Ontario Car Accident Lawyer

Ontario Car Accident Attorney

Recovering from a car accident while pursuing a legal case can quickly become overwhelming for survivors. To help carry the burden, contact an Ontario car accident lawyer to represent you. They’ll be able to explain your legal rights and what options are available in your unique personal injury case.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer That You Can Trust

At Corrales Law Group, sibling attorneys Janice and Peter have dedicated their professional lives to helping vulnerable communities in California access the legal services they deserve. We offer free consultations to car accident survivors and in-home visits to those living with disabilities. Our team is proud to provide Spanish services to clients who feel more comfortable.

Whenever our attorneys meet a new client, we treat them with the empathy they may not have received after their accident. We’ll listen to every detail of your situation and your desires for the outcome.

Then, we put in countless hours to ensure the most favorable outcome for your case. We know that no two cases are the same and require a custom legal strategy. Give us the honor of creating yours.

Steps to Take After Getting Into a Car Accident

Ontario is a major hub for daily commuters and long-haul trucking, seeing thousands of drivers on Interstate 10 and State Route 60. The average commute time in Ontario in 2023 was 31.6 minutes. Because of how many residents use these highways, the likelihood of a crash is high. In 2022, Ontario had 883 victims of crashes, both those suffering from injuries and those who passed away.

When a crash happens, knowing the steps to take afterward is key to your safety and legal rights.

No matter how you physically feel, call 911 and seek medical attention right away after an accident happens. Get copies of the official incident report and your medical records to be used later as evidence in your case.

Then, get the contact information and insurance information of all parties involved in the crash. During this time, don’t apologize or admit fault. If you do, it will likely be used against you later in your case.

Get the contact information of anyone who witnessed the crash. Your lawyer will be able to get their official statements later on. Take extensive photos and videos of:

• The crash site, including debris and skid marks
• Damage to the vehicles
• Any visible injuries you and the passengers in your car may have

Then, you’ll want to hire a car accident lawyer. They’ll help you navigate insurance claims and legal claims in court. The experienced lawyers at Corrales Law Group have helped countless California clients get the compensation they need to move forward in life. Recently, we’ve secured:

• $350,000 for an auto crash case
• $1,700,000 for a pedestrian hit by a vehicle
• $250,000 for a motorcycle that got sideswiped

These numbers aren’t random. Our lawyers use the losses our clients suffer, estimate their fault in the accident, and calculate the maximum compensation that can be requested during a court case. Then, California courts use their own system to determine compensation.

California’s Comparative Negligence System

California operates under a comparative negligence system when determining fault in a car accident case. Negligence is the actions one did or didn’t take that contributed to the crash happening.

This system helps courts decide how much compensation to award the filing party. Luckily, unlike many other states, courts allow survivors to seek compensation even if they’re found to be 99% at fault for the accident and resulting damages.

Courts understand that there are typically no blameless victims. Even small actions can contribute to a crash happening, and the court wants to ensure fair compensation. Using the evidence presented in your case, they’ll assign you and the other parties a percentage of fault. Then, your final settlement amount will be reduced by your personal percentage of fault.

For example:

• If a car ran a red light on purpose and hit you, the driver may be assigned 80% at fault for the accident.
• If you were speeding at the time of the crash, you may be found to be 20% at fault.
• If your final settlement amount was $100,000, it would then be reduced by 20%, and you would receive $80,000.

While this amount seems high, the losses incurred after a crash can be extensive. Your lawyer in Ontario will be able to factor in these details when creating your legal strategy.

Types of Damages Recoverable After a California Car Accident

In California, settlement amounts are based on the types of losses the filing party suffered as a result of the car crash. Courts determine the final amount depending on the specifics of your case. Someone involved in an accident who became disabled after will likely receive more compensation than someone with temporary injuries.

There are two main types of damages one can seek. Economic damages are damages with a clear price tag and are easily calculable. These damages can include:

• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation services
• Medical aid devices
• Loss of income from missing work
• Damage to your vehicle
• Damage to other personal belongings, such as your phone or other items in the car at the time of the crash

Non-economic damages are more subjective, as they aren’t based on a price tag. However, they can hold similar significance to the victim. These damages can include:

• Pain and suffering as a result of the crash
• Loss of enjoyment of life as a result of the crash, such as developing post-traumatic stress disorder

Punitive damages are a unique type of damages awarded in specific cases. They’re given to further punish the responsible party if they acted with extreme malice or carelessness. For example, an extremely drunk driver may have to pay punitive damages to punish them and deter future behavior.

FAQs About Ontario, CA Car Accident Laws

How Should I Act With Insurance Companies After a Crash?

After a crash, you’ll need to report it to your insurance company. However, it’s important to remember that the insurance company will look for any excuse to avoid paying. Write down what you want to say before the meeting. Don’t make any recorded statements or answer questions under oath without your lawyer present. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about what caused the accident. If your lawyer isn’t there, only tell the insurance adjuster basic facts about the accident.

What Happens After I Report the Accident to My Insurance Company?

After you inform your insurance company about the accident, they’ll then contact you to get more information about what happened. In California, they may take up to 15 days to contact you. They may ask you to give a recorded statement or answer questions under oath. Be sure to only do this if your lawyer is there with you. They’ll then inspect your case to create an estimate based on the type of damage incurred from the crash.

What Should I Do if My Car Accident Claim Is Denied By Insurance?

If your claim is denied by an insurance company, you’ll want to work with your lawyer to fight the denial. At Corrales Law Group, our attorneys know the tactics insurance companies use to avoid payouts. You can file a formal appeal of the denial. Insurance companies often claim various reasons for the denial. These can include the type of incident that isn’t included in your insurance policy, fault in the incident is too unclear, or there isn’t enough evidence.

What’s the Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Ontario?

In California, victims of personal injuries have two years to file a legal claim to pursue compensation. While this timeline may seem long, it can be difficult to secure compensation if you wait too long to file. Evidence may fade with time. If you wait longer than two years to file, California courts will most likely dismiss your case entirely. If your crash involved a government vehicle, the deadline to file is only six months.

What Should I Do if the Guilty Driver Won’t Share Their Contact or Insurance Information With Me After the Crash?

If the other driver involved in the crash won’t share their information with you, don’t argue with them about it. If they wait for police to come, law enforcement can collect their information on your behalf. If the driver tries to flee after the crash, be sure to write down their license plate number and take photos of their car, if possible. Get eyewitness contact information to help identify them. Staying calm is key to preserving your legal case.

Choose a Valued Personal Injury Law Firm in California

Since 2012, Corrales Law Group has helped hundreds of California residents get the compensation they deserve. Contact our Orange office today to schedule your first appointment. We offer free consultations and in-home consultations to those living with a disability. After a car accident, it’s normal to feel angry at the person responsible for your pain and suffering. Let’s work together to recover your losses.