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Car Accidents

Can You Sue a Party Host for a Drunk Driving Accident in California

Can You Sue a Party Host for a Drunk Driving Accident in California?

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Last Modified on Sep 08, 2026

 

Bentley & More LLP is proud to announce that eight of our attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers® in its 2027 editions, including seven attorneys selected for The Best Lawyers in America® and two attorneys recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.

We are especially proud to announce that Keith Philip More has been named the 2027 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” for Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs in Orange County—a distinction awarded to only one lawyer in a specific practice area and geographic region.

These recognitions are particularly meaningful because Best Lawyers awards are based on peer review—feedback from fellow attorneys regarding the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographic region and practice area.

2027 The Best Lawyers in America® Honorees

Bentley & More congratulates the following attorneys on their inclusion in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®:

  • Gregory L. Bentley
  • Matthew Clark
  • Dane P. Gilliam
  • Jose Gonzalez
  • Clare Lucich
  • Keith Philip More — 2027 “Lawyer of the Year,” Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs, Orange County

Each of these attorneys represents the qualities Bentley & More strives to bring to every client and every case: exceptional advocacy, preparation, integrity and an unwavering commitment to those we represent.

Keith More Named 2027 “Lawyer of the Year”

This year’s recognition is made even more significant by Keith Philip More’s selection as the 2027 “Lawyer of the Year” for Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs in Orange County.

According to Best Lawyers, “Lawyer of the Year” recognition is awarded to the individual attorney who receives the highest overall peer feedback in a particular practice area and geographic region. Only one attorney receives the distinction for each specialty and metropolitan area in a given edition.

For Keith, whose career has been defined by fighting for injured individuals and workers, this recognition reflects the respect he has earned not only from his clients and colleagues, but from fellow members of the legal profession.

His selection is also representative of Bentley & More’s broader commitment to providing sophisticated, trial-ready representation to individuals and families facing life-changing injuries.

2027 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America

Bentley & More is equally proud to congratulate two of our attorneys recognized in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America:

  • Braydon Bentley
  • Nico Mamone

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America recognizes outstanding professional excellence among attorneys earlier in their careers. Best Lawyers notes that recipients are generally attorneys in private practice who have been practicing for approximately five to nine years, and the recognition uses the organization’s Purely Peer Review® methodology.

The recognition of Braydon and Nico speaks not only to what they have already accomplished, but also to the strength of the next generation of trial lawyers at Bentley & More.

What Does It Mean to Be Named a “Best Lawyer”?

Best Lawyers has been recognizing legal talent for more than four decades. The Best Lawyers in America® was first published in 1983, and the organization has continued to use a peer-review-based process to identify attorneys recognized for excellence within their respective practice areas.

Unlike awards that rely primarily on applications or marketing submissions, Best Lawyers describes its recognition methodology as Purely Peer Review®. Its goal is to capture the consensus opinion of leading attorneys regarding the professional abilities of their peers practicing in the same legal field and geographic area.

In other words, the recognition comes from those who understand the demands of the profession firsthand: other lawyers.

That makes inclusion especially meaningful to our firm. Our attorneys routinely work alongside—and across the courtroom from—some of the most accomplished lawyers in California. To earn recognition through confidential evaluations from members of that same legal community is an honor we do not take lightly.

How Does the Best Lawyers Voting Process Work?

The Best Lawyers selection process begins with a nomination. Candidates then undergo peer review, during which eligible attorneys evaluate lawyers practicing within relevant specialties and geographic regions. Best Lawyers collects and analyzes that feedback, verifies candidates’ eligibility and good standing with their applicable bar associations, and ultimately publishes those selected for recognition.

For the traditional Best Lawyers awards, lawyers recognized in the current edition are eligible to vote for the following edition, and attorneys are not permitted to vote for themselves.

The peer evaluation gets to the heart of professional reputation. Best Lawyers explains that voters consider a fundamental question: If they were unable to handle a particular matter themselves, how likely would they be to refer it to the attorney being evaluated? Attorneys rate their peers on a five-point scale, with the opportunity to provide additional feedback or indicate that they are not sufficiently familiar with a nominee’s work.

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America follows the same core peer-review philosophy, while focusing specifically on lawyers earlier in their careers.

A Recognition of the Entire Bentley & More Team

While these honors recognize individual attorneys, their success is inseparable from the people who stand beside them.

Every case at Bentley & More is a team effort. Our attorneys are supported by paralegals, legal assistants, case managers, administrative professionals and staff members who share a commitment to our clients and the work we do on their behalf.

Having nine Bentley & More attorneys recognized across the 2027 Best Lawyers publications is something our entire firm can celebrate.

It reflects the experience of our established attorneys, the promise of our next generation of advocates and, most importantly, a shared commitment to fighting for people whose lives have been changed by serious injuries.

Congratulations to Our 2027 Honorees

We congratulate Gregory L. Bentley, Matthew Clark, Dane P. Gilliam, Jose Gonzalez, Clare Lucich, and Keith Philip More on their recognition in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, and Braydon Bentley and Nico Mamone on their recognition in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.

And a special congratulations to Keith Philip More on being named the 2027 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” for Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs in Orange County.

We are proud to have each of these exceptional advocates representing Bentley & More—and even prouder of the work they do every day on behalf of our clients.

Congratulations to our 2027 Best Lawyers honorees!

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Electric Vehicle Battery Fires and Explosion Injuries

Electric Vehicle Battery Fires and Explosion Injuries: What California Accident Victims Need to Know

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Last Modified on Aug 05, 2026
Electric vehicles are everywhere these days, especially here in California. From carpool lanes to freeway lanes along I-5, I-10, I-405, and SR-91, thousands of electric vehicles can be found driving across California every day. There are countless benefits to owning an electric vehicle. However, fires and explosions can occur if someone is in a collision or a defect or failure in the battery causes it to malfunction, causing electric vehicle b... Read More
Car Accident Fault Laws in California

Understanding Car Accident Fault Laws in California

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Last Modified on May 21, 2026
Car accidents are a leading cause of accidental injuries and deaths in California each year, and if you or a family member is injured in a car accident, understanding car accident fault laws in California will be crucial to your recovery efforts. If you think another driver caused the accident, proving fault will be an essential first step in recovering compensation for the damages you suffered, and this can be challenging in some accident cas... Read More
California Lane Splitting Laws and Accident Liability

California Lane Splitting Laws: Liability, Rules & Accident Claims

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Last Modified on May 25, 2026
All motorcyclists should understand California’s lane splitting laws. While lane splitting is a controversial subject and the practice is banned in many states, it is legal in California and can be a potentially life-saving maneuver in certain situations. However, done incorrectly, lane splitting can be incredibly dangerous. Knowing the state’s laws will help a motorcyclist operate their vehicle more safely and reduce their risk of facing liab... Read More
How Long After a Car Accident Can You Sue in California

How Long After a Car Accident Can You Sue in California?

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Last Modified on Apr 23, 2026
The window of time that you have to file an injury claim in court is not open-ended. Following a car collision, the clock begins ticking, and a missed filing deadline could mean that you do not have recourse to use the civil court system to pursue accountability and compensation. If you were injured in a car collision, you may be wondering how long after a car accident you can sue in California. Why the Courts Set Statutes of Limitations for ... Read More
What to Do After a Car Accident Not Your Fault in California

What to Do After a Car Accident Not Your Fault in California?

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Last Modified on Apr 20, 2026
Finding yourself in the aftermath of a car accident in California is terrifying. You are likely overwhelmed, confused about what actions to take next, and suffering severe injuries. When you know that you didn’t cause the accident, it can offer some relief and vindication, but fear and confusion are likely also at play. Knowing what to do after a car accident that’s not your fault in California is essential, and the team at Bentley & More ... Read More

How Much Will I Get for Pain and Suffering from a Car Accident?

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Last Modified on May 05, 2026
If you suffered an injury in a car accident in Newport Beach, you are probably trying to understand whether the law recognizes the physical pain, psychological distress, and emotional anguish that often result from collisions like yours. Yes, pain and suffering is a common feature of car accident cases.The question then becomes, how much is my pain and suffering worth? To answer that question satisfactorily, we need to know more about you... Read More
Car Accident Settlement Take

How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take?

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Last Modified on May 05, 2026
Most people in Newport Beach do not ask about settlement timelines out of curiosity. They ask because they believe they deserve one, and they want to know how long it can take to receive the compensation they are entitled to. It’s a fair (and potentially urgent) question, but the answer is not as cut and dry as you might wish.The time it takes to secure a car accident settlement varies from case to case. The approach of insurance companies... Read More
Child Injured in a Car Accident

Child Injured in a Car Accident? How a Lawyer Can Help

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Last Modified on May 05, 2026
When a child is hurt in a car accident, parents are forced to think about the future far sooner than they should have to. You are not only dealing with emergency care and unanswered medical questions. You are trying to understand how injuries from the collision could affect your child’s growth, learning, and long-term independence. When a child is involved in a car accident in Newport Beach, the consequences can be profound and permanent. If ... Read More
Dashcam Evidence

Dashcam Evidence: How Video Proof Can Make or Break Your Orange County Car Accident Case

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Last Modified on May 05, 2026
Car crashes in Orange County do not always happen where security cameras or traffic cameras can see. Even when those cameras are present, dashboard-mounted cameras can provide a clearer, more conclusive account of how the collision occurred.Few types of evidence can be more compelling than video from a dashboard camera. This evidence can be uniquely valuable when an at-fault driver or insurance company contests who is at fault for the coll... Read More

What to Do After a Serious Collision on the Pacific Coast Highway

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Last Modified on May 05, 2026
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) has a reputation that cuts two ways. It is one of the most recognizable and scenic roads in the country, yet it is also one of the most unforgiving. Hazardous blind spots, tight curves, and little room to swerve mean that when collisions occur on the PCH, the results are far from the postcard views the roadway is typically associated with.If you’ve been in such an accident, everything you do now should be ge... Read More
whiplash Injuries

How Much Is Whiplash Worth in a Lawsuit?

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Last Modified on Jul 30, 2026
Most people who suffer whiplash do not immediately think about lawsuits. They think about getting over the pain as soon as possible, getting back to work, and getting their life back on track. Yet, recovery and stability become far more probable when a car accident victim receives fair compensation for their whiplash. A lawsuit can be one pathway to such fair compensation.Once they acknowledge their need for a fair settlement or judgment, ... Read More

Can I Sue for a Back Injury in a Car Accident?

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Last Modified on May 05, 2026
If you live in or visit Newport Beach long enough, you get used to traffic being part of daily life. Even the scenic roadways of Pacific Coast Highway, Jamboree Road, and the turns around Balboa Island have traffic. While you can get used to this traffic, you can’t get used to being in an accident or suffering a potentially severe, lingering back injury during such a collision.There is no way for a victim to prepare for the jarring, painfu... Read More
Injured woman with neck brace and arm sling filing medical negligence claim with lawyer.

How to File a Car Accident Claim as a Passenger

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Last Modified on Dec 22, 2025
Negligent drivers in Southern California often cause car accidents that injure passengers by speeding, running red lights, failing to yield, or driving while distracted or impaired. These actions can lead to rear-end collisions, T-bone crashes, multi-vehicle pileups, and other dangerous accidents. Passengers who suffered an injury as a result may face significant medical bills, lost income, and other damages.The car accident lawyers at B... Read More
Driver holding prescription pills inside car, medication use while driving and impaired driving risk

How Common is Drug-Impaired Driving?

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Last Modified on Dec 22, 2025
Drug-impaired driving is a growing problem in Southern California, contributing to a significant number of serious and fatal crashes each year. Drivers under the influence of drugs—whether marijuana, prescription medications, or illegal substances—often experience delayed reactions and poor judgment, making them more likely to cause collisions.Common accidents include rear-end impacts, head-on crashes, side-impact collisions at intersect... Read More
Two wooden blocks labeled ‘Uninsured’ and ‘Motorist’ stacked on a wooden table with a judge’s gavel beside them against an orange background.

Is It Worth Suing an Uninsured Driver?

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Last Modified on May 05, 2026
The question of whether it’s worth suing an uninsured driver is common, and the answer is: it depends. While you can legally sue an uninsured driver who causes an accident, the practical value of a lawsuit hinges on whether that person has assets or income to pay a court-ordered judgment. For many accident victims in Southern California, a lawsuit is not the only or even the best path to recovery. Fortunately, other options, such as your own i... Read More
Flat-style illustration of a lane change car accident showing an orange car colliding with the side of a dark blue car on a multi-lane road.

Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident Changing Lanes in California?

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Last Modified on May 05, 2026
Determining who is at fault in a car accident while changing lanes in California usually starts with the driver who made the move. In most situations, the driver who changes lanes has a legal responsibility to make sure the path is clear and it is safe to proceed. However, California law recognizes that fault is not always absolute, and other factors, such as the speed or attentiveness of the other driver, can play a significant role in the fi... Read More
Flat-style illustration showing two cars involved in a minor collision in California, with drivers discussing the incident and a clipboard representing DMV reporting requirements.

Do I Have to Report an Accident to the DMV in California?

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Last Modified on May 05, 2026
Yes, in many cases, you are required by law to report a car accident to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This requirement is completely separate from calling 911 or having the police file a report at the scene. If the collision involved an injury, a fatality, or property damage that appears to be more than $1,000, you have a legal duty to file a special report. Knowing when and how to do this is key to protecting your rights ... Read More
Two drivers exchanging insurance information after a car accident, illustrating issues with receiving false insurance details in California

What to Do if You Receive False Insurance Information After an Accident

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Last Modified on May 05, 2026
Between 15% and 26% of California drivers are uninsured, according to a report from the Insurance Research Council. Some drivers, however, will not own up to being uninsured after an accident and instead provide fraudulent information. Often, it can take days to discover this deception, only raising the stakes for an insurance claim in the process. False information does not mean the other party is liable for their own damages, nor does it mea... Read More
Bartender serving a glass of beer on a bar counter in a pub or restaurant.

Can Bars or Restaurants be held Liable for Overserving a Driver who Causes Injuries in a Drunk Driving Accident?

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Last Modified on May 05, 2026
Your night out in Newport Beach took a terrifying turn when a drunk driver hit your car on the way home. The driver had been drinking at a local bar or restaurant, clearly intoxicated before getting behind the wheel.Now you’re dealing with serious injuries, medical bills, and the stress of wondering if the place that served them can be responsible. California’s dram shop laws let people injured by drunk drivers hold alcohol-serving estab... Read More
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