San Bernardino’s Top Car Accident Lawyer
Stress Reduction for Victims
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. Our legal team takes the burden off your shoulders, handling all legal complexities and communications, allowing you to focus on what matters most – your recovery.
Focus on Recovery
With our expert car accident attorneys by your side, you can concentrate on healing. We manage all the legal aspects, from filing claims to negotiating with insurance companies, ensuring your peace of mind.
Legal Assistance from Krasney Law Firm
Our experienced car wreck lawyers bring comprehensive knowledge of car accident laws and a commitment to securing the best outcome for you. We navigate the legal system with expertise, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.
What kind of injuries are caused by car accidents?
Even a minor car accident has the potential to inflict severe injuries. The intensity of the crash will determine how serious your injuries will be. For instance, injuries caused by high-speed collisions are usually more painful than those occurring at lower speeds. If you’re feeling dizzy or your head hurts after a car accident, you must immediately see a doctor. Even a sore neck and back require immediate medical attention, as do severe laceration and bone fractures. Some common car accident injuries include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Soft tissue injuries
- Neck and spinal cord injuries including strains, sprains, lumbar spine injuries and disc injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Face injuries including cuts, scrapes, bruises and teeth damage
- Fractured or broken bones
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Internal injuries to organs like the heart, lungs, kidneys, etc.
- Psychological injuries covering emotional stress, post traumatic stress, anxiety and depression
Severity of Injuries
Importance of Immediate Medical Attention
Common Car Accident Injuries
Types of Car Accidents
Single-Vehicle Accidents
Multi-Vehicle Collisions
Rear-End Collisions
T-Bone Accidents
Hit-and-Run Incidents
What are the most common claims in a car accident lawsuit?
Car accidents can cause serious problems for the injured individuals. Besides the physical and mental pain, financial stress is also a major concern for those involved in a car accident. Hiring a San Bernardino car accident lawyer and filing a personal injury lawsuit will help you receive sufficient compensation for the injuries suffered and losses incurred. Here are some of the most common claims you can make in a personal injury lawsuit:
- Medical costs: Medical costs involve all the expenses incurred on physically recovering from the accident. An experienced San Bernardino car accident attorney can help you claim every cent you spent from ambulance and emergency services to follow-up appointments. Expenses incurred on tests like CT scans or X-rays, surgery, medication and specialist visits can all be claimed in a personal injury lawsuit.
- Loss of present and future earnings: If a serious injury prevents you from working and stops your earnings, you can file a ‘loss of income’ in your personal injury lawsuit. You need supporting medical documents and doctor’s assessments to show that the accident has affected your ability to work. If you have sufficient proof to show that your future income will also be affected due to your injury, you can be compensated for that too.
- Damages to property: Another major claim you can file is for damages to your property. Damages to your car or any other tangible property as a result of the accident will also have to be covered by the liable party.
Why do I need a San Bernardino car accident attorney?
Hiring a San Bernardino car accident lawyer will make it significantly easier for you to receive a fair compensation for your troubles. You need to focus on your full physical and mental recovery, while our lawyers work to bring home every cent you deserve. Here are three of the main reasons why you need an experienced San Bernardino car accident attorney:
- Prove liability: To file a claim, you must first prove that somebody else’s negligence is responsible for your injuries. The parties involved in a car accident are likely to shift blame and make it hard to determine who is at fault. Our San Bernardino car accident lawyers will obtain the accident report and reconstruct the accident scene to solidify your claim. They will also interview witnesses and gather all the evidence they need to build a strong case.
- Evaluating your losses: Our attorneys have handled hundreds of car accident cases to understand the true value of losses resulting from them. They will not accept a dollar less than you deserve. To evaluate your losses, our lawyers will analyze your medical bills, treatment costs and loss of present and future income. You will even be compensated for the emotional pain suffered because of the accident.
- Negotiating with the insurer: Insurance companies have a reputation for minimizing their payouts. Their adjusters are skilled at low-balling unsuspecting victims and negotiating unfair settlements. Our San Bernardino car accident attorneys will not only negotiate a fair compensation with the insurer, but will also handle all the paperwork of the claim for you. Our lawyers will look out for your best interests and fight for the compensation you deserve.
When to call a San Bernardino car accident lawyer?
Knowing when to seek legal assistance after a car accident is crucial for protecting your rights and interests.
Immediate Aftermath
Contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following an accident. This immediate action is vital for preserving evidence and ensuring your legal rights are not compromised.
- Situations Requiring Legal Assistance
- Legal expertise becomes essential in several scenarios:
- If you’ve suffered injuries, regardless of their severity.
- When there’s a contest of liability or inaccuracies in the police report.
- If you face challenges like insurer refusal to settle or unfair compensation offers.
- In accidents occurring in protected zones or involving complex legal issues.
Deadline for Filing Lawsuits After a Car Accident
California Code of Civil Procedure
The California Code of Civil Procedure has set clear guidelines for filing timelines in personal injury cases, including those resulting from car accidents.
Two-Year Statute of Limitations
In California, you typically have two years from the date of the car accident to file a lawsuit. This statute of limitations is a strict deadline that, if missed, can significantly impact your ability to seek compensation.
Consequences of Missing the Deadline
Missing this deadline can lead to the forfeiture of your right to file a claim. When you reach out to us promptly, we ensure timely action on your case, safeguarding your right to pursue legal recourse and compensation.
Frequently Asked Car Accident Questions in Colton, California
What is the average settlement for a car accident in California?
The average settlement for a car accident in California varies greatly due to several factors. These include the extent of injuries sustained by the parties involved, the severity of property damage, and the insurance coverage available. Minor accidents with minor injuries may result in settlements ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands.
However, cases involving serious injuries or fatalities can lead to settlements worth millions of dollars. Factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term disabilities significantly influence the final settlement amount. Additionally, the negotiation skills and experience of the attorneys involved can impact the outcome of the settlement.
How much do accident attorneys charge in California?
Accident attorneys in California typically operate on a contingency fee basis. This means they only receive payment if they successfully recover compensation for their clients. The standard contingency fee ranges from 33% to 40% of the final settlement or judgment amount.
However, the exact percentage may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the stage at which it is resolved. Some attorneys may also charge additional fees for expenses incurred during the legal process, such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, and investigative costs. It’s essential to discuss fee arrangements and any potential additional costs with your attorney before hiring them.
What happens if you are at fault in a car accident in California?
If you are at fault in a car accident in California, you may be responsible for covering the damages incurred by the other party/parties involved. This typically includes compensation for property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. California operates under a fault-based system, meaning the party responsible for the accident is liable for the resulting damages. Your insurance coverage will typically handle these expenses up to the limits of your policy. However, if the damages exceed your policy limits, you may be personally responsible for covering the remaining costs.
How is fault determined in a car accident in California?
Fault in a car accident in California is determined based on negligence laws. Negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to others. To establish fault, various factors are considered, including traffic laws, eyewitness testimony, police reports, and expert analysis of the accident scene. Comparative negligence laws in California allow for the apportionment of fault among multiple parties involved in an accident. The percentage of fault assigned to each party determines their liability for damages. For example, if one driver is found 80% at fault and the other driver is found 20% at fault, the first driver would be responsible for 80% of the damages, and the second driver would be responsible for 20%.
What to do if someone sues you for a car accident in California?
If someone sues you for a car accident in California, it’s essential to take immediate action to protect your rights and interests. First, notify your insurance company about the lawsuit and provide them with all relevant details about the accident. Your insurance company will typically provide you with legal representation and handle the defense on your behalf. It’s crucial to cooperate fully with your insurance company and your attorney throughout the legal process. This includes providing documentation, attending court hearings, and participating in settlement negotiations. If you don’t have insurance coverage or if your coverage is insufficient to cover the damages, seek legal advice promptly to understand your options for defense. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and work towards a favorable outcome in the case.
Can I lose my house due to an at-fault car accident in California?
In California, the risk of losing your house due to an at-fault car accident depends on factors like liability and insurance coverage. If damages exceed your coverage limits and you can’t pay, the other party may seek a judgment against you. While your house could be at risk, California law provides some protections, like homestead exemptions. Having sufficient insurance coverage is crucial to mitigate this risk.
Contact the San Bernardino Car Accident Attorneys at Krasney Law for Legal Assistance Today!
San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyer Infographic
