Car accidents can happen in an instant, and their impact can last a lifetime. From mounting medical bills to lost income and ongoing pain, the aftermath of a serious crash can be overwhelming without the added stress of fighting a legal battle. At Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel, our Hemet car accident lawyers are committed to helping injured clients navigate the legal process after a crash. We provide exceptional legal support tailored to your own unique needs and goals to secure the outcome and compensation you deserve.

What Are the Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Hemet, California?

Several roads and intersections in Hemet, California, have a reputation for being especially hazardous through a history of accidents, high volumes of traffic, and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, such as:

• Florida Avenue (State Route 74): Florida Avenue is one of the city’s most traveled and most dangerous roads. It serves as a mountain corridor connecting Hemet to the surrounding areas, with sharp curves, limited visibility, and steep grades that make certain stretches particularly perilous as it winds into the San Jacinto Mountains.
• Mustang Way and Morgan Hill Road: Numerous serious pedestrian accidents involving students have occurred in this intersection near West Valley High School, despite improvements such as a lighted crosswalk. Young pedestrians and fast-moving traffic make this a particularly sensitive danger zone.
• Florida Avenue and Hemet Street: The junction of these busy streets experiences numerous collisions due to fast-moving vehicles, frequent left turns, and congestion during peak hours.
• Kirby Street and Acacia Avenue: This area, especially during morning commute hours, is prone to accidents due to high traffic volume and limited sightlines.
• San Jacinto Avenue: Intersections along this road often lack adequate traffic signals or pedestrian protections, contributing to often unreported near-misses and minor collisions that still pose a safety threat.

Unique California Laws and Regulations

California has certain driving and insurance laws and regulations unique unto the state, such as:

• Lane Splitting: California is the only state which allows lane splitting – motorcycles riding between lanes of traffic – in slow or stopped traffic, meaning drivers need to be more vigilant about checking blind spots before changing lanes.
• Daylighting Law: Enacted in 2025, this law prohibits vehicles from parking or stopping within 20 feet of marked or unmarked crosswalks to improve pedestrian visibility and safety at intersections.
• Smoking with Minors: It is illegal to smoke in a vehicle with passengers under 18 years old, regardless of whether the windows are open.
• Autonomous Vehicle Citations: Due to a legal loophole, self-driving vehicles without human drivers cannot be cited for moving violations, such as speeding.
• Increased Minimum Liability Coverage: As of January 1, 2025, California’s minimum auto insurance liability limits increased to:
  • $30,000 for bodily injury or death per person
  • $60,000 for bodily injury or death per accident
  • $15,000 for property damage​
• Low-Cost Auto Insurance Program: California offers a Low-Cost Auto Insurance Program to assist income-eligible drivers in obtaining affordable liability coverage.
• Proposition 103 Regulations: Under Proposition 103, auto insurance rates must be based only on driving safety record, annual mileage, and years of driving experience. Use of credit scores and gender as rating factors is prohibited.

What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Car accidents happen for many reasons, the majority caused by poor judgement and driving habits. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Aggressive driving: Excessive lane changes, cutting off others, and ignoring traffic laws are considered aggressive or reckless driving.
• Distracted driving: Any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as texting, eating, or adjusting controls.
• Drunk driving: Alcohol reduces reaction time, limits focus, blurs vision, and causes blackouts.
• Drowsy driving: Sleep deprivation can cause the same neurological impairments as alcohol or drugs.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit reduces stopping distance and time to avoid sudden obstacles or changes in traffic.
• Tailgating: Following too closely behind other vehicles reduces stopping distance and is the leading cause of rear-end collisions.
• Weather: Rain, snow, ice, and fog can limit visibility, create slick road surfaces, and reduce tire traction.

Even minor car accidents can result in serious injuries. Some of the most common include whiplash, back and spinal cord injuries, broken bones, cuts and lacerations, traumatic brain injuries, nerve and organ damage, paralysis, and emotional distress.

What if the Responsible Driver Is Uninsured?

You still have options, even if the at-fault driver does not have insurance. California requires auto insurance companies to offer Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, which the majority of car owners purchase as part of their policy. If you have UM coverage, you can file a claim

through your own insurance to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more. If you do not have UM coverage, you may be able to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver directly, however, uninsured drivers often lack sufficient assets to pay you. In some cases, your health insurance or medical coverage may help cover expensive medical bills.

What Compensation Can I Seek After a Car Accident in Hemet?

If you have been injured in a car accident, you can seek compensation for both ‘economic’ and ‘non-economic’ damages for your actual and intangible losses, including, but not limited to:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
• Vehicle repairs or replacement
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of life enjoyment
• Wrongful death

California is a pure comparative negligence state, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault for the accident, though it will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are awarded $100,000 in compensation and found to be 30% responsible, you will recover only $70,000.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?

In California, the statute of limitations for filing car accident claims is two years from the date of the accident. If you do not file within that time, you may lose your right to recover damages entirely.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

Gathering evidence after a car accident can benefit your claim significantly. If you are able, you should take the following steps:

• Call police and report the accident and injuries
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver
• Minimize conversation to avoid any incriminating statements
• Photograph everything at the scene relevant to the accident
• Gather contact information and statements from witnesses
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible to rule out any life-threatening internal injuries and obtain a doctor’s report
• Keep all accident-related records and documents
• Consult an experienced Hemet car accident lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options

How Can a Hemet Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

Injuries from car accidents typically result in medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and more, especially if your injuries are severe. After an accident, you need knowledgeable and experienced legal support by your side to recover the compensation you deserve. When you hire Lerner Moore Silva Cunningham & Rubel, our Hemet car accident lawyers can work on your behalf to:

• Investigate the accident scene
• Review police reports
• Collaborate with your medical team regarding your ongoing medical care
• Estimate your damages
• Interview witnesses
• Hire experts, if necessary
• Negotiate with insurance companies for a settlement
• Represent you in court if settlement negotiations fail

The Hemet Car Accident Lawyers at Lerner Moore Silva Cunningham & Rubel Help Clients Seek Justice and the Compensation They Deserve

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident, our skilled Hemet car accident lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel can help you hold the driver accountable and seek the compensation you deserve. Call today at 909-889-1131 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. Located in Ontario and Victorville, California, we proudly serve clients in San Bernardino County, Ontario, Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Colton, and Riverside County.