News Stories

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

Most people do not have “comparing personal injury lawyers” on their bucket lists, or even their realistic list of things they might have to do in the next five years. You find yourself looking for the right personal injury lawyer because something unexpected has happened, and it’s caused you harm that you intend to get justice for. Whether you’re facing an injury that does not heal quickly, a job you cannot return to, a family member’s tra... Read More

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

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

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

Most adults who suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) do not typically recognize that they’ve suffered an injury. They might feel “shaken up” or “off,” but the extent of their ailment may not be clear until they receive a formal diagnosis. Concussions and contusions are among the formal types of TBIs that you might suffer in a car accident, fall, workplace accident, or other unanticipated circumstance. You may be entitled to compensation fo... Read More

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

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

When you have suffered an injury at work, you might face a series of pressing questions. Who is paying for medical care? How long will I be out of work? What happens if your body does not conform to the expected recovery timeline? How will I cover the financial costs and losses resulting from this injury? Here’s one more question that injured workers don’t always consider, but should: Can I file a third-party claim, or is a workers’ compens... Read More

Truck accidents caused by trucking company violations of FMCSA rules can have devastating consequences. These regulations exist to ensure driver safety, prevent fatigue, and maintain vehicle reliability. When companies fail to comply—by pressuring drivers to exceed hours of service, neglecting maintenance, hiring underqualified drivers, or encouraging falsified logs—the risks of serious collisions increase significantly. Victims of these accid... Read More

On January 10, 2026, Keith More had the immense honor of receiving the Presidential Legacy Award from the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association. This award marks its first inaugural presentation, and Keith is deeply humbled to be recognized in this way.

The award celebrates years of dedicated service to our organization, alongside efforts that have made a significant impact in our community. Over the years, Keith has worked tirelessly alongside fellow members to raise over a million dollars for various charities, including the Jessie Rees Foundation, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, The Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment Disorders, and A Quarter Blue, among others. Each of these organizations plays a vital role in providing support and resources to those in need, and we are proud to have contributed to such noble causes.

In his journey with the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association, Keith has had the privilege of serving as a Past President, as well as being recognized as the Board Member of the Year on two occasions and the Member at Large of the Year twice. These experiences have shaped his commitment to justice and community service, and they’ve allowed him to work alongside incredible individuals who share a passion for making a difference.

“Receiving this prestigious award is not just a personal achievement”, said Keith, “it reflects the collective efforts of everyone within our organization. I share this honor with my fellow members, who continually inspire me, and I look forward to continuing our work together to create positive change. Thank you to the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association and all those who have stood by me throughout this journey. Here’s to many more years of service and impact!”

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Commercial truck accidents in Southern California often have devastating consequences, especially when a negligent truck driver is to blame. These collisions can leave victims facing serious injuries, extensive medical treatment, and overwhelming financial stress. From distracted driving and fatigue to unsafe lane changes and violations of federal safety regulations, negligence behind the wheel of a commercial truck can quickly turn a routine ... Read More

Bentley & More LLP is proud to celebrate a historic milestone for our firm and the Orange County legal community: Partner Clare Lucich was officially installed as the 2026 President of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association (OCTLA) during the organization’s Installation & Judicial Awards Dinner held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the iconic Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.  It was an evening that brings together the most respected trial lawyers, judges, and legal leaders in Southern California.

 

This year’s event honored the Honorable Maria Hernandez for her extraordinary dedication to public service and her leadership within Orange County Superior Court, the third-largest court in California and the sixth-largest in the nation.

 

One of the most meaningful moments of the night was the presentation of a check for $285,000 to NEGU—an incredible charity dedicated to bringing joy and hope to children battling cancer. Each year, the OCTLA Board selects a charitable organization to serve as the focus of our annual fundraising efforts. Over the past five years alone, OCTLA has raised nearly $1.3 million for charitable causes.

 

Former OCTLA President and firm founder Keith More was honored by outgoing President Aaron Hicks with the Presidential Legacy Award in recognition of his longstanding commitment to the organization, the community, and his leadership in charitable fundraising.

 

A Leader Respected by Courts, Colleagues, and Clients

OCTLA is a nationally recognized organization that advocates for civil justice, courtroom excellence, and consumer protection. As President, Clare Lucich now leads an organization of more than 1,300 trial lawyers,  affiliates, and legal professionals dedicated to protecting the rights of injured people and holding powerful interests accountable.

 

For Clare, this installation represents the culmination of years of service, leadership, and commitment to elevating the profession. A highly accomplished trial lawyer and a respected voice in the courtroom, she has long been known for her integrity, advocacy, and mentorship within the legal community.

 

At Bentley & More LLP, Clare is a driving force behind the firm’s trial strategy, professional development, and commitment to justice. Her presidency is a reflection not only of her individual excellence—but also of the reputation Bentley & More has earned as one of California’s premier trial firms.

 

A Vision for OCTLA’s Future

As President, Clare’s vision—using our collective voice to make a difference both in the courtroom and in the community—will shape her presidency. She shared this message in her closing remarks, emphasizing that we are living in a moment when access to the courts is under real threat. Powerful interests and billion-dollar corporations are working to make it harder for injured people, including survivors of sexual assault, to seek accountability, making the role of trial lawyers more important than ever.

 

Her leadership will help guide OCTLA’s continued influence in legislative advocacy, judicial engagement, and the defense of civil jury trials—an increasingly critical mission in today’s legal climate.

 

Bentley & More LLP: Proud to Stand Behind Its Leaders

Bentley & More LLP has long been known for producing not just outstanding trial results, but also leaders who shape the profession. Clare Lucich’s installation as OCTLA President further solidifies the firm’s role at the forefront of California’s trial-lawyer community.

 

Managing Partners Greg Bentley and Keith More praised Clare’s leadership, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to justice, noting that her presidency reflects the values that define Bentley & More: excellence, integrity, and relentless advocacy for clients.

 

Congratulations, President Lucich

We are incredibly proud of Clare Lucich and honored to support her as she leads OCTLA into 2026. Her installation is not only a personal achievement—it is a testament to the strength, credibility, and influence of Bentley & More LLP throughout the legal community.

Congratulations, Clare. The future of OCTLA is in exceptional hands.

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When a sudden disaster, utility failure, or access restriction interrupts your business operations or forces tenants out of your property, the financial fallout can be immediate and overwhelming. Business interruption insurance and loss of rent insurance exist to protect your income during these difficult periods, but determining which coverage applies—and proving the value of your losses—is not always straightforward. Many policyholders disco... Read More

Our team is proud to announce a $5.34 million jury verdict in Marron v. Food4Less, obtained by trial attorneys Nico Mamone of Bentley & More LLP and Aaron Hicks of Hicks Law Firm. This powerful outcome reflects the jury’s clear recognition that corporate safety rules must be upheld—and when they aren’t, accountability must follow. Schedule a Free Initial Consultation A Disputed Liability Case from the Start This case centered on a dan... Read More

A Powerful Recognition of Excellence in Personal Injury & Workers’ Compensation Advocacy Bentley & More LLP is proud to announce that founding partner Gregory Bentley has been honored as a 2025 Daily Journal Top Plaintiff Lawyer, one of the most prestigious recognitions for plaintiff trial attorneys in California. This elite distinction spotlights attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and success while fightin... Read More

At Bentley & More LLP, our mission has always been simple: stand up for injured workers and fight for the justice they deserve. Every case is personal, and every client’s story matters. Recently, we received a powerful review from a workers’ compensation client whose journey reflects exactly why we do what we do. From the very beginning, this family faced a long, difficult, and emotionally exhausting battle. They shared that our workers’ ... Read More

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Concussion injury claims in Southern California arise when an individual suffers a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence. These injuries often result from slip and falls, motor vehicle accidents, boating accidents, pedestrian collisions, defective products, or nursing home negligence. A concussion can cause headaches, dizziness, memory problems, confusion, and other cognitive or emotional difficulties, which may interfere wit... Read More

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