Riverside Car Accident Lawyer

Riverside Car Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in a car accident in Riverside, you may be able to get compensation for the damages you suffered, even if you were partially at fault. To know if you have a valid car accident claim, contact a Riverside car accident lawyer to assist you with your case and learn what your options are. Having a legal professional by your side can make a big difference in the outcome of your claim and your settlement amount.

A Riverside Native Car Accident Lawyer

The Law Office of Michael S. Johnson is a well-established law firm with roots in the Inland Empire area. Mr. Johnson knows the Riverside legal system very well and is currently a sitting director on the Consumer Attorneys of the Inland Empire board. He understands how challenging it can be to obtain your settlement. Let him help you secure compensation for your personal injury damages.

Car Accidents in Riverside, California

Riverside has a considerable number of car accidents. In fact, Riverside County ranked third in the state with 115 speeding-related fatalities in 2021. The same year, Riverside County ranked fourth for serious injuries related to car accidents caused by speeding, with 260. While these numbers are jarring, they only represent accidents caused by speeding drivers.

In 2021, Riverside County was one of four California counties with 200+ alcohol-related serious injuries from car accidents. There were also over 16,000 car accident-related injuries in the entire state of California that same year.

Car accident injuries are caused by a number of different driving behaviors, including distracted driving, driving under the influence, and rear-end collisions. Needless to say, car accidents in Riverside happen more often than they should, and many people are injured as a result. The city of Riverside includes more than 750 miles of surface streets, as well as 30 miles of highways. No matter how careful you are, accidents are bound to happen.

Every weekday morning, residents of Riverside and towns to the east, like Moreno Valley, travel westward to LA. It doesn’t take long for traffic to back up in both directions. In the afternoons, the pattern reverses, as the workday wraps up and commuters hastily try to get home. Accidents occur frequently on SR 60 and SR 91, which come in from the east and west, merge with I-215 running north and south, and intersect in Riverside. From here, it’s a direct route into LA.

What to Do if You Are Involved in a Car Accident

Being in a car accident can be an overwhelming experience. After all, no one expects to get in an accident. However, you can prepare ahead of time by learning what steps to take if an accident occurs. Below is a loose guideline for what to do following a car accident that will fit the majority of car accidents in Riverside.

First, stop your car immediately. Never leave the scene of an accident. As soon as you are able, determine if there are injuries. If there are injuries, call 911; otherwise, call the police. It is always a good idea to call the police for your own protection. If you plan to file an insurance claim, you will likely need a police report. If the accident was a hit-and-run, you are required to call the police and report it, as a crime was committed.

Next, you should collect the names and contact information, as well as driver’s license numbers, insurance companies and policy numbers, and license plate numbers from all parties involved, including drivers and passengers. If bicyclists or pedestrians were involved, ask for their information as well. If there were any eyewitnesses to the accident, try to collect information from these individuals also.

The California Department of Insurance recommends comparing their registration to their driver’s licenses and checking for accuracy. The insurance commissioner also recommends taking pictures of any damage to any cars, including your car and other vehicles. You should also take video footage or pictures of the scene of the accident. Document any visual obstacles or traffic controls present.

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Also, notify the DMV within 10 days of the accident if injuries occurred or if vehicle damage exceeded $750. Failure to follow this law could result in the suspension of driving privileges for anyone involved in the accident.

What Not to Do at the Scene of a Car Accident

It is important that you remain calm following an accident. Do not attempt to argue with other drivers or passengers regarding what happened or who or what caused the accident. This is especially important because you could incriminate yourself if you inadvertently admit guilt.

Do not sign any statement regarding fault or make any promises to pay damages to other involved parties. You should never admit fault anyway, whether at the scene of the accident or thereafter to law enforcement, other drivers, passengers, witnesses, or any other parties. You should even refrain from posting about your accident on social media until after your case is closed.

If another driver involved in the accident offers to pay for your deductible or pay for your vehicle damages, do not make any agreement or sign anything of this nature. Finally, do not refuse to share your information with other drivers.

Statute of Limitations in California

California defines deadlines for filing a claim against another party. Different types of claims have different deadlines, also called statutes of limitations. For personal injury claims, such as those that occurred as a result of a car accident, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury.

However, the statute of limitations for filing a claim for property damage is three years from the date that the damage was done. Therefore, if you were not injured or if you just wanted to file damages for property losses, you could do so up to one year longer than for personal injury claims.

Pure Comparative Fault in California

California practices pure comparative fault in regard to the liability of car accidents and insurance claim settlements. This means that drivers can collect compensation for damages or injuries even if they are partially at fault for the accident. For instance, a driver who is 30% at fault for their accident could collect 70% of their damages from another at-fault driver or from multiple at-fault drivers.

This law is why it is so important to consult with a car accident attorney. In the event you are found partially liable, it can only benefit you to know to what extent you are liable. An attorney can help if there is a need to verify or contest liability for an accident.

The Benefits You Receive When You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

Most people don’t realize the advantages of a Riverside car accident attorney. When you hire a car accident lawyer with experience, they can apply their knowledge of California car accident laws to your case. This can benefit plaintiffs significantly. Some of the ways a lawyer can help with a car accident claim are:

• Provide experienced and educated knowledge of personal injury law, backing your claim, and protecting your rights
• Share informed legal advice with you to ensure you exercise your rights
• Utilize seasoned, investigative skills to review police reports, medical records, and statements from eyewitnesses and compile substantial evidence for your case
• Call on accident recreation professionals if liability is contested
• Calculate an accurate assessment of damages and losses, such as property damages, medical expenses, and lost wages, to the insurance company
• Negotiate with insurance adjusters to obtain the maximum amount that you are entitled to for your injury
• Present a strong and solid case for your claim
• Litigate on your behalf if you have to go to trial
• Deliver the assurance that all legal procedures are followed correctly, all paperwork is filed in a timely manner, and that all evidence is submitted to the court on your behalf.

By employing a Riverside car accident lawyer, you will receive all of the above benefits, but you will also obtain the peace of mind you need to focus on your health and physical recovery. Above all, an attorney will advocate for you and optimize the outcome of your case.

Why Choose Us?

The Law Office of Michael S. Johnson has a deep understanding of California laws to help you with your car accident claim. Mr. Johnson’s practice is exclusive to personal injury law, so he is skilled and effective with personal injury claims. This is reiterated in his proven track record and positive customer testimonials.

With a background in defense litigation for large corporations and insurance companies, he can anticipate the tactics the defense will use to devalue your claim. When you need a Riverside car accident lawyer you can trust, count on The Law Office of Michael S. Johnson.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in California?

A: Legal fees for a car accident lawyer in California are typically paid via contingency fee. This means that the lawyer’s fee is contingent on whether their client wins their case. If they do not win, the lawyer doesn’t collect a fee. If they do win and a settlement is awarded, they receive a percentage of the final award amount.

At The Law Office of Michael S. Johnson, you never have to worry about paying upfront legal fees.

Q: Should I Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident in California?

A: It is generally recommended that anyone injured in a car accident in California hire a car accident lawyer for advice on their personal injury claim. Additionally, an individual at fault for a car accident injury is recommended to secure legal representation. If you need a lawyer to assist you with your accident claim and optimize your personal injury settlement or defend your liability in a car accident, an attorney can be crucial for obtaining an optimal outcome.

Q: What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in California?

A: There isn’t an average amount for California car accident settlements, per se. The final award amount for a personal injury claim can vary from case to case. A lot of different factors will ultimately affect an award amount, including the severity of the damages, the percentage of liability among parties, and the skill of your car accident attorney. Negotiations with insurance companies can greatly affect the settlement in a car accident claim, so a good attorney is crucial.

Q: Do Insurance Companies Want You to Get a Lawyer?

A: Insurance companies generally do not want claimants to get a lawyer. You may think the job of an insurance adjuster is to cover expenses for their company’s policyholders. However, their job is to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible. That is, if they cannot get away with denying a claim altogether. Therefore, plaintiffs with lawyers are going to typically get the most money for their claim, where there is very little opportunity for claim denials.

Q: Can You Collect Money on a Personal Injury Claim in California if You Are 99% at Fault?

A: Yes, under the pure comparative negligence law, even if you are 99% at fault for an accident, theoretically, you could collect 1% of the damages you incurred. This might not be very lucrative for small claims. However, it may be practical if the damages are very high, when the other party is only liable to pay 1% of your damages.

Partner With a Qualified Riverside Car Accident Law Firm

If you have recently been involved in a car accident and you need an exceptional personal injury lawyer, call The Law Office of Michael S. Johnson. Mr. Johnson is well-equipped with the resources and know-how you need to maximize your settlement for your car accident injury claim. Get in touch with his office and schedule an appointment for a free consultation and get started securing a settlement to cover the full scope of your damages.