Riverside Car Accident Attorney

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In an instant, your life can change. A driver gets distracted or does not hit the brakes in time, and a moment later, you may have sustained severe injuries or the loss of a loved one. Every 12 to 15 seconds, a car accident in the United States causes a fatality.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports car crashes as the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 16 and 24. Half of the 2.5 million people injured each year from crashes are left permanently disabled. Some impairing injuries might include brain damage or spinal cord injury. If you were injured in a car collision, our Riverside car accident attorneys can guide you through the legal process and recover compensation for your damages.

Meet Brian Panish, Adam K. Shea, & Rahul Ravipudi – Your Riverside Car Accident Attorneys

At Panish | Shea| Ravipudi LLP, our partners Brian Panish, Adam K. Shea & Rahul Ravipudi have consistently earned recognition for excellence from fellow trial lawyers, legal organizations, and national publications. The firm has been honored with a “Tier 1” ranking in Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®, the highest level awarded. Additionally, the National Law Journal ranks us among the nation’s top 12 Plaintiff’s law firms.

With billions secured in settlements by our top Riverside personal injury lawyers, we’re confident we can handle any case you have for us. Let us help you receive the compensation and the justice that you deserve.

How Can a Riverside Car Accident Lawyer Help?

If your life has changed significantly due to a traffic accident, you may want to call an accident attorney to help you with your car accident claim and gain compensation for your losses. Whether your losses include property damages or medical expenses, the loss of a loved one, property loss, lost income, or other losses, our Riverside personal injury attorneys are experienced in car accident claims and can help you win the compensation you need to get you back on your feet.

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Insurance companies are only interested in offering the lowest possible settlement, so make sure you speak to an attorney before you settle early on with an insurance company. The financial assistance you gain from a car accident lawsuit can help fund medical treatments and cover property losses. It can compensate you for lost income due to disability leave or help you pay for funeral arrangements. Pursuing a lawsuit can also help protect other drivers from being inflicted with similar losses.

What Are The Common Causes of Car Accidents In Riverside?

Some of the top driver-related causes of traffic accidents in the nation include:

Speeding: Driving over the speed limit or too fast for road conditions is a leading cause of accidents. It reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden hazards.
Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, making unsafe lane changes, or running red lights, often lead to collisions.
Driving While Drowsy: Fatigue impairs judgment, reaction time, and awareness, contributing to accidents.
Distracted Driving: Using a cell phone, eating, or engaging in other distractions while driving can lead to accidents as drivers take their attention off the road.
Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drugs impair coordination, judgment, and reaction time, making impaired driving a major cause of accidents. Speak to a drunk-driving lawyer in Riverside for more information.
Inexperienced Drivers: Novice drivers may lack the skills or judgment to handle unexpected situations, increasing the risk of accidents.

In addition to driver-related causes, road and weather conditions can also contribute to accidents:

Road Conditions: Poor road conditions, such as sharp turns, potholes, or poorly marked intersections, can lead to accidents.
Weather Conditions: Ice, snow, rain, or fog can reduce visibility and road traction, making accidents more likely.
Vehicle Defects: Issues with vehicle design, manufacturing, or maintenance, such as tire blowouts, can cause accidents.

Understanding these common causes is crucial for accident attorneys when forming a case. The opportunity for a lawsuit depends on who was involved in the accident and the circumstances surrounding it. Right-of-way laws and other regulations will guide your Riverside car accident attorney’s approach.

Additionally, knowing these crash types promotes defensive driving, helping you reduce the likelihood of being involved in an accident.

What Are Some Common Riverside Car Accident Injuries?

Car accidents in Riverside, CA, can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts to life-threatening conditions. The severity and type of injury depend on factors such as the speed of the crash, the nature of the collision, and the use of safety equipment like seatbelts. Below are some of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents, each of which can have significant impacts on a victim’s health and recovery. Understanding these injuries is important for both seeking proper medical treatment and pursuing legal action.

Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when the neck is suddenly jolted forward and backward, commonly in rear-end collisions. It can lead to neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness, and sometimes chronic discomfort.
Fractures and Broken Bones: Impact from a car accident can cause broken bones in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. These injuries can be severe and often require surgery, casting, and a lengthy recovery period.
Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A blow to the head during a crash can cause concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries. Symptoms can include confusion, memory loss, headaches, dizziness, and in severe cases, long-term cognitive or physical impairment. Speak to a Riverside brain injury lawyer for more information.
Spinal Cord Injuries:
Injuries to the spinal cord can lead to partial or full paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury. These injuries often require immediate medical intervention and long-term care. Our spinal cord injury attorneys in Riverside are here for you.
Soft Tissue Injuries:
Soft tissue injuries include damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Sprains, strains, and contusions can cause pain, swelling, and bruising. While these injuries may heal over time, they can cause long-term discomfort.
Internal Injuries:
Car accidents can cause damage to internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, or spleen, often resulting in internal bleeding. These injuries may not be immediately visible and require emergency medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications.
Lacerations and Cuts:
Shattered glass, metal, or debris from a collision can cause deep cuts and lacerations. In severe cases, these can lead to scarring or permanent disfigurement. Some injuries may require stitches or plastic surgery.
Burns:
Burns can occur from vehicle fires, exposure to hot surfaces, or chemicals released during the crash. Severe burns may require skin grafts, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation.
Emotional and Psychological Injuries:
Car accidents can lead to emotional trauma, such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or depression. Psychological recovery is just as important as physical healing and may require therapy or counseling.

What Are The Most Dangerous Highways And Roads In Riverside?

As of 2023, Riverside County continues to experience a significant number of traffic-related fatalities. Notably, Interstate 10 in Riverside County reported 31 deaths in 2023, an increase from 25 in 2018.

High-Risk Areas in Riverside County

Interstate 10 (I-10): This major east-west freeway has been identified as one of the deadliest in the state, with a reported 31 fatalities in 2023.
Interstate 15 (I-15): Serving as a primary route between Southern California and Las Vegas, I-15 in San Bernardino County saw 48 fatalities in 2023, up from 33 in 2018.
State Route 91 (SR-91): This heavily traveled corridor connecting Riverside and Orange counties is known for significant congestion, contributing to its status as a high-risk area.

If a loved one has died as a result of a car crash, do not hesitate to contact our Riverside wrongful death attorneys to help with your case.

What Happens If I Am at Fault in a Car Accident?

If you were in a motor vehicle accident and you are found to be at fault for it, then you will be held responsible for property damages and any injuries that the other parties sustained. It is important to hire a skilled Riverside car accident lawyer after an accident to make sure that liability is accurately determined.

What Other Cases Can Our Riverside Car Accident Lawyers Assist With?

When we partner with you, your cause becomes ours. It is more likely that we will win your compensation than not. Our Riverside auto accident lawyers address every type of car accident case, including those involving:

Motorcycle accidents
Commercial vehicles
Product defects
Truck accidents
Vehicle recalls
Pedestrian accidents
Poor roadway planning or maintenance.
And more.

Riverside Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do Right After a Car Accident in Riverside?

Move to safety, call 911, and seek immediate medical attention—even if your injuries seem minor. Take photos, gather witness contact details, and exchange information with the other driver. Document everything, as it may be essential to your injury claim.

Do I Have to Report a Car Accident in California?

Yes. If the accident caused injury, death, or property damage over $1,000, you must report it to the California DMV within 10 days using Form SR-1. This is required even if a police report has already been filed.

Can I Recover Compensation If I Was Partially Responsible for the Crash?

Yes. California uses a “pure comparative negligence” system. This means your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault—but you can still recover damages even if you were mostly at fault.

What If the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you may still receive compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), if included in your policy. A lawyer can help you navigate this process.

Can I File a Claim as a Passenger in a Car Accident?

Yes. Injured passengers have the right to seek compensation from any at-fault parties, including the driver of the vehicle they were in, another driver, or even multiple parties if fault is shared.

What Types of Compensation Can I Claim After a Car Accident?

Depending on your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Emergency medical treatment
Future medical care or rehabilitation
Lost wages and future earning potential
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Emotional distress

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in California?

You typically have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government vehicle or agency was involved, the deadline could be as short as six months.

Will My Insurance Premiums Go Up After I File a Claim?

It depends. If you’re not found at fault, your rates may not change. However, if your insurer determines you were responsible, your premiums may increase. Each insurance provider handles this differently.

Should I Accept the First Settlement Offer From the Insurance Company?

Not without speaking to a lawyer first. Initial offers often undervalue your claim. An attorney can assess your case and negotiate for a settlement that reflects the true cost of your injuries and losses.

What Should I Do If the At-Fault Driver Left the Scene?

In a hit-and-run accident, contact the police immediately and gather any identifying details about the other vehicle. Then file a report and notify your insurance. If you have UM coverage, it may help cover your damages.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any upfront costs. Instead, the lawyer is paid a percentage of the settlement or verdict only if they win your case.

How Do I Choose the Best Car Accident Lawyer in Riverside?

Look for the following qualities:

Proven experience handling car accident cases
A strong record of verdicts and settlements
Positive client reviews and testimonials
Willingness to take your case to trial if needed
Clear communication and free consultations

What Evidence Will Help Support My Car Accident Claim?

Helpful evidence includes:

Police reports
Medical records
Photographs of the scene and injuries
Witness statements
Traffic camera or dashcam footage
Expert evaluations (if needed)

A lawyer can help you gather and organize this documentation to strengthen your case.

Contact A Riverside Car Accident Lawyer Today

We take leadership roles in national class-action lawsuits and have been nominated repeatedly for professional honors, including Trial Lawyer of the Year. Our car accident lawyers in Riverside are experts in helping accident victims. Call us at (951) 363-2410 or contact us online for your free, no-obligation legal consultation in Riverside.