Beaumont Car Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Beaumont Car Accident Lawyers Can Explain The Legal Process, Step By Step
It is impossible to predict when a car accident will occur. When it happens, one thing is certain: it takes a significant toll on the victims. If you are injured in a collision, our Beaumont car accident lawyers can help you understand your legal options. They can assist you in seeking compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial case evaluation.
Beaumont is a city in Riverside County that takes pride in its strategic location. Since the mid-1800s, it has become a famous stop along the Southern Pacific Railroad. It has facilitated American trade and travel by serving as the center point for different routes. As a result, numerous cars arrive and depart from this region. They usually pass through the Beaumont Avenue intersection, where Interstate 10, State Route (SR) 60, and State Route 79 meet.
From this intersection, drivers can conveniently travel east through the low deserts to reach another state. From the San Gorgonio Pass, they can also head west via the I-10 to arrive at the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica. Alternatively, drivers can depart Beaumont and travel SR-79 via Hemet and Winchester to Temecula or take SR-60 to Los Angeles. Oak Glen is another picturesque county that locals and tourists may witness when traveling north on Beaumont Avenue.
Unfortunately, car accidents can happen to anyone driving across the city. If you are injured in a crash, our car accident attorneys in Beaumont can help gather evidence and determine who may be responsible. They can guide you through the claims process and explain the legal options available for your case.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Working With Our Beaumont Car Accident Lawyers
After a car accident, it’s natural to ask about what your next steps should be. You might wonder, “Is it worth hiring a lawyer?” Beaumont car accident lawyers can handle the legwork for you, allowing you to focus on healing from your injuries.
Our personal injury attorneys work to protect your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Here’s what we offer:
- Our car accident lawyers have handled a variety of auto accident cases, including collisions involving injuries and wrongful deaths.
- The laws governing auto accidents can be complicated for victims like you who aren’t used to engaging in legalities. Nonetheless, we will explain the intricacies in simple terms, offer advice, and guide you in making informed decisions.
- We give each case personalized attention. Our attorneys provide support tailored to your circumstances and the specifics of your accident.
- We are aware of the stress and financial pressures following an accident. Our team can assist you in addressing medical, emotional, and financial concerns in your claim.
- Arash Law offers contingency fee agreements, so clients don’t pay legal fees upfront. Payment is based on the outcome of their case, making legal support accessible to injury victims. Clients may still be responsible for certain costs regardless of the outcome.
How Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Help With Your Case
Our attorneys in Beaumont can guide you through the legal process for your car accident claim. This way, you can understand your options and make informed decisions.
Our Beaumont car accident lawyers can conduct a detailed investigation to review the circumstances of the accident and gather relevant evidence. They can use the findings to demonstrate the extent of your injuries and calculate a fair estimate of your damages, covering your out-of-pocket expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
They can communicate and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. They help you evaluate settlement offers and determine whether they’re adequate to meet your losses.
If out-of-court talks don’t work and the other parties are unwilling to settle fairly, our car accident attorneys can guide you through the litigation process. They can also represent your interests in court if needed.
Our staff at Arash Law is available 24/7 to answer questions. Complete our online form to have one of our car accident lawyers in Beaumont review your case.
How Do Car Accidents Occur
Several factors contribute to the continuous increase in traffic-related injuries and fatalities. Some of the main causes of road accidents include:
Driving Errors
New drivers often make mistakes due to a lack of practical driving experience. They might not have the necessary skills to make proper decisions in challenging situations. They also may not adapt quickly to changing road conditions and may easily collide with incoming traffic.
However, even experienced drivers can make errors, either intentionally or unintentionally. Some drivers exhibit aggressive and reckless behavior, such as violating traffic laws, disregarding red lights, and ignoring traffic signs. Here are some other common driving errors:
- Speeding — Driving above the speed limit makes it more difficult for drivers to react to emergencies and stop in time, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
- Distracted Driving — Using electronic devices can divert a driver’s attention from the road. They might not notice traffic hazards and react too late, resulting in crashes.
- Failing to Check Blind Spots — Many car drivers change lanes or make right turns without first checking their blind spots. This carelessness may put motorcyclists at risk, especially those who drive between lanes to save time and bypass traffic congestion.
- Tailgating — Following too closely behind another vehicle leaves insufficient space to react and brake safely, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.
- DUI — Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, drugs, and even some medical prescriptions increases the chances of accidents. These substances can impair cognitive functions and compromise safe driving skills.
- Fatigued Driving — Similar to driving while intoxicated, driving when tired or sleepy can delay reaction times and affect judgment.
These negative behaviors jeopardize the safety of all road users, including pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. Reckless drivers breach their duty to exercise reasonable care. Our Beaumont car accident lawyers can help assess potential liability and demonstrate how these unsafe actions might have contributed to your accident.
Other Factors
Traffic accidents can also happen due to factors beyond drivers’ control. Some examples are:
- Auto Defects — Essential auto parts, like the brakes or steering system, can malfunction during trips. Mechanical failures typically occur when drivers neglect to maintain their vehicles regularly or if manufacturers and distributors sell flawed components. These issues may make cars hard to control, causing drivers to collide with other vehicles.
- Heavy Traffic — Collisions are likely to occur on busy roads. Drivers who pass through bumper-to-bumper traffic may encounter reckless and aggressive motorists more often.
- Poor Road Condition — Unmaintained roads, such as those with potholes, cracks, and uneven pavement, can make vehicles difficult to control. Construction zones and freeways with inadequate signage and overgrown trees can further confuse drivers. These poorly maintained roads are risky for motorists, especially those unfamiliar with the area.
- Bad Weather — Inclement weather, such as fog, rain, and storms, can reduce visibility and make road surfaces slippery and dangerous. This can lead to crashes with other vehicles or external obstacles like trees and traffic signs.
Since these factors do not necessarily result from driver negligence, victims may hold other parties liable for accidents. For instance, they may pursue claims against particular government offices for crashes occurring on streets with potholes.
If you’re uncertain about who may be responsible for your injuries, consider reaching out to a car accident attorney in Beaumont. They can review the incident, gather evidence, and determine potential liability to support your claim.
Most Common Types Of Car Accidents
Car accidents can happen in a variety of ways. These can range from minor fender-benders to major incidents resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Our Beaumont lawyers for car accident cases usually handle the following types:
Head-On Collisions
Two cars traveling from opposite directions can collide through their front ends and cause a head-on accident. These situations typically occur when a car turns in the wrong lane or crosses a center-dividing line for the following reasons:
- Speeding.
- Driving under the influence.
- Fatigued driving.
- Distracted driving (e.g., drivers use gadgets while behind the wheel).
- Cutting lanes.
Head-on collisions, especially at high speeds, often result in severe injuries and deaths. Even if the airbags deploy, the impact in these incidents is similar to colliding with a large, immovable object, like a cemented wall. Aside from devastating injuries, head-on crashes also cause serious property damage, requiring costly repairs.
Our car accident lawyers understand that these consequences can lead to mounting expenses. That’s why we help victims like you hold negligent parties accountable and assert fair compensation for the damages.
Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end collisions occur when a vehicle strikes another car from behind. These accidents can happen anywhere for various reasons, with inattentive driving being the most common culprit.
Most of the time, trailing drivers bear the blame for rear-end incidents. However, this isn’t always the case. Depending on how and why the collision happened, the driver in front may also share some responsibility for the resulting damages.
If you have doubts about who to hold liable for the damages you sustained in a rear-end car accident, speak with our Beaumont attorneys. We can review your case by considering the elements of negligence to identify the accountable parties.
Side-Impact Collisions
These accidents usually happen when a car crashes into the side of another vehicle or when the sides of two cars collide with each other. Side-impact crashes are classified into three categories:
T-Bone Collisions — These are often referred to as broadside collisions. They occur when the front of one car collides with the side of another, forming a “T” shape. T-bone collisions can be particularly dangerous for passengers on the impacted side because car sides lack crumple zones designed to absorb impact energy.
In some cases, the vehicles’ doors collapse, leaving passengers seated in these areas with insufficient protection from the impact. While side airbags are now standard in new cars, older vehicles may not have them, increasing the risk of serious injuries.
- Sideswipe Accidents — Incidents involving two vehicles colliding with each other’s sides are known as sideswipe accidents. These are common for vehicles traveling closely in the same or opposite directions. Drivers who fail to check their mirrors and surroundings before changing lanes or merging may cause sideswipe accidents, resulting in injuries and property damage.
- Angled Crashes — These accidents fall between a sideswipe and a T-bone collision. They occur when two cars’ sides come into contact at a certain angle. These events may be caused by the failure of one vehicle to yield to another at junctions or merging points.
Drivers involved in side-impact crashes barely notice other vehicles approaching them, leaving them with little time to take precautions and avoid collisions. As a result, victims are likely to sustain severe injuries that can affect their means of living.
Rollovers
Cars sometimes tip over when drivers lose control, especially when overcorrecting or veering off the road. These incidents can be fatal because occupants can be ejected from their seats and thrown around the vehicle.
Rollover accidents may happen to any car. However, they frequently involve taller models, such as:
- Sports utility vehicles (SUVs)
- Pickup trucks
- Vans
Rollover crashes can also be caused by a forceful impact from a heavy, speeding vehicle, often seen in truck accidents. Additionally, reckless driving, such as speeding and DUI, is another contributing factor to these tragedies.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
While most accidents only involve one or two cars, other cases involve several vehicles, resulting in a multi-vehicle pileup. A single collision can trigger a chain reaction, particularly when the other motorists fail to react in time or get distracted by the scene.
Here’s an example of how it might occur:
- The car in front brakes suddenly without a valid reason.
- The tailgating driver behind it doesn’t have enough time to react, crashing into the leading car’s rear end.
- The leading car is then pushed forward, hitting a vehicle that switches into its lane while it’s stopped.
This scenario can still be considered minor, provided that there were no serious injuries or fatalities. Some multi-car collisions involve upwards of 10 vehicles.
Unfortunately, determining who is at fault in multi-vehicle pileups can be extremely challenging, as these may involve several accountable parties. In the situation above, many might immediately assume that the tailgating driver is solely or mostly to blame. However, the leading car’s driver could also bear liability for stopping recklessly, and the third vehicle’s driver might share the blame if they switched lanes recklessly.
Hit-And-Run Accidents
Often, reckless drivers choose to speed away after causing car accidents to avoid obligations. However, fleeing the scene, even if you weren’t at fault, is illegal.
According to California Vehicle Code Section 20002, all involved parties must do the following:
- Stop at the nearest safe location where they would not impede traffic and cause further accidents.
- Exchange identification and contact information with the other parties involved.
- Report the accident to the local police department.
Disregarding this rule could result in a misdemeanor charge. Such an act is also punishable with a maximum fine of $1,000 and a maximum sentence of six months in county jail.
One of the main challenges in hit-and-run cases is identifying the responsible party. Our car accident lawyers in Beaumont, who handle hit-and-run claims, can assist in gathering evidence to help locate the at-fault driver. The specifics of the accident can influence how fault is determined and the type of evidence needed for investigation.
Who Is Liable In A Car Accident?
Parties at fault in car accidents may vary depending on the parties involved and how the incidents occurred. In most cases, the driver who directly caused the accident takes all or most of the blame. If the driver and the car owner are different, the latter could share some responsibility if they displayed negligence, such as if they knowingly lent their vehicle to an unfit driver.
You may also have the right to take legal action against other parties in some cases, including:
- Private companies that own or rent the cars involved for commercial purposes.
- Municipalities may be responsible for accidents involving city buses or taxis.
- Auto part manufacturers, if a defective component contributed to the crash.
- The victim’s insurance companies, especially if the at-fault party fled the scene or is uninsured/underinsured.
- Government agencies may be responsible if poor road conditions cause accidents.
Establishing liability can be complex, and evidence must be carefully reviewed. Our car accident lawyers in Beaumont can assess your case, determine potentially responsible parties, and guide you through your legal options.
Common Injuries Sustained In Car Accidents
Victims of car accidents can suffer a wide range of injuries. Our Beaumont car accident lawyers have experience assisting clients with claims involving:
- Whiplash — This injury can lead to nerve damage, requiring several sessions of physical therapy to heal completely.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) — Passengers who bump their heads on hard surfaces during car accidents can get concussions and brain injuries. These issues might not show up right away and could become fatal if not noticed in time.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — Damage to the spinal cord may result in persistent pain and lifetime problems, including partial or total paralysis.
- Internal Injuries — The strong impact of collisions might bruise or damage the internal organs. Most cases are not visible to the naked eye, luring victims into a false sense of safety. However, delayed treatment can lead to complications and even death.
- Fractures — The powerful impact of the crash can also cause broken bones. Fractures severely limit mobility, causing you to miss work and lose earnings.
- Burns — Some collisions are also followed by explosions, causing burn injuries to those within the vicinity. Minor cases may heal over time, but severe ones will require prolonged treatment.
- Cuts and Lacerations — Victims might sustain cuts and abrasions in the collision. Although many cases are minor, these injuries can lead to scarring, which can affect one’s confidence.
- Psychological Trauma — Following a car accident, the victim may even be unable to live their life normally due to severe trauma.
- Wrongful Deaths — The most tragic crashes involve fatalities. In these cases, the victims’ remaining legal heirs are left to deal with the financial and emotional impact of losing their loved ones.
Our attorneys can help document your medical treatment and, if needed, connect with qualified healthcare professionals to assess the full extent of your injuries. By gathering evidence, we aim to build a well-supported claim and help you seek appropriate compensation for your injuries and related losses.
Damages To Seek In A Car Accident Claim
California law allows victims of motor vehicle collisions to seek compensation for various damages, depending on the legal circumstances. Our car accident lawyers in Beaumont can help you identify the types of damages that may apply to your situation.
Economic Damages
These refer to the financial losses that victims incur due to car accidents. Economic damages encompass current and future expenses that have specific monetary values, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property repairs and replacement
Non-Economic Damages
Victims may also be entitled to non-economic damages after suffering losses that have no specific monetary value. These losses, which are more subjective than economic damages, aim to compensate victims for intangible factors like:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages
Although rare, courts may also award punitive damages, especially for cases involving gross negligence or malicious intent. These are intended to punish wrongdoers and prevent them from repeating the same recklessness in the future.
Seeking compensation, unfortunately, is not straightforward. Our experienced car accident lawyers can provide guidance on your potential claim, help gather supporting evidence, and assist in negotiating with claims adjusters to pursue appropriate compensation under the law.
What To Do After A Car Accident
Car accidents can be sudden and stressful, leaving victims shaken. Despite this, knowing the right steps to take afterward is important for your safety and for protecting your legal rights.
Following a car crash, consider the following:
- Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured, dial 911 right away for immediate medical treatment.
- Ensure your safety. If possible, move your car to the side of the road to avoid impeding traffic and protect yourself from getting into another accident.
- Contact the law enforcement authorities. They can help you prepare a formal incident report, which you can use later to support your claim.
- Exchange information with involved parties. Note their names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information. You may also ask witnesses to provide their contact information and a brief statement to the police.
- Gather evidence. These include photos and videos of the road condition, your injuries, property damage, and traffic signs. You can also write a post-accident journal while you can still recall the tragedy vividly.
- Seek further medical attention, even if you think you’re fine. Some injuries, like whiplash and TBIs, may not be instantly apparent and may not manifest symptoms right after the accident.
- Notify your insurance company. Provide them with the necessary information, but don’t overshare and admit fault.
- Monitor your expenses. Keep your medical bills, car repair invoices, receipts of other related services, and missed payrolls. These will help establish the extent of your damages and losses.
- Contact a car accident attorney in Beaumont. A lawyer can review your case, explain available legal options, and guide you through the claims process.
December 2016: $22M+ verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case. The entire details of the case can be found in the public record filings by the defendant entity that sued its defense.– BRIAN BEECHER
Statistics About Car Accidents
California’s traffic safety data for 2023 shows progress in reducing roadway fatalities across several categories. Overall, traffic deaths decreased nearly 11%, from 4,539 in 2022 to 4,061 in 2023. The state’s Mileage Death Rate, which measures fatalities per 100 million miles traveled, also improved, falling from 1.34 in 2022 to 1.26 in 2023, a 6% decrease.
Moreover, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities declined approximately 4.5%, from 1,419 in 2022 to 1,355 in 2023. Drug impairment remained a factor, with 50.3% of tested drivers killed in crashes in 2021 showing the presence of legal or illegal drugs. Passenger safety improved as well, with unrestrained occupant fatalities decreasing 8.6%, from 853 to 780.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Car Accidents
Do I Need A Lawyer For My Car Accident Claim?
After a collision, you may wonder, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” While you can choose to handle a claim on your own, having legal representation can help you navigate the process, especially if your injuries or damages are significant. A Beaumont car accident attorney can assist in understanding your legal options and the steps needed to pursue a claim.
Insurance claims can involve complex procedures and detailed paperwork. Having a lawyer can provide guidance on navigating the process, reviewing offers, and making informed decisions without the added stress of managing everything on your own.
How Do I Prove Fault In Car Accidents?
Proving negligence and liability in a car accident requires a thorough investigation. Key types of evidence you need may include:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene, injuries incurred, and wrecked vehicles.
- Surveillance footage of nearby establishments and highway cameras.
- Dashcam footage.
- Incident report.
- Medical records.
- Witness testimonies.
- Proof of lost income, like payrolls and pay slips.
If you were unable to gather sufficient evidence immediately after the accident, our car accident attorneys may be able to assist you. They can coordinate with professionals such as law enforcement officials, accident reconstruction experts, and medical providers to collect and organize additional documentation that may support your claim.
Should I Get A Lawyer For A Car Accident That Wasn't My Fault?
Even if you were not at fault for a car accident, consulting an auto accident lawyer can be helpful. Legal guidance can clarify your rights and assist you in pursuing compensation for your injuries and other losses. Assistance from an attorney may be especially useful if:
- You sustained serious injuries and property damage.
- Responsible parties won’t admit their liability.
- Insurance companies question the severity of your injuries and the credibility of your medical records.
- At-fault individuals use the complexity of laws to turn your case upside down.
Working with an experienced Beaumont car accident lawyer can help you manage these challenges. Your attorney can handle communications with the other parties and insurance providers, allowing you to work on getting your health back on track.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
No lawyer can guarantee the exact amount you may receive for your car accident case. The compensation you’ll obtain depends heavily on several factors. These include the severity of your injuries, expenses for medical treatment, and other losses incurred as a result of the traffic incident.
It’s worth noting that, in some cases, initial settlement offers may not fully reflect the extent of your damages. Consulting a car accident attorney in Beaumont can help you understand the value of your case. Our attorneys can review your situation, gather relevant documentation, and negotiate with claims adjusters to help pursue fair compensation under the law.
What Happens If The At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance?
If the driver who caused your accident does not have insurance, obtaining compensation directly from them may be difficult, especially if they lack the assets to pay. A study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) stated that roughly 17% of motorists in the Golden State are uninsured. This figure implies a higher possibility of collisions with uninsured at-fault drivers while driving on California roads.
In this situation, you might have little to no chance of obtaining payment from these responsible parties. You may sue them, but you’re unlikely to win anything. If they can’t afford to pay their insurance, they might also not have enough assets to pay the judgment. Authorities may only penalize them accordingly.
Nevertheless, you may be able to get your damages and losses paid through another recourse. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, it can help cover medical expenses, property damage, and other losses in such situations. This policy will serve as your protection and backup. If you want to know all your compensation options, contact our car accident lawyers through our website.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Car Accident Cases?
According to California’s statute of limitations, a victim may file a case against responsible individuals within two years of the car accident date. Although this is the general time limit for most personal injury cases, exceptions and extensions may apply. The deadlines can be tolled or paused for auto accident lawsuits involving the late discovery of injuries and parties who are minors, out of court, in jail, or mentally incapacitated.
Our Beaumont car accident attorney can review your case and help you understand which deadlines may apply.
Consult Our Car Accident Lawyers In Beaumont
If you are searching for a “car accident injury lawyer near me,” Arash Law can provide guidance after a collision. Our Beaumont car accident lawyers can review the circumstances of your case, explain your legal options, and help you understand the next steps. They can also communicate with at-fault parties and insurance companies on your behalf.
You don’t have to navigate the legal matters alone. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation. Our car accident attorneys can also visit you anywhere in Beaumont, whether in the hospital, at home, or anywhere you’re comfortable.
Our car accident law firm, headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., also serves neighboring cities and areas, such as Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Menifee, San Clemente, Yucca Valley, Rancho Cucamonga, Murrieta, Banning, Yucaipa, San Jacinto, Hemet, East Hemet, Moreno Valley, Redlands, Perris, Loma Linda, Highland, Sun City, Grand Terrace, Colton, San Bernardino, and Big Bear Lake.
