According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), there were over [statistic on car accidents in San Bernardino] reported car accidents in San Bernardino county in 2021. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation from the at-fault party. This is where a car accident lawyer can help.
A car accident lawyer advocates on behalf of car accident victims, handling the legal claim and negotiating with insurance companies. Their goal is to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage, lost wages, and other accident-related costs.
In this guide, we will cover the common causes of car accidents in San Bernardino, the types of injuries that can result, and the benefits of hiring a local car accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in San Bernardino
Car accidents can happen for many reasons on the streets of San Bernardino. While some crashes may be unavoidable, many are caused by negligent or reckless driving behaviors. Understanding the common causes of accidents can help drivers be more cautious and avoid preventable collisions.
The most frequent causes of car accidents in San Bernardino include:
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Driver error or negligence: Drivers who fail to obey traffic laws or exercise proper care behind the wheel account for a large portion of crashes. This includes behaviors like speeding, tailgating, improper lane changes, ignoring traffic signals, and reckless driving. Even a momentary lapse in judgment can result in a devastating crash.
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San Bernardino unfortunately sees many accidents involving intoxicated drivers each year. DUIs put everyone on the road in great danger.
- Speeding: Excessive speed diminishes a driver’s control and extends stopping distance. Speed limits exist for safety reasons and must be obeyed.
By being aware of these common accident factors, San Bernardino drivers can make smarter choices behind the wheel and help reduce preventable crashes in their community. Exercising caution, patience, and care on the road is the responsibility of every driver.
Injuries from Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic, life-altering trauma. Some of the most common injuries from car crashes include:
Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in auto accidents. It occurs when the head is suddenly jerk back and forth, caused strain to the soft tissues in the neck. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and shoulder pain. Whiplash injuries can range from mild to severe. In severe cases, the vertebrae, discs, muscles, and nerves may be damaged.
Broken Bones
The force of a car crash can easily break bones in the body. Some common broken bones from auto accidents include ribs, collar bones, arms, wrists, legs, ankles, pelvis, and hips. Broken bones often require surgery and extensive physical therapy to heal properly.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are some of the most devastating injuries that can result from a car accident. Symptoms range from pain and numbness to paralysis and loss of bowel/bladder control. Spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or total paralysis.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Brain injuries are among the leading causes of death and disability from car crashes. They occur when the brain shifts violently within the skull, tearing blood vessels, nerve fibers, and brain tissue. Symptoms include headaches, confusion, memory loss, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Even mild brain injuries can have lasting cognitive and psychological effects.
Internal Bleeding
The impact of a collision can cause internal organs to tear, rupture, or bleed. This may lead to serious internal bleeding in the abdomen, chest, or head without visible external injuries. Symptoms include dizziness, clammy skin, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Internal bleeding requires emergency trauma care to control hemorrhaging and prevent organ damage or death.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer
After a car accident, you may be stressed, injured, and unsure of what to do next. While you focus on recovering, an experienced car accident lawyer can take care of the legal process for you. Hiring a lawyer is essential for several reasons:
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Prove negligence and liability – In order to receive compensation, you must prove that the other driver was negligent and therefore liable for your injuries and damages. This can be difficult to prove without legal expertise. An attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case to prove fault.
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Deal with insurance companies – Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to deny or minimize claims. Without your own legal representation, you may struggle to get full and fair compensation. An attorney levels the playing field and deals with insurers on your behalf.
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Determine compensation you deserve – Calculating damages can be complex, accounting for both economic and non-economic losses. An attorney will work to prove all your losses and fight for the maximum compensation you legally deserve.
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Navigate the legal system – The claims process involves many laws, procedures, forms, and deadlines. An experienced lawyer guides you through the complex legal system so you can focus on your recovery. They handle communications, court filings, negotiations, and litigation if necessary.
Having an excellent car accident lawyer in your corner after an accident can make all the difference in obtaining a favorable outcome. The right attorney has the expertise to prove liability, maximize compensation, and handle the legal process from start to finish.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Hiring a car accident lawyer is important because they have the skills and resources to build the strongest case possible. An experienced lawyer can help in the following ways:
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Investigate the Accident: The lawyer will visit the accident scene, interview witnesses, obtain police reports, review medical records, and gather other evidence. Thorough investigation establishes liability and identifies all potentially liable parties.
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Gather Evidence: Lawyers use legal tools like subpoenas to obtain photos, videos, phone records, and other evidence. Evidence proves your injuries and losses were directly caused by the defendant’s negligence.
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Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurers often make lowball offers. A lawyer has the negotiation leverage to demand full and fair compensation. Most cases settle out of court.
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File Paperwork: There are strict deadlines and complex legal procedures. A lawyer handles all required documents and court filings.
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Represent You in Court: If a favorable settlement can’t be reached, the lawyer will aggressively argue your case in court to maximize your damages award.
With an attorney’s guidance, you can avoid common mistakes that could jeopardize your case. Their legal expertise is essential for receiving full compensation.
Types of Compensation Available
There are several types of compensation that a car accident victim in San Bernardino may be entitled to, including:
Medical Expenses
Car accident injuries often require extensive medical treatment. Your car accident lawyer will help you recover compensation for all medical bills related to the accident, including hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, and prescription medications.
Lost Wages
If your injuries force you to miss work, you can claim lost income from the at-fault driver. Your lawyer can calculate your total lost wages using pay stubs, tax returns, and other documentation.
Pain and Suffering
Money cannot undo your physical and emotional trauma, but it can provide some comfort and closure. Your lawyer will fight to get compensation for your pain and suffering after a car accident.
Loss of Quality of Life
Severe injuries may prevent you from participating in activities and hobbies you previously enjoyed. Your settlement may cover your diminished quality of life after the accident.
Punitive Damages
With an experienced car accident attorney on your side, you can pursue fair compensation for all your losses after an auto accident in San Bernardino. Don’t try to handle your claim alone—the insurance company’s main goal is to pay as little as possible. An adept lawyer levels the playing field and maximizes your payout.
Factors That Determine Settlement Amounts
Several key factors affect the potential settlement amounts for car accident injury claims. Understanding these can help set reasonable expectations when seeking compensation.
Severity of Injuries
The type of injuries someone sustains in a crash significantly impact the settlement amount. More severe injuries that result in large medical bills, lost income, diminished quality of life, and long-term care needs typically yield higher settlements. Minor soft tissue injuries generally result in smaller settlements.
Insurance Coverage Limits
The at-fault driver’s liability insurance coverage limits cap the maximum payout. Policies with low coverage limits may not adequately compensate severe crash injuries. Having ample uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage helps bridge gaps between injury costs and at-fault driver policy limits.
Multiple Parties Involved
Multiple vehicles and drivers on road to causing the accident, each may share some fault and liability. This allows pursuing injury claims against multiple insurance policies, potentially increasing the total settlement payout.
Comparative Negligence Laws
Some states follow comparative negligence rules that reduce settlement payouts by the percentage an injured victim was at fault. An experienced attorney helps maximize compensation under comparative negligence.
Accident Lawyer Importance
It’s important to speak with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident if:
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You have suffered serious injuries that require ongoing medical treatment. Severe injuries like broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord damage, or internal organ damage can result in extensive medical bills and lost income. An experienced lawyer can help you recover compensation to pay for these losses.
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The insurance company is being difficult to deal with. Insurance adjusters may try to get you to accept a lowball settlement or deny your claim outright. A lawyer can deal with the insurance company on your behalf and make sure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
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You have been injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver. If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance, your own policy may have to cover the damages. A lawyer can help negotiate with your insurance company.
The sooner you consult with an attorney after an accident, the more effective they can be in building your claim, preserving evidence, obtaining witness statements, and protecting your rights. Don’t wait to get legal help if your injuries are catastrophic or the insurance company is giving you the run around. A qualified car accident lawyer will level the playing field and fight to get you fairly compensated.
How to Choose the Right Car Accident Lawyer
Choosing the right car accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Experience with car accident cases – Look for a lawyer that specializes in car accidents and has extensive experience handling these types of cases. An experienced car accident attorney will understand the complexities involved and have the knowledge and resources to build a strong claim.
Good track record of settlements/verdicts – Find out about the lawyer’s past case results. Do they have a proven track record of obtaining favorable settlements and verdicts for clients? This shows their ability to get compensation.
Strong negotiation skills – Your lawyer will need to negotiate with insurance companies to get the best settlement. Look for someone who is a tough negotiator yet able to settle without going to trial if needed. They should be able to effectively communicate and argue for the compensation you deserve.
Resources to take case to trial – If an acceptable settlement can’t be reached through negotiation, choose a lawyer with the resources and experience to take your case to court.
Doing your research and choosing the right car accident attorney for your situation can give you the best chance at obtaining the maximum compensation available. Prioritize lawyers with specialized experience, proven results, negotiation skills, and resources.
Conclusion
Car accidents can happen in an instant and leave you or your loved ones seriously injured. The aftermath can be overwhelming. You may be facing expensive medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Throughout this article, we discussed the common causes of accidents, the kinds of injuries that can occur, the benefits of hiring a lawyer, and how to choose the right attorney for your case. The key takeaways include:
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Many accidents are caused by negligent drivers, like those under the influence or distracted. This strengthens your claim to receive compensation.
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Certain injuries like brain trauma or spinal cord damage can require extensive, lifelong treatment. A lawyer will fight to recover damages for current and future medical expenses.
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A knowledgeable lawyer handles the entire legal process for you and negotiates strongly with insurance companies.
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Factors like available insurance coverage and the liable party’s assets determine potential settlement amounts. A lawyer thoroughly investigates these details
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in San Bernardino, please [contact our law firm today] to schedule a free case evaluation. With strong legal advocacy by your side, you can seek the maximum compensation you deserve.
