Perris Car Accident Lawyer

Our Perris car accident lawyer at Hanson & Mouri understand the frustration that can come from dealing with a collision, especially if you’ve been injured. You can trust us to help you get the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today through our online contact form, or by calling (951) 688-0006.

Why Choose Our Perris Car Accident Lawyer? 

• We can offer a unique insight into your claim, since our car accident lawyer once worked as an insurance defense attorney.
• We provide aggressive representation that gets results, and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.
• We have not lost a single litigated case.

Why Do I Need a Perris Car Accident Lawyer?

Car accidents cases that involve serious or catastrophic injuries can be very complex, even when fault is apparent. Insurance companies that represent at-fault drivers typically won’t offer a settlement amount that will completely cover your losses. As they are businesses that are interested in their profit margins, rather than paying out fair compensation on claims. Without an experienced car accident lawyer advocating for you and protecting your rights, your financial future is at risk. 

What are Common Causes of Car Accidents in Perris? 

The most common causes of accidents in Perris are acts of negligence by a driver, such as the following: 

Distracted Driving

Cell phones are the root of many accidents. Texting while driving, making a phone call, looking up directions, eating food, applying makeup, speaking to passengers are all examples of how a driver’s attention can be averted from the road and lead to an accident. 

Speeding

Failing to follow posted speed limits can lower a driver’s ability to react to things on the road, and can result in serious injury accidents, or possibly a fatality. 

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most harmful things a driver can do. Motor vehicles cannot be effectively operated by drivers who are impaired. 

Reckless Driving

Drivers who have a complete disregard for the safety of other people or property on the road. (e.g. excessive lane changes, improper passing, running red lights or stop signs, etc.)

Fatigue

It’s very risky for a driver to get behind the wheel when they are tried, or even drowsy. Fatigue can impair driving similarly to alcohol. 

Bad Weather 

Failing to slow down or use lights when there is bad weather, such as rain, sleet, or snow, can lower a driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of an accident. 

These are only a few of the countless other causes of car accidents in Perris. 

Types of Compensation Available after a Car Accident 

If you have suffered a serious injury in a car accident, an attorney can help you hold them accountable for the following types of compensation:

• Medical Bills (current and future)
• Lost Wages (current and future)
• Damage to Property
• Pain and Suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Sorrow and mental anguish
• Loss of companionship
• Punitive damages (in cases involved egregious behavior or extreme recklessness)

Economic damages, such as medical bills or lost wages may be relatively simple to calculate, whereas non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, are difficult to estimate. A lawyer can assist you by evaluating your case and estimating its value, before negotiating for a settlement amount that is fair. 

Keep in mind that California is a pure comparative fault state. That means that you can recover damages from another party, even if you hold part of the blame. However, your settlement or jury award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. 

Common Car Accident Injuries that Warrant Compensation

Car accidents have the potential to cause many types of severe injuries to innocent motorists, including:

Brain and Head Injuries

Frequently seen after a car accident due to the head being thrown into another object, such as the steering wheel or window. Brain injuries can range from a mild concussion to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), resulting in permanent cognitive impairment. 

Neck and Back Injuries

Whiplash is the most common form of neck injury caused by car accidents, especially rear-end collisions. This is due to the sudden jolt of the neck in a back and forth motion. Serious cases can result in a cervical spine fracture, whereas milder cases cause pain or neck stiffness that may disappear in a few days or weeks. Other common neck or back injuries are soft tissue injuries, spinal cord injuries, including herniated or bulging discs, and paralysis. 

Chest and Abdominal Injuries

Seatbelts and steering wheels are the most common causes of chest or abdominal injuries. A broken sternum or ribs, internal organ damage, or severe contusions can all result from the impact of a crash.

Leg and Knee Injuries

If the legs and knees hit the dashboard, it can result in bruises, scrapes, sprains, or broken bones. 

Psychological Injuries

Victims may also suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other psychological conditions after a severe crash. 

Scarring and Disfigurement 

A collision can also lead to facial lacerations that leave significant scarring, potentially causing lifetime or long-lasting damage. 

No matter how minor an injury may seem, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Not only will the documentation be vital when pursuing an injury claim, but existing injuries can worsen with time, or new injuries may surface. 

Who Is Liable in a Car Accident?

California operates on a fault-based system, which for car accident victims, means the person who is at fault for the collision is financially responsible for any losses caused. The liable party’s insurer must compensate injured parties up to policy limits. 

There are three options for victims to pursue compensation: 

• Filing a claim with their own auto insurance company if they have collision or comprehensive coverage. In turn, their insurer will pursue a subrogation claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company for reimbursement.
• Filing a claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. 
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver in civil court.

However, under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, if victims are found partially to blame, their compensation will be reduced accordingly. For example, if a Jurupa Valley accident victim is awarded $100,000 but found 40 percent to blame, they will only recover $60,000 or 60 percent of the award. 

Proving Fault After a Car Accident 

To hold another party accountable for your losses after a car accident, you must demonstrate that their negligence is what caused the collision. That will require proof of the following four elements:

• Duty of Care: The at-fault driver owed you a duty of care (e.g., to follow traffic laws)
• Breach of Duty: The at-fault driver breached their duty of care (e.g., running a red light)
• Causation: The at-fault driver is directly responsible for your injuries (e.g., the injuries you suffered are linked to the car accident caused by the at-fault driver)
• Damages: You suffered financial and other losses as a result of the accident. 

Examples of potential evidence to prove another driver is responsible include the location of damage to the vehicles, photos of the accident scene, video footage of the crash, witness statements, or cell phone records. 

How Much is My Car Accident Claim Worth?

It is only natural to wonder how much compensation you can expect to recover after a car accident. An accident attorney in Moreno Valley can give you an estimate, but there isn’t a precise answer since each case is unique. The factors that can impact your case’s value include:​

• The severity of your injuries.
• The length of your recovery.
• Whether you will need ongoing medical care and adaptive equipment.  
• How your pain and suffering affects all aspects of your life. 
• How much income you have lost from being unable to work.
• How much money you will lose in the future due to your injury.
• Strength of evidence against the at-fault driver.
• Any aggravating factors. (e.g., at-fault party was driving drunk) 
• The at-fault party’s policy limits. 

If your damages exceed the at-fault party’s policy’s limits, the insurance company is not required to pay the difference. When that is the case, an attorney can help you explore other options for recovering further compensation to make up the difference. 

What to Do After an Accident

The aftermath of a car accident can be stressful and chaotic, but there are essential steps to take, which include:

• Stay at the scene, try to remain calm, and never admit fault.
• Call 911 for emergency medical care if anyone involved in the accident is injured. 
• If emergency medical care isn’t necessary, still notify the police. A police report can be crucial when proving liability. 
• Do not move vehicles or injured persons unless you must do so for safety reasons.
• Take photos & videos of the scene and damage for evidence. 
• Exchange information with all drivers involved and get contact information for any witnesses. 
• Seek medical care, no matter how minor the injury may seem, and continue treatment recommended by the doctor. You may feel perfectly fine right after an accident, but some injuries become apparent only after a day or two.
• Keep all records, including medical bills, out-of-pocket expense receipts, insurance company letters, and similar documents and records that you receive.
• Contact your auto insurer to report the accident and learn the next steps for filing a claim. 

Lastly, but very important, speak to a Riverside car accident attorney as soon as possible regarding your legal options for pursuing compensation. They will immediately begin investigating and gathering evidence from the crash and deal with the insurance companies on your behalf.

Need Help after a Crash? Contact Our Skilled Perris Car Accident Lawyer Today

We have the resources to help you get the positive outcome you deserve after you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident. Speak to a Riverside Car Accident Attorney today by calling (951) 688-0006 or contact us online to set up your free consultation.