Beyond the immediate physical injuries, motor vehicle collisions cause long-term effects like financial loss, emotional stress, and legal uncertainty. Fortunately, California law provides legal options for those harmed due to the actions of others on the road. Whether the incident involved another driver, a commercial truck, or a defective vehicle component, liability is often established through civil claims.

At Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel (LMSCR), our San Jacinto car accident lawyers provide representation for individuals pursuing claims related to car crashes. We bring decades of legal experience to each case and work to pursue appropriate compensation for those harmed by another party’s negligence or misconduct. 

What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents in San Jacinto?

Among the most common causes are distracted driving, impaired operation, and aggressive behaviors like speeding or tailgating. In some cases, fatigue or failure to yield the right of way contributes to collisions.

Environmental and infrastructure-related factors also play a role. Poor road maintenance, faulty traffic signals, and inadequate signage may lead to accidents, especially when combined with poor weather conditions. In cases where vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, are involved, the question of liability may extend to third parties such as manufacturers or maintenance providers.

How Is Liability Determined After a Car Accident?

Liability in a car accident case is based on the principle of negligence. In legal terms, negligence occurs when a person or entity fails to act with reasonable care, and that failure causes harm to another. Establishing liability typically requires demonstrating four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages.

Evidence is a key component in this process. Documentation such as police reports, photographs, medical records, and eyewitness testimony helps establish the facts of a case. In some situations, expert analysis of accident reconstruction or vehicle data may be necessary to identify how the incident occurred. Our San Jacinto car accident lawyers evaluate this evidence carefully to assess legal options and determine who may be held responsible.

What Types of Damages May Be Recovered in a Car Accident Claim?

Damages in a car accident claim refer to the financial and personal losses resulting from the incident. These may include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs related to transportation or treatment. In cases involving lasting physical injuries or diminished capacity to work, compensation may also be pursued for future earnings and rehabilitation costs.

Non-economic damages are also considered. These may involve compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In rare cases involving reckless conduct or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to penalize the responsible party and deter similar behavior. The types and amount of damages depend on the evidence presented and the extent of harm sustained.

When Should a Car Accident Claim Be Filed in California?

California law imposes a statute of limitations on personal injury claims, including those arising from car accidents. In most cases, an injured party has two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit in civil court. If the case involves a government entity, such as a public transportation agency or city-maintained road, the time limit is reduced to six months for filing a formal claim.

Filing within the appropriate period is necessary to preserve legal rights. Once the deadline passes, courts may refuse to hear the case, regardless of its merits. For this reason, individuals harmed in car accidents are encouraged to speak with legal counsel as early as possible to evaluate their options and initiate the process within the time permitted.

What If the Injured Person Shares Fault for the Accident?

California follows a pure comparative fault system, so an injured party may still recover damages even if they are partly responsible for the accident. However, the total compensation awarded will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to that individual.

For example, if a claimant is found to be 20 percent at fault and the total damages are $100,000, the recoverable amount would be reduced to $80,000. Determining fault requires careful review of all evidence and may involve disputes between parties or insurance companies. In these situations, our San Jacinto car accident lawyers work to protect the claimant’s interests and to challenge any unfair allocation of fault.

How Do Insurance Companies Handle Car Accident Claims?

After a car accident, individuals typically file a claim with an insurance company—either their own or that of the other party involved. The insurance adjuster investigates the circumstances, reviews documentation, and makes a settlement offer based on the findings. However, the initial offer may not fully reflect the extent of the damages sustained.

Insurance companies often seek to limit payouts and may challenge claims based on fault, causation, or the extent of injury. Disagreements over medical treatment, lost wages, or long-term impacts are not uncommon. That is why we recommend consulting with our San Jacinto car accident lawyers to assess whether the compensation is appropriate under the circumstances.

Can a Lawsuit Be Avoided Through Settlement?

The majority of car accident claims are resolved through settlement rather than litigation. Negotiating a settlement allows the parties to agree on compensation without going to trial. This approach may save time and reduce legal costs, but it requires careful negotiation and review of all the relevant factors.

A fair settlement should reflect the full extent of physical injury, financial loss, and personal impact, including potential future damages like long-term rehabilitation. Keep in mind that accepting a settlement generally means waiving the right to pursue additional compensation later. When a negotiated settlement cannot be reached, our San Jacinto car accident lawyers are prepared to take cases to court, where we fight to protect clients’ rights.

Call Our Skilled San Jacinto Car Accident Lawyers at LMSCR Today

If you were injured in a car accident, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your losses. Our San Jacinto car accident lawyers handle motor vehicle claims with a focus on thorough case evaluation and careful legal analysis. For a free consultation, call our Ontario or Victorville office at 909-889-1131 or complete our online form. LMSCR serves clients in the surrounding areas, including San Bernardino County, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Colton, and Riverside County.