What to Do After a Car Accident in San Bernardino
If you’ve just been in an accident, take these steps to protect yourself and your claim! First, move to safety and turn on your hazard lights. Call 911 if anyone is injured. Even if you feel fine, request that officers document the scene and issue a report number.
Exchange information with all drivers involved, including names, insurance details, and license plates. Photograph everything: vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Seek medical attention within 48 hours, even without obvious pain. Injuries like whiplash often appear days later, and delays give insurers grounds to dispute your claim. Under California law, you must report accidents with injuries or damage over $1,000 to the DMV within 10 days using Form SR-1.
Do not admit fault or apologize at the scene. Do not give recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance without legal counsel.
Choose a San Bernardino Car Accident and Injury Attorney
A car accident injury attorney is a lawyer who represents individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents. They help clients recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage by negotiating with insurance companies or filing lawsuits against negligent parties. Their goal is to secure fair settlements for accident victims.
Contact a trusted San Bernardino auto accident attorney at The Reeves Law Group for immediate assistance if you have been injured in an accident.
Injury attorneys Derek Pakiz and Robert Reeves and their legal team at the Reeves Law Group law firm expertly represent their clients, consistently demonstrating empathy and a deep sense of care.
The Reeves Law Group car accident law firm has a successful track-record of winning automobile-related lawsuits, including hit-and-run cases, rear-end crashes, head-on collisions, multiple car incidents, speeding accidents, drunk and distracted driving. We aggressively represent our clients, whilst consistently demonstrating empathy and a deep sense of care.
If you or a loved one has suffered a car crash and you’re unsure about your next step, fill out our secure and confidential form or call (800) 644-8000 for a free consultation with a car accident attorney near you. Our compassionate and friendly legal experts and trial lawyer are always on the line to help.
Car Accidents Can Result From Various Negligent Acts That Can be Pursued
Negligence plays a pivotal role in car accidents, with specific federal and California mandates in place to address and mitigate such behavior on the roads. When a driver fails to adhere to these regulations, their actions can be considered negligent, often leading to accidents with potentially severe consequences.
Federal guidelines, established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aim to reduce instances of distracted and impaired driving, promote the use of seat belts, and ensure the safety of commercial vehicles.
In California, several specific regulations are directly tied to preventing negligent driving and ensuring the safety of all road users. California Vehicle Code 23123.5, for example, prohibits all drivers from using electronic wireless communications devices while driving to prevent distracted driving.
Another crucial piece of legislation is the California Vehicle Code Section 23152, which pertains to driving under the influence (DUI). This law makes it illegal for anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher to operate a vehicle.
Speeding is another form of negligence commonly seen by us in San Bernardino, addressed by various sections of the California Vehicle Code that set maximum speed limits. For instance, California Vehicle Code Section 22350, the Basic Speed Law, states that no person should drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent given the traffic, weather, and road conditions
Compensation Available in San Bernardino Car Accident Cases
California law allows accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, future treatment costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage. Keep all receipts, pay stubs, and repair estimates as documentation.
Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurement. These damages have no fixed formula and depend on injury severity and life impact.
In cases involving drunk driving or extreme recklessness, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the at-fault party. California’s comparative negligence rule means you can still recover compensation even if partially at fault, though your award will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle
Here are the places where car accidents typically occur that we’ve seen and worked with:
- Intersections: High traffic volume and varying right-of-way scenarios contribute to accidents.
- Freeways and Highways: High speeds and heavy traffic can lead to multi-vehicle collisions.
- Parking Lots: Tight spaces and pedestrian traffic increase the risk of fender benders.
- Rural Roads: Limited visibility, wildlife crossings, and less traffic regulation can cause accidents.
- School Zones: High pedestrian activity and frequent stops create potential hazards.
- Construction Zones: Altered traffic patterns and nearby workers and equipment pose risks.
- Residential Areas: Children playing and cars backing out of driveways can lead to accidents.
- Bridges and Tunnels: These can be sites of congestion and reduced visibility.
- Roundabouts: Confusion over right-of-way and speed can result in collisions.
- Busy Urban Streets: High pedestrian traffic and frequent stops increase accident risks.
How Do Car Accidents Occur?
Here are some of the most common reasons why car accidents happen:
- Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or any activity that diverts attention from the road.
- Speeding: Exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions.
- Drunk Driving: Impairment due to alcohol or drugs affects reaction times and decision-making.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, erratic lane changes, and ignoring traffic signs.
- Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and fog can reduce visibility and road traction.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Disobeying traffic signals can lead to intersection collisions.
- Fatigue: Tired drivers have slowed reactions and can fall asleep at the wheel.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven roads, and lack of proper signage can contribute to accidents.
- Vehicle Malfunctions: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and steering issues can cause loss of control.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Lack of driving experience can lead to poor judgment and mistakes on the road.
WORKING WITH A LOCAL Attorney
A skilled local attorney can make a major difference in pursuing justice and fair compensation for car accidents.
A San Bernardino-based lawyer understands state-specific laws and has likely handled similar cases, enabling them to effectively seek damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
They know how to assess the full extent of your losses, navigate insurance negotiations, and—if needed—build a compelling court case.
Legal Complexities
Car accident cases involve intricate procedures and strict deadlines. An experienced attorney handles everything from filing claims and interpreting insurance policies to meeting legal requirements, ensuring your case is built on a solid foundation.
Maximizing Compensation
Lawyers proficient in car accident cases evaluate all potential damages—current and future medical costs, reduced earning capacity, and non-economic harm like pain and suffering. With strong negotiation skills, they can significantly improve your settlement prospects.
Expert Advocacy
In court, an attorney compiles and presents evidence to prove the other party’s negligence and support your right to compensation. Their familiarity with courtroom strategy often proves critical.
Support and Guidance
By managing the legal aspects of your case, your lawyer eases stress so you can focus on recovery. They keep you informed, answer questions, and streamline the process, providing both professional advocacy and personal support.
Some Recent Car Accident Settlements from The Reeves Law Group
$32,500,000 – Brain Injury
$1,600,000 – Car Accident
$3,750,000 – DUI Accident
$600,000 – Car Accident
$560,000 – ATV Accident
WHY Choose THE REEVES LAW GROUP
San Bernardino Car Accidents | Auto Injury attorneys Near Me | Derek Pakiz at the Reeves Law Group law firm
Aside from Derek’s accomplishments, the firm is also passionate about delivering positive results and handling their clients’ legal cases with utmost professionalism and sensitivity to their needs.
Our personal injury law firm was featured in Newsweek’s 10 Best Personal Injury Attorneys and has represented thousands of car accident victims throughout Southern California. We have successfully specialized in car accident cases for over 35 years, and have recovered over $250,000,000 in verdicts and settlements for our clients for all case types.
We have a 98% win rate for all injury cases. Notable cases we won include $32.5 million won for a brain injury case, $12 million for a car accident, $3 million for a slip and fall accident, and hundreds more.
Our firm is passionate about getting you justice and doing the best we can rectifying the wrongdoings that caused your injuries.
With Derek at the helm, rest assured that we will work tirelessly to fight against powerful defendants and their insurance companies to secure proper compensation for you. We believe in zealous and aggressive advocacy on behalf of our clients while maintaining sensitivity and emotional care.
How Much Do We Charge: At The Reeves Law Group, legal fees are the last thing you should worry about. We operate on a “no fee, unless we win” policy, further demonstrating our commitment to you and the safety of the community.
Contact Us Today
Seeking assistance from a car accident attorney could significantly impact your ability to secure the maximum compensation for your losses and ensure accountability for the negligent actions of the responsible party.
With a stellar record of thousands of successfully resolved injury cases and over $250,000,000 in verdicts and settlements, The Reeves Law Group stands out with its exceptional legal expertise in navigating car accidents in San Bernardino and throughout the Inland Empire.
To get started on your recovery journey and let us start helping with your claim as soon as possible, please contact us to schedule a free consultation in our office by filling out our secure online form or calling (800) 644-8000. For those unable to visit due to their injuries, we offer convenient home and hospital visits to ensure you receive the support you need.
Contact Information
A Review of The Reeves Law Group
I was in a terrifying roll over car accident in San Bernardino / Riverside when a driver fell asleep and hit my car. We rolled over several times and flew off the road. Fortunately, I hired the Reeves Law Group so that a lawyer who specializes in serious car accident injury cases could help me. My attorney was great. He was really friendly, always kept me updated, and really went out of his way to help me in every way he could.
Karina R. via Yelp
Review Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5Date Published: 07-14-2021
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