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Filing a lawsuit may become necessary when an injury claim cannot be resolved through insurance negotiations. When that happens, the legal process typically begins by submitting a civil complaint with the Riverside Historic Courthouse, where the Superior Court of California handles a wide range of civil matters.
However, several important steps must be completed before a lawsuit can proceed.
Where Civil Lawsuits Are Filed in Riverside County
Many civil lawsuits in Riverside County are filed at the Riverside Historic Courthouse.
Address: 4050 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: (951) 777-3147
URL: https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/location/riverside-historic-courthouse
Clerk phone hours are 7:30am to 2:00pm, Monday through Friday, except court holidays.
Street parking is available in downtown Riverside along Main Street. Meters typically cost 25 cents per 10 minutes, with a maximum time limit of four hours.
Several parking structures are also located near the courthouse, including facilities at:
- 3535 12th Street
- 4090 Lemon Street
- 3964 Orange Street
Additional city parking lots are scattered throughout downtown Riverside. Arriving early can help ensure you have enough time to locate parking and reach the clerk’s office.
It’s free to speak with us and learn the value of your case today.
Call Us NowBefore Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Before filing a lawsuit, the injured party or their attorney must investigate the claim and establish fault. This process often involves reviewing accident reports, collecting medical records, identifying witnesses, and evaluating who may be responsible for the incident.
Next, you will need to calculate your damages, which may involve medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and other financial losses related to the injury.
Then, you send a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company. A demand letter typically outlines the facts of the incident, explains the injuries and losses involved, and requests a specific settlement amount. If the insurer denies liability or offers an inadequate settlement, filing a lawsuit may become the next step.
Drafting the Complaint and Filing It With the Court Clerk
A lawsuit begins with a legal document called a complaint. Much like the demand letter, this document:
- Identifies the parties involved
- Explains how the incident occurred
- Outlines the legal claims being made
- States the damages the plaintiff is seeking
Once the complaint is completed, it must be filed with the clerk of the Riverside County Superior Court at the courthouse. Filing may occur in person or through an approved electronic filing service provider (EFSP).
When submitting the complaint, the plaintiff must pay a court filing fee. Filing fees vary depending on the type of case and other factors.
If you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed through an act of negligence, you need the highest level of legal representation.
Schedule a Free ConsultationIssuing a Summons and Serving the Defendant
After the complaint is filed, the court issues a document called a summons. The summons informs the defendant that a lawsuit has been filed against them and provides instructions for responding.
The plaintiff must then arrange service of process, which means delivering the complaint and summons to the defendant using an approved method, such as personal service by a process server.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations in California
California law places time limits on when lawsuits can be filed. In many personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury.
Missing this deadline can prevent a claim from moving forward, which is why it is important to understand the timeline before taking legal action.
Talk With Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers About Your Case
When an injury disrupts your life, the legal process can feel overwhelming. Understanding how lawsuits begin at the Riverside County courthouse is only one part of protecting your rights after an accident.
Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers helps injured individuals navigate the legal process and pursue compensation for their losses. If you have questions about your case or believe you may need to file a lawsuit, contact our law firm for a free consultation.
