What happens between a Long Beach injury and a settlement?
After a personal injury in Long Beach, getting paid involves several steps: first you report the incident, then you gather evidence, and then you negotiate with the responsible party or their insurance company. If negotiations fail, you may need to file a lawsuit and go to court to get compensation.
This process begins with identifying who was at fault for your injuries, documenting your medical treatment, and calculating your financial losses. Our firm focuses on helping people in Long Beach understand these steps and protect their rights after an accident.
What kinds of personal injury cases do you handle in Long Beach?
In Long Beach, we handle a broad range of personal injury cases where someone else's negligence caused harm. This includes car crashes, motorcycle accidents, and truck collisions on major roads like the 710 Freeway or local streets.
We also represent people injured in slip-and-fall incidents, pedestrian accidents, or those hurt by defective products. If you were injured while a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, such as Uber or Lyft, we can help you understand the specific insurance policies that apply. For more information, you can visit our personal injury law hub.
Our focus is on securing the full compensation available under California law for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm you suffer.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?
Most personal injury claims in California must be filed within two years from the date of injury, as set out in Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1. However, if your claim is against a city, county, or any other public agency, you generally have a much shorter deadline: a written claim must be presented to that public entity within six months of the injury (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2).
The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352). However, that pause does not apply to claims against public entities. What a claim is worth depends on the specific facts; California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm.
For survival actions filed on or after January 1, 2026, Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 377.34 does not allow recovery of the decedent's pain, suffering, or disfigurement, only their economic losses before death and punitive damages the decedent could have recovered. Elder abuse claims under Welf. & Inst. Code § 15600 are unaffected by this change.
What should I do after an accident in Long Beach?
- Get Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. See a doctor even if your injuries seem minor. Medical records connect your injuries to the accident.
- Report the Incident: For vehicle accidents, call the police. For other incidents, report it to the property owner or manager. Get a copy of any police report or incident report.
- Document Everything: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, vehicle damage, and anything that contributed to the accident. Keep records of all medical appointments, bills, and lost wages.
- Do Not Speak to Insurers Alone: Insurance adjusters will likely contact you quickly. Do not give recorded statements or sign anything without speaking to a personal injury attorney. Adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you.
- Contact a Long Beach Personal Injury Attorney: An attorney can review your case, explain your options, and protect your rights. We can help you with cases in Long Beach and nearby cities like Compton or Commerce.
Where do I file a personal injury lawsuit in Long Beach?
A personal injury case arising from an incident in Long Beach is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Specifically, such cases are assigned to the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, located at 275 Magnolia Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802. In Los Angeles County, personal injury cases are filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and are assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024).
What happens when I work with Casa Legal Los Angeles?
When you choose Casa Legal Los Angeles, you get a dedicated team working to represent your interests. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, consult with experts, and handle all communications with insurance companies and opposing counsel. Our goal is to build a strong case to recover damages for your medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering.
We prepare your case as if it will go to trial, even though many cases settle out of court. Whether your case involves a motorcycle accident or a complex injury, our firm is committed to advocating for you. We also handle related cases like wrongful death claims in Long Beach when a family member has been lost due to another's negligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for filing a claim against the City of Long Beach?
The deadline for filing a claim against the City of Long Beach, or any public entity, is typically six months from the date of injury, as required by Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2. This is a much shorter period than the two-year deadline for claims against private parties, so it's important to act quickly.
Do I have to go to court for my personal injury case?
You do not always have to go to court for a personal injury case. Many cases are resolved through negotiations and settlements outside of court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit and potentially going to trial may be necessary to pursue the compensation you deserve.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Even if you were partly at fault for an accident in Long Beach, you can still recover compensation under California's pure comparative negligence rules. Your recovery would be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovering simply because you share some responsibility. Our firm can help you understand how this applies to your specific facts.
Can I still file a claim if I don't have health insurance?
Yes, you can still file a personal injury claim even if you do not have health insurance. Your right to compensation for injuries caused by someone else's negligence does not depend on your insurance status. We can help you find medical providers who will treat you on a lien basis, meaning they get paid when your case settles.
If you're facing a personal injury claim in Long Beach, reach out for a consultation. Our team is ready to listen and provide guidance. Call us today at 888-585-2529. No attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.