Getting hurt in a car accident in Riverside can result in injuries, medical expenses, and questions about your future. Jacoby & Meyers Riverside personal injury lawyers are available to help explain your legal options.
Our law firm’s philosophy is to help clients understand the legal process so they can make informed decisions while pursuing compensation.
Our top-rated personal injury law firm can assist you during this time.
Contact our Riverside car accident lawyers at (951) 720-3007 for a free case evaluation.
Why Choose Us?
Choosing the right car accident lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your case. With several nearby law firms to choose from, here’s why local injury and accident victims trust Jacoby & Meyers:
- Jacoby & Meyers has been representing individuals and their family members in California for more than 50 years. Our Riverside car accident lawyers have experience handling car accident cases, including truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, rideshare accidents, and pedestrian accidents.
- Our law firm has represented many clients across California. Our team takes pride in handling each case with care and attention.
- We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t owe us anything unless your personal injury lawyer wins your case.
Our Car Accident Case Results
Our car accident lawyers have a track record of success. We have recovered over $2 billion on behalf of local accident victims in Riverside County and across the Inland Empire. Some of our car accident case results include:
$19 Million
Ride Share Passenger
V.
Auto/Quadriplegic
$9.24 Million
Auto
V.
Pedestrian/Spinal Cord Injury
$8 Million
Auto
V.
Truck
Past results depend on the specific facts of each case and do not guarantee a similar outcome. Amounts listed are gross recoveries before attorney fees and costs.
Client Testimonials
“I had an excellent experience with Jacoby and Meyers. Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer my questions. Gloria handled my case with expertise and care, ensuring everything went smoothly from the start. I truly appreciate her dedication and attention to detail. If you need a reliable and trustworthy law firm, I highly recommend them!”
– Daniela A.
“I am happy to have called Jacoby & Meyers to represent me after my car accident. I was assigned a case manager her name is Alexis Perez. She is absolutely amazing. Alexis was never too busy to handle my legal issues or to answer all of my questions. She helped find the medical assistance I needed. I received Chiropractor services and MRIs close to my home. I felt secure and I good hands. I am very thankful.“
– Nancy S.
“Jacob & Meyers is the best, they handled our case immediately. Thank you for caring about us and getting us through this horrible thing that happened to us. Emily and the team are top-notch. If you’re looking for the best lawyers to fight for you, look no further; they will take care of your case.“
– Leslie J.
Riverside Car Accident Resources & FAQs
- Common Causes of Car Accidents in Riverside, CA
- Types of Car Accidents We Handle in Riverside, CA
- Steps to Take After a Car Crash in Riverside, CA
- California’s Fault-Based Car Accident Laws
- Understanding California’s Pure Comparative Negligence Laws
- How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Riverside?
- Recoverable Compensation in Riverside Car Accident Claims
- How Much Is My Riverside Car Accident Case Worth?
- Additional Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact Our Riverside Car Accident Lawyers Today
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Riverside, CA
Motor vehicle collisions occur daily in Riverside County, California.
In 2022, 1,764 victims were injured and killed in car accidents in the City of Riverside, and 15,151 in Riverside County.
Most car accidents reported in Riverside are caused by driver error and negligence, or a lack of proper care.
Examples include:
- Distracted driving
- Texting and driving/cellphone use
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Tailgating
- Drowsy driving
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Other traffic violations
While auto accidents can happen anywhere, some of the most heavily traveled roads in Riverside include I-10, I-15, the Sierra Highway, and intersections such as Magnolia Avenue and Tyler Street.
Injured in a Car Crash?
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Types of Car Accidents We Handle in Riverside, CA
As your lawyers, Jacoby & Meyers will provide you with information to help you make decisions regarding your Riverside car accident claim.
We handle the following types of cases, among others:
- Uber accidents
- Lyft accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone or side-impact crashes
- Head-on collisions
- Sideswipe or lane-change accidents
- Multivehicle pileups
- Hit-and-run incidents
- Single-vehicle accidents
- Rollovers
- Drunk driving accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle collisions
Our attorneys can explain the laws and legal issues that apply to your specific type of accident case.
If your loved one lost their life in an auto accident, our Riverside wrongful death attorneys can assist in filing a wrongful death claim.
Steps to Take After a Car Crash in Riverside, CA
To protect your safety and legal rights, you may consider taking the following steps:
- Pull over when it is safe to do so and check for injuries.
- Seek immediate medical attention; injuries like brain injuries or spinal cord injury may not be immediately apparent.
- Contact law enforcement by calling 911 and file a police report.
- Gather evidence, including photos, witness contacts, and driver information.
- Notify your car insurance company, but avoid admitting fault.
- Consult with a car accident attorney before accepting any settlements.
The sooner you contact Jacoby & Meyers after a crash, the better.
Our Riverside car accident lawyers can guide you through the actions you need to take to file a strong claim and put your life back together.
California’s Fault-Based Car Accident Laws
California is a fault-based car insurance state, not a no-fault state. This means injured drivers and other parties involved in car accidents have the right to file claims against those responsible for causing the collision.
An investigation is typically conducted to analyze the crash and determine the cause. In many cases, the person at fault for a car accident in Riverside is the driver who violated a traffic law at the time of the crash. Common examples include speeding, running a red light, making an illegal turn, and failing to yield the right-of-way.
The other driver’s car insurance company may be responsible for damages such as medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and other losses.
Other potentially liable parties may include:
- The vehicle owner
- The driver’s employer
- A company or business
- A government agency
- A car or part manufacturer
- A maintenance company
Identifying all potentially liable parties may affect the available sources of insurance coverage. An attorney can assist in investigating the crash and determining fault.
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Understanding California’s Pure Comparative Negligence Laws
Many car accident cases in Riverside do not assign fault to only one party, but to multiple parties. In California, if a crash victim is assigned a portion of fault, they may still recover partial compensation under the state’s pure comparative negligence law.
California Civil Code § 1714 states:
- (a) Everyone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person, except so far as the latter has, willfully or by want of ordinary care, brought the injury upon himself or herself.
The comparative negligence law will reduce a victim’s financial recovery by a percentage that matches their portion of fault. If a plaintiff is found to be 10 percent at fault, for example, a $100,000 settlement or judgment award would be reduced by an equivalent 10 percent ($10,000) to $90,000.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Riverside?
There is a time limit on your right to file a car accident lawsuit in Riverside. A law known as the statute of limitations places a deadline on filing. If you wait too long, the courts may refuse to hear your case. The deadline depends on the circumstances, as certain factors can shorten or extend the time limit.
California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1 states that all personal injury causes of action must be brought within two years of the date of injury. You must file within six months, however, to pursue a claim against a government agency in California.
If a loved one passes away in a fatal car accident, the statute of limitations generally begins on the date of death rather than the date of the crash, if the two differ. It may be helpful to consult a personal injury lawyer to better understand applicable deadlines.
Recoverable Compensation in Riverside Car Accident Claims
In California, three main types of financial compensation may be available to car accident victims: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. The first two are the most common and are collectively referred to as “compensatory damages.”
Compensatory damages are intended to compensate the victim for losses sustained due to the crash. The third category, punitive damages, is intended to address certain types of wrongful conduct rather than compensate the plaintiff.
Economic Damages
Also called tangible or specific damages, economic damages reimburse the financial losses caused by an auto accident, such as:
- Present and future medical costs
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications and medical devices
- Lost wages
- Lost future capacity to earn
- Property damage repairs or replacement
- Out-of-pocket costs
Economic damages are calculated using bills, receipts, repair estimates, medical documentation and other proof of financial losses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are the intangible or general losses suffered by crash victims due to the accident. They are also known as “pain and suffering.” Examples include:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional damage
- Psychological suffering
- Mental anguish
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Depression or anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering can be more difficult to calculate due to their subjective nature. In some cases, insurance companies or courts may consider different methods to estimate these damages based on the circumstances.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, a defendant’s actions in connection with a plaintiff’s injuries may be considered for punitive damages. These damages are intended to address certain types of conduct and may be awarded in addition to compensatory damages.
Under California Civil Code § 3294, punitive or exemplary damages may be awarded where there is “clear and convincing evidence that the defendant has been guilty of oppression, fraud, or malice.”
If a car accident was caused by extreme negligence or reckless behavior, such as driving under the influence, a court may consider awarding punitive damages depending on the facts of the case.
An personal injury attorney can evaluate whether punitive damages may be applicable and present supporting evidence where appropriate.
Jacoby & Meyers
Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in Riverside
How Much Is My Riverside Car Accident Case Worth?
The potential value of a Riverside car accident case depends on several factors. It can be difficult to determine an average settlement, as values vary significantly from case to case.
Factors that can impact case value include:
- Injury severity
- Temporary vs. permanent injury
- Medical costs
- The value of lost wages
- The plaintiff’s age and health
- Amount of pain and suffering
- The number of defendants
- Insurance coverage available
- Comparative negligence
- Whether the case settles or goes to trial
In general, serious to catastrophic injuries lead to greater settlement amounts, as these inIn general, more serious injuries may result in higher compensation, depending on the circumstances. An attorney can help evaluate your claim based on its specific facts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I handle phone calls from insurance companies?
Car insurance companies may use different strategies when evaluating claims, such as questioning liability or the extent of injuries. Initial settlement offers may be lower while the claim is still being assessed.
Protect your rights by refusing to give an insurance provider a recorded statement over tTo protect your rights, you may consider avoiding giving a recorded statement or admitting fault without understanding your options. Consulting a lawyer may help you manage communications with the insurance company.
What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?
If the other driver involved in your car accident in Riverside is uninsured or underinsured, you may contact your own car insurance company to find out if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. These are optional types of coverage you must reject in writing at the time of purchase. Other recovery options may include filing a lawsuit against the driver or a third party.
How much does a car accident lawyer charge?
A Riverside car accident lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers typically handles cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning fees may depend on the outcome of the case. If there is a recovery, the attorney’s fee may be a percentage of the amount recovered. Fee arrangements can vary, and they are usually explained during the consultation.
What types of evidence are used in Riverside car accident cases?
The burden of proof in a car accident case requires evidence showing that a party is more likely than not responsible for the crash. Types of evidence that may support a claim include a police accident report, vehicle damage, photos and videos, eyewitness statements, medical records, and testimony from experts such as accident reconstruction or medical professionals.
Contact Our Riverside Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Riverside, you may consider contacting Jacoby & Meyers to schedule a free consultation.
Our office can assist with different aspects of your case, from the initial filing through resolution, depending on your needs.
Our Riverside car accident lawyers have experience handling personal injury matters and can provide guidance throughout the process.
We are available 24/7 to take your call. Call (951) 720-3007 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free case review at one of our California law offices.