Accident Lawyer Ontario California

Attorney Eric Paris is a highly experienced car accident lawyer serving Ontario, CA. The Paris Firm helps people injured in car accidents obtain financial compensation for the damages they have suffered. Since 1994, our law firm has won verdicts and settlements for our client’s pain and suffering, property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, lost future earning capacity, and other accident-related losses.

Any type of car accident can cause injury to drivers and passengers, from major freeway collisions to low-speed crashes at stop signs or in parking lots.

If you are the victim of an automobile accident, please contact our law offices to schedule a free initial consultation with our compassionate legal team. We are well-versed in California’s unique personal injury laws and can help you find a fair settlement for your car accident case. To learn more about our legal services and how we can assist you throughout the complex legal system, please contact our Ontario personal injury attorneys to discuss your case in more detail in a free, no-obligation case evaluation today.

Are Car Accident Cases Common in California?

Motor vehicle accidents are unfortunately and tragically common on California’s roads. When we tend to think of drunk driving and driving under the influence of drugs as the most dangerous cause of accidents, the majority of modern car crashes are actually caused by distracted driving.

On average, over 3,000 victims will lose their lives in a fatal car accident every year in California. Think about that for a second. That’s more than one dead motorist every day on average. Approximately a quarter of those who die in fatal car accidents are pedestrians.

There are over 250,000 car accidents with reportable injuries every year in California. However, it is estimated that there are almost twice as many unreported accidents, resulting in either minor or no injuries at all.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident, you need the legal representation of experienced personal injury attorneys to represent your insurance claim. Our legal team has years of experience handling personal injury cases, including the complexities of California car accidents. For assistance with the legal process, please contact our law firm to schedule your free case review today.

What Should You Do Immediately After an Auto Accident in Ontario, California?

A motor vehicle accident can be a traumatizing event, even if the injuries are relatively minor. Whether or not you’ve sustained injuries in a car collision, it is important that you take certain steps to safeguard your insurance claim and look after your life and the lives of your passengers in the aftermath of a crash.

In the moments following a car accident, you should:

Assess yourself, your passenger(s), and the other driver’s injuries
Move to a safe place away from traffic
Contact authorities
Exchange driver’s license, insurance, and contact information
Document the accident scene with photos and or videos
Do not talk to insurance company representatives
Get medical attention
Contact The Paris Firm

Once you contact our law firm, a skilled lawyer will work on your behalf to negotiate settlements, prove fault in the case, and attempt to help you recover a fair settlement for your injuries and other losses.

Should You Seek Medical Attention Even if You Are Not Badly Hurt?

Yes. There are tremendous forces involved in a car accident that may result in serious injuries, although the symptoms are often subtle. In addition to seeing a doctor shortly after the accident, you should watch out for injury symptoms. Once you have sought medical attention, contact the Ontario car accident lawyers at The Paris Firm to schedule a free consultation.

Your insurance claims may be devalued or dismissed if you do not seek immediate medical care following a California car accident. Therefore, it is important that the car accident victim get medical treatment not just for their injuries and ailments but also for their legal rights. Contact an Ontario personal injury lawyer at our firm for legal guidance.

What Car Accident Injury Symptoms Should You Be Aware Of?

Many common car accident injuries may not show symptoms right away. Look out for brain injury symptoms such as:

Dizziness
Confusion
Inability to sleep/nightmares
Personality changes, moodiness, or depression
Fatigue
Memory loss

Also, look for spine injury symptoms such as:

Back pain
Pain elsewhere in the body
Numbness
Tingling
Weakness

This may involve one or both limbs, certain regions of the body, or certain organs. The symptoms may also worsen with time.

We strongly encourage accident victims to seek professional legal guidance from an experienced car accident lawyer. Our law firm has a proven track record of helping injured victims seek justice and financial recovery after car crashes.

What Are Common Causes of Auto Accidents?

Motor vehicle accidents can vary in nature and severity. Sometimes, depending on the type of accident, the driver and their passengers may suffer minor or severe injuries. Other times, it seems to matter very little what type of accident occurs, as injuries can seem random or based on the make and model of the vehicles involved.

Common types of car accidents in California include the following:

Bicycle and motorcycle accidents
Commercial truck accidents
Drunk driving accidents
Highway accidents
Low-speed and high-speed collisions
Multiple vehicle pileups
Pedestrian accidents
Rear-end accidents and fender benders
Rideshare accents
Rollover accidents
Side impact car accidents or T-bone accidents
Single car accidents

Common causes of car collisions include the following:

Dangerous weather conditions
Disobeying the rules of the road
Distracted driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Drowsy driving and driver fatigue
Failure to yield
Improper turns
Not looking for pedestrians in crosswalks
Overloaded vehicles and trucks
Poor road conditions
Reckless driving and aggressive driving
Road debris and hazards
Road rage
Running red lights and stop signs
Speeding
Tailgating
Texting while driving
Talking on a phone while driving
Unsafe lane changes
Vehicle malfunctions

Whatever the type of auto accident you were in, it is often necessary to prove that driver negligence was the reason behind the crash. When your car accident attorneys can establish that fault rests on the shoulders of the other drivers, you can pursue full compensation for your injuries and other losses. In cases where driver negligence was not the cause of the car crash, things may get more complicated, but still, it is possible to overcome and prove in a court of law with the help of experienced lawyers. Contact our Ontario law office to schedule your free case review today.

Does Your Car Insurance Company Have Your Best Interest in Mind?

In some ways, your insurance company may be your ally. They have certain obligations by law and contract, meaning you have common interests. In other ways, your insurance company may be your adversary.

An insurance company increases profit by paying less in car accident claims, including your car accident claim. They may see your accident (and you) as a liability and may make decisions that save them money — decisions that may cost you. It is a conflict of interest that they will not acknowledge.

It is often too much to ask for auto accident victims to negotiate with insurers while they are still recovering from their injuries, lost income, and property damages. Our legal staff, led by personal injury attorney Eric Paris, will help negotiate settlements, argue your case, and represent your interests throughout the complex legal process.

Can an Ontario Accident Lawyer Help You Recover Financial Compensation?

With a strong personal injury case and skilled legal representation, it is possible to seek financial recovery for your injuries and other losses. If successful, you could be awarded financial compensation in the form of both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages may include the following:

Past medical bills and future medical expenses
Lost wages and lost income earning capacity
Property damage, vehicle repairs, and vehicle replacements
Physical therapy expenses
Burial costs and funeral expenses in the event of a fatal accident

Non-economic damages may include the following:

Emotional distress and mental anguish
Physical pain and suffering
Lost companionship or consortium
Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful death

In extreme cases involving willful, wanton disregard for other people’s safety, it may also be possible to be awarded punitive damages by a judge. Punitive damages are rare and reserved only for car accident cases that seek to make an example of the at-fault party to deter others from repeating those same mistakes in the future.

Do You Need an Ontario Car Accident Lawyer for Your California Car Accident Claim?

An Ontario car accident attorney is recommended any time you suffer an injury in a car accident that results in medical bills or lost wages. Since consulting with the Ontario car accident lawyers at The Paris Firm about your car accident is free, it’s better to talk to us and be told you don’t need one than to not talk to us and suffer because you didn’t have representation.

While California law does not require you to retain professional legal counsel for your car accident case, it is nonetheless highly recommended that you seek the legal representation of an experienced car accident lawyer. Ontario, CA, has complicated personal injury laws, and it can be difficult to win a case, let alone navigate the legal system while still recovering from an injury, without knowledgeable legal help.

The Paris Firm proudly provides compassionate, personalized legal services to injured clients and their families seeking legal assistance. To learn more about our services and how we may assist you through this difficult time, please contact our law office to schedule your free initial consultation today.

When Should You Contact an Attorney About Personal Injury Claims?

You should contact an Ontario car accident attorney about your auto accident claim when:

You have been diagnosed with injuries and presented with a treatment plan
You have received a settlement offer from your insurance company (see below)
You are being pressured to give multiple statements about the accident, or you feel your claim is being handled too slowly
You feel overwhelmed by the issues related to your car accident

It is never too early to contact skilled lawyers to discuss your car accident case, particularly if those lawyers offer a free case review (which we do!). However, there may be such a thing as waiting until it is too late to retain professional legal counsel. If you delay too long, not only could your case be put in jeopardy, but you may allow the other parties involved in the auto accident to lawyer up and prepare for the case, putting you at a disadvantage. It is better to prepare for the worst in complicated legal matters such as personal injury cases by contacting experienced and knowledgeable legal help.

Should You Accept the Initial Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company?

When your insurance company makes you an offer, it is based on an expectation of what they might have to pay for your accident. It’s almost always at the lower end of what your accident is likely to cost in the long run, even if it seems like a lot based on what you have paid so far

Insurance companies can almost always do better than their initial offers. As your legal representation, we will represent your behalf as we negotiate for better settlement terms in hopes of getting you the fair and full compensation you deserve for your injuries and other losses

To learn more about how we may be of legal assistance to you and your family members during this difficult time, please contact our Ontario legal team to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation today.

What Are Catastrophic Injuries?

Serious car accidents can result in life-altering injuries, such as:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, resulting in cognitive impairments, memory loss, personality changes, and long-term disabilities. These injuries can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform everyday activities and maintain employment
Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and requiring lifelong medical care and assistance. Spinal cord injuries often necessitate extensive rehabilitation and adaptive devices for daily living
Internal Organ Damage: Blunt force trauma from a car accident can cause serious damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs. Internal injuries may require emergency surgery and can lead to long-term health complications
Fractures and Broken Bones: High-impact collisions can result in multiple fractures and broken bones, which may require surgical intervention, prolonged recovery periods, and physical therapy. Severe fractures can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility
Amputations: In severe car accidents, limbs may be crushed or severed, leading to surgical amputations. Amputees often face significant physical and emotional challenges, requiring prosthetics, rehabilitation, and long-term care
Burns and Disfigurement: Fires and explosions in car accidents can cause severe burns, leading to disfigurement, scarring, and the need for reconstructive surgery. Burn victims often endure painful treatments and may suffer from psychological trauma
Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden jerking motions in a crash can cause whiplash, leading to chronic neck pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Severe neck injuries can also affect the nerves and spinal cord
Chest and Rib Injuries: The force of impact can cause fractures to the ribs and sternum, leading to difficulty breathing, internal bleeding, and damage to the heart and lungs. These injuries may require extensive medical treatment and recovery time
Pelvic and Abdominal Injuries: Pelvic fractures and abdominal injuries can cause significant pain and may affect the bladder, intestines, and reproductive organs. These injuries often require surgical repair and long-term rehabilitation
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The psychological impact of a severe car accident can result in PTSD, characterized by anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and difficulty coping with daily life. Mental health treatment is often necessary for recovery
Vision and Hearing Loss: Head trauma and facial injuries in accidents can lead to partial or complete loss of vision or hearing, impacting an individual’s ability to communicate and interact with their environment
Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can cause significant pain and limit movement. Soft tissue injuries may require physical therapy and extended recovery periods
Chronic Pain and Disability: Many accident survivors experience chronic pain that can affect their quality of life and ability to work. Disabilities resulting from severe injuries may necessitate ongoing medical care and lifestyle adjustments
Facial Injuries and Dental Trauma: Motor vehicle accidents can cause fractures to the facial bones and damage to teeth, leading to disfigurement and the need for reconstructive surgery and dental procedures
Emotional and Psychological Impact: Beyond physical injuries, victims may suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues as they cope with the aftermath of a serious accident. Comprehensive care often includes both medical and psychological support

Understanding these potential life-altering injuries underscores the importance of safety measures, prompt medical attention, and legal support following a serious motor vehicle accident.
If you have suffered a catastrophic injury in a car accident in Ontario, you may need ongoing medical care, multiple surgeries, and physical and psychological therapy. You may need a motorized wheelchair or a handicapped van. You may even need modifications to your home to make it handicapped-accessible.

We’ve worked with certified life-care planners in Southern California to make sure that our client’s accident-related needs are met. We identify all liable parties and pursue fair compensation to cover the full extent of your damages for today and tomorrow. What you do in the minutes after a car accident may have potentially serious ramifications for your health, safety, and the outcome of your car accident claim.

What Are Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident in Ontario, California?

Not Calling the Police – Failing to report the accident to the police can lead to issues when filing a claim or proving fault. Always call the police to get an official accident report
Leaving the Scene – Leaving the scene of an accident, especially without exchanging information or checking for injuries, is illegal and can result in serious penalties
Admitting Fault – Avoid admitting fault at the scene, as this can be used against you later. Stick to the facts when speaking to police and other parties involved
Not Seeking Medical Attention – Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Failing to seek medical attention can worsen injuries and complicate insurance claims
Failing to Document the Scene – Not taking photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries can hinder your ability to provide evidence for your claim
Not Exchanging Information – Ensure you get the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information. Also, collect contact information from any witnesses
Delaying Notification to Your Insurance Company – Failing to promptly notify your insurance company about the accident can result in denied car accident claims. Report the accident as soon as possible
Providing Inaccurate or Incomplete Information – When filing a report or claim, ensure all information is accurate and complete. Inaccurate details can affect the outcome of your claim
Not Following Up on Medical Treatment – Failing to follow through with medical treatment plans can impact your health and weaken your personal injury claim
Signing Documents Without Legal Advice – Do not sign any documents from insurance companies or other parties without consulting an Ontario injury lawyer. These documents may limit your ability to seek full compensation
Settling Too Quickly – Accepting a quick settlement from an insurance company may not cover all your expenses. Consult with an attorney to understand the full value of your claim
Not Keeping Records – Failing to keep detailed records of medical treatments, expenses, and communications related to the accident can weaken your personal injury case
Posting on Social Media – Posting about the accident or your injuries on social media can be used against you in your claim. It’s best to avoid discussing the accident online
Ignoring Legal Deadlines – Missing the statute of limitations for filing a claim can result in losing your right to seek compensation. Be aware of and adhere to all legal deadlines
Not Consulting an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Immediately – Handling a car accident claim without professional legal advice can lead to mistakes and lower compensation. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process and protect your rights

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or wrongful death due to the negligence, recklessness, or carelessness of another driver, you have the right to obtain financial compensation for the damages you have suffered.

Call the accident lawyer at The Paris Firm in Ontario, CA, today at (909) 325-6185 and schedule a no-obligation consultation. If there is no recovery, there is no fee, and there are no up-front out-of-pocket fees. Our firm advances costs on behalf of our clients.

What is Comparative Negligence?

The state of California operates under a pure comparative negligence understanding of personal injury law. While other states utilize contributory negligence for personal injury laws, wherein any party that is partially responsible for causing the accident will be barred from recovering compensation, in comparative negligence states such as ours, accident victims who are partially to blame for their accidents can still hope to recover compensation.

In California, it is possible for multiple parties to be held accountable for auto accident injuries and property damages, including car accident victims. The amount of fault that a party has for causing the collision will directly affect how much they can hope to recover in terms of maximum compensation. For example, if you were 30% to blame for causing the motor vehicle accident, your compensation would be reduced by 30%.

Under pure comparative negligence laws, it is possible for individuals to seek compensation following a personal injury accident even if they were 99% responsible for causing the accident.

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in California?

California law states that you have two years from the date of the accident to sue responsible parties in pursuit of financial recovery. The statute of limitations is strict, and if you do not file a lawsuit in time, you will likely be barred from recovering compensation for your car accident case.

The statute of limitations is extended for minors involved in car accidents in California. For minors, the two-year time limit does not begin until they turn 18.

Do not delay in contacting a personal injury attorney to discuss your case. If you wait too long, you risk having the statute of limitations expire and missing your chance to recover financial compensation.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with Experienced Ontario Personal Injury Lawyers Today

If you have been injured in a car accident in Ontario, California, we encourage you to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney right away. And if you have tragically lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, your car accident lawyers can help you seek wrongful death benefits by filing a legal claim.

The Paris firm has extensive experience representing clients in various personal injury cases, including car crashes in Ontario. We proudly represent your legal rights as you pursue justice and financial recovery for your personal injuries, property damage, and more. With a skilled lawyer by your side, navigating through the complex legal process and arriving at a satisfactory outcome for your legal issues is possible.

To learn more about how we may assist you during this challenging legal scenario, please contact our Ontario law office to schedule your free consultation with our legal team today. You can reach us at (909) 325-6185