San Bernardino Head-On Collision Lawyer

Recovery from a head-on collision in San Bernardino, California involves more than healing from physical injuries. You need an experienced San Bernardino head-on collision lawyer who understands California auto accident law, knows how San Bernardino courts handle these cases, and has the resources to investigate the facts.

Insurance companies will move quickly to protect their interests, often contacting you within hours of the crash while you’re still processing the trauma.

At Krasney Law Accident Attorneys, we’ve spent decades helping San Bernardino residents navigate the complex legal process following head-on collisions.

Our head-on collision attorneys in San Bernardino work directly with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and investigators to build cases that reflect the true extent of your losses.

We handle negotiations with insurance companies and, when necessary, take your case to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Why Wrong-Way Crashes Demand a Specialist

Wrong-way accidents are among the most devastating collisions on California roads. These crashes typically occur at highway speeds with vehicles traveling toward each other, creating massive impact forces that result in catastrophic injuries or death.

These cases require San Bernardino wrong-way accident lawyers who understand the unique complexities involved.

This includes investigating potential driver intoxication, working with accident reconstruction experts, and determining if poor road design contributed to the crash.

At Krasney Law Accident Attorneys, we have decades of experience handling complex head-on collision cases throughout San Bernardino County.

• Higher Medical Costs: Severe injuries often require lifelong medical care, with costs frequently exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars
• Multiple Liable Parties: Fault may extend beyond the driver to include bars, employers, or government entities like Caltrans
• Time-Sensitive Evidence: Critical evidence like surveillance footage and toxicology reports must be secured quickly before it disappears

Contact us today for a free wrong-way accident consultation with our experienced San Bernardino wrong-way accident attorneys.

What Causes Wrong-Way Crashes in San Bernardino?

Most wrong-way accidents stem from driver impairment or confusion. Alcohol and drug impairment can contribute to wrong-way crashes, and nighttime conditions with reduced visibility can increase the risk.

San Bernardino’s complex freeway system can also contribute to driver error. Confusing interchanges and poorly marked ramps can lead disoriented drivers into oncoming traffic, especially at locations where multiple highways intersect.

Common causes include:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Elderly or confused drivers, particularly at night
• Missing or faded “Wrong Way” signs on I-215, I-10, and Route 210 ramps
• Poorly lit ramps at University Parkway and Tippecanoe Avenue exits
• Severe driver distraction from cell phones or GPS devices

Who Is Liable in a Wrong-Way Accident in California?

The wrong-way driver bears primary responsibility for these crashes under California law. However, other parties may share liability depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident.

California’s dram shop laws allow you to hold bars and restaurants responsible if they over-served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then caused a crash. Government entities can also face liability if inadequate signage or dangerous road design contributed to the accident.

What Should You Do After a Wrong-Way Crash?

The aftermath of a head-on collision is chaotic and frightening. Taking proper steps immediately can protect your health and preserve your legal rights to compensation.

Get Medical Care and Document Injuries

Seek immediate medical attention even if you feel uninjured. Some serious injuries like internal bleeding or brain trauma may not show symptoms initially. Medical records from the scene create crucial documentation of your injuries.

Call 911 and Obtain a Police Report Number

Contact the California Highway Patrol or local police immediately. Make sure you get the police report number before leaving the scene, as this document will be essential evidence for your claim.

Preserve Evidence and Witness Information

If safely possible, photograph the accident scene including vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, and any relevant road signs. Collect names and contact information from witnesses who saw the crash occur.

Avoid Insurance Company Recorded Statements

Insurance adjusters will contact you requesting recorded statements about the accident. You are not required to provide these statements, and they can be used against you later. Direct them to contact your attorney instead.

Contact a Wrong-Way Accident Lawyer Immediately

Time is critical in these cases due to strict legal deadlines and disappearing evidence. Government claims must be filed within six months, making immediate legal representation essential.

For a free case review, contact Krasney Law Accident Attorneys.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Head-On Crash

Wrong-way accidents often result in life-changing injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. California law allows you to recover both economic and non-economic damages for your losses.

Economic damages cover your measurable financial losses, while non-economic damages compensate you for pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life. We work with medical and economic experts to calculate the full value of your claim.

Available compensation includes:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical care
• Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery and reduced future earning capacity
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished life enjoyment
• Punitive Damages: Additional compensation when the driver was severely reckless or intoxicated
• Wrongful Death: Funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship if a family member died

Can You Recover If You Swerved to Avoid the Wrong-Way Driver?

You can still recover compensation even if you did not directly collide with the wrong-way vehicle. California’s emergency doctrine protects drivers who take reasonable evasive action to avoid sudden dangers.

If you hit a barrier, guardrail, or another vehicle while trying to avoid a head-on collision, the wrong-way driver remains liable for your injuries and damages. The law recognizes that your actions were a natural response to the emergency situation they created.

What If the Wrong-Way Driver Is Uninsured or Deceased?

You still have options for recovery when the at-fault driver cannot pay for your damages. Your own auto insurance policy likely includes uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage that applies in these situations.

If the wrong-way driver died in the crash, you can pursue a claim against their estate. We can also investigate other potentially liable parties like bars that over-served the driver or government entities responsible for road maintenance.

Recovery options include:

• Your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
• Medical payments (MedPay) coverage for immediate medical bills
• Claims against the deceased driver’s estate
• Third-party liability claims against bars, employers, or government entities

Can Caltrans or a City Be Liable for Poor Signage or Ramp Design?

Government entities can be held responsible when dangerous road conditions contribute to wrong-way accidents. This includes poorly designed freeway ramps, inadequate lighting, or missing warning signs that could prevent drivers from entering the wrong way.

Caltrans District 8 maintains state highways throughout San Bernardino County. If defective ramp design or insufficient signage contributed to your accident, we can file a claim against the responsible government agency. These claims require strict adherence to special procedures and short deadlines.

Critical Deadlines for Wrong-Way and Government Claims

California imposes strict time limits for filing personal injury claims. Government claims have much shorter deadlines than standard personal injury cases, making immediate legal action essential.

Missing the six-month government claim deadline will likely prevent you from recovering any compensation from that entity, even if they were clearly at fault. We ensure all critical deadlines are met to preserve your right to compensation.

• Six Months: File government tort claim with city or Caltrans
• Two Years: File personal injury lawsuit against private parties
• 45 Days: Government response time to your claim
• Six Months After Denial: File lawsuit if government denies your claim

Don’t risk losing your right to compensation. Contact us to protect your claim.

Common Injuries in Head-On and Wrong-Way Collisions

The violent nature of head-on impacts at highway speeds creates severe trauma to vehicle occupants. These crashes often result in multiple injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation.

Brain injuries are particularly common due to the sudden deceleration forces involved. Spinal cord damage can result in partial or complete paralysis, dramatically altering your life and requiring lifelong medical care.

Typical injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury and concussions
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Multiple bone fractures and crush injuries
• Internal organ damage and bleeding
• Severe burns from vehicle fires
• Fatal injuries requiring wrongful death claims

Where Wrong-Way Crashes Occur in San Bernardino?

Certain locations throughout San Bernardino County see higher rates of wrong-way accidents due to confusing interchanges or poor visibility. These dangerous areas require extra caution, particularly during nighttime hours.

Highway interchanges where multiple freeways converge create the greatest risk for confused or impaired drivers. Mountain highway exits also pose dangers due to steep grades and sharp curves that can disorient drivers.

High-risk locations include:

• I-215 between I-10 and Route 210 interchange
• I-10 at Tippecanoe Avenue exit
• Route 210 at University Parkway
• Highway 18 mountain exits and curves

Why Choose Krasney Law Accident Attorneys for Your Wrong-Way Case?

After a devastating accident, you need a law firm that provides personal attention and aggressive advocacy. At Krasney Law Accident Attorneys, we maintain direct relationships with every client rather than passing cases to paralegals or junior attorneys.

Our firm has served San Bernardino County residents since 1987, building a reputation for compassionate client care and successful results. We understand the unique challenges wrong-way accident victims face and fight tirelessly to secure maximum compensation.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. There are no upfront costs or hidden fees, allowing you to focus on recovery while we handle the legal complexities.

What Your Wrong-Way Case Costs and Timeline

We handle all wrong-way accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation through settlement or trial verdict.

Many cases resolve relatively quickly, but complex matters involving multiple parties or severe injuries can take significantly longer. We keep you informed throughout the process and never settle for less than your case is worth.

Wrong-Way Accident Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Recover Compensation If I Hit a Barrier While Avoiding the Wrong-Way Driver?

Yes, California’s emergency doctrine protects drivers who take reasonable evasive action to avoid sudden dangers. You can recover full compensation even if you hit a barrier, guardrail, or another vehicle while trying to avoid a head-on collision.

How Does a DUI Conviction Affect My Civil Case Against the Wrong-Way Driver?

A DUI conviction provides strong evidence of negligence and may support punitive damages in your civil case. However, you can still win your injury claim even if the driver is never criminally convicted, as civil cases have a lower burden of proof.

What Is the Deadline for Filing Claims Against Government Entities Like Caltrans?

You must file a formal government tort claim within six months of your accident date. Missing this strict deadline will almost certainly prevent you from recovering any compensation from the government entity, regardless of their fault.

What Evidence Is Most Critical in Wrong-Way Accident Cases?

Surveillance footage showing the driver entering the wrong way, toxicology reports proving impairment, and photographs of inadequate signage or confusing ramp designs are crucial pieces of evidence that must be preserved quickly.

Will Filing a Claim Under My Uninsured Motorist Coverage Increase My Insurance Rates?

No, California law prohibits insurance companies from raising your premiums for using uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage when you were not at fault for the accident.

Free Consultation with Our San Bernardino Wrong-Way Accident Lawyers

You don’t have to navigate the aftermath of a catastrophic accident alone. The experienced attorneys at Krasney Law Accident Attorneys provide the compassionate guidance and aggressive representation you need during this difficult time.

From our San Bernardino office, we are ready to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options.

Contact us now for your free wrong-way accident case review. We are available around the clock to help you protect your rights and secure your financial future.