An Award-Winning & Experienced Car Accident Lawyer — Long Beach, CA

Contact Our Long Beach Car Accident Lawyer Near You

Daniel Kim and his team of experienced car accident lawyers can help you win your personal injury claim. We will fight to keep you protected and get you full and fair compensation for your injuries.

Our law offices are proud to serve the nearby neighborhoods, communities, and surrounding cities of Long Beach, CA including: Avalon, Bixby Knolls, Belmont Heights, Belmont Shore, Bluff Heights, Carson, Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Lawndale, Lomita, Los Altos, Los Cerritos, Naples, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Signal Hill, and Torrance.

We know that the whole claims process can be daunting for any accident victim to navigate. Let the best attorney in Long Beach do it for you. If you or a loved one have been injured in a crash, schedule your free consultation today with our Long Beach personal injury lawyer today. We are available to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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Were You Injured in a Auto Accident and Need Expert Legal Representation?

Long Beach Car Accident Lawyer Daniel Kim and his team of highly experienced legal professionals proudly serve car accident victims throughout Southern California and have successfully recovered over $250 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We boast a 99% success rate and fully prepared to fight to protect your legal rights and maximize your recoverable damages.

For auto accidents resulting in serious injuries caused by the negligent actions of another party, you are legally entitled to recover damages for losses incurred. Our experienced Long Beach car accident attorneys will evaluate your car accident case and determine how much it may be worth to get your life back on track.

If you or someone you know suffered serious injuries from an auto-related accident either with another motor vehicle or as a pedestrian, learn more about what to do as the victim and why the legal process to help you recover the compensation you deserve is best left to an experienced Long Beach car accident attorney. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.

Why Hire Daniel Kim as Your Long Beach Car Accident Attorney?

After being involved in a traffic accident, your life can be dramatically affected. Between dealing with pushy insurance companies and increasing medical bills, the process of filing a claim can be highly stressful. Partnering with a skilled personal injury lawyer will ease this process and improve your chances of obtaining maximum compensation.

Long Beach car accident lawyer, Daniel Kim, is a proven and award-winning legal professional. He, along with his qualified legal team, will help you navigate the entire claims process, so all you have to do is focus on healing and recovering from your injuries. When it comes to your personal injury case, our accident attorneys will assist in the following areas.

1. Prove Liability and Establish Damages

Proving your pain and suffering is a crucial part when pursuing a personal injury claim. This process will greatly impact the compensation you seek. Daniel Kim and his legal team will look at these elements to prove the negligence of the other party involved:

• Medical Bills – Our team will collect all medical records, tests, and scans relating to the accident to evaluate the monetary cost of ongoing and future medical treatment.
• Pain and Suffering – Emotional trauma due to a car accident is another important factor to evaluate when seeking compensation. Our attorneys will look at any mental distress you may have developed from the collision, such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, or PTSD. Then, you are able to receive the medical treatment you deserve.
• Loss of Wages – The unexpected expenses resulting from a car accident can cause major financial stress, especially if you are unable to work. If you lost income as a result of the accident, you can be reimbursed for lost wages, as well as loss of income that cannot be earned in the future.
• Property Damage – In an auto accident, property damage can apply to the vehicle or other personal items that were destroyed in the collision.

2. Deals with the Insurance Company

Our Long Beach car accident lawyers know how to handle aggressive insurance companies. When pursuing a claim for an accident, the process normally begins with the victim filing a claim to the at-fault driver’s insurer. This process can be complicated. This is because insurance adjusters will attempt to fault victims for the crash to reduce the settlement amount.

An experienced car accident attorney understands how to navigate these tactics and ensure your rights are protected. In addition, partnering with a personal injury lawyer, like Daniel Kim, shows that you are prepared to fight for what you deserve.

3. Win Maximum Compensation

Our law firm maintains a 99% success rate and has recovered $250 million for clients. Daniel Kim and his team have extensive knowledge of car accident cases. We know how to deliver the best results for our clients and get them the maximum compensation they deserve.

Our accident attorneys have been recognized as one of the Top Trial Lawyers in America, as well as one of the 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers for California by The Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers. We have proudly served a number of clients in Long Beach and the surrounding areas. Schedule a free consultation with us today to learn about your compensation.

Do I Need a Lawyer After an Accident?

If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto accident, you should consult with a Long Beach personal injury lawyer right away. It’s important to note that a consultation is not the same as retaining a law firm for its services. A consult is particularly valuable for injured victims for a number of reasons.

Following the crash, the other driver’s insurance company will contact you with questions pertaining to the car crash. Speaking to insurers and answering their questions is where most victims go wrong. Insurance adjusters undervalue the actual worth of a claim and are trained to entice victims into agreeing to low settlement offers. It’s an honest mistake, but it could have been avoided with the proper legal guidance from a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer.

In addition, California’s “statute of limitations” puts a restriction on when someone can file a car accident claim. The statute is typically two years from the date of the event, but the timeframe can vary depending on the circumstances. This means that accident victims have a limited amount of time to take legal action against the other driver. Therefore, those who are unaware that there is a deadline to meet are often not compensated.

A personal injury attorney, who specializes in personal injury law, is aware of the policies and limitations surrounding personal injury claims. Daniel Kim will work with you to make sure your rights are not violated and will keep you updated on case developments. Schedule your free consultation today.

What Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

When it comes to auto accidents, the general details may appear to be very similar on the surface. However, every case is unique. Therefore, the value of each accident will be unique, as well. In order to determine how much your case is worth, the three areas of damages must be identified, including economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.

Economic Damages

This form of damages typically holds a definite monetary value that is not interpretable. Economic losses that were a direct result of the crash can be compensated if it can be proven that the victim did suffer such losses. This is evident through medical bills, car repair receipts, or quotes of future medical treatment. Examples of economic damages include:

• Current medical expenses
• Future medical costs, like physical rehab
• Lost wages from time missed from work
• Loss of future earnings from diminished earning capacity
• Property damage of vehicle repairs/replacement or other belongings

Non-Economic Damages

Unlike other damages, non-economic losses are not quantifiable. Therefore, such losses do not have an exact monetary value. However, non-economic damages are still compensable, but proving their worth can be difficult. An experienced Long Beach lawyer can accurately estimate the worth of the following types of damages:

• Pain and suffering, both physically and psychologically
• Post-traumatic stress or other emotional distress
• Mental anguish affecting the quality of life
• Loss of consortium, or companionship

Punitive Damages

In contrast to economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages are not intended to financially compensate victims. Instead, this form of damages punishes the at-fault party for their actions. However, the actions must be proven to be egregious enough for punishment. Additionally, it must be proven that the accused party willfully acted recklessly, endangering the safety of others. Drunk driving is a common offense that qualifies for punitive damages.

What Causes Most Car Accidents?

In order to be compensated for your losses, it must be proven that the other party was negligent and liable for causing the car crash. Most Long Beach car accidents occur due to driver negligence. Examples of negligent driving are:

• Excessive speeding and not following speed limits
• Distracted driving in the form of cellphone usage, eating, or talking to passengers
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Failing to follow traffic laws by making improper turns, running red lights, or running stop signs
• Poorly maintained roads and highways with multiple potholes, uneven surfaces, or broken traffic lights

If any of these factors caused your car crash or you believe another form of negligence contributed to it, you could be compensated for damages. However, multiple parties are also commonly found liable for causing a crash, including the plaintiff. This can make it difficult to file a claim against the appropriate party. Therefore, you must determine who is actually liable for causing the crash.

Who Is Liable in a Car Accident?

California’s comparative negligence laws hold every person or entity accountable for their role in causing accidents. This includes the accused, the plaintiff, and any other parties. Depending on the percentage of fault displayed, each party will owe a certain amount of damages as deemed appropriate by the courts.

In order to accurately determine fault, a series of investigative steps must be taken. Our law firm has the resources to conduct an in-depth investigation and identify all liable parties. Learn more during your free consultation.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Long Beach?

Before taking legal action or even filing a personal injury claim, consider the following recommendations after being involved in a car crash.

1. Contact the Police – A police report can help support your case and work as favorable evidence. It is also a legitimate and accurate written account of the traffic accident.
2. Retain Evidence from the Scene – Take pictures and video footage of the wreck. Document the damages made to both your and the other driver’s property. Collect the contact information of any eyewitnesses present during the collision.
3. Seek Medical Treatment – Whether your injuries feel minor or severe, always get medical treatment. This can prevent your condition from worsening.  It will also indicate that your injuries are legitimate to an insurance adjuster or jury.
4. Maintain a Record of Damages and Injury – Collect all documents related to your injuries. This includes medical exams, pain management treatments, and all other out-of-pocket expenses.
5. Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer – It’s beneficial to discuss your collision with a Long Beach car accident lawyer. Consulting with an attorney who specializes in personal injury law can protect your rights and provide guidance on what to do next.

Long Beach personal injury lawyer, Daniel Kim, and his award-winning team understand the mental, physical, and financial distress that arises following a crash. This is why we offer a personalized service for each client and work on a contingency basis.

What to Do in a Hit-and-Run Accident

This type of accident is very specific and can involve other motorists, pedestrians, or bicyclists. Depending on the severity of the account, a hit-and-run can be classified as a misdemeanor or felony offense. Ultimately, a hit-and-run is when a driver:

• Flees the accident scene before identifying themselves to the other party
• Injures the other party and abandons them in a vulnerable state
• Causes property damage and does not report the crash

In order to protect themselves and catch the fleeing party, it is recommended for victims of hit-and-run accidents to follow a series of steps. First, after the crash occurs, ensure you are safe and immediately call 911 for help. If you’re in a vehicle, move it to the side of the road. If you’re a pedestrian or bicyclist, get to a sidewalk and out of the street.

Then, if you can, take note of what you can recall about the hit-and-run driver. Notes on the driver’s appearance, vehicle (make, model, color, etc.), and the direction the vehicle fled in are all valuable observations that can help with a police investigation.

If the guilty party can be located, a claim can be filed against the driver. However, if the hit-and-run driver is not identified, victims may be left paying for the cost of damages, including medical bills and vehicle repairs. Depending on the victim’s insurance, collision coverage or comprehensive coverage may cover some expenses.

For the best insight and clarity on your case, contact a car accident lawyer. Local Long Beach attorneys are experienced in California’s personal injury laws and can help you recover compensation.

What Are Common Car Accident Injuries?

Depending on the crash, a car accident victim can suffer from a serious injury with long-term effects or a catastrophic injury with permanent damage. Because injuries can dramatically alter a person’s life, it is always our aim to maximize settlements for clients.

A monetary reward cannot necessarily right all wrongs, but it is a start in helping you recover from the crash. Our car accident attorneys have recovered maximum compensation for the following types of injuries.

• Head Injuries: impact to the skull or brain causing a concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or other internal damage
• Neck Injuries and Back/Spinal Injuries: often caused by whiplash, a violent thrust of the spine can result in a herniated disc or paralysis
• Broken Bones and Fractures: the force of impact from the crash can initiate bone breaks anywhere in the body
• Hidden Injuries: referred to as internal injuries, involving internal bleeding and organ damage, and can often go unsuspected unless examined by a medical professional
• Wrongful Death: injury complications resulting in a fatality or death at the scene of the crash

This is just a short list of common injuries and outcomes of car crashes. If you sustained injuries, you deserve to be compensated for medical care, surgeries, physical therapy, and all other treatments that will get you back to a healthy state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?

In California, it’s important to file a car accident claim as soon as possible, as victims only have two years from the date of the accident to take legal action. However, if a claim is being filed against a government agency or employee, the time is reduced to just six months. If the deadline is missed, there will not be another opportunity to claim damages.

Do I Need a Police Report to File a Claim?

Filing a police report is not mandatory, unless injuries (regardless of how apparently minor) were sustained or a fatal accident occurred. The accident must also be reported to the DMV and a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR1) must be completed. A police report also helps facilitate the claims process, accurately determining fault. Therefore, contact California Highway Patrol (CHP) immediately following a Long Beach car accident.

Should I Speak With the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?

Generally, no. It is advisable to first consult with an experienced car accident lawyer before speaking with an insurance adjuster, as anything shared can actually hurt a case’s value. However, victims do need to report accidents to their own insurance providers to initiate the claims process. When speaking to insurance, only state the facts, and do not speculate.

What Happens if the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?

If the other driver does not have insurance or has a low policy limit, the victim’s personal insurance can cover the cost of damages. Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) are additional plans that can be added to a policy. Both protect drivers if they are hit by someone who does not have insurance or does not have enough coverage to pay for damages.

Should I See a Doctor After a Car Accident?

No matter how seemingly minor injuries appear to be, it’s vital to seek medical attention. Car accident victims must see a doctor who can properly evaluate a victim’s physical state following a crash. While it’s not mandatory, it’s best to see a physician to ensure severe injuries or fatal injuries have not been sustained. Additionally, seeing a doctor helps back a claim for damages.

What if I Can’t Afford My Medical Bills?

The at-fault party’s insurance is responsible for paying for medical expenses through bodily injury liability coverage. If the policy limits max out, a lawsuit can be filed against the at-fault driver to cover the remainder of costs. In any instance, victims typically have to pay for medical costs upfront and are then reimbursed through a successful personal injury claim.

What Happens if Medical Bills Exceed Policy Limits?

The at-fault party is still legally liable for the full amount of damages. If medical costs exceed policy limits, compensation can be taken directly from the liable party. Other alternatives include using personal health insurance for medical treatment or utilizing underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) to cover the remainder of costs.

Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?

According to the US Department of Justice, only 4% to 5% of personal injury cases go to trial. This means that a car accident case is more likely to settle than being tried before a judge and jury. A car accident lawyer will only escalate a case to trial if the other party’s insurance company is refusing to offer a fair and full settlement.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Car Accident Case?

On average, it takes 1-3 years to reach a settlement or receive a case verdict. Ultimately, the severity of injuries affect how long it will take to resolve a car accident case. Other case details, such as discovery, obtaining evidence, locating and speaking with witnesses, and negotiating with insurance companies prolong when a case will conclude. Additionally, working with a lawyer affects a case’s length while also yielding a greater payout, averaging $60,000 or more in settlements or court awards.

Long Beach Car Accident Statistics

Long Beach is California’s sixth-largest city with a total population of 469,450. Furthermore, 75% (352,000) of the population is over the age of 18.

In short, the vast majority of that number are licensed drivers. Many of these drivers are teenagers who have less experience compared to the group of older adults. Based on this statistic, teenage drivers may cause a higher chance of auto accidents in the city. In addition, teenage drivers are more likely to be uninsured drivers which can be troublesome.

As the sixth-largest city in California, Long Beach is home to the infamous Queen Mary, the Pike Outlet, and The Aquarium of the Pacific.

Long Beach, along with the rest of Los Angeles County, has the most challenging traffic in the country. The city experienced 1,855 vehicle collisions in 2017. These numbers do not reflect any significant difference over the previous year.

Injuries and Fatalities

According to data from California’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 1,855 people sustained some form of injury. Another 730 victims were suspected of having either severe or minor injuries. In addition, the remaining 1,907 victims were listed as having possibly been injured.

DUIs

It is noted that over 12% of all car accidents in 2017 were drug or alcohol-related. Moreover, the majority of these accidents were attributed to alcohol. Drivers impaired by drugs accounted for 11 vehicle incidents. Impaired driving continues to be a significant safety concern in both California and the nation as a whole.

In addition, the annual report of the California Office of Traffic Safety shows that drunk driving fatalities had increased by over 16% in 2017.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Long Beach, CA

The city of Long Beach is approximately 20 miles south of Downtown Los Angeles and is known to be one of the gateway cities of Southern California. The Port of Long Beach is the second busiest container port and the world’s largest shipping port. The historic Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific are among Long Beach’s most popular local and tourist attractions. Additionally, California State University Long Beach is one of the largest universities in California by enrollment.

The city is large and populated with motorists. As a result, Long Beach experiences regular congestion, as well as traffic accidents. The most dangerous intersections, highways, and roads include:

• 7th St. and Redondo Ave.
• Stearns St. and Palo Verde Ave.
• 4th St. and Redondo Ave.
• 54th Pl. and Ocean Blvd.
• Interstate 405 Freeway (I-405)
• Interstate 710 Freeway (I-710)
• Long Beach Traffic Circle (Los Alamitos Circle) connecting Lakewood Blvd., Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), and Los Coyotes Diagonal at a roundabout

Directions to Our Long Beach Office

Our Long Beach office is conveniently located next to where the 405 and 710 Freeway meets.

Car Accident Lawyer Daniel Kim — Long Beach, CA
Address: 3646 Long Beach Blvd #201, Long Beach, CA 90807
Phone: (562) 512-5550
 
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