Fontana Car Accident Lawyer

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. 

Why Choose Our Fontana Car Accident lawyer?

• Our team has recovered millions fighting for injury clients in Fontana and the Inland Empire. 
• We can offer unique and valuable insight on car accident claims, as our lead attorney has former experience as an insurance defense lawyer.
• We give each case the attention it deserves from start to finish.

Fontana Car Accident Resources & FAQs

• Common Fontana Car Accident Injuries
• Common Causes of Car Accidents In Fontana
• Benefits Of Hiring a Fontana Accident Lawyer
• What Evidence is Important in a Car Accident?
• How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Fontana?
• How Do I File a Car Accident Claim?
• Fontana Car Accident Statistics

Common Fontana Car Accident Injuries

Some of the most common types of car accident injuries that occur in Fontana include:

Whiplash

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.

Head Injuries (TBIs)

In severe cases of concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), victims can suffer permanent cognitive or physical impairment.

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

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.

Broken Bones

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. 

Back Injuries

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

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. 

Disfigurement

Road rash or lacerations can permanently scar a victim or leave them disfigured.

Emotional Distress

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. 

Common Causes of Car Accidents In Fontana

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: 

Distracted Driving

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 Driving and Speeding

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

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). 

Drowsy Driving

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. 

Tailgating

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. 

Defective Vehicles

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. 

Dangerous Road Conditions

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. 

Benefits Of Hiring a Fontana Accident Lawyer

After a severe car accident, there are many benefits as to why you should hire a Fontana accident lawyer. 

Legal Counsel

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. 

Experienced Representation

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 

Protection From Insurance Companies

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. 

Recovering Full Extent of Damages

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.

What Evidence is Important in a Car Accident?

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: 

• The clothing you were wearing at the time.
• Photos of the damage to the vehicles, the scene, and your injuries
• A copy of the police report.
• Witness statements. 
• Available traffic camera or surveillance footage.
• Copies of accident-related medical records and bills.
• Pay stubs and tax returns to establish your lost income. 
• Repair receipts for your vehicle or an appraisal if it is totaled.
• A copy of your insurance policy and the at-fault party’s. 
• Subpoenaing cell phone records, if necessary. 
• Collecting black box data. Depending on the type of vehicle involved, it may be equipped with a black box that can provide valuable information such as the vehicle’s speed, braking, and steering at the time of the accident.

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.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Fontana?

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. 

How Do I File a Car Accident Claim?

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: 

• Filing a claim with your auto insurer: if you have collision or comprehensive coverage, you have the option to file a claim with your insurance company to cover property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. However, you will be responsible for your deductible. Your insurer will then file a subrogation claim against the at-fault party’s insurer for reimbursement for the benefits they have paid out on your claim. 
• Filing a claim directly with the at-fault driver’s auto insurer (known as a third-party claim). If you don’t have collision or comprehensive coverage, or you don’t want to pay your deductible, you can file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer. Whether you receive payment will be at the discretion of the insurance adjuster.  
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. If you disagree with the insurance company’s decision or settlement offer, you and your attorney may choose to file a personal injury lawsuit to fight for the compensation you deserve. As long as it is within the two-year statute of limitations and have not signed a release of liability, you have the right to file suit.

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. 

Fontana Car Accident Statistics

City-Data.com reports the following Fontana fatal car accident statistics for 2019: 

• There were 14 people killed in traffic accidents. 
• Alcohol was a factor in two of those fatal car accidents. 
• 40 people were involved in fatal vehicle accidents and 27 vehicles.
• Of those fatal car accidents, pedestrians were involved in 4. 

According to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety for San Bernardino County, where Fontana lies, from 2019: 

• 16,137 victims were killed or injured in car accidents. 
• Alcohol was a factor in the death or injury of 1,802 victims. 
• 3,751 of the fatal or injury crashes were speed-related. 
• 564 were injured or killed in pedestrian accidents, and 370 in bicycle accidents. 
• Accidents involving motorcycles accounted for 700 injured or killed victims. 
• 659 pedestrians were injured or killed in accidents and 250 bicyclists. 

Every year, over 2.5 million people in the U.S. are sent to the emergency room from injuries suffered in car accidents. 

Contact Our Fontana Car Accident lawyer Today

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.