Car Accident Attorney in Beverly Hills

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Beverly Hills

Most crashes trace back to driver behavior. Distracted driving, speeding, unsafe lane changes, tailgating, running red lights, failure to yield, impaired driving, and aggressive driving account for many collisions in the area. Beverly Hills adds its own complications: dense pedestrian crossings, frequent rideshare pickups and drop-offs, and high-traffic intersections create recurring scenarios that local drivers encounter daily.

Not every accident involves only two private drivers. When a commercial vehicle is involved, the driver’s employer may share liability. Defective vehicle parts can implicate a manufacturer. Poorly maintained road conditions may point toward a government entity. Identifying every responsible party is a critical step that affects the total compensation available.

Injuries Common in Beverly Hills Car Accidents

The injuries we see range from soft tissue damage and whiplash to broken bones, shoulder and knee injuries, concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, burns, and permanent disability. Severity isn’t always obvious at the scene. Concussions and soft tissue injuries in particular may not produce clear symptoms for hours or days after impact.

Seeing a doctor immediately after any collision serves two purposes: it protects your health, and it creates the medical documentation that forms the foundation of your claim. Injuries that limit your ability to work or carry out daily activities can support both economic and non-economic damage claims.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Beverly Hills

The steps you take in the hours and days after a crash directly affect your health and your claim. At the scene: call 911, request a police report, photograph all vehicles, the surrounding area, traffic signals, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Collect names and contact information from witnesses. Don’t admit fault, even informally.

In the days that follow, don’t give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster without speaking to an attorney first. Early recorded statements are a standard tool adjusters use to minimize claim value. Keep every receipt, bill, prescription record, and documentation of missed work. California’s general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Claims involving government entities may require written notice within six months, so acting promptly can protect your options.

How Insurance Companies Handle Car Accident Claims

Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is to close claims at the lowest possible cost. Common tactics include questioning who was at fault, disputing the severity of injuries, challenging the necessity of treatment, or offering a quick settlement before the full scope of your damages is known. Accepting an early offer before your treatment is complete can leave significant compensation on the table.

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning an insurer may argue that you share some fault in order to reduce what it pays. Attorney Shekarchian handles all insurance communications on behalf of our clients, removing the pressure of direct adjuster contact and countering these tactics with thorough evidence and clear documentation of losses.

California Law & Your Beverly Hills Car Accident Claim

Under pure comparative negligence, you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, but your total recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. The general statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury. California’s minimum auto liability insurance requirements are $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 per accident for property damage. When damages exceed a policy’s limits, we look for additional liable parties who may carry separate coverage.

Proving negligence requires establishing four elements: the at-fault driver owed a duty of care, that duty was breached, the breach caused the crash, and the crash caused actual damages. Building that record thoroughly is what positions a case for a fair settlement or, when necessary, trial.

How We Build Your Car Accident Case

Our process starts the moment you retain us. We gather police reports, photos, video footage, and witness statements. We review all medical records and work with your treating providers to document the full extent of your injuries and their long-term impact. We calculate both current and projected future damages, identify every liable party, and open communications with the relevant insurance carriers.

When a fair settlement can be reached through negotiation, we pursue it. When insurers refuse to offer adequate compensation, we file suit and take the case to court. Our clients don’t face that decision alone, and they don’t pay legal fees unless we recover for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Beverly Hills?

If you suffered injuries, missed work, or face a dispute with an insurance company, an attorney can protect the value of your claim from the start. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, there’s no upfront cost to getting legal advice.

What If the Other Driver Denies Fault?

Fault disputes are resolved through evidence. The police report, witness statements, photographs, video footage, vehicle damage documentation, and medical records all contribute to establishing what happened and who was responsible.

What If I Was Partly at Fault?

Under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, you can still recover compensation. Your total recovery is reduced in proportion to your share of fault, but you aren’t barred from pursuing a claim.

What If the At-Fault Driver Had No Insurance or Fled the Scene?

Uninsured motorist coverage through your own auto policy may be available as a first step. If a hit-and-run driver is later identified, a separate liability claim may also be pursued against that driver.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

California’s general statute of limitations for personal injury is two years from the date of the accident. Exceptions exist, and claims involving government entities carry a shorter notice window. Contacting an attorney promptly can preserve your options.