Personal Injury Lawyer in Long Beach CA

As a personal injury lawyer in Long Ceach CA. My Lawyer Mark has experience dealing with insurance companies and is relentless in obtaining the maximum compensation for their defendants. They understand the law and know how to win. On top of that, our lawyers offer empathetic, humane treatment to all our clients. At My Lawyer Mark, you’re not a number; you’re a person in need of justice. And we fight tooth and nail to give you that.

My Lawyer Mark is a personal injury law firm in Los Angeles with over 35 years of combined experience in accidents and personal injuries. We’re available 24/7 and always pick up the phone. Schedule a free consultation by calling (866) 721-5808.

Why Should You Hire Our Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyers

We Know The Law and Know How to Win

At My Lawyer Mark, we navigate the legal system efficiently and do our best to set prompt settlements for our Long Beach clients. Our knowledge and experience help us anticipate challenges and move your case forward. When you choose us, you’re choosing a team dedicated to getting you the money you deserve without unnecessary delays.

Open, Honest, 24/7 Communication

Honesty, transparency, and empathy are at the heart of everything we do. We provide unbiased case evaluations and set realistic expectations from the start. Our Long Beach clients can always count on us to be upfront about potential challenges, available solutions, timelines, and the potential value of their cases. We believe in giving you a clear picture of your injuries and the case’s progress so you’re informed every step of the way.

Getting You the Compensation You Deserve

We understand the financial hardship an accident can cause our Long Beach clients. Our lawyers focus on getting you the financial resources you need to recover quickly. We aim to secure compensation that covers medical bills, lost wages, and any other damages you may have suffered. With our team by your side, you can trust that we’ll fight for the compensation you deserve promptly and efficiently.

A Welcoming Environment

Meeting with a lawyer can be stressful, even for the most confident people. That’s why we strive to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in all our offices. We want you to feel comfortable discussing your case, not intimidated. Our experts explain everything in clear terms so you can make informed decisions. We’ll fight for the full compensation you deserve, including pain and suffering, lost wages, and any other damages. And, if necessary, we’re prepared to take your case to trial to achieve a fair settlement.

When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Personal injury lawyers specialize in situations like motorcycle wrecks, car collisions, truck accidents, bicycle mishaps, pedestrian incidents, dog attacks, construction site injuries, and even harm caused by defective products.

Whether your injury is a minor setback or a major hurdle, a personal injury attorney can assist you in handling claims with your insurance company or the insurance carrier of the party responsible.

These professionals act as your strong advocate during a challenging time, such as suffering an accident. They ensure your rights are protected and vigorously defended and help you recover compensation for lost wages due to your injury.

What Should I Expect From a Free Consultation with My Lawyer Mark?

Your initial consultation is completely free and is a chance to determine whether your case is a good fit. The lawyer will meet with you one-on-one to understand your situation. They’ll discuss the accident, your injuries, and how they’ve impacted your recovery. Based on the information you provided, they’ll also assess if you have a legal case.

If they believe you have a strong claim, they’ll walk you through the next steps, including any documents you need to gather to get started.

What Should I Bring to My First Meeting?

We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation. During this meeting, our experienced professionals will ask you questions about the incident that caused your injury and the extent of your injuries. This information will help us assess the potential merits of your case. If you have a strong case, we can assist you in gathering evidence such as police reports, photos, documentation of lost wages, medical bills, and medical records. This evidence will be essential in building a solid case on your behalf.

Accident and Personal Injury Cases We Can Handle

Accidents

• Car Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Uber/Lyft Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Dog bite injuries
• Pedestrian accidents
• Premises liability
• Slip and fall

Personal Injuries

• Catastrophic injuries
• Amputations
• Burn Injuries
• Paralysis
• Spinal Chord Injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

What is a Personal Injury?

Car crashes might be the first thing that comes to mind when we talk about injuries caused by someone else’s fault, but there are many other situations that fall into this category.

Imagine getting hurt because someone else acted carelessly or even intentionally. This could be an animal attack, like a dog bite from an unleashed pet. Property owners can also be held responsible if their place is unsafe and causes injury. Examples include a homeowner’s uneven yard or a store’s slippery floor without a warning sign.

Statistics show just how common injuries are. Each year, millions of people visit emergency rooms and doctors for injuries, and many require hospitalization.

Legally speaking, “personal injury” is a broad term for situations in which someone has the right to sue another person or business for harm caused by negligence.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of what typically qualifies as a personal injury claim:

• Duty of care: Everyone has a responsibility to act responsibly and not put others at risk. Drivers, for instance, must be careful on the road.
• Breach of duty: This happens when someone acts (or fails to act) in a way that creates an unreasonable risk of harm.
• Injury caused by the breach: If the violation of someone’s duty leads to an accident or incident that injures you, that’s where legal liability comes in.

How Personal Injury Claims Work

After finding a lawyer, your typical personal injury claim can be broken down into these basic steps:

Step 1 – Gather Evidence: this is key to proving your case. It includes things like:

• • Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment
  • Police reports (for accidents)
  • Photographs of the accident scene and your injuries

• Eyewitness statements

Step 2 – File a Claim with the Insurance Company: Your attorney will help you file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This involves submitting evidence and a demand for compensation.

Step 3 – Negotiation: The insurance company will likely try to negotiate a settlement. Your attorney will represent you in these negotiations, aiming for the best possible outcome.

Step 4 – Lawsuit: If negotiations fail, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit in court. This formally initiates a legal case against the at-fault party.

Step 5 – Discovery: During this phase, both sides will exchange information and evidence. This may involve depositions (questioning witnesses under oath) and interrogatories (written questions answered under oath).

Step 6 – Mediation (optional): Mediation is an attempt to settle the case outside of court with the help of a neutral third party.

Step 7 – Trial (if necessary): If mediation fails, the case goes to trial. A judge or jury will hear arguments and evidence from both sides before reaching a verdict.

Step 8 – Settlement or Judgment: The case can be settled at any point before or during the trial. The court will issue a judgment determining liability and compensation if it goes to trial.

What Damages Can I Recover?

Long Beach personal injury lawyers can determine what damages you are entitled to claim compensation for. Those damages are sometimes evident, but untrained observers might not easily spot others. The expertise and wit of your PI lawyer are essential to contemplate all the damages you suffered and thus obtain the maximum compensation you deserve.

Some of those damages can include:

• Medical expenses: This covers doctor visits, treatments, medications, and other costs related to your injury.
• Lost wages: If you couldn’t work due to your injury, you can recover your missed income.
• Permanent impairments: This includes any lasting physical limitations or scarring you experience.
• Life disruptions: This covers missed educational opportunities, social events, vacations, or anything else you can’t do because of your injury.
• Emotional distress: This includes feelings like depression, anxiety, and stress caused by the accident.
• Loss of companionship: This refers to the loss of affection or close relationships due to your injury.
• Property damage: You can be compensated if your belongings were damaged in the accident.
• Loss of use: This covers if you’re temporarily unable to use your property because of the accident.

How Much is My Claim Worth?

You can’t know right away how much your accident claim is worth. Some people might immediately tell you a high number to get your business, but that could be more helpful. We prioritize honesty and getting you the compensation you deserve.

Many factors affect how much your claim is worth, including:

• Does the other person admit fault?
• How bad are your injuries?
• How much will your medical bills cost in total?
• How much work will you miss because of your injuries?
• Will you fully recover, or will you have lasting pain or limitations?
• What is the other driver’s insurance limit?
• Do you have insurance that covers drivers without enough insurance, and what is the limit?

Every case is different; an attorney usually needs time to investigate to determine a fair compensation amount for an injured person.

Who Pays in a PI Case?

The person responsible for compensating an injured person depends on the exact situation. In some cases, more than one person or organization might be liable for damages.

Here are some common examples of who might be responsible:

• • Vehicle accidents: The other driver, their employer (if they were working then), or the vehicle manufacturer.
  • Slip and falls: The property owner, the business operating on the property, or any service providers who were there (like cleaners or security).

• Dog bites: The animal’s owner, if their negligence caused the dog to injure you.

How Long Does a Personal Injury Claim Take?

Every personal injury claim is different, and timelines can vary depending on many unique factors. Requesting a settlement from the other driver’s insurance company typically results in an offer within 30 days. Some other factors that can affect the timeline are:

• Serious Injuries: Broken bones or surgery might take longer as we determine your future medical needs.
• Fault Dispute: Blamed for the accident? A lawsuit might be needed, adding time.
• Low Insurance Coverage: If the other driver has minimal coverage, we might immediately seek the maximum payout.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage: This coverage can impact the timeline.
• Multiple Claimants: The insurance company might wait for all claims in a multi-car accident before making offers.

How Much Time Do I Have to File My Claim?

There’s a deadline, called a statute of limitations, for filing a personal injury lawsuit. You must complete this deadline to get money or other compensation. In most cases, you have two years from the accident to file your claim. Keep in mind that if you need to file a claim against a government agency, you also have six months to notify that entity that you’re starting a claim. Both the two-year and the six-month periods start on the date the accident occurred.

Do I Have to Go To Court?

There are two main paths to receive compensation for your injury claim: resolving it outside of court (settlement) or going through a formal court case. It’s impossible to predict upfront which route your case will take. However, agreements reached outside the courtroom resolve most personal injury claims. Our skilled legal team will prioritize negotiating a favorable settlement for you before considering courtroom action. Throughout the process, we’ll be your strong advocate, determined to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

How to Win Your Personal Injury Claim: Things You Can Contribute With

Although Long Beach personal injury lawyers will take care of your case, there are several things you can do to contribute to the success of your claim:

Be Completely Honest About Your Injury

The biggest mistake people make is hiding details from their lawyers. They might worry that their actions will weaken their case, but leaving out anything can hurt you in the long run. Even seemingly unimportant details can be crucial.

The other side will present their version of events, and your lawyer can’t deny truths. Your lawyer can build a stronger case that won’t crumble under the other side’s arguments by being upfront about everything, including any role you play. The other side might try to attack your credibility. By being open with your lawyer, they can be better prepared to counter any claims made against you.

Be Consistent Throughout The Healing Process

Personal injury lawsuits take time, and it’s easy to get discouraged. However, staying honest and upfront about your case is key to winning. Focus on healing, taking care of yourself, and trusting your lawyer to work for your best interests.

Experiencing an injury can make it hard to remember everything at once. New details might surface later. It’s helpful to keep a journal to track your injuries and symptoms. Be sure to share any new information with your lawyer as you remember it.

Keep All Details Between Yourself and Your Lawyer

You’ll naturally want to talk about what happened, but avoid discussing your injury with people outside the case. Details can reach the other side and be used in court.

Avoid making comments about the other party or the event while seeking compensation. Instead, limit discussions to your lawyer’s office.

While this can be tough, it’s in your best interest to avoid sharing details that could be twisted and used against you in court.

Social Media Silence

It’s important to avoid posting about your case and be very careful about what you share online in general. If you claim a car accident injury but post pictures of a ski trip, it shows the other side you might not be as hurt as you claim. Believe it or not, they will be looking at your social media and other public information.

Gather As Much Evidence As Possible

Build a strong paper trail to support your claim. This includes medical records and bills; therapist notes detailing emotional suffering, police reports, pictures of the injury and accident scene, insurance forms, and any additional medical data like lab results or diagnoses.

Witness statements can also be helpful. Ask reliable people who saw your injury to write down their statements, including as much detail as possible, and make sure their story aligns with yours.

Don’t Accept Anything Without Consulting Your Lawyer

Don’t accept a settlement from your insurance provider right away. File a claim to have a record, but avoid lengthy discussions about the experience. Refer any questions from your insurance provider to your lawyer until your case is settled.

Insurance is valuable protection, but it might only cover some of what you deserve. In some cases, insurance companies might even try to place blame on you to avoid paying damages.

Discuss All Options and Have a Backup Plan

Sometimes, settling the case out of court is the best option. Settlements can be a good outcome if the offer is fair because it avoids appeals and ends the case quickly. In other cases, the other side might insist on going to court.

Discuss all potential scenarios with your lawyer so you’re prepared for anything. Being proactive can help you stay calm and avoid making rash decisions to get things over with. Stay committed to your desired outcome, especially when seeking compensation for damages caused by someone else.

Accident Statistics in Long Beach, CA

General Overview

• Total Reported Accidents: 3,450
• Fatal Accidents: 27
• Injury Accidents: 1,120
• Property Damage Only: 2,303

Types of Accidents

• Vehicle Collisions: 2,900
• Pedestrian Involvement: 350
• Bicycle Involvement: 200

Common Causes

• Speeding: 30%
• Distracted Driving: 25%
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): 20%
• Running Red Lights/Stop Signs: 15%
• Other Causes: 10%

High-Risk Areas

• Intersections: 40% of total accidents
• Highways: 25%
• Residential Areas: 20%
• Commercial Areas: 15%

Time of Occurrence

• Peak Hours (7 AM – 9 AM, 4 PM – 6 PM): 40%
• Nighttime (9 PM – 6 AM): 30%
• Midday (10 AM – 3 PM): 30%

Streets and Intersections with Most Accidents in Long Beach

Streets

• Pacific Coast Highway (PCH): Known for heavy traffic and high speeds.
• Long Beach Boulevard: High volume of both vehicles and pedestrians.
• Cherry Avenue: Frequent accidents due to intersections and high pedestrian activity.
• Atlantic Avenue: A mix of commercial and residential traffic.
• 7th Street: Major thoroughfare with significant traffic flow.

Intersections

• Pacific Coast Highway & Cherry Avenue: High traffic volume and complex intersection.
• Long Beach Boulevard & Anaheim Street: Busy intersection with both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
• Cherry Avenue & Willow Street: Frequent accidents due to high speeds and turning vehicles.
• Atlantic Avenue & Willow Street: Known for heavy traffic and high accident rates.
• 7th Street & Redondo Avenue: Major intersection with significant traffic flow.

What Should I Do After an Accident in Long Beach?

The aftermath of an accident can be stressful, but following these steps can help ensure your safety and protect your rights in Long Beach:

1. Check for Injuries and Call Emergency Services: If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
2. Secure the Scene: If the accident is minor and nobody is hurt, move your car to a safe location off the road to avoid blocking traffic. Turn on hazard lights and use flares or warning triangles if available.
3. Call the Police: Even for minor accidents, it’s important to file a police report. This documentation will be crucial for insurance claims and potential legal issues. Call 911 or the Long Beach Police Department’s non-emergency line at (562) 435-6711.
4. Gather Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. Note their license plate numbers and any visible damage to their vehicles.
5. Document the Scene: If you can, take pictures and videos of the accident scene, including the damage to your car, the surrounding area, and any injuries.
6. Don’t Admit Fault: Avoid discussing fault with the other driver or at the scene. Simply exchange information and stick to the facts of the accident.
7. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries may not be apparent right away.
8. Call Long Beach personal injury lawyers: If you have been injured or suffered significant property damage, consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you obtain justice and the maximum compensation.

Can I Claim Compensation if the Accident Was Partially My Fault?

Yes, California follows a pure comparative negligence system for car accidents. This means you can still claim compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident.

Here’s how it works:

• A judge or jury will determine the percentage of fault for each driver involved in the accident.
• Your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation.

For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault and your total damages are $10,000, you would receive $8,000 in compensation (100% – 20% = 80% * $10,000).

How Do You Prove Negligence?

In personal injury cases, proving negligence is often the most effective legal strategy. If someone else’s negligence has caused you harm, you likely have a valid case, though establishing this can be challenging. Seeking guidance from Long Beach personal injury lawyers can help you understand the process and address any questions or concerns.

Common personal injury cases in California arise from traffic accidents, where negligence is typically involved. Drivers and manufacturers must adhere to safety standards to prevent harm. When these standards are not met, and someone gets injured, the responsible party can be held accountable. Proving negligence involves demonstrating that these standards were violated and that this violation caused your injury.

To prove negligence, it’s important to gather evidence such as eyewitness testimony, police reports, photographs, and medical records. Eyewitnesses can provide crucial accounts of the incident, while police reports offer professional assessments of the accident, including any traffic violations. Photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries, as well as medical records documenting your condition immediately after the accident, strengthen your case.

Useful Links if You Have an Accident in Long Beach

• DMV
• Long Beach Police Department
• Long Beach Fire Department
• Los Angeles County Sheriff
• Hospitals in Long Beach
• Triple A Long Beach

How Much Does Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in Long Beach Cost?

Contingency fees are a common way for Long Beach personal injury lawyers to get paid. This system is designed to help people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford legal representation. In this modality:

• The attorney only gets paid if your case is successful and you receive compensation.
• Their fee is a portion of the money you recover, either through a settlement with the insurance company or a court verdict.
• This approach aligns the interests of the lawyer with yours. They only get paid if you win, so they’re motivated to achieve the best outcome for your case.

The specific fee amount can vary depending on the complexity of your case, the attorney’s experience, and the overall strength of your claim. More intricate cases that require a trial may involve a higher fee since they demand more work from the attorney. Similarly, lawyers with extensive experience might command a larger fee.

Hire Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyers with Experience

Suppose you decide to claim the damages suffered in your accident. In that case, hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in Long Beach CA with experience can make a difference between obtaining the maximum compensation or just a portion. My Lawyer Mark lawyers have experience, understand the law, and know how to win. Schedule a free consultation by calling (866) 721-5808 and take the first step into obtaining justice and the compensation you deserve.