Temecula and Murrieta Personal Injury Lawyer

Injured in Temecula, Murrieta or southwest Riverside County? From I-15 freeway crashes to wine country drunk driving collisions and Ortega Highway motorcycle accidents, we represent seriously injured people and families.

On this page: Where crashes happen · Cases we handle · Alcohol-related crashes · Courts · Fees · FAQ

Smith Trial Group represents injured people and families in Temecula, Murrieta and throughout southwest Riverside County, including Menifee, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, French Valley and Fallbrook. The region has grown rapidly, and its roads have struggled to keep up. Commuter traffic on the I-15 and I-215, wine country and casino traffic, and fast rural highways lead to serious crashes every week.

Where Serious Crashes Happen

• I-15 through Temecula and Murrieta, one of the main routes between the Inland Empire and San Diego, with heavy commuter and truck traffic and frequent stop-and-go collisions. See truck accidents.
• The I-15 / I-215 interchange in Murrieta, where merging traffic creates frequent crashes.
• Temecula Valley Wine Country, including Rancho California Road and De Portola Road, where impaired drivers leaving tasting rooms and events are a known danger. See drunk driving accidents.
• SR-79 (Temecula Parkway and Winchester Road), and the routes toward Pechanga Resort Casino.
• SR-74 (Ortega Highway) between Lake Elsinore and the coast, a winding two-lane road with a long history of serious and fatal crashes, especially for motorcyclists. See motorcycle accidents.

Cases We Handle

• Car, truck, motorcycle and rideshare crashes.
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents.
• Injuries at wineries, event venues, hotels and other businesses, including injuries caused by over-serving alcohol in situations where California law allows a claim, inadequate security, or dangerous conditions. See negligent security and slip and fall.
• Construction accidents at the region’s many new developments.
• Wrongful death and catastrophic injuries.

A Note on Alcohol-Related Crashes

California’s dram shop law generally protects businesses that serve alcohol to adults from liability for crashes their patrons later cause. There are exceptions, including serving an obviously intoxicated minor and selling alcohol without a license. The drunk driver remains fully responsible, and other insurance, such as your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, may also apply. We evaluate every possible source of recovery.

Courts in Southwest Riverside County

Many injury lawsuits from Temecula and Murrieta are filed in Riverside County Superior Court at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta. Claims against the County of Riverside, the Cities of Temecula or Murrieta, Caltrans or other public entities generally require a government claim within six months. See suing a government agency.

No Fee Unless We Win

We handle injury cases on contingency, so you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation. Consultations are free and confidential, by phone or by video. See also Riverside personal injury lawyer and Riverside and Inland Empire truck accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file an injury claim after a crash in Temecula or Murrieta?

Generally two years from the date of injury. If a public entity may be responsible, a government claim generally must be filed within six months.

Can I sue a winery or bar if a drunk driver hit me?

California law generally protects businesses that serve alcohol to adults, with limited exceptions such as serving an obviously intoxicated minor. The drunk driver remains responsible, and your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may help.

Where are Temecula and Murrieta injury cases filed?

Many are filed in Riverside County Superior Court at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta, depending on the case.

What should I do after a crash on the I-15?

Get medical care, call CHP, photograph the scene, get witness information and avoid recorded statements to the other driver’s insurer until you speak with a lawyer.

Do I need to meet in person?

No. Consultations are available by phone or by video.

How much does it cost?

Nothing up front. We work on contingency.