The Best Car Accident Lawyers In Riverside, California

Living In Riverside

If you’re thinking of making this sunny Southern California city home, there’s so much to enjoy. Take in the many emerald golf courses like Jensen Quarry or Oak Quarry Golf Course or attend a local Riverside festival such as the Annual Tamale Festival or The Riverside Dickens Festival.

You’ll definitely get what you pay for in Riverside as the cost of living is 7 percent higher than the national average. Potential homeowners are looking at a median home cost of $490,400, which is higher than in San Bernardino to the north but more affordable than in Moreno Valley, its neighbor to the east.

Riverside also ranks as one of the top good-weather destinations in California so it’s the ideal living place for outdoor enthusiasts and those who are in search of better-quality living. Enjoy a fresh walk up Mount Rubidoux or take a scenic stroll up Box Spring Mountains in your daily Riverside adventures.

Intro To Car Accident Issues In California

Motor vehicle accidents, more commonly called car accidents, happen every day. In 2020, there were 35,766 car crashes in the United States, 38,824 of them resulting in deaths. Car accidents can be minor, like a fender bender at a stop sign; or major, like a multi-car pileup on a foggy interstate. It seems we Americans are always in our cars, and sometimes, mistakes get the better of us and our vehicles.

If you are in a serious car accident, you may want to consider contacting an experienced lawyer in your area who can help you through the settlement process and look after your interests. Lawyers who practice in this area often specialize in certain types of accidents (like truck accidents), or in related areas like product liability (faulty car design/manufacture), or DUI/DWI.

Do I Need A Lawyer For Car Accident Issues? Are There DIY Options?

Sometimes a car accident won’t require the help of an attorney. There are lots of DIY options you can use to help you navigate this legal issue. In the case of a car accident in California, you can probably handle your accident case on your own if:

• Damage to cars, property, or other vehicles was minor
• You were not at fault and your insurance company agrees to cover your losses
• There were no injuries caused by the accident

There are resources are available to help you settle a car accident claim on your own. Resources might include options like damages calculators, getting multiple repair estimates to show insurance adjusters, using Kelley Blue Book or other online sources to establish the pre-accident value of your car, and more. If the coverage doesn’t add up, or the other driver’s insurance company offers a settlement that is too low, you might want to consider getting legal help.

How Do I Know If An Attorney Is Licensed In California?

A great place to start your Riverside car accident attorney research is the State Bar of California website. You’ll find information about whether your attorney has an active license and when they were licensed, as well as whether that attorney has ever been disciplined or had their bar membership temporarily revoked.

How Do I Interview Car Accident Attorneys In Riverside?

If your accident was costly, complicated, or you or others were seriously injured, it might be a good idea to get an attorney to represent you. However, not all attorneys are the right fit for you and your case. You’ll want to consider whether the attorney is familiar with the driving conditions in your area, experienced in your type of accident, has a good track record, good reviews (either personal to you or from online sources you trust), and has a payment system you understand and can afford. There are some key questions you should make sure you know the answers to before you hire an attorney including:

• What’s their experience with motor vehicle accidents? What settlements or verdicts have they won recently?
• How do they communicate with clients? Do they answer questions themselves, or is it an associate or paralegal you will be communicating with? Phone, letter, email, text?
• Who else in the firm will work on your case? How will it be billed? What is the bill rate for the various team members like paralegals, junior attorneys, clerks, and others?
• What is the fee structure? Is this a contingency fee, hourly billable, or flat fee?

Then, make sure you feel comfortable. Can you talk openly to the person representing you? Your accident attorney will be involved in your life for a while, so make sure you can communicate constructively and honestly with them.

Driving And Transportation In Riverside

Driving through Riverside’s scenic landscape is a must. Whether you’re heading to the Sycamore Highlands or Skyline Drive Trails or simply commuting to work or visiting friends, you’ll enjoy all that the Riverside landscape has to offer. As a commuter-friendly city, complete with public transportation and train service, Riverside is an easy city to get around. Choose from Metrolink, Amtrak, or Riverside Transit Agency to board your next getaway.

More Riverside Resources

Should you find that you need legal resources while living in Riverside, you can contact local attorneys or reach out to the courthouse for further information. Along with the Public Defender’s Office, the Riverside County Superior Courthouse and 4th District Court of Appeal are in session during regular business hours. These legal courthouses and Public Defender’s office offer the full range of services to the Riverside community. These resources can be found at:

Riverside County Superior Court
4050 Main St
Riverside, CA 92501

4th District Court of Appeal
3389 12th St
Riverside, CA 92501

Riverside Public Defender
4075 Main St
Riverside, CA 92501