Moreno Valley Car Accident Lawyer

Moreno Valley, CA Car Accident Attorney

People who find themselves the victim of a car accident should know and understand their right to compensation if they are the subject of another person’s negligence. Through a personal injury claim, victims can get their medical expenses paid and lost wages reimbursed. A Moreno Valley car accident lawyer can be vital in seeking compensation for your losses related to an accident.

If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of others, you may have the right to compensation for your losses. With the help of an experienced Moreno Valley personal injury attorney, you may be able to hold others accountable for their wrongful actions in causing your injuries. Call today to get started. En Español.

What is the Role of Negligence in Auto Accident Claims?

Negligence is the legal theory that forms the basis for most personal injury claims, including those arising from car accidents. All drivers of motor vehicles must drive in a way that is reasonably safe for others. When drivers fail to meet that duty, such as by committing traffic violations and causing accidents resulting in injuries, they can be found negligent and at-fault.

As a result of another person’s negligence, which often consists of careless or reckless driving behaviors, individuals can suffer devastating injuries. When these injuries occur, victims may have recourse in the form of a personal injury action based on negligence. Enlisting the assistance of a car accident attorney in Moreno Valley can be critical to bringing and maintaining a successful personal injury claim.

There are many different kinds of negligent behavior that can occur while someone is driving. Any one of these behaviors could result in a car accident or serious bodily harm:

• Distractions: Distracted driving remains the leading cause of vehicular accidents in the United States every year. From texting while driving to talking to other passengers, any time a driver takes their eyes off the road can present an immediate danger.
• Driving While Intoxicated: Driving under the influence, or a DUI, is a very dangerous and highly illegal activity. If a driver is found guilty of a DUI, they can face serious jail time, hefty fines, and have their driver’s license revoked. If a driver found guilty of a DUI caused an accident that resulted in someone’s injury, the consequences will be even more severe.
• Reckless Driving: Sometimes, drivers engage in willful, reckless behavior behind the wheel. Street racers, for instance, zoom around the road, ignoring the road laws and putting every other driver at great risk. Like a DUI, drivers found guilty of reckless endangerment can face criminal charges and lose their driver’s licenses.
• Driving While Fatigued: Driving while sleep-deprived is remarkably dangerous. Not only are you not focused on the road, but you are suffering similar physiological effects to drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Your driving judgment is seriously impaired, and you could get somebody hurt or killed. Excessive sleepiness can cause irreparable damage on the road.

Can Car Accident Victims Share Liability in Moreno Valley?

In many cases, especially on state highways, car accidents may involve multiple vehicles and injuries. Even if injured drivers or passengers are partially at fault for the accident, however, they still may be able to recover compensation from others in some situations. Consulting a car accident attorney in Moreno Valley may be the most effective way to determine the possibility of financial recovery in a specific case.

While many states limit recovery of damages to individuals who are less than 50 percent at fault for the accident that led to their injuries, California has adopted a pure comparative negligence standard. Therefore, even if injury victims are primarily at fault for their accidents, they still may be able to seek damages from other negligent parties.

However, the total amount of damages that individuals may receive is limited by their degree of fault for the accident. Therefore, if they have $100,000 worth of damages from an accident, but they are 75 percent at fault for the accident, then their maximum recovery is $25,000 from other negligent parties.

Time Limits and Car Accident Claims in Moreno Valley

All personal injury claims are subject to strict time limits. Individuals who do not bring their claims within the applicable timeframe may lose all ability to recover any compensation for their losses. Under state law, injury victims generally have two years from the date of the accident that caused their injuries to pursue their claims for damages.

Various exceptions to this general time limit or statute of limitations exist. For example, individuals seeking to hold negligent government workers or entities responsible for their injuries have a much shorter timeframe in which to initiate their claims. Contacting legal counsel for guidance is likely to be the most effective means of avoiding missed opportunities to hold negligent individuals and entities liable in the personal injury context.

What To Do If You Get In A Car Accident In Moreno Valley

Car accidents happen every day, and if you are in one, it is important to act fast so you can secure evidence, witnesses, and medical attention immediately. Here are some important steps you can follow to ensure you handle everything smoothly:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Obviously, if you are severely injured as a result of a car accident, you should go to an emergency room before worrying about collecting evidence. However, even if you are not injured or have only minor injuries, you should go see a doctor to have everything documented. This way, you can request compensation for any medical issues in the future.
2. Contact A Lawyer: To avoid culpability and ensure your rights are protected, you should hire an experienced car accident attorney. They have extensive knowledge of personal injury and insurance law and can help you file a valid, successful claim.
3. Document Evidence: If you’re able, you should take pictures of the vehicles involved in the accident, as well as your injuries and any other property damage that may have occurred.
4. Retain Witnesses: Get the contact information of anybody who may have witnessed the accident or was involved in it. You will likely need to refer to these individuals at a later date to validate your claim.
5. Keep Records: Keep a detailed record of your entire accident. In addition to photographs, you could use phone records, medical receipts, medication costs, physical therapy receipts, therapy costs, and more. The more detailed you are, the easier it will be to reach a settlement.

What Can You Claim In A Personal Injury Case After A Car Accident?

Under California law, the plaintiff has the right to claim full repayment of any economic losses they may have sustained due to a car accident. In this personal injury claim, your lawyer can help you calculate the total amount you are owed and help you request a fair amount. An experienced personal injury attorney knows how to assess long-term damages, such as:

• Loss Of Income: You may miss a great deal of work due to your car accident. That means sick time and vacation days you did not prepare to take, as well as possibly unpaid time off to continue to rehabilitate yourself. If this applies to you, the at-fault driver can be ordered to reimburse any lost income you may have suffered since the accident.
• Loss Of Property: Even if the at-fault driver’s insurance has covered most of the damage to your vehicle, you can still claim the remainder as economic damages if the total cost of property damage exceeds the scope of their coverage.
• Cost Of Treatment: The at-fault driver is liable for any medical costs you accrue due to the accident. This includes immediate and ongoing medical treatments you may need going forward.
• Loss Of Future Income: A severe injury may leave you with a disability that will impact the rest of your life, resulting in a possible loss of future earnings. If this applies to you, the at-fault driver is liable for reimbursing you for any of the future income you have lost.

FAQs

Q: How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge In California?

A: In California, the percentage owed to your lawyer upon winning the case is typically between 30% and 40% of the total amount you receive as compensation. Overall, your personal injury settlement will be subjective and decided on a case-by-case basis. Remember, if your lawyer is working on a contingency fee basis, they do not receive payment unless you win your case.

Q: Who Determines Fault In An Auto Accident In California?

A: Insurance companies play a significant role in deciding who is at fault in an accident. They will investigate the accident and make an informed decision based on evidence, witness statements, and police reports. Fault can be assigned wholly to one person or split between multiple people, depending on the accident.

Q: Is California A No-Fault State?

A: When it comes to car accidents, California is a fault state. This means that drivers who are found to be responsible for an accident can be held liable for any damages or injuries they cause. This can include damage to property, medical expenses, loss of income, loss of future income, and many other costs that have built up since the accident.

Q: Can I Change Attorneys At Any Time?

A: Any individual has the right to fire or change attorneys when they believe it’s in their interest. At Karlin & Karlin Injury Attorneys, changing attorneys is a fairly simple process. All you have to do is sign a document discharging your current lawyer. We would never advise you to change attorneys for our benefit and would only do so if we believe it is optimal for your case.

Talk to a Moreno Valley Car Accident Attorney for Guidance

If you have fallen victim to a severe car accident, you likely will be unsure what to do first. The insurance company for the responsible parties often will contact you right away, even if you are struggling through catastrophic injuries. As a result, you may wish to contact a Moreno Valley car accident lawyer for advice immediately.

With legal counsel on your side to handle financial and legal matters, you can focus your strength and energy on your injuries. Instead of trying to navigate complicated insurance and legal systems on your own, allow a strong legal advocate to handle your personal injury claim. Call us today for a free consultation.