Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in Riverside, California
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted a 3.1 percent drop in road fatalities during the first half of 2018 compared to 2017. Despite some positive trends, data from The Accident Data Center highlights that car accidents in Riverside result in more injuries, fatalities, and economic losses than any other crime or civic concern.
In the city and county of Riverside, car accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence. Each day, someone within our community suffers injuries on our roads due to preventable circumstances. Those affected by car accidents are not just numbers; they’re our friends, neighbors, and family members. It’s only fair and reasonable for them to receive compensation when they’re harmed in such incidents.
While car accidents may appear routine, experiencing one can still be incredibly traumatic. A car accident has the potential to drastically alter someone’s life. If you or someone you care about has suffered injuries in a significant auto collision, reach out to the seasoned Riverside car accident attorneys at Aitken * Aitken * Cohn without delay. Our team utilizes our combined expertise to thoroughly examine laws, study past legal cases, and devise strategies to improve the likelihood of our clients receiving the highest possible financial compensation. Serving clients across Riverside and Southern California, our Riverside personal injury lawyers are dedicated to assisting those in need.
What Makes Our Riverside Car Accident Attorney Stand Out?
Aitken * Aitken * Cohn stands out as one of California’s most esteemed law firms specializing in civil litigation. We focus solely on advocating for plaintiffs, whether it’s individuals severely injured, families grieving the loss of a loved one, or businesses and consumers affected by unjust business practices. Our firm has earned a national reputation for its exceptional trial skills and vigorous representation of clients. This recognition stems from numerous successful trials, settlements, and groundbreaking appellate decisions, supported by our ongoing dedication to every client. While our firm’s achievements have led to substantial recoveries for our clients, our Orange County personal injury lawyers find equal fulfillment in knowing that these cases contribute to fostering a safer, more just society.
–From our firm’s brochure
Typical Auto Accident Scenarios
Not all car accidents are the same, and a lot of them come with complex liability matters. At Aitken * Aitken * Cohn, we’ve effectively managed a wide range of car accidents, including single-car incidents, collisions involving multiple vehicles, and accidents with commercial vehicles. Some examples include:
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can feel like a lot to handle. Our team of personal injury lawyers in Riverside is here to support you through it all. We’re dedicated researchers, investigators, and negotiators, committed to helping our clients get the justice and compensation they deserve. If you or a family member has been hurt in a car accident in Southern California due to someone else’s negligence, getting financial compensation is possible with the assistance of a car accident lawyer in Riverside.
Common Reasons Behind Car Accidents in Riverside
Even if we drive cautiously, there’s always a chance of getting into an accident because of someone else’s carelessness. Whether fault is decided subjectively or objectively, it’s a crucial aspect of a personal injury case.
Driver Carelessness
Every driver is expected to exercise caution and adhere to traffic laws. When a driver fails to do so, they can be held accountable in a car accident case. Examples of driver negligence include:
- Aggressive and reckless driving behaviors, like sudden lane changes and speeding, contribute significantly to accidents. Aggressive drivers are responsible for collisions and property damage resulting from actions such as passing on the right, yelling impulsively, and incessantly honking or flashing their lights.
- Disobeying traffic signs and signals is not only reckless but also illegal. Running a red light or failing to yield the right-of-way can lead to severe and life-threatening injuries.
- Driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs is one of the most perilous factors leading to accidents in the United States, and it’s also the deadliest. In 2016, 15 percent of all drivers who were tested and killed in motor vehicle crashes were found to have consumed legal and/or illegal drugs. Prescription medications can cause drowsiness, making driving unsafe. Since January 1, 2018, California has been the sixth state to legalize the sale of marijuana. However, it’s illegal to use marijuana while driving.
- Road rage involves violent and hazardous behavior. Some common examples of road rage include:
- Yelling verbal insults, using profanity, or making threats
- Purposefully causing a collision
- Threatening to use or actually using a firearm or other deadly weapon
- Throwing objects from a moving vehicle
- Failing to adjust to adverse weather conditions like heavy rain or fog with limited visibility.
Despite California laws prohibiting the use of handheld cell phones while driving, distracted driving remains a leading cause of car accidents. This includes activities like phone calls, texting, eating, reading, and grooming.
- Night driving presents challenges due to reduced visibility, making hazards harder to spot. Our ability to perceive distance is significantly impaired at night, making it a common cause of car accidents.
- Wrong-way driving and improper turns are frequent occurrences, especially among drivers unfamiliar with the area. Momentary lapses in judgment while driving can lead to life-altering accidents.
- Driver fatigue ranks among the top causes of car accidents since tired drivers struggle to properly perceive, react, and handle road situations. According to a <ahref=”https://www.michiganautolaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/AAA-FTS-study-Prevalence-of-Drowsy-Driving-February-2018.pdf” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>2018 study funded by the Automobile Association of America (AAA), drowsiness was a factor in 8.8 percent to 9.5 percent of all crashes analyzed, and in 10.6 percent to 10.8 percent of crashes resulting in significant property damage and airbag deployment.
- Following too closely, also known as tailgating, is a major contributor to rear-end collisions. These accidents often result in severe injuries to the neck, spine, brain, and back.
- Inexperienced and teenage drivers may lack the defensive driving skills needed to navigate the roads safely.
If you’ve become a statistic in an auto accident on the roads of Riverside County due to a driver’s negligence, you can rely on the seasoned personal injury litigators at Aitken * Aitken * Cohn. Our founding partner, Wylie Aitken, has earned the “Best Lawyer” distinction for 31 consecutive years. Additionally, all eight of our skilled lawyers have been recognized in the 2019 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America.
Car Malfunction
Design flaws or manufacturing mistakes in a car can lead to malfunctions and accidents. For instance:
- Faulty auto parts
- Flawed vehicle design or production
- Recalled auto parts
- Tire blowouts
Dealing with automotive malfunction cases can be intricate, often involving major car or parts manufacturers and their powerhouse legal representatives. Having seasoned litigators on your team is crucial. While every case is different and future outcomes can’t be guaranteed based on past results, here’s a recent case:
Aitken * Aitken * Cohn collaborated with 30 law firms and over 80 lawyers to represent millions of Toyota vehicle owners in the largest class-action lawsuit settlement in U.S. automotive history, totaling $1.63 billion.
Governmental Immunity and Road Conditions
If an auto accident results in injury or damage due to government employees or avoidable road conditions, you may have grounds to sue the city or state. The California Tort Claims Act permits victims to file lawsuits against the government under specific conditions and within certain time limits. You typically have six months from the injury date to start the claim process, but navigating the administrative procedures can be complex.
“Paralyzed 9-Year-Old Girl and Her Mother Receive a Precedent Shattering $55 Million Judgment Against the United States Government After a Five Year Ordeal”
Here are some hazardous road conditions that can lead to car accidents:
- Inadequate drainage
- Uneven surfaces
- Potholes
- Limited visibility due to overgrown vegetation
- Construction zones with debris
- Loose gravel
- Damaged guardrails
- Faded or absent reflective markings
- Ice accumulation on overpasses and bridges
- Absent or obscured signage