Riverside Car Accident Attorney

Don't face the aftermath of a car accident alone. Get help from an experienced car accident lawyer in Riverside, CA today so you can focus on recovery.

Until you experience it yourself, it may be difficult to truly grasp how traumatic a car accident can be. Even a relatively minor collision can result in injuries and property damage, requiring time away from work and expensive medical treatment.

If your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence, it’s important to remember that you have a right to compensatory relief. The sooner you and your family obtain the financial support you need, the sooner you can move forward. Read on to learn more about what to do after a car accident and how a Riverside car accident lawyer can help you.

Case Spotlight

$90,000.00 Settlement amount
Case type:

Case type: REAR END CAR ACCIDENT

The Beliz Law Firm obtained a $90,000 settlement on behalf of a 67-year old grandmother. The client was stopped in her vehicle at the intersection of Muller Street and Lincoln Avenue in the Anaheim. While the client waited for the signal light to turn from red to green, a driver of a sedan was traveling at a speed of 60 miles per hour in an attempt to make a dentist appointment. The driver realized too late that there were stopped vehicles ahead and was unable to slow down the sedan in time. The sedan rear-ended the client’s vehicle and pushed it into the car ahead. The client’s vehicle was totaled.

The client was taken by ambulance to University of California, Irvine hospital. The client was diagnosed with a non-surgical fracture to the sternum. The client stayed under the care of medical personal for a few days. Afterward, the client presented to her primary care physician for follow-up visits once a month for three months for the aches in her chest but no physical therapy was needed.

The Beliz Law signed the grandmother and filed a lawsuit against the negligent driver. After getting useful information about the driver through discovery and the defense of the client’s deposition, the case went to mediation and settled for $90,000.00.

Get Compensated For Your Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can be traumatizing but you do not have to handle your claim by yourself. The attorneys at Beliz Law Firm are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Schedule A Free Consultation

What To Do After a Car Accident in Riverside, CA? 

In the moments following a car accident, you might not immediately think about how you can protect your legal rights. Understandably, many people feel confused and overwhelmed right after an auto accident.

While taking all the following steps might not be possible, the more of these steps you can take, the better off you’ll be when you seek compensation.   

Christopher Cendana
Christopher Cendana
2022-12-08
Would highly recommend The Beliz Law Firm to anyone and everyone! Michael was with us through our whole case and made sure we always knew what was going on and what to expect. It was like having a family member represent us. Thanks again, Michael!
tony meador
tony meador
2019-06-28
A very honest Attorney that is very personable, knowledgeable and got good results
alan mai
alan mai
2019-01-28
Eventhough they did not take my case they were very helpfull and pointing me in the right direction! thank you so much for being awsome!
J C
J C
2018-04-05
Greatest personal injury attorney! Knowledgeable, fair, and patient. Strong work, with great results!
Alejandro Bustelo
Alejandro Bustelo
2017-04-04
I was involved in a car accident last summer and Michael Beliz has really helped me out a lot. He came to my place and met with me on a weekend in order to sign the paperwork and he always makes sure I understand what the next step is. Not only that, he also goes the extra mile and I can tell he really wants to make sure I get the best possible deal. I definitely recommend the Beliz Law Firm if you need their type of services.
glenda rivera
glenda rivera
2017-03-28
Michael Beliz is an exceptional attorney with excellent skills. He is professional, courteous and a compassionate lawyer I've met. Helping my mother getting through her ordeal was not I expected to be, she was relaxed and at ease. His communication ability with her is excellent. I am very pleased what he have done for my mom's case. I would highly recommend him. Michael Beliz is the name. Thank you! More power to you!!!
Jason Rogel
Jason Rogel
2016-12-03
The attention to detail, perseverance and dedication Michael Beliz puts into every case are what make him an amazing attorney with excellent results. I highly recommend the Beliz Law Firm to anyone seeking legal counsel for personal injury claims.
Jose Carrillo
Jose Carrillo
2016-08-25
I have referred friends and family members to Michael Beliz, without hesitation. He has always done the best for them, and gotten them great settlements!
Michael Manlapeg
Michael Manlapeg
2016-08-08
I would highly recommend Michael Beliz as a personal injury attorney. He always follows through and is extremely attentive. Because of his knowledge, perseverance, and his ability to communicate effectively, I trust Michael to achieve the best possible outcome.
Eric Alspaugh
Eric Alspaugh
2016-08-05
Michael Beliz is an absolute expert in personal injury law. Michael understands his clients and their unique needs. Also, Michael is accessible and timely in correspondence. I trust Michael to take care of my family and friends!

Call 911

Even if you don’t think you’re injured, call 911 and request emergency personnel and law enforcement officers to come to the scene. Emergency personnel will assess the condition of all involved parties while law enforcement officers create an accident report. If you can, ask the officer creating the report for the report number so that it’s easier for you to get a copy later. 

Seek Medical Treatment

Some injuries take hours, days, or even weeks to manifest after a car accident. Even if you’re in a minor accident, you should seek medical attention. The medical records your doctor creates will help you connect the accident to any injuries you suffered, which is vital to recovering the compensation you deserve.  

Gather Information

You should gather a few key pieces of information at the scene of the accident, including the following: 

  • The other driver’s name and contact information;
  • The other driver’s insurance details and license plate number; and 
  • The names and contact information of all witnesses at the scene. 

If you can’t collect this information at the scene due to your injuries, your auto accident attorney will likely be able to find much of this information in the police report. 

Document the Scene 

If you’re physically able to, document the accident scene to the best of your ability. Taking photos of the scene will help your Riverside car accident attorney understand how and why your accident happened. If possible, you should do the following:  

  • Photograph your car and other vehicles involved, including any damage such as dents, broken glass, and scratches; 
  • Photograph the surrounding environment, including the road conditions, features such as the intersection or area where the accident occurred, and any damage the accident caused to objects like signs or barricades;
  • Photograph your injuries;
  • Make notes about what you remember about the moments leading up to, during, and after the accident; and
  • Write down when and where the accident took place. 

Even after a seemingly unforgettable event like a traumatic car accident, memories fade quickly. Maintaining an accurate record of what happened and other important details can help support your compensation claim.   

Get Your Accident Report 

A car accident report created by a responding police officer provides a detailed and unbiased summary of the accident. These reports also provide valuable information about the parties involved in the accident.

Some accident reports may even make a determination about who was at fault. Your Riverside car accident lawyer uses the information in your accident report to strengthen your case against the liable party. 

Contact Your Insurance Company

Carefully review the coverage details from your insurance company. Your policy information will tell you how long you have to report the accident. However, it’s best to speak with an attorney before disclosing any potentially damaging details to an insurance company.   

Hire a Riverside Car Accident Attorney

If your injuries prevent you from performing the steps mentioned above, our car accident attorneys in Riverside can help you gather the information you couldn’t collect. They can also investigate your claim, gather evidence, and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, so you can focus on your recovery. 

Common Causes of Car Accidents 

Car accidents can occur in any number of ways. Unfortunately, even when you make all efforts to remain attentive and obey all traffic laws, you can’t control the conduct of others.

However, understanding common causes may help you spot trouble before an accident occurs. Common causes of traffic accidents include the following: 

  • Drunk driving, 
  • Distracted driving, 
  • Speeding, 
  • Reckless driving, 
  • Poor road conditions, 
  • Inclement weather conditions, 
  • Road hazards, and
  • Fatigue.

These are only a few common causes of car accidents. A skilled Riverside car accident attorney can investigate your accident and identify how the accident happened and who is liable for your damages.  

How Long Will a Case Take

Every car accident case is unique. Minor injury claims may settle within a few months, while serious injury or disputed liability cases can take a year or more. Factors that affect case length include medical treatment duration, insurance company cooperation, and whether the case goes to trial. A skilled Riverside car accident lawyer can often speed up the process by handling negotiations and ensuring paperwork is filed promptly.

Compensation Car Accident Victims May Be Entitled To

If you were injured in a Riverside car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you have the legal right to pursue compensation for your losses. The exact amount depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical costs, and how the crash has impacted your life, both financially and emotionally.

Here are the most common types of compensation our Riverside car accident lawyers help clients recover:

1. Medical Expenses

This includes all medical costs related to your injury, from the ambulance ride and emergency room visit to surgeries, physical therapy, and future treatment needs. Even if your health insurance covered some of the bills, you can still claim reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses and co-pays.

2. Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity

If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you can claim compensation for your lost income. In more serious cases, if you can no longer perform the same type of work, you may also recover damages for lost future earning capacity.

3. Property Damage

You’re entitled to compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal items damaged in the crash (such as a cell phone or car seat).

4. Pain and Suffering

Car accident injuries can cause long-term physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress. These are known as non-economic damages, and while they’re harder to quantify, they’re often one of the largest components of your claim.

5. Emotional Distress and Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Victims who experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress after a crash may be entitled to compensation for emotional suffering. You can also seek damages if your injuries limit your ability to enjoy hobbies or family life.

6. Punitive Damages

In rare cases where the at-fault driver acted with extreme recklessness — such as drunk driving or street racing — courts may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

7. Wrongful Death Damages

If you lost a loved one in a Riverside car accident, certain family members may file a wrongful death claim to recover:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of companionship, love, and guidance

The Beliz Law Firm understands how overwhelming the aftermath of a serious crash can be. Our team carefully calculates every aspect of your damages to ensure you pursue the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under California law.

Car Accident Statute of Limitations

In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to recover compensation. However, claims involving government vehicles or entities have even shorter timelines, often six months. Contacting a Riverside car accident lawyer early ensures that all legal deadlines are met.

Injured in an Accident? Contact Our Riverside Car Accident Lawyers 

At Beliz Law Firm, our legal team gives every client the one-on-one attention they deserve and will never treat you like just another file number. If you were injured in an auto accident, you are probably facing one of the most challenging times in your life.

You need an experienced auto attorney in Riverside with a track record of success on your side. At Beliz Law Firm, we focus on maximizing the value of your case so you receive the compensation you need to recover from your losses. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you.

Our Riverside car accident lawyers also handle other types of injury cases, such as:

FAQs About Car Accident Claims in Riverside

Q: Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?
A: Even if injuries seem minor, having a lawyer ensures you’re not underpaid by insurance. Many soft-tissue injuries worsen over time.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a Riverside car accident attorney?
A: Our firm works on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Q: What should I do after a car accident in Riverside?
A: Call 911, get medical attention, collect evidence, and contact a lawyer before speaking to insurers.

Q: Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
A: Yes. California follows comparative negligence laws, meaning you can recover damages even if you’re partially to blame—your award is just reduced by your percentage of fault.

What Else Should You Look For In A Riverside Car Accident Attorney?

When you’re looking for the best legal representation for your personal injury case, you want to find someone you can trust.

HAPPY CLIENTS
An easy way to tell if you’ve found a great attorney is by reading reviews. Past client’s experiences say a lot about the lawyer. The Beliz Law Firm is proud to have many happy clients. We’ve also got a 5-star rating on Google!
LOCAL
After a car crash, you want to work with a Long Beach local. Many of the ads you see and hear are from statewide or national firms that aren’t experienced working in Long Beach. The Beliz Law Firm is located at 3777 Long Beach Blvd and we’re happy to meet you wherever is convenient.
COMMUNITY
At the Beliz Law Firm, we sincerely want to make Riverside a better place. That’s why we offer free holiday rides, a scholarship for students, and support beneficial organizations.
RESULTS
The best Riverside car accident lawyers get results for their clients. We’ve got experience working on many types of car accident cases. Check out our results page for a small sample of cases we’ve settled or won for our clients.