Beverly Hills Car Accident Lawyer

Experiencing a car accident can be traumatic, and could leave a lasting impact on you, especially if you lost a loved one or endured severe injuries as a result. If the unfortunate event was caused by a negligent party, you may be given the right to sue them to recover financial compensation. It can be challenging to take on legal matters on your own, which is why it is encouraged to get assistance from a law firm, like West Coast Trial Lawyers.

Our knowledgeable Beverly Hills car accident lawyers, who have over 150 years of collective experience in handling personal injury cases, are readily available to take a look at your situation. We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing until your case has been settled. To schedule a free consultation, we welcome you to contact us by calling (310) 919-5962 or filling out our easy contact form.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Beverly Hills

Car accidents in Beverly Hills can occur in several ways. From rear-end to side-swipe collisions, it is important for all drivers to understand these types of cases to gain a better understanding of each cause and effect.

Head-On Collisions

A head-on collision is when two vehicles are traveling in opposite directions and directly crash into one another from the front. This can also occur if a driver hits another object, such as a tree or light pole. This can result in serious or fatal injuries. And, it can be caused by:

• Drunk driving,
• Distracted driving, or a
• Defective car part.

Sideswipe Accidents

A sideswipe accident occurs when a vehicle makes contact with the side of another vehicle. This is usually triggered by a driver weaving in and out of a lane or just simply merging into one. A sideswipe crash is generally less forceful compared to other car accidents. However, if it involves a large vehicle, like a truck, it can lead to serious damages.

Rollover Car Accidents

Rollover car accidents happen when a vehicle loses stability after "tripping" on something, like a curb or bump. Other factors that can contribute to this type of collision are:

• Manufacturing defects,
• Road hazards, or
• Bad weather conditions.

Back-Up Collisions

Drivers are required to cautiously scan their surroundings prior to backing up, and must give the right-of-way to any oncoming vehicles or pedestrians. If they fail to do this, they will increase the likelihood of a car accident or a pedestrian accident. However, in certain circumstances, the injured person could hold some form of responsibility if they exhibited negligent behavior that contributed to the collision. For instance, if you crash into a speeding driver while you are backing up in a public roadway, liability could be distributed amongst the two of you.

Single-Vehicle Accidents

Single-vehicle accidents only involves one car and a stationary object, like a fire hydrant or traffic sign. You may be held liable for the collision. But, you do have the right to prove whether it was caused by a manufacturing defect, negligent party, or another source.

Multi-Car Crashes

Multi-car crashes occur when more than two vehicles collide with one another. This could be caused by one driver's negligence, or that of multiple parties. Mild to severe injuries may occur depending on the severity of the crash.

Rear-End Accidents

A rear-end accident happens when one vehicle strikes the back of another. This is one of the most common types of car accidents, and is usually less intense compared to others. It is known to occur on crowded roads, or areas that contain traffic signs or stop signs.

Side-Impact Accidents

Side-impact accidents, also referred to as "T-bone accidents," transpire when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of the other. Severe injuries are likely to occur in such a collision. Common factors that may cause this include:

• Drunk driving,
• Distracted driving,
• Speeding, or
• Violating a traffic light or sign.

Common Causes of a Beverly Hills Car Accident

Although every driver on the road is required to provide a duty of care to others, many choose to ignore this obligation and exhibit careless conduct. This, in turn, will create dangerous circumstances that may lead to serious or fatal injuries. The sections listed below will discuss common causes of car accidents in Beverly Hills, who can be held liable for it, and what safety measures you can take to avoid contributing to one.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving can impair your vision and mind, making it difficult to safely operate a vehicle while on the road. Alcoholic substances can also reduce your reaction time and awareness of your surroundings. This can put you in harms way, especially if you are attempting to respond quickly to sudden or abrupt actions made by drivers ahead. Not only that, but you will put other's lives at risk, and get yourself in legal trouble. If you are found at fault for a drunk driving car accident, you may face:

• A prison sentence between six months to four years,
• A misdemeanor or felony charge,
• License suspension or revocation, and/or
• Points added to your driving record.

If you are planning on drinking, you should avoid driving and consider requesting a rideshare service to take you to your destination.

Distracted Driving

Allowing distractions, such as cellphones, daydreaming, or eating food, from tampering with your focus of the road can increase your likelihood of getting into a car accident. Even if you are doing any of these actions for a few seconds, it can still make it difficult for you to safely dodge vehicles or other hazards in a timely manner. Drivers who found liable for a distracted driving accident may be presented with the following:

• A base fine of $20 or
• A $50 fine for a second or repeated offense.

Once the assessments have been added, you will be expected to pay over $150 for your first violation, and more than $250 for subsequent infractions. With that being said, you should try to remove any distractions from taking your attention away from safely driving your vehicle. If any important notifications or phone calls reach you, find a location nearby where you can park your vehicle and answer without attempting to multitask.

Road hazards

Road hazards can trigger your vehicle to lose control and crash into another driver or object. In such a case, the government entity or property owner in charge of maintaining the area could be held liable for failing to resolve the issue at a reasonable amount of time. You will be given six months from the date of when your injury occurred or was discovered to file a lawsuit. Suing the city for poor road conditions can be quite complex. To prevent yourself from making any mistakes that could leave a detrimental impact on your case, you should hire a qualified Beverly Hills car accident lawyer for legal guidance.

Manufacturing Defects

Vehicle parts that suddenly become unresponsive while a driver is on the road can ultimately lead to a car accident. Parties that may hold accountability for triggering a collision due to manufacturing defects include the:

• Car manufacturer,
• Supplier,
• Retailer,
• Dealership,
• Used car salesman, or
• Maintenance repair shop.

Be sure to present sufficient evidence to your Beverly Hills car accident lawyer. They will evaluate the information provided to understand who should be held responsible for the injury and/or damages you endured as a result of the manufacturing defect.

Bad weather conditions

Weather conditions, such as rain fog, or hail, can obstruct your view of the road. This can make it challenging for you to safely drive in and out of traffic. If any of these elements are present in your area, it is advised for you to be extremely cautious when driving. Failing to accommodate such conditions could increase your likelihood of a car accident. If you were involved in a collision due to bad weather conditions and believe that another driver may have worsened the situation, you may have a lawsuit in your hands. To confirm whether you should move forward with pursuing legal action against them, contact West Coast Trial Lawyers for a free case evaluation.

Aggressive Driving

An aggressive driver is known to perform reckless actions, such as:

• Speeding,
• Tailgating,
• Road rage, and
• Abrupt lane changes.

If you happen to come across one while on the road, try to avoid any form of engagement with them. However, if they crash into you or cause you to collide into another vehicle or object, you can file a car accident claim against them.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Beverly Hills

Although it is easier said than done, car accident victims should consider doing the steps listed below to better the chances of submitting a strong claim and getting a fair settlement.

Call the Police

Contact the local authorities if anyone involved, including yourself, has sustained car accident injuries or damages. Emergency personnels will arrive and conduct a police report, which you can request a copy of to use in your claim.

Exchange Information With All Parties Involved

Be sure to share contact and insurance information with all parties involved in the car accident. You should also obtain the other driver's license plate number and the make, model, and year of the vehicle they were driving.

Collect Evidence

Try to take photographs or video footage of your injury, property damage, road condition, and accident scene. Do not forget to note down your perspective of the collision in a journal or diary entry with the date and time included.

Get Witness Details

If any witnesses were nearby when the car accident occurred, you should ask them for their name and contact information. Witness statements can greatly help strengthen your car accident claim.

Seek Medical Attention

It is important that you seek medical attention soon after a car accident. The doctor will examine you to determine if you suffered any injuries, and if so, will create a treatment plan to help you with your recovery. Your office visits, procedures, and/or prescriptions will be saved on file, and can be used as proof that you were harmed because of the negligent driver.

Hire a Beverly Hills Car Accident Lawyer

Handling legal matters on your own can be complex. Any mistakes you make may affect the outcome of your settlement. To ensure you deliver a convincing claim against the opposing side, it is encouraged for you to hire a Beverly Hills car accident attorney to assist you through each step of the legal process.

How to Prevent Car Accidents

To prevent or lessen the likelihood of car accidents, drivers should consider doing the following:

• Follow Beverly Hills traffic laws,
• Ignore distractions,
• Keep a safe distance from any vehicles ahead,
• Check your blind spots when making lane changes,
• Avoid confronting an aggressive driver, and
• Do routine maintenance checks on your vehicle to ensure no faulty part is present.

Performing these actions will protect you and others around you, as well.

How Do You Determine Liability in a Beverly Hills Car Accident?

To determine liability in a Beverly Hills car accident, you will need to collect evidence at the accident scene and find the right personal injury lawyer to represent you. Potential parties that can be found accountable for a car accident include:

• You or the other driver,
• Government entity,
• Manufacturer or distributor,
• Pedestrian,
• Motorcyclist, or
• Bicyclist.

Circumstances surrounding a car accident will be different for each victim, meaning that the outcome will not be the same for everyone.

Car Accidents and Wrongful Death

If a car accident victim passes away, their estate or surviving family member(s) may sue the liable party. However, under California's wrongful death "One Action Rule," only one lawsuit can be filed. To prove negligence, you will need to get evidence that shows the following:

• The defendant owed the victim a duty of care,
• The defendant breached their duty of care,
• The victim endured fatal injuries from the impact, and
• You, the plaintiff, sustained financial and/or emotional loss after the victim's passing.

If the court rules that the defendant committed negligence, you may be entitled to the following damages:

• Medical expenses,
• Funeral and burial expenses,
• Loss of financial support,
• Loss of consortium, and
• Mental anguish.

What Are the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident in Beverly Hills?

The statute of limitations for a car accident in Beverly Hills is two years from the date of when the injury occurred or was reasonably discovered. Although you are granted enough time to pursue legal action, it is important to act quickly. You should collect as much evidence as you possibly can and find the right personal injury attorney to represent you. If you fail to meet the deadline, you will no longer have the opportunity to sue the liable party to recover compensation. However, there are some exceptions that can toll the statute of limitations. Some examples include the following:

• The defendant is out-of-state,
• The defendant is a minor,
• The defendant is in prison, or
• The defendant is legally insane.

Once the reason for the tolling has ended, the time limit will start again.

What Damages Are Available in a Beverly Hills Car Accident?

Car accident victims can sue the liable party to obtain compensation. Each case may involve unique circumstances, meaning that the outcome for all plaintiffs will vary based on the evidence provided. Generally, you will be granted economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economical Damages

Economic damages are monetary losses you endured as a result of the car accident. This includes:

• Medical bills,
• Lost wages, and
• Property damage.

Non-Economical Damages

Non-economic damages are intangible costs that cannot be easily measured in monetary terms, like:

• Emotional distress,
• Loss of enjoyment of life, and
• Pain and suffering.

Get Legal Assistance From Our Beverly Hills Car Accident Lawyers Today

If you got into a car accident due to a negligent driver, you may be entitled to sue them. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Beverly Hills legal team is available 24/7 to offer assistance. We will assess your situation, strengthen your personal injury claim, aggressively negotiate with the opposing side, represent you in court if needed, and get you maximum compensation. To schedule a free case evaluation, we welcome you to reach out to us by calling (310) 919-5962 or filling out our quick contact form.

More Resources

Whiplash From a Car Accident

Recovering From a Car Accident – What You Should Do [tips]

What to Do After a Car Accident With an Uninsured Driver in California

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

Car Accident Involving an Unlicensed Driver