Long Beach Personal Injury Attorney

Why Do I Need a Personal Injury Attorney in Long Beach?

Hiring a personal injury attorney dramatically improves your chances of receiving full compensation. Without legal representation, you risk being taken advantage of by insurance companies whose main goal is to pay you as little as possible.

Many injured victims assume they can handle a claim on their own. But in reality, insurance adjusters are trained to delay, deny, or underpay claims—especially if there’s no attorney involved. You may be offered a quick settlement that doesn’t cover your medical bills, lost income, or long-term care needs.

Long Beach personal injury attorney Derek Pakiz and his legal team understand these tactics and know how to push back. They work to investigate the accident, gather critical evidence, calculate the full extent of your damages, and negotiate aggressively with the insurer.

California law requires victims to prove multiple elements to establish negligence: duty of care, breach, causation, and damages. That’s not easy to do without legal experience. Even a strong case can be lost without proper documentation, expert input, and procedural knowledge.

At the same time, victims should be focused on healing—not fighting with insurance companies. That’s why working with a qualified personal injury attorney in Long Beach isn’t just helpful—it’s vital. You deserve to recover without the added burden of legal stress.

If you’ve been injured, don’t face the process alone. Let Derek Pakiz and the Long Beach injury attorneys at The Reeves Law Group guide you every step of the way.

Why Choose The Reeves Law Group’s Long Beach Personal Injury Attorneys?

The attorney you choose can make the difference between a denied claim and a life-changing recovery. Long Beach personal injury attorney Derek Pakiz and the team at The Reeves Law Group are known for achieving serious results in serious cases—with compassion and relentless advocacy.

Here’s why injury victims across Long Beach trust us to handle their most important cases:

• Proven Results & Experience
  With over $250 million recovered and more than 30 years of focused experience, Derek Pakiz has successfully handled thousands of cases, including multiple seven- and eight-figure verdicts. This track record signals one thing: he knows how to win.

• Board-Certified Expertise
  Derek is the only personal injury attorney in California certified in both Civil Trial Advocacy and Truck Accident Law—a dual distinction that highlights rare skill in courtroom litigation and complex accident cases.

• Compassionate, Client-Centered Service
  Clients aren’t just case numbers. We take the time to listen, explain each step, and support you from start to finish. We know how hard this time is, and we treat every client like family.

• No Fee Unless We Win
  There are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. This contingency fee model ensures everyone has access to top-tier legal help—regardless of financial status.

• Available When You Need Us Most
  Accidents don’t happen on a schedule. That’s why we’re available 24/7 and offer home or hospital visits for clients who can’t travel. Help is always just a phone call away.

When your health and future are at stake, experience and integrity matter. The Long Beach personal injury lawyers at The Reeves Law Group are here to fight for the justice—and peace—you deserve.

What Types of Personal Injury Cases Do Our Long Beach Attorneys Handle?

The personal injury attorneys at The Reeves Law Group in Long Beach represent victims across a wide range of accident and injury claims. Every case is different—but if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, we likely handle it.

Below are the most common personal injury case types we take on, as well as several lesser-known but equally serious ones:

What Types of Personal Injury Cases Do Our Long Beach Attorneys Handle?

The personal injury attorneys at The Reeves Law Group in Long Beach represent victims across a wide range of accident and injury claims. Every case is different—but if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, we likely handle it.

Below are the most common personal injury case types we take on, as well as several lesser-known but equally serious ones:

Common Injury Cases We Handle:

• Car Accidents attorney Long Beach:
  Crashes caused by distracted, speeding, or reckless drivers are among the most frequent cases in Long Beach. Busy highways like the 405, 710, and Pacific Coast Highway are known for high crash rates.

• Motorcycle & Bicycle Accidents:
  Motorcyclists and cyclists face extreme risk in collisions. Long Beach’s dense traffic and inadequate bike protections make these accidents far too common.

• Truck & Commercial Vehicle Accidents:
  Attorney Derek Pakiz’s board certification in Truck Accident Law allows us to handle large-scale collisions involving semi-trucks, delivery vehicles, and other commercial fleets.

• Pedestrian Accidents:
  Long Beach consistently ranks high for pedestrian injuries. Whether at a crosswalk, near a beach area, or along Ocean Blvd., pedestrians deserve legal protection when drivers fail to yield.

• Slip and Fall / Premises Liability:
  Unsafe conditions on private or public property—such as spills, uneven flooring, or poor lighting—can result in serious injuries. We hold negligent property owners accountable.

• Dog Bites and Animal Attacks:
  Under California’s strict liability law, dog owners are responsible for bite injuries—even if the dog has no history of aggression.

• Workplace & Construction Accidents:
  We pursue third-party claims for workers injured on job sites, including those at construction zones, industrial areas near the Port of Long Beach, or commercial locations.

• Wrongful Death:
  When a loved one’s life is taken by another’s negligence, we help families pursue compensation for loss of support, companionship, and funeral expenses.

Uncommon but Serious Cases We Also Handle:

• Electric Scooter Accidents:
  With rising e-scooter use in downtown Long Beach, riders are frequently hit by vehicles or injured due to mechanical failures or poor maintenance.

• Boating & Jet Ski Accidents:
  Accidents in the Long Beach Harbor, Alamitos Bay, or offshore areas often involve recreational watercraft. Injuries here can involve complex maritime laws.

• Defective Product Injuries:
  Injuries caused by unsafe consumer goods, car parts, or machinery fall under product liability. These cases often require expert testimony and detailed product tracing.

• Child Injuries & Playground Accidents:
  When schools, daycares, or parks fail to keep children safe, the consequences can be severe. We advocate for families after these traumatic events.

• Maritime & Port Injuries:
  Long Beach is home to one of the world’s busiest ports. We represent injured dockworkers, port contractors, and maritime employees harmed due to unsafe working conditions.

Don’t see your specific accident listed? That’s okay.
If you were injured because someone else was careless, Long Beach personal injury attorney Derek Pakiz can likely help. Call (213) 271-9318 for a free review of your situation.

What Should I Do After an Accident in Long Beach?

Taking the correct steps after an accident protects both your health and your legal rights. Below are essential actions Long Beach personal injury attorney Derek Pakiz recommends to strengthen your injury claim:

1. Prioritize Safety and Medical Care

First, make sure everyone involved is safe. Immediately call 911 if anyone is injured. Even if your injuries seem minor, always seek prompt medical attention. Delayed treatment can lead to health complications and hurt your chances of receiving full compensation later.

2. Document the Accident Scene

If possible, carefully gather evidence at the accident location. Capture photos or video of vehicles, property damage, road hazards, and visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses, and ensure an official police or incident report is filed. This evidence provides crucial support when proving liability.

3. Notify Authorities and Your Insurance

Report the accident promptly. For vehicle accidents, contact the police. For a slip and fall, notify property management or owners immediately. Inform your insurance provider of the incident as soon as possible—failing to report promptly can complicate your claim later.

4. Avoid Admitting Fault

Refrain from making statements admitting any responsibility—even casually. Liability can be complex, and initial impressions might be incorrect. Allow investigators and attorneys to determine the true facts of the case.

5. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney Early

Before speaking at length with insurance representatives or accepting settlements, consult an experienced attorney like Derek Pakiz. Insurance companies often pressure injured individuals to accept low settlements. Having knowledgeable legal representation ensures your rights are protected, and you receive guidance on each step forward.

At The Reeves Law Group, our Long Beach injury attorneys offer free consultations to discuss your case with no pressure or obligation. We handle communication with insurers, navigate complex paperwork, and advocate strongly for your full compensation—so you can focus solely on recovery.

Call (213) 271-9318 today for immediate assistance and advice.

How Much Compensation Can I Receive for My Injuries?

Your compensation depends on the details of your case—but every injured victim has the right to pursue full and fair financial recovery. Long Beach personal injury attorney Derek Pakiz works with medical and economic experts to calculate the true value of your losses—today and in the future.

Below are the key types of damages you may be entitled to under California law:

Economic Damages (Out-of-Pocket Financial Losses)

• Medical Expenses: Covers emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, medication, and long-term rehabilitation. For serious injuries, we also account for future medical costs.

• Lost Wages & Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover compensation for income already lost—and projected losses if you can’t return to your previous job or career.

• Other Expenses: This can include the cost of medical travel, in-home care, or home modifications for disability-related needs.

Non-Economic Damages (Personal Suffering)

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, mental distress, trauma, and the disruption of your daily life.

• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries limit your ability to engage in hobbies, travel, or family life.

• Emotional Distress: Especially common in serious injury and wrongful death cases, where victims may experience PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

Wrongful Death Damages (If You Lost a Loved One)

If a family member died due to someone’s negligence, you may be entitled to:

• Funeral and burial costs

• Loss of financial support

• Loss of companionship and emotional guidance

Punitive Damages (In Rare Cases)

In certain cases involving intentional misconduct or extreme negligence, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer. These are not guaranteed, but our team will pursue them where appropriate.

Why does this matter?

Insurance companies often undervalue claims or pressure victims to settle quickly. Without legal help, it’s easy to accept far less than your case is worth.

That’s why Derek Pakiz and the Long Beach personal injury attorneys at The Reeves Law Group fight for maximum compensation—based on real numbers, expert analysis, and your unique recovery needs.

Call (213) 271-9318 today to find out what your case may be worth. The consultation is free, and there’s no obligation.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Hiring a personal injury lawyer should never be a financial burden. That’s why Derek Pakiz and the Long Beach personal injury attorneys at The Reeves Law Group work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.

What does that mean?

• No Upfront Costs: You pay nothing out of pocket to start your case.

• No Hourly Rates or Retainers: There are no bills or surprise fees while your case is ongoing.

• We Advance All Case Costs: From filing fees to expert witnesses, we cover all expenses.

• You Only Pay If We Win: If we recover compensation for you, our fee is a percentage of that recovery. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

This arrangement ensures everyone has access to justice, regardless of financial situation. It also aligns our goals with yours—we only succeed when you do.

Call (213) 271-9318 to get started with a free, no-risk consultation today.

Who Can Be Held Liable for My Injuries?

Liability in a personal injury case is not always straightforward. In many situations, more than one party may be legally responsible for your injuries.

Who might be at fault?

• Another Driver: In car, motorcycle, or truck crashes, the at-fault motorist is often liable—but not always the only one.

• Employers or Businesses: If the at-fault driver was working, their employer may also be responsible.

• Government Entities: If poor road design, lack of signage, or a malfunctioning traffic light contributed, a city or state agency might be liable.

• Property Owners: For slip and fall accidents, landlords, business owners, or managers can be held accountable.

• Manufacturers: In product-related injuries, companies that made or sold defective items may be strictly liable.

• Third Parties: At job sites or in commercial spaces, other contractors or vendors may share fault.

The personal injury attorneys in Long Beach at The Reeves Law Group conduct a detailed investigation to identify every liable party. This is critical because the more parties involved, the more potential insurance coverage—and compensation—may be available.

By uncovering all responsible parties, Derek Pakiz ensures no one escapes accountability, and your financial recovery isn’t limited to a single source.

What If I Was Partially At Fault for the Accident?

Even if you were partially responsible, you can still recover compensation under California law.

California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault—but you’re not barred from recovering unless you’re 100% at fault.

Example:

If you were found 25% at fault in a $100,000 case, you would still receive $75,000. Even someone 90% at fault can technically recover 10% of their damages.

Why does this matter?

Insurance companies often blame the victim to reduce payouts. They may argue you weren’t paying attention, didn’t cross at a crosswalk, or should’ve seen the hazard. That’s why you need a skilled attorney like Derek Pakiz, who will gather evidence, use expert witnesses, and fight to minimize your share of fault.

If you’re unsure whether you share blame, don’t assume you have no case. Call (213) 271-9318 and let us evaluate the facts. You might still be entitled to substantial compensation.

Contact an Experienced Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyer Today

The aftermath of an accident can leave you overwhelmed and uncertain. But you don’t have to navigate this process alone. Long Beach personal injury attorney Derek Pakiz is here to help you reclaim control—by fighting for the full compensation you deserve.

With over 30 years of experience and more than $250 million recovered for injured clients, The Reeves Law Group’s Long Beach legal team brings skill, strategy, and compassion to every case. From car accidents on the 710 freeway to slip and falls at local businesses or wrongful deaths caused by negligence, we’re ready to act—immediately.

Our office is conveniently located at 1 World Trade Center, #800, right in Downtown Long Beach. We proudly serve injury victims throughout Belmont Shore, Signal Hill, Bixby Knolls, Lakewood, and surrounding communities. And if you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you—at your home or in the hospital.

Why Call Now?

• The consultation is 100% free

• There are no fees unless we win

• We’re available 24/7

• Evidence and witness memories fade quickly

• California’s strict filing deadlines apply

Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on recovery. Our compassionate, dedicated attorneys will walk you through every step—answering your questions, managing paperwork, and fighting aggressively on your behalf.

Call (213) 271-9318 or fill out our contact form now to speak with a Long Beach personal injury attorney. There’s no cost, no pressure—just real answers and real help, when you need it most.

[Written by Derek Pakiz. Page Updated 04/14/2025]