Pulling into an airport, most flyers probably fear a delay. But a Long Beach Airport car crash can lead to hospitalization, missed work, and unpaid medical bills. 

What you should do next may depend on who caused the crash and where it happened. If another driver, the City, or another party may be responsible, different claim procedures and deadlines can apply. 

The Beliz Law Firm can help identify the responsible parties and explain the next steps.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Long Beach Airport Accident?

Provided you are not in severe pain, you should document the accident and talk with the authorities. Take as many of the following steps as possible.

Report the Accident to Law Enforcement

Call 911 and tell them where the accident happened. When an officer arrives, you can share your memories of how the accident unfolded. The officer will also create a crash report that documents important information about the accident.

Call an Ambulance for Anyone Who Needs One

California law requires that a driver help anyone who is injured in the accident, including arranging transportation for medical treatment when necessary or requested.

Document the Accident Scene

If you aren’t in too much pain, and you can do so safely, document the accident scene before the vehicles are moved out of the way:

  • Take pictures of all vehicles involved, including physical hazards that contributed to the crash;
  • Speak with witnesses and write down their names and contact details, including phone numbers;
  • Check if any driver has a dash camera, which could have recorded the accident; and
  • Note any statements made by another driver, such as an admission that they were in a hurry or not watching where they were going.

This evidence can help us determine how the accident occurred, which is critical for establishing fault.

Swap Information with Other Drivers

California law requires that you share the following:

  • Your name and address,
  • The names and addresses of anyone hurt in your car,
  • The name and address of the car’s owner (if not you),
  • Your driver’s license,
  • The Vehicle Identification Number, and
  • Proof of insurance.

And remember to get the above information from other drivers involved in the crash.

What Mistakes Should I Avoid After a Crash at Long Beach Airport?

You should not do or say anything that suggests you were even partially responsible for the accident. We recommend that you:

  • Do not admit fault to another driver at the scene or anyone after the crash;
  • Avoid giving a recorded statement to another driver’s insurance company or its representative; and
  • Never post about the accident on social media.

These precautions can help you avoid making statements or posting content that may later be used to dispute your claim. 

Any share of fault will reduce your compensation by a like percentage. For example, if your damages total $100,000 but you are 60% at fault, your recoverable damages would generally be reduced by 60%.

Why Should I Go to the Hospital After an Accident?

You should document your injuries and treatment. Some insurance companies question whether an accident victim is even injured. By visiting the hospital, you can begin building a record that shows your treatment and injuries.

Obtaining appropriate care can also help with recovery. Remember to follow a doctor’s treatment plan.

Who Is Responsible for a Long Beach Airport Accident?

In California, liability will depend on who is at fault for the crash. Often, a person or entity is at fault for failing to exercise reasonable care. Think of a driver who is speeding or intoxicated. They may be at fault because they did not drive as a person exercising reasonable care is supposed to drive.

Is the Airport Ever Responsible for My Injuries?

The airport may be liable if a dangerous condition or other conduct for which the City is legally responsible contributed to the accident. Because the City of Long Beach owns and operates the airport, special rules apply if the City is a defendant. A personal injury victim generally must present a claim to the City within six months of the injury. Contact our office quickly so that you do not miss any deadlines that apply to these special claims.

What Compensation Can a Long Beach Car Accident Attorney Negotiate for Me?

A lawyer can submit an injury claim and seek compensation from any defendant who is at least partially at fault for the accident. Often, we submit claims to an at-fault driver’s insurer or, if the City may be responsible, pursue a claim against the City.

An airport accident claim can seek compensation for economic damages:

  • Medical treatment,
  • Lost wages or income, and
  • Property damage, including damage to a car.

Economic damages compensate for financial losses caused by the accident. 

An accident victim can also receive compensation for noneconomic damages:

  • Bodily pain and discomfort,
  • Mental anguish,
  • Depression or anxiety,
  • Loss of enjoyment of life, and
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder.

These damages address the personal effects of an injury that do not have a fixed financial value.

In addition to seeking medical care, keep all medical bills and records. Write down the name of every doctor who treated you and share this information with a lawyer.

Should I Handle My Own Legal Claim?

There are benefits to hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer instead of trying to negotiate on your own. A lawyer can calculate your past and present economic damages. Similarly, a lawyer knows what evidence an insurance company will find compelling. 

Our law firm can:

  • Gather evidence to identify the correct defendant and assign fault between parties;
  • Show the full severity of your bodily and emotional injuries; and
  • Address allegations that you share fault for the accident.

If you were hurt in a Long Beach airport car crash, we can handle these parts of the claim while keeping you informed about your case and options. 

How Can a Local Long Beach Attorney at The Beliz Law Firm Help?

Airports are hectic environments, and evidence of your accident can disappear quickly. Contact a Long Beach car accident attorney to help preserve evidence, including surveillance video, and pursue a claim against the responsible party or insurer. 

Our clients receive personalized, one-on-one attention. You will communicate directly with Michael Beliz, who has practiced law since 2006 and lives and works in the Long Beach community. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help after a Long Beach Airport crash. 

Legal References Used to Inform This Page

To ensure the accuracy and clarity of this page, we referenced official legal and other resources during the content development process:

Author Photo

Michael A. Beliz, Esq., established The Beliz Law Firm in the spring of 2011.  Michael has been a practicing attorney since 2006 and worked for two of the most prominent plaintiff’s personal injury law firms in Southern California.  He has worked on and handled hundreds of cases as an attorney in all types of personal injury cases, including vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents and dog bites, and successfully recovered millions of dollars for his clients.

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