Newport Beach Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents catch people off guard. You’re driving through Newport Beach, maybe heading home or enjoying the coastal views, and someone slams into you out of nowhere. Suddenly, you’re trying to figure out what happened, who’s responsible, and how you’re supposed to pay for everything that’s just been turned upside down.
When another driver makes a mistake and causes a crash, they should cover the damage they cause. But too often, insurance companies step in and make things worse. They drag their feet. They throw out low settlement offers. And they hope you’ll give up or take less than you deserve.
If you’re hurt in a crash, you don’t have to accept that. Working with a Newport Beach car accident lawyer from Bentley & More LLP gives you a clear path forward. We’ve helped people in this community hold careless drivers and tight-fisted insurers accountable.
Newport Beach Roads Where Car Accidents Happen Often
Driving in Newport Beach isn’t always a relaxing coastal cruise. Some roads here are known for heavy traffic, confusing turns, and impatient drivers. Locals know where to be careful, but visitors don’t always catch on fast.
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) sees frequent crashes, especially on weekends and holidays. The stretch near Crystal Cove and Newport Coast Drive has tricky merges and limited sight lines. Congestion and red-light runners are constant risks at the intersection of Newport Boulevard and 17th Street.
Balboa Boulevard and the surrounding beach areas bring their own problems. Tourists stop suddenly for parking. Cyclists weave between cars. Golf carts, scooters, and pedestrians add even more moving parts.
Even the scenic MacArthur Boulevard near Fashion Island has seen serious wrecks, often due to speed or distracted drivers during peak shopping hours.
You’re not alone if you’ve been hit on one of these roads. A Newport Beach car accident lawyer puts that location and its history into the bigger picture of your case.
Car Crash Injuries That Change Your Life
Not all injuries look serious at first. But even a low-speed crash may mess up your back, neck, or head. Some common problems include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries.
- Broken bones.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Burns and lacerations.
- Internal injuries.
These injuries sometimes force you to take time off work. You might need surgery, rehab, or long-term care. That all adds up fast.
Common Accidents Our Newport Beach Car Accident Attorneys Handle
Car crashes come in many shapes. Here’s a quick look at some types our Newport Beach car accident attorneys deal with regularly:
- Rear-end collisions.
- T-bone or side-impact crashes.
- Head-on wrecks.
- Drunk or drugged driving accidents.
- Distracted driving crashes.
- Speed-related crashes.
- Crashes involving pedestrians or bicyclists.
Each kind brings its legal questions. A crash with a rideshare driver? That’s different than getting rear-ended by someone on Newport Blvd. The right Newport Beach car accident lawyer knows how to dig into the details.
What You May Recover with a Car Accident Claim
A personal injury claim asks for money to compensate for your loss. That includes bills and things that don’t show up on paper. We help our clients ask for compensation like:
- Medical expenses, both past and future.
- Lost income or future earning ability.
- Property damage, like a totaled car.
- Pain and suffering.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Every crash is different. Your claim should reflect what actually happened to you, not just a generic checklist.
Insurance Companies Don’t Always Play Nice
Insurance companies aren’t on your side. Even your insurer might try to save money. They ask trick questions. They delay payments. They offer lowball settlements that don’t cover everything.
You don’t have to take what they offer. A Newport Beach car accident attorney from Bentley & More LLP knows how to handle those games. We’re not afraid to call them out.
The Process of Filing a Car Accident Claim or Lawsuit
People often wonder how this process works. Here’s a basic rundown:
- Investigation – Your lawyer collects records, interviews witnesses, and works with crash experts if needed.
- Demand Letter – Once we understand the whole picture, we send a letter demanding a fair settlement.
- Negotiation – The other side often pushes back. We push harder.
- Lawsuit – If the insurance company won’t do the right thing, we will file a lawsuit in court.
- Trial – Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare like we’re going all the way.
The goal? Fair compensation. No less.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Crash Claim?
Under state law, most people have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. You have just six months to act if a government vehicle hits you. That clock ticks fast.
Who Could Be Responsible for the Car Crash?
Fault isn’t always clear. Sometimes, more than one person or company caused the crash. Examples include:
- A distracted driver texting behind the wheel.
- A trucking company that skipped a brake inspection.
- A rideshare driver breaking traffic rules.
- A city that failed to fix a broken traffic light.
A Newport Beach car accident lawyer figures out who dropped the ball. Then we hold them accountable.
What Sets Our Newport Beach Car Accident Attorneys Apart
We’re not just any personal injury firm. Bentley & More LLP has built a reputation for standing up for injured people in Newport Beach. We’ve helped clients recover compensation for all types of car accidents.
We take time to get to know you, not just your injuries but your story. That’s how we build cases that reflect real damage, not just medical bills, but how the crash changed your day-to-day life.
Many firms take quick settlements. That’s not our style. We prepare every case for trial, even if it never gets there. That preparation gets results.
We also bring in top experts for crash reconstruction, medical reviews, and more. The goal? A claim that leaves no stone unturned.
When Children Are Involved in Car Crashes
Seeing a child hurt in a car crash shakes any parent to the core. Their bodies are still growing, and even a minor crash may lead to long recovery times.
A Newport Beach car accident attorney helps you understand how to move forward when a child is hurt. From medical care to long-term outlooks, we’re with you step by step.
Dealing With Car Accidents Involving Out-of-Town Drivers
Newport Beach draws people from everywhere. That means lots of drivers who don’t know the local roads. If a tourist or visitor caused your crash, things may get messy with out-of-state insurance.
That’s where a local Newport Beach car accident lawyer makes a difference. We know how to handle these cross-state issues and make sure they don’t delay your case.
Understanding Car Accident Reports
Police crash reports don’t always tell the whole story. Sometimes the officer misses a key fact or gets it wrong. However, those reports often significantly influence how insurance companies determine fault.
That’s why we dig deeper. Our team cross-checks reports with photos, witness statements, and more. We make sure your side of the story comes through.
What If You Were Partly at Fault?
Under California law, you may still get money even if you share blame. For example, if you were 20% at fault, your compensation drops by that amount.
Don’t guess your share of the blame. A Newport Beach car accident attorney helps figure that out based on facts, not gut feelings.
Examples From Real Crashes
Let’s say a driver runs a red light at Jamboree and Bristol, smashing into a family sedan. The mom ends up with a neck injury. Her daughter breaks an arm. The insurance company says it was a “he said, she said” situation.
We bring in camera footage, witness statements, and city traffic light records. That turns the case around.
Or imagine someone speeds through a residential street in Corona del Mar and hits a parked car, with someone getting out. The driver claims the person jumped into the street. We found an old complaint about the driver’s speeding habits and a Ring doorbell video.
That’s the kind of legwork that changes results.
Mistakes That Might Cost You Compensation
After a car crash, small decisions may lead to big problems. Even things that seem harmless might come back to bite you later. Here are some common pitfalls:
- Talking to the other driver’s insurance company alone: They may seem friendly, but their job is to protect their bottom line, not yours. Adjusters look for statements they will twist or use to deny claims.
- Posting on social media: A simple post like “Feeling okay” or a beach photo taken weeks later may be used to argue your injuries aren’t serious.
- Delaying medical treatment: If you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance company might say you weren’t hurt, or that something else caused your pain.
- Agreeing to a quick settlement: Fast offers are often low offers. Once you sign, that’s it—you can’t ask for more if your injuries turn out worse than expected.
- Trying to handle everything on your own: The process involves deadlines, paperwork, and tough negotiations. Without someone to guide you, it’s easy to leave money on the table.
You don’t have to know every rule or trap. A Newport Beach car accident attorney helps you avoid these mistakes and protects your right to a fair outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Newport Beach
What should I do if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the other driver lacks insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage might help. A Newport Beach car accident attorney reviews your policy and helps you understand your options for recovery.
Can I still file a claim if I didn’t go to the hospital right away?
Yes. Some injuries take time to show up. It’s still possible to pursue compensation, especially if you followed up with a doctor later. Your lawyer connects the dots between the crash and your injuries.
How long will my case take?
That depends. Some settle in a few months. Others take longer if they go to court. Your Newport Beach car accident lawyer will keep you in the loop and push things forward.
Will I have to go to court?
Probably not. Most car accident claims settle. But if the insurance company refuses to act reasonably, your case may need to go to trial. Either way, we’re ready.
How much does it cost to hire a Newport Beach car accident attorney?
At Bentley & More LLP, we work on contingency. That means no fees upfront. We only get paid when your case resolves with compensation.
Don’t Wait to Get Answers
Greg Bentley, Newport Beach Car Accident Lawyer
Waiting costs time, money, and peace of mind. The sooner you talk with a Newport Beach car accident lawyer, the sooner we start building your case. Evidence fades. Witnesses move. Medical records get harder to track.
Call Bentley & More LLP at (949) 990-5035. We’ll listen. Then we’ll act.
Insurance adjusters work fast. They want to be the first voice you hear after a crash—and the last. But fast doesn’t mean fair. You don’t have to deal with them on your own.
A Newport Beach car accident lawyer steps in to relieve that pressure. You focus on getting better, and we focus on getting results.
Let Bentley & More LLP Help You Move Forward
No one expects to call a Newport Beach personal injury attorney. But you want someone ready to fight for you when you need one.
Bentley & More LLP knows this city. We understand how a crash throws off your entire world—work, family, plans, and health. We’ll help you pick up the pieces.
Call (949) 990-5035 now for a free consultation. Let’s talk about what comes next.
Bentley & More, LLP – Newport Beach Office
4931 Birch Street
Newport Beach, CA 92660
P: (949) 870-3800