Car Accident Lawyers in
Long Beach

Car crashes can occur for a variety of reasons, but it is usually one driver or one vehicle that is at fault for a collision. Some causes are more immediately apparent than others. You will want to contact a lawyer right away so they can commence an independent investigation to preserve important evidence relating to your accident. You can also do yourself a huge favor by taking as many pictures as possible of everything involved in the scene of your crash. Some of the most common causes of car accidents generally include, but are not limited to:

• Driver Fatigue — People who drive while they are exhausted are much more prone to making any number of mistakes that could be extremely consequential.
• Distracted Driving — Cell phones are regarded as the most common kind of activity that can be distracting, and writing a text message is indeed one of the most dangerous kinds of distractions. Other types of distractions include eating, drinking, changing radio stations or adjusting climate controls, and reading maps.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of Alcohol or Drugs — People who are arrested for drunk or drugged driving will usually face criminal charges, but your own action against these individuals will be a civil claim. That means that DUI offenders could possibly be acquitted or avoid criminal convictions but can still he held civilly liable because the burden of proof in a civil case is far lower than a criminal case.
• Failure to Maintain Vehicle — Some accidents are simply the result of faulty motor vehicles that may have stemmed from the owner’s failure to properly care for the automobile.
• Defective Parts — When certain parts are defective, they can easily cause loss of control or other issues that lead to crashes. Manufacturers could be liable in some cases.
• Defective Highways — Certain roadways may have potholes or other kinds of dangers that are usually the responsibility of governmental entities to correct.
• Construction Zone Violations — Construction zones require people to drive at lower speeds and possible follow detours, and some crashes are the result of drivers not obeying posted signs.
• Inclement Weather — While Long Beach is usually sunny, there are days with rain or other unwelcoming conditions that can make driving more difficult. All drivers still remain responsible for operating safely in adverse weather.
• Improper or Illegal Turns — A driver may cause an accident by performing a prohibited turn in a variety of settings.
• Following Too Closely (Tailgating) — People who are tailgating are far more likely to cause rear-end accidents because they are not providing themselves with enough stopping distance in the event that the vehicles they are trailing do stop suddenly.
• Overcompensation — When a driver overcompensates while turning, they are more susceptible to rollover accidents.
• Medical Emergency — Some drivers may have heart attacks or other sudden medical episodes that may leave them unable to continue driving and causing accidents.
• Reckless Driving — California Vehicle Code § 23103 defines reckless driving as driving “a vehicle upon a highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”
• Speeding — People who are operating in excess of posted speed limits are far more likely to cause all kinds of accidents because increased speeds translate to decreased ability to stop.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Signs or Lights — Many accidents involve people disregarding stop signs or red lights. Crashes can also stem from failure to adhere to many other signs or lights, such as yield signs.
• Other Traffic Violations — Any one of a number of other common California traffic offenses could also be the basis of an accident.

Some car accidents can involve other complicating factors. For example, some negligent drivers may quickly flee the scenes of collisions, making them hit-and-run crashes.

Car Insurance Minimums in Long Beach

Every driver in CA must have auto liability insurance. These policies cover the cost of accidental damage and/or injury on the road. The minimum levels are:

• $15,000 per person for personal (bodily) injuries
• $30,000 personal injury liability per accident
• $5,000 property damage cover per accident

For serious injuries, these levels may not be enough. An auto accident attorney in Long Beach can help you recover further compensation. If a driver has no insurance, or commercial vehicles are involved, there are additional legal complications. This is why it’s key to contact an attorney sooner rather than later. Types of Long Beach Car Accident Injuries Car accident injuries can vary. Some people may only have minor bruising, while others have catastrophic, life-changing injuries. Injuries often depend on:

• The point of impact
• Speed of impact
• Size of vehicles involved
• Seat allocation e.g. driver or passenger

Some of the most common kinds of injuries include:

• Lacerations
• Fractures
• Muscle Strains
• Sprains
• Internal Organ Damage
• Burn Injuries
• Neck Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Paralysis

Severe car crashes can cause death. If you lose a loved one to a car crash, the May Firm can help. Contact our wrongful death and auto accident attorneys in Long Beach.

Car Accident Attorneys in Long Beach Who Know How to Win

Our firm has been named one of America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators. We are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Our accident lawyers have the experience and dedication to fight for justice for our clients.