Every driver deserves to be treated with respect and dignity while on the road. That standard requires other drivers to handle their vehicles with caution, maintain appropriate stopping distances, and keep at least the minimum amount of focus on the road and their surroundings.
Unfortunately, not every driver provides this level of care to their fellow travelers. When they fail to do so, car wrecks—and tragic injuries—often result.
When you have been injured in such a car wreck, you should not have to pay for the resulting losses out of your own pocket. The person who struck you should have to compensate you for their carelessness. A San Bernardino car accident lawyer from Levin & Nalbandyan, LLP may be able to help you hold the other driver responsible for their actions and receive the compensation you deserve. Our aggressive personal injury attorneys are committed to your cause.
Types of Car Accidents
In the crowded streets of San Bernardino, car crashes can occur in many ways, with the most common scenarios being:
Head-on and rear-end crashes
Side impact, or T-bone collisions
Vehicle rollovers
Hit and run accidents
Drunk driving accidents
Texting and driving accidents
Rideshare accidents, such as those involving an Uber, Lyft, or taxi service
Accidents involving a commercial vehicle, such as a semi-truck,18-wheeler, tractor trailer
Distracted driving accidents
Every wreck is unique and may require different evidence to adequately show the other driver is legally and financially responsible for the crash. Our experienced car accident attorney in San Bernardino could help determine responsibility for a specific crash by deposing witnesses, investigating the scene of the wreck, and working with accident reconstructionists as needed.
Multiple Drivers at Fault
In some situations, however, responsibility for a crash may be more difficult to determine or may not be clear cut. Multiple drivers may ultimately be considered at fault for the wreck, including the driver who was injured.
Even if the plaintiff is partially at fault, it will not prevent them from recovering anything. In a legal case known as Li v. Yellow Cab Co., 13 Cal.3d 804 (1975), the Supreme Court of California decided that injured drivers should be able to recover for their injuries regardless of the role they may have played in contributing to the accident themselves. Unlike many other states, the Supreme Court determined that this should be the result even if the injured driver is more than 50 percent at fault than the other driver, although the injured driver’s ultimate recovery will be reduced in proportion to the percentage of fault assigned to them.
This means that even if an injured driver was 99 percent responsible for causing the car crash that hurt them, they can still receive compensation for one percent of their declared damages. Our San Bernardino motor vehicle crash lawyer could help an injured person understand how this rule will impact the total potential recovery and plan the lawsuit accordingly.
Call a Car Wreck Attorney in San Bernardino Today
We do not believe it is fair for you to pay the financial costs of someone else’s actions, in addition to dealing with the physical and psychological injuries. When another driver is careless and injures you, they should compensate you for the losses they caused—regardless of whether you contributed to the wreck. You do not need to deal with the legal system on your own; an experienced San Bernardino car accident lawyer from our respected law firm could fight for your rights and help you protect what you are entitled to.
While there is no standard set of harm common to all car accidents, certain types of injuries are more likely to occur than others. After a car accident, the most important thing you can do is seek medical attention. Failure to get treatment may directly impact your health.
Types of injuries that often occur because of a car accident:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Back and neck pain
Whiplash
Broken bones
Burns and lacerations
Spinal cord damage
Paralysis
Disfigurement
Internal bleeding
In some cases, the extent of your injuries may not be apparent. An unexpected collision can leave your body in shock. You should always get treatment immediately after a car accident, even if you are unsure whether you were seriously injured. If you are not taken in the ambulance to a hospital, consult with a doctor as soon as possible after the wreck.
As we previously noted, it is not your responsibility to determine fault after an accident. It is also important to remember that even if you were partially to blame for the crash, you might still be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Potentially liable parties in car accident claims:
A negligent driver
An employer of a negligent driver
A vehicle manufacturer
An auto part manufacturer
A government entity
The insurance company of an at-fault driver may try to place all of the fault on you after an accident. They often use deceptive tactics to try to downplay injuries and deny claims. You should never sign something from an insurance company without having it reviewed by a San Bernardino car accident attorney.
Furthermore, you should not make any statements admitting fault. A statement indicating that you were to blame for the accident can directly affect your right to compensation.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Your losses or damages will determine the value of your case.
In California, you may be able to receive compensation for your:
Medical bills
Lost wages
Future wage losses
Physical pain and suffering
Disfigurement
Disability
Future medical care and treatment
Vehicle repairs
There are several things that you can do to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation allowed in your case.
First, you need to consult with an attorney. Individuals injured in auto accidents generally receive larger settlements and verdicts when they are represented by an attorney. Second, you need to obtain medical treatment. A gap in treatment may impact your right to recovery.
If you are injured in a San Bernardino car accident, the first thing you need to do is check for injuries. Check yourself and others to see if anyone is hurt. If you can drive and your car is not disabled, move your vehicle to safety.
After a car accident, you should:
Call 911
Report injuries or fatalities to the dispatcher
Obtain witness information
Take pictures or videos at the scene
Get the officer’s name and badge number
Ask about whether a crash report will be filed
Seek medical treatment
Contact our firm to speak with a lawyer
In California, you only have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim for damages. It is imperative to act quickly and contact our office immediately. Failure to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations may result in your claim being denied.
One of the most important decisions you will make after a car accident is retaining an attorney, but it can be challenging to know which one is right. You need a lawyer that will offer an honest case assessment so that you can decide how to move forward with your case.
The car accident lawyer you hire should have:
Extensive experience
Proven case results
Verifiable client reviews
Free initial case evaluations
Recognition from legal organizations
Notable accomplishments in the industry
When you have mounting medical bills and are unable to work, you need an attorney you can trust. At Levin & Nalbandyan, LLP, we are trial lawyers who have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. We fight to get injured parties the compensation they need and deserve after an auto accident.
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