Long Beach Accident Attorneys

Common Accidents We Handle In Long Beach

Our Long Beach accident attorneys provide thorough legal support for common incidents like the following:

Car Accidents In Long Beach, CA

Long Beach is a bustling city in California, offering a variety of activities within its parks and shores. It draws tourists from all over the country. They travel through the I-70 highway to reach Shoreline Drive, Harbor Scenic Drive, and Ocean Boulevard.

Unfortunately, the in and out of tourists and locals means that traffic accidents happen regularly. In 2022, the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) recorded the following data:

• There were a total of 4,206 fatalities and injuries resulting from 2,972 crashes.
• Traffic-related fatalities and injuries concerning drugs totaled 13, while alcohol-related incidents added up to 368.
• Distracted driving contributed to 321 fatalities and injuries, while speeding caused 88 instances.
• 353 accidents involved pedestrians, 228 included bicyclists, and 171 involved motorcyclists.

Long Beach had the sixth-highest recorded fatalities and injuries among all cities and counties in California. Its record during that year made up 1.84% of the statewide total.

Several factors contribute to car accidents. Some of the common causes in Long Beach are:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Reckless behavior
• Adverse weather, like flooding and rain
• Dangerous road conditions

These incidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to severe trauma requiring extensive medical treatment. Our car accident lawyers in Long Beach will work to help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to after your accident.

Uber Accidents In Long Beach

A rideshare accident usually involves multiple parties, including the company, the driver, the passenger, and any other involved individuals. Such cases can be highly challenging as each party may have a different level of liability.

Dealing with several insurance companies can also be problematic. Communication and negotiations will involve multiple layers of disputes, back-and-forths, and claim denials.

To further complicate matters, Uber drivers are not considered employees. This distinction has legal implications for liability and coverage in accidents. Nevertheless, the rideshare company provides insurance based on the driver’s activity at the time of the incident.

It can provide up to $1 million if the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger or on a trip with them during the Uber accident. If the driver is not using the app, their personal auto liability policy applies. There are plenty of other things involved in Uber’s insurance policy that would require you to seek help from Uber accident lawyers to understand them completely.

Truck Accidents In Long Beach

Big rig accidents and 18-wheeler crashes pose significant risks to other motorists and pedestrians on Long Beach highways. Their size and weight disparity with other vehicles become dangerous factors for the other parties involved, particularly in head-on collisions.

Trucks can get into other accidents that can lead to injuries and fatalities. Examples are:

• Jackknife accidents
• Rollovers
• Tire blowouts
• Side-swipes
• T-Bone incidents

When a truck accident occurs, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic. Our big rig accident lawyers in Long Beach can support victims who suffered from:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Head and neck trauma
• Loss of a limb
• Burn injuries occur when a collision escalates into fires or explosions.
• Psychological issues

Any surviving victims often require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. Treatments may include surgery, physical therapy, and other procedures. Rehabilitation can be challenging, as victims may also experience intense pain, fatigue, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our truck accident attorneys in Long Beach know this well and are here to provide legal assistance.

Driving Under The Influence (DUI) Accidents

DUI accidents often involve complex legal issues, and our Long Beach accident lawyers have experience handling these types of cases. According to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), it’s illegal to drive with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% for drivers 21 years old and above or 0.01% if under 21 years old. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a punishable offense; it can be a misdemeanor or felony.

• A misdemeanor DUI can result in penalties like fines, license suspension, and mandatory education programs.
• If a DUI leads to an injury accident, it becomes a felony. The driver may face civil lawsuits in addition to harsher sanctions.

Substances like alcohol and drugs can heavily affect a person’s decision-making skills and reaction times. Impaired drivers may find it harder to maintain control and navigate traffic safely. If they encounter sudden traffic changes, they may not be able to respond in time to avoid collisions. Our Long Beach accident attorneys for DUI can handle such cases for victims.

Some common erratic behaviors that are typically exhibited by drunk drivers include:

• Weaving between lanes
• Speeding
• Ignoring traffic signals

Slips & Falls In Long Beach

Slip-and-fall accidents can occur anywhere, from the restaurants along Long Beach to El Dorado parks. They can result from hazardous conditions like:

• Wet floors
• Uneven surfaces
• Inadequate lighting
• Obstacles in walkways

These incidents can result in painful injuries, such as sprains, broken bones, and head trauma. In this case, our slip and fall accident attorneys in Long Beach may be able to help determine who could be responsible for the damages.

For example, a shopper slipped at Walmart, breaking their hips as a result. A thorough investigation revealed that an employee did not put up a “Slippery When Wet” sign after mopping the floors. Is the retail store liable in this scenario?

Yes, in some cases, a Walmart slip-and-fall accident may result in the retailer being held responsible for a patron’s injuries, depending on the circumstances. This case falls under premises liability, which is a broader concept that encompasses other incidents.

According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), slips and falls account for 1 million ER visits. Meanwhile, falls are the main reason for 8 million visits each year.

Premises Liabilities In Long Beach

Owners or tenants have a legal responsibility to maintain safe conditions on their premises. They have a duty to prevent harm to visitors and guests. When they fail to fulfill these obligations, accidents and injuries may occur, resulting in premises liability claims.

Accidents may result from various causes, including:

• Lack of Warning Signs — Owners must provide signs for hazards like uneven surfaces and construction zones.
• Slippery Floors — Spills, leaks, or recently mopped floors without proper signage are slipping hazards.
• Inadequate Security — Inadequate lighting or broken locks can make the premises vulnerable to accidents and criminal activities.
• Defective Stairs or Railings — Poorly maintained handrails or staircases can increase the risk of falls.

In a Long Beach premises liability claim, our accident attorneys may be able to demonstrate the following elements:

• The property owner has breached their duty of care.
• The responsible party’s failure to maintain safe conditions constitutes a negligent action or omission.
• The victim’s injury was a direct result of the owner’s negligence.

Motorcycle Accidents

Riding a motorcycle comes with inherent risks due to its small size, lack of stability, and minimal protection. This vehicle is particularly susceptible to hazards that can throw off its balance, including:

• Road debris
• Oil and potholes on the road
• Unexpected traffic events

An impact with a larger vehicle can easily destroy a motorcycle, knock it off course, or eject the rider from their seat. As such, a motorcycle collision usually results in graver injuries for the motorcyclist.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics, a total of 5,392 motorcyclists lost their lives in 2021. This figure accounts for 14% of all traffic fatalities across the country. Worryingly, they’re 24 times more likely to die in a collision than car passengers.

This data highlights the riders’ vulnerability due to their lack of protective barriers. It also highlights the importance of staying alert on the road. Being cautious gives them a better chance of avoiding a crash caused by others’ negligence. But when the accident happens, victims can consult our Long Beach motorcycle accident lawyers for legal representation.

Workplace Accidents In Long Beach

Workplace accidents can happen in any industry. They’re more often attributed to construction sites, but risks of injury are present even in office settings. Teachers, for example, can be victims of violence and assault in the classroom.

In Long Beach, our workplace accident attorneys encounter these common cases:

• Slips, trips, and falls
• Heavy machinery accidents
• Fires and explosions
• Building collapses
• Scaffolding collapses
• Crane accidents
• Occupational diseases

These incidents usually stem from factors like hazardous working conditions, equipment malfunctions, and inadequate safety protocols. In any case, victims may pursue workers’ compensation if they’re injured while working.

Injured workers don’t have to prove the negligence of their employer to seek compensation since California operates on a no-fault system when it comes to workers’ compensation. It means victims can’t file a lawsuit against their employers, and they have limited benefits. For instance, you can’t claim damages for non-economic losses like pain and suffering.

In 2021, California recorded 462 fatal work injuries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Of these, 142 were because of transportation accidents. Meanwhile, 103 cases were due to exposure to harmful substances and or environments.

Pedestrian Accidents In Long Beach

Pedestrians are at a high risk of getting into accidents while walking or crossing the road. They’re especially vulnerable in busy urban areas like Long Beach due to the high volumes of vehicular traffic and crowds.

Collisions can happen anytime, like an unassuming Saturday morning in December 2023. During this time, a woman strolling along Atlantic Avenue was struck by an unidentified vehicle. Tragically, paramedics declared the victim dead at the scene.

The busy roads of Long Beach put pedestrians at risk of getting in an accident with cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even bicycles. These incidents often happen because of:

• Distracted driving
• Failure to yield
• Speeding
• Impaired driving
• Poor visibility

The pedestrian accidents in Long Beach that our accident attorneys handle usually result in severe injuries. People walking the street don’t have any form of protection, which means they suffer more damage in a collision than the vehicle’s passengers. They can also sustain severe injuries to the brain, spinal cord, and internal organs. They may also experience emotional and psychological effects that may affect their everyday life.

We can also handle cases involving slips and falls, trips due to road obstructions, and other pedestrians.

Dog Bites

When a dog bites someone, it can cause puncture wounds that can penetrate deep into the skin and underlying tissues. If it damages the nerve, the victim may suffer from long-term or permanent loss of sensation and mobility.

An open wound can also lead to infections. The bacteria from the dog’s mouth or our skin can enter the puncture site, causing severe illnesses. Rabies is also a serious concern. There was one case in 2022 in Sacramento. Rabies can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Additionally, dog bites can also have a significant emotional impact on the victims, particularly children. They may develop a fear of dogs, anxiety, and trauma related to the incident.

According to California Civil Code 3342, a dog bite incident falls under the strict liability statute. The owner is at fault, regardless of:

• Their knowledge of the pet’s violent tendencies and past behavior.
• Their actions, like attempting to stop the attack

This law applies as long as the victim was in a public place or lawfully in a private place when the incident occurred. It may not be applicable if the injured person was trespassing at the time of the attack.

Food Delivery Accidents

Food delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates are standard in Long Beach. They offer convenience and accessibility, but they also come with potential risks:

• Collisions with other vehicles on the road
• Accidents caused by dangerous road conditions
• Traffic incidents due to the driver’s negligence
• Slip and fall accidents within the customers’ property.

These food delivery accidents can be covered by the company’s liability insurance. Uber Eats, for example, provides almost the same coverage as its ridesharing division. DoorDash and Postmates also offer a $1 million policy. But it will only apply once the driver’s mandatory auto insurance is exhausted.

However, food delivery riders act as independent contractors, not employees. The company may try to avoid liability with this stance. As a result, any accident can be complicated to navigate.

E-Cig/Vape Accidents

E-cigs and vapes have gained popularity over the years as a “safer” alternative to traditional tobacco products. However, they’re not free of risks to the user’s health and safety.

One common issue causing e-cig and vape accidents is a defective device. A design flaw or manufacturing error can cause the product not to function correctly. This issue can lead to leaks, overheating, and failure to operate as intended.

Battery malfunctions can also have disastrous effects. These devices are usually powered by the lithium-ion type, which can explode under certain conditions. Such cases can lead to burns, lacerations, loss of teeth, or even fires. A 2021 Environmental Protection Agency report revealed these batteries contributed to at least 40% of fires in 26 waste facilities in California.

Our accident attorneys can support victims who were injured by defective devices in Long Beach under product liability claims. Strict liability applies in California, which will hold manufacturers, distributors, and sellers responsible for their products.