Call Now 24/7 • Free Consultation • Hablamos Español:
Call Now 24/7 • Free Consultation • Hablamos Español:
Did you know that California consistently leads the nation in pedestrian fatalities, and that cities like Ontario are seeing a troubling increase in these incidents year after year?
With major roads like Euclid Avenue, Holt Boulevard, and Milliken Avenue running through densely populated neighborhoods, Ontario pedestrians face real dangers every time they cross the street. Whether you're walking to Ontario Mills, commuting by foot to work, or simply crossing at a marked crosswalk, one distracted or speeding driver can change your life in an instant.
Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, broken bones, head trauma, and spinal damage, which require long-term care and can leave victims unable to work or live independently. And in far too many cases, drivers deny fault, insurance companies delay claims, and the injured are left with unanswered questions and overwhelming bills.
If you or a loved one has been hit by a vehicle in Ontario, you need a dedicated legal team on your side. At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we fight to protect the rights of pedestrians across Southern California. Our team understands the legal complexities of pedestrian injury claims in Ontario, including who may be liable, what compensation you may be entitled to, and how to take action before critical deadlines expire.
Let an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Ontario help you pursue the justice and recovery you deserve.
Pedestrian accidents have become a public safety crisis in California, and Ontario is no exception. As the city’s population grows and traffic increases around commercial hubs like Ontario Mills, Downtown Ontario, and ONT Airport, so do the risks for those traveling on foot.
According to recent data from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), more than 1,000 pedestrians are killed and over 14,000 injured each year in California alone. In San Bernardino County, pedestrian fatalities have risen steadily, particularly in urban areas like Ontario, where vehicle speed, intersection complexity, and distracted driving create dangerous conditions for foot traffic.
Several key factors contribute to Ontario’s pedestrian accident risks:
High-Traffic Roads and Busy Intersections
Streets like Euclid Avenue, Holt Boulevard, and 4th Street see constant vehicle movement, often at speeds too fast for the surrounding pedestrian infrastructure. Many intersections lack updated signals or flashing crosswalks.
Distracted and Impatient Drivers
Despite traffic laws protecting pedestrians, many drivers fail to yield, especially when turning right at red lights or racing to beat signals. Phone use while driving remains a top cause of pedestrian accidents statewide.
Poor Lighting and Inadequate Crosswalks
Some areas, especially near industrial zones or older neighborhoods, lack proper lighting or clearly marked pedestrian pathways, making it harder for drivers to see people crossing at night or during low visibility.
These growing hazards make it clear: walking in Ontario shouldn’t be this dangerous. If you've been hit while crossing a street, walking near a parking lot, or navigating a public area, you have legal options. A skilled pedestrian accident lawyer in Ontario can hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue compensation on your behalf.
When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the injuries are often devastating. Unlike drivers or passengers in a car, pedestrians have no protection against the force of impact. Even at low speeds, a collision can lead to permanent disability or life-altering trauma.
Here are some of the most common injuries we see in pedestrian injury claims in Ontario:
Head and Brain Injuries
A direct blow to the pavement or windshield can cause concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Symptoms may include memory loss, cognitive impairment, migraines, and mood changes. In severe cases, these injuries can result in permanent neurological damage.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
Pedestrian accidents often cause herniated discs, vertebral fractures, or damage to the spinal cord. Victims may experience chronic pain, reduced mobility, or even paralysis. These injuries frequently require surgery, extended therapy, and long-term care.
Broken Bones and Crush Injuries
Hips, legs, ribs, arms, and ankles are commonly fractured when a pedestrian is thrown or pinned by a vehicle. In some cases, bones are crushed, especially if a person is run over or trapped under a car.
Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage
Blunt-force trauma can damage vital organs, including the lungs, liver, or spleen. These injuries may not be visible at the scene but can quickly become life-threatening without immediate medical attention.
Disfigurement and Permanent Disability
Severe road rash, facial injuries, or limb amputations can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. Many victims live with disfigurement or permanent functional limitations that affect their independence and quality of life.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Beyond physical harm, pedestrians often experience PTSD, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress, especially in hit-and-run or high-speed collisions. Mental health recovery can be just as important as physical rehabilitation.
These injuries can alter every aspect of a person’s life, from work to relationships to daily tasks. That’s why it’s essential to work with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Ontario who understands the full scope of your losses and knows how to pursue compensation that reflects your long-term needs, not just your immediate bills.
Liability in a pedestrian accident isn’t always as simple as blaming the driver. While motorists have a legal duty to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and obey traffic laws, multiple factors can influence who is held responsible and how much they owe. Understanding these legal nuances is key to pursuing a successful pedestrian injury claim in Ontario.
Driver Negligence
In most cases, the driver is at fault. This includes failure to yield at marked or unmarked crosswalks, speeding through intersections, running red lights, or driving distracted. A driver who hits a pedestrian near Ontario Mills or in a downtown school zone may be held liable for failing to observe their surroundings and follow basic safety rules.
Comparative Fault
California follows a comparative fault system. That means even if a pedestrian was partially responsible, such as jaywalking or crossing against a signal, they can still recover damages. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a court finds you 20% responsible, your total award would be reduced by that amount.
Employer Liability
If the driver who caused the crash was working at the time, like delivering packages or operating a company vehicle, their employer may share liability. This is often the case with commercial delivery drivers, rideshare operators, or contractors driving through busy zones like Archibald Avenue or Holt Boulevard.
Government Liability
In some cases, the accident is partly caused by unsafe road conditions—faded crosswalks, broken pedestrian signals, or poor lighting. If the City of Ontario or another public agency failed to maintain safe infrastructure, they could be held accountable. However, claims against public entities follow strict deadlines and filing procedures, usually requiring action within six months of the accident.
Determining fault requires reviewing police reports, eyewitness testimony, traffic footage, and sometimes expert accident reconstruction. That’s why having an experienced pedestrian lawyer in Ontario is critical. They can gather evidence, fight back against unfair blame, and ensure every responsible party is held accountable for the harm you’ve suffered.
The moments after a pedestrian accident are often chaotic and overwhelming. Pain, confusion, and fear can make it difficult to think clearly, but the steps you take immediately after the incident can have a major impact on your health, your recovery, and the strength of your legal claim.
If you’ve been hit by a car in Ontario, here’s what you should do:
Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s essential to get checked out. Some injuries, like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms right away. Medical records also serve as critical evidence for your pedestrian injury claim in Ontario.
Contact emergency services and request assistance from the Ontario Police Department. A formal police report provides an objective account of the accident, including the driver’s information, witness names, and initial findings.
If you’re able, take photos of the crash site, including the vehicle, your injuries, any crosswalk markings, traffic signals, and skid marks. These visuals can help prove liability later on.
Bystanders often see details that drivers don’t. Ask for the names and phone numbers of any witnesses who observed the accident. Their testimony may support your version of events.
Insurers may reach out quickly, hoping you’ll say something they can use to minimize your payout. Politely decline to provide a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
The sooner you speak with a qualified pedestrian accident attorney, the better. An attorney can begin investigating immediately, preserve critical evidence, and ensure your rights are protected from the start.
Even if you’re unsure whether you have a case, talking to a pedestrian accident lawyer in Ontario can help you understand your legal options. You don’t have to navigate this alone, and you don’t have to accept a lowball offer from an insurance company that doesn’t have your best interests in mind.
Being hit by a car can turn your world upside down physically, emotionally, and financially. In the days and weeks after the crash, you may face a mountain of medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain. The good news is that California law gives injured pedestrians the right to pursue compensation from those responsible for their injuries.
With the help of a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer in Ontario, you may be able to recover:
You can seek compensation for all accident-related medical treatment, emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, follow-up visits, and any necessary future care. These costs often make up the largest portion of a pedestrian injury settlement.
If you missed work due to your injuries or can no longer perform your job like you did before the accident, you may be entitled to recover both past and future lost income. This includes situations where you’ve had to change careers, reduce hours, or retire early due to disability.
This includes compensation for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries, as well as the impact on your daily life, difficulty sleeping, limited mobility, or the inability to enjoy hobbies and activities you once loved.
Pedestrian accidents can lead to serious psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. These emotional damages are just as real and compensable as physical injuries.
While not always a major factor in pedestrian cases, you can also recover costs for damaged clothing, electronics, eyeglasses, or other personal items affected during the collision.
In rare cases where the driver’s actions were especially reckless, such as DUI, street racing, or hit-and-run, you may be eligible to pursue punitive damages. These are intended to punish bad behavior and discourage future misconduct.
Calculating the full value of your claim isn’t just about adding up receipts. A qualified pedestrian accident lawyer in Ontario will work with medical providers, economists, and life care planners to ensure your settlement or verdict reflects the true long-term impact of your injuries, not just your current expenses.
After a pedestrian accident, you may be dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial uncertainty, all while trying to figure out how to navigate the legal system. Insurance companies may pressure you into accepting a low settlement or even try to blame you for the accident. That’s where experienced legal guidance becomes essential.
A qualified pedestrian accident lawyer in Ontario can take over the legal burden so you can focus on recovery. Here’s how:
We start by gathering all available evidence, police reports, traffic camera footage, eyewitness statements, and accident scene photos. Our team analyzes driver behavior, intersection design, and pedestrian signals to build a clear picture of what happened and who is at fault.
Insurers are focused on protecting their bottom line, not your recovery. We handle all communication with insurance adjusters, push back against unfair offers, and ensure that your rights are protected from the start.
If the driver or their insurer tries to claim you were partially responsible, such as for crossing outside a crosswalk or wearing dark clothing at night, we work to minimize your assigned fault under California’s comparative negligence rules, maximizing your compensation.
We consult with doctors, physical therapists, and vocational experts to understand the full impact of your injuries. This helps us document the value of your claim and prove future care needs.
While many claims are resolved through settlement, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. If needed, we present a compelling case in court, often at the San Bernardino County Superior Court, which serves the Ontario area.
Suppose your accident involved poor lighting, broken crosswalk signals, or dangerous city infrastructure. In that case, we’ll follow California’s strict deadlines for municipal liability claims and take legal action against the appropriate public agency.
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we combine legal skill with personal service. You won’t be treated like a case number; you’ll have a team that listens, explains, and stands by your side every step of the way.
Angela R., a 41-year-old nurse, was crossing Holt Boulevard at Sultana Avenue on her way home from a late shift when she was hit by a sedan making a left turn. Although the pedestrian signal was active, the driver claimed he didn’t see her in the dark. Angela was thrown several feet and suffered a fractured hip, multiple rib breaks, and a serious concussion.
The driver’s insurance company denied responsibility, suggesting Angela may have stepped into the street too late. Frustrated and overwhelmed, Angela turned to Countrywide Trial Lawyers for help.
Our team quickly obtained traffic camera footage and located two eyewitnesses who confirmed that Angela entered the crosswalk with a walk signal. We also discovered that the intersection had a history of prior pedestrian accidents due to poor lighting and a confusing signal pattern.
We filed a claim against both the driver and the City of Ontario. After months of negotiation and evidence review, we secured a $720,000 settlement covering Angela’s medical expenses, lost wages, future rehabilitation needs, and pain and suffering.
Angela’s story is not unique. In busy intersections across Ontario, pedestrian accidents happen every day, and victims often face an uphill battle to prove liability and secure fair compensation. That’s why having a knowledgeable pedestrian lawyer in Ontario can make all the difference.
California follows comparative fault rules, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partly to blame. For example, if you were 20% at fault for crossing mid-block, your compensation would be reduced by that amount. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help minimize your share of fault and protect your claim.
While not legally required, a police report from the Ontario Police Department strengthens your claim. It documents the scene, lists involved parties, and includes officer observations. Insurance companies often rely on these reports to determine fault and assess claims.
Yes, but claims against public entities like the City of Ontario must follow strict rules. You typically have just six months to file a government tort claim. Issues like poor lighting, broken signals, or missing signage may create liability for the city.
If you were injured in a hit-and-run, you may still have options. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage from your auto policy may apply. A lawyer can also help identify the driver through surveillance footage or witnesses and pursue all available compensation.
Simple claims may resolve in a few months. More complex cases, especially those involving serious injuries or disputed liability, can take a year or more. If your case goes to trial, the timeline extends further, but your attorney will guide you through each step.
You can still file a pedestrian injury claim. Many accidents occur in parking lots near Ontario Mills or business complexes. The property owner, vehicle driver, or even a maintenance company may be held liable, depending on the circumstances.
Take photos of the scene, your injuries, crosswalk signals, and the vehicle involved. Obtain names and contact information from witnesses, and request the police report. Save medical records, receipts, and insurance communications. The more documentation you have, the stronger your claim.
Yes. If your injuries prevented you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and reduced earning capacity. Documentation from your employer and medical providers will be key in proving this part of your claim.
If the at-fault driver was on the job, such as a delivery driver or rideshare operator, their employer may share legal responsibility. This opens the door to a larger claim through commercial or company insurance policies.
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. Your consultation is free, and there’s no financial risk to getting the legal help you need.
You were simply walking, heading home from work, crossing the street near Ontario Mills, or navigating a familiar intersection like Euclid Avenue or Holt Boulevard. Then, in an instant, a careless driver changed everything. Now you’re left with painful injuries, rising medical bills, time away from work, and the emotional toll of being struck and sidelined through no fault of your own.
The physical pain is difficult enough. But dealing with insurance adjusters, liability questions, and unexpected legal deadlines only makes the stress worse. Many victims don’t know where to start, and some accept low settlements just to make the process stop. But you deserve more than that. You deserve answers, accountability, and the resources to move forward.
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we help injured pedestrians across Ontario and the surrounding areas fight for justice. Whether your injuries were caused by a speeding driver, a poorly lit crosswalk, or a delivery vehicle that didn’t yield, we have the experience, local insight, and legal strategy to make your voice heard.
Our team has recovered over $100 million for injury victims across Southern California. We don’t charge any upfront fees, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
Don’t wait and risk losing your legal rights. Contact us now by calling 844-844-9119 or schedule a free consultation online.
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.
