Riverside Car Accident Lawyer

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Riverside Auto Accident Attorney

At The JLF Firm, our Riverside car accident attorney provides the legal representation that victims and families can trust. Following a bad crash, you must have the support that you need. If you or your loved one was hurt in a motor vehicle wreck in Riverside, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free, no obligation initial consultation.

What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Crash in Riverside

Were you involved in a motor vehicle crash in Riverside? You must take prompt action to protect yourself and your legal rights. You cannot rely on any insurance company to step up and protect your best interests after a crash. Here are five of the most important steps to take after a motor vehicle wreck in Riverside:

• Stop Your Car and Exchange Information: California law requires drivers involved in an accident to stop and exchange information, even if the crash seems minor. You should make sure that you fulfill this obligation after a crash in Riverside.

• Call the Police to Report the Collision: A police report provides an official record of the accident, which is critical evidence for your case. Law enforcement can document fault, witness statements, and other key details that strengthen your claim.

• Seek Prompt Medical Care for Any Injuries: All car accident injuries should be evaluated and treated by a doctor. Getting medical attention immediately protects both your health and your legal rights. You cannot bring a claim without medical records.

• Document the Scene of the Riverside Accident: California is a fault-based car accident state. You need as much information as possible from the scene of the wreck. Take pictures, get witness statements, and preserve other information.

• Speak to a Lawyer Before an Insurance Adjuster: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by getting you to make statements against your own interests. The best thing you can do after a crash is to speak to a top Riverside car accident attorney.

Know the Deadline: Statute of Limitations

Car accident injury claims are time-sensitive. You need to be proactive after a crash. Otherwise, you could miss out on your right to take legal action at all. California has a strict two-year statute of limitations for car accident injury claims. Only limited exceptions apply to the rule. If you fail to bring a claim promptly, you could miss out on your right to recover compensation at all. Be proactive: Speak to a Riverside car accident lawyer right away after a collision.

An Overview of Car Accident Liability in California

California is a fault-based car accident state. How and why a crash happens matters a lot for your claim. Car accident liability is based on fault, and fault is based on negligence. In California, the driver (or other party) who caused the crash through careless or reckless conduct can be held legally responsible. Every serious accident in Riverside should be carefully investigated to figure out exactly what went wrong.

California follows a pure comparative negligence system. Even if a victim is partially at fault, they can still recover damages reduced by their percentage of fault. As an example, imagine that you suffered $50,000 in damages in a crash in Riverside. If you were assigned 20 percent blame, you would be liable for 20 percent of your own damages ($10,000). You do not want to get stuck with unfair blame for a crash in California. It could cost you a lot of money.

We Help Victims in Riverside Fight for the Maximum Compensation

In Riverside, car accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their damages, including both economic losses and non-economic losses. How much can you expect to recover in any specific case? The answer depends on a wide range of factors.

Notably, you cannot count on any insurance company to look out for your best interests. Our Riverside, CA auto accident attorneys can help. Along with other damages, you may be able to recover for:

• Vehicle repairs or replacement;
• Emergency medical treatment;
• Hospital bills and related health costs;
• Physical therapy and long-term care;
• Pain and suffering and mental distress;
• Long-term physical disability; and
• Wrongful death of a family member.

How Our Riverside Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help

Car accidents are stressful, frustrating, and at times overwhelming. At The JLF Firm, we are here to help take the stress and burden off your shoulders. A proactive approach to the claims process is a must. With a proven record of case results, our firm puts victims first.

When you contact us at our Riverside law office, you will have a chance to speak to a California motor vehicle accident attorney who can:

• Conduct a free, comprehensive review and evaluation of your case.
• Investigate your crash in Riverside, gathering all relevant evidence.
• Advocate for you in settlement discussions with insurers.
• Take your claim as far as it needs to go to maximize your compensation.

Car Accident Claims in Riverside: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I have to report a car accident to the police in California?

Yes. California law requires you to report an accident to the local police or California Highway Patrol if someone is injured, killed, or if property damage exceeds $1,000. You must also file a written report with the DMV (Form SR-1) within 10 days of the accident. The failure to report a crash could make it more difficult to pursue a successful claim.

Do I have to notify my insurance company after a car accident, even if I wasn’t at fault?

Yes. In California, most insurance policies require prompt notice of any accident, regardless of fault. If you fail to report, your insurer may try to deny coverage later. Notifying your insurer does not prevent you from pursuing a claim against the at-fault driver.

What if the other driver does not have insurance?

You will be left dealing with a frustrating situation, but you are by no means out of options. If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still recover financial compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This type of insurance can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Our Riverside, CA uninsured motorist accident attorney can help.

How does fault get determined in a California car accident?

Fault is determined based on evidence. Relevant evidence includes things like police reports, witness statements, and photographs. Remember, California follows a comparative negligence system. Fault can be shared between drivers. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of responsibility. A thorough investigation of a car accident in Riverside is a must.

How much does it cost to hire a top Riverside car accident attorney?

With The JLF Firm, you never have to worry about any upfront costs or out-of-pocket fees. If you do not get paid, then we do not get paid. It is as simple as that. Our interests are completely aligned with your interests. You can always afford a top-rated Riverside car accident lawyer. Your initial consultation with our attorney is free, confidential, and without any further obligations.

Contact Our Riverside Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Review

At The JLF Firm, our Riverside car crash attorney is standing by, ready to help you navigate every step of the legal claims process. Hurt in a motor vehicle crash? Give us a call now or contact our firm online for a no-cost, no-obligation case review. Our firm represents car accident victims in Riverside, Riverside County, and all across Southern California. We fight for clients in all local zip codes, including 92501 and 92503.