Newport Beach Personal Injury Lawyer

Bentley & More LLP is here to help you recover financially from injuries someone else caused. Facts about our firm we believe sets us apart include:

• We have the resources necessary to conduct complete investigations into all personal injury cases we take in Newport Beach.
• Our Newport Beach accident attorneys take the time to get to know every client personally so we can understand their goals and needs. We tailor our solutions around the individuals we serve.
• We take all Newport Beach personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning our clients pay no legal fees until we secure the compensation they need.

Our law firm has served people throughout Newport Beach and across Southern California for many years, and we have obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Our lawyers have earned consistent top honors and awards from members of the legal community, and we have gained a stellar reputation for providing personalized, effective legal counsel that gets results.

Call Bentley & More LLP at (949) 870-3800 or contact us online to schedule a free case review.

How Can a Newport Beach Injury Attorney Help Me with My Personal Injury Claim?

To increase your chances of obtaining a successful outcome and to reduce your level of stress, you should work with an experienced personal injury attorney to help you navigate your personal injury case. Most people do not have the legal experience or capabilities to fully investigate their case and prove the other party was at fault. However, a Newport Beach personal injury lawyer can:

• Obtain any evidence to establish the at-fault party’s liability, including statements from eyewitnesses, video or photo surveillance, accident reports, and more.
• Work with trusted medical and economic professionals to properly calculate your total expected losses.
• Handle all communications in negotiations with other parties to reach a fair settlement.

Although most personal injury claims are settled outside of court, you may need to take the at-fault party to court and sue for the damages you deserve. It is vital you have an attorney from the start who can build a strong case for you and file your personal injury lawsuit in civil court. If your case does go to trial, you will certainly need a lawyer to advocate for you and present the most compelling case possible to increase your chances of getting a favorable outcome.

Common Causes of Personal Injury in Newport Beach

Newport Beach is always bustling with activity. Unfortunately, this means that there are numerous ways for both local residents and visitors to sustain injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. At Bentley & More, LLP, we have a dedicated legal team that handles all types of Newport Beach personal injury claims:

• Newport Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer
• Newport Beach Brain Injury Lawyers
• Newport Beach Car Accident Lawyer
• Newport Beach Construction Accident Lawyer
• Newport Beach Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
• Newport Beach Drunk Driving Lawyers
• Newport Beach Insurance Bad Faith Lawyers
• Newport Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
• Newport Beach Pedestrian Accident Attorney
• Newport Beach Personal Injury Lawyer
• Newport Beach Premises Liability Lawyers
• Newport Beach Product Liability Attorneys
• Newport Beach Rideshare Accident Lawyers
• Newport Beach Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys
• Newport Beach Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
• Newport Beach Truck Accident Lawyer
• Newport Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
• Newport Beach Wrongful Death Lawyers

The above list certainly does not include all types of injuries that can occur in and around the Newport Beach area. Contact our personal injury lawyers to discuss the specifics of your particular case and learn how we can help. 

Newport Beach Accident Statistics

Newport Beach has a population of around 85,000, and Orange County has a population of more than three million. The area also sees a lot of tourists and visitors each year, which only adds to the risks of becoming involved in an accident caused by someone else. The California Office of Traffic Safety reported the following accident statistics for Newport Beach for the most recently reported year:

• 460 people were injured or killed in traffic accidents in Newport Beach
• Of those, 79 involved alcohol
• There were 23 people injured or killed in motorcycle accidents
• 26 pedestrians were injured or killed in pedestrian accidents
• 79 bicyclists suffered injuries or were killed in bicycle accidents

Speeding was also cited as a major contributor to serious accidents in Newport Beach, injuring or killing 122 people.

Total Fatal and Injury Collisions in Newport Beach from 2010 to 2020

Source: ots.ca.gov

What are Common Injuries People Suffer in Newport Beach Accidents?

Injuries people suffer in Newport Beach accidents vary widely, ranging from relatively minor to severe. It is not uncommon for our team to help clients who have sustained:

• Broken bones or dislocated joints
• Neck injuries
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries with paralysis
• Amputation injuries
• Severe burns
• Internal injuries and organ damage

You can suffer a permanent disability that requires lifelong care and future medical expenses. Also, the negligent actions of someone else can kill a close family member, and you may not know where to turn for help with a wrongful death claim.

What Should I Do After an Accident in Newport Beach?

If you’re involved in an accident in Newport Beach, it’s essential to take specific steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others, and to protect your legal interests. Here’s a general guideline on what to do after an accident in Newport Beach:

Make Sure Everyone’s Safe:

• Check for injuries, both for yourself and others involved in the accident. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance.
• If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further accidents and hazards. Turn on your hazard lights.

Exchange Information:

• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. This typically includes names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance company names, and policy numbers.
• If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well.

Report the Accident:

• In California, you must report accidents to the police if they result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. It’s often a good idea to report accidents even if they appear minor.
• Cooperate with law enforcement, providing accurate and factual information about the accident.

Document the Scene:

• Take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, license plates, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be valuable for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
• Make notes about the accident, including the date, time, weather conditions, and the sequence of events leading up to the collision.

Get Medical Attention:

• Even if you don’t believe you are seriously injured, it’s advisable to seek a medical evaluation. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could worsen over time.
• Follow all medical advice and keep records of your treatment and expenses.

Notify Your Insurance Company:

• Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate information about the incident.
• Follow the claims process as instructed by your insurer.

Stay Calm and Cooperate:

• Remain calm and courteous when dealing with the other parties involved, law enforcement, and insurance representatives.
• Avoid making any admissions of fault, as fault determination is often complex and best left to investigators and insurance companies.

 Consult with an Attorney: 

• One of the most important steps you can take after suffering injuries in a Newport Beach accident someone else caused is to contact a local attorney after receiving treatment for your injuries. A lawyer can provide legal guidance and advocate for your rights, especially if there are disputes about fault or concerns about insurance coverage.

What Types of Compensation Can I Get in a Newport Beach Personal Injury Case?

If you or somebody you care about sustained a catastrophic injury caused by another person or entity in Newport Beach, you may obtain various types of financial compensation. The dedicated legal team at Bentley & More, LLP is here for you, and we can help you recover the full amount of damages you need. California allows personal injury victims to recover economic damages to cover things such as:

• All medical bills related to the case
• Physical therapy
• Lost income and benefits if you are unable to work
• General out-of-pocket costs that arise due to the injuries
• Property and vehicular damage

You may also obtain compensation for non-economic damages to cover the intangible losses and adverse effects your injury has caused and will continue to cause. Some common forms of non-economic damages include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Additionally, you may obtain punitive damages from the court if your case goes to trial. Punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault party, and the court typically only awards punitive damages in cases of egregious negligence, unlawfulness, intentional harm, or wanton recklessness. An assertive personal injury attorney can advocate for you in court to help you get exemplary damages if your case qualifies.

What’s the Process of Getting Compensation After a Serious Accident in Newport Beach?

In most personal injury cases, insurance will cover a victim’s medical bills and other related expenses. Whether you sustained catastrophic injury in a motor vehicle accident, slip-and-fall accident, or some other preventable tragedy, you will first file an injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier.

You should have an attorney file an injury claim for you since insurance companies are notorious for trying to deny claims or reduce the amount they will pay on a claim. A lawyer will know how to deal with any defense tactics the insurance company tries to use and can deal with them to get them to honor your claim and cover all your injuries.

Also, insurers may ask you to provide a recorded statement and use what you say against you, or they may ask questions to lead you into accepting blame for your injuries. You should never talk to an insurance company without first consulting an attorney so as not to say or do anything that could jeopardize your chances of getting compensation.

Proving You Suffered Injuries and the Other Party was At Fault

When your attorney files your claim with the insurer, they will have to provide a lot of documentation and evidence that shows you sustained serious injuries and the other party was liable.

At the time of the accident, your top priority was to get immediate medical treatment. Even if your injuries did not appear serious at first, you should still get a prompt medical evaluation. For one, some injuries do not present symptoms right away, and you may not know the full extent of your injuries until some time later. Second, you will need detailed medical records of the care you received along with a medical treatment plan to file your injury claim.

After establishing you suffered serious injuries, you will need to prove the other party is liable for your injuries. To establish liability, your attorney will have to show:

1. The other party owed you a duty of care
2. They breached that duty through their negligent or wrongful actions
3. The other party’s negligence caused the accident and your injuries
4. You suffered damages as a result

While the concept sounds simple, proving liability can be complex and challenging, especially if your case involves more than one possible negligent party. An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and collect the police report, accident reconstruction report, eyewitness testimony, and other evidence to show the other party was responsible.

Calculating Compensation

Another complicated aspect of personal injury claims is calculating the full amount of compensation you will need. You want to include documented figures for medical care and treatment you have already received, but you also want a prognosis for how long your injuries will affect your life.

Having a complete view of the extent of your injuries and probable impacts on your life is important so you can calculate how much financial compensation you may need for future medical care, therapy, and accommodations.

Your attorney can sit with you and carefully assess both current and future medical expenses and other associated costs so you get everything you will need.

Filing Your Personal Injury Claim with the Insurance Company

After gathering the necessary evidence, your attorney will file your personal injury claim with all applicable insurance carriers. The insurer will schedule an insurance adjuster to investigate, but it may take them several days or a couple of weeks to get around to your case.

When your attorney files your personal injury claim with the insurer, they will include a demand letter that specifies the extent of your injuries and how the other party is responsible. The letter will also include a total dollar amount, or settlement figure, the insurer can pay to settle your claim and avoid going to court.

During their investigation, the insurer will have their own ideas about who was at fault for your injuries. Insurance companies are businesses, and paying on claims reduces their profits. The adjuster and the insurer’s legal team will look for any way to avoid paying. They may deny your claim outright or assert the policy doesn’t cover all your injuries and expenses.

The insurer may respond to your attorney with a settlement offer that’s much lower than what you expected. In fact, the offer may not come close to covering all your expenses and losses.

Settlement Negotiations

To get fair compensation for you, your attorney may have to negotiate with the insurer so they honor all aspects of your claim and agree to pay you more money. Settlement negotiations can take time, and you may be anxious to get the money you need. However, once you accept a settlement offer from the insurer, you cannot pursue additional compensation if you need it in the future.

You don’t necessarily want to accept the insurer’s initial settlement offer, and your attorney cannot legally accept a settlement without your approval. You should work with a personal injury lawyer who will negotiate aggressively to help you get maximum compensation.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in California

If settlement negotiations break down, or the insurer acts in bad faith regarding your claim and refuses to negotiate, you may have to sue them in court to get the money you need. You may also have to take your personal injury case to court if your injuries are not covered by insurance or policy limits won’t cover all your expenses.

Personal injury trials can take considerable time and cause a lot of stress. However, going to court may be the only avenue you have to get the compensation you deserve.

When they agreed to take your case, your attorney should have been preparing your case for trial right from the start. California only allows you two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in court. If you miss the deadline, you will likely have no other legal option to get compensation.

Sometimes, just filing a lawsuit can spur the insurer into negotiating a fair settlement. Trials are costly and time-consuming, and insurance companies typically like to avoid going to court when they can. Additionally, California requires all parties in a civil lawsuit to attend a Mandatory Settlement Conference to try and mediate a settlement. Most of the time, personal injury cases don’t go past this stage.

If your case makes it to trial, an experienced personal injury lawyer at Bentley & More LLP can fight for you. We have secured multi-million-dollar verdicts for our clients, and we know how to present a compelling case to the judge or jury to sway their decision in your favor. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Newport Beach?

In Newport Beach, as well as throughout California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit can vary depending on the nature of the case. It’s essential to be aware of these time limits, as failing to file your lawsuit within the specified timeframe can result in your case being dismissed. Here are some common statutes of limitations for personal injury cases in California:

• Personal Injury (General): Typically, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. This includes cases like car accidents, slip and falls, and many other types of personal injury claims.
• Medical Malpractice: For medical malpractice cases, you generally have three years from the date of the negligent act or omission, or from the date when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered with reasonable diligence. However, there is a maximum limit of five years from the date of the negligent act, regardless of when it was discovered.
• Product Liability: For cases involving defective products or product liability claims, you typically have two years from the date of injury or discovery of injury to file a lawsuit.
• Wrongful Death: In wrongful death cases, you usually have two years from the date of the decedent’s death to file a lawsuit.
• Government Claims: If your injury involves a government entity, such as a city or county, you may be required to file a notice of claim within a specific time frame, which is often shorter than the statute of limitations.
• Minors: For individuals under 18 years of age at the time of the injury, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims may be extended until they reach the age of 20.

It’s essential to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your injury to understand the specific statute of limitations that applies to your case. Also, keep in mind that there can be exceptions and nuances in the law, so it’s best to seek legal advice promptly to ensure your rights are protected. Failing to file within the statute of limitations can result in the loss of your right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Newport Beach Personal Injury Attorney?

The Newport Beach personal injury attorneys at Bentley & More LLP work on a contingency fee basis. This means we don’t charge you anything upfront to represent you or send you monthly bills in the mail.

Instead, we will handle all aspects of your Newport Beach personal injury claim and take our fee from any insurance settlement or court award we obtain for you. If we don’t win your case or recover compensation on your behalf, you owe us nothing.

This arrangement benefits all. You don’t have to worry about paying a lawyer out of pocket, and it gives our lawyers an incentive to work hard on your case and secure as much compensation as possible.

Since we also offer free consultations, you can get answers to your questions and determine if you have a viable claim without it costing you a penny. You really have nothing to lose and everything to gain by giving us a call and scheduling a no-cost case evaluation.

How Long Will My Newport Beach Personal Injury Claim Take to Settle?

It can take time to resolve a Newport Beach personal injury claim, and it’s difficult to determine an exact timeline because so many factors can affect the process. Some cases may resolve relatively quickly, while others could take a year or more. Factors that can impact the duration of settling your personal injury claim include:

• The Extent of Your Injuries: Cases involving more severe injuries may take longer to settle because it can take time for the injured party to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI is the point at which the full extent of injuries and long-term effects can be determined.
• Liability Disputes: If the other party or the insurance company disputes who is at fault for the accident, it can lengthen the claims process. Investigating and resolving liability issues can take time.
• Insurance Company Cooperation: The willingness of the at-fault party’s insurance company to cooperate and negotiate in good faith can significantly impact the timeline. Delays may occur if the insurer disputes liability or the value of your claim.
• Negotiations: The negotiation process with the insurance company, including back-and-forth settlement offers and demands, can take time. Your attorney will work to maximize your compensation during this phase.
• Going to Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your attorney may need to file a lawsuit. This can significantly extend the timeline as the case moves through the court system.
• Court Scheduling: If you must take your case to trial, the court’s schedule and the availability of judges can affect how long it takes for a case to go to trial. Court dockets may be crowded, leading to delays.
• Mediation or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Parties may choose to engage in mediation or ADR to resolve the case outside of court, and many civil courts require pre-trial mediation to see if parties can settle the dispute before heading to trial. This can expedite the process compared to a full trial.
• Complexity of Legal Issues: Some personal injury cases involve complex legal issues, multiple parties, or disputes over various elements of the claim, which can prolong the legal proceedings.
• Uninsured or Underinsured Parties: If the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, it can complicate the process of seeking compensation, potentially leading to delays.

Be patient and do not rush to accept a settlement without considering all the factors and potential long-term consequences. You could miss out on substantial compensation you may need for future medical care and accommodation. Your attorney will work to ensure that your case is handled properly and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

To get a more accurate estimate of the timeline for your specific case, consult with an experienced Newport Beach personal injury attorney at Bentley & More LLP. We can provide guidance based on the unique circumstances of your claim.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I’m Partially At Fault for the Newport Beach Accident?

Yes, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries and losses in Newport Beach, California, even if you are partially at fault for the accident. California follows a comparative negligence system, specifically known as “pure comparative negligence.” Here’s how it works:

• Pure Comparative Negligence: Under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, you can seek compensation for your injuries and losses even if you are partially at fault for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault for an accident, you can still recover 70% of the damages.
• Determining Fault: The determination of fault can be a complex process. Insurance companies, legal professionals, or the court may assess the evidence and statements from both parties to establish the percentage of fault for each party involved.
• Right to Pursue Compensation: Even if you are determined to be more at fault than the other party involved in the accident, you still have the right to pursue compensation for the portion of damages attributable to the other party’s negligence.
• Evidence and Legal Representation: To protect your interests and maximize your potential compensation, it’s advisable to gather evidence and consult with a personal injury attorney. An attorney can help build a strong case to establish the degree of fault accurately and negotiate with the other party’s insurance company.

It’s important to note that California’s pure comparative negligence rule can lead to complex legal and insurance negotiations. Insurance companies often try to minimize their liability by assigning a greater percentage of fault to the injured party. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek legal advice and representation to navigate the process effectively and ensure that your rights are protected.

If you believe you may be partially at fault for an accident in Newport Beach, consult with a qualified personal injury attorney from Bentley & More LLP who can assess the circumstances of your case and help you pursue fair compensation based on the principles of comparative negligence.

Contact A Newport Beach Personal Injury Lawyer Today

To schedule a no-cost evaluation of your claim and to find out how we can help you get the full and fair compensation you need, contact our Newport Beach personal injury law firm by calling (949) 870-3800. You can also reach out to us online to request a free consultation.

Client Testimonials

“You are in great hands with Keith More and we would recommend Keith and his firm to all of our family and friends. The attorney that my husband initially was working with was not able to help him as he needed and was over his skis so to speak and luckily he referred my husband to Keith. Honestly this was the best thing that could have happened. Keith knew what to do and worked hard on my husband’s behalf. Keith and his staff genuinely cares about his clients and shorty after my husband starting working with Keith he said “thank God we got an attorney who knew the system and who knew what to do to help”. Two thumbs up for Keith and his team.” – Nikki P.

“We’ve known Mr. More and Mr. Gonzalez since 2003 when my father suffered an accident. Since the beginning Mr. More did an excellent job with my fathers case and till this day we are very pleased with the outcomes. We have referred friends to Bentley and More and they have all been very pleased as well. Currently Mr. More is in charge of my boyfriends case and has been able to get a higher settlement amount. At Bentley and More they truly care for you and your well-being which is why we continue to refer them after 17 years since my father suffered his accident. We are beyond grateful for their services and everyone at their office is very kind and helpful. Thank you Bentley & More!!” – Estefania Q.

Read more of our client testimonials!

Additional Resources

Newport Beach Emergency Rooms

If you suffered serious injuries in a Newport Beach accident someone else caused, seek immediate medical treatment from one of the area’s emergency rooms or urgent care centers:

• Hoag Hospital Newport Beach Emergency Room: 1 Hoag Dr 1st floor, Newport Beach, CA 92663
• Hoag Urgent Care Newport Beach: 500 Superior Ave #160, Newport Beach, CA 92663

*Disclaimer – Bentley & More LLP does not endorse these medical providers, nor do we profit from having them listed on our website.

Newport Beach Courthouses

• Harbor Justice Center Newport Beach: 4601 Jamboree Rd, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Neighborhoods We Serve in Newport Beach

Corona del Mar (92625), Crystal Cove Historic District (92657), Newport Center (92660), Balboa Island (92662), Big Canyon (92660), East Bluff (92660)