Car accident Riverside: Here is where to start.
After a car accident in Riverside, find the right police report, get care and keep track of California deadlines. Raincross Post puts the next steps in order. Hurt in the crash? Start with four short review questions.
Free case review
Step 1 of 5
Before you go on
The timing is outside this review path
This review path focuses on accidents from the last six months. Deadlines and exceptions vary, so consider speaking directly with a licensed California attorney if you still need guidance. Raincross Post is not a law firm and this is not legal advice.
Before you go on
This review is not the right fit
This review path is for crashes caused by another driver. If you need guidance, you can speak directly with a licensed California attorney.
Before you go on
This review is not the right fit
This review path is for people who report pain or injury symptoms after an accident. If your symptoms change, you can return and complete a new evaluation.
Before you go on
This review is not the right fit
This review path is for people who have not signed an agreement with a lawyer for this accident. This does not determine whether you have a valid claim. A licensed attorney can advise you on your options.
Review requested
Your Request Is In
Our partner’s automated assistant will call about your accident. Keep your phone nearby. Call timing depends on availability.
- Expect a call. Our partner’s automated assistant will introduce itself.
- Confirm the details. The assistant asks a few questions before offering a connection to intake.
- Possible attorney review. The intake team can clarify any missing details and discuss the next steps.
Free initial review
The first look at your crash is free.
No obligation
You never have to hire an attorney.
4 short questions
Plus your name and phone number.
Riverside County
For crashes anywhere in the county.
Start here
Police reportsOn the 91 or on Magnolia? Who has your reportRiverside Police take city streets. The CHP takes the freeways.Find out 
The checklist
- Stop and help. California law requires drivers in an injury crash to stop. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Get the report number. Riverside Police for city streets; the CHP for SR 91, SR 60, I-215 and I-15.
- See a doctor within a day or two. Delayed pain is common, and the first visit starts your medical record.
- File the SR-1 with the DMV in 10 days. It is required for any injury or more than $1,000 of damage.
- Keep one folder. Photos, bills, repair estimates and a note of every missed shift.
- Check the six-month rule. A claim against a city, the county, RTA or Caltrans is due within six months.
How to find a car accident lawyer in Riverside
First, look the lawyer up on the State Bar of California site. You will see whether the licence is active and whether there is any public discipline.
Second, read the fee agreement before you sign. In California a contingency agreement must be written and signed by both of you (B&P Code § 6147), with the percentage, how costs come out of the recovery, and a statement that the fee can be negotiated.
Third, ask practical questions. Who handles the file day to day? Has the lawyer tried car accident cases at the Riverside Historic Courthouse? What happens with medical liens when the case settles?
Finally, take your time. A good car accident lawyer will not pressure you to sign at the hospital or promise a figure on the first call.
California deadlines and how fault is split
Most injury lawsuits must be filed within two years (Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1), and claims for damage to your car within three (§ 338).
If a public agency may share the blame, for example a county truck, an RTA bus or a Caltrans work zone, the written claim to that agency is due within six months (Gov. Code § 911.2).
Fault is shared under pure comparative fault. Being partly at fault does not bar recovery, but your award shrinks by your percentage of fault. Losses of $45,000 with 10% of the fault would mean $40,500.
Under Proposition 213, a driver with no insurance, or one convicted of DUI, cannot recover pain and suffering damages, though medical bills and lost wages can still be claimed.
Do you need a lawyer after a Riverside car accident?
For a damaged car and no injuries, often not. Many people settle with the insurer, or use small claims court for amounts up to $12,500.
Talk to a lawyer if you were injured, if the insurer blames you, if the other driver carried only the30/60/15 minimum or no insurance at all, if a commercial truck or public vehicle was involved, or if the six-month claim deadline might apply.
When the other insurer calls, you can give basic facts and wait to give any recorded statement until you have your report and notes.
What the free case review covers
Four questions: when the crash happened, whether another driver caused or contributed to it, whether you have pain or injury symptoms, and whether you have already signed with a lawyer for this accident. Unsure about fault? You can still finish.
Then you leave a name and phone number. Our partner’s automated assistant calls, asks a few questions and can connect you with the intake team. The review is free, and you do not have to hire an attorney.
It is for crashes in the last six months where you were hurt and have not signed with a lawyer.Start the free case review.
Reports, trauma care and court in Riverside
City street or freeway: that decides who wrote the report.
Riverside Police
Reports are usually ready about 10 working days after a crash. Request one at Records, 10540 Magnolia Avenue, for $20, by mail, or through LexisNexis eCrash for an added fee.
CHP
The CHP handles SR 91, SR 60, I-215 and I-15, and crashes on unincorporated county roads. Use theCHP Crash Portal or form CHP 190.
Trauma care
RUHS Medical Center in Moreno Valley is a Level I trauma center for adults and children, and the county’s only pediatric trauma center.
Court
Unlimited civil cases, which include most injury lawsuits, are filed at the Riverside Historic Courthouse, 4050 Main Street.
Mailbag
Questions Riverside readers send after a crash, answered briefly.
Is there a charge for the case review?
No. The initial review is free, and there is no obligation to hire an attorney.
Once I finish the review, is my case accepted?
No. The four questions check only the first criteria. An attorney reviews the full details before accepting a case.
What if I’m not sure the other driver was at fault?
Pick “Not sure” and finish the review. Fault is something the intake team can go over with you.
What does a car accident lawyer in Riverside cost?
Usually nothing upfront. Most work on contingency, a percentage of what they recover. California requires a written agreement signed by both of you that states the rate, explains how costs are paid and says the fee is negotiable.
How do I get my Riverside Police crash report?
It is usually ready about 10 working days after the crash. Request it at the Records counter, 10540 Magnolia Avenue, for $20, by mail, or online through LexisNexis eCrash for an added fee (Riverside Police). Crashes on SR 91, SR 60 or I-215 are CHP reports instead.
A county vehicle hit me. Do I have longer than six months?
No. Claims against public agencies, including the County of Riverside, the City of Riverside, RTA and Caltrans, must be filed in writing within six months of the crash.