Personal Injury Lawyer in the City of San Bernardino

San Bernardino is a city in the East of Los Angeles County that is well-known for being the 18th-largest city in California. If you live in the area and suffered an accident, finding the right personal injury lawyer in San Bernardino can make a great difference in obtaining the maximum compensation for your damages. If you decide to do that, My Lawyer Mark is your best choice.

My Lawyer Mark is a personal injury law firm in Los Angeles that stands out for its dedication, humane treatment of clients, and fierce representation. We fight for every penny on your behalf and put your best interests ahead of anything. We treat you like family and deal with insurance companies, their lawyers, and even the court on your behalf if necessary.

Call (866) 721-5808 for a free consultation and start getting quality representation as soon as possible.

Good Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in San Bernardino

Our experienced personal injury attorneys have a deep understanding of California laws and the San Bernardino court system, ensuring your case is managed efficiently. Here’s how they can fight for your rights:

Case Evaluation: Building a Strong Foundation

Our team will carefully analyze your situation to see if you have a legitimate claim. This involves assessing the severity of your injuries, the other party’s negligence, and the potential compensation you deserve.

Maximizing Your Compensation

Personal injury cases often involve medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Our lawyers are dedicated to getting you the compensation you deserve, especially if your injuries have lasting impacts. We’ll meticulously calculate your damages to ensure a fair outcome.

Building a Compelling Case

To win your case, your lawyer will gather essential evidence like medical records, police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photos. This evidence will help prove the other party’s fault and the extent of your damages.

Negotiating for a Fair Settlement

Insurance companies often try to reduce payouts or deny claims altogether.  Our San Bernardino personal injury attorneys will use their legal skills to negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf, aiming for a fair settlement offer.

Going to Trial, If Necessary

Your lawyer is ready to fight for you in court if a settlement isn’t reached.  Their knowledge of local court procedures allows them to effectively present your case and advocate for the best possible outcome.

Do I Have a Personal Injury Case? How Can I Know?

If you were hurt in an accident that was provoked by a third party, there are some questions you might ask yourself to know whether you have a personal injury case or not:

• Did you suffer an injury? This includes physical injuries, mental health issues, or emotional distress. A car accident, for instance, could result in broken bones, cuts, head trauma, or even paralysis. The accident might have also caused PTSD, anxiety, depression, or trouble sleeping.
• Was someone else careless? Think about the circumstances of your accident. Did someone act recklessly or fail to behave reasonably in that situation? Just because someone was negligent doesn’t automatically mean they’re responsible for your injuries. Your lawyer would need to prove their actions, or lack thereof, directly caused your harm.
• Are there damages you can recover money for? Damages are financial losses for which you can be compensated. The at-fault party typically covers these costs. Typical damages include medical bills, lost wages due to injury, and reduced future earning potential because of your limitations. Courts can also award money for pain and suffering, emotional distress, a lower quality of life, and any special needs arising from your disability.

If your situation meets these criteria, you might have a solid personal injury case.  Consulting a qualified personal injury lawyer in San Bernardino can help determine the best action.

Types of Accidents and Injuries We Usually Handle

Accidents

• Car Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Uber/Lyft Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Dog bite injuries
• Pedestrian accidents
• Premises liability
• Slip and fall

Personal Injuries

• Catastrophic injuries 
• Amputations
• Burn Injuries
• Paralysis
• Spinal Chord Injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

Main Causes of Accidents in San Bernardino

San Bernardino County saw a significant decrease in fatal car accidents in 2023, with 262 deaths reported compared to 415 in 2022. This represents a welcome decline. Pedestrians were involved in roughly 90 of these fatalities, while cyclists tragically accounted for 11.

Distracted driving is the primary culprit behind car accidents in San Bernardino and nationwide. Despite California laws prohibiting phone use while driving, these accidents happen daily. Here are some common distractions that contribute to crashes:

• Texting while driving
• Fiddling with the radio controls
• Eating or drinking on the road
• Conversing with passengers
• Engaging in aggressive driving behavior

Streets and Intersections with Most Accidents in San Bernardino

San Bernardino boasts its share of California’s beauty, attracting visitors eager to explore.  However, unfamiliar roads can pose challenges, and specific routes are more prone to accidents. Here’s a heads-up for some potentially hazardous areas:

• Bear Valley Road: This scenic route winds through San Bernardino County for 4.7 miles.  While picturesque, it’s also busy, congested, and has sharp turns. These factors combined have contributed to a concerning number of fatal accidents in recent years.
• Interstate 215: Despite ongoing improvements, this interstate remains a danger zone.  The stretch between Exit 44B and Exit 39 has seen an exceptionally high number of fatalities over two years.
• State Route 138 (aka “Blood Alley” or “Pearblossom Highway”): This two-lane highway, notorious for its twists and turns, presents challenges for larger vehicles and can be visually distracting with its scenic views.
• Interstate 15: This infamous highway connecting Los Angeles and Las Vegas has a long and tragic history of accidents. The vast emptiness of the Mojave Desert can tempt some drivers to speed or behave recklessly, especially those under the influence.

Common Injuries in Accidents

Here’s a breakdown of some of the injuries you can commonly suffer in different types of accidents:

Car Accidents

• Whiplash: Neck injuries caused by sudden back-and-forth motion.
• Fractures: Broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs.
• Concussions: Traumatic brain injuries from head impacts.
• Back Injuries: Including herniated discs and spinal cord damage.
• Cuts and Bruises: From broken glass, debris, and impact.

Motorcycle Accidents

• Road Rash: Severe skin abrasions from sliding on pavement.
• Fractures: Particularly in the arms, legs, and collarbone.
• Head Injuries: Including concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to organs from the impact.
• Spinal Injuries: Potential for severe spinal cord damage.

Bicycle Accidents

• Head Injuries: Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries.
• Fractures: Commonly in the wrists, arms, and collarbone.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and contusions.
• Dental Injuries: Damage to teeth and jaw.
• Lacerations: Deep cuts often require stitches.

Pedestrian Accidents

• Fractures: Common in the legs, arms, and pelvis.
• Head Injuries: Including concussions and skull fractures.
• Spinal Injuries: Potential for severe back and neck injuries.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, and lungs.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Including severe bruises and torn ligaments.

Slip and Fall Accidents

• Hip Fractures: Prevalent in older adults.
• Wrist Fractures: From trying to break the fall with hands.
• Ankle Sprains: Common from twisting upon impact.
• Head Injuries: Resulting from hitting the ground or other objects.
• Back Injuries: From the impact of the fall.

How Much is My Personal Injury Claim Worth?

No two personal injury cases are exactly alike, so each one needs careful examination to determine a fair settlement. However, some types of injuries are more common, which can give us a general idea of what compensation might look like in typical situations. The settlement amount could vary widely, from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to millions for severe ones. No matter what kind of injury you have, how it happened, or how severe it is, talking to a qualified personal injury lawyer in San Bernardino is essential. They can help you get the compensation you deserve.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Obtain?

In accident injury cases, you can obtain compensation for two primary damages types: economic and non-economic:

Economic Damages

Economic damages encompass the financial and tangible costs associated with your injuries, such as:

• Medical expenses (both past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more complicated to measure and pertain to the emotional impact of your accident, including:

• Chronic pain
• Disability and impairment
• Depression, anxiety, and PTSD
• Loss of quality of life
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Pain and suffering

The 8 Steps of a Personal Injury Claim

While every situation is unique, general steps are common to most accident injury claims in California. The details and injuries will vary, but the legal principles remain the same. We’ve outlined the basic steps here, but it’s important to consult a lawyer to discuss your particular case.

Step 1 – Verify You Can Sue

An attorney isn’t mandatory to file a claim, but many victims choose to have one from the start. A qualified lawyer can guide you through the entire process, including the very first step: confirming your legal right to sue. Keep in mind that you can’t sue just anyone. The law has specific reasons for filing a personal injury claim. Those reasons were specified in the section “Do I Have a Personal Injury Case? How Can I Know?”.

Step 2 – Determine the Filing Location

When you file a lawsuit, you submit documents to a specific court. The key here is figuring out the right court, also known as the “venue.” The lawsuit is usually filed in the county where the injury happened, where you live, or where the other party lives.

Sometimes, multiple locations qualify. This is where a lawyer can be extremely helpful. Filing in the wrong court could lead to your case being thrown out. An injury lawyer can advise you on the exact location to file.

Step 3 – Send a Demand Letter

Demand letters are typically sent before a lawsuit is filed. In injury cases, these letters request specific compensation from the other party. The other party (or their insurance company) isn’t obligated to respond, but sometimes they might send the money or start negotiations. You won’t need to file a lawsuit if you receive the requested amount and the claim process ends.

Step 4 – Construct Your Complaint

You might need to prepare an official complaint to file with the court if there’s no negotiation or payment. This complaint will include documentation of your injuries, the accident, and a strong legal argument for why the other party should compensate you. Filing the claim opens the door for either a trial or settlement discussion. The other party must respond to your complaint once it’s filed in court.

Step 5 – Don’t Miss the Deadline

A critical step is filing your claim before the statute of limitations expires. In California, this deadline is typically two years from the date of your injury. If you miss the deadline, you might lose your chance to get compensation.

Step 6 – Evidence Examination

The pre-trial discovery phase begins after the defendant’s attorney responds to your complaint. During this phase, both sides’ lawyers exchange and review evidence to build their cases.

Step 7 – Negotiation for Settlement

Once the defendant’s lawyer examines the evidence supporting your claim, they might be more willing to engage in fair settlement negotiations. This is where many cases reach settlement agreements.

Step 8 – Going to Trial

If you and the other party can’t agree on a settlement, the next step might be going to court for a trial. During the trial, both sides will present evidence and arguments over some time. A jury or judge will then decide the outcome and any compensation you might be awarded.

How Long Does a Personal Injury Settlement Take?

The time it takes to resolve a personal injury case with a settlement can differ depending on several things. It could take anywhere between a few months and several years in California. The complexity of the case, how severe your injuries are, and how willing everyone involved is to cooperate all play a big role in the timeframe.

Here’s a breakdown of a typical case timeline and how long each stage might take:

The First Half of the Year

The first six months are usually spent on you getting better from your injuries and your lawyer starting their investigation. They’ll collect evidence to determine who’s responsible and prove it was their fault. The investigation time often depends on how complex your case is and if more than one party is involved. 

Once you recover or reach a point where your medical treatment can’t improve more (MMI), your lawyer will carefully write and send a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company to start negotiating a settlement.

Months Six to Twelve

If you can’t agree with the insurance company, the next step is to file a lawsuit. In San Bernardino, you typically have two years from the accident date to sue, following the state’s statute of limitations law. Sometimes, just filing the lawsuit convinces the insurer to settle.

Months Twelve to Eighteen

This is when the discovery phase of your lawsuit starts, and it often takes a long time. Both sides will typically exchange written questions (interrogatories), take sworn statements (depositions), hire expert witnesses for trial, and the defense will likely request you to have an independent medical exam.

Months Eighteen to Twenty-Four and Beyond

The remaining time will involve further negotiations, possibly mediation, and a trial if no agreement is reached. A case can still be settled at any point throughout this process. Once your trial begins, it can take a few days to several months to complete. If you win compensation, it will usually be given to your attorney within 30 days of successful mediation or a favorable verdict.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

In San Bernardino, California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the injury. This time frame applies to most personal injury cases, including car accidents, slips and falls, and other incidents where someone else’s negligence causes harm.

Here are a few key points to consider:

• Discovery Rule: If the injury was not discovered immediately, the statute of limitations might start from when the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
• Government Claims: If the injury was caused by a government entity, you must file a claim with the appropriate government agency within six months of the incident. If the claim is denied, you have six months from the date of the denial to file a lawsuit.
• Minors: If the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations is typically extended. The two-year period usually starts when the minor turns 18.

What Should I Do After Suffering an Accident?

In the confusing and stressful time following a personal injury accident, it’s important to stay calm and follow specific steps to make a successful compensation claim eventually:

• Get Help Immediately: Call 911 to report the accident and request medical attention. First responders will arrive to treat you and take you to the hospital if needed. A police officer will also document the accident, including what happened, who they believe is responsible, and statements from everyone involved and any witnesses. This report can be crucial in determining faults later on.
• Gather Evidence: If you can stay at the scene, take photos and videos of everything you can. Try to find any witnesses and get their names and contact information. See if they’d be willing to make a quick statement about what they saw on your phone. Along with the police report, witness accounts can hold much weight with insurance companies when deciding who’s to blame.
• See a Doctor: Get medical attention as soon as possible, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some severe injuries might not show symptoms right away, and getting checked out is best for your health. It will also create a medical record linking your injuries to the accident. If you wait to see a doctor, the insurance company might argue that your injuries aren’t from the accident or aren’t as serious as you claim.
• Hire an Attorney: An experienced personal injury lawyer in San Bernardino can help you with everything from collecting evidence to prove your case to negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company and even representing you in court if needed.

Useful Links if You Have an Accident in the City of San Bernardino

• DMV
• San Bernardino Police Department
• San Bernardino Fire-Rescue Department
• Los Angeles County Sheriff
• Hospitals in the City of San Bernardino
• Triple A San Bernardino

How Much Does Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in San Bernardino Cost

Contingency fees are a popular payment structure for personal injury lawyers in California. This means you only pay the lawyer if they successfully win your case through a settlement with the other party’s insurance company or a court verdict in your favor. The lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the compensation you receive. This percentage can vary depending on your case’s specific details and complexity.

There are some advantages to contingency fees. First, you don’t have to pay upfront to hire a lawyer. This makes legal representation more accessible, especially for those financially struggling due to their injury and associated costs. Second, with a contingency fee arrangement, the lawyer’s interests are aligned with yours. They only get paid if you win, so they are highly motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Find the Right Personal Injury Lawyer in San Bernardino

If you decide to hire a personal injury lawyer in San Bernardino, congratulations! You just took the first step into obtaining the maximum compensation for the damages you suffered in your accident. Now, the next step is to call (866) 721-5808 and have a free consultation with a professional at My Lawyer Mark. We have experience, understand the law, and know how to win.