Chino Hills Car Accident Lawyer

Chino Hills Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents remain a serious problem in Chino Hills. State Office of Traffic Safety data recorded 121 people killed or injured in crashes in the city in 2023, a rate that ranked Chino Hills 98th out of 103 similarly sized California cities for total fatal and injury collisions.

When an accident occurs in Chino Hills, a driver should take responsibility for the damages and injuries they caused. However, this doesn’t always happen. If you or your loved one are suffering from economic losses or injuries caused by another party in a car accident, it’s time to talk to a Chino Hills car accident lawyer.

Between physical injuries that may keep you from work, damage to your car, and medical bills incurred from treatment, expenses from a car accident can pile up. Juggling all of these stressors can leave you feeling overwhelmed, especially while you’re trying to recover. Luckily, our team at The Law Offices of Christian J. Amendt is prepared to guide you through a Chino Hills car accident claim and fight for fair compensation for your losses.

Steps to Take After a Chino Hills Car Accident

The steps you take after a car accident matter. They may help you stay safe right after a crash, heal from your accident injuries, and protect your legal rights. Specifically, you may take the following steps:

• Call for Medical Attention: After you assess any injuries sustained by yourself or a loved one, move to safety and contact authorities. It is vital that you receive medical attention, even if you feel like you aren’t hurt. There is always the possibility of having sustained invisible injuries like internal bleeding.
• Collect Evidence From the Scene: In order to build a strong case, it is essential that you collect evidence at the scene of the accident if you are able. Photograph any injuries sustained, take pictures of the vehicles involved, including any damage and the position of the vehicles, and ask for documentation from medical professionals.
• Gather Necessary Contact Information: Again, if you’re physically able, you should collect contact information from anyone involved in the accident. Ensure that you get their full names, phone numbers, insurance information, and any other pertinent information. You may also get the contact information for any accident witnesses.
• Speak With an Attorney: The last step is to contact a trusted and dependable car accident lawyer who can analyze the details of the case, offer guidance, and advocate for your rights.

Common Types of Car Accidents Seen in California

Our dedicated Chino Hills personal injury lawyer team sees many different types of accidents. Accidents can happen due to a variety of factors that lead to devastating injuries and property damage. The following are just a few of the accidents we see in Chino Hills:

• Head-On Collisions: These accidents are caused when the fronts of two vehicles collide. Head-on collisions can often result in severe damage and injuries and sometimes even fatalities.
• Side-Impact Accidents: Accidents like T-bone crashes occur when the side of one vehicle is hit by the front end of another. These can also lead to horrific injuries, especially for the person who is sitting on the side of the impact.
• Rear-End Collisions: These types of crashes occur when one vehicle hits the car in front of them. Injuries like whiplash are common.

Common Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents

Serious car accidents can leave those involved with life-changing injuries and, in some cases, can even lead to death. A personal injury lawyer should be contacted if any of the following are sustained:

• Fractures
• Paralysis
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Burns
• Amputations
• Internal injuries

In some of these instances, ongoing medical care is required. This can include various therapies, emotional services, and surgeries. You may also find yourself permanently handicapped and in need of specific services. Our legal team can analyze all injuries that were sustained and pursue compensation that covers your medical needs.

Proving Liability in a California Car Accident

The state of California follows a fault rule for the resolution of car accidents. This means it is crucial to prove the exact cause of your accident before claiming and seeking compensation. An attorney can help you identify the driver at fault and hold them accountable for the damage and injuries they caused.

Under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, first established in Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal. 3d 804, you can still recover damages even if you share some of the blame for the crash, though your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Causes of Chino Hills Car Crashes

A car crash can occur anytime a driver is negligent. Some causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted Driving: Actions such as eating while driving, changing the music, concentrating on a GPS, talking to a passenger, texting, using the internet, or using a cellphone in any way can cause distracted driving. Anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road or their hands off the wheel can result in a serious accident.
• Moving Violations: If a driver runs a red light or stop sign, turns illegally, or fails to yield in a safe manner, an accident may occur.
• Driving Under the Influence: Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. A DUI can lead to criminal charges. It can also lead to a civil settlement or personal injury case.
• Speeding: When someone surpasses the speed limit, they can cause catastrophic injuries when their actions lead to accidents.

Your attorney can take the time to review all the details of your accident and collect the evidence needed to fight for your fair recovery.

Skilled Representation for Victims of Chino Hills Car Accidents

Car accidents can be life-altering events that carry devastating consequences for the victims. Medical bills can pile up, wages can be lost due to an inability to work, and you can be left feeling confused and exhausted. At The Law Offices of Christian J. Amendt, we have spent more than 40 years guiding our clients through complex personal injury cases. We understand that these are challenging times and are ready to fight for you and pursue the compensation your case supports.

Retaining the counsel of an experienced car accident lawyer is imperative to the outcome of your case. An attorney’s duties can vary based on the details surrounding your accident. However, in general terms, the team at The Law Offices of Christian J. Amendt can join in the communication between yourself, your insurer, and the insurer of the party at fault.

We can also help collect and organize all medical reports and bills, work to gather any necessary evidence, and fight for compensation in court. At the end of the day, The Law Offices of Christian J. Amendt is passionate about advocating for you so that you can rest and recover.

FAQs About Chino Hills, CA Car Accident Laws

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in California?

In most personal injury cases in California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, under Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. This deadline can be much shorter in some situations. If a government agency, such as a city or county, may be responsible for your crash, you generally must file a claim within just six months. In some cases, it may also be longer. For example, if you were under 18 when the crash occurred, the two-year statute of limitations may not start running until your 18th birthday.

How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge in California?

In general, most lawyers have several arrangements regarding fees. The most common, however, are flat fees, an hourly rate, or a contingency fee. The most common arrangement that lawyers employ during car accident cases is a contingency fee. This fee can be based on many factors, like the nature and seriousness of injuries sustained, the probability of success, your needs as a client, and how much experience the attorney has.

How Much Can You Receive in Damages After a Car Accident in California?

In the state of California, there is no real monetary limit for compensation in a car accident settlement. This is due to the fact that each case is different, and there are a variety of circumstances that are taken into account when deciding on a dollar amount to seek. Things such as the severity of your injuries, the amount of medical bills incurred, and the extent of property damage can all play into the amount of compensation that is awarded.

Keep in mind that if you were partly at fault for the accident, California’s comparative negligence rule can reduce your final award by your percentage of fault.

How Long Will It Take to Settle My Car Accident Claim?

The amount of time it takes to settle a car accident claim in the state of California is dependent upon a variety of factors. The severity of injuries sustained and the amount of compensation you are seeking are two of the biggest factors in determining a case’s timeline. Other elements that can affect the length of your case include the amount and quality of the evidence available and any issues that may arise in determining liability.

What Happens If a Government Vehicle or Road Defect Caused My Crash?

If a city, county, or other government entity may be responsible for your accident, such as through a poorly maintained road or a government-owned vehicle, you generally must file a formal claim within six months of the crash under the California Government Claims Act. Missing this shorter deadline can permanently bar your right to sue, even though the regular two-year statute of limitations has not yet run.

What If I Was Partly at Fault for My Chino Hills Accident?

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, so you can still recover damages even if you were partly responsible for the crash. Your total award is simply reduced by your share of the fault.

Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?

Most car accident claims in California are resolved through an insurance settlement rather than a trial. Your attorney should still prepare your case as if it may go before a judge, since insurers often negotiate more seriously when they know a firm is ready to litigate.

Do I Have to Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company?

You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. It is generally best to speak with an attorney first, since insurers often use these statements to look for ways to reduce what they pay.

Which Court Handles Car Accident Lawsuits From Chino Hills?

Car accident lawsuits arising in Chino Hills are generally filed in the Civil Division of the San Bernardino County Superior Court’s Rancho Cucamonga District. Your attorney can confirm the correct venue based on where the accident happened.

Speak to a Dependable Chino Hills Car Accident Lawyer

The team at The Law Offices of Christian J. Amendt is here to offer detailed and compassionate legal counsel and representation. If you find yourself or have a loved one who has sustained injuries or property damage because of another driver’s irresponsible actions, you need someone who will fight for your rights and help relieve the stress you are experiencing.

Unfortunately, there is a timeline for cases like these. It is imperative for you to file a claim as soon as you possibly can. If you or a loved one is suffering the aftereffects of a Chino Hills car accident, contact our experienced firm today. We will advocate for the compensation the law allows for your property damage, injuries, medical bills, and other losses related to the accident.

Driving Instructions to Reach Our Pomona Office Location

• Start in Chino Hills, CA and get on CA-71 North (Pomona Freeway)
• Continue north on CA-71 toward Pomona
• Take the exit for Mission Blvd
• Turn left onto Mission Blvd and head west
• Turn right onto Garey Ave and drive north
• Turn right onto W 3rd St, then left onto S Park Ave
• Arrive at 363 S. Park Ave., Suite 300, Pomona, CA 91766