Beaumont Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Beaumont, contact Hanson & Mouri today for a free consultation. Our experienced Beaumont car accident lawyer is here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call (951) 688-0006 or send us a message online.

Why Choose Our Beaumont Car Accident Attorney?

• Our team has extensive experience, and we have recovered millions in settlements and verdicts on behalf of clients.
• Our Beaumont car accident lawyer, Dani Mouri, once worked as an insurance defense attorney, giving us a unique advantage when it comes to building a strong case.
• We believe in giving individual attention to each client, tailoring our approach to meet your unique needs.
  

How Do Car Accidents Happen in Beaumont?

Here are the common reasons why car accidents happen in Beaumont:

• Distracted Driving: Activities such as texting, talking on the phone, or using navigation systems can divert a driver’s attention from the road.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications can severely impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit is a common cause of severe accidents, as it reduces the driver’s ability to steer safely and stop in time to avoid collisions.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, and ignoring traffic signals.
• Fatigue: Driving while tired or drowsy can slow reaction times and impair judgment, much like driving under the influence of alcohol.
• Vehicle Defects: Mechanical failures or manufacturing defects in a vehicle can cause accidents if crucial components like brakes or steering systems fail.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Less experienced drivers may lack the skills needed to navigate complex traffic situations safely.
• Heavy Traffic: Southern California is known for its congested roadways, which can increase the likelihood of accidents.
• Failure to Check Blind Spots: Drivers commonly change lanes or make right turns without checking their blind spots, which is a leading cause of motorcycle and bicycle accidents—especially since lane splitting is legal in California.
• Following Too Closely: Tailgating does not give the driver enough time to react if the vehicle in front stops suddenly.
• Weather Conditions: Fog, rain, and other adverse weather conditions can make roads slippery and reduce visibility.
• Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, or inadequate signage can lead to confusion or loss of control.

How Can A Lawyer Help My Beaumont Car Accident Case?

Hiring a lawyer for your car accident case can provide significant advantages in the following ways, particularly if you have suffered severe injuries or substantial property damage: 

• Legal Advice: Car accident laws can be complex. A lawyer understands the legal landscape and can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.
• Investigation: They have the resources to thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and work with experts if necessary to determine fault and build a strong case.
• Case Valuation: A lawyer can work with medical experts to properly assess injuries and determine the true value of medical costs, both present and future. In addition, they will consider other factors like pain and suffering, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity to accurately calculate the value of your case and ensure you do not settle for less.
• Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters may try to minimize payouts. An experienced lawyer can negotiate with them, ensuring that you are treated fairly.
• Filing Necessary Paperwork: There are various legal documents and deadlines involved in a car accident claim. A lawyer can manage all the necessary paperwork and ensure everything is filed correctly and on time.
• Court Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can take your case to court and skillfully fight for your rights in front of a judge or jury.
• Peace of Mind: Dealing with a legal claim while recovering from a car accident can be overwhelming. Hiring an attorney can give you peace of mind that your rights are being protected while you focus on healing.

Our Beaumont car accident lawyer works on a contingency fee basis. We only get paid if we win your case, minimizing your financial risk.

What To Do After a Car Accident in Beaumont, California

You may feel stunned and in pain after a car accident, but knowing and taking the appropriate steps afterward can help ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. Here is what to do after an auto accident in Beaumont:

1. Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call emergency services immediately.
2. Move to Safety: If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic and to ensure safety from oncoming vehicles.
3. Call the Police: Even in minor accidents, it’s wise to call the police. They can create an official report, which may be helpful later.
4. Exchange Information: Share and collect information with other drivers involved, including names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information. In addition, talk to any witnesses present and ask for their contact information and if they are willing to make a brief recorded statement. 
5. Refrain from Discussing Fault: Be careful with your words at the scene. Admitting fault, even unintentionally, can be used against you when filing a claim.
6. Document the Scene: Take pictures of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs. Write down details of what happened while it’s fresh in your mind.
7. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, see a healthcare provider as soon as you leave the scene. Some injuries may not be apparent immediately.
8. Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company. Provide factual information, but be cautious about giving recorded statements without consulting an attorney.
9. Keep Track of Expenses: Document all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, repair costs, and any lost wages.
10. Hire an Attorney: If you have significant injuries or fault is disputed, consult a Beaumont car accident lawyer to understand your rights and options.
11. Avoid Social Media: Refrain from discussing the accident on social media, as these statements can be used against you.

By following these steps, you can help ensure your safety and well-being after an accident, as well as put yourself in the best position to deal with insurance companies or legal proceedings if necessary. 

Common Injuries Associated With Car Accidents

Car accidents can lead to various injuries, ranging from mild to severe. Here are some common ones that lead to Beaumont personal injury claims:

• Whiplash: A sudden movement of the head and neck, often resulting from rear-end collisions, can strain muscles and ligaments.
• Broken Bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and other bones can break upon impact.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Concussions or more severe brain injuries can occur if the head is violently jolted or strikes an object.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in injuries such as a ruptured or herniated disc, leading to chronic pain and lifelong complications, possibly including partial or complete paralysis. 
• Internal Injuries: Organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen can be bruised or ruptured.
• Burns: Fires or contact with hot surfaces within the car can cause severe burns.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and bruises are common and may affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
• Knee and Leg Injuries: The impact can cause injuries to the knees, legs, and feet, including dislocations and ligament damage.
• Psychological Trauma: Car crashes can be traumatic experiences, leading to anxiety, depression, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
• Facial Injuries: Collisions can lead to facial injuries by hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, airbag, windshield, or shattered glass.
• Eye Injuries: Flying debris or airbag deployment can cause injuries to the eyes.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Sever cuts or burns may leave permanent scars or cause other disfigurements.
• Wrongful Death: Unfortunately, the most severe car accidents can result in fatalities.

Who Is Liable in a Beaumont Car Accident?

California is an “at-fault” state when it comes to car accidents. This means that the party deemed to be at fault for the collision is legally liable for the resulting damages, including medical expenses, property damage, and other related costs. Therefore, liability can extend to various parties depending on the accident’s circumstances surrounding the accident. For example:

• Another Driver: If another driver caused the accident due to their negligence, such as by speeding or running a red light, they will typically be found at fault and liable.
• Vehicle Owner: If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle owned by someone else, the vehicle owner’s insurance company may be responsible since auto insurance follows the vehicle rather than the driver.
• Employers: If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident, such as a delivery van driver, their employer may be vicariously liable. The legal doctrine of “vicarious liability” or “respondeat superior” holds employers responsible for the negligent actions of their employees while they perform job-related tasks.
• Government Entities: If the accident was caused by preventable hazardous road conditions, such as inadequate signage, poorly designed intersections, or other factors related to the road’s maintenance or design, the government entity responsible for the road’s upkeep may be liable.
• Vehicle Manufacturers: Some car accidents are caused by a defect in the vehicle, such as faulty brakes or defective tires. In such instances, the defective product’s manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be liable under product liability laws.

Determining liability in a car accident can be complex and requires a thorough investigation into the specific facts and evidence surrounding the case. 

How Does a Lawyer Collect Evidence For My Accident Case?

A lawyer’s ability to collect and analyze evidence is crucial to building a solid car accident case. Here is how a lawyer might gather evidence for your claim:

• Police Reports: Obtaining the official police report can provide an unbiased third-party account of the accident, including details about the scene, witness statements, and initial assessments of fault.
• Photographs and Videos: A lawyer may obtain these from witnesses, surveillance cameras, or your personal collection.
• Witness Statements: A lawyer will often interview witnesses and obtain written or recorded statements.
• Medical Records: These are crucial to prove the extent and nature of injuries. With your permission, a lawyer will obtain copies of medical bills, diagnoses, treatment plans, and prognoses to help demonstrate the financial impact of the accident.
• Expert Testimony: A lawyer may engage experts in fields such as accident reconstruction, medical care, economics, or engineering to provide insights and opinions that support the case.
• Vehicle Inspection: Inspecting the vehicles involved can reveal details about the impact, potential defects, or other factors that may have contributed to the accident.
• Scene Investigation: Visiting the accident scene can help the lawyer understand sightlines, traffic flow, and other factors that photos alone might not convey.
• Driver’s Records: A review of the other driver’s driving history, including previous accidents or violations, may be used to establish a pattern of negligence or recklessness.
• Cell Phone Records: If distracted driving is suspected, a lawyer may subpoena cell phone records to prove that texting or phone usage contributed to the accident.
• Black Box Data: Many modern vehicles have data recorders that can provide information about speed, braking, steering, and other factors at the time of the accident.
• Employment and Earnings Records: To demonstrate the loss of income and earning capacity, a lawyer may collect pay stubs, tax returns, and other financial documents.
• Social Media: Posts, pictures, or comments on social media platforms may be used as evidence, either to support your case or to challenge the other party’s credibility.
• Insurance Company Communications: Correspondence and recorded conversations with insurance companies can provide insights into their handling of the claim.
• Traffic and Weather Reports: These can provide context on environmental factors that may have contributed to the accident.

Investigations can be expensive, requiring payment for expert analysis, obtaining records, and other costs. Many law firms have the financial capability to front these expenses and will only get paid when you do. 

What Types Of Compensation Can I Receive After a Car Accident In Beaumont?

Compensation after a car accident is designed to cover various losses and damages you may have suffered. For example:

• Medical Expenses: This covers current and future medical bills related to the accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any other treatment.
• Lost Wages: If the accident caused you to miss work or reduced your ability to earn, you might be compensated for lost income and diminished earning capacity.
• Property Damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Rental Car Costs: If your vehicle is being repaired, you may be compensated for the cost of renting a car during that time.
• Pain and Suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for physical pain and discomfort resulting from your injuries.
• Emotional Distress: In some cases, compensation may be awarded for anxiety, depression, or other psychological effects stemming from the collision.
• Disability and Disfigurement: If the accident led to permanent disability or disfigurement, additional compensation might be awarded to reflect the lifelong impact on your quality of life.
• Loss of Consortium: Your spouse may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and other relational aspects if your injuries have negatively affected your relationship. 
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one was killed in the accident, surviving family members might have the right to file a wrongful death claim and seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and other related damages.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the responsible party’s conduct was particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages might be awarded as a way to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

The exact types and amounts of compensation will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident, including the severity of injuries and evidence of negligence.

What Happens If the Driver Who Hit Me is Uninsured?

Drivers in Beaumont are required by state law to carry liability insurance to pay for any damage or harm they cause. Since California is a “fault” state when it comes to car accidents,  normally, you would file an insurance claim directly with the at-fault party’s insurer. When an uninsured driver hits you, you may have to turn to your own auto insurer for coverage or explore other options. 

Uninsured Motorist Protection

UM coverage is optional in California, but if you carry it, you will have coverage for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering caused by the uninsured driver up to policy limits. Unfortunately, UM does not cover vehicle damage, which means you have to pay for this expense out-of-pocket unless you have other optional forms of insurance. 

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage is an optional form of insurance that will help pay for repairs or the replacement of your vehicle if it is damaged in an accident, regardless of who was at fault. However, you will be responsible for paying your deductible. 

Filing a Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver

You may consider filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if they have personal assets to hold them personally accountable. You may be able to seek compensation through a court judgment and subsequent collection efforts.

Can Uninsured Drivers Recover Compensation After an Accident?

Under California’s Prop 213, uninsured drivers involved in a car accident are generally prohibited from recovering certain types of compensation. Prop 213 in California restricts an uninsured driver’s ability to receive non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, etc., even if they are not at fault in the accident. However, there are certain exceptions to this limitation. Uninsured drivers may still be able to recover non-economic damages if the at-fault party was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol if they were committing a felony at the time of the accident, or if they intended to cause harm.

Contact Our Beaumont Car Accident Lawyer Today

With our vast experience and dedication to our clients, we are committed to seeking the compensation you deserve. Arrange a free consultation today by calling (951) 688-0006 or sending us a message online.