Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience, and from dealing with physical injuries to navigating insurance claims, the aftermath of an accident can be both emotionally and financially draining. In such challenging times, when victims are most vulnerable, the importance of obtaining an Ontario, CA car accident lawyer cannot be overstated: A skilled lawyer is crucial in protecting your rights, guiding you through the legal process, and maximizing your chances of obtaining fair and just compensation.
Understanding Ontario’s Traffic Landscape
Ontario, California, a city of approximately 182,457 residents as of 2023 that sits at the convergence of some of Southern California’s busiest transportation corridors, maintains a strategic location where Interstate 10 and Interstate 15 intersect. This geography makes Ontario a critical hub for both local commuters and interstate commerce.
Daily vehicle traffic on the I-15 corridor alone averages about 223,000 vehicles according to the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, and this heavy traffic volume, combined with the region’s rapid population growth, creates conditions where accidents are unfortunately common.
Alarming Statistics: Car Accidents in San Bernardino County and California
San Bernardino County, where Ontario is located, experiences a significant number of traffic collisions each year. According to the San Bernardino County Community Indicators database, 14,615 people were injured or killed in vehicle collisions throughout the county in 2024. While this does mark a per-year decline of 3% from 2023, the per capita rate of victims has only declined by 4% since 2015.
Statewide, California continues to see elevated accident numbers. In 2024, California documented 164,123 total car crashes resulting in 3,807 fatalities, with an average of 1,370 crashes per day.
Speeding played a significant role in 77,822 accidents in 2024, and reckless driving led to 2,251 fatalities statewide.
Common Causes and Locations of Ontario Car Accidents
Traffic intersections, major highways like I-10 and I-15, and construction zones are the most common locations for car accidents in Ontario; intersections are particularly dangerous due to the convergence of multiple traffic streams that require drivers to navigate traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, and traffic turns simultaneously.
The busy highways running through Ontario present their own set of dangers, with inadequate following distance, aggressive driving, and sudden lane changes frequently causing highway collisions.
Across California’s most dangerous intersections, failing to obey traffic signals and signs was the leading cause of crashes. Per the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System database, 35.65% of crashes at high-risk intersections were caused by drivers failing to obey traffic signals and signs.
Understanding Common Car Accident Injuries
“Whiplash” is one of the most common injuries from car accidents in California. This neck injury occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and back, often during rear-end collisions, leading to pain and stiffness that can range from mild to severe. According to industry estimates, approximately 3 million whiplash injuries occur each year in the United States, with common symptoms including neck pain and stiffness, headaches starting at the base of the skull, pain radiating to the back or shoulders, and numbness or tingling in the arms.
Other common car accident injuries include broken or fractured bones, herniated discs, knee or shoulder injuries, concussions, moderate to severe neck or back injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and, in the most tragic cases, wrongful death.
What to Expect From Car Accident Settlements in California
The average car accident settlement in California varies widely depending on the severity of injuries and other factors.
According to recent cases, the average settlement is approximately $29,700 for injured drivers, with most cases falling between $5,000 and $25,000. However, settlements can range dramatically based on injury type, with whiplash often ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, mild-moderate concussions from $20,000 to $30,000, broken or fractured bones from $30,000 to $100,000, herniated discs from $50,000 to $100,000, and traumatic brain injuries more than $100,000.
Spinal cord injuries, severe paralysis, and wrongful death cases can result in settlements exceeding $1,000,000.
California’s Legal Timeframes: Know Your Rights
Understanding the “statute of limitations” is critical for car accident victims in California: You have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury claims.
For property damage claims, the statute of limitations is three years. However, claims involving government entities have much shorter deadlines (just six months for personal injury and one year for property damage), and missing these deadlines can permanently bar your recovery.
Essential Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Ontario
Taking the right steps immediately after a car accident can protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Ensure Safety First: Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt, and move vehicles to safety if possible while turning on hazard lights.
- Report the Accident: California law requires reporting accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 to law enforcement within 24 hours, and you must submit Form SR-1 to the DMV within 10 days.
- Document Everything: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs, and collect contact and insurance information from all parties involved, as well as witness statements.
- Seek Medical Attention: See a doctor within 24 hours, even if you feel fine, as many injuries like whiplash do not show symptoms immediately, and hidden injuries often appear days later.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company within 24 hours to report the accident, but provide only basic facts and avoid admitting fault or providing recorded statements without legal counsel.
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Never admit fault at the scene, and do not sign any documents or accept settlement offers without consulting a lawyer.
When to Contact an Ontario Car Accident Lawyer
While not every minor fender-bender requires legal representation, you should contact a car accident lawyer immediately in any of these cases:
- If you or anyone involved sustained serious injuries or long-term disabilities.
- If the accident resulted in a fatality.
- If your vehicle was totaled or severely damaged.
- If another party disputes fault.
- If the insurance company is denying your claim or offering an unreasonably low settlement.
- If multiple parties are involved.
- If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
- If you have missed work and lost one or more paychecks.
- If you are experiencing significant emotional distress.
Accident victims who work with lawyers generally receive settlements that are several times larger than those who handle claims on their own.
Legal Guidance and Representation
After a car accident in Ontario, California, a personal injury lawyer who specializes in this area of law can provide seasoned guidance tailored to your specific circumstances and explain your rights, evaluate your case, and offer an objective perspective on the potential legal options available to you.
Insurance companies are profit-oriented entities, and their primary goal is to settle claims for the lowest possible amount, which means their interests are fundamentally opposed to yours. A lawyer can level the playing field, protect your rights, handle all communication with the insurance company, and negotiate on your behalf.
Plus, our Ontario car accident lawyers have access to a network of professionals, including accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists, who can gather evidence, assess damages, and establish liability. By thoroughly examining the facts surrounding the accident, your lawyer can strengthen your case and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome, calculate both current and future damages, and help you receive fair compensation that reflects the long-term impact of your injuries.
If you cannot reach a fair settlement despite good-faith negotiations, a lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court and advocate for you in the courtroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Ontario, CA?
Prioritize your safety first, then check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location and turn on the hazard lights.
Document the scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions, and collect contact information from all parties and witnesses.
California law requires you to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 to law enforcement within 24 hours. You must also submit Form SR-1 to the DMV within 10 days.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in California?
The “statute of limitations” sets the deadline for filing legal claims. In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury claims and three years for property damage claims.
However, if your accident involved a government entity, the deadlines are much shorter: you must file a claim within six months for personal injury and one year for property damage.
If you miss any of these deadlines, you may permanently forfeit your ability to recover compensation.
What is the average settlement for a car accident in California?
Settlement amounts vary widely based on injury severity and case details. Generally speaking, the average settlement for injured drivers is approximately $29,700, with most cases falling between $5,000 and $25,000.
When should I contact a car accident lawyer?
You should contact a lawyer immediately if the accident resulted in serious injuries, long-term disabilities, or a fatality. You should also seek legal counsel if your vehicle was totaled, if another party disputes fault, if the other driver is uninsured/underinsured, or if the insurance company denies your claim or offers a low settlement.
Why are intersections in Ontario considered dangerous?
Intersections are among the most common locations for accidents in Ontario because they require drivers to navigate multiple traffic streams, signals, pedestrian crossings, and turns simultaneously.
Contact Our Experienced Ontario Car Accident Lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel Today to Get the Settlement You Deserve
Our Ontario car accident lawyers at Lerner, Moore, Silva, Cunningham & Rubel have more than four decades of experience holding negligent parties accountable and recovering maximum compensation for our clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, call our Ontario and Victorville, California offices at 909-889-1131 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | SMS Terms & Conditions
Making a false or fraudulent workers’ compensation claim is a felony subject to up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $50,000 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is greater, or by both imprisonment and fine. The information contained on this website does not guarantee, warranty, or predict the outcome of your case.