When starting your day, in most cases, the last thing on your mind is being in a car accident. Unfortunately, car accidents are a very common occurrence, and the probability of getting into a car crash is high, especially if you reside in San Bernadino, California. This is an unpleasant reality that we have to come to terms with.
If you or someone dear to you were unluckily involved in a serious auto accident, you need to get in touch with an experienced San Bernardino car accident lawyer at Crockett Law Group as soon as possible. A car accident can leave you suffering debilitating injuries that can have a profound effect on your quality of life, your financial future as well as other aspects of your life. While monetary gain can’t restore your normal life, financial compensation can help ease your burden and help you get back your life faster.
At Crockett Law Group, we believe that you deserve full and maximum compensation for your injuries and damages and we can help you get just that. We have a team of committed car accident lawyers who are prepared to fight for your rights to the very end. With a proven track record and millions of dollars won for car accident victims, we are ranked as one of the most reliable personal injury firms in California. Get in touch with today at (800) 900-9393 to schedule your free consultation.
Car Accident Statistics
In 2019, a total of 16,123 people were either killed or injured in traffic accidents in San Bernardino County. In the city of San Bernardino, there was a total of 30 fatal accidents – a decrease of about 16% from the pervious year. A total of 65 people were involved in these accidents, and of these, 35 people unfortunately lost their lives.
It is reported that 6 of the fatal accidents involved drunk drivers. That same year, 16 pedestrians lost their lives as a result of traffic accidents. Pedestrians and cyclists comprised 55% of all traffic accident victims.
On a broader scale, California saw a total of 3,606 traffic fatalities in 2019- a decrease of 5.1% from 2018. While this is notable reduction, these numbers are still high. Fatal crashes involving drunk drivers were 1,066.
How Much Does a San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
If the cost of hiring a professional car accident attorney is a concern for you, worry not. Our experienced attorneys at Crockett Law Group offer their services on a contingency basis. Under this kind of arrangement, you only pay if and when your attorney secures a favorable settlement or jury verdict for you. This way, we ensure that those who really need our services get the assistance that they need.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
While no one ever anticipates ever getting into an accident, it is important to know what to do if you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation. This is very important particularly when it comes safeguarding your right to compensation.
Contact Police
Regardless of whether the accident seems minor or serious, it is always crucial that you report an accident to the police, particularly if it resulted in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 in value. Keep in mind that some insurance companies will require an official police report to accept your claim.
Check on Other Involved Parties
After a collision, it is your legal duty to stop at the scene of the accident and identify yourself. Whatever you do, Do not try to flee the scene of the accident as you can face some hefty charges and penalties regardless of whether or not you are at fault for tthe accident. Once you’ve stopped, check on the others involved in the accident and render assistance as needed.
Exchange Info
Next, you need you to provide your driver’s and insurance information to the other party or any on-scene police officers. This includes information such as your name, current address, vehicle registration number, and insurance information. The other driver also needs to do the same. Don’t leave without this information.
Record the Scene
Ensure that you take as many photos and videos of these scene of the accident as possible. This will be very useful in proving fault, and documenting your injuries as well as any property damage suffered. Also, consider noting down any important details that you think might be useful in proving your claim.
Never Admit Fault
After an accident, you might understandably be feeling confused, guilty and at fault for the accident. While it is important to remain polite to the other parties involved, you shouldn’t admit fault. Remember, fault is only determined after a thorough investigation and admitting fault will jeopardize your chances oof seeking compensation.
Seek Medical Attention
The first thing you need to do after leaving the scene of the accident is to seek immediate medical attention. Obviously, if you suffer severe or life threatening injuries, this should be the first step. By seeking immediate treatment, you will help speed up your recovery and also ensure that your injuries are well documented by a medical professional.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer!
If you plan on filing a personal injury claim, which you should, you need to get an attorney involved as soon as possible. A car accident attorney at Crockett Law Firm will guide you on the process and ensure that your rights are fully protected. Our experienced San Bernardino car accident attorneys will provide you with the best chances for full and maximum compensation.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident?
This is one of the most common questions that we get from car accident victims. Unfortunately, the answer to this isn’t as straightforward as you might think as no two accident cases are the same. How much you can expect to receive will depend on a number of factors including your extent of injuries and level of damages.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
Having an experienced car accident attorney on your side will be invaluable to your case. Here are some of the ways your attorney can help you:
Case Preparation / Filing a Lawsuit
In order to prove your case and ensure maximum compensation, you need to ensure that you have strong and adequate evidence to support your claims. An attorney knows what is needed to build a solid case for you. They will conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation into your case and collect all the necessary evidence to prove fault and level of damages.
Your attorney will also file all the required paperwork on time while ensuring that all legal procedures are adhered to. Keep in mind that any mistakes during this process can lead to you permanently losing your right to compensation.
Settlement Negotiation
Insurance companies are notorious for exploiting all tactics under the sun in an attempt to minimize the amount of compensation that they have to pay out. The insurance company will try to pressure you into accepting lowball settlement offer or try to devalue your claim.
Luckily car accident attorneys know all to well how insurance companies operate and they also know how much your claim is worth. They will put their superior negotiation skills to task and fight hard to ensure that they don’t take advantage of you.
Trial Preparation & Representation
If the insurance company or defendant isn’t willing to put forward a favorable settlement offer, our attorneys will prepare your case for trial. We will review your case and ensure that you have all the necessary evidence and information to present a strong argument before the court.
As you will also serve as the plaintiff and witness in the case, your attorney will mentor and guide you on what to say before the court. Our attorneys have experience handling trial cases and they understand local court procedures. They also understand what the judges like and don’t like, which can give you an advantage.
What Type of Damages Can I Recover?
There are different types of damages available in California car accident claims depending on the unique circumstances of your case:
Economic Damages
These are damages meant to compensate accident victims for monetary losses incurred as a result of the accident, including lost wages, past and future medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, etc.
Non-Economic Damages
These are designed to compensate the victim for non-financial losses such as loss of companionship, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, etc.
Punitive Damages
These types of damages aren’t always awarded in car accident claims. They have been put in place to punish the defendant for reckless, intentional, grossly negligent or malicious behavior. Generally, California doesn’t put a limit cap on punitive damages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
The state of California gives you up to two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If you fail to do this within this period, you will completely lose your right to legally pursue compensation. Also, keep in mind that you also have up to 30 days from the date of the accident to notify the insurance company.
What Can I Do If Insurance Denied My Claim?
In the event that your car accident claim is denied by the insurance company, it doesn’t mean the end of the road for you. There are a number of options available and measures you can take to remedy your situation.
You can appeal the denial by submitting an appeal to the insurance company’s appeals department. These departments are responsible for reviewing claims and requesting for an appeal.
Another option is arbitration. In this method, you and the insurance company undergo a private trial before an arbitrator who reviews the case and makes a final and binding decision.
If the above methods fail, you can file a lawsuit against the insurance company with the help of a car accident attorney.
Contact an Experienced San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyer Today!
Getting into a car accident can not only be extremely frightening, but it can also have untold and long-term consequences on you and your family. However, you shouldn’t have to bear the consequences of someone else’s negligent actions on your own.
While there is little you can do to reverse your predicament getting the financial compensation that you need and deserve can help make your life much easier. At Crockett Law Group, out San Bernardino car accident lawyers are committed to helping victims like you get the justice and financial compensation that you deserve. Contact us at (800) 900-9393 today for a free case review!
