Car Accident Attorney in San Bernardino

Car Accident Attorney in San Bernardino – Free Strategy Session

In San Bernardino, car accidents happen frequently, leaving many victims struggling with injuries and legal matters. Whether the cause is distracted driving, speeding, or another factor, the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming. That’s why having a dedicated and experienced car accident attorney by your side is essential. At My Rights Law, we are committed to protecting your rights and helping you recover the compensation you deserve for your car accident in San Bernardino. Our expert legal team will ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.

Ready to speak with a San Bernardino car accident attorney? Contact us now at (909) 639-2551 or contact us online.

What You Need To Know About Car Accidents

Car accidents can occur in the blink of an eye, often with life-changing consequences. Serious injuries, permanent disabilities, and even fatalities can result from crashes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.19 million people lose their lives in car accidents annually. Understanding the common causes, types of injuries, and the legal steps involved is crucial for anyone involved in a car crash. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a severe collision, knowing your rights and the necessary actions to take can significantly impact your recovery.

Common causes of car accidents include:

Distracted Driving

From texting to using a GPS, distractions are one of the leading causes of accidents. In 2020, over 324,000 people were injured due to distracted driving.

Speeding

Exceeding the speed limit makes it harder to react to sudden traffic changes, putting everyone at risk.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 37 people die every day in the U.S. due to drunk driving.

External Factors

Accidents can also result from environmental factors like poor weather or vehicle malfunctions. Ensuring regular vehicle maintenance can prevent some of these incidents.

Regardless of the cause, seeking legal help after a car accident is vital. A skilled car accident lawyer will help you navigate insurance claims, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What You Should Do After a Car Accident

Immediately following a car accident, it’s crucial to take the right steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal interests:

Ensure Your Safety:

Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to assess your body for any signs of injury that may not be immediately noticeable.

Call Emergency Services:

Contact 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. Seek medical care even for minor injuries, as some symptoms may appear later.

Exchange Information:

Collect contact details and insurance information from all parties involved, as well as any witnesses who can provide statements.

Document the Scene:

Take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs. This can serve as crucial evidence for your case.

Notify Your Insurance Company:

Report the accident to your insurance provider right away. Your lawyer can assist in ensuring your insurance policy covers all damages and medical bills.

What You Should Not Do After a Car Accident

While it’s easy to know what to do after a car accident, it’s just as important to avoid making mistakes that can hurt your case:

Admit Fault

Never admit fault at the scene. Any statements made could be misinterpreted and used against you in court.

Delay Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention as some injuries, like whiplash, may not show symptoms immediately.

Neglect Documentation

Failing to gather necessary information, such as medical records, receipts, and insurance correspondence, could hinder your case.

Accept Early Settlement Offers

Insurance companies may offer settlements right away, but consulting with a lawyer first is crucial to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Should You Hire a Lawyer for Your Car Accident?

If you’ve been in a car accident in San Bernardino, hiring a lawyer can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve. While minor accidents may not require legal help, those involving serious injuries or extensive damage absolutely benefit from professional legal assistance. A skilled attorney will help you understand your options, advocate for your rights, and ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which may have long-term effects on your health and quality of life. Here are some of the most common injuries:

Whiplash

A common injury caused by sudden impacts, whiplash affects the neck and can result in chronic pain.

Broken Bones and Dislocated Joints

Fractures and joint injuries are common in car accidents and can require surgery or long-term rehabilitation.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBIs can occur from impacts to the head and may result in cognitive and emotional changes.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spine can lead to permanent paralysis and other severe complications.

Internal Injuries and Bleeding

Internal damage may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Deep Cuts and Bruises

While not always serious, deep cuts and bruises can cause significant pain and require medical treatment.

Emotional Trauma

The emotional impact of a car accident can be just as severe as physical injuries. Counseling or therapy may be necessary to cope with trauma.

It’s important to seek medical care immediately following an accident to assess and document any injuries. This will not only protect your health but also strengthen your personal injury claim.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer

If you are considering hiring a car accident attorney in San Bernardino, asking the right questions will help ensure you choose the best lawyer for your case. Here are some key questions to ask:

What is Your Experience with Car Accident Cases?

Make sure the lawyer has extensive experience handling car accident cases specifically, not just general personal injury cases. Ask about their track record with car accident settlements and trials.

How Many Cases Like Mine Have You Handled?

Car accidents vary in complexity. Ask if the lawyer has handled cases similar to yours and what their success rate is with those types of accidents.

What is Your Success Rate in Obtaining Settlements or Verdicts for Your Clients?

Inquire about the lawyer’s history of securing settlements or winning cases in court. A proven track record of successful outcomes is a strong indicator of their capability.

What are Your Fees and Payment Structure?

Ensure you understand the lawyer’s fee structure. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win the case. Confirm any upfront costs or consultation fees.

How Will You Communicate with Me Throughout the Process?

Clear communication is essential. Ask about the lawyer’s preferred methods of communication and how frequently you can expect updates on your case.

By asking these questions, you can choose a car accident attorney who will fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

The Legal Process and Time Frames

To understand how to successfully pursue a car accident claim in San Bernardino, it’s crucial to know the steps involved in the legal process and the time frames associated with each one. By being prepared, you will know exactly what to expect and how long each phase can take. Here’s an overview of the typical legal process:

Initial Consultation

Your journey starts with an initial consultation where you meet with a San Bernardino car accident lawyer to discuss the accident, your injuries, and the potential outcomes of your case. This consultation allows you to understand your legal options and the steps your attorney will take to move forward.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Once you’ve hired a lawyer, they will begin gathering crucial evidence for your case. This includes reviewing police reports, obtaining medical records, interviewing witnesses, and collecting photos of the accident scene. The more complex your case, the more thorough this investigation will be.

Filing the Lawsuit

Once your attorney has gathered the necessary evidence, they will file a lawsuit with the court. This includes all the specifics of your accident, the damages you’ve suffered, and the legal grounds for your claim. In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, so it’s important to act quickly.

The Discovery Phase

After filing, both parties exchange information and evidence during the discovery phase. This includes answering written questions, submitting documents, and taking depositions. The length of this stage depends on how much information needs to be shared and how cooperative the other party is.

Mediation and Settlement Negotiations

Before going to trial, many cases go through mediation or settlement negotiations. These processes allow both sides to come to an agreement with the help of a neutral third party. Reaching a settlement can save time and money, but it’s important to have your lawyer ensure that any settlement truly reflects your best interests.

Trial

If a settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to trial where both sides present their arguments, evidence, and witness testimony. A judge or jury will then deliberate and issue a verdict.

Compensation You Can Recover After an Accident

If you’ve been in a car accident in San Bernardino, you may be entitled to various types of compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses. Below are the types of compensation you might be able to recover:

1. Economic Damages

Economic damages are tangible financial losses that are easy to calculate. These include:

Medical Expenses

These are the costs associated with your medical treatment, such as hospital stays, doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any other medical care needed due to the accident. Be sure to keep all related receipts and medical records.

Lost Wages

If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for lost wages, including both current and future earnings that you are unable to make due to your accident-related injuries.

Property Damage

Property damage compensation covers the cost of repairing or replacing your car and any other personal belongings that were damaged in the accident.

2. Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are harder to quantify and are awarded for intangible losses. These can include:

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the accident. This can vary depending on the severity and long-term effects of your injuries.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you may be compensated for the loss of enjoyment of life.

Loss of Consortium

If your relationships with your spouse or family members are impacted by your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship and intimacy.

3. Punitive Damages

If the defendant’s actions were grossly negligent or intentional, the court may award punitive damages to punish them and deter future reckless behavior.

Why You Need to Hire a San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyer

When dealing with a car accident claim, hiring an experienced San Bernardino car accident lawyer is crucial to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. A lawyer brings several advantages:

Knowledge of Local Laws

A local car accident lawyer understands California’s traffic laws and the specifics of how these laws apply to your case. They can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system to ensure your case is handled effectively.

Experience with Local Courts

A lawyer familiar with the local court system in San Bernardino can help streamline the legal process. They understand the local procedures and know the judges and court staff, which can help facilitate your case.

Network of Experts

Skilled car accident attorneys have access to a network of professionals, such as medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists, who can support your case and provide valuable testimony.

Contact for a Free Consultation with a Car Accident Attorney in San Bernardino

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in San Bernardino, it’s essential to have an experienced lawyer by your side. Contact us today for a free consultation with a skilled car accident attorney. We’ll review your case, guide you through the legal process, and work to secure the compensation and justice you deserve.

FAQS About Car Accident Charges

Ready to speak with a San Bernardino car accident attorney? Contact us now at (909) 639-2551 or contact us online.