Best Car Accident Lawyers in Rancho Cucamonga

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Rancho Cucamonga, California?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Rancho Cucamonga police department is (909) 941-1488.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Rancho Cucamonga, California?

  A copy of a police report can be obtained from the Rancho Cucamonga Police Station's Records Division. A fee of $0.25 cents per page is charged to the general public. The fee for attorneys and insurance companies is $5 per report. Police reports typically take at least 10-15 business days to complete and may take longer if the case involves extensive investigations or major traffic collisions.

• What are the car accident statistics in Rancho Cucamonga?

  Rancho Cucamonga is considered one of the safest cities in California. Its overall accident rate is lower than the overall statewide average. The accident rate in the city is 3.4 car accidents per 100,000 people living there. This is relatively lower compared to the statewide average accident rate of 5.7 car accidents per 100,000 people. Over 380 individual car accidents resulted in at least one injury due to traffic collisions. On the other hand, 1209 accidents resulted in property damage. There were also six car accidents in Rancho Cucamonga that resulted in fatalities.

• When is the best time to contact a car accident lawyer in Rancho Cucamonga?

  You should contact a car accident lawyer in Rancho Cucamonga immediately if the auto crash caused you serious injuries or the death of a loved one. Having the assistance of an attorney early on will help you avoid mistakes in the legal process. If the injuries are not that serious and the pain goes away within a few days or months, you have the option to either get a lawyer or not anymore. But the most important thing is to not settle your case until you are fully healed.

• Who is responsible for Uber and Lyft accidents in Rancho Cucamonga?

  Rancho Cucamonga Uber and Lyft accident victims' insurance coverage depends on the driver's actions.

  • Passenger in car or on way to get passenger. $1 million commercial liability and $1 million uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance.
  • Logged into the app and waiting for a ride request. Ride-sharing companies offer $50,000 for injury or death to one person, $100,000 for multiple people, and $30,000 for property damage.
  • Driver was on personal time. Minimum insurance amounts are $5,000 for property damage, $15,000 for injury or death to one person, and $30,000 for multiple people.

• Is there a time limit when filing a vehicle accident lawsuit in Rancho Cucamonga?

  The California Code of Civil Procedure states that there is a two-year deadline for when car accident victims must file a lawsuit. The two-year deadline starts on the date of the accident. Rancho Cucamonga auto accident victims must take legal action within the required time frame so they can still obtain the compensation they deserve.

• What types of compensation are available to Rancho Cucamonga car accident victims?

  Victims of car accidents in Rancho Cucamonga may seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages are the different types of compensation for financial losses. Medical bills, property damage, and lost wages are examples. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are losses that are not monetary in nature and are more subjective in nature. These are monetary compensations for emotional distress, loss of consortium or companionship, and pain and suffering. A car accident lawyer can assist the victim in determining how much compensation they are entitled to.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.