Picture yourself driving along the busy I-10 in San Bernardino when suddenly, a distracted driver rear-ends your vehicle. The crash leaves you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and the inability to work. In such a stressful situation, having an experienced San Bernardino car accident lawyer by your side can be crucial in securing the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
WHAT TO DO RIGHT AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
Knowing the right steps to take after a car accident can protect your safety, strengthen your claim, and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.
1. Stay at the scene:
Never leave the accident scene until you have exchanged information and spoken with law enforcement. Leaving the scene of an accident can result in criminal charges and damage your credibility in a potential lawsuit.
2. Check for injuries:
Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately for medical assistance.
3. Ensure safety:
If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic, turn on hazard lights, and use safety cones or flares.
4. Call the police:
Even if the accident appears minor, it’s essential to call the police and have a report filed. A police report can be valuable evidence in your claim.
5. Do not admit fault:
Avoid discussing fault or the specifics of the accident with the other driver. Doing so could harm your case and limit the compensation you may receive; let the investigation determine liability.
6. Gather contact information:
Collect names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance details from all parties involved in the accident. This information will be crucial in filing insurance claims and pursuing a lawsuit if necessary.
7. Take photos and videos:
Capture images of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signals. Photo and video evidence is crucial for supporting your case.
8. Seek medical attention:
Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s important to see a doctor for a thorough examination. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not be immediately apparent.
9. Contact your insurance company:
Report the accident to your insurance provider, but avoid making recorded statements admitting fault or discussing your injuries in detail until you consult a lawyer.
Checkout our guide on How to Deal With Your Insurance Company After an Accident.
10. Consult with a San Bernardino car accident lawyer:
A skilled car accident attorney can help you navigate legal complexities and fight for maximum compensation.
MOST COMMON TYPES OF CAR ACCIDENTS IN SAN BERNARDINO
San Bernardino has a high rate of traffic accidents due to congested roads and reckless driving behaviors. In 2024 alone, the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) reported approximately 10,000 traffic-related fatalities and injuries in the area. This alarming figure highlights the region’s susceptibility to traffic-related incidents, which can be linked to a mix of factors such as its dense population, heavily traveled highways, and frequent traffic congestion.
Common causes of accidents in San Bernardino include:
Speeding:
Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes. In 2024, there were a recorded 4,860 speeding-related injuries and fatalities in San Bernardino County.
Drunk or drowsy driving:
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment and coordination. In 2024, San Bernardino County recorded over 1,733 DUI-related fatalities and injuries.
Distracted driving:
Texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio diverts attention from the road. Distracted driving caused approximately 550 injuries and fatalities in San Bernardino in 2024.
MOST COMMON INJURIES IN SAN BERNARDINO CAR ACCIDENTS
Car accidents can result in severe injuries, impacting victims physically, emotionally, and financially. Some of the most common injuries in San Bernardino include:
Soft tissue injuries:
These include sprains, strains, and contusions, which can result in pain, swelling, and limited mobility. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), soft tissue injuries account for 32% of all injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents.
Broken bones:
Fractures can occur in any part of the body during a car accident, but they are most common in the arms, legs, and ribs. Broken bones often require extensive medical treatment and can lead to long-term complications, such as chronic pain or limited mobility.
Burns:
In cases where a vehicle catches fire or when heated components come into contact with the skin, burn injuries can occur. Severe burns may require skin grafts, and can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement.
Brain injuries:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, and can result in long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations.
Spinal cord injuries:
Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, and other complications.
Understanding the different types of injuries that can result from a car accident is crucial for victims seeking appropriate medical care and pursuing compensation for their losses.
If you’ve suffered an injury, an experienced San Bernardino car accident lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
WHEN SHOULD I HIRE A SAN BERNARDINO CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER?
In California, personal injury claims follow a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
When to hire a lawyer:
Serious Injuries or Complex Cases:
If the accident results in serious injuries, or if there’s a complex situation regarding who is at fault, it’s crucial to seek legal representation. A lawyer can help navigate the comparative negligence rules and ensure fair apportionment of fault.
Disputes Over Fault:
In cases where there’s a dispute over who is responsible for the accident, a lawyer can help gather and present evidence to support your claim.
Dealing with Insurance Companies:
If you’re facing challenges with insurance companies, such as receiving a low settlement offer or denial of a claim, a lawyer can advocate on your behalf.
Maximizing Compensation:
A lawyer can help ensure you receive fair compensation for all damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They can also assist in cases involving multiple at-fault parties, ensuring that your compensation is not unfairly reduced due to comparative negligence claims.
Legal Deadlines and Procedures:
Personal injury cases have strict deadlines (statutes of limitations) and complex legal procedures. A lawyer can help ensure all necessary actions are taken on time.
WHY CHOOSE TORKLAW AS YOUR SAN BERNARDINO CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER?
In the challenging aftermath of a car accident, having a trustworthy and experienced legal ally is invaluable. At TORKLAW, we are proud to be a leading legal firm in San Bernardino, especially known for our specialization in car accident cases. Our team, composed of award-winning attorneys, is dedicated to providing the highest level of legal representation to those who have been affected by car accidents.
Our Expertise:
At TORKLAW, we bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in personal injury law, particularly in the context of car accidents. Our legal team is adept at navigating the complexities of these cases, ensuring that our clients’ rights are vigorously defended.
Client-Centered Legal Services:
We understand that every client’s situation is unique, and we pride ourselves on offering personalized legal services. Our approach is always client-centered, focusing on the specific needs and circumstances of each individual we represent. This commitment to personalized care is at the heart of our practice.
No Win = No Fees:
Understanding the financial pressures our clients may face, we offer our services on a contingency fee basis. This means that our clients do not pay any upfront fees. Our fees are contingent upon the successful resolution of your case, aligning our success with yours.
Your Best Interests at Forefront:
At TORKLAW, we are committed to putting our clients’ interests first. We maintain open and transparent communication throughout the legal process and strive to achieve the best possible outcome for each case. Our goal is to alleviate the stress and burden our clients face during these challenging times.
TORKLAW is your ally in navigating the legal challenges following a car accident. Our expertise, client-centered approach, and commitment to your best interests make us a trusted choice for legal representation in San Bernardino. We are here to help guide you through this difficult period and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
WHAT DETERMINES COMPENSATION IN A SAN BERNARDINO CAR ACCIDENT?
When it comes to determining the compensation you may receive following a car accident, several factors come into play. Some of the key factors include:
Severity of injuries:
The more severe your injuries are, the higher your potential compensation. Severe injuries typically result in higher medical bills, longer recovery times, and greater pain and suffering.
Medical expenses:
Compensation for medical expenses includes costs for emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any ongoing or future medical care required due to your injuries.
Lost wages:
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost income. This includes not only your current lost wages but also any future lost earning capacity due to your injuries.
Pain and suffering:
This refers to the physical and emotional distress you have experienced as a result of the accident. Pain and suffering can be difficult to quantify, but it plays a significant role in determining the overall compensation you may receive.
Property damage:
If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repairs or replacement.
In order to maximize your potential compensation and ensure a fair outcome, it is crucial to work with an experienced San Bernardino car accident lawyer like TORKLAW. They can help you navigate the complex legal process, gather evidence to support your claim, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
ACT NOW: GET YOUR FREE CASE CONSULTATION WITH TORKLAW
Time is critical in car accident claims. Delaying legal action can weaken your case and reduce your chances of receiving fair compensation. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence in San Bernardino, act promptly. Our team at TORKLAW is ready to provide expert legal guidance and fight for the justice you deserve.
Call (888) 845-9696. for a free consultation with a top San Bernardino car accident lawyer. Let us help you secure the compensation you need to move forward.