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Last Modified on Oct 31, 2025
Knowing what to do after a car accident in Fontana isn’t always clear in the moment. The decisions you make in the minutes, days, and weeks after a collision can directly impact your medical recovery, the documentation of your injuries, and the compensation you might be entitled to. There are some steps you can take to make sure you can build a strong claim that supports your financial and physical recovery.
About Us
At the Gonzales Law Offices, we understand how overwhelming it is to deal with the aftermath of a car accident. For over ten years, our team has provided knowledgeable, trial-tested representation to clients across California. With dedicated focus on results, we’ve resolved thousands of cases while securing the compensation our clients need to move forward.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Fontana
There were 2.44 million Americans injured in car accidents in 2023, and the average liability claim for the resulting personal injuries was around $26,000. In 2021, the average claim for nonfatal disabling injuries due to a car accident in the U.S. was $162,000. It’s vital to take certain steps for your safety and to strengthen your claim after involvement in a crash.
Some steps you can follow after an accident include:
Step 1: Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
After any accident, the very first priority is making sure everyone is safe. If you can, move to a secure location and call 911 if anyone is injured. Even injuries that seem minor at first, like whiplash or soft tissue strains, can get worse over time, so it’s important to get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Not only does prompt treatment protect your health, but it also creates a record of your medical treatments, which can become an important piece of evidence if you later pursue a claim.
Once everyone is safe, take the time to document the scene. Snap photos of all vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from witnesses and make sure to record the other driver’s insurance details.
Step 2: Obtain the Police Report
Next, secure a copy of the police report. Police reports not only create an official record, but they can also be invaluable when handling insurance claims or pursuing a Fontana car accident claim. When speaking to law enforcement, always provide honest and accurate information. However, you should avoid speculating about what happened or admitting fault at the scene, as your statements could later be used against you.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company
It’s important to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the accident. Stick to the facts and avoid thinking out loud about what happened or confessing to any fault. Keep in mind that insurance adjusters often try to minimize claims, so it’s important to communicate carefully.
Having a Fontana car accident attorney review your case before you sign any statements or agreements can protect you from potential pitfalls and help make sure you obtain the compensation you need.
Step 4: Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
It doesn’t matter if your claim is complicated or if your injuries are serious or minor; it’s always a good idea to hire a car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can fight for your rights, handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies, and work to make sure you are compensated fairly for your medical expenses, lost wages, and your pain and suffering.
A local car accident attorney knows how to navigate car accident laws and has experience with Fontana courts and local insurance systems, giving your case the strongest possible chance of success.
Step 5: Keep Detailed Records
Keeping organized records after an accident should be a priority. This includes medical bills, repair estimates, communications with insurance companies, and any other documentation that could be related to your injuries, like pay stubs and applications for leave. Having accurate records not only provides strong evidence for your Fontana car accident case but also helps your attorney build a solid case on your behalf.
FAQs
Can I Still File a Claim if I Was Partially at Fault?
You can still make a claim after a car accident if you are partially to blame. California laws follow a comparative fault system, which means you can be assigned a percentage of responsibility for your part in the accident. Later, your compensation is then reduced by that percentage of blame. An experienced car accident attorney can help maximize your recovery by minimizing your share of the responsibility.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline means giving up your right to pursue compensation. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you hire an experienced car accident attorney. They can ensure all paperwork is filed on time.
What Happens When the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
If the driver who is at fault doesn’t have car insurance, you might be able to obtain compensation through your uninsured motorist insurance. If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, an experienced car accident attorney can help you pursue other paths to compensation, like filing a direct claim against the driver, so it’s important to hire one as soon as possible.
Should I Accept the First Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company?
No, you shouldn’t accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company in California. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, offering less than the full value of your claim. Consulting a car accident attorney can ensure your settlement reflects all damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Your Recovery Starts with the Right Representation
At the Gonzales Law Offices, we work directly with accident victims to protect their rights from the very beginning. Our team gathers documentation, handles communication with insurers, and advocates for the full value of your medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term needs.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We can review your situation, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
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