Car Accident Lawyer Beverly Hills, CA

Were you injured in a car accident in Beverly Hills caused by the negligence of another person? If so, you might be able to file a personal injury claim so you can be compensated for your pain and suffering. You should consult a Beverly Hills car accident attorney.

At Seber Bulger, our team of experienced car accident attorneys use their knowledge and skill to win settlements and court judgements for our clients. If a loved one was killed in a car accident caused by another driver’s carelessness, our attorneys can also help you to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Our Beverly Hills car accident attorneys handle cases for victims of:

• Head-on collisions
• Rear-end collisions
• Car accidents at intersections
• Car accidents involving uninsured drivers
• Motor vehicle accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Accidents caused by a distracted drive
• Car accidents in which speeding was a factor, and more

Multiple Vehicle Accidents

While a car accident can be both a complicated and traumatic experience, those involving more than two vehicles really require the legal knowledge and experience of our car accident lawyer. In these multi-vehicle incidents, it can be difficult to determine the circumstances leading to the accident and what the role of each driver involved in the crash was, making filing a car accident claim even more complicated than usual. However, having our attorney advocating for you means that we will investigate the cause of the accident, protect your rights, and take the appropriate legal steps to get you the financial compensation you may be entitled to under California law.

Determining Liability

These types of crashes often involve she-said he-said accusations and finger-pointing. Because these scenes are often downright chaotic, many of the drivers involved do not always realize how much they contributed to the crash that occurred.

In order to determine liability for the accident and for your particular injuries and/or losses, our Beverly Hills, CA car accident attorney may hire an accident reconstructionist to determine how the collision happened. They do this by examining the damage done to all of the involved vehicles, evidence left at the accident site, and speaking with witnesses.

Depending on how your case proceeds, the accident reconstructionist may also be called by our lawyer to testify at the trial if negotiations fail to bring about a fair settlement offer and our lawyer moves to litigate your case in front of a judge and jury.

Multiple Parties, Multiple Faults

It is not uncommon for there to be more than one at-fault party in a multi-vehicle crash. Fortunately, California is a pure comparative fault state. This means that a victim can still recover financial compensation if they are partially at fault for the accident.  Basically, this law provides a way for liability for an accident to be divided up amongst any parties that may hold some fault in the accident. Our lawyer will be able to evaluate your case to determine if you hold any partial fault for the crash and, if so, how this will impact the amount of financial compensation you may be entitled to or create challenges during litigation.

Common Causes Of Car Accidents

Car accident attorneys can help you get some much-needed compensation and closure after your recent crash. At Seber Bulger Law, we have years of experience handling personal injury cases, from truck crashes to pedestrian-related accidents. Now, it’s time to use that experience to help you. Contact us today to get started on your case, and read on to see the common causes of car accidents.

Speeding

One of the top contributors to road mishaps is speeding. Driving above the speed limit or too fast for conditions can dramatically decrease a driver’s reaction time. It also reduces the effectiveness of safety mechanisms like airbags and seatbelts. By adhering to posted speed limits, drivers can significantly reduce their risk of being involved in a collision.

Distracted Driving

Distractions while driving, such as using a smartphone, eating, or adjusting the radio, divert attention from the road. Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Educating drivers about the dangers of distracted driving and encouraging them to focus solely on the road can help prevent many accidents.

Driving Under The Influence

Alcohol and drugs impair cognitive functions and motor skills, severely affecting a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Driving under the influence is illegal and a major cause of fatal car accidents. Public awareness campaigns and strict enforcement of DUI laws are critical to reducing these preventable accidents.

Poor Weather Conditions

Bad weather, such as rain, snow, ice, and fog, can lead to hazardous road conditions. Slippery roads reduce tire traction and increase stopping distances. Fog reduces visibility, making it hard to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and road signs. Drivers should be cautious in poor weather and adjust their driving accordingly.

Failure To Yield Right Of Way

Accidents often occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way at intersections, when merging onto highways, or at stop signs. This can be due to misunderstanding traffic signals or aggressive driving behaviors. Proper knowledge of traffic laws and respectful driving can mitigate these types of incidents. Your car accident attorneys can walk you through any relevant local laws that can affect fault.

Improper Vehicle Maintenance

Failure to maintain key components of a vehicle like brakes, tires, and lights can lead to malfunctions that precipitate accidents. Regular vehicle maintenance is not only part of responsible car ownership but also a crucial factor in preventing collisions.

Tailgating

Following another car too closely may not leave sufficient time to react if the leading vehicle suddenly stops. This is particularly true in high-speed environments or in traffic conditions where sudden stops are likely. Maintaining a safe following distance allows for better reaction times.

Contact Us Today

If you or someone you know has been affected by a car accident, it’s important to consult with a team that understands the intricacies of personal injury claims. We at Seber Bulger Law are committed to offering comprehensive support to make sure that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us today, and get help from car accident attorneys you can trust.

Cases Our Car Accident Lawyer Can Assist With

Getting into a car accident can have a long-term impact on your quality of life. In some cases, victims walk away with a few scratches while other accidents can leave a person paralyzed for life. It can be hard to know if it’s time to call our attorney, and it could be an intimidating thought to get a lawyer involved. Here are a few signs to help you determine when it’s appropriate to call on the services of Seber Bulger Law.

If a Serious Injury or Death Occurred

If the accident was the fault of another driver’s negligence, the law may hold them legally responsible for the outcome. Severe injuries can interfere with your ability to work or they may require months of medical care and rehab. Serious car accidents can also cause death. These are civil matters that can be handled by our personal injury lawyer, whether you file a wrongful death lawsuit or seek maximum personal injury compensation.

If an Uninsured Motorist Was Involved

Though many states require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, this is not required in the state of California. Our lawyer can help you determine the likelihood of success from a lawsuit against the other drivers involved, as well as guide you on what allowances or laws determine who can bring a lawsuit and what compensation is available.

If a Disability Occurred

An accident can affect drivers and passengers differently, and it can alter the ability of an individual to carry on with life as normal. A severe injury can make it impossible for a person to return to work right away, as the healing process may require months of medical treatment or rehabilitation. 

Lost wages and the additional strain of medical bills can be devastating. Some catastrophic injuries become disabilities that affect your earning potential for the rest of your life. Our lawyer can help you receive the compensation you need to restore your financial future.

If an Unfair Settlement Was Offered

Insurance companies won’t always give you a fair settlement for your accident or personal injury claim. When you can’t make any progress with the insurance company, you can call on the services of our personal injury law firm to help you fight for fair compensation.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, your finances and a fair settlement are just as important as the care you receive to heal your body. Working with our lawyer can be the help you need to make sure you take care of your physical and financial needs.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident

Understanding what steps to take and what not to do in the immediate aftermath of a car accident is essential. Following these steps can help set you up for success as our Beverly Hills car accident lawyer builds your case.

• Check for Injuries

The first thing you need to do after being in an accident is to make sure you are unharmed. After checking on yourself, check on any passengers in your own vehicle, then move to the people in the other car to see if an ambulance will be needed. Health and wellbeing should always be the top priority.

• Pull Over to Safety

Next, you should get to a safe location. Make sure you take your time and do not pull out in front of oncoming traffic.

• Contact the Police

You should always get the police to come to the scene of an accident so that they can write a police report on what happened. This document will give facts of what happened and can be used as evidence in court at a later date. The police will take photos and get contact information from each party, but you should do this as well.

• Exchange Information with Others

You need to get the license plate number, vehicle make and model, and insurance information from the other driver. You should also get their first and last name, phone number, and contact information from any witnesses to the accident if applicable. While this information should be in the police report, it can take some time to get and mistakes may happen, so it is imperative to get all of the necessary information while everyone is still at the scene of the accident.

• Go to the Doctor’s Office

Finally, even if you feel fine, you need to go get checked out by your primary care physician. This visit will generate a written medical report about your condition and can be used as evidence at a later date if you experience future symptoms or pain. Sometimes, adrenaline kicks in right after an accident, so you might not notice new aches and pains. This can be the body’s coping mechanism but is harmful to a case if you do not think you are hurt and end up having issues later. That is why it is important to see a doctor so he or she can testify on your behalf later.

• Don’t Admit Guilt

As much as you may want to apologize to the other driver or passengers out of courtesy, don’t do it. Any type of admission of guilt can cause you problems in court or with the other driver’s insurance company. It can end up weakening your case, which may lead to a smaller settlement offer or losing a court claim.

• Don’t Drive Away

Don’t drive off. You’re generally required to exchange insurance information and contact info with the other driver. This is information you want to get from the other party as well. If anyone was injured in the accident, call the police and wait for them to arrive.

A police report is a good piece of evidence that our personal injury attorney, can use to bolster your case. It can help show that the other driver acted negligently. While you wait, use your smartphone to snap pictures of the scene of the accident, your car, the other vehicle, and any injuries you have.

• Don’t Wait to File a Lawsuit

Life in Beverly Hills can be hectic, but you can’t afford to put off a lawsuit. There is a statute of limitations in California for car accidents, which means that you only have a certain amount of time to file a claim or take the other driver to court. The answer when you have a busy lifestyle is to contact our lawyer, and let our law firm handle everything for you.

• Don’t Accept Money From the Other Driver or Sign Anything

The right way to get compensation for an accident is with the help of our car accident attorney. Word-of-mouth promises don’t mean anything, and they can leave you open to getting sued. Don’t sign any agreements or documents until our team at Seber Bulger Law has a chance to look them over.

Beverly Hills Car Accident Statistics

The Transportation Injury Mapping System compiles data from local law enforcement agencies to give a snapshot of accidents in Beverly Hills.

• In the last few years there were 2,284 total injuries and fatal collisions in Beverly Hills. Among these,
• 3,122 people were injured and 9 were killed. (Los Angeles: 116,841 injury and fatal crashes causing 173,325 injuries and 1,140 fatalities.)

Beverly Hills Car Accident FAQs

Am I entitled to compensation as a result of my car accident?

Maybe. If the accident was caused by the negligence of another driver you may be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering you experienced as a result of the crash.

What laws do car accidents in California come under?

Car accidents, when caused by negligence, are actually considered a personal injury, and governed by California’s personal injury laws.

Does it matter where I find a car accident lawyer?

If the accident occurred in or near Beverly Hills, our local personal injury attorney is likely to be the best kind of help you can find.

We know California’s complicated personal injury laws and specialize in winning car accident cases. Secondly, we have true local knowledge. That is, in addition to the law, we also know local law enforcement agencies and are intimately familiar with the court system there. We practice in this locale on an almost daily basis. We know how the system works and what the attitudes of officials are likely to be. This local knowledge can work in your favor.

How is wrongful death from a car accident handled in California?

Wrongful death is considered a personal injury in California. The experienced attorneys at Seber Bulger can handle a wrongful death claim to recover damages for the loss of your loved one.

My car accident doesn’t seem very complicated. Why do I need a car accident attorney?

Even when a car accident seems straightforward, securing our attorney is in your best interests. The other party might try to change their statement or an insurance company might give you a lowball offer to save money. With our excellent car accident attorney, you’ll have representation protecting you no matter what happens.

Beverly Hills Car Accident Glossary

At Seber Bulger Law, our Beverly Hills, CA car accident lawyer helps victims navigate the complex legal process of seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle damage, and emotional distress. Understanding key legal terms can empower accident victims to make informed decisions about their cases. Below, we explore five important legal terms that frequently arise in car accident cases.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of no-fault insurance coverage that helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs after a car accident, regardless of who caused the crash. Many states, particularly those with no-fault insurance laws, require drivers to carry PIP coverage as part of their auto insurance policy.

As Beverly Hills car accident lawyers, we often deal with PIP claims to ensure our clients receive compensation for medical treatment without waiting for a liability determination. However, PIP does not cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering, which is why we explore additional legal options when serious injuries occur.

Subrogation

Subrogation is a legal process that allows an insurance company to recover money it has paid on a claim from a third party who was actually responsible for the accident. For example, if our client’s insurance company covers their medical expenses after an accident, but another driver was at fault, the insurer may seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company through subrogation.

Diminished Value Claim

A diminished value claim allows accident victims to seek compensation for the loss in value of their vehicle after an accident, even after repairs are made. Even if a car is fully restored, its history of being in an accident can lower its resale value.

There are three main types of diminished value claims:

• Immediate Diminished Value: The difference in resale value immediately after an accident before any repairs.

• Inherent Diminished Value: The long-term loss in value due to the accident history, even after proper repairs.

• Repair-Related Diminished Value: The loss in value due to improper or incomplete repairs.

MedPay (Medical Payments Coverage)

Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) is an optional auto insurance add-on that helps cover medical bills after a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. Unlike PIP, MedPay does not cover lost wages or long-term care but can help with emergency medical expenses, hospital visits, and ambulance fees.

One advantage of MedPay is that it can work alongside health insurance and PIP to help clients reduce out-of-pocket medical costs. We guide our clients through their MedPay coverage options to ensure they maximize their available benefits while pursuing additional compensation from the at-fault party.

Gap Insurance

Gap insurance covers the difference between what a driver owes on their car loan or lease and the actual cash value of the car if it is totaled in an accident. Standard auto insurance policies only pay for the car’s market value at the time of the accident, which could be lower than the remaining balance on the loan.

For example, if our client’s car is worth $20,000, but they still owe $25,000 on their loan, gap insurance would cover the $5,000 shortfall, preventing them from being financially responsible for a car they can no longer use. We educate our clients about gap insurance coverage and help them file claims to avoid unnecessary financial burdens after a total loss accident.

Seber Bulger Law, Beverly Hills Car Accident Lawyer

280 S Beverly Dr Suite PH, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Contact Our Beverly Hills Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been injured in a multi-vehicle accident – or any other type of car accident – do not delay in speaking to our Beverly Hills car accident lawyer. You want to speak to our lawyer before speaking to any insurance adjusters, who will be doing all they can to find ways to deny your claim. Call Seber Bulger Law to schedule a free no-obligation case evaluation and find out what legal options you may have.

Beverly Hills Car Accident Lawyer Google Reviews

“jim bulger was not only a tremendously effective lawyer in handling my case but was a pleasure to work with – communicative, reliable and, above all, tenacious – someone i trusted unequivocally with good reason. he delivered the results we wanted and did so with relentless determination.” – Graham L.