The Best Car Accident Lawyers In Long Beach, California

In 1888, Long Beach was incorporated as a seaside town and named for its 7-mile stretch of sandy shores. With its breathtaking views and advantageous location, the city developed as a resort destination and center of trade. In 1921, oil was discovered on Signal Hill and the city expanded rapidly, further developing its port and downtown areas. Sadly, tragedy struck in 1933 when an earthquake destroyed much of the new development.

With extensive rebuilding efforts, Long Beach has maintained its status as a scenic getaway and economic hub that offers a distinct blend of big-city energy and beach-town relaxation.

Living In Long Beach

There’s no shortage of stunning scenery in Long Beach. At 11-acre Bluff Park, enjoy the glimmering sand, ocean views, and multi-use paths. Or, embark on one of the many boat excursions, including whale watching, coastal cruises, and snorkeling. If greenery is more your thing, El Dorado Nature Center boasts 105 acres of forested areas, plus lakes and streams.

Get in touch with your creative side at the Long Beach Museum of Art, with more than 3,000 pieces from American and European artists, or visit the Museum of Latin American Art and Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum for unique cross-cultural exhibits. If you’re looking for entertainment, Carpenter Performing Arts Center features shows ranging from comedy to music to magic.

Want a bite to eat? Long Beach’s dynamic food scene includes coffee shops, fine dining, and breweries. Also, make sure to stop by The Pike Outlets for restaurants, 30-plus stores, and a ride on the iconic Ferris wheel.

With a median home price of $741,000, housing in Long Beach is more expensive than the California average, but it’s lower than in nearby Irvine and Fullerton.

Intro To Car Accident Issues In California

Motor vehicle accidents, more commonly called car accidents, happen every day. In 2020, there were 35,766 car crashes in the United States, 38,824 of them resulting in deaths. Car accidents can be minor, like a fender bender at a stop sign; or major, like a multi-car pileup on a foggy interstate. It seems we Americans are always in our cars, and sometimes, mistakes get the better of us and our vehicles.

If you are in a serious car accident, you may want to consider contacting an experienced lawyer in your area who can help you through the legal process and look after your interests. Lawyers who practice in this area often specialize in certain types of accidents (like truck accidents), or in related areas like product liability (faulty car design/manufacture), or DUI/DWI.

Do I Need A Lawyer For Car Accident Issues? Are There DIY Options?

Sometimes a car accident won’t require the help of an attorney. There are lots of DIY options you can use to help you navigate this legal issue. In the case of a car accident, you can probably handle your accident case on your own if:

• Damage to cars, property, or other vehicles was minor
• You were not at fault and your insurance company agrees to cover your losses
• There were no injuries caused by the accident

There are resources are available to help you settle a car accident claim on your own. Resources might include options like damages calculators, getting multiple repair estimates to show insurance adjusters, using Kelley Blue Book or other online sources to establish the pre-accident value of your car, and more. If the coverage doesn’t add up, or the other driver’s insurance company offers a settlement that is too low, you might want to consider getting legal help.

How Do I Know If An Attorney Is Licensed In California?

A great place to start your Long Beach car accident attorney research is the State Bar of California website. You’ll find information about whether your attorney has an active license and when they were licensed, as well as whether that attorney has ever been disciplined or had their bar membership temporarily revoked.

How Do I Interview Car Accident Attorneys In Long Beach?

If your accident was costly, complicated, or you or others were seriously injured, it might be a good idea to get an attorney to represent you. However, not all attorneys are the right fit for you and your case. You’ll want to consider whether the attorney is familiar with the driving conditions in your area, experienced in your type of accident, has a good track record, good reviews (either personal to you or from online sources you trust), and has a payment system you understand and can afford. There are some key questions you should make sure you know the answers to before you hire an attorney including:

• What’s their experience with motor vehicle accidents? What settlements or verdicts have they won recently?
• How do they communicate with clients? Do they answer questions themselves, or is it an associate or paralegal you will be communicating with? Phone, letter, email, text?
• Who else in the firm will work on your case? How will it be billed? What is the bill rate for the various team members like paralegals, junior attorneys, clerks, and others?
• What is the fee structure? Is this a contingency fee, hourly billable, or flat fee?

Then, make sure you feel comfortable. Can you talk openly to the person representing you? Your accident attorney will be involved in your life for a while, so make sure you can communicate constructively and honestly with them.

Driving And Transportation In Long Beach

It may seem that all roads in Long Beach lead to the ocean, or at least to Ocean Boulevard, which features water views and is home to many of the city’s noteworthy attractions. For a change of scenery, Long Beach is just a short drive from skiing at Big Bear Lake or desert views at Joshua Tree National Park.

As a bustling tourist destination and residential area, Long Beach can experience extremely crowded roads. Unfortunately, car accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as alcohol-related crashes, occur at a higher frequency in Long Beach than in other cities of similar size. The city is working to address this by implementing Safe Streets Long Beach, which prioritizes the public transportation system, optimized roadways, and community education.

More Long Beach Resources

If you need legal support in Long Beach, refer to the Superior Court of Los Angeles County. The Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse handles all Long Beach cases, including criminal, civil, and traffic cases. Contact the court during regular business hours.

Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse
275 Magnolia Ave
Long Beach, CA 90802
562-256-3100

Long Beach Public Defender
275 Magnolia Ave Ste 2195
Long Beach, CA 90802
562-247-2500