Our team can help you rebuild your life after a car accident.
Learn your next steps here and get the maximum compensation with our step-by-step walkthrough
There’s never a dull day in San Bernardino. With so many outdoor activities to try, plus cultural and historical sites to visit, roads can fill up with both locals and tourists. Unfortunately, car accidents can occur amidst all the activities and attractions.
UC Berkeley’s Transportation Injury Mapping System shows that San Bernardino County saw 10,289 fatal car crashes and injuries in 2023. In the past three years, the average number of car accidents involved alcohol (1,855), distracted driving (691), and drug-related causes (198).
A car accident can turn your life upside down. You may suffer injuries and property damage, with the aftermath possibly affecting your daily life. On top of that, getting the right compensation and justice can be difficult.
Don’t worry—a car accident lawyer in San Bernardino can help manage your legal steps after a car accident. You can also refer to this guide for the types of accidents, common injuries, and steps for filing a claim so you can protect your rights and seek justice.
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RMD Law has a proven track record of representing clients in personal injury cases, with a focus on delivering outstanding legal services and securing the best outcomes possible.
Our results speak for themselves. We’ve recovered over $125 million in personal injury settlements and verdicts for our clients, including:
Choosing us means working with a firm known for successfully handling San Bernardino car accident cases. We’ll walk you through the legal process, manage your claims efficiently, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. An RMD Law auto accident lawyer in San Bernardino will guide you every step of the way.
Car accidents can happen when you least expect them. Take note of the following types of car collisions to know your rights if you get into one.
A rear-end collision happens when a car hits the back of another vehicle, usually due to tailgating or sudden braking. In 2023, San Bernardino saw 2,988 rear-end crashes—128 involving motorcycles, 19 for bikes, and 16 for pedestrians. Around 59% of this type of collision happened on major highways.
This type of accident involves two cars that crash front-to-front. San Bernardino witnessed 753 cases in 2023, killing 50 and injuring 1,233 individuals.
A rollover accident can occur when a vehicle loses control due to excessive speed, sudden swerving, or colliding with an obstacle. In 2023, San Bernardino had 494 rollover accidents, with 131 involving motorcycles.
Side-impact or “T-bone” crashes occur when one vehicle hits the side of another, usually at intersections. In 2023, San Bernardino reported 3,008 side-impact collisions, killing 43 people and injuring 4,720.
This incident happens when a vehicle goes off the road, often because of losing control, tire issues, or animals.
In this type of accident, a vehicle crashes into something like debris, animals, or a barrier. Some possible causes are bad weather, driver fatigue, or another driver’s actions.
A multi-vehicle crash involves three or more vehicles, often caused by one car hitting another, setting off a chain reaction. These accidents frequently happen on highways, especially in bad weather.
This type of collision results when drivers don’t check their blind spots as they change lanes. Motorcycles and smaller vehicles are often affected because they’re smaller than cars and trucks.
Accidents can still happen at low speeds, often resulting in injuries like whiplash or bruises. Pedestrians and cyclists are at risk in these crashes because of the limited protection.
A merging accident occurs when a driver enters a lane without properly checking or matching the traffic speed. These crashes often happen at higher speeds, leading to serious injuries.
Most collisions in San Bernardino occur on Interstate 215 and Bear Valley Road. Around 27% of these accidents involve drunk driving, and 28% are due to speeding.
Car crashes on San Bernardino roads happen for many reasons, such as:
Driving too fast is one of the top causes of accidents. It cuts down your reaction time, makes controlling the car harder, and increases the severity of crashes.
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and decreases coordination. TIMS data shows that 1,222 alcohol-related car accidents happened in San Bernardino in 2023, resulting in 72 deaths and 1,761 injuries.
Following a vehicle too closely doesn’t give you ample leeway to react when you encounter sudden stops or hazards, often ending in rear-end accidents.
Disregarding right-of-way rules frequently causes accidents at intersections and merging lanes. In San Bernardino, 3,473 car accidents happened at intersections.
Not following stop signs or traffic lights greatly increases the chances of side-impact or T-bone accidents, as drivers may fail to yield to oncoming traffic.
Texting, taking a phone call, or eating while driving takes attention away from the road, raising the likelihood of a crash.
Aggressive driving fueled by anger or frustration can result in dangerous behaviors like intentional collisions, putting others at risk.
Even minor car accidents lead to debilitating conditions. Here are some common injuries that can result from such incidents.
Car accidents in San Bernardino happen more often than you think. Here’s a breakdown of key patterns and data from recent years.
If you’re a car accident victim, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:
Winning a claim can help cover the costs of hospital visits, medications, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
If your injuries prevent you from working, you might receive compensation for the income you’ve already lost and the wages you may lose while recovering.
The at-fault driver should pay for the cost incurred in repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle and any personal belongings affected by the crash.
You may receive compensation if the accident results in physical pain and emotional distress. You might experience anxiety, depression, or ongoing discomfort as a result of your injuries.
In cases where the at-fault driver acted recklessly or maliciously, they may be ordered to pay punitive damages. This type of compensation aims to punish and discourage reckless behaviors when driving.
The steps you take after a car accident must ensure your safety, protect your rights, and strengthen your case for any potential claims or legal actions. Here’s what you should do.
Do you or your passengers have any wounds or concussions? Are you conscious and aware of what’s happening? Stay calm and call for help immediately if you or anyone is hurt.
If possible, move your car to the side of the road to avoid obstruction and further collisions. Keep your hazard lights on as a warning for other drivers.
Dial emergency services to report the accident and request medical assistance. Police responders will document the scene, which is vital for your case.
Exchange names, contact details, and insurance information with other drivers involved. Take note of their license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions.
Take photos of the damaged vehicles, skid marks, and traffic signs or signals. Also, note the location and time of the accident. This evidence can support your insurance claim and legal case.
Even if you feel fine, you should have a doctor check on you. Some injuries may not immediately appear but can progress later.
Inform your insurance company about the accident to initiate the claims process. Provide them with all the collected information and evidence to support your claim.
According to California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 and § 338, you have two years to file a personal injury claim, such as from a car accident, and three years for property damage. You should act in a timely manner to seek compensation for injuries or damage resulting from the accident.
Since the process of filing a claim is often complicated, consulting a car accident attorney in San Bernardino is best to ensure you gather all the requirements and meet deadlines.
To successfully seek compensation after a car accident, you should collect the following evidence:
Capture clear images of the vehicles involved and the extent of their damage, the road conditions, traffic signals, and other factors that might have contributed to the crash. These photos can help establish critical details in your case.
Investigate if local businesses or residences have security cameras that may have recorded the accident. This footage can prove how the crash unfolded and may help strengthen your case.
If you or another party involved in the accident has a dashcam, the footage can offer a comprehensive view of the events leading up to, during, and following the collision.
Collect the contact details and accounts from anyone who witnessed the accident. They might be able to offer unbiased perspectives and valuable insights into what occurred.
Document the perceptions of the drivers and any passengers involved. Their statements can reveal their understanding of the accident and may indicate who they believe is at fault.
After calling 911, the responding officers will compile a police report documenting the accident. This official record will include a detailed incident assessment, which is crucial for determining liability.
Being in a car accident can be expensive, so it’s essential to understand the personal injury claim process to manage costs effectively. Take note of the following steps.
First and foremost, seek medical attention for your injuries. Your health is the top priority while proper medical documentation is essential for your claim later.
Collect as much evidence as possible, such as:
Keep a detailed record of everything related to the accident, such as:
A skilled personal injury attorney can guide you through each step, negotiate for you with insurance companies, and gather the necessary evidence to support your claim.
Promptly notify your insurance provider about the accident, as your policy may require such. Failing to report the incident might jeopardize your claim. You should also contact the at-fault party’s insurance company to process your claim.
When dealing with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, be aware that they might downplay your injuries or shift blame to minimize costs. A personal injury attorney can advocate for your rights and ensure you receive fair treatment.
Car accidents can cause different types of injuries, and the treatment you’ll need depends on the type and severity of such. Here are some common treatments.
Doctors may recommend medication to alleviate pain, decrease swelling, or prevent infections. Depending on the injury, you might use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or require stronger prescription medications, such as muscle relaxers or opioids, to manage more severe pain.
Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves to reduce pain and promote healing. Phonophoresis combines ultrasound with medication to deliver it directly through your skin, providing targeted pain relief. These treatments can help you heal faster and reduce pain.
Physical activity can help strengthen your body and improve your range of motion after an injury. Your therapist can personalize an exercise plan to help you heal.
If you break a bone or hurt your joints, doctors may use splints or braces to keep them still and limit movement for faster healing.
For severe injuries, physical therapy can help you regain mobility and strength through targeted exercises and pain management techniques like heat therapy or massage.
Physiotherapy focuses on restoring your body’s function through manual treatments and specialized equipment. It often includes joint manipulation, stretching, and therapeutic exercises to address injuries.
This treatment is often used for spinal or neck injuries and involves gently stretching the spine to alleviate pressure on nerves or muscles. For example, if you suffered a herniated disc, traction therapy can reduce nerve compression and help relieve pain.
This therapy targets the fascia—the connective tissue surrounding muscles—to release tension and alleviate pain. After an accident, myofascial release can address lingering muscle stiffness or discomfort in areas like the shoulders or lower back.
If you experience muscle strain after a car crash, electrical stimulation can improve blood flow to the injured area and help you recover faster.
Rebuilding muscle strength and improving overall fitness is key to full recovery after an injury. For example, if you injured your shoulder, a conditioning program would focus on exercises to rebuild shoulder strength and stability.
Massage therapy can help soothe sore muscles, improve blood circulation, and reduce tension following an accident. It’s particularly effective for soft tissue injuries and stress relief.
It can be stressful to file a car insurance claim, but the proper steps can make the process smoother. Here’s what you need to do:
If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to consult a personal injury lawyer for guidance on how to proceed with the claims process and ensure you receive fair compensation.
It’s normal to feel lost and alone in the aftermath of a car accident. Don’t worry—a San Bernardino auto accident lawyer can guide you every step of the way. Here’s why:
A San Bernardino lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options. Here’s how they can make a difference in your case:
Car accident cases can be tricky, but a knowledgeable lawyer can guide you through the process and protect your rights. Their experience will be vital in handling legal complexities to ease your burden.
Insurance companies might not always treat your claim fairly. A local attorney will push back against any lowball offers or biased evaluations so you can get the compensation you truly deserve.
Lawyers are skilled negotiators. They’ll work directly with insurance companies to secure a settlement that accurately reflects the damage to your car, as well as the physical and emotional toll on you.
A car accident lawyer will collect evidence, like witness statements and reports, to clearly show who’s responsible for the accident.
It’s easy to underestimate the actual cost of an accident. Your lawyer will account for not just medical bills and car repairs but also lost wages and any emotional or psychological impacts.
If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer will be ready to take the case to court. They’ll represent you and get you the best possible result.
When hiring a lawyer, you need one who’ll be dedicated to your case. Here are some questions to ask when weighing your options.
Does the firm specialize in personal injury cases? This question can clarify their expertise and experience and whether they can handle your case.
Experience matters, especially if your case is unique or involves severe injuries. If you’ve been in a serious car accident in San Bernardino, ask if they’ve dealt with similar cases and successfully won compensation for clients with injuries like yours.
You need a lawyer to prioritize your case and not just add it to a long list of quick settlements. Ensure they’re committed to securing the best possible outcome for you rather than rushing for a fast resolution.
While many personal injury cases settle out of court, choosing a lawyer with trial experience ensures you’re in good hands if and when your case goes to trial.
A good lawyer won’t make unrealistic promises about how much you’ll receive. Instead, they’ll give you an honest assessment based on their experience. They should help manage your expectations while working toward a fair result.
Don’t hesitate to ask for references or examples of past successes. A lawyer whose track record shows favorable outcomes in similar cases speaks of their ability to represent your cause.
You can hire personal injury lawyers on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay them if you win. However, it’s in your best interest to discuss the specific fee structure and any potential costs upfront.
If you’re being unfairly blamed for a car accident, you can take the following steps to dispute the fault and clear your name.
At RMD Law, we understand the difficulty of dealing with the aftermath of a car accident. That’s why we’re here to help. Our experienced San Bernardino car accident attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through the legal process and ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
Here’s why you should choose us:
Don’t let the complexities of a car accident stress you out. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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Getting in a car accident can be traumatizing, but keep your composure to do the following:
You’ll need to show that the other driver was careless and that their actions led to the accident. Collect evidence such as dashcam footage, police reports, witness accounts, photos of the scene, and your medical records.
Although you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in California, talking to a car accident attorney as soon as possible ensures you can meet critical deadlines and build a strong case.
Yes, California’s comparative negligence system allows you to file a claim even if you’re partially responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced depending on the extent of your fault.
Hiring a car accident lawyer can significantly improve your chances of winning your personal injury claim. Lawyers can provide expert guidance, negotiate with insurance companies, and help you get proper compensation.
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We can walk you through the legal implications of your situation
We care about your recovery. We stake our reputation on it.
Aria is a member of the prestigious Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. He speaks English, Farsi, and Spanish.
Nicole has settled hundreds of personal injuries claims, known for her professional, honest, and caring approach.
John is a former defense lawyer turned award-winning personal injury lawyer. He speaks English and Farsi.
Associate Attorney Yen Quach started work at RMD Law in 2017 as a paralegal. Injured clients seeking justice from insurance companies can do no better than Yen.
Ryan is a caring and experienced litigator. He defended scores of depositions and understands what it takes to move a case in California.
Ariana Martin is one of RMD Law’s skilled personal injury lawyers. She brings a lot of legal experience to the table, having worked previously in the field of insurance defense.
At RMD Law, we believe that reputation is everything. When clients trust us with their cases, we do everything in our power to help guide them. That means personal service and sharp advocacy. We care about the details of your case because that is how we can get you the best settlement.
We are Orange County personal injury lawyers servicing all of California. Our attorneys regularly handle cases from all over the state.
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RMD Law is a California Personal Injury law firm. We help victims who have been injured in accidents due to someone else’s negligence. RMD Law offers free no-obligation case evaluations for our clients.
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