Rancho Cucamonga Car Accident Lawyer

Rancho Cucamonga Car Accident Attorney

Getting into a car accident is always a stressful event, but if you have sustained injuries that require extensive medical care or prevent you from working, the situation can be even worse. You may be entitled to compensation. A Rancho Cucamonga car accident lawyer can determine whether you have a valid claim, negotiate with insurance companies, or even take your case to trial if it becomes necessary.

You Can Trust Corrales Law Group, Inc.

Corrales Law Group, Inc. has been practicing personal injury law for years. In that time, we’ve represented countless clients with injuries ranging from fairly minor to extremely serious. Our legal team is dedicated to advocating for our clients in settlement negotiations and providing courtroom representation should it be required. If you have been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s fault, we can help you hold the other party accountable.

Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

In 2022, 539 accident victims were killed or severely injured in Rancho Cucamonga in vehicle accidents. The reasons for these crashes varied, though 50.3% of the people killed in auto accidents who were tested for drugs in CA tested positive in 2021. A driver doesn’t have to be driving under the influence to be responsible for a car crash, however. The California Office of Traffic Safety estimates that 148 Californians were killed in distracted driving accidents in 2022, as well.

It doesn’t matter why the driver responsible for your crash caused the accident. If you were injured, it is wise to hire a car accident lawyer. We can help you hold the responsible party liable for causing you injury, pain, and suffering, whether the accident was caused by distracted driving, a DUI, or even dangerous road conditions.

Our team has a thorough knowledge of car accident laws and extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies, and knows what it takes to obtain a fair settlement for you. Let us handle your paperwork, deadlines, and legal details while you focus on healing from your injuries and moving on with your life.

Comparative Negligence in California Car Accidents

In California, the at-fault party’s insurance pays for the damages incurred during an auto accident. However, the other driver doesn’t have to be considered 100% at fault to be held responsible for the crash. California is also a pure comparative negligence state, which means you can still be compensated for damages, even if you are determined to be partially responsible for the accident.

If you are deemed partly responsible, your settlement amount will be reduced by your percentage of liability. To give an example, if a driver files a personal injury claim for $10,000 in damages but is determined to be 10% at fault for causing the crash in California, their recovery will be reduced by 10% to $9,000.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Many car accidents in Rancho Cucamonga occur at busy intersections like the 210 Freeway entrances, but it’s rare for municipalities to be held responsible for accidents unless the negligence of one of their employees directly led to the crash. Instead, one or more drivers are usually determined to be at fault. Common causes of accidents include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Driving under the influence
• Reckless driving
• Running red lights
• Driver fatigue
• Poor road conditions
• Vehicle mechanical failures
• Inexperienced drivers
• Weather conditions

In most of these cases, another driver will be held responsible for the crash. However, if dangerous road conditions or vehicle defects led directly to the accident, the municipality or the vehicle manufacturer may also be held partly at fault. If you’re not sure what caused your accident, don’t worry. We’ve handled all kinds of complicated car accident claims, and we can determine who was to blame for yours, too.

Common Injuries Resulting From Car Accidents

Car accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to deadly. Some of the most common car accident injuries in Rancho Cucamonga include:

• Head injuries. Head injuries can range in severity from minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries that cause coma and/or lasting cognitive difficulties. Head injuries can also lead to hearing loss, vision problems, and disfigurement.
• Neck injuries. Whiplash is one of the most well-known car accident injuries. It occurs when a person’s head and neck move suddenly back and forth, causing muscle and ligament damage.
• Spine and back injuries. Back pain and injuries are also common during car accidents. Damage to the spinal cord is the most serious type of back damage, as it can lead to lasting nerve damage, loss of sensation, or even paralysis.
• Chest injuries. The blunt force trauma from car crashes can easily lead to broken ribs and collapsed lungs, two very serious chest injuries. Passengers with preexisting cardiac concerns may also suffer heart attacks, and anyone who sustains internal injuries could face serious medical complications.
• Knee and leg injuries. Knee injuries often occur during head-on collisions, when drivers’ or passengers’ knees hit the dashboard. Potential damage incurred during this type of injury can include torn ligaments, fractured kneecaps, broken bones, dislocated joints, and severe bruising or swelling.
• Arm and hand injuries. Because vehicle occupants often reach instinctively for surfaces to brace themselves against, upper extremity injuries are common during car accidents. They can lead to broken bones, dislocated joints, nerve damage, and lacerations.
• Severe trauma and amputation. Crashes involving motorcycles, pedestrians, bicyclists, or speeding cars can lead to severe injuries, including substantial burns, extensive soft tissue damage, and the need to amputate one or more extremities or limbs.
• Vehicle safety system injuries. Sometimes, the systems designed to protect us can cause their own types of injuries. Defective airbags can deploy at the wrong time or too aggressively, while seat belts can lead to internal injuries, shoulder injuries, chest injuries, and whiplash.

Recoverable Damages Following a Car Crash

Compensation from the responsible driver’s insurance company can pay for medical bills and make up for lost wages due to injuries. Potential recoverable damages include:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Property damage
• Punitive damages

Wrongful Death Due to Car Accidents

If a loved one dies during a car accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Only immediate family members are allowed to file these claims against the responsible party or parties. They often include negligent or reckless drivers, auto manufacturers who produced cars with substantial defects, and car servicers who mishandled a vehicle.

Compensation for wrongful death can cover economic losses and non-economic damages, including:

• Funeral expenses
• Medical bills
• The deceased person’s future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium

Your car accident lawyer can help you file a wrongful death claim.

FAQs About Rancho Cucamonga, CA Car Accident Laws

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in California?

The cost of a car accident lawyer in California varies, but most lawyers charge contingency fees for personal injury cases. What that means is that you won’t have to pay unless you win. If that is the case, your lawyer charges a percentage of the total compensation you receive. The percentage that lawyers charge depends on factors like the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial.

Should I Get a Lawyer After a Car Accident in California?

Yes, you should get a lawyer after a car accident in California. A car accident attorney can fight for your rights and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, making it more likely that you’ll receive fair compensation for your damages. Having a lawyer will also take the stress of dealing with paperwork and keeping track of deadlines off of you, allowing you to focus on what’s important: healing and moving on.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in California?

There is no average settlement for a car accident in California because every case is different. The settlement amount will vary depending on factors such as the severity of your injuries, whether you were found partially at fault for causing the accident, and the insurance policy of the other driver. Having a skilled lawyer can also significantly impact your settlement amount.

What Kind of Lawyer Should I Get for a Car Accident?

You should get a personal injury lawyer for a car accident. Also called car accident lawyers, personal injury lawyers will help their clients determine who was at fault for the accident and help them obtain the maximum compensation they are entitled to for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.

Your Rancho Cucamonga Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve sustained injuries in a car crash, it’s time to find a Rancho Cucamonga car accident lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and suffering, but insurance companies won’t play fair. Let the team at Corrales Law Group, Inc., help. We’ve been practicing law for well over a decade and have experience taking on tough accident cases and advocating for victims. Contact us to schedule your initial consultation today.