At Trauma Law, we understand the distress and confusion that follow a car accident, especially when it’s due to someone else’s recklessness or negligence. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Riverside, you have the legal right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Understanding the types of compensation you might be entitled to can help you navigate this challenging time more effectively.
Even a minor accident can result in painful, long-lasting injuries such as whiplash, which may prevent you from working for an extended period. In more serious accidents, victims may require prolonged medical care, long-term care, or home modifications. In catastrophic cases, such as those involving spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries, victims might never be able to work again, leading to financial burdens that can run into the millions of dollars.
Insurance companies often take advantage of victims’ lack of awareness about the true costs involved in their recovery. What might seem like a generous settlement initially can quickly deplete due to mounting medical bills and other expenses. This is why having an experienced attorney from Trauma Law by your side is crucial. Our team can accurately calculate the compensation you deserve based on similar cases we’ve handled.
There are two primary types of damages (legal compensation) you may be entitled to in a car accident case: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover specific financial losses caused by your injury and are easier to quantify. These include:
Non-economic damages are more subjective and can be more substantial than economic damages. They include:
In cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly malicious or willful, punitive damages may be awarded. These are not meant to compensate the victim but to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.
If you were partially at fault for your accident, an experienced car accident attorney could still help. California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault and are awarded $500,000, your compensation would be reduced to $400,000.
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury or wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. If the accident involved a government vehicle, you have six months to file a claim. It’s crucial to act quickly to preserve evidence and ensure a strong case.
Riverside County ranks first in California for accidents caused by underage drinking and driving and tenth for all alcohol-involved accidents. It also ranks 12th for motorcycle accidents. On a positive note, it ranks 54th out of 58 counties for bicycle and pedestrian accidents.
Despite advancements in vehicle safety, car accidents still occur frequently due to:
The duration of a car accident case varies based on several factors, including the extent of injuries, the number of vehicles involved, liability issues, and whether the case will settle or go to court. While most cases settle before trial, Trauma Law is prepared to go to court to fight for every penny you deserve.
At Trauma Law, we have a proven track record of success, with a 96% success rate in litigated injury cases and over $750 million won in settlements and verdicts. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and owe us nothing unless we win your case.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Riverside, contact us today for a free consultation at 877-265-2167. Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery. Remember, at Trauma Law, you win, or you don’t pay!
