Best Car Accident Lawyers in Chino Hills, CA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency telephone number of the Chino Hills Police Department is 909-364-2000.

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

  You can obtain a copy of your car accident police report in person or online from the Chino Hills Police Department. To make an online request, visit https://pubforms.cityofchino.org/Forms/CPD-RFI and fill out the form. To request in person, complete the form at https://www.cityofchino.org/DocumentCenter/View/1076/Report-Request-Form—-English-PDF and submit it to the Department. Collision reports are typically processed in two weeks.

• How can a Chino Hills car accident lawyer help you in your lawsuit?

  Chino Hills car accident attorneys can assist you with determining who is to blame. Lawyers can help investigate who and what caused the accident and what damages you sustained. Another aspect in which lawyers can be of assistance is timelines. Attorneys can help meet the deadlines required to keep your claims or lawsuits valid. Finally, lawyers deal with insurance companies. Attorneys can assist you in determining whether the settlement offers are sufficient to cover the costs of your losses.

• How long do Chino Hills car accident lawsuits take to be settled?

  Chino Hills car accident proceedings may last for several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the facts involved and the defendant's willingness to accept liability for the plaintiff's damages. A car accident lawyer can give you a reasonable estimate of how long it will take to resolve your case.

• When should you contact a Chino Hills car accident lawyer?

  If you have been harmed in a car accident and believe that the other driver was at least partially to blame, you should contact a Chino Hills lawyer as soon as possible. If you have a case, the lawyer can assist you in gathering the necessary evidence. The sooner you can move on from your accident if you do not have a case.

• Should you take the insurance company's initial settlement offer for your Chino Hills car accident claim?

  No, you should not accept the first insurance company offers for your Chino Hills car accident claims. Most settlement scenarios involve initial offers that are almost always at the lower end of what your accident case is likely to cost in the long run. Rejecting the first offer is essential to obtaining a fair outcome for your claim.

• Can you still recover damages if you are partially at fault in a Chino Hills car accident?

  Yes, even if you are partially to blame for an accident in Chino Hills, you can still seek compensation. This is due to California's status as a pure comparative fault state. It means that courts can award damages to multiple parties involved in an accident based on their respective percentages of fault.

• 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.