Riverside Car Accident Attorney
In California, the most common type of personal injury claims are auto accident claims. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 3 million traffic accident injuries in 2018. An additional 36,560 people were killed as a result of a traffic accident in 2018. Auto accidents in the State of California cost victims tens of millions of dollars in:
- Emergency medical treatment costs,
- The loss of income, and
- Property damage expenses
When the auto accident was caused as a result of another’s careless actions or negligence, that party can be held accountable for the injuries and damages caused by their negligence. If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, discussing your legal options with an experienced attorney is highly recommended.
Exceptionally Qualified Auto Accident Attorney in Riverside, CA
Committed to those who have been injured as a result of another’s negligence, Attorney Gary G. Goldberg is highly qualified in car accident cases. Having served in the community of Riverside, California for more than 39 years, Attorney Goldberg understands the intricacies of complex auto accident cases. He also understands that being involved in any form of auto accident can leave victims with serious injuries, costly medical expenses, and a wavering future. After a car accident, an innocent person’s life can be turned upside down.
Attorney Gary G. Goldberg is tenacious in the pursuit of helping injured victims recover a maximum compensation. Attorney Goldberg believes that when the auto accident has been caused as a result of another’s reckless behaviors or negligence, the at-fault party should be held fully responsible for covering the victim’s expenses. If you suffered injuries in an auto accident, consider contacting Attorney Gary G. Goldberg today to schedule your no-obligation consultation.
California Auto Accident Claims FAQs
Car accidents claim thousands of lives every year in addition to causing millions of injuries – leaving the victims with financial troubles due to medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress and pain and suffering. A car accident victim has many questions that need to be answered, such as:
- How will my medical bills be paid?
- How will I take care of my family?
- Will I be compensated for my medical expenses?
- How about my lost wages?
- What if I am disabled?
- Who pays for the damage to my car?
- Will I be reimbursed if I rent a car?
The answers to these questions, along with any other concerns can be answered by seeking the support of a qualified attorney. No two auto accidents cases will ever be the same; therefore, to obtain tailored support, it is recommended that victims seek legal counsel from a qualified personal injury attorney.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Drivers who are distracted cause thousands of serious injuries and deaths every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that each day in the U.S., an average of 9 people lose their lives as a consequence of distracted driving. With all the latest electronic equipment available to consumers, many are excited to be able to multitask at an amazing rate. However, this does not excuse the fact that it may very well cause an accident and put someone’s life in jeopardy simply to make a call or send a message.
Distracted driving is when the driver’s attention is diverted away from the primary task of driving. It is not only dangerous for the driver, but it is also dangerous for the safety of any passengers, innocent bystanders or other motorists. It only takes a split second to cause a severe accident – something that could have been avoided.
Secondary activities have now become an everyday occurrence behind the wheel. By taking the focus away from the roadway to perform other tasks, distraction impairs the ability of the driver and the consequences can be devastating.
Types of distractions include:
- Using a cell phone to talk or text
- Eating and/or drinking
- Grooming
- Talking to passengers
- Reading a map
- Adjusting a radio
The most alarming and dangerous distraction is text messaging because it not only requires the driver’s visual attention; it also requires manual and cognitive attention from the driver. Statistics show that distracted driving is a major killer of teenagers. The CDC reports the following risk factors concerning distracted driving among young drivers:
- Motorists under the age of 20 have the highest proportion of fatal distraction-related traffic accidents.
- In 2017, 9% of all teenage accidents involved traffic accidents.
- The CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System has found that in 2017, 42% of high school students sent a text or email while driving.
- Additionally, students who reported frequent texting were also found to be without the use of a seatbelt and were more likely to drink and drive.
What To Do Following an Auto Accident in Riverside
When injured in an auto accident caused by another person, the pursuit of justice can be confusing as well as frustrating. The first priority after a car accident should be to seek medical attention. There are many injuries caused in an auto accident that may not be immediately recognizable. As a consequence of the body’s natural flight-or-fight response, a person can have a sudden adrenaline rush after a traumatic auto accident. The sudden release of this hormone can mask a person’s ability to feel or recognize an injury. Sadly, those who fail to recognize a serious injury may face a lifetime of medical complications or even death.
One of the most devastating injuries that may not be easily detected is a traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries are serious, and can occur when a person has suffered a blow, jolt, or penetrating force to the head. When left unattended, the severity of a traumatic brain injury can continue to develop. Common consequences of a traumatic brain injury are:
- Cognitive impairment,
- Speech impairment,
- Issues in sensory processing, and
- Mental health concerns
Once medical attention has been sought, securing important evidence for filing a claim is important. One of the most important components of a successful claim is to file a police report soon after an accident. The report can be filed at the time of the accident when a police officer is called to the scene of the accident, but it can also be filed after the accident has occurred. In many cases, the police officer will state his or her professional opinion on who caused the accident, which can be beneficial in an auto accident claim.
Other key pieces of evidence can include:
- Obtaining the contact and insurance information of the drivers involved
- Obtaining the contact information of people who witnessed the accident happen
- Taking pictures of the scene, including traffic lanes, traffic signs, and surrounding environment
- Taking pictures of any injuries sustained
- Taking pictures of the property damage sustained by all parties involved
Determining Fault in a Car Accident
A vast majority of auto accidents happen as a result of another driver’s careless actions. In California, every motorist has a duty to use reasonable care when driving. When a motorist has failed to use reasonable care and this has caused the injury of a person, the careless driver can be held accountable for the victim’s injuries.
Common examples of driver negligence can include:
- Speeding,
- Texting,
- Driving while under the influence,
- Failing to yield the right of way, and
- Failing to follow traffic laws
In a car accident, there are also other parties that may be held accountable for causing or contributing to the accident. Other parties typically named in a case include:
- Auto part manufacturers,
- Construction companies responsible for the site where the accident occurred,
- City engineers responsible for designing the road where the accident occurred, and/or
- City or County departments responsible for maintaining the road where the accident occurred
Under the state’s negligent laws, achieving a successful auto accident claim will involve demonstrating the following:
- The accused party (defendant) owed the injured victim a duty of care;
- The accused party (defendant) breached said duty of care through a careless action or negligence; and
- The negligent action was a significant factor in causing the victim’s injuries.
Damages Available After a Car Accident
Auto accident victims who have been injured as a result of a negligent car accident can seek damages from the responsible party. Typical compensatory damages available in a car accident claim can include:
- Hospital and medical expenses,
- Loss of wages and benefits,
- Loss of future earning capacity,
- Future medical procedure expenses,
- Physical therapy,
- At-home treatment,
- Emotional distress,
- Loss of limb,
- Pain and suffering,
- Disfigurement, and
- Diminished quality of life
When the victim loses his or her life as a consequence of another’s negligence, the victim’s surviving loved ones can seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. Damages available in wrongful death lawsuits reflect the compensatory damages available in auto accident claims, but they can also include the loss of companionship, the loss of household services, the loss of consortium, and more.
Monetary Compensation is Available Following a Car Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, it is important to consider speaking to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. An experienced Riverside car accident lawyer who will aggressively fight for what is fair and deserved – helping you recover damages for medical and/or surgical expenses, ambulance costs, lost wages (present and future), physical therapy and pain and suffering.
Attorney Gary G. Goldberg proudly represents those who have been injured as a consequence of another’s negligent actions. Attorney Goldberg will take the time to talk to you about your case, explain the process, and answer all of your questions. He will work diligently and aggressively to make sure that the negligent party is held accountable.
If you have been involved in an accident caused by another driver, contact the Law Office of Gary G. Goldberg for the experienced legal representation you need. Attorney Goldberg will fight for the rights and compensation you deserve. Consider contacting the Law Office of Gary G. Goldberg today at (951) 788-8325 for a free case evaluation. There is no commitment and every client can expect to speak directly with Attorney Gary G. Goldberg.