Understanding Your Rights After a Car Accident
After a car accident, navigating the complexities of personal injury law can be overwhelming. At McGee Lerer Ogrin, we believe that empowering our clients with knowledge is key to achieving the best outcomes.
Here are essential rights every accident victim should be aware of:
- The Right to Seek Medical Attention: You have the right to receive medical care for any injuries sustained in the accident, regardless of fault.
- The Right to File a Claim: If another party's negligence caused your injuries, you have the right to file an insurance claim against their policy.
- The Right to Legal Representation: You have the right to hire an attorney to represent your interests professionally and effectively.
- The Right to Negotiate: You don't have to accept the initial settlement offer from the insurance company.
- The Right to Privacy: You have the right to speak about your case only when you feel comfortable.
With our experienced legal team by your side, you can navigate the aftermath of an accident with confidence. We are committed to protecting your rights and maximizing your compensation.
Your Right to Compensation After an Auto Accident in Long Beach
After an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for all losses caused by the accident.
You may be eligible to recover compensation for:
- Past and future medical bills.
- Lost wages.
- Impaired future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Incidental expenses (home health aide, driver, housekeeper, childcare, etc.).
- Property damage.
- Diminution in value of your vehicle.
- Rental car or loss of use of your vehicle.
Support for Families After Fatal Car Accidents
Losing a loved one in a collision is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face, and the legal process that follows can feel overwhelming. In fatal crash cases, we work closely with surviving family members to explain who can bring a wrongful death claim, what types of damages may be available, and how the investigation process works. Our goal is to shoulder the legal burdens so you can focus on grieving and supporting one another while we pursue accountability from every responsible party.
In these cases, we often coordinate with law enforcement agencies that responded to the scene, such as the Long Beach Police Department or California Highway Patrol, and gather reports, witness statements, and any available video footage. We may retain accident reconstruction professionals to analyze factors like vehicle speed, roadway design, and visibility, which is particularly important when a fatal crash occurs on major routes like the 405 or along Pacific Coast Highway. When you hire a fatal car accident lawyer Long Beach families can rely on, you gain a team committed to preserving critical evidence as early as possible.
We also know that families need clear information about what to expect from insurance companies, potential court proceedings, and the timing of a case. We walk you through each stage, from initial investigation and claim submissions to potential filing in the Los Angeles County Superior Court if settlement negotiations are not productive. Throughout the process, we provide regular updates, answer questions in plain language, and remain available when new concerns arise, so you never feel left in the dark about where your case stands or what comes next.
Comprehensive Support Beyond Legal Representation
At McGee Lerer Ogrin, we understand the immense financial and emotional burdens that follow a car accident. Our commitment to your well-being extends beyond the courtroom:
Financial Protection
- No Fee Guarantee: You owe no attorney fees unless we win your case.
- We Cover All Costs: Including hiring medical experts for testimony.
- Doctor Referral Services: We connect you with trusted medical providers who will treat you on a "medical lien" basis.
- Pre-Settlement Cash Advances: We can assist you in securing non-recourse cash advances to cover immediate expenses.
Exceptional Client Care
Our clients consistently praise our professionalism, care, efficiency, and effectiveness. We pride ourselves on:
- Responsive Communication: Clients frequently commend our availability and transparent honesty.
- Genuine Compassion: As one client noted, "it wasn't just their legal prowess that moved me; it was their humanity."
- Bilingual Team: Our predominantly Spanish-speaking team ensures clear communication for our diverse client base.
- 24/7 Accessibility: We're available around the clock and willing to travel to you at the hospital or your home.
Importance of Immediate Medical Treatment After a Crash
Over the years, car accident attorneys Daniel McGee and Catherine Lerer have represented thousands of auto accident victims who have suffered serious injuries. We know that the sooner you get medical treatment after an accident, the better for your recovery, and the better for your legal case.
Any delay in seeking treatment will be used against you by the insurance company, which will argue that you were not seriously injured. Any inconsistency in getting medical treatment will also be used against you.
It's Important to Seek Treatment for Any Type of Injury, Including:
- Head and Brain Injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injury, post-concussion syndrome.
- Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, disc injuries, spinal cord injury.
- Extremity Injuries: Broken bones, sprains, dislocations, rotator cuff tears.
- Psychological Injuries: Depression, fear of driving, PTSD, anxiety.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Some of the most common causes of car crashes include:
- Following too closely and speeding.
- Failure to yield the right of way.
- Running red lights and sudden lane changes.
- Distracted driving (texting, cell phone use).
- Drunk driving and unlicensed drivers.
- Illegal street racing.
Long Beach's Most Dangerous Intersections
Based on accident data, these intersections see frequent crashes:
- Seventh and MLK.
- Long Beach Blvd. and Wardlow Rd.
- South St. and Paramount Blvd.
- Pacific Coast Highway and Cherry Ave.
- Broadway and Cherry.
We Can Help You Get Medical Treatment
If you hire our firm, one of the things we can facilitate is getting you in to see a doctor right away. If you do not have health insurance or do not have the money to pay for medical treatment, our lawyers can refer you to a medical provider near you who will treat you on a lien basis.
A "lien" means the doctor agrees to wait to be paid until your case is resolved. Whether you need an orthopedic consultation, chiropractic care, physical therapy, or surgery, we can arrange for top quality treatment.
Over the years, we have built relationships with some of the best medical providers in the area. We can often get you in to see a medical provider within a day or two of hiring our firm.
Choosing a Car Accident Attorney in Long Beach
If you were in an auto accident and are searching for a law firm to represent you, you will have no shortage of choices. However, we suggest that you do your homework first because your choice could affect the value of your claim.
Insurance companies take into consideration a law firm's reputation when making a settlement offer. They know the top firms, and they know which firms will not bow down to a lowball settlement offer.
How to Find a Qualified Lawyer
When evaluating potential attorneys, consider:
- Does their website answer your questions thoroughly?
- What do their online reviews and client testimonials say?
- When you call, do you speak to the attorney or only support staff?
- Does the attorney take time to answer all your questions?
- Do they seem genuinely concerned about helping you?
Our Proven Track Record
Our founding partners, Daniel McGee and Catherine Lerer, are distinguished members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum—honors reserved for trial lawyers who have obtained settlements or verdicts of $1 million or more.
Some results include:
- $14 million verdict in a challenging multi-vehicle truck accident case.
- $18 million award in an auto versus truck accident.
- Multiple seven-figure settlements for car accident victims.
Don't Wait. Call Us 24/7 for a Free Consultation.
If you have been injured in a car accident or an uninsured motorist accident, you should consult our Long Beach car accident lawyers as soon as possible to protect your right to seek full compensation.
Do not talk to the other driver's insurance company. They will try to get to you before you call an attorney. They want your recorded statement and a signed medical authorization. Do not provide either – both could hurt the value of your claim.
Our car accident attorneys represent injury victims from Long Beach and neighboring communities. Call (562) 270-0546 or contact us online to request a FREE consultation.
