Accident Lawyer Ontario California
Attorney Eric Paris is a highly experienced car accident lawyer serving Ontario, Ca. The Paris Firm helps people injured in car accidents obtain financial compensation for the damages they have suffered. Since 1994, our law firm has won verdicts and settlements for our clients’ pain and suffering, property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, lost future earning capacity, and other accident-related losses.
Any types of car accident can cause an injury to drivers and passengers, from major freeway collisions to low speed crashes at stop signs or in parking lots.
What Should I Do Immediately After An Auto Accident?
In the moments following a car accident, you should:
- Assess you, your passenger and the other vehicle’s injuries
- Move to a safe place away from traffic
- Contact authorities
- Exchange driver’s license, insurance and contact information
- Document the accident scene with photos and or videos
- Do not talk to insurance company representatives
- Get medical attention
- Contact The Paris Firm
For more detailed information, please download What to do after a car accident, our free E-Guide.
I Wasn’t Hurt Badly, Should I See A Doctor Anyway?
Yes. There are tremendous forces involved in a car accident that may result in serious injuries, although the symptoms are often subtle. In addition to seeing a doctor shortly after the accident you should watch out for symptoms of injury. Once you have sought medical attention, contact the Ontario car accident lawyers at The Paris Firm to schedule a free consultation.
What Injury Symptoms Should I Be Aware Of?
There are many common car accident injuries that may not show symptoms right away. Look out for brain injury symptoms such as:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Inability to sleep/nightmares
- Personality changes, moodiness or depression
- Fatigue
- Memory loss
Also look for spine injury symptoms such as:
- Back pain
- Pain elsewhere in the body
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
This may involve one or both limbs, certain regions of the body, or certain organs. The symptoms may also worsen with time.
Does My Insurance Company Have My Best Interest In Mind?
In some ways, your insurance company may be your ally. They have certain obligations by law and contract that mean you have common interests. In other ways, your insurance company may be your adversary.
An insurance company increases profit by paying less in car accident claims, including your car accident claim. They may see your accident (and you) as a liability, and may make decisions that save them money, but may cost you. It is a conflict of interest that they will not acknowledge.
Do I Need An Ontario Car Accident Lawyer for my Ontario Car Accident Claim?
An Ontario car accident attorney is recommended any time you suffered an injury in a car accident that resulted in any amount of medical bills or lost wages. Since consulting with the Ontario car accident lawyers at The Paris Firm about your car accident is free, it’s better to talk to us and be told you don’t need one, than to not talk to us and suffer because you didn’t have representation.
When Should I Contact An Attorney About My Car Accident Claim?
You should contact an Ontario car accident attorney about your auto accident claim when:
- You have been diagnosed with injuries and presented with a treatment plan
- You have received a settlement offer from your insurance company (see below)
- You are being pressured to give multiple statements about the accident, or you feel your claim is being handled too slowly
- You feel overwhelmed by the issues related to your car accident
My Insurance Company Has Made Me An Offer. Should I Take It?
When your insurance company makes you an offer, it is based on an expectation of what they might have to pay for your accident. It’s almost always at the lower end of what your accident is likely to cost in the long run, even if it seems like a lot based on what you have paid so far.
Catastrophic Injuries
Serious car accidents can result in life-altering injuries, such as:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, resulting in cognitive impairments, memory loss, personality changes, and long-term disabilities. These injuries can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform everyday activities and maintain employment.
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and requiring lifelong medical care and assistance. Spinal cord injuries often necessitate extensive rehabilitation and adaptive devices for daily living.
- Internal Organ Damage
- Blunt force trauma from a car accident can cause serious damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs. Internal injuries may require emergency surgery and can lead to long-term health complications.
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- High-impact collisions can result in multiple fractures and broken bones, which may require surgical intervention, prolonged recovery periods, and physical therapy. Severe fractures can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility.
- Amputations
- In severe car accidents, limbs may be crushed or severed, leading to surgical amputations. Amputees often face significant physical and emotional challenges, requiring prosthetics, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
- Burns and Disfigurement
- Fires and explosions in car accidents can cause severe burns, leading to disfigurement, scarring, and the need for reconstructive surgery. Burn victims often endure painful treatments and may suffer from psychological trauma.
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries
- Sudden jerking motions in a crash can cause whiplash, leading to chronic neck pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Severe neck injuries can also affect the nerves and spinal cord.
- Chest and Rib Injuries
- The force of impact can cause fractures to the ribs and sternum, leading to difficulty breathing, internal bleeding, and damage to the heart and lungs. These injuries may require extensive medical treatment and recovery time.
- Pelvic and Abdominal Injuries
- Pelvic fractures and abdominal injuries can cause significant pain and may affect the bladder, intestines, and reproductive organs. These injuries often require surgical repair and long-term rehabilitation.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- The psychological impact of a severe car accident can result in PTSD, characterized by anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and difficulty coping with daily life. Mental health treatment is often necessary for recovery.
- Vision and Hearing Loss
- Head trauma and facial injuries in accidents can lead to partial or complete loss of vision or hearing, impacting an individual’s ability to communicate and interact with their environment.
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can cause significant pain and limit movement. Soft tissue injuries may require physical therapy and extended recovery periods.
- Chronic Pain and Disability
- Many accident survivors experience chronic pain that can affect their quality of life and ability to work. Disabilities resulting from severe injuries may necessitate ongoing medical care and lifestyle adjustments.
- Facial Injuries and Dental Trauma
- Accidents can cause fractures to the facial bones and damage to teeth, leading to disfigurement and the need for reconstructive surgery and dental procedures.
- Emotional and Psychological Impact
- Beyond physical injuries, victims may suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues as they cope with the aftermath of a serious accident. Comprehensive care often includes both medical and psychological support.
Understanding these potential life-altering injuries underscores the importance of safety measures, prompt medical attention, and legal support following a serious motor vehicle accident.
If you have suffered a catastrophic injury in a car accident in Ontario, you may need ongoing medical care, multiple surgeries, and physical and psychological therapy. You may need a motorized wheelchair, a handicapped van. You may even need modifications to your home to make it handicapped accessible.
We’ve worked with certified life-care planners in Southern California to make sure that our client’s accident-related needs are met. We identify all liable parties and pursue fair compensation to cover the full extent of your damages for today and tomorrow.
What you do in the minutes after a car accident may have potentially serious ramifications to your health, safety, and the outcome of your car accident claim.
Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident in Ontario, California
- Not Calling the Police
- Failing to report the accident to the police can lead to issues when filing a claim or proving fault. Always call the police to get an official accident report.
- Leaving the Scene
- Leaving the scene of an accident, especially without exchanging information or checking for injuries, is illegal and can result in serious penalties.
- Admitting Fault
- Avoid admitting fault at the scene, as this can be used against you later. Stick to the facts when speaking to police and other parties involved.
- Not Seeking Medical Attention
- Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Failing to seek medical attention can worsen injuries and complicate insurance claims.
- Failing to Document the Scene
- Not taking photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries can hinder your ability to provide evidence for your claim.
- Not Exchanging Information
- Ensure you get the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information. Also, collect contact information from any witnesses.
- Delaying Notification to Your Insurance Company
- Failing to promptly notify your insurance company about the accident can result in denied car accident claims. Report the accident as soon as possible.
- Providing Inaccurate or Incomplete Information
- When filing a report or claim, ensure all information is accurate and complete. Inaccurate details can affect the outcome of your claim.
- Not Following Up on Medical Treatment
- Failing to follow through with medical treatment plans can impact your health and weaken your personal injury claim.
- Signing Documents Without Legal Advice
- Do not sign any documents from insurance companies or other parties without consulting a lawyer. These documents may limit your ability to seek full compensation.
- Settling Too Quickly
- Accepting a quick settlement from an insurance company may not cover all your expenses. Consult with an attorney to understand the full value of your claim.
- Not Keeping Records
- Failing to keep detailed records of medical treatments, expenses, and communications related to the accident can weaken your personal injury case.
- Posting on Social Media
- Posting about the accident or your injuries on social media can be used against you in your claim. It’s best to avoid discussing the accident online.
- Ignoring Legal Deadlines
- Missing the statute of limitations for filing a claim can result in losing your right to seek compensation. Be aware of and adhere to all legal deadlines.
- Not Consulting a Personal Injury Attorney Immediately
- Handling a car accident claim without professional legal advice can lead to mistakes and lower compensation. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process and protect your rights.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or wrongful death due to the negligence, recklessness, or carelessness of another driver, you have the right to obtain financial compensation for the damages you have suffered.
Call the accident lawyer Ontario Paris Firm today at (909) 551-4040, serving car accident victims in Ontario, and schedule a no obligation consultation. If there is no recovery there is no fee and there are no up-front out of pocket fees. Our firm advances costs on behalf of our clients.