Car Accident Lawyer Serving Ontario, CA

A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant, leaving you to deal with physical pain, mounting medical bills, and the stress of missing work. During such a difficult time, you should not have to fight insurance companies alone to get the justice you deserve.
At the Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, we understand the challenges you are facing. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, aggressive legal representation to help you recover and move forward. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we are here to provide the solution.
Let us start fighting for your maximum compensation after a car wreck. To schedule a free consultation with our car accident lawyers serving Ontario, contact our law firm today.

How Common Are Car Accidents in the Ontario Area?

According to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), there were 941 injuries and fatalities from vehicle accidents in Ontario during 2023. Looking at countywide OTS numbers, there were 15,118 injuries and fatalities in San Bernardino County during 2023.
These statistics are a good reminder that crashes can happen wherever you are in the Inland Empire. Whether you’re running an errand, picking up your kids, or driving to work, be sure to buckle up and be careful.

Dangerous Roads and Highways in and Around Ontario

Here are some of the more dangerous roads and highways in and around Ontario.

• Interstate 10: I-10 is packed with steady traffic, which includes tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles. All drivers need to exercise caution whenever they’re getting onto the interstate or trying to exit.
• Interstate 15: Like I-10, there is a lot of heavy traffic along I-15. Commercial vehicles, aggressive drivers, and congestion can all lead to major collisions that take up multiple lanes.
• State Route 60: The heavy traffic on SR 60 can pose many dangers to drivers, especially if there’s a big rig on the road. Drivers also need to be careful around complicated interchanges along SR 60.

Euclid Avenue: One of Ontario’s major roads, there’s a risk of collisions on busier sections of Euclid Avenue. Yet even in residential areas, drivers need to be mindful of potential accidents, especially when pedestrians and cyclists are present.

There are many different causes of car accidents. Below are some of the most common reasons collisions happen around this part of San Bernardino County.

Speeding

Exceeding the speed limit is one of the most frequent factors in local collisions. When drivers travel too fast, they have less time to react to changing traffic patterns or hazards on the road. High-speed impacts also significantly increase the severity of injuries. Whether on city streets like Euclid Avenue or navigating highway merges, speeding remains a primary threat to the safety of everyone on the road in Ontario.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving goes beyond simple negligence; it involves a willful disregard for the safety of others. This includes aggressive behaviors such as weaving through traffic, tailgating, and failing to yield the right of way. These erratic actions make it nearly impossible for other motorists to predict a driver’s next move. Our firm holds these dangerous drivers accountable for the chaos and harm they cause to innocent victims and their families.

Drunk/Intoxicated Driving

Despite strict laws and public awareness campaigns, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a devastating problem. Intoxication impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and blurs vision. These accidents are often high-impact and entirely preventable. We are committed to seeking justice for those injured by intoxicated drivers, ensuring that those who choose to get behind the wheel while impaired face the full legal consequences of their actions.

Distracted Driving

In our modern world, distractions are everywhere, but looking at a phone for even a few seconds can be fatal. Distracted driving includes texting, using navigation apps, or even eating while driving. When a driver’s eyes or mind are off the road, they become a danger to everyone around them. We carefully investigate cell phone records and witness statements to prove when distraction played a role in your car accident.

Driver Fatigue

Fatigue can be just as dangerous as intoxication. Tired drivers suffer from reduced coordination and may even experience “microsleep” behind the wheel. This is particularly common among commercial drivers and commuters traveling long distances on the I-10. A fatigued driver cannot respond quickly to braking traffic, often leading to rear-end collisions. We work to identify signs of sleep deprivation to establish liability in these complex accident cases.

Vehicle Defects or Faulty Auto Parts

Sometimes, an accident is caused by the vehicle itself rather than driver error. Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or defective airbags can lead to catastrophic failures on the road. In these instances, the manufacturer or a negligent repair shop may be held liable for your injuries. Our legal team collaborates with technical experts to inspect vehicles and identify any mechanical defects that contributed to your wreck, ensuring all responsible parties are named.

Poor Road Conditions

The entity responsible for maintaining our roads—whether local or state government—has a duty to keep them safe. Unmarked construction zones, large potholes, and lack of proper signage can all lead to serious crashes. Navigating a claim against a government entity involves specific legal hurdles and shorter deadlines. We have the experience necessary to investigate road maintenance records and pursue compensation if a dangerous roadway caused your accident in Ontario.

Bad Weather Conditions

While Southern California is known for sun, sudden heavy rain or dense fog can make driving treacherous. Drivers are legally required to adjust their speed and behavior to match weather conditions. Failing to slow down during a rainstorm or maintaining an unsafe following distance in fog is a form of negligence. We help victims prove that the other driver failed to exercise reasonable care given the environmental conditions at the time.

If you’re in a serious car wreck, the injuries you experience could have a lasting effect on your life, livelihood, and independence.

Fractured Bones and Joints

The sheer force of a car crash often leads to broken bones, ranging from simple fractures to complex breaks requiring surgery. Impact with the dashboard, steering wheel, or side doors can crush limbs and joints. These injuries often require extensive physical therapy and can lead to long-term mobility issues or chronic pain. We ensure your claim accounts for both your immediate medical needs and any necessary future rehabilitative care.

Loss of Limbs

Catastrophic accidents can result in traumatic amputations or injuries so severe that a limb cannot be saved. The loss of a limb is a life-altering event that impacts your ability to work and perform daily tasks. Beyond the physical trauma, the emotional toll is immense. Our firm fights for compensation that reflects the profound nature of this loss, including costs for prosthetics, home modifications, and psychological support.

Burn Injuries and Post-Crash Fires

When a collision causes a fuel leak or electrical fault, fires can erupt instantly. Burn injuries are among the most painful traumas a person can endure, often leading to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and a high risk of infection. Treatment typically involves specialized burn units and multiple skin graft surgeries. We seek damages that cover these intensive medical treatments and address the significant pain and suffering associated with severe burns.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury can occur even without a direct blow to the head, as the brain can strike the inside of the skull during sudden deceleration. TBIs range from “mild” concussions to severe cognitive impairment. Symptoms may include memory loss, mood changes, and sensory issues. Because these injuries are not always visible on standard tests, we work with neurological experts to document the full extent of the damage to your health.

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

Injuries to the spinal cord can result in partial or total paralysis, forever changing a victim’s quality of life. The cost of lifetime care for a spinal cord injury can reach millions of dollars. From wheelchairs and specialized vans to around-the-clock nursing care, the financial burden is staggering. We are dedicated to securing the resources necessary to provide for your long-term well-being and to hold the negligent parties fully accountable.

Compensation in a Car Accident Lawsuit

The value of every collision case is going to vary based on individual circumstances. How much your accident claim could be worth will depend on unique details related to the crash and its lasting effects on your life.
At the Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, our car accident lawyers serving Ontario will investigate what happened and seek maximum compensation to cover your economic and non-economic losses.

Economic damages are material and financial losses caused by a crash. This includes:

• Past and current medical bills
• Estimated future healthcare expenses
• Damage to your vehicle
• Damage to personal belongings in the crash
• Lost wages due to medical leave and recovery
• Loss of future earning potential due to disability
• Funeral expenses after a fatal car accident

Non-economic damages are subjective changes in a person’s life related to the car crash. This includes:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of companionship after a fatal accident
• Reduced overall quality of life

Can I Seek Damages If I Was Partly at Fault for a Crash?

Yes, you can still pursue compensation in California even if you were partially responsible for the accident. California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means that your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000.
Insurance companies will try to shift as much blame as possible onto you to save money. It is vital to have an experienced car accident lawyer serving Ontario defending your interests.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Collision?

In most cases, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in California is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to sue forever. 
However, if your claim involves a government entity (such as a city-owned vehicle or a poorly maintained public road), the deadline to file an administrative claim is much shorter, typically only six months.
It is best to contact a car accident attorney serving Ontario, as soon as possible to ensure all deadlines are met.