A car accident can occur when you least expect it, creating a whirlwind of physical injuries, medical care and related expenses.
A car insurance company may try to blame you for the accident or underpay your claim.
The best thing you can do in this situation is to reach out to our Fontana car accident attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers for a free consultation.
We are California’s most respected personal injury firm, with more than 50 years spent representing injured accident victims.
We can help you get back to the life you love as quickly as possible after a serious automotive accident in Fontana.
Find out how by calling our local law office at (909) 245-8920.
$2B+ Recovered For Our Clients
No Fees Unless We Win – Free Case Review
Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers
- We have a reputation for truly caring about our clients. As your car accident attorneys, our goals will be your success, satisfaction and healthy recovery.
- Our Fontana car accident lawyers offer extremely flexible appointments, with availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are injured, we will not hesitate to travel to meet with you.
- No other law firm in California has won as much for its clients for as long as Jacoby & Meyers. We have achieved over $2 billion in settlements for our clients.
- We don’t charge anything for our services unless we win the case. Our car accident lawyers are proud to operate on a contingency fee basis.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Fontana
In 2022, the most recent year data is available, 878 victims were injured and killed in traffic accidents in Fontana.
San Bernardino County reported a total of 15,381 hurt and killed car accident victims.
These tragedies are almost always preventable.
Car accidents typically occur when a driver or party is negligent, or fails to use proper care.
Leading car accident causes in Fontana include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Drowsy driving
- Tailgating/following too closely
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Aggressive driving or road rage
In addition to driver mistakes, issues such as defective vehicle parts, poor maintenance, vehicle breakdowns and dangerous roadways all contribute to Southern California car accidents.
If someone else is responsible for your crash, we believe you deserve justice.
Types of Car Accidents We Handle
At Jacoby & Meyers, we are experts in serious automotive accidents.
This includes truck, car, motorcycle, rideshare, bicycle and pedestrian accidents in Fontana.
We can help if you or a loved one has been injured in any of the following types of accidents, among others:
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone or side-impact crashes
- Head-on collisions
- Sideswipes and blind spot accidents
- Multivehicle pileups
- Hit-and-run incidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist accidents
- Vehicle rollovers
Identifying your type of crash can help determine its cause.
T-bone accidents are often caused by a driver running a red light, for example, while rear-end collisions can point to tailgating or distracted driving.
Understanding California Car Accident Laws
California uses a fault-based system to determine liability or financial responsibility for automobile accidents.
Under this rule, crash victims can receive financial compensation from another party’s insurance company for causing the crash.
Fault must be proven by the victim as more likely to be true than not true using evidence.
In California, a law called the statute of limitations gives car accident victims no more than two years to file a claim (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1).
If you wait too long and miss your deadline, the courts will likely refuse to hear your claim, severely limiting your financial recovery options.
For this reason, it is critical to take action quickly and contact a car accident lawyer without delay.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Accident in Fontana?
Motor vehicle drivers in California are legally required to carry liability insurance to cover the bodily injuries and property damage of others after an at-fault car accident.
Currently, the required amounts are $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage, plus $15,000 for property damage.
As a crash victim, you may be able to recover compensation for the following types of losses or damages from the other party’s insurance provider:
- Medical expenses: current and future treatments
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering damages
- Property damage costs
- Potential punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
When you hire Jacoby & Meyers as your Fontana car accident lawyers, our team will accurately evaluate the worth of your case based on the extent of your injuries and the losses you have suffered.
We can negotiate with insurance companies or bring your case to trial to pursue maximum compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to settle a car accident claim in Fontana?
A relatively simple car accident case with minor to no injuries can often reach a settlement in California within about three to six months. If you have a complicated case that requires a trial, however, expect it to take one year or longer.
What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?
You could still recover financial compensation from your own insurance provider if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance on your policy. Another option may be holding the at-fault driver personally responsible through a lawsuit.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. California is a pure comparative negligence state, with a law in place that protects the right of injured accident victims to recover financial compensation even if they are partially at fault. If you are allocated a percentage of the blame for your car accident in Fontana, however, this will reduce your financial recovery by an equivalent amount.
Contact Our Fontana Car Accident Lawyers Today
At Jacoby & Meyers, we believe everyone deserves justice.
If you’ve been injured in a recent car accident in the Fontana area, our attorneys will fight for the answers, accountability and financial compensation you deserve so that you can move forward.
From putting you in touch with the right doctors for appropriate medical treatment to filing a legal claim against one or more liable parties, we will help you rebuild your life from start to settlement.
Contact us today for a free consultation, where you can speak directly to a knowledgeable and compassionate car accident attorney about your situation at no cost or obligation to hire us.
We have 14 law offices throughout California for your convenience.
Our San Bernardino County location is 473 E Carnegie Dr #200, San Bernardino, CA 92408, and can be reached directly at (909) 245-8920 24/7.