At Nordean Law, we strive to keep our community safe. We pursue justice for the injured and we share critical information on how to keep you and your family safe.
Follow the link below for the best tips to prevent accidents of all kinds. If you have a specific question, or if you were injured in an accident, reach out to one of our attorneys today.
Managing everything alone after a recent car accident can add more struggle to an overwhelming situation. However, working with a car accident lawyer can relieve stress and give you space for healing.
If you are looking for a legal partner to help you on the journey of recompense, we are here to help you. Our team of Fontana car accident lawyers specialize in handling car accident cases. From analyzing your case and searching for witnesses to negotiating relentlessly for lawful compensation, the team will be with you at every step of the legal journey.
To make an informed decision after the accident, it is important to understand its cause, potential impact, and the to-do and not-to-do’s after an accident. Read on to comprehend more.
It is important to understand the cause of the accident to effectively pursue compensation. Car accidents can happen due to numerous reasons, among which leading ones are:
The faster the vehicle goes, the longer it takes to stop. Speeding increases the likelihood of accidents by reducing a driver’s effective reaction time and control over the vehicle. For example, According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a typical reaction time to perceive a threat, such as a child running into the road, is about ¾ second. Then, you add another ¾ second to decide to act and move your foot to the brake pedal- that is 1.5 seconds so far. Suppose you are driving at 55 mph; the distance traveled is 121 feet while you perceive and react to the threat. Only then does the car begin to slow. This delayed time can cause serious crash.
A person driving under the influence can make significantly wrong decisions while driving. As alcohol and drugs dulls the parts of the brain that control the body, the individual is not able to control speed, maintain lane position, or apply brake at the right time.
Adverse weather conditions like fog, heavy rain, and snow can reduce road visibility. Drivers may struggle to see other vehicles, road signs and obstacles, increasing the risk of accidents. Likewise, the rain and the icy roads make the road surface slippery, reducing tire traction, increasing the likelihood of vehicles losing control. Vehicles take longer to come to a complete halt, which can lead to a collision.
Flawed road structures can pose safety issues for drivers and pedestrians. For example, Poorly designed intersections can obstruct the driver’s view of oncoming vehicles or pedestrians. This limited visibility can cause serious collisions. Similarly, inadequate markings can confuse drivers and make it challenging to steer, increasing the risk of accidents.
Identifying your specific injuries is essential for calculating the compensation you will be entitled to. Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, such as:
It is an injury resulting from a sudden sharp whipping movement of the neck and head. Whiplash strains the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck. Symptoms can include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and difficulty in neck movement.
Broken bones, sometimes referred to as fractures, are sustained injuries in car accidents when compressed by the hard surface or due to the force of the crash. The fractures can vary depending on the vehicle's speed or impact force. Car accidents can result in skull, rib or limb fractures.
A sudden and strong impact on the head due to collision and rapid deceleration can cause traumatic brain injury (TBI). The injury can range from mild to severe.
The symptoms of mild TBI are headache, memory issues, nausea or sensitivity to light and noise. Likewise, severe TBI causes loss of consciousness, weakness, slurred speech and hearing problems.
Spinal cord injury can happen when the car occupant’s back or neck strikes a hard surface, like the steering wheel or dashboard. Likewise, the acceleration and deceleration of the head and neck cause spinal cord injuries.
Extreme back pain, weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control are some of the symptoms of spinal cord injuries.
Soft tissue injuries are common in car accidents and can result from rapid deceleration or forces involved in a collision. These injuries affect the body's soft tissues, which include muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. Some common symptoms of soft tissue injuries are swelling, stiffness, and tenderness.
A car accident can cause lacerations when a person's body comes into contact with sharp objects or surfaces inside the vehicle. Laceration injuries are not just limited to skin but can go all the way through muscles and organs, requiring immediate surgery.
Handling the legal complexities of car accident cases requires expertise. To help you understand your case's legal aspect, we have highlighted the important regulations in California:
California follows a fault-based system for car accidents. This means that the party responsible for causing the accident has to pay for damages. So, injured parties can seek compensation from the at fault driver's insurance company.
The state of California follows a comparative negligence system, which means that even if you are partially responsible for the accident, you can still seek compensation. For example, If the total cost of damage is $1,000,000, and you are 10 per cent responsible for the accident, you will receive $9,00,000 as compensation.
California law mandates that drivers carry minimum liability insurance coverage.
The details are as follows:
The state has a deadline to file a lawsuit against the at fault party. In normal circumstances, a person can file a case within two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions: if the plaintiff is a minor, they must turn 18 to file a case. Likewise, if the individual learns about their injury later, they will get one year from the date of the accident to file a claim.
If claimants cross the timeline, they lose their right to file a legal claim.
Our attorneys are well-versed in Fontana’s car accident laws, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process towards compensation.
It is normal to feel disoriented after a car accident. However, knowing what not to do after an accident is necessary. It can help you avoid common mistakes that might jeopardize your case or compensation.
Here are some common mistakes you should avoid after a car accident:
The at fault party or their insurance company may pressure you to admit fault, but it's essential to remain composed and avoid making statements that could harm your case.
This is because insurance companies can use your statements to determine liability and calculate settlement, which may result in reduced or denied damage coverage. It can also influence the identification of the responsible party in situations where fault is not clearly defined or shared among multiple parties.
Statements given immediately after an accident may not always be entirely accurate due to stress, shock, or confusion. Insurance adjusters can use the recorded statements to their advantage. So, it is better to provide well-thought-out and accurate information later, if necessary.
Insurance companies usually offer quick settlements to minimize compensation amount. These early offers do not cover long-term consequences or ongoing medical treatments. So, it is wise to consult a car accident lawyer who can advocate for your rightful compensation.
Having a clear understanding of what to do after an accident can help you make better decisions after the accident. It helps to protect your legal rights and steer the insurance claim process more effectively. Here’s what the steps look like:
This includes checking injuries, moving to a safe location and calling 911 for help. Only after ensuring safety, you need to proceed with necessary steps like documenting evidence.
Some injuries sustained in a car accident may not immediately manifest. They may be revealed later in life. So, even if your injuries seem minor, you must consult a healthcare professional.
Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. The evidence is significant for the compensation process.
As it is essential to follow specific reporting procedures mandated by local laws, you must call the police to report the accident. A police report provides an official record of the accident that adds credibility to your information.
Lawyers are well-updated with specific laws and have experience handling complicated car accident cases. With their expertise, they can implement personalized strategies for your case to help you in the journey to compensation.
You will not need a lawyer if your car accident is minor. But, if the case is serious, involving complex liability and compensation issues, hiring a car accident attorney is important.
Here’s how an experienced car accident attorney handles your case:
The attorney initially listens carefully to the client's account of the accident, the injuries sustained, and the circumstances surrounding the case. The lawyer develops a legal strategy for the case based on the information.
The car accident lawyer will review all relevant documents related to the accidents, including police reports, medical records, and photographs of the accident. The attorney will also talk to experts like accident reconstructionists to identify the underlying causes and talk to the witnesses, including friends and family members, to understand the extent of the damage.
After a detailed investigation, the attorney begins the negotiation by sending a demand letter to the at fault party's insurance company. The letter outlines the client's injuries, damages, and liability and fair compensation amount. Car accident attorneys are skilled negotiators who can emphasize the strength of the client's case to highlight the potential costs and risks of litigation.
If negotiations fail to produce a settlement, the attorney prepares for trial for a favorable judgment. Following the initial pleadings, both parties engage in the discovery process. Both parties present their evidence, witnesses, and arguments during the trial. Legal representation by an experienced attorney is a must throughout this process to manage the complexities of personal injury or car accident cases.
Remember the Fontana Personal Injury Lawyer at Nordean Law for your Personal Injury cases.
Sam Nordean has made a commitment to helping victims get back what was taken away from them. He fights for people that are injured and can’t fight for themselves.
“Going to court or negotiating a settlement is not akin to my client winning a lottery ticket. It’s about balancing the scales; it’s what they’re owed.”
Sam Nordean
At these complicated times, you need more than just a legal representation. You need an ally who can handle your compensation processes and guide you through legal complications with compassion and expertise.
Our legal team has handled countless car accident cases, and we know how to fight for your rights effectively. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car accident can take on your life. That is why we approach each case empathetically, putting your well-being at the forefront. Our attorneys are well versed in the legal nuances of your jurisdiction, ensuring you receive the best possible representation.
We are committed to securing the compensation you deserve. Whether it's medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering, we work diligently to maximize your recovery. At Nordean Law, you are not just another case number. We take the time to understand your unique situation and strategize accordingly.
Take the first step toward justice and financial recovery by talking with our experienced car accident attorneys. Contact us today!
Fontana, a city located in San Bernardino County, California, was founded in 1913. The city became a thriving industrial town by 1942 due to the opening of Henry J. Kaiser’s steel mill operations on the outskirts of town during the World War II era. Kaiser Steel remained a primary source of employment and revenue until 1984, when it ceased operation.
Today, Fontana is home to more than 213,000 people.
We’re proud to have helped countless clients across California achieve justice and compensation.
"After my car accident in Irvine, I didn’t know where to turn. This team took care of everything, from dealing with insurance to getting me a fair settlement. Highly recommend!"
"I was injured in a truck accident on the freeway near Riverside. They fought hard for me and won my case in record time. Professional and caring every step of the way."
"Nordean Law is working in my injury case and can't thank them enough. Sam and his team have been reaching and keeping me informed with all pending matters. I appreciate that because with all that is currently going in right now, I need some stress off my shoulders. Thank you Nordean Law!!!"
"The best lawyer in the area! He and his team will take great care of you. They are very good with taking questions and answering them without lying to you. I will use Sam and his firm for any cases I might encounter. Highly recommend!!"
"If you are worried about your claim you should contact Nordean Law. Sam Nordean and his team are not only true professionals with integrity, but also sincerely care about their clients well being and state of mind throughout the process."
