Riverside Car Accident Lawyers
Fighting for What's Right. For You.
Ochoa & Calderon
Riverside Car Accident Attorneys Protecting Your Future
You glanced at your child in the rearview mirror just moments before the impact. Their small body was strapped in safely, but the force of the crash was terrifying. No parent should have to experience the fear of wondering if their child will be okay. But you don’t have to face these difficult circumstances alone.
At Ochoa & Calderon, we are ready to stand up for your rights and your family’s future. Our exceptional car accident lawyers have recovered millions for car accident victims across Southern California, and can use that experience to win you the maximum amount of compensation possible.
20 years+
of experience
$200+ million
recovered for clients
California's Car Accident Statistics
California roads, unfortunately, see far too many tragic accidents. In 2022 alone, there were 4,428 traffic fatalities recorded across the state. These preventable tragedies stem from serious issues on our roads: 1,479 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, pedestrian fatalities claimed 1,158 lives, and motorcycle fatalities reached 634. No matter how complex or challenging the accident, our elite legal team will help you fight for fair compensation.
Car & Auto Accident Cases We Handle
Every collision is different, but our approach remains consistent: thorough investigation, aggressive negotiation, and unwavering commitment to maximum compensation. Our team of car accident attorneys handles:
- Rideshare accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end accidents
- Hit & run incidents
- Rollover accidents
- Car fire accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
Types of Injuries Commonly Seen in Car Accidents
Our car accident lawyers in Riverside have represented clients with injuries ranging from minor soft tissue damage to life-altering disabilities:
Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an external force causes brain dysfunction. This can range from a mild concussion to a severe injury leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
Spinal Cord Damage
Spinal cord damage involves injury to the bundle of nerves that extends from the brain down the back. Such injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting sensation and movement below the injury site, including numbness and pain shooting down the arms or legs.
Crush Injuries
Crush injuries happen when a body part is subjected to a high degree of force or pressure, often from being squeezed between two objects. This can lead to significant damage to muscles, bones, and nerves, potentially causing compartment syndrome or kidney failure.
Severe Burns
Severe burns are tissue damage caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. In car accidents, these can result from vehicle fires, fuel ignition, or contact with hot surfaces, leading to extensive skin damage and potential scarring, infection, and long-term pain.
Amputations
Amputations involve the complete or partial removal of a limb or extremity due to trauma. In severe car accidents, limbs can be so severely crushed or torn that surgical amputation becomes necessary.
Hand/Shoulder Injury
Hand and shoulder injuries encompass a range of damage to the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in these areas. These can include fractures, dislocations, sprains, or rotator cuff tears, significantly impacting mobility and daily activities.
Broken Bones
A broken bone, also known as a fracture, is a crack or break in the continuity of a bone. Car accidents can cause various types of fractures, from simple cracks to complex comminuted breaks, often requiring casts, splints, or surgery.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a partial or total inability to hear. In car accidents, this can occur due to head trauma, airbag deployment noise, or direct injury to the ear, potentially leading to temporary or permanent impairment.
Catastrophic Injury
A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that has long-term, devastating consequences, often resulting in permanent disability. These injuries typically include those that significantly impact a person's ability to work or live independently, such as severe brain or spinal cord injuries.
Whiplash Injury
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head, similar to the cracking of a whip. It commonly occurs in rear-end collisions and can lead to neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents rarely happen by chance or an act of God. Most collisions result from preventable actions that create legal liability. Our car accident attorneys regularly handle cases involving:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Impaired driving (alcohol/drugs)
- Drowsy driving
- Following too closely
- Poor road conditions
- Vehicle malfunctions
Essential Steps to Take After a Riverside Car Accident
The actions you take immediately after a collision can significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation. Our car accident lawyers recommend:
1. Stay Calm & Check for Injuries
Take a deep breath and assess the situation. Your safety and the safety of others are paramount, so check for any injuries immediately and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
2. Secure the Scene
If possible and safe, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
3. Contact Our Premier Car Accident Law Firm
Reach out to our leading car accident lawyers as soon as possible, ideally before you speak with insurance companies. They can help you understand your rights, protect you from insurance company tactics, and start gathering the necessary evidence while it's still fresh.
4. Exchange Information (Without Admitting Fault)
Gather the other driver's name, contact details, insurance information, and license plate number. Share your own details, but never admit fault for the accident.
5. Document Everything Thoroughly
Use your phone to take clear photos of all vehicle damage, the positions of the cars, and the surrounding accident scene. Note the exact location, time, and any witnesses.
6. Report to Police & Insurance
Obtain a police report if officers respond to the scene. Regardless, notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible.
7. Seek Medical Attention Promptly
Even if you feel fine, get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash, might not show symptoms until hours or days later, and medical documentation is crucial for any potential claims.
Don’t Lose Out on Thousands
Don't let the aftermath of a car accident overwhelm you and potentially lose out on thousands of dollars. Contact our legal specialists for a free consultation to discuss your rights and how we can help you secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Compensation Available for Car Accident Victims
California law recognizes that car accident victims deserve compensation for both economic losses and personal suffering. Our car accident lawyers in Riverside fight to recover:
Economic Damages (Actual Financial Losses)
These cover the direct, measurable financial impacts of your accident. We help you recover for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and future care.
- Lost wages from time off work during recovery.
- Reduced earning capacity if injuries prevent returning to previous employment.
- Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings.
- Transportation costs for medical appointments and daily needs.
Non-Economic Damages (Personal Impact)
These address the less tangible, but equally significant, personal toll the accident takes on your life. We seek compensation for:
- Pain and suffering from physical injuries and emotional trauma.
- Loss of enjoyment of life and inability to pursue hobbies or activities.
- Emotional distress from the accident and its aftermath.
- Loss of consortium affecting relationships with your spouse or domestic partner.
Punitive Damages (In Cases of Extreme Negligence)
In certain rare cases, California law allows for additional compensation called punitive damages. These damages are designed to punish particularly reckless behavior and deter similar actions in the future. Punitive damages are typically awarded when defendants show a conscious disregard for safety, such as in cases involving drunk driving or intentional acts, such as extreme road rage.
Fault and Liability in California Car Accidents
California operates under a "pure comparative negligence" system for car accident claims. This means:
- You can recover damages even if you're partially at fault for the accident.
- Your compensation will be reduced by your assigned percentage of fault.
- Our attorneys determine fault using evidence like police reports, insurance investigations, expert analysis, and accident reconstruction.
- Fault can extend beyond drivers to include government entities, auto manufacturers, and the employers of the at-fault driver.
We pinpoint all potential sources of compensation and build a strong case for your recovery, no matter how complex your situation.
Meet Our Trusted Team
Omar Ochoa
Co-Founder & Partner
Co-founder bringing elite education from Pacific Union College and Chapman Law to every case.
More About Omar Ochoa
William Calderón
Co-Founder & Partner
USC Law graduate with 20+ years making insurance companies pay what they owe.
More About William Calderón
Why Choose Ochoa & Calderon Car Accident Lawyers?
Choosing the right legal representation after a car accident can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here's why the exceptional attorneys and staff at Ochoa & Calderon stand out:
Proven Track Record in Complex Cases
With two decades of experience handling car accident cases, we've repeatedly successfully resolved complicated cases, including multi-vehicle collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, and those involving uninsured motorists or denied insurance coverage.
No Upfront Costs, Significant Results
You pay nothing unless we recover compensation, ensuring our interests are aligned with yours in fighting for considerable value.
Personalized Attention and Compassionate Advocacy
We treat every client as an individual, dedicated to understanding your unique story and securing the fair compensation you deserve.
Our Clients' Reviews
Areas We Serve in California
Our car accident lawyers serve clients throughout Riverside County and surrounding areas, including:
- Moreno Valley
- Fontana
- Corona
- San Bernardino
- Rialto
- Chino
- Jurupa Valley
.avif)
Fight for Your Rights with Ochoa & Calderon
Don't let insurance companies minimize your pain and try to settle your claim short. Every day you wait to call us for help, evidence disappears and witnesses forget significant details. Our exceptional car accident attorneys are ready to use our advanced knowledge and skills to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.