Car accidents form the basis of the vast majority of personal injury claims in Riverside, and throughout California. It is normal for people to assume after a crash that one of the drivers involved was at fault. However, that is not always the case. Manufacturers, government entities, and other third parties could be at fault for an accident. If you have been injured in a crash, it is important to speak to a Riverside car accident lawyer who can help you sort through these issues so you can claim the maximum damages to which you are entitled.
Who is Liable After a Crash?Tort law governs car accidents in California. This means that if you have been hurt, you must hold the negligent, or careless, party liable for paying the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. Texting while driving, impaired driving, and speeding are just a few types of behavior that could be classified as acts of negligence that can cause an accident.
Sadly, your word alone that someone caused your injuries is not enough. You must prove four elements of your case when filing a car accident claim. You must show that another party owed you a duty of care, and that they breached that duty by acting negligently. You must then prove the negligent act was the direct cause of your accident, and that you sustained damages, or losses, as a result. That is why you need a car accident lawyer in Riverside as soon as possible.
Determining who was at fault for an accident is not always easy. You may assume the driver of the vehicle that slammed into you was at fault. If their brakes were defective, though, and did not work despite the driver using them, the manufacturer of those brakes would be liable for the crash. On the other hand, if a defect in the road caused an accident, you can hold the government entity responsible for maintaining the road liable.
Comparative Fault in Car Accident CasesMany times, there is more than one party at fault for a crash. The other side will likely try to argue you were partly at fault so the amount of damages they have to pay is reduced. Pure comparative fault governs in Riverside, and throughout the rest of the state, which means you can still claim damages even if you were 90% at fault for the crash.
Still, if it is found that you were partly at fault for an accident, you will be assigned a percentage of fault. Any damages you are awarded will then be reduced by the same percentage. It is important to work with a Riverside car accident attorney that can refute these arguments and help you obtain the full settlement you deserve.
Call Our Car Accident Attorney in Riverside TodayIf you have been hurt in a crash, do not take the chance of filing a claim on your own. At Brod Law Firm, our Riverside car accident lawyer knows how to hold negligent parties accountable for their carelessness so you obtain the full compensation to which you are entitled. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form for a free case evaluation.