Riverside Car Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence or inattention, you have the right to pursue compensation. If your loved one died as a result of catastrophic injuries, you have the right to file a wrongful death claim. An experienced attorney can provide an honest assessment of your case.

At Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, we have decades of experience providing legal representation to individuals injured in car accidents. We will carefully assess your case and negotiate with the liable party’s insurance carrier to reach an appropriate settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, we will pursue the matter in court on your behalf.

Scott J. Corwin has been named a Southern California Super Lawyer for several years, placing him in the top 5 percent of attorneys. Scott has also been named a Member of the National Trial Lawyers Association Top 100 Trial Attorneys in California. Additionally, he holds an Avvo rating of 10.0 (“Superb”).

You may be entitled to compensation. Call (310) 683-2300 now for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Riverside

Car accidents can occur due to a variety of factors, often involving human error, environmental conditions, or mechanical failure. Here are some common causes:

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. It includes activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, using in-car technologies, or any other activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the road.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions. Speeding is a significant factor in many serious and fatal crashes.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and motor skills. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly increases the risk of causing an accident.
• Reckless Driving: Reckless driving includes aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, changing lanes abruptly without signaling, and running red lights or stop signs. Such behaviors increase the likelihood of collisions.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, fog, and ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, making it more challenging to control the vehicle and increasing the risk of accidents.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Ignoring traffic signals and signs can lead to severe side-impact or T-bone collisions, especially at intersections where cross-traffic is moving at high speeds.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Inexperienced drivers, including teenage drivers, may lack the skills and judgment needed to navigate complex driving situations safely. This inexperience can lead to errors and accidents.
• Drowsy Driving: Driving while fatigued or drowsy impairs a driver’s concentration, reaction time, and decision-making abilities. Falling asleep at the wheel or drifting into other lanes can result in severe accidents.
• Mechanical Failures: Mechanical issues such as brake failures, tire blowouts, and engine problems can lead to loss of vehicle control. Regular vehicle maintenance can help prevent such failures.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven road surfaces, lack of signage, and poorly maintained roads can contribute to accidents. Drivers may lose control of their vehicles when navigating these hazards.
• Tailgating: Following another vehicle too closely reduces the time available to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic flow. Tailgating often results in rear-end collisions.
• Improper Turns: Making illegal or unsafe turns, such as turning without signaling or turning from the wrong lane, can cause accidents, particularly at intersections or in heavy traffic.

Freeway Accidents in Riverside

The Riverside Freeway and California Highways 91 and 60 can be extremely dangerous due to the high volume of cars and sudden traffic slowdowns. If you have been injured in an accident on a freeway, it is in your best interest to consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

Riverside has one major freeway and a number of state highways that are used each day by thousands of drivers. One of the most dangerous traffic situations occurs when traffic suddenly slows or stops due to an accident or congestion. This can result in devastating rear-end collisions.

Many accidents are caused by a dangerous mixture of speed and distracted driving. Talking on a cell phone or reading a text message can take a driver’s eyes off the road long enough to lead to a multi-car pileup.

California Car Accident Laws

California operates under a fault-based system, meaning the party responsible for causing the accident is liable for the damages. This system requires the at-fault driver to compensate the other party for property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.

But what happens if the other driver involved believes you are partially to blame for causing the crash? California follows the doctrine of pure comparative negligence, which allows each party involved in an accident to recover damages based on their percentage of fault.

For example, if a driver is found to be 20% at fault for an accident, they can still recover 80% of their total damages from the other party. This system ensures that even if a driver is partially responsible for the accident, they can still receive compensation for their losses.

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in California is generally two years from the date of the accident. If the accident involves property damage, the injured party has three years to file a claim.

California law requires drivers to report any car accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days. Additionally, accidents involving injury or death must be reported to the police or California Highway Patrol (CHP) immediately. Failure to report can result in penalties, including fines and potential suspension of driving privileges.

How Scott J. Corwin Can Help You After an Accident

Our law firm will conduct a prompt investigation to determine all liable parties and demand maximum compensation for everything you have lost. You can count on us for personal attention, prompt communication, and professional handling of your case.

We have years of experience helping injured people through the insurance claims process. Attorney Scott J. Corwin understands that dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating while you are also handling issues like medical bills, lost time from work, and long and painful recuperation. By taking care of the legal and financial issues of your case, our goal is to give you the peace of mind you need, so that you can concentrate on your recovery.

With over 30 years of experience, Scott J. Corwin has successfully represented more than 3,000 injury victims and obtained recoveries totaling over $125 million. Scott is one of fewer than 700 lawyers nationwide who are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Get a free case evaluation by calling Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation at (310) 683-2300 or contacting us online today. We are dedicated to providing personal attention and quality representation throughout our representation.