After a crash, it’s important to find an experienced Rancho Cucamonga car accident lawyer who can effectively manage the complexities of proving liability, dealing with difficult insurance companies, and negotiating for the full extent of damages.
Our personal injury law firm has a proven track record of securing maximum compensation for our clients by recovering losses that are often overlooked or undervalued, such as the emotional pain and physical suffering experienced following an auto accident.
Discover how our dedicated legal team can help you and your family overcome legal challenges and recover fair compensation by scheduling a free consultation online or calling our Rancho Cucamonga law offices at (909) 787-2515.
What Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer Can Do for You
Although it should go without saying, law firms should be committed to securing the best possible results for their clients’ auto accident cases–unfortunately, many fall short of this expectation.
Our experienced car accident lawyers offer a free and confidential case evaluation and only collect legal fees on a contingency fee basis after winning your case. This means you won’t pay us unless we win.
Thorough Claim Assessment
Proper legal representation prepares clients for the claims proceedings and potential outcomes through a detailed assessment. This determines the validity of a claim by examining photographic and video evidence of the incident, conducting interviews with witnesses, and reviewing medical records and treatment.
The information an experienced car accident lawyer can compile will clarify how much the car accident claim is worth and prove why the other party is responsible for compensation.
Deal with the Insurance Company
Insurance companies often employ deceptive tactics to minimize payouts to injured parties, further complicating legal proceedings. One common tactic is to quickly obtain recorded statements from victims before they have had a chance to consult with a Rancho Cucamonga personal injury lawyer.
These conversations can be more harmful than they appear, as the information shared can be misconstrued and used against the victim’s auto accident case. However, our personal injury attorneys can speak on behalf of our clients, preventing insurance adjusters from engaging in deceptive practices.
Refuting Unfair Settlement Offers
Experienced personal injury lawyers can manage settlement negotiations, ensuring clients receive only fair and full settlement offers. This prevents the other driver’s insurance companies from taking advantage of injured victims who may be unaware of their rights, especially in a weakened state.
While most personal injury cases are settled to avoid the cost and uncertainty of going to trial, some may require mediation or arbitration. Our car accident attorneys are equipped to handle legal proceedings to ensure the best possible outcome for our clients.
Trial Representation
Car accident lawsuits are complex due to specialized court procedures and strategic considerations regarding witness testimony, cross-examination, and legal arguments.
However, if a fair resolution cannot be reached during negotiations, our Rancho Cucamonga personal injury attorneys will gladly file a lawsuit and take the case to court to obtain a fair settlement.
What Are Car Accident Damages?
In the aftermath of a car crash, the incurred “damages,” or losses suffered by the victim, can be categorized into economic and non-economic damages. When recovering damages, the goal is to restore victims to their pre-accident state as much as possible by compensating them for all relevant losses.
Economic Damages
These account for monetary losses that can typically be calculated and are evident through receipts, bills, or other invoices. These losses typically include the costs associated with repairing or replacing the damaged vehicle, medical bills for injuries sustained, lost wages due to the inability to work, and property damage.
Non-Economic Damages
These do not possess a monetary value and account for other ways an accident impacts a victim’s quality of life and emotional well-being. This may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and disfigurement. These damages can be determined by considering the severity and duration of the injury’s long-term effects on the victim.
Punitive Damages
Also known as exemplary damages, these are awarded under rare circumstances to punish the at-fault party for egregious acts, such as hit-and-run accidents. They are not intended to provide additional compensation but rather to further penalize the negligent party and discourage similar behavior in the future.
Common Car Accident Damages That Can Be Compensated
A personal injury lawyer’s guidance is crucial in helping accident victims overcome legal challenges and receive fair compensation, especially when insurance companies aggressively push to minimize claim values.Â
Depending on the severity of the car crash and overall losses, car accident victims may be entitled to recover damages for the following:
- Current medical expenses
- Diminished earning capacity
- Future medical costs
- Loss in companionship/consortium
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Wrongful death
In some personal injury cases, expert testimony from psychologists, psychiatrists, and other specialists may be necessary to establish the extent of damages, especially for non-economic losses, to justify the amount claimed. An experienced personal injury lawyer utilizes these professional resources to strengthen their clients’ cases.
Who Can Be Found at Fault in A Rancho Cucamonga Car Accident?
In auto accident cases, responsibility for damages can be assigned to any party exhibiting negligent behavior, which may include:
Other Drivers
Drivers who exhibit any of the following reckless driving behaviors, such as:
- Distracted driving by texting, talking on the phone, interacting with passengers
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while drowsy or tired
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Running a stop sign or red light
- Speeding
Employers
If the at-fault driver was operating a company vehicle or utilizing their own vehicle for work purposes when the collision occurred, like an Uber or Lyft driver, the employer may be held liable for the accident. In most personal injury cases, employers are responsible for the actions of their employees within the scope of their employment.
Government Entities
If the accident was caused by a poorly maintained road, faulty traffic signals, or a negligent government employee, the responsible government agency (city, county, or state) could be liable, because it is their responsibility to maintain safe roadways.
When Both Parties Are at Fault
Under California law, injured parties can recover partial damages even if they are partially responsible for causing their own injuries, as the state follows a pure comparative negligence system.
If the claimant is found partially responsible for the accident, compensation will be reduced by the percentage of assigned fault. For example, if you were speeding and found 20% at fault when another driver ran a red light colliding with your vehicle, you would receive 80% of the compensation awarded.
When both parties share fault, it is crucial to seek legal representation from a knowledgeable personal injury law firm. In such cases, insurance companies often attempt to shift a significant portion of the blame onto the plaintiff. Without proper legal representation, the victim may be unfairly assigned the majority of the fault, or their claim may even be completely denied.
Proving Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident Case
The Inland Empire experiences a high volume of traffic accidents due to heavy congestion and complex road layouts. Specifically within the Rancho Cucamonga vicinity, intersections that cross the 210 Freeway, such as Archibald Ave. and Milliken Ave., undergo regular car accidents.
Establishing negligence is essential to proving liability in an auto accident case. This involves determining who is legally responsible for the resulting damages and injuries. To establish negligence in a car accident case, the following legal standards must be met:
- The defendant owed the plaintiff (injured party) a duty of care
- The defendant breached that duty of care through careless behavior
- The breach of duty led to the automobile accident
- The automobile accident caused damages to the plaintiff
When working with Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, our car accident attorneys gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and medical records, to prove the legal standards of negligence and hold the at-fault party liable for damages.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Rancho Cucamonga
Motor vehicle accidents often result from driver negligence. The experienced Rancho Cucamonga car accident lawyers from our firm will investigate the cause of the accident and seek damages from the at-fault party. Common California personal injury cases involving vehicle collisions include:
Rear-End Collision
Rear-end collisions typically occur when a driver follows too closely behind another vehicle and is unable to stop in time to avoid a collision. This is commonly referred to as tailgating.
T-Bone Accident
A side-impact collision, also known as a T-bone accident, occurs when the front or rear of one vehicle strikes the side of another. These types of accidents, which frequently result in severe or serious injuries to those involved, are common among speeding drivers in Southern California.
Sideswipe Accidents
A sideswipe accident occurs when one car’s side collides with the side of another while driving in the same direction. Drivers commonly cause these accidents by neglecting to check their mirrors or blind spots before changing lanes.
Head-On Collisions
A head-on collision happens when two cars traveling in opposite directions collide into each other, front first. These types of accidents, even at low speeds, can cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Rollover Accident
A rollover accident happens when a vehicle flips or rolls over due to the impact of being aggressively struck by another vehicle. This typically occurs when a larger truck or commercial vehicle hits a smaller passenger vehicle.
Hit-and-Run Accident
It is illegal for a driver who causes or is involved in a crash to leave the accident scene. This is called a hit-and-run, and it can be subject to a ticket or even criminal charges. Â
Common Car Accident Injuries That Can Be Compensated
In 2022, 53% of all motor vehicle crashes in the United States resulted in fatalities. California accounted for more than 4,400 of these fatal accidents, representing a significant portion of the national total.
Non-fatal car accidents can still result in serious injuries, often requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation–all of which can be compensated through a successful personal injury claim. Some of the most common car accident injuries that are included in these claims included, but are not limited to, the following:
Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) result from rapid skull movement, causing the brain to hit the skull’s inner surface. This can lead to bleeding, swelling, and bruising. TBIs necessitate immediate medical attention, extensive follow-up care, and potentially lifelong rehabilitation.
Broken Bones
Car accidents can cause severe leg and arm injuries, often needing extensive medical treatment. These injuries can significantly impair the quality of life and ability to work and can cause physical impairments if left untreated.
Burns and Cuts
Even minor car accidents cause permanent scarring throughout the body from scrapes, burns, and deep lacerations. The soft facial tissue is particularly vulnerable to cuts from flying debris, shattered window glass, and personal items in the vehicle.
Facial Fractures
Extensive treatment, including cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, may be necessary to restore both function and appearance after facial injuries from a car accident. Jaw fractures or dislocations, for example, can require lengthy rehabilitation and recovery periods.
Mental Trauma
Car accident victims may experience psychological trauma, such as PTSD, in addition to physical injuries. This mental distress can cause severe hardship and may necessitate consistent treatment from a qualified mental health professional.
Pain and Suffering
Car accidents can also cause long-term pain and suffering both physically and psychologically. Examples of these types of ailments may include chronic discomfort, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. Pain and suffering may require therapy and medication.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Car accidents commonly cause spinal cord injuries, which can result in temporary or permanent paralysis. These injuries frequently involve ruptured or herniated spinal disks, typically caused by impacts to the back or spine.
Wrongful Death
A lawsuit can be filed by surviving family members when a person dies as a result of another’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions. This applies to car accidents where a death occurs either immediately at the scene or later due to catastrophic injuries. The family can seek compensation for various losses, including financial support, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
How Do I Know if I Have a Valid California Personal Injury Claim?
After a car accident, it can be challenging to determine whether or not a claim is valid–especially when the other party’s insurance company is disputing liability. To recover compensation, it must typically be proven that the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence and resulted in damages.
- The other party’s negligence caused the car accident: Negligence encompasses various reckless actions that led to a personal injury accident. This may include drunk driving, distracted driving, reckless driving, or even vehicle malfunctions due to faulty maintenance.
- Damages resulted from the car accident: The accident must have resulted in compensable damages, such as a sustained injury. These damages can further impact a victim’s life, leading to physical pain, emotional suffering, lost income, and expensive medical bills.
Not sure if your car accident claim is valid? You aren’t alone; our Rancho Cucamonga car accident attorneys can deal with the other driver’s insurance company so you can focus on your recovery.
At our law firm, our team of seasoned car accident attorneys is ready to answer your inquiries about establishing negligence and the types of damages that can be pursued in a car accident case.
What to Do After a Car Accident
If you’re involved in a Rancho Cucamonga car accident, taking the following steps to protect your well-being and legal rights is essential.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and well-being by seeking immediate medical attention following a car accident, even if your injuries appear minor. Prompt medical evaluation ensures proper diagnosis and treatment and creates a vital record of your injuries, linking them directly to the accident.
- Call 911: File a police report with the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department. This documentation is an impartial record of the accident, documenting key details such as the date, time, location, parties involved, and contributing factors.
- Document the Accident Scene: Take photos and videos of the involved vehicles, focusing on damage, tire skid marks, and other relevant details displaying the ensuing aftermath of the crash. Additionally, document visible injuries, traffic signals, road conditions, weather, and anything else that may have contributed to the accident.
- Consult a Rancho Cucamonga Auto Accident Attorney: Consulting with the best car accident lawyers in San Bernardino County provides professional guidance and support throughout the legal process. They can investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and provide representation in court if necessary.
Undergoing the car accident claims process can be overwhelming, especially while dealing with injuries and emotional distress. However, a skilled personal injury attorney will fight to protect your rights and help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Speak with a Rancho Cucamonga Personal Injury Lawyer Today
In the aftermath of a personal injury accident, you will face a lot of challenging decisions. Selecting a results-driven personal injury law firm does not have to be one of them.
At Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, we resolve complex civil matters and deal with difficult insurance companies to get our clients the maximum compensation they are entitled to. If you’ve been injured in an accident, Jeff’s got you.
Other Personal Injury Law Services Our Law Firm Handles
Our award-winning personal injury law firm specializes in the following practice areas:
- Bicycle Accidents
- Dog Bites
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Uber and Lyft Accidents
- Workers’ Compensation
- Wrongful Death
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Law Offices
Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can ensure an accurate evaluation of your personal injury claims, including proving damages like lost wages and medical expenses. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
Address: 8350 Archibald Ave, Suite 211
Rancho Cucamonga CA 91730
Phone Number: (909) 787-2515
Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer’s Other Locations
We have law offices throughout Southern California, and our experienced personal injury attorneys are ready to discuss your case. Find the nearest office and schedule your free consultation today.