Motor vehicle accidents in Apple Valley can be harrowing experiences for drivers and passengers, who may suffer injuries and vehicle damage and feel overwhelmed about how to respond. An Apple Valley car accident lawyer can help injured victims understand their rights and whether they may be able to obtain compensation following a negligent crash.
At Gonzales Law Offices, we represent people who have been hurt in Apple Valley and in the High Desert’s roads and highways by looking at how the accident happened, determining who may be liable, and walking clients through the legal process after a serious motor vehicle accident.
Recent Apple Valley Car Accident Settlement Results
✓ $350,000 – Severe litigation with Multiple expert designations and multiple witness depositions.
✓ $100,000 – Bike vs. Auto, Disputed liability, no offers make prior to the filing of a lawsuit and multiple depositions.
✓ 100,000 – Auto vs. Auto, Disputed liability, no offers made before litigation.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Gonzales Law Offices advocates for injured clients in motor vehicle accident cases throughout California, including car accidents in and near Apple Valley. Our firm is dedicated to thorough evaluation of each case, open communication, and evidence-driven preparation from day one. Gonzales Law Offices handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis.
Personal injury attorney Mark Gonzales has recovered more than $1 million in compensation for clients and has worked in the insurance defense industry, giving him a unique perspective on how insurance companies determine fault and value damages. However, past results do not guarantee a similar outcome; every case is different.
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Common Causes of Car Accidents on Apple Valley Roads
Motor vehicle collisions in Apple Valley can result from a combination of driver actions and High Desert driving conditions. Drivers often speed on long, straight roads, drive distracted, or get behind the wheel while impaired.
Rural and semi-rural roads may contribute to higher speed limits and limited lighting, which can shorten reaction time at night. As collisions can involve both local commuters as well as people just passing through, it is essential to carefully evaluate driving behavior and road conditions when determining fault.
How Fault Is Determined in California Car Accident Claims
Fault in a California car accident claim turns on whether a driver exercised reasonable care under the circumstances. This typically involves examining violations of traffic laws, driver conduct, and the events leading to the collision. Evidence to determine fault may include police reports, vehicle damage, photographs from the accident scene, and witness statements.
California follows a comparative fault system, meaning responsibility can be apportioned when multiple parties contributed to the crash. Fault being a central factor in compensation, even minor details like speed, visibility, or right-of-way can be pivotal in apportioning liability.
Injuries Frequently Seen in Apple Valley Car Accidents
Car accidents in Apple Valley can be more serious when collisions occur because of the higher speeds and distances between intersections. In 2023, 297 people were injured or killed in motor vehicle collisions in Apple Valley. Countywide, a total of 14,615 people were injured or killed in motor vehicle collisions in San Bernardino County in 2024, demonstrating the significant dangers faced by drivers on High Desert and regional roadways.
Typical injuries for drivers and passengers may include head and neck injuries, back injuries, fractures, or internal injuries that may not be immediately obvious. Some injuries, such as soft tissue or spinal damage, may become worse as time passes, which is why prompt medical evaluation after a crash is advisable.
Emergency services may take longer to reach accident sites on High Desert roads than they would within city limits. The type and severity of injuries often impact the scope and duration of necessary medical treatment.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Car Accident
Some car accident claims include financial compensation and the personal nature of the injury. Recoverable damages can include past and future medical bills, loss of income, loss of earning potential, and pain, suffering, and mental anguish.
A car accident claim might also consider the loss of mobility, physical limitations, and the injury’s impact on a victim’s day-to-day life. The available compensation can vary depending on the case’s injury severity, available documentation, and percentage of fault. Some cases require the review of both short and long-term costs and consequences to fully explore a car accident claim.
Meet Attorney Mark Gonzales, Esq.
Lead Counsel, Gonzales Law Offices
Since 2007, Mark has represented injured clients across Southern California in car, motorcycle, and truck accidents, traumatic brain injuries, wrongful death, and premises liability. His time in insurance defense gives him inside perspective he uses to help clients take on powerful carriers. He has recovered over a million dollars for clients in difficult cases.
Bar: State Bar of California
Affiliations: CAALA, LACBA
Education: University of La Verne College of Law
Offices: Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, Ontario
Free Consultation No Fees Unless We Win Se Habla Español
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in California?
In most situations, California law gives individuals two years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury claim. This deadline is established by California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1.
Failure to file a claim within the statute of limitations can forever bar recovery, no matter how severe the injuries are. Claims against government entities may be subject to very short notice deadlines, so it is important to identify all potentially responsible parties at the outset.
Where Are Apple Valley Car Accident Claims Typically Filed?
Car accident claims arising from crashes in Apple Valley are generally filed in San Bernardino County Superior Court, which has jurisdiction over civil injury cases in the area. The specific courthouse and division may depend on where the accident occurred and where the parties reside. When you hire a car accident lawyer with experience in Apple Valley cases, they can help you file with the correct court.
What if the Insurance Company Disputes Who Caused the Accident?
Fault is the most commonly litigated issue in car accident claims. If an insurer believes liability should be apportioned, it will aggressively defend the claim. Insurers may also pick and choose evidence or recorded statements to limit their exposure.
Fault is generally determined through the collection of police reports, physical evidence, witness statements, and accident reconstruction. California’s comparative fault principles allow responsibility to be apportioned to more than one driver.
What if the Other Driver Did Not Have Insurance or Left the Scene?
Crashes with uninsured motorists and hit-and-run accidents are more prevalent than one might think. In some cases, there may be the option to recover compensation through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage based on your policy.
Pinpointing your coverage options and properly documenting what happened in the crash is critical when the at-fault driver is not around or is uninsured.
Contact an Apple Valley Car Accident Lawyer
An Apple Valley car accident lawyer can explain your options and assess your potential claims. Gonzales Law Offices provides consultations for clients regarding their legal rights in California. Contact our team today.
Apple Valley Car Accident Lawyer Reviews
★★★★★
“On April 9th 2024, I was in a very severe accident caused by a reckless driver. I had contacted Gonzalez law firm in which Mrs. Marilyn explain the procedures, and helped me through process. They were very responsive and answered any questions that arose. They were very attentive and if I needed any additional help, they were willing to get me the necessary help I needed. They were very helpful and would highly recommend this law firm.” – Carmen Villalobos
★★★★★
“I am extremely pleased with Gonzalez law. Mr. Mark Gonzalez himself is a very well rounded and educated lawyer in his field. He was communicative, concise, and efficient with handling my personal injury case. I am grateful to have him as my lawyer. His staff was informative and helpful with getting through my process and the he decision to choose this firm was the best decision I could have made. Thank you Mr. Gonzalez and your team! Continue to serve the community well. It is very much appreciated!” – Roza Keflom
★★★★★
“Great Experience. Once I entered you can feel they care. They talk with Experience and knowledge. Thankful to be represented by this law firm! Will recommend.” – Edward SerranoWB
I could not be more happy with the help Mark Gonzales provided. He was there for me every step of the way. He explained each step in a way that was easy for me to understand. He was available to me when ever I had a concern. His staff made me feel like I was family. I highly recommend Mark to anyone who needs legal help!
Robert R.
Mark helped me recover all my expenses due to my car accident. The insurance company tried to slow the process and doubted that I was even injured. Mark fought for me and gave me peace of mind. I felt like I had an army on my side since his staff worked tirelessly for me. They got the insurance company off my back and helped me get back on my feet faster than I expected.
April F.
Mark did a fantastic job for me when I slipped in a restaurant. I owner had the nerve to claim it was my heels, when clearly the floor was damaged and caused me to fall. He tried to make himself look like the victim of a scam. Mark put an end to that real fast. He took control of everything for me. He helped me get my medical costs paid as well as compensation for the lost time at work.
Dottie F.
The Law Office of Mark Gonzales was a smooth experience people were great and professional !! I would recommend them to anyone and if I ever need an injury attorney again I will definitely come back. THANK YOU.
Vanessa M.
The people working here are very nice and helped make a bad experience better. They made the process go smoothly and were always willing to help and answer my questions. The attorney was very personable and willing to help. The office makes sure you are comfortable and that you understand the process. I highly recommend them.
Elizabeth R.
I would like to thank the attorney Mark Gonzalez and his staff for the prompt results representing my family with our case, I would highly recommend his office, thank you in advance.
Jose G.
I want to highly recommend the lawyer Mark Gonzalez due to his great work. He took my case and won it even though another lawyer had said it was a lost case. Very friendly environment especially with the secretary at the front desk. Thank you!
Marelena R.
Mr. Gonzales did an amazing job in solving my case. I was feeling helpless and all hope lost, but him and his staff got me through it. I wouldn’t consider any other attorney than Mr. Gonzales himself. 100% recommended!
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