Maison Law helps people that have been hurt in accidents in Redding. While there’s a lot of different kinds of accidents that could happen to you, by far the most common is a car accident. But at the same time, every car accident in Redding is different. Still, the outcome of yours is incredibly personal. Our team will be there to help you through the legal process. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
Do I Really Need a Lawyer?
Even though Redding feels quieter than bigger cities, car accidents still happen here in a split second. So, asking if you need a lawyer after one is totally natural. And while you probably won’t if it’s a minor collision, the reality is that any car accident can leave you with injuries and stress. That’s when having a lawyer can really help, and here’s what we can do for you:
- Look into the accident to figure out exactly who’s responsible.
- Collect the evidence to show how the accident has affected your life.
- Handle calls and negotiations with insurance so you don’t have to.
- Prepare for court if that’s what it takes to protect your rights.
Basically, we make sure you’re not being shortchanged just because the accident “seemed minor” at first. And while a lot of it might feel out of your control, there’s certain parts that are.
What Information Makes For a Strong Car Accident Claim?
After a car accident, it can feel like there’s nothing you can control. Medical bills, insurance calls, and recovery plans can overwhelm you. One part of the process you can control, though, is collecting the right information. Taking the time to gather these key details can make a real difference in your claim:
- Medical records – Every doctor’s visit, therapy session, prescription, or follow-up note helps show the extent of your injuries and the care you’ve needed.
- Police or accident reports – These provide an official account of what happened and can support your side of the story.
- Your own notes – Jot down how the injury affects daily life: missed work, difficulty with chores, or needing extra help at home. This will help establish how you viewed things and what you’re left dealing with
- Photos and videos – Take pictures of the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries. This shows what the scene really looked like right after the accident.
- Witness information – People who saw the accident can confirm what happened, which lends credibility to your position.
- Receipts and expenses – Gas, medications, medical equipment, or other recovery costs show the financial impact of the accident.
You don’t need to have everything perfectly organized right away. Think of it as the building blocks of your claim—focus on what you can collect, and we’ll help sort out what matters most.
Who’s Actually Responsible For a Car Accident?
Part of the reason the information and evidence you get at the accident scene is so important is because it can really help pin down an incredibly important question: who caused the accident? In legal terms, this is called “liability.” But really, it just means showing that someone else’s carelessness or failure to act safely caused your injuries. To do that, you generally need to show four things:
- The other driver had a duty of care. Every driver has a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely—obeying traffic laws, paying attention to the road, and driving responsibly.
- They breached that duty. This could be texting while driving, running a red light, speeding, or failing to yield. Any unsafe action that goes against the expected standard of care can count.
- Their actions directly caused the accident. There has to be a clear connection between what the other driver did (or didn’t do) and the accident itself.
- You suffered damages. These can include medical bills, lost wages, pain, and emotional distress. Basically, something real that shows the accident affected your life.
While this sounds pretty straightforward, it’s not always that way in real life and comes down to what actually happened. Usually though, liability falls on:
- A driver that didn’t look before they merged into your lane.
- A truck driver or their company, if equipment wasn’t properly maintained.
- A car maker, if a defect in the vehicle contributed to the crash.
- A local city or government agency, if poor road conditions, potholes, or malfunctioning traffic signals played a role.
- Even other drivers, passengers, pedestrians or anyone else that was careless.
Once liability is fairly clear, the next step is figuring out how you want to file your claim. Understanding who’s responsible sets the stage for this part, so you know exactly where to focus your energy and how to make sure your damages are covered.
What Kind of Car Accident Claim Should I File?
Whatever kind of car accident you’re dealing with, there’s a process in place to help you get back on track. Almost every claim will involve an insurance company in some way, and it can happen either outside of court or, if necessary, in court. Here’s how it usually works:
- Filing an insurance claim – For most people, the first step is filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This is less formal and handled outside of court. The company will investigate the accident and decide what they’re willing to pay. The tricky part is that insurance companies often try to settle quickly—and for less than your actual costs.
- Filing a lawsuit – If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, the next step may be filing a personal injury lawsuit in court. Lawsuits take longer and involve more work, but they’re often the best way to get the financial support you need. If a settlement isn’t reached, your case could go to trial before a judge or jury.
No matter which path you take, the goal is to recover damages—essentially, the losses caused by the accident. These can include:
- Medical expenses, from ER visits to ongoing therapy
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Lost wages and reduced future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life, hobbies, or family activities
- Wrongful death expenses, in fatal accidents
Every accident is different, so your damages are going to be specific to what you go through. Strong evidence—medical records, accident reports, witness statements, photos—plays a huge role in making sure your claim reflects that. And there’s another important thing to remember: you only have two years from the date of the accident to file. If you miss this deadline, you can’t recover damages at all.
Where Do Car Accidents Usually Happen in Redding?
Some roads and intersections in Redding see crashes more often than others. Knowing the hotspots helps explain why accidents can be complicated:
- Cypress Avenue and Hilltop Drive – If you’ve ever driven this intersection during rush hour, you know how tricky it can be. Fast-moving commuters, confusing turns, and drivers who run red lights make it a spot where accidents happen more often than we’d like.
- I-5 Interchange Areas – Getting on or off the highway can be stressful enough, and when you add high speeds and distracted drivers, it’s no surprise rear-end and side collisions are common here.
- Eureka Way / Buenaventura Boulevard – These busy commercial streets see a lot of traffic, from shoppers to delivery trucks. Lane changes, distractions, and occasional speeding make accidents very common.
- Churn Creek Road near Shasta College – Between student traffic, buses, and the morning and afternoon commute, this stretch can get chaotic fast. That mix of drivers is a recipe for accidents if you’re not careful.
- Crosswalks downtown – This is probably the busiest area of the city in terms of pedestrians. And while you should always be careful, you can’t always account for what someone walking does.
- Market Street / Lake Boulevard – Busy shopping areas and crowded parking lots may seem harmless, but they’re surprisingly common places for rear-end collisions or crashes caused by cars backing out and limited visibility.
Crashes often happen because of multiple factors—driver mistakes, road conditions, or unexpected hazards. Having a lawyer who knows the local roads and traffic patterns can make a huge difference in your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
You may still have options, including your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
How long will my car accident claim take?
Some settle in a few months, but more complicated cases can take longer, especially if litigation is needed.
What If I can’t afford a lawyer?
Maison Law works on a contingency basis—you don’t pay anything upfront. We take our fee from whatever result you get.
What if I’m partly at fault for what happened?
California uses comparative negligence. Your damages are reduced by your share of fault, but you can still recover the rest.
Reach Out to Maison Law After a Car Accident in Redding
Being hurt in a car accident is stressful. Medical bills, missed work, and insurance calls can quickly pile up. At Maison Law, we’ll be there to help you through every step. From gathering evidence and talking to insurance adjusters to handling filings and trial prep, we take the weight off your shoulders so you can focus on getting better.
Don’t wait for deadlines to pass or evidence to disappear. Reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation and take the first step toward moving forward after a car accident in Redding.
