Car accidents can be devastating but unfortunately they’re common in Long Beach. With bustling streets, high numbers of pedestrians, and busy junctions, driving conditions can be challenging. Accidents in Long Beach range from minor fender benders to catastrophic, life-threatening collisions. The consequences range from emotional distress and property damage to physical injury and, in severe cases, death.
At the May Firm, we want to help you stay safe on the road. To help prevent car crashes, it’s important to understand what causes accidents and how you can protect yourself. Below, our experienced attorneys explain car crash risk factors and how we can help if you’re involved in a collision.
What Are the Most Common Types of Car Accidents in Long Beach?
Every car accident is different. However, some types of car crashes are more common than others. Here’s a summary of the most common types of auto crashes in Long Beach, CA.
Rear-End Collision
A rear-end collision involves one vehicle crashing into the rear of another.
These accidents often happen at intersections or in slow-moving traffic. However, they can occur at speed. For example, this might happen if a driver fails to stop at a red light. They could crash into the car in front.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on crashes, or “frontal” crashes, involve two vehicles colliding at the front. The resulting injuries can be severe, especially if the impact happens at speed. There’s also the risk of significant property damage and injuries from flying debris.
Side Swipe Accidents
A “side swipe” occurs when one car hits the side of another vehicle. This often happens when vehicles are traveling in the same or opposite directions, and one car hits the other. In most cases, the driver who fails to stay in their lane is deemed at fault. However, that’s not to say the other driver is not partially at fault – it all depends on the facts.
Fender Benders
“Fender benders” are less serious accidents. They might cause minor injuries or slight property damage. They often happen in parking lots and in slow moving traffic. Given how busy Long Beach streets are, it’s unsurprising (but no less worrying) that fender benders are so common.
Intersection Accidents
Intersections are common spots for car accidents. Whether it’s a roundabout or T-intersection, these spots are often busy and drivers need to stay vigilant.
- Across the US, more than 50% of crashes involve an intersection.
- Intersection accidents often involve multiple vehicles and they can be severe.
- Common causes include careless driving, distracted driving, and failing to yield.
Hit and Run Accidents
A “hit and run” means that a driver caused an accident resulting in injury, death, or damage, but fled the scene.
- It’s a criminal offense to leave the scene without reporting an accident causing death or injury.
- A hit and run could mean there’s a delay in someone getting the medical treatment they need. This could result in avoidable death.
If you’re affected by a hit and run in Long Beach, don’t hesitate to call the May Firm.
Fatal Accidents
Fatal accidents do, unfortunately, happen in Long Beach. They affect drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
- People riding bikes or motorcycles are especially vulnerable. However, fatal accidents affect motorists, too.
- There’s no single cause of road deaths, but speeding is a major factor.
- Most worryingly, traffic deaths are above average in Long Beach compared to elsewhere in California.
What Are the Common Causes of Long Beach Car Accidents?
Just as there are many types of car accidents, there are various reasons why crashes occur.
Distracted Driving
From texting to eating, drivers often allow themselves to be distracted on the road. Distracted driving is a huge problem across the US, and no less so in Long Beach.
- Distracted driving injured over 324,000 people in the US in 2020 alone.
- Injuries caused by distracted drivers can be severe and even fatal.
Distracted driving compromises the safety of all road users, from drivers to pedestrians.
Speeding
Long Beach is notorious for speeding incidents. In 2020, for example, Long Beach ranked as one of the 20 worst cities for speeding in the US.
The biggest problem with speeding is that it makes it more challenging for drivers to react. When drivers can’t react in time, they could collide at a high speed. High-speed collisions can result in severe, life-changing, and fatal injuries.
Drugs or Alcohol
Driving under the influence (DUI/DWI) is a significant problem. Drugs and alcohol can cause:
- Slower reaction times
- Impaired judgment
- Blurred vision
- Lack of coordination
Driving under the influence may result in serious or fatal injury, especially if someone loses control of their vehicle.
Failure to Obey Traffic Laws
Traffic laws are there to protect us. If someone fails to obey these laws e.g. running a red light, they risk everyone’s safety. And, unfortunately, these violations can cause serious injuries.
Traffic law violations are common in Long Beach and across California. Drivers must remember their duty of care towards other road users and follow CA traffic laws.
Inexperienced Drivers
Whether it’s a teenager or a new driver, inexperienced drivers need to stay vigilant on the road. This is an issue across the US, including Long Beach.
Too often, inexperienced drivers overestimate their abilities. They may drive too fast for the road conditions or allow themselves to be distracted in busy traffic.
Weather Conditions
From slick roads to sun glare, the weather can cause challenging driving conditions. If drivers fail to properly consider the weather and road conditions, they could cause a crash. The sun is a particular issue in Long Beach. It can make it harder to spot other road users, or hazards such as potholes.
Making a Car Accident Claim in Long Beach
If you’ve never made a compensation claim before, you might be unsure what’s involved. Here is an overview of what to expect.
- Our friendly and experienced team evaluates your case. If you have a claim, we’ll get to work right away.
- We will gather any relevant evidence to support your claim, such as photos, accident reports, and proof of lost wages.
- Our lawyers will provide a rough estimate of what your claim is worth and file a lawsuit on your behalf.
- We will handle negotiations with insurance companies for you. If necessary, we will also help you get the medical care you need.
- Our lawyers will advise you whether a settlement offer is fair so you can make an informed choice.
- If there’s no settlement offer, or it’s too low, we can discuss proceeding to trial.
Simple claims may settle in a few months. More complex cases could take a year or more to resolve, especially if we need to go to trial.
At the May Firm, our accident lawyers in Long Beach are ready and waiting to help you. We’ll take your case all the way to court if it’s in your best interests. Our team can explain the process as it relates to your case.
Time Limits for Filing a Long Beach Car Accident Claim
In California, there is such a thing as a time limit for filing a civil claim. This is known as the statute of limitations.
In CA, you normally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. Sometimes, though, other dates apply.
- Did your loved one die due to their injuries? You have two years from the date of their death to file a wrongful death claim.
- Are any accident victims under 18? They have two years from the date they turn 18 to claim.
- If you’re only filing for property damage, you have three years from the accident date to claim.
- If the accident involved a government vehicle, there are other procedural rules and deadlines to follow.
Our lawyers will explain what time limits apply depending on your unique case.
How a Car Accident Attorney in Long Beach Can Help
Personal injury cases can be complex. This is especially true of car accident claims, since injuries can be severe and your losses may be significant. Here’s how a Long Beach car accident lawyer can help victims file a personal injury case.
- Insurance companies may try to settle quickly by accepting liability but offering you less than you deserve. An experienced attorney will ensure you get what you’re entitled to, even if this means going to trial.
- It’s not always easy for accident victims to prove fault. Our accident attorneys will carefully evaluate the evidence and determine the best way to prove your case.
- Evidence is crucial in accident claims. Our Long Beach car accident lawyers can gather the evidence required before it’s lost, destroyed, or damaged.
Recovering from an injury is stressful enough without worrying about legal matters. Let our team handle the hard work for you while you focus on getting your life back.
Hire a Long Beach Car Accident Attorney
At the May Firm, we know how devastating car accidents can be. If you’re hurt in a car crash, our attorneys want to help.
Our auto accident lawyers in Long Beach, CA have the experience to handle any car accident claim. No matter whether it’s a fender bender or life-changing crash, we’ll help you get the damages you deserve. We offer a free consultation to all prospective clients and you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
You have nothing to lose by contacting the May Firm. Instead, you have everything to gain. For a free case evaluation, contact a car accident lawyer in Long Beach today.
Disclaimer:
The content in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and may not represent the current law in the recipient’s jurisdiction. The content and information should not be construed as professional legal advice from The May Firm or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. Any and all information included in, or accessible through, this article should not be used to act or refrain from acting without the appropriate legal or other professional advice from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s appropriate jurisdiction. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.
