Moreno Valley Car Accident Lawyer

Car Accidents

Traffic accidents can happen within seconds on the busy streets of Moreno Valley. California traffic law can be confusing on your own and can leave you stunned and overwhelmed. Bodily injury and damage to your vehicle produce visions of escalating bills and increased insurance premiums. Who is going to pay for damage to your car? How will you pay for the expensive medical bills? How soon can you go back to work?

Questions! Questions! Questions! You will have a lot of them and you are going to need a lot of expert advice to trek your way through them all.

What happens if they start accusing you of causing the accident? You may know that the accident was not your fault, but if the other party claims differently and you can be faced with a he said/she said scenario. Once the accident has happened and you’ve exchanged information, what do you do next?

Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney in Moreno Valley

Filing all the claim forms and settlements can be daunting on your own. After an auto accident, victims can feel alone, confused and desperate. You may be tempted to settle for a quick amount just to get the whole incident in your distant memory, but this may not be in your best interest in the long run. Fortunately, calling an attorney is easy and painless!

You need someone on your side who understands the law and can fight for your rights. An experienced attorney can answer your questions, investigate the accident and file your paperwork to ensure that your case is properly prepared and filed within the time limit required by the court. Your initial consultation will allow your attorney to review your case and determine whether or not you are entitled to compensation for damages.

Filing a Lawsuit in Moreno Valley, California

Unfortunately, personal injury lawsuits can be tedious and time-consuming. Without an experienced attorney, you may find the process daunting and overwhelming, especially when the other party or insurance company is armed with a team of attorneys on their side.

Many people are unaware of the intricacies of traffic law. Statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit can make or break your case before you even enter a courtroom. Your attorney knows the timeline required as well as how to fill out and file the extensive paperwork a lawsuit includes. Too many victims of car accidents are unable to collect the damages they deserve because the paperwork was filed too late or documents were improperly filled out or missing altogether. Don’t let this happen to you!

Shared Fault Laws in California

California traffic law includes a clause for Shared Fault claims. The courts can actually rule that you are also to blame for the accident if the defendent in your case argues that both parties are at fault. A lawyer can explain this clause and the possible implications that may effect the amount of compensation you receive.

Example of Shared Fault Claim:
Let’s assume that the defendant who hit your car ran a stop sign. Let’s also assume that you were driving 10 miles over the posted speed limit. The attorney for the other party might argue that you take on a percentage of the blame. If the court finds you to be 10% at fault for the accident, your lawsuit for $20,000 in damages to your car and person may be reduced to $18,000 once your fault is subtracted.

Financial Limits for California Lawsuits

There are often exceptions to the rules that you may qualify for but not even know about. An attorney can find these exceptions to ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

For instance, California law places limits on financial gains for certain types of damage. An uninsured driver may not be eligible to collect the full compensation that those who have insurance may be entitled to. Damages such as pain and suffering, that does not have a determinable monetary amount to award, may not be awarded to an uninsured driver under California law.

In the end, your personal injury attorney is your greatest advocate in court. At the Moreno Valley Law Offices of Brent A. Duque, we maintain a staff of a highly professional, knowledgeable, aggressive and successful car accident attorneys who represent injured people through our offices that stretch across Southern California. Time limitations apply to any injury claim you might have, so for purposes of investigating a possible case and possibly preserving evidence, it’s best for you to contact us immediately after an accident.

Contact our Riverside County Personal Injury Attorneys at 1-877-241-9554 to learn more about your legal options. A free consultation is just a phone call away. You can even use our online contact form, and we’ll reply to you quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

A personal injury claim isn’t easy to handle for most victims. Insurance companies prefer not to pay out when possible, so they might give you a lowball settlement offer or unfairly deny your case. 

If you were hurt in a car crash, it’s important to protect yourself from the other driver’s insurance company by talking to and hiring an auto accident attorney. Moreno Valley residents should do this as soon as possible to determine if they have a personal injury claim.Many car accidents are avoidable, but they happen because someone was reckless, careless, or negligent. The Law Offices of Brent A. Duque cares about victims and wants to help them.

We represent families and clients who suffered injuries because of misconduct or negligence. It’s wise to hire an auto accident lawyer. Moreno Valley residents can rest easy. These are the common causes for car crashes:

• Failing to maintain the vehicle
• Failing to yield
• Unsafe lane changes
• Running red lights
• Tailgating
• Reckless driving
• Racing or speeding
• Drowsy driving
• Driving under the influence (alcohol or drugs)
• Heavy traffic
• Distracted driving

Many people have never been in an auto accident before, so they’re unsure what to do. There are certain actions that will help your case. If you’re worried about this, it’s best to speak with an experienced lawyer from The Law Offices of Brent A. Duque to get immediate assistance.

Here are the steps to take after the accident:

1. Don’t flee from the car accident scene.
2. Don’t admit fault to the police or the other driver.
3. Call 911 immediately.
4. Check yourself and others for injuries.
5. Exchange contact and insurance company information with the other driver.
6. Take pictures of the crash site.
7. Request to go to the hospital to seek medical treatment
8. Submit your insurance claim.
9. Gather the evidence needed of the injuries and accident.
10. Hire an attorney in Moreno Valley, California.

It’s wise to call us for a free initial consultation before you dive deep into the insurance process. We’ll work with you and ensure that you understand your legal rights. Likewise, our car accident lawyers can investigate the accident, collect the evidence, and handle the insurance adjusters for you.You must collect evidence that supports your auto accident case if you wish to hold the negligent party responsible, and it’s wise to work with a car accident attorney. Moreno Valley lawyers will conduct independent investigations to document the site and can also obtain:

• Copies of the police report
• Clothing you wore at the time
• Witness statements
• Copies of medical records and bills related to the accident
• Available surveillance and traffic camera footage
• Repair receipts or appraisals for damage to your vehicle
• Tax returns and pay stubs to establish lost wages
• Copies of the at-fault party’s and your insurance policies
• Collection of black box data, if possible
• Subpoenas for all cell phone records

The best car accident lawyers work quickly to preserve the evidence because they understand this is a complex legal process. They’ll tell you what to say to the insurer and help you get a fair settlement. In fact, personal injury attorneys in Moreno Valley, CA, prevent accident victims from making unintentional mistakes that might reduce their compensation!Victims can sustain various Moreno Valley car accident injuries, which range from severe to mild. These include:

Soft Tissue Injuries

A soft tissue injury is the most common after a Moreno Valley car accident. The impact generates a sudden jolt to the body, causing it to bend in ways it shouldn’t. This can lead to whiplash, sprains, and strains.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Direct blows to the head and violent jolts can lead to traumatic brain injuries. This ranges from minor concussions to life-threatening problems. The long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury could include:

• Sensory issues
• Dizziness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Headaches
• Memory loss

Your car accident attorney can help you get a fair settlement for these things.

Bone Fractures

Bones often break because they’re put in an unnatural position, or there was too much force. They are usually painful and may never fully heal. Many victims experience pain years after the incident, and it’s wise to use car accident lawyers to receive appropriate compensation for these injuries.

Psychological Injuries

Psychological injuries are usually overlooked after a crash. However, victims often suffer from depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Signs of a psychological condition include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Brain fog
• Overwhelming feeling of sadness
• Irritability
• Intense fear or worry that interferes with daily activities
• Trouble sleeping

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries often happen from a penetrating wound or hard hit. If you suffer from one after an auto accident, you’re likely to have lifelong problems or even full/partial paralysis. After your auto accident, you should seek medical attention. Avoid talking to the insurance company until you’ve hired a lawyer.Anyone can be held liable after a crash, but it’s wise to work with a car accident lawyer. Moreno Valley, CA, residents will have a better chance of winning their cases.Car accident lawyers can help you prove negligence through these things:

Duty of Care

Auto accidents often occur because the at-fault party should have used reasonable care by following the laws and didn’t do so.

Breach of Duty of Care

The at-fault party didn’t use reasonable care, leading to the accident. Car accident lawyers can help you show this.

Causation

The negligence of the at-fault party led to the accident and your injuries. Car accident lawyers in Moreno Valley, CA, can be highly beneficial for proving causation.

Damages

After auto accidents, victims suffer financial losses, but the insurance company is likely to blame them to limit how much they pay.