San Bernardino Personal Injury Attorneys
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our San Bernardino Personal Injury Attorneys Are Dedicated To Informing Your Legal Journey
San Bernardino is in the Inland Empire of Southern California and has a population of 222,201. According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2020, San Bernardino was the 18th-largest city in the state. The city contributes significantly to the regional economy of the Inland Empire.
Over the past several decades, San Bernardino has become the largest county in the United States. The rapid growth of the city has likely increased the risk of personal injury accidents occurring here.
Suffering personal injuries caused by an accident can potentially complicate an individual’s life for years. Medical bills, lost wages, and psychological suffering are all possible consequences caused by an accident. If you are seeking a personal injury attorney in the County of San Bernardino, contact our San Bernardino personal injury attorneys. We have helped our clients pursue compensation against negligent parties. You can schedule a free initial consultation at (888) 488-1391 to tell us about your case.
If you or a loved one suffers personal injuries caused by the negligent or reckless actions of another party, speak to a personal injury attorney. California civil law permits an injured party to seek damages caused by the negligent actions of another party. One goal of civil law in general, and negligence in particular, is to potentially help victims recover after suffering injuries during an accident.
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– Arash Khorsandi
Why Work With Our San Bernardino Personal Injury Attorneys
Numerous problems may arise after you suffer injuries during an accident. Accumulating medical bills, surgical treatment, lost wages, and complicated insurance claims could make your recovery more difficult. If you are eligible under the law, you may have the right to pursue monetary compensation for the costs associated with your recovery. Our San Bernardino personal injury attorneys can help with a valid claim by offering:
- Focused Representation — Our San Bernardino personal injury attorneys at Arash Law have years of experience representing clients across California who have suffered injuries after accidents caused by negligence. We have experience in many aspects of personal injury cases. Our team offers legal representation so clients can focus on getting better.
- A Wide Network of Resources — Our personal injury attorneys may work with physicians, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and interview investigators to support a claim. Retaining a personal injury attorney means that they can help identify and, when appropriate, interview individuals who have important information about the accident in which you were injured.
- Estimation of Damages — You may receive settlement offers that don’t reflect the true value of your case. Our lawyers can assess your damages, review settlement offers on your behalf, and help you make informed decisions. We work to help you seek accountability based on your injuries and losses.
- Negotiation and Litigation — Our attorneys represent clients in their dealings with insurance companies to seek compensation for injuries. We are committed to advocating for your rights through negotiation and litigation, if necessary.
The Basics of Personal Injury Law In San Bernardino County, California
The law allows individuals who have suffered injuries due to another’s negligent actions to pursue compensation, regardless of the severity of the injury.
The amount of financial compensation that may be pursued can depend on factors such as lost wages resulting from the accident and any reduction in quality of life caused by the injury. Damages are generally categorized as either economic or non-economic.
Types of Damage Resulting From Personal Injury Accidents
Fatalities
When a family member dies in an accident, the financial consequences could be severe. A family may lose someone who provides financial support and stability to all the family members. Many survivors might have to restructure their lives after suffering such a loss.
Temporary Or Permanent Disabilities
Suffering personal injuries during any type of accident carries the risk of temporary or permanent disability. Serious bodily injuries may cause severe brain damage, spinal cord damage, and amputated limbs. Injured victims may need to teach themselves how to perform basic functions after recovering in the hospital. Some may need to take up an entirely new profession if their injuries prevent them from engaging in the kind of work they performed before the accident.
Psychological Pain, Mental Suffering, And Emotional Trauma
No two people will walk away from a serious accident with the exact same degree of psychological suffering. Every person is unique, and some accident victims experience severe emotional trauma after surviving a life-threatening accident. Many survivors may not know how to express their fear, bewilderment, and confusion after a serious accident.
Additional Stress
Additional stress from these psychological symptoms can potentially complicate a person’s life socially and professionally. For instance, some victims have to undergo surgeries after an accident. Dealing with these medical problems could be considered psychological pain caused by the accident.
Emotional Pain
Any type of physical trauma can potentially lead to emotional symptoms. Experiencing an accident may be distressing, and the resulting emotional effects might not always be immediately apparent. Factors such as stigma or difficulty expressing emotions can sometimes make it challenging for individuals to recognize or address these feelings.
Various areas of the brain, such as the limbic system, the amygdala, and the nucleus accumbens, influence how human beings respond to traumatic experiences. Many accident victims may experience physical symptoms such as pain and fatigue that are rooted in emotional pain. Also, accident victims may exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder after an accident.
Physical Pain
Different types of accidents may produce various injuries resulting in physical pain. Victims often do not realize the extent of their injuries until they are recovering in an emergency room. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), for instance, could produce migraines and headaches for months and years after an accident. Fractured bones, contusions, internal bleeding, and third-degree burns are also common injuries caused by accidents. The physical pain and disfigurement caused by these injuries could change an individual’s life.
Common Types Of Personal Injury Cases In San Bernardino, California
Personal injury cases involve many different types of accidents. The following are some of the most common types of personal injury cases in California:
- Catastrophic injuries
- Products liability
- TBIs
- Rollover accidents
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Wrongful death cases
- Motorcycle accidents
- Trucking accidents
- Automobile accidents
What Constitutes A Serious Injury?
Serious injuries are those that cause any of the following long-term problems:
- Burns that cover more than half of the victim’s body.
- Amputation of any limbs.
- Quadriplegia
- Paraplegia
- TBIs
- Injuries specified by federal and state regulations.
Personal Injury Cases: The Elements
Two parties can generally be involved in a personal injury case. The first party, the plaintiff, is the injured party. The second party, the defendant, is the person who caused the accident. In the majority of personal injury cases, the injured party must demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant committed a negligent or reckless act. The four main elements of a personal injury case are:
- Duty of Care — A particular defendant owes a specific duty to a plaintiff. All drivers, for example, have a duty to operate a motor vehicle in a reasonable manner and not cause injuries to other drivers. Duty is a fixed constant in negligence law, and this duty applies even if the driver is operating a motor vehicle in a blizzard or a rainstorm.
- Breach of Duty — The injured victim must demonstrate, using evidence, that the defendant failed to uphold the applicable duty of care.
- Causation — A plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s breach caused the accident. An accident may have occurred because the defendant was texting while driving and was not operating the motor vehicle in a reasonable manner.
- Damages — An injured plaintiff must demonstrate that they suffered injuries due to the negligence of the defendant. The individual may be able to seek damages if they can prove that the injuries were caused by the accident.
Largest motorcycle settlement in Tulare County in 2021; client suffered spinal and wrist injuries.– Judd Ross Allen
How Long Should I Wait To Retain A San Bernardino Personal Injury Attorney?
In some circumstances, injured victims may not need to retain a San Bernardino personal injury attorney. Whether legal representation is necessary depends on the specific circumstances and facts of the accident.
It may be that you suffered injuries during a motor vehicle collision for which you were not at fault. If the responsible party’s insurance company is offering to compensate you for your injuries, you may not need to retain a personal injury attorney. However, it is important to carefully review any settlement offer and confirm whether it fully addresses your losses and needs. An attorney can help clarify whether the offer aligns with your situation after an accident.
Personal injury cases with more complex facts may necessitate the assistance of a San Bernardino personal injury attorney. You may wish to consult a lawyer if your claim is disputed, for example. Many different types of accidents can be defined as personal injury cases. These include traffic collisions, slip-and-fall accidents, motorcycle accidents, trucking accidents, and others.
If you have a case, our San Bernardino personal injury attorneys can help you file a claim against the party who caused your personal injuries and negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
If you attempt to represent yourself in court, you may not have time to learn the rules of civil procedure or the rules of evidence. The facts of your case and how they relate to particular laws may create complex issues that need to be resolved during litigation.
When Will My Personal Injury Case Go To Court?
There’s no set answer to this question, as not all cases require litigation. However, the timing of when a personal injury case goes to court can depend on several factors, including the complexity of the case and court scheduling. It may take several months or more than a year for a case to reach trial. Otherwise, most civil cases are resolved through settlement before going to court, and only a small percentage proceed to trial.
Our Firm And San Bernardino Personal Injury Attorneys
If you decide to work with our San Bernardino personal injury attorneys on a valid claim, we can assist you with your legal needs and represent your interests. Many personal injury cases can grow more complex over time as different facts are uncovered and more evidence is obtained. After being injured in an accident, you may also have questions regarding insurance companies and different insurance policies that may apply to one accident. We can help by offering legal clarity on these matters.
Personal injury complaints are filed every day in the United States. Possible defendants in personal injury cases include business entities, individual people, and city governments. Speaking with a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney can help you identify which parties may be liable for your injuries.
Common Personal Injury Cases Our Personal Injury Law Firm Handles
Many personal injury attorneys in San Bernardino work with injured victims who are still recovering from their injuries. Some victims may struggle with the consequences of TBIs and whiplash. Soft tissue injuries are also common in many personal injury cases. The following are some of the most common types of personal injury cases handled by personal injury attorneys.
Products Liability
Design and manufacturing defects can potentially result in accidents that injure consumers. Sometimes, product liability cases deal with serious injuries such as third-degree burns, amputations, and electrocutions. Product liability cases frequently occur in California. In some instances, many years may pass before an injured victim realizes that a defective product did not contain a warning explaining any hazardous conditions associated with the product.
Slip-And-Fall Accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents can be dangerous. Many slip-and-fall accidents occur on property owned by a business entity. Sometimes a particular property may have several landlords and owners. Ankle, knee, and back injuries could occur during slip-and-fall accidents. Serious back injuries are more likely to cause temporary or permanent disability.
Motor Vehicle Collisions
Accidents may occur whenever anyone operates a motor vehicle. Automobiles, motorcycles, and trucks all pose different risks for drivers and passengers who suffer injuries during traffic collisions. Accident victims may sometimes be unsure about their rights following an injury. Speaking with a personal injury attorney can help them understand whether they may be eligible to pursue compensation based on the circumstances of their case.
Dog Bite Cases
Incidents involving dog bites affect approximately four million people every year in the United States. Dog bites not only may produce severe lacerations and fractured bones, but also bacterial infections and disease. Dog saliva carries many kinds of bacteria that can infect the human body and cause serious health problems.
Many other personal injury cases are not listed above. Other types of personal injury cases may be less prevalent in a particular geographic area. Pedestrian accidents, workplace injuries, and mass tort cases are some of the most frequently litigated cases in California.
If you suffered personal injuries during an accident and you have questions regarding your insurance coverage or your legal rights, contact our San Bernardino personal injury attorneys. You can schedule a free initial consultation and tell us the facts of your case. We have decades of experience representing clients who have suffered personal injuries caused by another’s negligence.
We serve clients in San Francisco, Riverside, Sacramento, San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sherman Oaks, and other areas in California.
Settlement Payments In Personal Injury Cases
Financial payment for a personal injury settlement can be delivered as a series of regularly scheduled payments or as a one-time payment. Structured settlements can be tailored to the needs of the recipient. However, these agreements cannot be altered after both parties sign the settlement agreement. Please note that not all personal injury claims result in a settlement.
The Average Length of Time To Receive A Settlement
After a settlement agreement is reached, both the plaintiff and defendant sign the necessary documents, including a release in which the injured party agrees not to pursue further claims related to the incident. The time it takes to receive a settlement check after signing these documents can vary depending on the specifics of the case and the parties involved. In many cases, settlement funds are disbursed within four to six weeks after the final paperwork is signed, but this timeline may be shorter or longer depending on the circumstances.
The Payment of Taxes And Settlement Agreements
Personal injury settlements are an exception to the general rule that settlement funds obtained from a civil case are classified as income. The IRS considers this form of income taxable. Personal injury settlements may have different tax implications depending on the types of damages awarded. Consulting a tax professional or a San Bernardino personal injury attorney can help you understand how a potential settlement may be treated for tax purposes.
Income And Personal Injury Settlements
Most personal injury settlements are not considered taxable income. Unless an exception applies, settlement funds received for physical injuries or sickness are generally not subject to federal or California state income tax. However, certain portions of a settlement, such as compensation for lost wages and interest, or awards related to punitive damages, may be taxable.
The First Offer That An Injured Party Receives on A Personal Injury Claim
First offers are typically low. It might be beneficial to speak to a San Bernardino personal injury lawyer regarding settlement amounts and your personal injury case.
Permanent Injuries And Settlement Amounts
Permanent injuries may prevent an individual from returning to work. In such cases, the injured party may be able to seek compensation for lost income. If an individual is able to return to work but cannot perform their previous job, they may also be able to include the difference between their previous and current earnings as part of their claim.
Insurance Rates And Personal Injury Cases
Personal injury cases are generally filed against the responsible party or their insurance company, rather than through your own automobile insurance. Your own insurance is usually not affected unless you file a claim under your own policy, such as for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
Settling Civil Cases Versus Going To Court
Trials can be costly, time-consuming, and stressful. Cases that settle often resolve sooner than cases that go to trial. Our San Bernardino personal injury attorney can help you learn if it is more feasible to settle your case or go to trial.
How Does Having A Personal Injury Attorney Help My Case?
If an injury is caused by another person’s negligence, the law provides a process for pursuing compensation for resulting losses. The goal of this system is to help the injured person seek the damages they incurred in an accident.
Going through the claims process can be challenging. With that said, an accident attorney can assist with the process of pursuing compensation from responsible parties.
Your initial filing with the court must contain a clear statement of facts and allegations of wrongdoing by the defendant. You must also state a demand for relief. A San Bernardino personal injury lawyer can assist in drafting your complaint and identifying relevant claims for your lawsuit.
Can I Afford To Hire A Personal Injury Attorney?
One of your first questions after an accident may be about whether you can afford to hire a personal injury lawyer. Since contingency fee agreements are used by our San Bernardino personal injury lawyers, accident victims can potentially access legal representation without paying attorney fees up front.
A contingency fee arrangement is a payment structure that allows the client to defer payment for legal services until after the case is concluded, and only if they’re able to collect compensation. In such instances, the attorney will receive a percentage of the final settlement amount as payment for their work. Questions and concerns regarding this payment structure, as well as other case-related costs that may be charged separately, can be discussed during your initial consultation.
We understand that financial loss after a personal injury is a reality that victims potentially face. You may be unable to work despite having to pay medical bills for your recovery. That is why contingency fee agreements are available here.
Seek Guidance From Our Personal Injury Attorneys In San Bernardino
Our San Bernardino personal injury attorneys are committed to helping clients pursue compensation based on their injuries and losses. Arash Law has decades of experience representing clients from across California in personal injury cases.
Our San Bernardino personal injury lawyers also serve surrounding areas, including Yucaipa, Glen Avon, Pedley, Grand Terrace, Riverside, Crestline, Fontana, Redlands, Bloomington, Highlands, Rialto, Luna Linda, Colton, Moreno Valley, and Rubidoux.
Contact us at (888) 488-1391 or chat with us online to schedule a free initial consultation.
