In a city as fast-moving as Beverly Hills, a car accident can interrupt everything โ work, family life, your sense of safety, and the rhythm of your everyday routine. Whether your crash happened on Wilshire, near the Beverly Center, or in the residential streets just off Doheny, the impact is immediate and often overwhelming. Between medical appointments, transportation issues, and insurance calls, it becomes difficult to find the time or emotional space to simply breathe.
At West Coast Trial Lawyers, weโve dedicated our careers to helping injured people regain stability after serious collisions. We offer free consultations and never charge fees unless we win. When you call us, you speak directly with a Beverly Hills Accident Lawyer who will answer your questions, explain your options, and help you understand the road ahead with clarity and compassion.
Call us at (213) 927-3700 or contact us through our online consultation form for a free case consultation.
Why Choose West Coast Trial Lawyers For Your Beverly Hills Car Accident Case
There are many personal injury firms in Los Angeles County but none like WCTL. Here are a few reasons clients choose West Coast Trial Lawyers for Beverly Hills car accident claims:
Proven Results
Our attorneys have recovered over $1.7 billion for injured clients through settlements and verdicts, including multi million dollar outcomes in car accident and catastrophic injury cases.
Elite Credentials with a Local Focus
Our leadership includes Harvard Law school educated attorneys and former federal prosecutors who have tried cases against large corporations and national insurance carriers.
In-House Trial Team
We do not refer cases out when litigation is required. If your Beverly Hills car accident case needs to go to trial, we have a dedicated trial team ready to present your case in front of a jury.
Client Centered Communication
You speak with a personal injury lawyer on your first call. We provide direct access to your attorney and regular updates, because we know how stressful it is to recover from a serious crash.
No Fees Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front and owe no attorneyโs fees unless we obtain a settlement or verdict for you.
Why Beverly Hills Car Accidents Are Serious Problemย
Beverly Hills is only about six square miles, but the crash risk is anything but small. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety Beverly Hills crash rankings, the city had 531 people killed or injured in traffic collisions in 2022 and ranked near the top of its population group for total crashes, pedestrian collisions, bicycle collisions, and motorcycle crashes. ย
This is not surprising if you drive here often:
- Traffic backs up along Wilshire, Olympic, and Santa Monica corridors
- Tourists crowd areas around Rodeo Drive, hotels, and shopping districts
- Drivers cut through Beverly Hills to reach the 405 and 10 freeways
Congestion, distracted driving, and high-value vehicles all converge in a very dense urban environment. When crashes happen, injuries can be serious and insurers know there is a lot of money at stake.
California uses a fault based system for car accidents, which means you must prove another partyโs negligence to recover money through their insurance or in a lawsuit.
You do not just need a lawyer. You need a team that understands California car accident laws, knows how Beverly Hills claims are evaluated, and is prepared to go to trial if that is what it takes. For a statewide overview, see our guide on California car accident laws.
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.
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. Depending on the severity of the crash, mild to severe injuries may occur and in these instances, and determining liability can be very complex and in some cases, heavily contested, which is why it is vital to have legal representation.ย
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
If you are reading this shortly after a crash, these steps can protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Get medical care as soon as possible
Adrenaline can hide symptoms after a crash. Prompt evaluation protects your health and creates a clear record linking your injuries to the collision. - Call the police and report the accident
Ask officers to respond and document the scene, especially if anyone is injured or vehicles are heavily damaged. - Document the scene if you can do so safely
Take photographs or video of vehicle damage, the positions of vehicles, skid marks, debris, traffic signals, weather conditions, and any visible injuries. - Exchange information with all involved drivers
Collect names, contact details, driverโs license numbers, license plates, and insurance information. - Get contact information for any witnesses
Neutral witnesses can be critical if there is a dispute about who caused the crash. - Notify your own insurance company
Most policies require timely notice, even if you are not at fault. - Avoid posting about the crash on social media
Insurers monitor social media and can misinterpret posts or photos. Our article on why you should not post on social media after an accident explains these risks in more detail. - Speak with a Beverly Hills car accident lawyer as soon as you can
Early legal help can prevent costly mistakes, preserve critical evidence, and take the stress of dealing with adjusters off your plate. For a step by step overview, see what to do after a car accident in California.
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.
Key California Laws That Affect Your Beverly Hills Car Accident Claim
Several California laws will shape how your Beverly Hills car accident case is evaluated and resolved.
Duty Of Care And Negligence
Californiaโs general negligence rule is set out in Civil Code section 1714. It states that everyone is responsible for injuries caused by their lack of ordinary care in managing their person or property.ย In car accident cases, a breach of this duty of care often involves violations of the California Vehicle Code, such as:
- Driving at an unsafe speed
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Texting or using a phone while driving
- Following too closely
- Failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
When a driver breaks these rules and causes a crash, they can be held liable for the harm that follows.
Pure Comparative Negligence
California follows a pure comparative negligence system. If you are found partially at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility, but you are not barred from recovering unless you are 100 percent at fault. For example, if your case is worth $500,000 and you are found 20 percent at fault, you can still recover $400,000.
Insurers understand this rule and often try to shift blame onto injured people. Our attorneys push back with evidence, expert opinions, and a clear explanation of what really happened. For a deeper explanation, see our guide to comparative negligence in California.
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.
Reporting Requirements And Police Reports
Under California Vehicle Code section 20008, a driver involved in an accident that results in injury or death must make a written report to law enforcement within 24 hours.ย Police reports are often important evidence. They can contain:
- A diagram of the scene
- The officerโs observations
- Citations issued
- Witness names and contact information
We typically combine the police report with our own investigation and any available surveillance video, dash cam footage, or expert analysis. For more on the role of reports, review our articles:
- Understanding the role of police reports in car accidents in California
- How to get a copy of a police report
What Damages Are Available in a Beverly Hills Car Accident?
Every case is unique, but available compensation in a Beverly Hills car accident claim may include:
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- Surgery, follow up care, and specialist visits
- Physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Past lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity if injuries limit your work
- Vehicle repair or replacement and other property damage
In serious cases, we often work with economists and life care planners to project the full lifetime cost of your injuries.
Non Economic Damages
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life and hobbies
- Sleep problems and chronic fatigue
- Impact on family relationships and quality of life
Our attorneys have extensive experience presenting these non economic losses to insurance adjusters and, when necessary, to juries. For more background, see our guides on compensatory damages and compensatory vs punitive damages.
Get Legal Assistance From Our Beverly Hills Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Beverly Hills car accident, you do not have to navigate the legal system or deal with insurers on your own. The sooner you involve an experienced attorney, the sooner you can:
- Stop worrying about insurance tactics and recorded statements
- Preserve key evidence before it disappears
- Coordinate medical care and documentation
- Focus on healing while a legal team builds your case
Best of all, West Coast Trial Lawyers offer free, no obligation consultations and no legal fees unless we win. You can call our Beverly Hills car accident lawyers anytime at (213) 927 3700 or contact us through our online consultation form.
We will review what happened, answer your questions, and give you a clear plan for next steps.
More Resources
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
