Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in the Inland Empire
An auto accident can change your life in a split second. Obtain the compensation you need to recover.
The Inland Empire is home to some of the busiest roads in the State of California. With millions of cars traveling in and out of the region each year, traffic accidents are unavoidable. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were 3,563 traffic-related fatalities reported in 2018. While not every accident will result in a casualty, victims of car accidents can expect a variety of life-long challenges, including physician pain, emotional anguish, and financial distress.
Premier Auto Accident Law Firm You Can Depend On
If you or a loved one has suffered a car accident that was caused by another party, there may be an opportunity to recover compensation. With more than 30 years of experience handling multi-million dollar cases, the attorneys at Castillo & Associates are well-prepared to handle the most complex car accident claims in the Inland Empire and throughout Southern California.
Attorney Domingo Castillo, as a prior insurance claims adjuster and senior claims examiner, has been in the insurance claims industry for over 30 years and handled thousands of cases for insurance carriers such as Allstate, Cigna and more. After a car accident, consider speaking to a knowledgeable attorney today.
Common Car Accidents in the Inland Empire
Auto accidents can happen in a broad range of situations. While some auto accidents can involve a single driver, others can involve dozens of vehicles, hazardous roadway conditions, or even pedestrians. In Southern California, some of the most common auto accidents include the following:
Side-Impact Accidents
These accidents usually occur at intersections, caused by the failure to yield the right of way or the failure to obey traffic signals. Side-impact accidents can be very serious, and even lead to casualties. For the most part, the severity of the accident and the injuries that ensue will depend on the speeds of the vehicles involved.
Although some newer vehicle models are equipped with side airbags, which help mitigate the severity of the injuries, many cars are not equipped with these. Ultimately, side-impact accidents usually result in serious injuries for the vehicle that was struck.
Rear-End Collisions
These types of accidents occur when one automobile crashes into the back of another. Rear-impact collisions can occur when there is a sudden decrease in acceleration of the vehicle in front, but the vehicle behind has not allowed for enough space or time to brake in time.
Injuries typically seen in these forms of accidents include:
- Herniation of the spine
- Whiplash
- Traumatic head injury
- Facial disfigurement
In a majority of cases, the driver who has rear-ended the other vehicle will be held responsible, although there are exceptions to this. When a rear-end collision involves a semi-truck, the consequences can ultimately be catastrophic.
Head-On Collisions
This type of accident occurs when two vehicles, traveling in opposite directions, collide head-on with one another. Head-on collisions are the deadliest types of accidents, and this is attributed to the high velocity of both vehicles involved. In a majority of cases, these accidents are caused as a result of drunk or intoxicated driving.
Establishing Fault in a Car Accident
In general, responsibility will be based on negligence. In California, negligence usually occurs when one party has failed to exercise a sufficient amount of caution a reasonable party would under similar circumstances. In a car accident, a driver who has run a red light will usually be held responsible for causing the accident, as he or she has failed to exercise proper caution when driving. The lack of caution taken while driving can be seen as negligence, and can include the following actions:
- Driving while under the influence
- Driving while fatigued
- Distracted driving
- Failing to stop
- Speeding
In cases where a police officer has arrived at the scene, the officer will make a preliminary determination of who is at-fault for the accident. This determination will usually be made in the police report, which can be used to establish fault in a claim against the other driver. There are times, however, where the accident can be wrongfully placed on the victim. If this occurs, it is important to seek legal counsel.
Following an Auto Accident in the Inland Empire, Protect Your Rights – Speak to a Skilled Attorney Today
If you have been injured in an automobile accident, it is important to act quickly and contact the legal support of a knowledgeable attorney who will champion on your behalf. Auto accident claims in California are subject to a strict statute of limitations, which can invalidate a case if not obeyed. Consult an attorney who will thoroughly investigate your case, gather important evidence, and protect your right to a full monetary compensation.
The personal injury attorneys at the Castillo & Associates are highly skilled in the most complex automobile accident cases in California. The firm has over three decades of legal experience, and is equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to take on the most challenging auto accident cases. For a free, no-obligation consultation, consider speaking to an experienced Inland Empire car accident lawyer at Castillo & Associates today.
