Car accidents
Rear-end collisions in Riverside County
In a rear-end collision, the key question is usually whether the following driver kept a safe distance. California prohibits following more closely than is reasonable and prudent (Vehicle Code § 21703) and driving faster than conditions allow (Vehicle Code § 22350). Fault can still be shared.
Why the following driver is usually examined first
The following-distance rule (Vehicle Code § 21703) asks whether the driver behind left enough room for the speed, traffic and road conditions. On SR-91, SR-60 and I-15, traffic can go from full speed to a stop within a few hundred feet, which is exactly when that rule matters most.
When the driver in front may share fault
California assigns fault by percentage (CACI No. 405). A sudden, unnecessary stop, a lane change directly in front of another car, or non-working brake lights can shift part of the responsibility. The investigation should look at what each driver did in the seconds before impact.
Evidence that decides these cases
- Photos of both vehicles, especially the rear bumper and the front of the following car
- Dashcam or nearby video and any vehicle event data
- The collision report (see our crash report guide)
- Early medical records: neck and back injuries from rear impacts often appear hours or days later
Deadlines
Most injury lawsuits must be filed within two years (CCP § 335.1). If a public vehicle was involved, a claim is usually due within six months (Gov. Code § 911.2).
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