Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Ontario, CA

FAQs

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

  The Ontario Police Department takes non-emergency incident reports at (909) 986-6711 and its general information line is (909) 395-2001.

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

  The Ontario Police Department Records Bureau is at 2500 S. Archibald Avenue.

• What is the distinction between criminal law and personal injury law in Ontario?

  Criminal law and personal injury law in Ontario and elsewhere have common elements but the former is based on penal legislation while the latter is civil. Criminal law is focused on punishing wrongdoers for actions that hurt society, while personal injury law oversees private disputes where one person harms another. A crime like a DUI can coincide with a personal injury case, but the DUI charge is aimed at jail time while the civil matter is aimed at getting victims monetary restitution.

• If a person in Ontario suffers whiplash because of an amusement park ride, is the owner of the facility liable?

  Possibly, the owner of an amusement park may be liable in a premises liability case if a patron from Ontario experiences whiplash while on a ride. Theme park operators are obliged to keep their properties and facilities safe for the general public, and injuries due to insufficient safety precautions and malfunctioning equipment give rise to causes for personal injury actions.

• What steps should a personal injury claimant in Ontario take after being bitten by a dog?

  After being bitten by a dog, someone from Ontario must take photos and notes documenting the injuries for use in future lawsuits and insurance claims. Keep every bill and receipt from the doctor to justify claims for economic damages. Also, look into the dog's past history and proof of previous violent tendencies.

• Who are the people in Ontario allowed to file a wrongful death claim?

  The parties in Ontario who are allowed to file a wrongful death claim are close family members named under inheritance law. This includes the living spouse and offspring, then parties who have a claim under intestate proceedings. After these, the deceased's common-law partner and kids are entitled. If partners and descendants are absent, then stepkids and parents are next in line.

• What pieces of evidence should a personal injury claimant in Ontario who was hit by a truck preserve?

  Someone in Ontario who has a personal injury claim after being hit by a truck must preserve any relevant witness statements and pictures showing the accident scene, specifically those that show roadway skid marks and vehicular damage. Law enforcement findings must be obtained and the computer data from the truck's recording equipment is best secured.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.