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According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, San Bernardino County reports thousands of injury-causing car accidents every year, and many of them happen right here in Ontario. With high-speed corridors like the I-10, congested intersections near Ontario Mills, and a growing population of pedestrians, the risk of a crash is higher than most people realize.
But when it happens to you, everything changes in an instant.
One moment, you’re running errands or driving home from work, and the next, you’re left shaken, possibly injured, and unsure of what to do next. Do you call the police? Move your car? Speak to the other driver? What about insurance?
Knowing what to do in those first few minutes and hours can make all the difference, not just in your health, but in the strength of any legal or insurance claim you may file later.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps to take after a car crash in Ontario and explain how a car accident lawyer in Ontario, CA can protect your rights every step of the way.
When you're involved in a car accident, especially on Ontario's busy roads like Euclid Avenue, 4th Street, or the I-10, every second counts. Knowing what to do can help you stay safe, protect your rights, and lay the groundwork for a successful insurance or legal claim.
Here are the key car crash steps Ontario drivers should follow:
Your safety and the safety of others are the top priority. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately and request an ambulance. Don’t try to move anyone unconscious or in severe pain unless there’s immediate danger.
Even if the accident seems minor, the available police ensure a report is filed. This is especially important if the crash occurs in a high-traffic area, such as near Ontario Mills or around Vineyard Avenue.
If the vehicles are drivable and it’s safe to do so, move them to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic. Turn on hazard lights, use cones or flares if you have them, and stay in your vehicle if you feel unsafe.
Areas near freeway ramps like I-15 or SR-60 are particularly hazardous due to speeding traffic; be cautious and wait for police if necessary.
Gather the following from all drivers involved:
Next, take photos of:
This visual evidence may be helpful later if the other party disputes fault.
In Ontario, crashes involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage must be reported to the Ontario Police Department or the California Highway Patrol. The responding officer will file an official report, which you can request later.
A police report helps establish facts, timelines, and potential liability, especially if the other driver was speeding, distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
After a car accident, your adrenaline is likely pumping, and that can mask symptoms of serious injuries. Even if you don’t notice any immediate pain or visible wounds, it’s critical to get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. Delayed symptoms are common with car crash injuries, especially with conditions like whiplash, concussions, internal bleeding, and soft tissue trauma.
Some of the most common delayed symptoms include:
Left untreated, these issues can worsen, lead to permanent damage, or complicate your recovery. Worse yet, waiting to seek treatment can weaken your legal claim, as insurance companies may argue your injuries weren’t serious or related to the crash.
Be sure to document every step: appointment receipts, treatment plans, prescriptions, and follow-up instructions. These records play a key role in helping your post-accident lawyer in Ontario prove the full scope of your injuries and fight for the compensation you deserve.
You’ll need to report the crash to your insurer, but be careful about what you say. Stick to the facts. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about injuries.
Insurance companies often try to minimize your claim. Be honest but cautious, and do not sign anything without legal review.
This step is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most important.
A skilled post-accident lawyer in Ontario can:
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we offer free consultations and charge no fees unless we win your case. With over $100 million recovered for injured clients, we’re trusted advocates for Ontario drivers.
No one expects a car crash. However, when it occurs on the streets of Ontario, whether near Ontario Mills, along Euclid Avenue, or merging onto the I-10 Freeway, you are suddenly faced with questions you never anticipated.
Should I go to the hospital? Who will pay for all of this? What if the insurance company doesn’t cooperate?
That’s why it’s crucial to follow the proper steps after a car crash in Ontario. It’s not just about protecting your physical well-being; it's also about safeguarding your future. Every decision you make in the minutes, hours, and days following an accident can impact your ability to obtain compensation, return to work, and move forward with confidence.
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we have helped countless Ontario residents recover from devastating car accidents. We understand the process, the insurance challenges, and the local systems. We’re not just here to handle paperwork; we’re here to fight for what’s fair.
If you were injured in a crash, don’t wait. Speak with a trusted post-accident lawyer in Ontario today.
Contact us now at 844-844-9119 or schedule your free consultation. Remember, with our contingency fee policy, you won’t pay unless we win.
Your next step could be the most important one. Let us walk it with you.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.
