Heavy rain is moving through Riverside County and the Inland Empire. Wet pavement, standing water, and shorter stopping distances can lead to crashes on the I-15, the 91, the 60, the 215, and on city streets in Riverside, Corona, Moreno Valley, and nearby communities. We are not citing crash counts here. If you were in a collision in this weather, here is what to do next and what California law says.
Tafreshi Law Group reviews every case. A review is not a promise that we will represent you or that you will recover compensation. For local crash claims, see our Riverside car accident page and our Inland Empire personal injury page. If your crash was in Orange County, see our guide to car accidents in the rain in Orange County. Si prefiere leer en español, vea la versión en español de esta guía.
Does This Sound Like You?
Check any that apply. Checking one or more does not mean you automatically have a claim. It does mean we are willing to take a look.
If you checked one or more, call (951) 583-1900 or text (949) 776-8964. We review every case.
What should I do right after a rain crash in Riverside County?
If anyone is hurt, call 911. Move out of the travel lanes only if you can do it safely, and turn on your hazard lights. Photograph the cars, the wet pavement, standing water, and the nearest exit on the 91, 60, 215, or I-15 before rain washes those details away. Exchange insurance information. Avoid discussing fault at the scene.
Who writes the crash report on Inland Empire freeways?
Crashes on Inland Empire freeways, including the I-15, the 91, the 60, and the 215, are generally handled by the California Highway Patrol. Crashes on city streets are typically handled by that city’s police department. Ask the officer which agency will keep the report and how you can request a copy. Save the report number.
What is hydroplaning, and does it decide who is at fault?
Hydroplaning happens when water lifts the tires off the pavement and the driver loses traction. California’s basic speed law, Vehicle Code section 22350, requires a speed that is reasonable for weather, visibility, and the road surface — often called “too fast for conditions.” Hydroplaning can be part of the facts we review. It does not automatically decide fault.
We review every case. A review is not a promise that we will represent you or that you will recover compensation.
Can I still have a claim if someone says the rain caused the crash?
Rain does not automatically excuse unsafe driving. California follows pure comparative fault, recognized in Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804. You may still have a claim even if fault is disputed or you were said to be partly at fault. Any recovery would be reduced by your share of the fault. We review every case.
What if a flooded road, pothole, or poor drainage played a role?
If standing water, a blocked drain, or a pothole may have contributed, a city, the County of Riverside, or Caltrans might be involved. Claims against a public entity generally require a government claim within six months under Government Code section 911.2. Photos of the road condition, taken soon after the crash, can help document how the roadway looked.
How long do I have to bring a claim after a rain crash?
The general deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit in California is two years from the date of injury, under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. If a public entity may be involved, you generally must present a government claim within six months under Government Code section 911.2. It is better not to wait.
A Few Practical Safety Notes
These are general safety reminders, not a finding about any particular crash. Slow down, leave more space, and do not drive through floodwater. The I-15, 91, 60, and 215 are busy corridors in any weather. If you crashed on one of those freeways or on a city street, the report still matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need a police report if the rain crash seemed minor?
A report still helps, even when the damage looks small. Photos and a report number can matter later if injuries show up or the insurer disputes what happened. If officers do not come to a minor scene, you can still document the location, take photos, and ask the agency how to file a report.
Should I photograph the road, not just the cars?
Yes, if you can do it safely. Photos of standing water, shiny pavement, blocked drains, potholes, and lighting can help show the conditions at the time. Rain can change or wash away those details quickly.
I was going the speed limit. Can I still be considered at fault?
The posted limit is not always the safe speed in heavy rain. Vehicle Code section 22350 requires a speed that is reasonable for the weather and the road surface. Whether a driver was going too fast for conditions depends on the facts. We can review those facts with you.
What does it cost to have you review my rain-crash case?
A consultation with us is free. You can call (951) 583-1900 or text (949) 776-8964. Reviewing your case does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not mean we will represent you. We review every case.
In a rain crash in Riverside County? We’ll take a look.
Call or text Tafreshi Law Group. Our office staff speaks Spanish and Farsi. We review every case.
- Fountain Valley office: 18837 Brookhurst St, Ste 207, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
- Lake Forest office: 22600 Lambert St, Ste 1501, Lake Forest, CA 92630
- Riverside office: 4121 Brockton Ave, Ste 101, Riverside, CA 92501 · (951) 583-1900
This article is general information about California law, not legal advice. Reading it, contacting us, or having us review your case does not create an attorney-client relationship. A review is not a promise that we will represent you or that you will recover compensation.
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[…] of rain, you can also start with our guides to car accidents in the rain in Orange County and rain crashes in the Inland Empire. Lea esta página en español. We look at every case that comes in, including claims other firms […]