtown Long Beach

The downtown district of Long Beach, characterized by a blend of commercial activities, residential areas, and tourist attractions, experiences a substantial amount of both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. This convergence can lead to a high incidence of accidents, with the diverse mix of traffic creating complex driving conditions. Navigating the downtown area demands careful attention to both the road and surrounding activities to avoid potential accidents.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Long Beach?

After a car accident in Long Beach, it’s important to take the right steps:

Keep Records

After a car accident in Long Beach, collect and organize all documents related to the incident. This includes gathering medical bills, prescriptions, and reports from both the police and healthcare providers. The importance of these documents lies in their ability to demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the financial losses incurred due to the accident. They form the foundation for a strong case, helping to secure the compensation you are entitled to.

Follow Medical Advice

After an accident in Long Beach, your health is our primary concern. It’s best to closely follow the treatment plan and recommendations provided by your healthcare professionals. Ignoring medical advice can not only worsen your injuries but also negatively impact your claim for compensation. Insurance companies might view non-compliance with medical advice as an indicator of a lack of commitment to recovery, which can affect the amount of compensation you receive.

Notify Your Insurance

Promptly informing your insurance company about the accident is the next step. Delaying this notification could put your coverage and legal rights at risk. However, before entering into detailed discussions with your insurance provider, it’s advisable to consult with a lawyer. Insurance companies in Long Beach might try to reduce your settlement or suggest you were at fault for the accident. A lawyer can effectively guide these discussions, ensuring that your rights and interests are adequately protected.

Preserve Evidence

Documenting the accident scene in Long Beach, your vehicle, and any injuries you’ve sustained is imperative. Do this before any repairs are made or items are discarded. Also, make sure to collect contact information from witnesses. This evidence is vital in strengthening your claim and securing fair compensation. In essence, it means strengthening your case and enhancing your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.

Call a Lawyer

Finally, Text Kevin Accident Attorneys has the experience and recognition needed to handle your case effectively in Long Beach. As members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, and recipients of the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award, our experience speaks for itself. We will engage in negotiations with insurance companies and, if necessary, represent you in court to ensure your case is given the attention and high-quality representation it deserves.

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents in Long Beach can result in various injuries, ranging from mild to severe:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash and neck injuries are particularly common outcomes of rear-end car accidents. When a vehicle is hit from behind, the sudden movement can cause the head and neck to jerk rapidly back and forth. This violent motion can stretch or tear the muscles and tendons in the neck. Symptoms of whiplash might not be immediately apparent; they can develop hours, days, or even weeks after the accident. Common symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes blurred vision or ringing in the ears. It’s wise for individuals involved in rear-end collisions to monitor their health closely in the days following an accident and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.

Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Concussions and more severe TBIs are also frequent injuries in car accidents. These occur when the force of a collision causes the brain to move within the skull, potentially leading to bruising, tissue damage, and blood vessel injury. Symptoms of a concussion can range from headaches and dizziness to confusion and amnesia. More severe TBIs can lead to prolonged unconsciousness or amnesia. Because of their potentially serious impact on brain function, these injuries require immediate medical attention.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Car accidents can exert tremendous force on the body, often leading to broken bones and fractures. Commonly broken bones in car accidents include limbs (arms and legs), ribs, and hips. The severity of these injuries can vary significantly. While some fractures may be simple, requiring only a cast or splint, others may be more complicated, involving surgery and physical therapy for proper healing. The recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the break and the individual’s overall health.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious injuries that can result from car accidents. These injuries occur when there is damage to the spinal cord itself or to the bones, disks, or ligaments of the spinal column. The effects of spinal cord injuries can be devastating, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis. The level and severity of the injury will determine the extent of paralysis and whether it affects the arms, trunk, legs, or pelvic organs. Treatment typically involves immediate medical intervention, possible surgery, and long-term rehabilitation. These injuries can have lasting impacts on a person’s life, including their mobility and independence.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries in car accidents refer to damage to the muscles, ligaments, or tendons. These injuries can range from minor bruises or strains to more serious injuries like tears or severe sprains. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Treatment for soft tissue injuries depends on the severity and may include rest, ice, compression, elevation, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery. Recovery time varies based on the injury’s extent and the individual’s health.

Further Reading

• How Long After a Car Accident Can Injuries Appear?
• What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury in California?

Lacerations and Abrasions

Lacerations and abrasions are common skin injuries in car accidents. Lacerations are deep cuts or tears in the skin, while abrasions are more superficial, often referred to as scrapes. These injuries can occur from broken glass, metal, or impact with hard surfaces inside the car. While some lacerations and abrasions may be minor and heal with basic first aid, more severe injuries might require medical attention, including cleaning, stitching, or even surgery. The risk of infection is a significant concern with these injuries, making proper medical treatment necessary.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are among the most serious consequences of car accidents. These injuries involve damage to internal organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, or heart. Internal injuries can be life-threatening and often require immediate medical intervention. Symptoms may not be immediately obvious, making it vital for anyone involved in a significant car accident to seek medical evaluation. Treatment for internal injuries can range from monitoring and medication to emergency surgery.

Psychological Trauma

The impact of a car accident isn’t limited to physical injuries. Psychological trauma is a common aftermath, with individuals potentially experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or phobias related to driving. These conditions can disrupt daily life and may require professional counseling or medication for management. It’s important to recognize and address the psychological effects of car accidents as part of the overall recovery process.

Burn Injuries

Burn injuries in car accidents typically occur in collisions that result in fires or explosions. These injuries can range from minor surface burns to severe injuries affecting deeper layers of skin and underlying tissues. Treatment for burn injuries depends on the severity and may include pain management, preventing infection, and, in severe cases, skin grafting. Recovery from significant burn injuries can be a long and challenging process, often involving specialized rehabilitation for both physical and psychological healing.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

If you’re considering the expenses of acquiring a car accident lawyer in Long Beach following a collision, it’s completely rational to worry about the potential financial impact. Accidents often impose substantial hardships, including large repair costs, loss of wages due to the inability to work, and overwhelming medical expenses. Luckily, at Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, we offer our services on a contingency fee basis. This approach allows you to secure legal representation without any initial outlay, ensuring that legal fees are only incurred upon the successful resolution of your case. Should we fail to secure a settlement or judgment in your favor, you will not be obligated to pay us any fees.

Can I Recover Compensation if I Share Some of the Blame for a Car Accident in Long Beach?

It’s a frequent question among many involved in traffic incidents in Long Beach: Is compensation still achievable if you’re partly to blame for the accident? Such scenarios are more common than anticipated. For instance, if an oncoming vehicle was on the wrong side, yet your headlights were not activated during nighttime, you might find yourself sharing some of the faults. In line with California’s regulations, even those partially at fault in an accident have the right to claim compensation. However, the compensation amount will be adjusted to reflect your level of responsibility. Therefore, if you were found to be 2 percent at fault in the accident, you would be eligible to claim 98 percent of the awarded damages.

What Causes Car Accidents in Long Beach, CA?

In Long Beach, just as in the rest of California, individuals who have been injured in car accidents due to another party’s negligence are entitled to pursue compensation. This includes reimbursement for injuries resulting from various negligent behaviors:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a significant concern in Long Beach, reflecting a wider issue throughout California. Activities that divert a driver’s attention from the road, particularly the use of a cell phone for talking or texting, are major contributors to road accidents. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23123 and California Vehicle Code Section 23123.5, handheld cell phone use and texting while driving are illegal. These laws aim to enhance road safety by reducing accidents caused by drivers who are not fully attentive to the road.

Speeding

Speeding remains a common cause of traffic accidents in Long Beach. As stipulated by California Vehicle Code Section 22350, it’s illegal to drive at speeds considered unsafe for the existing road, weather, visibility, and traffic conditions – this holds true even if the speed is below the posted limit. Drivers who cause accidents due to speeding can be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages. This law serves to emphasize that speed limits are not mere suggestions but critical safety measures tailored to specific driving environments.

Failure to Yield

In Long Beach, failure to yield, especially at intersections with heavy traffic and areas frequented by pedestrians, is a common form of road negligence. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21801, drivers are required to yield in specific situations, such as to pedestrians in crosswalks or when making left turns. Accidents caused by failing to yield can result in severe consequences, and drivers found at fault may face legal responsibility for any injuries or damages caused.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

DUI is a pressing issue in Long Beach, mirroring the trend throughout California. Per California Vehicle Code Section 23152, operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination thereof, including impairment from prescription or over-the-counter medications, is illegal. DUI offenses carry significant legal repercussions due to the high risk they pose in causing accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Those involved in DUI-related accidents are subject to stringent legal penalties and are accountable for any resulting harm.

Hit and Run Accidents

Hit-and-run incidents are taken very seriously in Long Beach. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, drivers involved in accidents that result in injury or death are legally obligated to stop and provide necessary assistance and information. Failing to do so, particularly in accidents involving injuries or fatalities, may result in felony charges. This law highlights the responsibility of drivers to remain accountable in accident situations, ensuring that victims receive necessary support and information for legal and insurance purposes.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

As mandated by California Vehicle Code Section 16029, all drivers in Long Beach are required to have a minimum level of liability insurance coverage. Nonetheless, accidents with uninsured or underinsured motorists occur, complicating the process for victims seeking compensation. In these scenarios, individuals may rely on their uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage plays a crucial role in providing financial protection in accidents where the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance to cover the incurred damages and injuries.

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Contact Our Long Beach Car Accident Attorneys Today for Legal Help

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Long Beach, don’t hesitate to contact Text Kevin Accident Attorneys for a free consultation. We offer top-tier legal representation with no fees unless you win. Our team is dedicated to helping you focus on your recovery while we handle your legal case.

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