The roads of Redding and Shasta County connect us all—they are the arteries of our community, taking us to work, to school, and to the natural wonders that define our home. We all share a responsibility to travel them safely, but when that trust is broken by negligence, the impact is felt far beyond the crash scene. A serious accident injures not just a person, but a family and a future.
At Reiner & Frankel, LLP, we are your neighbors. For over 40 years, our purpose has been to help members of our community put their lives back together after a devastating event. As an established California car accident lawyer, our role is to ensure accountability and help you secure the resources needed to heal.
Key Takeaways about California Car Accident Claims
- A person injured in a car accident may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering if another party’s negligence caused the collision.
- California operates under a “pure comparative negligence” rule, meaning an injured person can still recover damages even if they are partially at fault for the accident.
- The state has a strict deadline, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a personal injury lawsuit, making it important to consult with an attorney promptly.
- Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert analysis is crucial for building a strong car accident claim.
- An experienced trial attorney’s reputation can influence settlement negotiations, as insurance companies are often more willing to offer a fair settlement to avoid going to court.
Why Choose Reiner & Frankel, LLP, for Your Car Accident Case?
When you are facing the consequences of a severe car accident, the law firm you choose can make all the difference. Reiner & Frankel, LLP, combines the resources and reputation of a nationally recognized firm with the dedicated, personal attention of a local practice deeply rooted in the Redding community. For over four decades, we have stood beside our neighbors, helping thousands of clients secure over $600 million in compensation for their injuries. We are not a settlement mill that processes cases quickly for a fast return; we are trial lawyers who prepare every case as if it will be presented to a jury.
Our approach has led to significant results, including the largest single-plaintiff jury verdict in the history of Shasta County. We believe this track record is a direct result of our commitment to our clients and our community.
- Local Knowledge: We know the Northern California court systems, the local law enforcement agencies, and the expert witnesses that juries here trust. Visiting lawyers from big cities simply do not have this on-the-ground insight.
- Proven Resolve: Our willingness to take a case to trial encourages insurance companies to offer fair settlements. They know we have the resources and the skill to see a case through to a verdict.
- Honest Counsel: From your first call, we will be candid with you about the strengths and challenges of your case. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make the best decisions for yourself and your family.
At Reiner & Frankel, LLP, we are proud to live and work in the same communities we serve. We see our clients at the grocery store and at local events, and that connection fuels our dedication to making our communities safer and helping those who have been wronged.
Understanding Car Accidents in Northern California
The roads and highways in and around Redding present unique challenges for drivers. Interstate 5 is a major commercial artery, and collisions involving large trucks are a constant concern. Beyond the interstate, scenic local roads can be deceptively dangerous due to sharp turns, changing elevations, and an influx of tourist traffic unfamiliar with the area.
Whether an accident occurs on a busy city street in Redding or a rural road in Shasta County, the consequences can be devastating.
Common Causes of Collisions in the Redding Area
While every accident is unique, most are caused by some form of negligence. Negligence is a legal term that simply means a person or entity failed to act with reasonable care, and that failure caused harm to someone else.
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Fatigued Driving
These are just a few examples of negligent behavior that can lead to a serious collision. A thorough investigation is often needed to determine the precise cause and identify all responsible parties.
The Reality of Catastrophic Injuries from Car Accidents
Our firm focuses on helping individuals and families who have experienced life-altering injuries. A catastrophic injury is one that causes a permanent disability or disfigurement, fundamentally changing a person’s ability to live, work, and enjoy life as they did before. These are not minor fender-benders; they are events that require extensive medical treatment and lifelong care.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Severe burns and scarring
- Multiple bone fractures requiring complex surgeries
- Internal organ damage
- Permanent vision or hearing loss
When an injury is this severe, the focus must be on healing. Our role is to handle the legal process so you can dedicate your energy to your physical and emotional recovery.
Establishing Fault: The Key to a Successful Claim
To recover compensation after a car accident, it is necessary to prove that another party was at fault, or negligent. This involves demonstrating four key elements:
- Duty: The other driver had a legal duty to operate their vehicle with reasonable care.
- Breach: The driver breached that duty through a careless or reckless action (e.g., speeding, texting).
- Causation: The driver’s breach directly caused the accident and your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered actual harm, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain.
California follows a legal doctrine called pure comparative negligence. This means that you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. For example, if a jury determines you were 20% responsible, your total compensation award would be reduced by 20%. Insurance companies often try to use this rule to unfairly shift blame onto the injured person to reduce their payout.
How Our Attorneys Investigate and Build Your Case
A successful claim is built on a foundation of strong evidence. Our process for investigating a car accident is meticulous and comprehensive. We work with a network of trusted local professionals to uncover the facts and present a clear picture of what happened.
- Evidence Collection: We immediately move to preserve all available evidence, including the police report, photographs and videos from the scene, and statements from any witnesses.
- Expert Consultation: We may retain accident reconstructionists to analyze the physics of the crash, medical specialists to explain the full extent of your injuries, and economists to calculate your future financial losses.
- Damage Calculation: We carefully document all of your losses, from hospital bills and lost income to the non-economic costs of your pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life.
This detailed preparation sends a clear message to the insurance company: we know what your case is worth, and we are prepared to prove it.
The Legal Process with a California Car Accident Attorney at Our Firm
We believe in transparency and want you to understand how we will approach your case. While every situation is different, our process generally follows a clear and structured path designed to build the strongest possible claim on your behalf.
1. Your First Contact with Our Law Firm
When you call us, you will speak with a caring member of our team. This initial conversation is a chance for us to listen to your story and for you to ask preliminary questions. Everything you tell us is confidential, and there is no charge for this first contact.
2. Our Attorney Contacts You
Your information will be reviewed by an experienced car accident lawyer. That attorney will then contact you personally to discuss the details of what happened. We will be honest and candid about our initial thoughts on your case.
3. We Provide an Initial Assessment
If we believe you may have a valid claim, we will conduct a thorough initial assessment. This involves evaluating the three essential components of a successful case: fault (negligence on the part of another), injury (the harm you suffered), and a source of recovery (typically an insurance policy).
4. We Send a Demand Package to the Parties at Fault
Once our investigation is complete and you have a clear understanding of your long-term medical prognosis, we will assemble a comprehensive demand package. This is a formal document sent to the at-fault party’s insurance company that outlines the facts of the case, details your injuries and losses, and makes a formal demand for compensation. This often marks the beginning of settlement negotiations.
Why Trial Experience Matters
The vast majority of personal injury cases are resolved through a settlement, not a trial. However, the best settlements are secured by law firms that insurance companies know are willing and able to go to court. Our reputation as skilled trial lawyers is one of our clients’ most powerful assets.
Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to pay out as little as possible. If they are dealing with a “settlement mill”—a firm that avoids trial at all costs—they are more likely to make a lowball offer, knowing the firm will probably accept it.
When they see the name Reiner & Frankel, LLP on a file, they know we will not hesitate to take a case before a Shasta County jury if their offer is not fair. This readiness and resolve to go to trial provide powerful leverage during settlement negotiations and is often the key to achieving a just result without ever needing to step inside a courtroom.
Recovering Fair Compensation for Your Losses
The goal of a personal injury claim is to “make you whole” again from a financial perspective. While no amount of money can undo the trauma of a serious accident, fair compensation can provide the financial stability needed to rebuild your life. Damages are typically categorized in two ways.
- Economic Damages: These are tangible financial losses that can be calculated and proven with documents like bills and pay stubs. They include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity.
- Non-Economic Damages: These are intangible losses related to the human cost of the injury. They compensate you for physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases where the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly reckless or malicious, a jury may award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate the victim but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Calculating the full value of a claim, especially one involving a catastrophic injury, is complex. The economic costs of motor vehicle crashes are substantial, but they do not account for the immense personal suffering involved. We work to ensure both are fully recognized.
California Car Accident FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions we receive from individuals who have been injured in a car accident.
What is the statute of limitations for a car accident in California?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. There are some exceptions, so it is vital to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured?
If the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your damages, you may be able to make a claim through your own insurance policy if you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This is an important but often complex process that a lawyer can help you with.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
It is generally not advisable to give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance adjuster without first consulting with an attorney. Adjusters are trained to ask questions in a way that may be used to minimize or deny your claim later. Your lawyer can handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf.
How much does it cost to hire a California car accident attorney?
We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees. We only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you, either through a settlement or a jury verdict. Our fee is a percentage of the total recovery.
Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer at Our Firm for a Consultation
Russell Reiner, Car Accident Lawyer
If a serious car accident has disrupted your life, you do not have to face the path forward by yourself. Reiner & Frankel, LLP is here to provide the calm, competent, and determined representation you need to hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the resources necessary for your recovery. We have been a part of the Redding community for over 40 years, and we are dedicated to helping our neighbors in their time of greatest need.
We hope you never need our services, but if you do, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, confidential case evaluation at (530) 241-0290 or through our online form. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide an honest assessment of your legal options.
