Long Beach Car Accident Lawyers

Why Thompson Law As Your Car Accident Attorney?

Choosing the right legal team after a car accident is crucial for your recovery and compensation. At Thompson Law, we bring experience, dedication, and a client-first approach to every case. Here’s why:

• No upfront costs:  You don’t pay unless we win your case.
• Proven results:  With over $1.9 billion recovered, we know how to fight for maximum compensation.
• Fast and easy process:  Call or message us anytime. Sign up online, and we will start working on your case immediately.
• 24/7 support:  Accidents do not wait, and neither do we. Our team is available around the clock.
• Personalized attention:  We keep you informed and answer your questions every step of the way.
• Bilingual assistance:  Our Spanish-speaking team ensures language is never a barrier to justice.

At Thompson Law, we handle everything from tough insurance negotiations to building a strong case so you can focus on healing.

Do not wait. California law limits the time to file a claim. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION, and let our Long Beach car accident lawyers fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Get Compensation for Your Car Accident

A car accident can be overwhelming and life-changing, leaving you unsure of what to do next. That’s where our Long Beach car accident attorneys come in. We guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights.

We understand that every case is unique. That’s why we take the time to listen, evaluate your situation, and build a strategy tailored to your needs.

Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious crash, we have the knowledge and resources to help. Our team will investigate, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and work to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.

What Compensation Can I Get for a Car Accident in Long Beach?

If you’ve been injured in a Long Beach car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible for financial compensation. This compensation is typically divided into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

These cover direct financial losses from the accident, such as:

• Medical expenses:  Doctor visits, surgeries, therapy, medications, and more.
• Lost wages:  Income lost during recovery or due to long-term disability.
• Vehicle repairs or replacement:  Costs for fixing or replacing your car.
• Personal property damage:  Compensation for items damaged in the crash.
• Replacement services:  Costs for services like cleaning or childcare if you’re unable to manage them due to injuries.

Since these damages involve specific expenses, they are generally easier to calculate using bills, invoices, and wage statements.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages cover more subjective losses, such as:

• Pain and suffering:  Physical pain, emotional distress, and mental trauma.
• Loss of enjoyment of life:  The inability to engage in activities you once enjoyed.
• Disability or disfigurement:  Long-term physical limitations or visible injuries.
• Loss of companionship:  In wrongful death cases, family members may seek compensation for emotional loss.

Though non-economic damages are harder to calculate, they can be substantial. Our legal team works to ensure you receive fair compensation for these intangible losses.

Punitive Damages

In cases of extreme negligence, such as drunk or reckless driving, courts may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and prevent future incidents.

While compensation can’t undo the harm caused, it can help you recover financially and provide justice for your suffering.

Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Long Beach

Car accidents in Long Beach often happen due to driver errors, poor decisions, or external hazards. Here are the top causes:

• Distracted driving:  Using a phone, eating, or losing focus behind the wheel can lead to dangerous crashes.
• Speeding:  Driving too fast, especially in bad weather or heavy traffic, significantly increases accident risks.
• Driving under the influence:  Alcohol and drugs slow reaction time and impair judgment, often causing severe collisions.
• Reckless driving:  Tailgating, weaving between lanes, and ignoring traffic rules put everyone at risk.
• Failure to yield:  Not yielding to vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists at intersections frequently leads to accidents.
• Weather-related hazards:  Rain, fog, and wet roads become dangerous when drivers fail to adjust their speed and caution.
• External factors:  Defective car parts, potholes, and missing road signs can also cause accidents, sometimes making manufacturers or local agencies liable.

Understanding these risks can help prevent accidents, but if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Thompson Law for a FREE CONSULTATION today.

Common Types of Car Accident Cases in Long Beach

Our Long Beach car accident lawyers handle a wide range of crash cases, from minor ones to severe collisions. Here are the most common accident types we help with:

• Fatal Car Accidents:  These tragic crashes involve complex legal processes. We help families seek justice and compensation.
• Rear-End Collisions:  Often caused by distracted driving or sudden stops, these crashes can lead to neck and back injuries, even at low speeds.
• T-Bone or Side-Impact Collisions:  When one car strikes another from the side, the lack of side protection can cause serious injuries.
• Head-On Collisions:  Among the most dangerous accidents, these crashes often result in life-threatening or fatal injuries.
• Speeding Accidents:  High-speed crashes cause severe injuries due to the force of impact.
• Weather-Related Accidents:  Rain, fog, and slick roads increase accident risks when drivers fail to adjust their speed and caution.
• Accidents Involving Elderly Drivers:  Slower reaction times or vision issues can contribute to crashes, requiring careful legal handling.
• Hit-and-Run Accidents:  When drivers flee the scene, victims face medical bills and financial strain. We work to hold them accountable.
• Rideshare Accidents:  Uber and Lyft crashes involve unique insurance and liability challenges. Our team helps victims navigate the legal process.
• Autonomous Vehicle Accidents:  Self-driving car accidents raise complex legal questions about responsibility. We help determine liability.
• Intersection Accidents:  Running red lights and failing to yield often cause rear-end or side-impact crashes at intersections.

If you’ve been in a car accident, our Long Beach lawyers are here to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your case.

Common Car Accident Injuries in Long Beach

Car accidents in Long Beach, whether minor or severe, can lead to injuries requiring immediate or long-term medical care. Recognizing common injuries is essential for getting the treatment and compensation you need.

Here are some of the most frequent injuries seen in Long Beach car accidents:

• Whiplash
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Burn injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Paralysis
• Fractured bones
• Internal injuries, such as organ damage
• Lacerations, abrasions, and cuts
• Nerve damage
• Concussions
• Amputation
• Wrongful death

Even if you feel fine after a car accident, seeing a doctor is essential. Some injuries, like internal trauma or concussions, may not show symptoms right away but can worsen over time. A medical evaluation can detect hidden issues early, ensuring you get the care you need and protecting your right to compensation.

If you’ve been in an accident, do not wait. Contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your case and next steps.

High-Risk Roads and Intersections in Long Beach

Long Beach has a high rate of car accidents, often caused by heavy traffic, urban design, and driver behavior. Below are some of the city’s most accident-prone roads:

• I-710 between Artesia Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard in eastern Carson
• Traffic signals around Long Beach Airport and Signal Hill
• Intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Shoreline Drive near Palm Beach
• Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) approaching the West Side
• Los Coyotes intersection
• I-605 (San Gabriel River Freeway) south of Del Amo Boulevard and the Lakewood area, before joining I-405 (San Diego Freeway)
• West Side of Long Beach during rush hours

How to Prove Negligence in a Long Beach Car Accident Case

To hold someone accountable for a car accident in Long Beach, you must prove they were negligent. Drivers are required to follow traffic laws and act responsibly to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists. If a driver fails to meet this obligation, they can be held liable for any resulting harm.

To prove negligence, you must establish these four key points:

• Duty of Care:  The at-fault driver had a legal duty to drive safely and obey traffic laws.
• Breach of Duty:  The driver violated this duty, such as by running red lights, speeding, or driving distracted.
• Causation:  You must show that the driver’s actions directly caused the accident and your injuries.
• Damages:  Present evidence of your injuries, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Solid evidence, like police reports, witness statements, crash photos, and medical records, is essential to proving these points. In Long Beach, shared fault cases follow California’s pure comparative negligence rule, which reduces your compensation based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault in a $10,000 case, you could recover $8,000.

Understanding negligence can be complex, but with a skilled Long Beach car accident attorney, you can navigate the process and pursue fair compensation.

Time Limits for Filing Car Accident Claims in Long Beach

Car accident victims in Long Beach have a limited time to file a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident for seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs.

There are exceptions to this rule. For instance, if the victim is a minor, the two-year period starts when they turn 18. Failing to file within the deadline can prevent you from recovering damages, regardless of fault.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. Call us today or fill out our form for a FREE, NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION with our Long Beach car accident lawyers. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can focus on your recovery.

Call Thompson Law And Get Compensated For Your Case!

Our car accident lawyers at Thompson Law can help you get compensated! We’ve earned over $1.9 Billion in winning cases for our clients seeking justice. We’ll take care of everything, from speaking to the insurance companies to investigating your accident. Best of all, we do all this for no cost and no up front fees. We don’t get paid, until you get paid. Call the best car accident lawyers in Long Beach with our FREE CONSULTATION!

FAQs About Car Accidents in Long Beach

Can you sue a minor for a car accident in Long Beach?

Minors under 18 typically can’t be sued directly for a car accident, but their parents or guardians may be held responsible. Here’s how liability works:

• Parental Responsibility:  Parents can be held accountable if they let an unlicensed or inexperienced minor drive.
• Minor’s Negligence:  Teen drivers must follow the same road rules as adults, but their age and experience will be considered in assigning fault.
• Willful Misconduct:  If a minor intentionally causes harm, their guardian could be held liable for damages.

Our Long Beach car accident lawyers can assess the situation, investigate the driver’s behavior, and determine who is liable.

What should I do if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance in Long Beach?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you can still recover compensation through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or other insurance policies. Our lawyers can help you explore all options for the compensation you deserve.

Can I file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, Long Beach follows California’s pure comparative negligence rule. You can still receive compensation, but your settlement will be reduced based on your share of fault.

Can I claim compensation for emotional distress after a car accident?

Yes, emotional distress is part of non-economic damages. You can seek compensation for anxiety, PTSD, or any loss of quality of life caused by the accident.

How long does it take to settle a car accident case in Long Beach?

The time to settle depends on factors like injury severity and insurance negotiations. Some cases settle within a few months, but others may take longer, especially if a lawsuit is involved.