Best Car Accident Lawyers in Corona, CA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Corona Police Department is (951) 736-2330.

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

  To obtain a copy of a police report for an accident, you can contact the Records Division of the Corona Police Department. You can request a copy of the document by mail, in person at 730 Public Safety Way, or online at https://ecrash.lexisnexis.com. Various information, including your proof of identification like a driver's license and the date and location or case number of the accident, will be required by the Records Division.

• Can a non-US citizen sue for damages against an at-fault party in a Corona car accident?

  Despite their immigration status, non-citizens involved in accidents can recover compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and emotional distress. Attorneys who help immigrants through the process of filing personal injury claims can also guide them on matters related to uninsured motorist claims. This guidance can be particularly valuable, as over 16% of California motorists are uninsured, based on data from the Insurance Research Council.

• How do car accident claims work if a child passenger is injured in a Corona school zone?

  Given that over 5% of Corona residents are employed by the Corona-Norco Unified School District, which has 53 schools, there is an increased risk of car accidents involving child passengers in school zones. In such cases, attorneys must highlight the extent of the child's injuries and outline the compensation to cover their rehabilitation costs, medical bills, and suffering. Lawyers can also obtain evidence proving the liable driver's violation of the school zone's reduced speed limit laws to strengthen a claim.

• Who can be held liable for a car accident caused by a plane crash in Corona?

  Although car accidents caused by plane crashes are rare, the proximity of the Corona Municipal Airport to the city's downtown area increases the likelihood of such events occurring. If this happens, multiple parties can be held liable for the resulting damages, including the plane's owner for failing to verify the operator's flight credentials, the plane's manufacturer for producing defective parts, and the pilot for mismanaging fuel or flying in unsafe weather conditions.

• Can an individual file a personal injury claim against a person for driving while fatigued in Corona?

  The defendant might blame the victim for an accident by alleging illegal lane changing or erratic driving due to a sudden medical emergency. California's sudden emergency doctrine states that drivers aren't responsible for accidents caused by unforeseeable medical emergencies, which may exclude defendants from liability. Corona motorists should exercise caution as the city's residents have an average commute time of 37.2 minutes, higher than the national average of 26.9 minutes. Longer commute times are linked to exhaustion and sleep disturbances.

• What makes Interstate-15 a dangerous road for Corona motorists?

  A large percentage of accidents on Interstate 15 were caused by drunk or distracted drivers. Another reason why the road system might cause vehicular accidents for Corona drivers is the monotony of the road's surroundings; Holly Vogel, one of the officials at the California DOT, previously mentioned how people would "start speeding up and stop paying attention" as they drove across miles of desert.

• 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.