San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyer – The Accident Helpers
San Bernardino is undoubtedly one of the most prominent cities in America’s largest county—San Bernardino County. With a population of around 215,000, the city is well recognized for its beauty, but like every other big city, car accidents are unfortunately commonplace.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 2021 saw 1,433 people killed or injured by car accidents in San Bernardino. And with 185 hit-and-run accidents, the city also has one of the worst hit-and-run records compared to cities of a similar size.
Unfortunately, however, countywide numbers suggest that these numbers are trending up because there has been a 35% increase in the number of people killed or injured in vehicle collisions since 2010.
So, a car accident in San Bernardino is not unlikely. But even if you get into one, it is essential to remember that under California’s laws, the driver responsible for the accident must pay for all your damages (medical bills, lost wages, and repair bills).
What To Do If You’ve Been Involved in A Car Accident in San Bernardino
To ensure you get compensated after an accident, your actions immediately after the accident are critical. So, here’s what you should do after a car accident in San Bernardino:
Stop your car
San Bernardino already has a high number of hit-and-run drivers, and it could be because many don’t realize that failing to immediately stop at the scene of an accident you’re involved in will make you guilty of a hit-and-run under Cal Veh. Code §§ 20001 & 20002.
This hit-and-run charge could either be a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the damage that results from the accident. It is important to note that for accidents that only cause property damage, drivers can move the vehicle to ensure it doesn’t impede traffic or harm other motorists as long as it can still be moved safely.
Injury or death? Call 911
If you believe anyone has been injured or has died as a result of the accident, call 911 immediately. The operator will try to find out what happened and where you are. You must remain calm to answer all their questions as best as possible.
The circumstances of the accident may be such that it will be faster for you to drive the injured person to the hospital than for medics to meet you on the scene. In those cases, Cal Veh. Code § 20004 requires that you immediately report the accident to the nearest office of the California Highway Patrol or the San Bernardino Police Department.
Document the scene
It is essential to take photos and videos of the accident, including the property damage and injuries it caused. When you make a claim, you must specify which damages you seek compe nsation for. With your pictures and videos, you can capture the extent of the damage immediately after it happens.
Exchange information
You must legally exchange certain information with the other driver for any car accident.
This information must include the driver’s name and current residential address, the names and residential addresses of any victims injured in the accident, the vehicle registration number, and the name of their insurer with their insurance policy number.
If one of the drivers has been injured in the accident, the other driver must provide relevant information to the occupant of the other vehicle and the investigating law enforcement officer who arrives on the scene.
Seek medical attention
It is crucial also to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you are ever in a San Bernardino car accident.
Even if you believe you have not suffered any evident injuries, there may have been internal disturbances that could cause an issue later.
Consult a car accident lawyer
Many studies have shown that accident victims who secure the service of car accident lawyers early are more likely to get a settlement.
They are also more likely to get a higher settlement than those who got lawyers late or did not get legal representation.
What To Do If You’re in A Hit and Run Accident
Handling hit-and-run accidents may be slightly different since you cannot get the relevant information from the driver. Nevertheless, here’s what you should do.
First of all, remain calm. Resist the urge to chase after the driver or get into a road rage incident. But try to get their license plate number and as many details as possible about the car.
Next, quickly assess the damages. If anyone has been injured, call 911 immediately, no matter how minor the injury appears. If there has also been significant property damage of over $1,000, you should also call 911.
If there has been no injury or property damage, you can still call 911 to report the crime. But if you’d rather not wait for officers to arrive on the scene, you can make a report on the San Bernardino city website. You must also ensure to inform your insurer and get a lawyer.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer in San Bernardino Help?
San Bernardino car accident lawyers can help secure your compensation in many other ways. Some of them are:
Further investigations
One key aspect of the legal profession is investigation, and lawyers are very skilled at gathering evidence for car accident cases. Some of the evidence that lawyers can help you secure include official police reports, video surveillance footage, and witness testimony.
Negotiate
Lawyers are also skilled negotiators. You can leverage their skills to ensure you get the best possible compensation from an insurer – whether it’s your insurer or the other driver’s.
Represent you in court
If an insurer refuses to pay your entire claim, your lawyer can sue the insurer. In court, your lawyer will attempt to prove to the jury that you deserve the full extent of your claim. The insurer will have to pay you once the jury grants judgment in your favor.
How Much Is My San Bernardino Car Accident Claim Worth?
A typical San Bernardino car accident settlement will likely be between $15,000 to $20,000. However, the final settlement you get will depend on some different factors like:
The type of accident: Accidents that cause more severe injuries will result in higher compensation. A spinal cord injury, for instance, will get you more than whiplash since it’ll cost more to treat and may be more challenging to recover from.
Gravity of injury: If you had to stop working due to your injuries, your claim (and eventual compensation) should include the approximate wages you would have earned when you stopped working.
Fault: Liability is essential to compensation since the liable party should compensate the other. Under California law, San Bernardino follows the pure comparative negligence system, which means that each party will only be compensated for the proportion of the accident they were not responsible for.
Contact the Accident Helpers Today
Getting the right lawyer is necessary, but it can be difficult. First, it has to be an attorney that you can trust. Next, the person must be in your city because they must be familiar with state law and court processes. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, they have to be experienced.
At The Accident Helpers, we can help you get the perfect lawyer. With our nationwide network of lawyers, we can put you in touch with the best San Bernardino lawyer for free!
All you have to do is contact us. One of our consultants will gather all the details of your accident and immediately begin working on getting you the best attorney options. Remember, it's all free.
