Car accidents can cause life-changing harm in an instant. If you or a loved one was injured in a collision due to another person’s negligence, you have the right to recover full compensation for your losses. Our Fontana Car Accident Lawyer will help you protect your rights and hold the at-fault party accountable. Call (951) 419-3199 or request your free consultation online.
Some of the most common types of car accident injuries that occur in Fontana include:
One of the leading types of injuries from car accidents is whiplash. It is a form of soft tissue damage that occurs when a person’s neck is ‘whipped’ violently back and forth. The pain can be excruciating, and these injuries often take a considerable amount of time and treatment to heal.
In severe cases of concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), victims can suffer permanent cognitive or physical impairment.
Even a tiny amount of damage to the spinal cord can have catastrophic repercussions. An SCI can result in a loss of range of motion, paralysis, and in some cases, a loss of control over basic bodily functions.
Depending on the severity, bone fractures can take several weeks to months to heal. These injuries can be particularly serious if a bone chip or fragment moves through the bloodstream and comes into contact with vital organs, such as the heart or lungs.
Many different types of back injuries can occur, such as herniated discs or vertebral fractures. A severe back injury may take months to years to recover from or never completely heal.
Internal injuries do not always have immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening if a victim doesn’t seek medical attention right after a crash.
Road rash or lacerations can permanently scar a victim or leave them disfigured.
Not all car accident injuries are physical, as some victims suffer psychological conditions after the fact—for example, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, insomnia, etc.
These types of injuries can have a life-changing impact on a victim’s professional and personal life. In the most tragic cases, some of these injuries are fatal. It is always best to seek medical care as soon as possible since it can take up to 72 hours for delayed symptoms to appear.
There are many ways a car accident can occur, but most are preventable and result from driver errors. The most common causes of collisions in Fontana include:
Many drivers get easily distracted by various activities, such as texting or talking on the phone, eating, drinking, listening to the radio, daydreaming, reaching to find something in the backseat, or talking to passengers.
Reckless actions can include abrupt lane changes, running red lights or stop signs, speeding well over the limit, or making dangerous passes. Exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions makes it very difficult to stop and avoid accidents. Additionally, the higher the speed often magnifies the impact of a collision. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding has been a determining factor in approximately one-third of motor vehicle fatalities for more than 20 years.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most recognizable causes of severe car accidents and fatalities. Every 48 minutes, one person dies from an alcohol-related crash in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Sleepy, fatigued, or drowsy driving results in slower reaction times and the inability to make sound decisions. Accidents are often catastrophic because drivers are not aware of one about to occur, so they take place at full speed.
No matter how slowly someone is traveling, it is never a good idea to tailgate, and it is the primary cause of rear-end collisions. When there is too little space between two vehicles, a driver has much less time to react and avoid an accident if the car in front suddenly turns or stops.
A flaw in a part or the vehicle itself can sometimes be the cause of an accident. This can occur due to a manufacturing defect when a vehicle is improperly maintained or a mechanic fails in their repair.
Road conditions can be a prominent factor in the cause of a car accident. Examples include dangerous weather that affects visibility or makes the roadway slippery, construction sites, potholes, animals crossing the road, improper signage, and more. In some cases, a government agency may be liable for this type of accident.
After a severe car accident, there are many benefits as to why you should hire a Fontana accident lawyer.
Having someone on your side you can trust and who can help you navigate the claims process will be critical. Their in-depth knowledge of personal injury and insurance laws can be the key to advancing your interests in a professional, timely, and thorough manner. They can advise you on the best course of action and save you from hours of extensive legal research on your options, rules, and formalities.
Fontana car accident lawyer have most likely encountered all sorts of collisions and have experience with many types of cases. Their knowledge can help you make a case and ensure you have the evidence you need. If your case goes to court, you will need someone to represent you before a judge or jury. At that point, prior trial experience will be vital
You may feel that insurance companies will be fair and offer you a settlement that fully covers your losses, but that is often not the case. Insurance adjusters are trained to settle for as little money as possible. If an attorney does not represent you, the adjuster may not take your claim seriously as they will assume they can beat you in court if need be. Without the threat of a lawsuit, your claim may be wrongfully denied, delayed, or significantly undervalued. A lawyer will protect you in these situations by dealing with the insurer for you to ensure you are treated fairly.
You need someone who is experienced in dealing with and negotiating with insurance adjusters, so that your interests are represented, and you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Industry studies show victims who hire a lawyer usually receive three and a half times more in settlements or verdicts, even after paying legal fees.
To hold a negligent party responsible for a car accident, you will need evidence to support your claim. An attorney will conduct an investigation to ensure the scene of the crash and surrounding area is documented and collect the following types of evidence:
Car accident evidence must be quickly preserved before it is lost or destroyed. An attorney will also advise you from admitting fault or making a recorded statement when speaking to the at-fault party’s insurance company. Insurers will look for any inconsistencies in your story to minimize their liability. Having an attorney talk to them on your behalf can keep you from making an unintentional mistake that can be used as evidence to reduce your compensation.
California limits the amount of time you have to file a claim to two years from the date of injury. This law, known as the statute of limitations, helps ensure that the legal process moves forward and the evidence remains available. However, claims against a city, county, or state government agency must be filed within six months.
There are limited exceptions that can extend the deadline or delay (“toll”) the statute of limitations. Once the deadline has passed, you will not be able to recover compensation, regardless of evidence of fault.
When an accident occurs in Fontana, the party responsible for causing it is liable for any resulting damages. That is because California is a “fault” state. How you go about filing a claim will depend on the type of insurance policy you carry, but it is typically in one of the following three ways:
In contrast, some states operate under “no-fault” car insurance laws, which means victims must file a claim with their own insurer regardless of who was at fault.
City-Data.com reports the following Fontana fatal car accident statistics for 2019:
According to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety for San Bernardino County, where Fontana lies, from 2019:
Every year, over 2.5 million people in the U.S. are sent to the emergency room from injuries suffered in car accidents.
If you or someone you love is searching for a trusted Fontana Car Accident Lawyer, contact Hanson & Mouri. We are dedicated to seeking justice for injury victims and will help you secure the compensation you need to help you move forward with your life. Call (951) 419-3199 or request your free consultation online today.