Long Beach Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents are extremely common in Long Beach. In fact, they form the basis of the majority of personal injury claims every year. The vast majority of car accidents are caused by the negligence of another person. This negligence is not always on the part of the drivers involved. Government entities, manufacturers, and more can be liable for a car accident. A Long Beach car accident lawyer can determine which party is at fault for your accident, and hold them liable for paying full damages.

The moments following a car crash are stressful and confusing, and it is natural to not know what to do. To protect any future claim you may file, the most important steps to take include:

• Report the accident: You are required to report any accident in the state that results in injury, death, or property damage. Reporting the accident will also result in a police report being filed, which can help prove your claim.
• Exchange information: Exchange your name, contact information, insurance information, and driver’s license number with any other motorist involved.
• Take pictures of the accident scene: These are useful pieces of evidence.
• See a doctor: You need to protect your own health and safety after an accident, so it is important to see a doctor. Seeing a doctor will also document your injuries, which can help prove your claim.

Lastly, you should always speak to a Long Beach car accident attorney. A lawyer will negotiate with the insurer on your behalf so you recover the fair settlement you deserve.

It is not uncommon for insurance companies to have an adjuster reach out to accident victims in the hours or days following a crash. They sometimes even visit accident victims while they are receiving treatment at the hospital. They reach out to you so early in the process because they want to make a settlement offer. This sounds like good news, but it is not.

The insurer sends an adjuster early so you will be happy to receive any settlement at all, particularly as you watch your medical bills pile up. The settlement they offer you will not be enough to fully cover the cost of your injuries and if you accept it, you cannot go back to them for more in the future. The adjuster will also use this time to collect evidence they can use against you. For example, they may ask you to sign a medical release to prove that your injuries were a pre-existing condition, or ask you to provide a recorded statement.

Never deal with the insurance company on your own. Always speak to a car accident lawyer in Long Beach first and when an adjuster contacts you, direct them to your attorney.

If you have been hurt in a crash, our car accident attorney in Long Beach at Brod Law Firm can assist with your case. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case review and to learn more about how we can help.