Best Car Accident Attorneys In Riverside, California
At Wilshire Law Firm, our legal team helps individuals or their families whose lives have been impacted by a car accident.
Our Riverside car accident lawyers know how to deal with the legal system and insurance companies so that you can be compensated if another party’s negligence causes your accident.
Let’s discuss your situation and help you understand your rights. We offer free consultations and are eager to work with you.
Table of Contents
- Best Car Accident Attorneys In Riverside, California
- Why Partner with Our Exceptional Riverside Car Accident Lawyers?
- Why Do Car Accidents Happen?
- Common Types of Car Accidents in Riverside
- Riverside Car Accident Statistics
- What Are the Leading Causes of Vehicle Crashes?
- Common Auto Collision Injuries
- What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Car Accident?
- Who Is Liable for Your Car Accident Injuries?
- Statute of Limitations in Riverside Automobile Accident Claims
- Compensation for Your Car Accident Damages
- Car Crash Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Win With Wilshire: Schedule Your Free Consultation with a Riverside Car Accident Attorney Today
Riverside Car Accident Attorney
Why Partner with Our Exceptional Riverside Car Accident Lawyers?
With so many drivers on California roads and a public transportation system that has yet to catch up with the increasing population in Southern California’s major cities, car accidents almost seem inevitable.
If you’re an auto accident victim needing an attorney, what you do following your accident is essential for your future. Speaking to one of our qualified Riverside car accident lawyers is the best way to help you get the compensation you need due to your accident.
At Wilshire Law Firm, our lawyers have over 15 years of experience representing clients injured in car accidents. They will guide you through the legal process and work hard to get you the compensation you may be entitled to.
Why Do Car Accidents Happen?
With features like autonomous braking, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision warning hitting the market over the past two decades, it’s clear that car manufacturers are investing in technologies that prevent accidents and keep drivers and passengers safer.
Vehicles may be safer than they’ve ever been. However, despite the accident prevention measures introduced, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently reported that 37,461 people were killed in 34,436 fatal motor vehicle crashes (102 per day).
Riverside Car Crash Contributing Factors
Even though vehicles might be safer now, driving a car is still an everyday activity that people shouldn’t take lightly.
One of the most significant contributing factors to car accidents is driver error. Additionally, car accidents tend to take place for the following reasons:
- Cell phones, conversations with passengers, and even something as innocent as changing the station on the radio can lead to an auto accident and be considered distracted driving.
- Fatal crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver accounted for 29 percent of all traffic fatalities in a recent year.
- Speeding was cited as a contributing factor in more than 10,000 traffic fatalities.
- Poor or unsafe road conditions can contribute to vehicle accidents. Cars may hydroplane, slip out of control, or suddenly veer into the path of another vehicle. However, it’s the driver’s responsibility to adjust to the conditions accordingly.
- Roads that aren’t adequately maintained by government authorities can contribute to car accidents.
- If a car isn’t properly maintained or is designed, built, or sold with defective parts, a mechanical malfunction can cause a vehicular crash.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Riverside
A Riverside car accident attorney at Wilshire Law Firm understands that determining the type of car crash is critical for seeking compensation. If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident, chances are that it was one of these common accident types:
- Head-on collisions
- Hit and run accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Side-impact or T-bone collisions
- Low-impact collisions
- Pile-up/Multi-car accidents
- Left-turn accidents
- Intersection accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
- Merging accidents
- Failure to yield accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Single-car accidents
Riverside Car Accident Statistics
Auto accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. According to shaperivco.org, deaths due to car accidents are rising steadily each year in Riverside. Here are some more Riverside statistics about drivers involved in car accidents:
- Recently, Riverside had the second-highest rate of persons killed in alcohol-involved crashes after Los Angeles County.
- The number of injuries or deaths as a result of truck crashes in Riverside is steadily rising each year.
- Riverside licenses over 1.5 million drivers yearly, or about half its population.
- Riverside had the fourth-highest number of injuries as a result of an auto accident in California one year.
- According to Statista, a majority of deaths from motor vehicles in California involve passenger cars, with light trucks and motorcycles accounting for a smaller portion of such deaths.
- In 2017, October saw the highest number of injuries from motor vehicle accidents in California, while February saw the least.
- Car accidents that result in injury in California are much more likely to occur during the day than at night.
What Are the Leading Causes of Vehicle Crashes?
Despite all of the built-in safety features of modern vehicles, there are a variety of causes of car accidents and crashes. Seasoned Riverside car accident attorneys at Wilshire Law Firm can help you seek appropriate compensation for any injuries resulting from the accident.
Here are the leading causes of car accidents:
- Driving or bicycling under the influence of alcohol or drug
- Impeding traffic
- Unsafe speed
- Following too closely
- Wrong side of the road
- Improper passing
- Unsafe lane change
- Improper turning
- Auto right-of-way
- Pedestrian right-of-way
- Pedestrian violation
- Traffic signals and signs
- Unsafe starting or backing
The cause of the auto accident is always an important factor in determining and obtaining monetary compensation for the victim. Contacting a Riverside car accident attorney at Wilshire Law Firm can help you receive the financial damages you may be entitled to.
Common Auto Collision Injuries
Recently, nearly 3.2 million people were injured in motor vehicle crashes, according to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Don’t be fooled; even low-impact and low-speed accidents can cause serious injuries. Some of the most common car accident and truck accident injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Internal bleeding
- Broken bone(s)
- Amputation
- Road rash/cuts
- Emotional distress
After a car accident or truck accident, you need to go to the doctor to determine the true extent of your injuries. Wilshire Law Firm’s extensive network can help put accident victims on their path to recovery.
What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Car Accident?
It’s important to be prepared if you are involved in a car accident. You should take specific steps to protect your physical health and legal rights.
- Move all vehicles out of the roadway, if possible.
- Evaluate the people involved in the accident for injuries, and call for emergency medical services. Even drivers who don’t think they are seriously hurt should be examined by a medical professional as soon as possible.
- Call the police and request an ambulance as well, if necessary. Ask the police to create a detailed accident report for your records.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s). Don’t admit liability at the scene or when speaking with the other party’s insurance company.
- Take pictures of the damage with your cell phone and the accident scene. Get the contact information of any witnesses, and gather any debris that may have broken off from your vehicle in the accident.
- Get in touch with a Riverside car accident lawyer at Wilshire Law Firm.
Riverside Car Accident Lawyer Free Consultation
Who Is Liable for Your Car Accident Injuries?
Who is at fault in a car accident is determined by negligence. A person is negligent when their behavior is thoughtless or careless and causes injury to another person or themselves.
A defensive driver utilizes safe strategies to address identified hazards predictably. These strategies can go well beyond knowing basic traffic laws and regulations.
If the driver of a vehicle is not driving defensibly near another, they may be found guilty of negligence and liable for injuring the accident victim. The team at our car accident law firm in Riverside will provide you with a lawyer well-versed in determining negligence in auto accidents.
Statute of Limitations in Riverside Automobile Accident Claims
In most cases, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the accident date. Still, many factors can either shorten or lengthen the time a victim has to file a claim following an accident.
To protect your claim, talk to a lawyer at Wilshire Law Firm so you can receive the maximum compensation you’re entitled to. Our Zero Fee Guarantee means our clients aren’t charged a cent in legal fees unless and until we make a recovery.
Compensation for Your Car Accident Damages
The actual cost of a seemingly minor accident can quickly become expensive; injuries can take months, even years to fully heal, and lost wages and other expenses can begin to pile up.
You may be entitled to the following car accident compensation:
- Past and future medical bills; Lost wages; Lost earning potential; Necessary home or vehicle modifications; Repair/replacement services such as child care or home and vehicle maintenance
- Physical pain and suffering; Loss of consortium; Emotional distress
What is the most critical key to successfully proving your car accident claim? Identifying the liable party or parties.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, several parties may ultimately be found liable for the damages you have suffered, including:
- Other drivers
- Vehicle owners
- Driver employers (if the other driver was on the clock)
- Manufacturers/Shipping companies/Retailers/Marketers
California also follows a system called Pure Comparative Fault. Also known as Pure Comparative Negligence, this system reduces the compensation awarded to car accident victims by their degree of fault in an accident.
Another factor that can impact your case is if the at-fault driver doesn’t have car insurance. Unfortunately, many drivers here in California are either uninsured or underinsured. Some insurance industry studies place the percentage of uninsured drivers in California at more than 15%.
Car Crash Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What should I bring to my first consultation?
Having as much information as possible will help us assess your case. Consider bringing:
- Accident report or police report
- Medical records and bills
- Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries
- Insurance information (yours and the other party’s)
- Contact information for any witnesses
- Documentation of lost wages or other financial losses
If you don’t have all these items, don’t worry—our team can help gather the necessary details.
2. How long does it take to resolve a car accident case?
The timeline depends on the complexity of your case. Some claims settle within a few months, while others may take a year or more. Rest assured, we’ll work diligently to resolve your case as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.
3. What is the legal process for a car accident case?
The process usually includes:
- We will discuss your case and available options.
- We gather evidence like accident reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- We negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company for a fair settlement.
- If the other side can’t reach an agreement, we’re prepared to take your case to court.
4. Can I still file a claim if I didn’t see a doctor right after the accident?
Yes, but you need to see a medical professional as soon as possible. Delaying medical care could hurt your case, as insurance companies may argue your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
5. How much compensation can I expect to receive?
Every case is unique, and compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and emotional distress. Our attorneys will work to ensure you receive fair compensation for all your losses.
Riverside Car Accident Law Firm
Win With Wilshire: Schedule Your Free Consultation with a Riverside Car Accident Attorney Today
Wilshire Law Firm understands the challenges that a car accident can bring. We fight every single day to get accident victims the justice they deserve.
With more than $900,000,000 recovered for our clients, our compassionate, client-first approach is proven to get results. To find out how the best auto accident attorneys in Riverside can help you, contact Wilshire Law Firm at (951) 749-5800 or fill out our online contact form.
We have 24/7 support, so someone will be available for you immediately.