Moreno Valley Car Accident Attorney
Thousands of people are injured or killed in California motor vehicle accidents every year. If you are injured or lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident, you need an experienced Moreno Valley car accident attorney on your side who will fight to protect your rights. Our experienced Riverside personal injury lawyers can help prepare your claim while you focus on your recovery.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Moreno Valley
Some of the common types of car accidents that our attorneys encounter when working with injured victims and their families include:
- Rear-end accidents – Rear-end accidents are some of the most common accidents. They often occur when drivers tailgate other vehicles, are distracted, or are not paying attention as they approach a red light or stop sign.
- Head-on collisions – Head-on collisions often result in severe injuries because the force of impact is so strong. Head-on collisions can occur when a driver is impaired by drugs or alcohol, is distracted, or drifts into another lane.
- T-Bone accidents – T-bone or side-impact accidents usually involve vehicles that collide in a perpendicular angle, usually at intersections. They often result in serious injuries due to the lack of safety features in the side of vehicles.
- Impaired driving crashes – Drivers who are impaired by illicit drugs, alcohol, or certain prescription drugs are at an increased risk of causing a crash.
- Intersection accidents – Many car accidents occur at intersections when drivers do not yield the right-of-way of other drivers. Others occur when drivers drift across the centerline.
- Teen driving accidents – Getting a driver’s license is an important rite of passage as a teenager. However, these teens may lack the experience or training to safely operate a vehicle, especially in heavy congestion or at night. Teens are also more likely to engage in distracted driving.
- Distracted driving accidents – Driving involves many complex actions that requires the full attention of drivers. However, many drivers engage in distracted driving by performing other activities while driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, adjusting radio or temperature controls, talking to passengers, or grooming. If a driver is distracted, they will be slower to react once they realize they need to brake.
- Speeding accidents – Speeding is particularly risky behavior. Speeding makes it more difficult to control a vehicle. It also requires the driver to have more time and space to come to a complete stop once they recognize a hazard. If a collision does occur, injuries are more likely to be severe. Finally, safety features are less likely to be effective.
- Fatigued driving crashes – People who work overnight, suffer from sleep disorders, or drive at night are more likely to be drowsy behind the wheel.
- Reckless driving – Reckless driving puts other motorists at severe risk. Reckless driving may include speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, not yielding the right of way, running a red light, or running stop signs.
- Car part defect crashes – In some car accidents, a defective car part or design may be to blame. Brakes can fail, steering can become difficult, or tires can blow. In some crashes, the vehicle may rollover.
- Single-vehicle crashes – If a product defect caused your accident or you were injured as a passenger in a single-vehicle crash, you may have the right to pursue compensation for the harm you have suffered.
- Pedestrian accidents – While other drivers may be at risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident, other vulnerable road users like pedestrians or cyclists make up a significant portion of injured victims every year.
A lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident and who should be held financially responsible for your injuries.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Moreno Valley
If you were involved in a Moreno Valley car accident, take these steps to protect your legal claim:
Check for Injuries
The first thing to do after a car accident is to check if anyone involved was injured. Ask your passengers and the occupants in the other vehicle. If anyone was injured, call 911 and request an ambulance.
Report the Accident
Reporting the accident is important so that you can get written confirmation that the crash occurred. An officer may respond. Cooperate with the process and answer the officer’s questions. Do not volunteer information or give opinions. Stick to the facts. Ask how you can get a copy of the report.
Exchange Information
Ask the other driver for their information, including their:
- Name
- Address
- Telephone number
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance information
- Description of the vehicle
Document the Scene
Unless it is unsafe to do so, keep the vehicles in the positions they were in at the time of impact. Take pictures of the damage to the vehicles. Ask any witnesses for their contact information.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Most auto insurance policies require that you promptly report any accidents to them. Provide them with the details of the crash. However, do not agree to sign anything or have your statement taken without having legal representation. The same goes for any interactions with the other driver’s insurance company. Instead, you can refer them to your lawyer.
Contact a Moreno Valley Car Accident Attorney
An experienced Moreno Valley car accident attorney can advise you of your rights and the next steps you should take in the case.
Potential Damages in Car Accidents
California’s personal injury laws recognize the rights of victims to recover compensation for the losses you have suffered, which might include:
- Property damage
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
A lawyer can explain what the value of your claim may be worth.
Contact Us for Help with Your Car Accident Claim
If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, Aitken * Aitken * Cohn can help. Our Moreno Valley and Riverside car accident attorneys pride themselves on their commitment to exceptional client service. We provide a free case review to discuss your legal rights and options Contact us today to get started on your claim.