San Bernardino Car Accident Attorneys
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Despite adherence to safe driving practices, unpredictable road conditions, the risk of encountering negligent drivers, and various other external factors make car accidents a significant risk in San Bernardino. Each year in California, more than 30,000 car accidents occur, ranging from minor bumps to catastrophic collisions. These incidents often result in both minor and severe injuries as well as considerable property damage. If you are injured due to another driverโs negligence in San Bernardino, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Mesriani Law Group, we have dedicated over 20 years to providing exceptional legal services in San Bernardino. Our team specializes in car accident cases, and we will advocate vigorously for your rights while guiding you through the complexities of the legal process. We offer comprehensive support to clients suffering from a range of injuries due to auto accidents, ensuring you receive the necessary medical care to fully recover.
Award-Winning Car Accident Lawyers
Contact Us Today at (866) 500-7070 or Message Us Online to Schedule a Free Consultation
The Importance of Legal Representation After a Car Accident
A car accident can be an overwhelmingly distressing experience. No matter the specifics of the crash, it is crucial to protect your health and your rights to compensation. With a skilled car accident lawyer from Mesriani Law Group by your side, you receive full support through:
- Thorough Accident Investigation: We collect all relevant evidence, including photographs, CCTV footage, witness accounts, and accident reports.
- Medical Record Review: Collaborating with medical experts, we assess the full extent of your injuries to ensure your claims reflect the true impact on your life.
- Financial Loss Assessment: We calculate the total of your financial losses, including lost wages, medical bills, and future medical needs, to accurately define your financial damages.
- Insurance Claim Management: We handle all negotiations and communications with insurance companies to advocate for a fair and timely settlement.
- Legal Action: Should negotiations stall, we are prepared to take your case to court to fight for the settlement you deserve.
Why Choose Mesriani Law Group?
Contingency Fee Basis
At Mesriani Law Group, we operate on a contingency fee basis to assure our clients that they owe us nothing unless we win their case. This 'No Win, No Fee' commitment underscores our confidence in our legal expertise and our ability to get you the compensation you deserve.
Established Reputation
Since our establishment in 1996, Mesriani Law Group has built a reputation as one of California's most reliable and successful law firms. Our track record includes recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients.
Skilled Car Accident Lawyers
Led by Rodney Mesriani, our team comprises highly skilled and experienced car accident attorneys who have spent over two decades championing the rights of car accident victims with unmatched commitment and expertise.
Client Satisfaction
Our client-centric approach has earned Mesriani Law Group top ratings across various platforms, including Yelp, Avvo, and Google. We pride ourselves on representing clients from diverse backgrounds, ensures everyone receives the highest quality legal representation regardless of their status or claim size.
Language Diversity
Our professional understands the importance of clear communication which is why our team can converse in multiple languages including Farsi and Spanish. This ensures seamless interaction and superior customer service if English isnโt your primary language.
24/7 Availability
Mesriani Law Group is dedicated to being accessible at all times. Our attorneys are available 24/7 for consultations, and we accommodate meetings at locations that are convenient for our clients if they are unable to make it into the office.
How a San Bernardino Car Accident Attorney Can Assist You
Car accidents in San Bernardino can be sudden and disruptive, and often result in property damage and personal injuries. The complexity of filing a police report and seeking compensation can be overwhelming, especially when youโre dealing with the stress of recovery. A skilled San Bernardino car accident attorney from Mesriani Law Group can significantly enhance your chances of securing the compensation you rightly deserve. Our experienced attorneys handle all aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on healing and family.
Steps We Take in Handling Your Car Accident Case:
Step 1: Case Evaluation:
We establish there was negligence committed by the other party involved and connect that negligence directly to your injuries and damages.
Step 2: Evidence Collection:
Gathering comprehensive evidence is crucial, including photos, videos, and witness statements from the accident scene.
Step 3: Establishing Liability:
Regardless of whether the accident involves multiple parties or there are questions of shared liability, our attorneys adeptly handle complex scenarios and demonstrate where the fault lies based on evidence of negligence or reckless behavior.
Step 4: Proving Damages:
We categorize and quantify all related damages from medical expenses and lost wages to non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Step 5: Negotiating Settlements: We advocate for you in settlement negotiations and ensure no unfair tactics are used against you to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Common Types of Car Accidents in San Bernardino
San Bernardino’ busy streets witness a variety of car accidents. Some of the most common scenarios include:
- Hit and Run Accidents: It’s illegal under California Vehicle Code 20002 to leave the scene of an accident without providing contact information. Penalties can range from six months in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000 if only property damage occurs. If injuries are involved, the offense escalates to a felony with more severe penalties. Convictions require proof that the driver was involved in the accident, knew they were involved, and failed to stop or provide information.
- Rear-End Collisions: Making up nearly 30% of all traffic accidents annually according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions often occur when a driver is tailgating, distracted, speeding, or driving in hazardous conditions. The driver who hits the vehicle in front is typically at fault.
- T-Bone Accidents: Also known as side-impact collisions, these occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a ‘T’ shape at the point of impact. These accidents can lead to a range of injuries including head, neck, back, pelvic, and chest injuries.
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Common Causes of Car Accidents in San Bernardino
Several factors contribute to the high incidence of car accidents in San Bernardino:
- Reckless Driving: Includes speeding and ignoring traffic laws.
- Mobile Device Usage: Texting or calling while driving diverts attention from the road.
- Distracted Driving: Other distractions such as eating, drinking, or interacting with passengers.
- Driver Fatigue: Long driving periods can diminish alertness or lead to falling asleep at the wheel.
- DUI: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and dangerous.
- Rubbernecking: Drivers focusing on external distractions rather than the road.
- Vehicle Malfunctions: Issues with essential car components can cause accidents.
- Poor Road Conditions: Roads that have not been maintained or were poorly constructed can result in accidents where liability is placed upon the city responsible for upkeeping the roads.
- Adverse Weather: Weather conditions like rain, snow, and hail can make travel dangerous by limiting visibility and making roads slick.
- Construction Zones: Poorly marked zones can increase accident risks.
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Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can result in various injuries, ranging from mild to severe. These injuries are typically categorized into:
- Impact Injuries: Occur when part of the body hits the vehicleโs interior during a crash.
- Penetrating Injuries: Result from objects like shattered glass piercing the body.
Regardless of the class of injury, the resulting injuries can vary from insignificant to severe. Common types of injuries include.
- Head Injuries: Including severe concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from hitting the steering wheel, windshield, or windows.
- Chest Injuries: Such as bruised or fractured ribs from impact with the steering wheel or dashboard.
- Injuries to Lower Extremities and Limbs: Such as fractures, dislocations, and crush injuries from the impact within the vehicle.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Including whiplash and other muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Potentially resulting in partial or full paralysis.
- Broken Bones: Ranging from simple fractures that need casting to more severe compound fractures requiring surgical intervention.
- Burns: From fires in the vehicle, leading to minor to severe skin damage and requiring extensive treatment.
- Wrongful Death: In the most tragic scenarios, leading to fatal outcomes.
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Understanding California Car Accident Laws
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident in San Bernardino requires an understanding of California’s specific laws:
- Statute of Limitations: You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim and three years for property damage claims.
- Fault-Based Insurance System: California uses a fault-based system where the party at fault is responsible for the damages. Insurance coverage typically includes:
- Bodily Injury Liability: Minimum coverage is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.
- Property Damage Liability: Minimum coverage is $5,000.
- Liability Laws:
- Comparative Fault: California follows a comparative fault rule, where the compensation is reduced by one’s own percentage of fault.
- Apportionment of Fault: In accidents involving multiple parties, each is assigned a portion of fault, and they are financially responsible for those damages according to their share of fault.
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What to Do After a Car Accident in San Bernardino
Taking the right steps after a car accident is critical for protecting your rights and potential compensation:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by getting medical care, even if injuries seem minor. This is a critical step because even if injuries are minor, documenting injuries with a medical checkup will strengthen your claim and ensure a full recovery.
- Report the Accident: Contact the police to ensure an official report is filed, which is crucial for any legal claims.
- Gather Evidence: Collect as much information as possible, including photos of the scene, contact information for witnesses, and any relevant details about the accident.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Be cautious about discussing the accident details at the scene; even casual remarks can be used against you.
- Consult a Car Accident Attorney: Engage a San Bernardino car accident attorney to help navigate the legal process, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and maximize your claim’s potential.
By understanding these steps and legal nuances, victims can better manage the aftermath of a car accident and enhance their chances of receiving rightful compensation.
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Common Mistakes Made After a Car Accident in San Bernardino
After a car accident in San Bernardino, itโs crucial to avoid certain missteps that could negatively impact your claim. Here are some common mistakes to be aware of:
- Incomplete Disclosure to Your Lawyer: Withholding any details from your lawyer can hinder their ability to represent you effectively.
- Delaying Medical Attention: Failing to seek immediate medical care can not only harm your health but also weaken your claim, as it may suggest your injuries are not serious.
- Ignoring Medical Advice: Disregarding the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor can negatively affect both your recovery and the credibility of your claim.
- Choosing an Inexperienced Lawyer: Opting for a lawyer without specific experience in car accident cases can compromise the quality of your representation.
- Concealing Previous Injuries: Not being transparent about past injuries or legal cases can undermine your current claim.
- Underestimating Injuries: Minimizing the severity of your injuries may result in receiving insufficient compensation.
- Discussing the Case Publicly: Sharing case details with others, especially on social media, can harm the integrity of your claim.
- Direct Negotiations with Insurers: Communicating with the other party’s insurance company without legal guidance can lead to statements that might be used against you which can potentially decrease your compensation.
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Understanding Your Car Accident Police Report
The police report from your car accident serves as a vital piece of evidence in your claim. It typically includes:
- Accident Details: Exact location and time, along with a detailed description of the accident, noting injuries and damages.
- Driver Information: Names, addresses, birthdates, and driverโs license numbers of all involved.
- Vehicle and Insurance Information: Details about each vehicle and insurance coverage, including policy numbers and insurance company names.
To obtain this report in San Bernardino, visit the local California Highway Patrol (CHP) office or request it online by submitting a CHP 190 form. The cost varies based on the report’s length, but acquiring this document is crucial for understanding the accident’s circumstances and fortifying your legal case.
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Proving Negligence & Liability in a San Bernardino Car Accident Claim
Establishing negligence is fundamental in a car accident claim in San Bernardino. The process involves demonstrating four key elements:
- Duty of Care: The plaintiff must establish that the defendant has a legal obligation to act with care on the road.
- Breach of Duty: Evidence must show that the defendant failed to fulfill this duty. This could be through actions like speeding, distracted driving, or other negligent behavior that a reasonable person would avoid because they knew their actions could cause harm.
- Causation: It is crucial to prove that the accident, and consequently the plaintiff’s injuries, were directly caused by the defendant’s breach of duty. This link between the defendantโs actions and the accident must be clearly demonstrated.
- Damages: The plaintiff needs to detail the specific damages incurred due to the accident, which may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. This damage must be quantifiable and directly related to the incident.
Successfully proving these elements can significantly impact the outcome of your claim and help to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for the losses sustained in the accident. Engaging a knowledgeable San Bernardino car accident attorney is crucial in navigating these complex legal requirements and maximizing your recovery.
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Compensation for Car Accident Victims in San Bernardino
In San Bernardino, as in the rest of California, victims of car accidents are entitled to seek compensation for damages and injuries sustained due to the negligence of others. While the specifics of compensation can vary, common categories include:
- Medical Expenses: This encompasses all medical treatments already received and estimates for future medical needs related to the accident.
- Disability Accommodations: If the accident results in temporary or permanent disability, associated costs for necessary accommodations are covered.
- Lost Income: Compensation can be claimed for wages lost due to the accident and potential future income if your ability to work is impacted.
- Vehicle Repair or Replacement: Costs involved in repairing or replacing your vehicle after the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident.
- Wrongful Death: In fatal accident cases, compensation is provided for the survivorsโ loss.
- Life-Altering Damages: If the accident causes severe changes to your quality of life, compensation for these profound impacts is also considered.
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No Win, No Fee Policy
Absolutely No Fee Unless We Win Your Case
At Mesriani Law Group, we understand that the financial burden of legal fees can deter victims from seeking justice. With over two decades of experience in handling car accidents cases across California, we have introduced a โNo Win, No Feeโ guarantee. This means you owe us nothing unless we secure a win for your case. Our commitment is rooted in a deep understanding of the challenges faced by accident victims. Our goal is to ensure that high legal fees do not prevent anyone from obtaining the compensation they deserve.
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Free Consultation with a Mesriani Car Accident Lawyer
Dedicated to serving the community of San Bernardino, Mesriani Law Group offers comprehensive legal assistance to those affected by car accidents. We handle the majority of auto accident cases on a โNo Win, No Feeโ basis to ensure that our services are financially accessible to all. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and understand how we can help you achieve the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact Us Today at (866) 500-7070 or Message Us Online to Schedule a Free Consultation
Car Accident Lawyer FAQs for San Bernardino
Who can file a car accident injury claim in San Bernardino?
Anyone who has sustained injuries due to a car accident in San Bernardino has the right to file an injury claim. This includes not only drivers but also passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists who were affected. If the injured party is a minor or otherwise incapacitated, a guardian or legal representative may file the claim on their behalf.
When should I contact a car accident lawyer in San Bernardino?
It is critical to contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the incident, especially if the accident involved severe injuries, significant property damage, or if there is a dispute regarding fault. Early consultation with a lawyer can be instrumental in guiding you through insurance claims, helping preserve crucial evidence, and ensuring your rights are protected throughout the legal process. Acting swiftly is key to effectively navigating the complexities of your car accident claim.
What types of cases do car accident lawyers in San Bernardino handle?
Car accident lawyers in San Bernardino handle a diverse range of cases that involve motor vehicle accidents. This includes personal injuries, property damage, wrongful death claims, and disputes over liability and insurance issues. They are also well-versed in dealing with complex cases that may involve multiple vehicles, commercial trucks, pedestrians, and scenarios with uninsured or underinsured drivers.
What is considered fair compensation for a car accident in San Bernardino?
Fair compensation in San Bernardino depends on the specific details of each case, such as the severity of injuries, the extent of property damage, and the impact on the victimโs daily life. Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, costs for vehicle repair or replacement, and compensation for pain and suffering. Additionally, punitive damages could be sought in cases where the behavior of the at-fault party was particularly egregious.
Absolutely No Fee Unless We Win Your Case
Mesriani Law Group has over two decades of experience in protecting victims of personal injury accidents as well as employment and labor law violations in California.
Through our wealth of experience, we understand that the main reason why victims of accidents or of unjust treatment by employers are hesitant to file cases or claim damages against the parties at fault, and this is because of the high legal fees.
In order to resolve this matter and help more people get the best compensation they deserve against the people who caused their injuries, pain and suffering and losses, we decided to offer a No Win No Fee guarantee to all our clients. This means that you donโt have to pay us anything for our top legal services, regardless of the complexities of your claims, if we are not able to provide you with the justice you deserve.
We offer this because we are confident that our experience, expertise and dedication will always translate in getting the maximum compensation you deserve at the swiftest possible time. Call our top personal injury attorneys right away for your personal injury accidents or our best employment and labor law attorneys in California for any employee related concerns and weโll assure you of nothing but the best legal service and personalized client care you deserve.
What Our Clients Have To Say
“I cannot emphasize enough the level of their professionalism and effectiveness. It was great working with Rodney and the whole team at the Mesriani Law Group. The compensation they got me was more than I expected. I highly recommend them. With the Mesriani Law Group you’ll be in the right hands when you have an accident. They’ll take care of your case like no one else and get the maximum that you deserve.“
“After contacting many different lawyers and law firms to discuss my legal issue, I was lucky enough to come across Mesriani Law Group. They took the time to listen to all the details of my case patiently & kept me updated through out the process on a regular basis. His team was very responsive and accessible both via email and phone. Rodney Mesriani and his team did a fantastic job. Let me add that Cory, Stephan and Brandon were very helpful along the way.
Highly recommend this law firm.“
“My insurance gave me the run around for a horrible car accident I was involved in. I was getting so frustrated until i contacted Rodney and his team. Not only was his staff super professional, they actually cared and followed up with me. My case has been settled and I couldn’t be happier. Hopefully I don’t get into any more accidents but if I do, I know where to go. Thanks for having my back Rodney!!!“
Award-Winning Car Accident Lawyers
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