Pomona Car Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Pomona Car Accident Lawyers Are Ready To Discuss Your Case
Pomona is the home of the annual Los Angeles County Fair, located only about 16 miles from Mount San Antonio, more commonly known as Mount Baldy or Old Baldy. According to the 2020 United States Census, Pomona had a population of 148,338, with 71.4 percent of residents being Hispanic or Latino, 33.7 percent being white alone, 13.2 percent being two or more races, 10.8 percent being Asian alone, 5.9 percent being Black or African American alone, 2.5 percent being American Indian or Alaska Native alone, and 0.1 percent being Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander.
The San Bernardino Freeway, Orange Freeway, Pomona Freeway, Foothill Boulevard, and Chino Valley Freeway all pass through Pomona. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reports that there were 778 fatal and injury accidents in Pomona in 2020, including 23 motorcycles, 54 pedestrians, and 30 bicyclists.
There were 79 alcohol-involved crashes in Pomona in 2020, resulting in 259 driving under the influence (DUI) arrests. Three cases involved drinking drivers under 21 years of age, while 23 crashes involved drinking drivers 21-34 years of age. OTS reported 93 crashes were speed-related, 87 were nighttime crashes (9:00 p.m. – 2:59 a.m.), and 87 were hit-and-run accidents.
At Arash Law, our car accident lawyers can investigate the circumstances surrounding your crash and work to help you pursue the compensation that may be available to you. Our firm regularly represents people who suffer all kinds of injuries in accidents all over California, including the greater Pomona area.
We understand that car accident claims can be complicated, such as when it comes to dealing with insurance companies after accidents. If you choose to have Arash Law work on your case, we can handle all conversations with insurers on your behalf.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Auto Accident Statistics In California
According to the 2019 California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) report, 3,737 people were killed, and 269,031 people suffered injuries in motor vehicle accidents in California. The total included 187,211 injury crashes and 3,438 fatal crashes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reported that traffic crash deaths in California involved $49 million in medical costs and $5.79 billion in work loss costs for a total of $5.83 billion. Among $3.4 billion of these costs related to motor vehicle occupants, $1.3 billion was for pedestrians, $911 million was for motorcyclists, and $205 million was for bicyclists.
The OTS further reported that traffic fatalities decreased 5.1 percent from 3,798 in 2018 to 3,606 in 2019, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities decreased 4.5 percent from 1,116 in 2018 to 1,066 in 2019, and motorcycle fatalities decreased 9.4 percent from 523 in 2018 to 474 in 2019. However, 50 percent of all drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes who tested positive for legal or illegal drugs was an increase of 8 percent from 2018.
While pedestrian fatalities decreased by 0.6 percent from 978 in 2018 to 972 in 2019, pedestrian fatalities involving people 65 years of age and older increased by 1.9 percent from 218 in 2018 to 222 in 2019. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) reported that California had 3,847 fatalities in motor vehicle accidents in 2020, which was the highest total since 3,884 in 2017.
Major Employers In Pomona
Many people prefer to live in Pomona because of the many career opportunities available in the area. The city is home to a number of major businesses.
Some of the major employers in Pomona include:
- Cal Spas
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
- Casa Colina Rehabilitation Center
- Casa Herrera
- Circle Wood Services
- City of Pomona
- County of Los Angeles Department of Social Services
- Halex Corp.
- Kellogg Elementary
- Keystone Automotive Industries
- KKW Trucking
- Fairplex
- FDS Manufacturing Co.
- First Transit
- J&L Footwear
- Lexmar Distribution
- Pomona Unified School District
- Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center
- San Gabriel Pomona Valley Developmental Services
- School of Arts and Enterprise
- Verizon
- Western University of Health Sciences
Pursuing Accountability From Negligent Drivers In Pomona
Many car accident cases in California involve one driver acting negligently. Negligence usually occurs when a driver breaches their duty of care to other road users by committing certain actions that endanger others.
Our Pomona car accident lawyers help victims injured by negligent drivers who:
- Disregarded traffic signs or signals.
- Got distracted by cell phones or other objects.
- Drove recklessly or while speeding.
- DUI of alcohol or drugs.
The negligence of other drivers may not always be immediately apparent after a crash, which is why it can be beneficial for injured victims to work with a personal injury attorney who can investigate the cause of their accident and help build their claims. When another driver is negligent, they may be liable for all damages stemming from a car accident.
Estimating The Financial Impact Of Your Car Accident
When Arash Law investigates a case, our firm often reviews the crash report that is filed by local police. We may also request copies of your medical records and bills because they can help us calculate the cost of your current treatment plans and any treatments your injuries may require in the future.
The financial costs of a car accident can often be quite far-reaching and extensive. Under the California Civil Code, a victim can pursue the following damages from a liable party:
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to actual financial losses that people can prove in court. Common kinds of economic damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Prescription medications
- Medical devices
- Future surgery costs
- Therapy or rehabilitation
- Property damage
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are losses that are not calculable. Common kinds of these damages include:
- Emotional distress
- Inconvenience
- Anxiety, shock, and grief
- Physiological disorders
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
When Arash Law is negotiating a settlement to your case, the amount we will be seeking will be based on an assessment of estimated economic and non-economic damages. We will work to gather proof or documentation that can demonstrate these losses.
Be Cautious When Dealing With An Insurance Company
The unfortunate truth about many car accident claims in California is that people are going to have to deal with insurance companies for other drivers. It can be challenging for some people to deal with an insurer on their own, especially in more complicated cases.
Common issues that can arise when dealing with insurance companies include the following:
- An insurance company may offer a settlement that does not fully reflect the extent of your injuries or losses.
- An insurance company may try to question who was responsible for the accident. Crucial pieces of evidence may help when this happens.
- Some insurance companies may argue that a person’s injuries are related to a preexisting condition or another accident. Although a person will need to share their medical records related to an accident with an insurance company, a car accident lawyer in or near Pomona can manage this exchange process to prevent the insurance company from receiving medical records it may not need.
- An insurance company may dispute whether your pain or symptoms are directly related to the collision. Having a skilled personal injury lawyer on your side can help you navigate these kinds of claims.
How Our “No Win, No Fee” Agreement Works
Arash Law handles cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that clients do not have to pay lawyer fees upfront. We will instead deduct an agreed-upon percentage from their compensation, but only if they’re awarded it. The exact amount may vary because every case is different. It depends on the complexity of the case, the resources provided, and other considerations. Certain case-related costs may also apply regardless of the outcome. We can clarify this arrangement, along with your other concerns, during your consultation.
How Arash Law Can Assist You
The lawyers at Arash Law work closely with our clients to determine the legal support they may need for their cases. If you are having difficulty paying your medical bills, for example, our car accident attorneys from Pomona can negotiate a medical lien that allows you to continue to receive treatment. Clients who take out medical liens may instead see their bills paid out of a settlement or jury award.
We strive to help victims understand their rights and the available legal options for them. Our injury law firm offers comprehensive assistance, aiming to help you make informed decisions about your case.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Reasons To Work With An Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
Many people wonder what the benefit of hiring a lawyer for their car accident case will be. When the incident involves severe injuries or complicated liability issues, having legal guidance can be beneficial. In addition, you may also want to hire an attorney who thoroughly understands the applicable laws and has experience handling cases similar to yours.
An experienced car accident attorney will also be capable of negotiating with insurance companies and other legal teams. You may not understand all of the damages that apply to your case, but a Pomona car accident lawyer can evaluate these losses and assist you with negotiating a settlement that aligns with them.
How We Work To Establish The Cause Of A Car Accident
The team at Arash Law can study how another individual may have violated their duty of care and establish their potential liability. Some of the common causes of motor vehicle accidents include:
- Speeding
- DUI
- Distracted driving
- Wrong-way driving
- Improper turns
- Failure to yield
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals
- Inclement weather
- Defective automobiles
- Unsafe lane changes
When one or more of these factors may have contributed to your accident and injuries, Arash Law can utilize the crash report and witness testimonies in our effort to establish the cause of your accident.
Important Accident Details In Your Crash Report
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) notes that the California Vehicle Code requires every driver of a motor vehicle to report an accident to the DMV within 10 days if any person suffered an injury, was killed, or if the property of either party had more than $1,000 in damage.
The California Vehicle Code further requires some off-highway accidents to be reported when they occur off the street or highway, involve a vehicle subject to registration, and involve damage to the property of any one person over $1,000, an injury of any degree, or the death of any person.
The top of page one of a California Highway Patrol (CHP) 555 Traffic Collision Report will have the date, time, and location of an accident, and it can also document any tow-aways or photographs taken at the scene. You can also find such information as the types of parties involved, license plate numbers, vehicle identification numbers (VINs), and insurance carriers and policy numbers.
At the top of page two, police will document any property damaged during a crash. The page will include the property owner’s name and address and a description of the damage.
The police will also document certain details in number and letter codes on page two. Such details can include the seating position of each vehicle occupant, the safety equipment used at the time of the crash, whether an airbag deployed if anyone was fully or partially ejected from a vehicle, inattention that contributed to or caused a crash, factors that contributed to a crash, traffic control devices, type of crash, types of vehicles, pedestrian actions at the time of a crash when a pedestrian was involved, vehicle movement before a crash, and whether a drunk or drugged driver was involved in a crash.
On page three, there is information about the injured parties, witnesses, and passengers. The top section will document the extent of injuries and who suffered an injury.
The rest of page three will document information about the injured parties, such as their names, addresses, telephone numbers, and types of injuries. Information can also include the hospital where an injured person was taken.
Page four is usually the factual diagram of how a crash occurred.
How The Statute Of Limitations Affects Your Lawsuit
Under the California Code of Civil Procedure, any action for injury to, or for the death of, a person caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another person generally needs to be filed within two years of the date of an accident. This time limit is also known as the statute of limitations.
There are certain exceptions to the statute of limitations. For example, the statute of limitations may be tolled (delayed) when a victim is less than 18 years of age, declared mentally incompetent, dies within six months of the end of the statute of limitations, or is performing military services.
When a person intends to sue a government agency, they first have to file a special claim called an “administrative claim” with the government office or agency before they file in court. For personal injury or property damage claims, a person must file an administrative claim within six months of the date of the injury.
After a person files a claim, the government will have 45 days to respond. Should the government agency deny your claim during the 45 days, you will have six months to file a lawsuit in court from the date the denial was mailed or personally delivered to you.
If a person does not get a rejection letter within 45 days, they have two years to file from the day the incident occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Car Accident Cases
How Do I File A Car Accident Injury Claim?
The first step after any car accident is to contact your own insurance company to report the crash. When a person files a claim with another party’s insurance company, the insurer will assign the case to an adjuster to handle the case, and the adjuster will usually contact the victim.
California law requires an insurance company to contact a person within 15 days of receiving a claim. An adjuster will often want a recorded statement, though it’s often ideal for victims to avoid providing one until they have legal representation.
How Do I Settle A Car Accident Injury Claim?
Most insurance companies may want to settle car accident cases because trials can be expensive. Agreeing on a settlement, however, is going to require a person to prove that their injuries justify a settlement amount. Car accident lawyers can compile the evidence in your case to estimate its potential value.
How Do I Calculate A Car Injury Settlement?
It is incredibly difficult to accurately estimate a settlement value because so many variables can impact it. While economic damages are usually fixed amounts that are not subject to debate, many non-economic damage claims are subjective and often evaluated differently by each party. Car accident lawyers can assess your losses to estimate a potential settlement that can address them.
How Do Car Injury Claims Work?
An insurance claim is a request to access certain benefits, with claimants generally wanting insurance companies to pay them back for costs they have borne relating to their crashes. The idea of pursuing a settlement from an insurance company is that the settlement will release a driver (their policyholder) from further liability. Filing a claim will often require a person to submit all information relating to an accident, including any evidence they might have.
What Is Personal Injury Protection?
Personal injury protection (PIP), also known as no-fault insurance, covers expenses such as medical bills, lost income, or funeral costs after a car accident, but California does not offer PIP insurance. The state does, however, have something called Medical Payments Coverage, or Med Pay, which is an optional insurance that covers medical bills and funeral expenses for policyholders and their passengers, regardless of fault for an accident.
Med Pay offers several advantages, including having no deductibles or copays, no restrictions on health care providers, and coverage for both drivers and their family members when they are passengers in other people’s vehicles, pedestrians struck by motor vehicles, or injured on public transportation. Every company selling motor vehicle insurance in California must offer optional Med Pay coverage with policy limits of at least $1,000, although there are certainly higher limits available for these policies.
What Is Bodily Injury Auto Insurance?
Bodily injury liability insurance pays for expenses related to damages people sustain in crashes. Standard automobile insurance policies in California must have minimum bodily injury liability limits of $30,000 for the death or injury of any one person and $60,000 for the death or injury of more than one person in any one accident.
Uninsured motorist bodily injury may be available to pay for injuries to a person and any individual in their car when there is an accident with an uninsured driver who is at fault. The limits will be the same as the liability coverage limits.
How Much Is My Car Injury Claim Worth?
It is, again, difficult to estimate an accurate amount for a car accident case because things can always change while a case is actively being negotiated. In many cases, you are going to be looking at the limits of another driver’s policy, as you generally cannot pursue any more than the limits of their policy, and you may have to file a personal lawsuit against the other driver when their policy limits are not high enough to cover all of your potential damages. When you work with Arash Law, our firm can assist in compiling your medical bills and lost income to help estimate the financial impact of the accident.
Contact Our Pomona Car Accident Lawyers At Arash Law
People who are injured in car accidents in the greater Pomona area often deal with a wide range of concerns following their crashes. If you suffered injuries or your loved one was killed in a car accident in Pomona or a surrounding area of California, call the car accident lawyers at Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 or contact us online to learn more about your rights and how our team can help you.
Our Pomona car accident lawyers also serve many surrounding areas, including Claremont, La Verne, Diamond Bar, Montclair, Chino Hills, Chino, Ontario, San Dimas, Upland, Charter Oak, Covina, Walnut, Citrus, Glendora, and South San Jose Hills.
