Pedestrian accidents in Ontario, California, typically happen when drivers disregard the law, speed, or fail to watch the road attentively. If you suffered injuries in a recent pedestrian collision, the skilled legal team at Banderas Law will thoroughly investigate your accident circumstances and begin fighting for the compensation you deserve.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Ontario, CA pedestrian accident attorney, please call (909) 707-0000 or contact us online.
Table of Contents
- Why Select Our Ontario Pedestrian Accident Attorneys?
- How Much Is My Ontario, CA Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
- What Are the Most Common Locations for Ontario, CA Pedestrian Accidents?
- What are the Main Causes of Ontario, CA Pedestrian Accidents?
- Most Common Injuries in Ontario, CA Pedestrian Crashes
- Fighting the Insurance Company After a Pedestrian Accident in Ontario, CA
- Most Important Steps to Take after an Ontario, CA Pedestrian Accident
- Call an Experienced Ontario, CA Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Why Select Our Ontario Pedestrian Accident Attorneys?
Injuries in pedestrian accidents are usually very serious because pedestrians have limited protection compared to motor vehicle occupants. Therefore, if you suffered injuries in a recent pedestrian accident, you want the best possible legal team to advocate for you.
At Banderas Law, our pedestrian accident attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for victims of serious accidents. We also know how to fight the insurance company to maximize the compensation you receive for your losses.
We are a fully bilingual law firm in California and are ready to assist you right away.
You can see our most recent client reviews and case testimonials on this site. Our office is conveniently located at 3401 Centre Lake Drive, Suite 470, Ontario, CA 91761.
How Much Is My Ontario, CA Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
After a pedestrian accident in Ontario, California, the amount of compensation you can receive will depend on the severity of your injuries, who was at fault, and how the accident occurred.
Compensation can come from insurance claims or a lawsuit, and there are different types of damages you may recover, including:
- Medical Expenses: You can receive compensation for medical expenses. This includes hospital bills, doctor’s visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any future medical treatments you may need because of the pedestrian accident. Even with health insurance, you can recover costs that your plan did not cover.
- Lost income: If your injuries keep you from working, you can seek compensation for the earnings you’ve lost during your recovery. If the accident results in a long-term disability that affects your ability to return to work, you may also claim future lost earnings.
- Property Damage: If your personal property, such as clothing, a cell phone, or other items, was damaged in the accident, you may receive compensation for the repair or replacement of those items.
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering compensation pays for the physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress stemming from the pedestrian accident and your injuries. This type of loss is more subjective and varies based on factors like the severity of your injuries, the effects they have on your life, and how much pain and discomfort you continue to experience.
- Loss of Life Enjoyment: In cases where your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, such as walking, exercising, or engaging in hobbies, you may receive compensation for loss of life enjoyment. This compensates for the emotional toll if you cannot enjoy daily activities.
If an especially reckless or negligent at-fault party hurts you – such as in cases of drunk driving – you may receive punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
What Are the Most Common Locations for Ontario, CA Pedestrian Accidents?
In Ontario, California, pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common, and many of these accidents occur due to driver negligence. The most frequent locations for these accidents often involve busy streets, high-traffic intersections, and areas with limited pedestrian infrastructure.
In Ontario, several specific streets and intersections are more prone to pedestrian accidents due to visibility, high-speed limits, and distracted or reckless driving.
- Euclid Avenue: Euclid Avenue, one of the main roads running through Ontario, is a common location for pedestrian accidents. This street has a lot of commercial activity and heavy traffic, making it difficult for pedestrians to cross safely. Areas with high foot traffic, like near shopping centers or bus stops, are particularly dangerous. Some places may lack crosswalks, or drivers may not yield to pedestrians as the law requires.
- Fourth Street and Vineyard Avenue: The intersection of Fourth Street and Vineyard Avenue is another hotspot for pedestrian accidents. This busy intersection is located near schools, parks, and businesses, which increases foot traffic. However, the intersection often experiences traffic congestion, and drivers may be more focused on moving through the area quickly, leading to a failure to yield to pedestrians.
- Ontario Mills Parkway and I-10 Freeway On-ramps: The area surrounding Ontario Mills Parkway, especially near the I-10 freeway on-ramps, is another location where pedestrian accidents occur frequently. This part of Ontario has a lot of shopping and entertainment venues, drawing pedestrians to cross busy roads. Due to the high speed of vehicles entering and exiting the freeway, drivers are less likely to notice pedestrians, creating dangerous conditions for those on foot.
- Cucamonga Creek Trail and Surrounding Areas: Pedestrian accidents can also happen near the Cucamonga Creek Trail, which runs through areas with both residential and commercial traffic. These areas often lack adequate pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, such as crosswalks or traffic signals, making it difficult for pedestrians to cross safely.
What are the Main Causes of Ontario, CA Pedestrian Accidents?
In Ontario, California, pedestrian accidents often result from driver negligence.
Negligent drivers routinely fail to follow traffic laws and act in ways that endanger others on the road – particularly pedestrians.
- Failing to Yield to Pedestrians: One of the most common forms of driver negligence is failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks. California law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks, but many drivers fail to do so – especially at busy intersections or in areas with heavy traffic. This negligence can result in serious pedestrian injuries or even fatalities.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is another leading cause of pedestrian accidents. With the rise of smartphones and in-car technology, drivers are often distracted by texting, talking on the phone, or using GPS while driving. This takes their attention away from the road, making it harder to notice pedestrians – especially in areas with high foot traffic, like shopping centers or near schools.
- Speeding: Driving over the speed limit or too fast for road conditions is another form of driver negligence. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react in time to avoid pedestrians who may unexpectedly cross the street. In busy areas of Ontario, such as along Euclid Avenue or near the Ontario Mills Mall, speeding can lead to accidents if drivers do not slow down when approaching crosswalks or pedestrian-heavy areas.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major cause of pedestrian accidents. Impaired drivers often have reduced reaction times, poor judgment, and difficulty seeing pedestrians, especially at night or in low-light conditions. This kind of negligence puts pedestrians at great risk, particularly in areas with nightlife or bars.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Some accidents occur when drivers fail to stop at red lights or stop signs. Disregarding traffic signals can lead to drivers striking pedestrians who are legally crossing the street. Intersections like those on Fourth Street or Vineyard Avenue are common spots for such accidents.
Most Common Injuries in Ontario, CA Pedestrian Crashes
Pedestrian accidents in Ontario, California, often lead to serious injuries, especially when resulting from driver negligence. Because pedestrians are unprotected in a collision with a vehicle, the injuries they sustain can be severe and life-changing. The type and extent of injuries depend on the speed of the vehicle, the location of the collision, and the circumstances of the accident.
Here are some of the most common injuries pedestrians may suffer in these accidents.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: One of the most common injuries in pedestrian accidents is broken bones. Pedestrians may suffer fractures to their arms, legs, pelvis, or ribs when they are struck or fall to the ground after being hit. These fractures can require extensive medical treatment – including surgery – and can lead to long recovery periods, especially for older adults.
- Head and Brain Injuries: Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are among the most serious injuries in pedestrian accidents. A struck pedestrian may fall or hit their head on the vehicle or pavement. Concussions, skull fractures, and brain hemorrhages are all potential outcomes. These injuries can result in long-term complications, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and emotional changes, affecting a victim’s quality of life.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can occur when a pedestrian is hit with significant force. Damage to the spine can lead to partial or full paralysis, depending on the location of the injury. Spinal injuries often require immediate medical attention and long-term rehabilitation, and in many cases, victims may face permanent disabilities.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: In addition to broken bones, pedestrians may suffer soft tissue injuries like sprains, strains, and bruises. These injuries can be painful and require physical therapy for recovery. Soft tissue injuries can significantly affect a victim’s ability to work and engage in daily activities.
Fighting the Insurance Company After a Pedestrian Accident in Ontario, CA
After a pedestrian accident in Ontario, California, and you need to fight the insurance company for fair compensation, the experienced pedestrian accident lawyers at Banderas Law can help you navigate the claims process.
- Detailed Investigation: We will begin by thoroughly investigating the circumstances of your pedestrian accident. This includes gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and medical records. By building a strong case, we can prove the extent of your injuries and show how the other party’s negligence caused the accident.
- Handling Insurance Negotiations: Insurance adjusters may try to pressure you into accepting a low settlement. They may downplay your injuries or claim they aren’t as severe as you say. Our role is to handle all communication with the insurance company, ensuring they don’t take advantage of you. We’ll negotiate on your behalf to ensure they offer a fair and just settlement.
- Expert Testimony: In some cases, we may involve medical experts or accident reconstruction specialists to provide testimony that supports your claim. This can be vital in demonstrating the full effect of your injuries and proving liability, especially if there is a dispute about fault or severity.
- Litigation: If the insurance company does not offer you a fair settlement, we can take your pedestrian accident case to court. We will file a lawsuit and represent you in front of a judge and jury, fighting for the maximum compensation possible for your medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering.
With us on your side, you don’t have to fight the insurance company alone. We are committed to ensuring you get the justice you deserve after a pedestrian accident in Ontario.
Most Important Steps to Take after an Ontario, CA Pedestrian Accident
After a pedestrian accident in Ontario, California, take the right steps to protect your health and legal rights.
Here are the most important actions you should take:
- Seek Ongoing Medical Attention: Follow your doctor’s advice and complete all recommended treatments. A full medical record can support your claim later.
- Gather Evidence: Gather and retain photos of the accident site, your injuries, and any damage to vehicles or property. Also, contact information must be kept from witnesses and the driver involved. This will help strengthen your case when proving liability.
- Consult an Ontario, CA Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: At Banderas Law, we will guide you through the claims process, deal with the insurance companies, and ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines. Having experienced legal representation on your side increases your chances of securing fair compensation for your injuries.
Call an Experienced Ontario, CA Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
At Banderas Law, we’re prepared to aggressively fight the insurance company on your behalf to maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries and losses.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Ontario, CA pedestrian accident lawyer, please call us at (909) 707-0000 or contact us online.
Our Office Location
Banderas Law, PC
3401 N Centre Lake Dr #470
Ontario, CA 91761
Tel: (909) 707-0000