Personal Injury Settlements and Cases Won in California.
As of 2023, San Bernardino County has a population of over 2 million residents, contributing to California’s diverse demographic landscape. Known for its stunning natural beauty, including vast deserts, mountain ranges, and the famous Joshua Tree National Park, San Bernardino is a prime location for outdoor adventures and recreation. Its expansive landscape makes it unique among California’s counties, offering residents and visitors alike a blend of urban and rural environments.
Major cities like San Bernardino, Fontana, and Rancho Cucamonga contribute to the area’s economy through tourism, manufacturing, and logistics, creating a bustling community with a mix of urban and suburban lifestyles. However, the county’s high population density and extensive road network also lead to a notable number of accidents and personal injuries.
Whether it’s a car accident on a busy freeway, a fall in a public space, or another form of injury, San Bernardino residents often face challenges in handling the aftermath. If you or a loved one has been injured, it’s important to understand your rights and explore your options for seeking justice.
Our team provides the support, experience, and legal expertise necessary to guide you through the personal injury claim process.
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RMD Law has earned the trust of San Bernardino residents navigating personal injury claims. Our experienced lawyers use a client-focused approach to secure the outcomes clients deserve. With over $100 million in settlements won statewide, we’re your dedicated partner in handling claims across California.
Here’s a look at the statistics highlighting the frequency and nature of personal injury cases in San Bernardino, particularly involving car accidents, a significant cause of injury in the region.
The gap in victimization rates between the most and least affected groups was 6.3, with Black individuals having the highest rate of injury.
Source: San Bernardino County Traffic Safety
Knowing the different types of personal injury claims that may apply to your situation is essential. Here are common injury claims in San Bernardino:
Car accidents are a leading cause of injuries in San Bernardino and across the U.S. Causes range from reckless driving to traffic signal violations, resulting in everything from minor incidents to severe crashes.
San Bernardino’s significant logistics sector means that truck accidents are common and can lead to severe injuries. Liability may include the truck driver, company, or manufacturers if mechanical issues contributed to the accident.
Motorcycling is popular in San Bernardino, but high speeds and distracted drivers often lead to serious accidents. Unsafe speeds and improper lane changes are frequent causes.
As the county promotes cycling, bike accidents are on the rise. Accidents can stem from driver negligence, dooring incidents, or equipment failure.
Pedestrian accidents are sadly frequent due to distracted driving and failure to yield. Drivers have a duty of care to exercise caution around pedestrians.
With a large public transportation network, accidents are not uncommon. Navigating claims against public entities can be complex but necessary for compensation.
These incidents can happen in any public or private setting. Uneven walkways, poor lighting, and lack of maintenance are frequent causes.
San Bernardino’s dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries their pets cause. Knowing your rights can help you pursue a valid compensation claim.
Severe injuries, often resulting from high-speed accidents or falls, can be life-altering, leading to paralysis or cognitive issues.
If negligence results in the death of a loved one, a wrongful death claim may be appropriate. Strong evidence of the liable party’s role is crucial.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of common accident types in San Bernardino:
Rear-end accidents happen when a vehicle crashes into the back of the car in front. These are often caused by tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden stops in heavy traffic, which San Bernardino frequently experiences on busy roads like the I-10 and I-215 freeways. Although they’re often less severe, rear-end collisions can still cause significant injuries, such as whiplash, spinal strain, and head injuries, particularly at high speeds.
This type of accident involves two vehicles colliding front-to-front, often due to a driver crossing over into oncoming traffic, impaired driving, or confusion on undivided rural roads. While relatively rare, head-on collisions are among the most dangerous and frequently result in life-threatening injuries or fatalities. These types of accidents often occur on rural stretches outside the city center, where lighting is poor and lanes are narrow.
Rollovers occur when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof. These crashes are more common in high-profile vehicles like SUVs and trucks, especially if the driver loses control while speeding, swerving, or taking sharp turns. Rollover accidents can be severe due to the potential for occupants to be thrown from the vehicle if not restrained properly. San Bernardino’s mountainous and rural roads, along with freeway interchanges, can sometimes increase rollover risks in certain areas.
These accidents occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another, often at intersections or stop signs. T-bone collisions can be particularly dangerous for the occupants on the side that is struck, as side airbags and door frames offer limited protection. Common causes include running red lights, failure to yield, and distracted driving. Busy intersections like those along E Street and Highland Avenue in San Bernardino are common sites for such collisions.
Sideswipe incidents happen when two vehicles traveling parallel to each other make contact, often during lane changes or merges. These accidents frequently occur when drivers are not paying attention, fail to check blind spots, or don’t signal their lane changes properly. On highways and multilane roads in San Bernardino, like the I-10 and I-215, sideswipes are common, especially in congested traffic.
This type of accident involves a vehicle crashing into a fixed object, like a tree, guardrail, or utility pole, often due to driver error or adverse road conditions. Causes include swerving to avoid animals, road debris, impaired or distracted driving, or weather conditions that make roads slippery. Single-vehicle accidents tend to happen more frequently in areas with winding roads or limited lighting, such as near San Bernardino National Forest.
Pedestrian accidents happen when a vehicle collides with someone walking or crossing the street. These incidents often occur in busy pedestrian areas, near crosswalks, or along major streets without adequate pedestrian crossings. San Bernardino sees these accidents at higher rates in commercial and residential areas, especially in locations like downtown San Bernardino or near schools, where pedestrian traffic is high. Speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield at crosswalks are common causes.
Multi-vehicle accidents, also known as chain-reaction crashes, involve multiple vehicles in a series of collisions. These often happen during high traffic or poor weather conditions, where one initial accident triggers additional impacts. Pileups can occur on San Bernardino’s busy freeways, especially in heavy fog or rain when visibility is low. Such accidents can be very complex, with multiple parties involved and heightened risks of injuries and vehicle damage.
Each of these accident types presents unique risks, and understanding them can help residents of San Bernardino be more aware of how and where these accidents are likely to happen.
Car crashes in San Bernardino occur for various reasons, including:
Driving at excessive speeds is a significant cause of accidents. Speeding reduces reaction time, makes vehicle control harder, and leads to more severe crashes.
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, slows reactions, and reduces coordination, making it a top factor in serious accidents.
Following too closely behind another vehicle gives drivers little time to respond to sudden stops or obstacles, often resulting in rear-end collisions.
Not yielding the right of way is a frequent cause of collisions, especially at busy intersections and merging lanes throughout San Bernardino.
Running stop signs and red lights greatly increases the risk of side-impact or T-bone accidents, especially if drivers don’t yield at intersections.
Distractions like texting, phone calls, eating, and even filming videos while driving pull attention from the road, raising the likelihood of accidents.
Aggressive driving due to anger or frustration can lead to unsafe actions like tailgating, speeding, and intentional collisions, endangering others on the road.
Injured due to someone’s negligence? Here are the main types of compensation available:
Covers treatments, surgeries, and medications related to injuries, both short-term and ongoing.
Compensates for lost earnings and future income affected by recovery or permanent disability.
It covers damaged belongings, especially in auto accidents.
Compensation for physical and emotional distress resulting from the injury.
When recklessness or malice is involved, punitive damages may be awarded as a deterrent.
To file a personal injury claim in San Bernardino successfully, it’s crucial to gather strong evidence. Here are the essential documents you should prepare:
Capture the scene and any visible injuries. These images provide a clear visual record of the conditions at the time.
If available, obtain video footage from nearby cameras, such as security or dash cams. This can be vital evidence in reconstructing the event.
Collect statements and contact information from any witnesses present at the scene. Their accounts can provide additional insights into the accident’s cause.
Statements from others involved in the incident can add context and help establish fault.
If law enforcement responded to the incident, get a copy of the police report. This report provides an objective overview and is often used to help determine liability.
Document all medical treatments related to the injury, including ongoing care. This is essential for establishing the impact on your health.
Preserve any physical items that may be relevant, such as damaged property or personal belongings.
Keep details from both your and the other party’s insurance. This helps with communication and claims processing.
If your injury impacts your work, keep records of lost wages, missed hours, or any long-term effects on your income.
Save all receipts for medical treatments, repairs, and other expenses related to the incident for accurate compensation calculations.
Filing an insurance claim after an injury in San Bernardino can be challenging. Here’s a summary of the key steps to ensure the process goes smoothly:
Report the accident or incident as soon as possible to initiate the claims process.
Document details about the accident, collect contact information for other parties involved and gather witness statements.
Take detailed photos of the accident scene and any injuries to build a solid visual record.
Even if injuries seem minor, consult a doctor. Medical reports play a crucial role in your injury claim.
Familiarize yourself with your policy’s coverage and terms. This helps you understand the scope of your claim.
If the process feels overwhelming, consider speaking with a personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process and handle insurance negotiations on your behalf.
In San Bernardino, most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay until your case is resolved and compensation is awarded. Contingency fees usually range from 33% to 40% of the total award, depending on the complexity of the case. Initial consultations are often free, allowing you to discuss your case without an upfront cost. This arrangement will enable you to seek justice without worrying about immediate legal expenses.
Read these testimonials from some of the clients we’ve assisted in seeking justice for personal injuries from vehicular accidents, negligence, wrongful death, and more.
Although not required, having a personal injury lawyer on your side can be highly beneficial. Attorneys are experienced in handling legal complexities, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and securing the best possible outcome for your case.
Typically, you have two years from the injury date to file a personal injury claim in California. If the injury wasn’t immediately apparent, you may have up to one year from its discovery. Acting promptly is crucial to ensure your case remains eligible.
After seeking medical attention, document the incident by taking photos, gathering witness information, and notifying law enforcement if applicable. Then, consult a personal injury attorney to protect your rights and handle insurance and legal proceedings on your behalf. Avoid signing any statements with insurers without legal guidance.
Settlement negotiations in personal injury cases offer financial relief and provide a path toward closure and peace of mind. In California, learning the intricacies of these negotiations can help you take proper action about your future. This article tackles settlement negotiation relating to personal injury settlements in California.
The good news is California premises liability laws allow you to claim damages for an injury while in someone else’s property. This article discusses premises liability in California, so you know what your rights are and how to protect them.
There’s no replacement for adequate preparation for driving in California, even through routes you’re already familiar with. One way is through defensive driving. Understanding what defensive driving is and how to practice it may just be what you need to help save lives on Orange County roads.
Knowing where to seek help after an injury is key. Here are some essential resources:
Immediate evaluation by medical professionals ensures proper diagnosis and treatment, aiding both recovery and injury documentation.
Reporting incidents, especially car accidents, is crucial for documentation. Contact your local San Bernardino police department for assistance.
Our team’s extensive experience with the legal system and personal injury cases in San Bernardino gives us a distinct advantage in managing local cases. We’ve helped countless Californians secure rightful compensation and are here to provide the support you need during your injury claim process.
Connect with us today for a free case evaluation.
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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