San Bernardino Car Accident Attorney
Looking for San Bernardino Car Accident Attorney than this article will be very helpful for you. A catastrophic injury in a car accident can dramatically change your life in an instant. Even collisions involving minor or moderate injuries can create significant financial strains that derail your life.
If you have been the victim of a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for any loss or injury caused by accident.
For more information about your rights and entitlements after a motor vehicle collision, you should speak with an experienced San Bernardino car accident attorney. The attorneys at Hanson & Mouri can help you.
If you are looking for San Bernardino car accident attorneys, call Hanson & Mori at (951) 419-3199 for a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
Car Accident Lawyer San Bernardino
Financial Responsibility of San Bernardino Vehicle Owners
For many people, cars are an essential part of their lives. California’s Department of Motor Vehicles reported approximately 26 million registered cars in 2019.
According to Statista’s report on the number of registered cars in the United States, California tops the list, nearly double the number of registered vehicles in the number two state, Texas.
While cars are a necessary part of modern society, they can also be a dangerous part of our lives. From a minor fender bender to a serious collision, car accidents can result in property damage, injuries to pedestrians, personal injury (such as brain damage or spinal cord injury), or even wrongful death.
Every vehicle owner in California has a financial responsibility to other car owners and road users. They can meet their financial responsibility in four different ways:
Motor vehicle liability insurance. Vehicle owners are required to hold motor vehicle liability insurance policies in the following amounts:
- $15,000 to cover injury or death to a person
- $30,000 to cover the injury or death of more than one person
- $5,000 to cover property damage
- Make a $35,000 cash deposit with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Holding a DMV-issued self-insurance certificate
- holding a surety bond for $35,000 from a company licensed to do business in California
- Failure to meet these requirements is a criminal offense in California.
What should I do after a car accident in San Bernardino?
The most important thing after an accident is to ensure your safety and the safety of others around you. If you have been injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately.
If your injuries didn’t require you to be taken to a hospital immediately after the accident, you should gather as much evidence about the accident as possible.
Take photos of the accident scene, whether you were hit by a truck, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian.
Get the contact information of the other party involved in the accident and any witnesses who may be able to provide information about the accident.
Never apologize or admit fault under any circumstances, even if you believe your actions may have caused the accident. Any admission of fault can be used against you if you make a claim.
For other parties involved in the accident, the insurance adjuster may contact you about the accident.
Although they may seem friendly and sympathetic to you, remember that they are not on your side.
Do not discuss any details about the accident with them. The best way to handle another party’s insurance adjuster is to ask them to speak with your injury attorney.
What if the car accident was my fault?
Some states have no-fault car insurance laws. No-fault car insurance laws aim to reduce the time it takes to resolve claims arising from car accidents without establishing which driver was at fault.
In no-fault car insurance states, it doesn’t matter who caused the accident. All that an accident victim has to do is file a claim with his insurance company to get compensation for his loss. Most no-fault car insurance laws also limit the value of claims that can be recovered.
California, however, is a no-fault car insurance state. California has at-fault car insurance laws, which mean that a car accident victim must establish the at-fault driver’s fault to receive compensation for their injuries and other damages resulting from the accident.
To avoid liability, the at-fault driver and their insurance company will do everything possible to limit their liability and blame the victim for the accident. That’s why you need an expert car accident lawyer to advocate on your behalf and protect your interests.
What if the vehicle that caused my car accident was a company vehicle?
In most accidents caused by a company driver, their employer’s liability coverage will kick in. However, the employee should be deemed working when the accident occurs.
If the accident occurred while they were not working (for example, driving to or from work or on personal errands), the employer’s coverage would not apply.
The driver’s private auto insurer will be responsible for the damages in these cases. However, there may be additional complications depending on the company the vehicle belongs to. (San Bernardino Car Accident Attorney)
UPS/FedEx collision
To limit liability for accidents, many commercial carriers, such as UPS and FedEx, do not employ employees to deliver packages.
Instead, they hire “independent contractors” to limit their liability if they are ever involved in an accident.
When a delivery truck driver is an independent contractor rather than an employee, the company will claim that the driver is financially responsible for the collision because companies are only liable for employees’ actions.
Figuring out who is liable and making a claim against UPS or FedEx can be challenging. An attorney experienced in handling these cases can help you determine who may be held liable. (San Bernardino Car Accident Attorney)
Uber / Lyft collision
Both Uber and Lyft require drivers to have their private auto insurance policy, and the company will only provide coverage under certain conditions:
Uber provides coverage for its drivers as follows:
Uber app is down: Only the driver’s private insurance will apply in the event of an accident.
The app is on, and the driver is “available”: Uber’s accidental liability coverage applies, but only for damages to injured or damaged property.
It covers up to $100,000 ($50,000 per person) for injuries and $25,000 for property damage. Drivers for Uber or Lyft must use their privacy policy to cover their injuries or damage to the vehicle.
The driver accepts the ride until the passenger is dropped off: Uber’s commercial insurance coverage applies, including up to $1 million per accident for property damage and bodily injury, and if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, it covers up to $1 million.
Insurance policies are very similar to Uber, and they apply in the following scenarios:
The Lyft app is down: Only the driver’s private insurance will apply in the event of an accident.
Lyft driver waiting for a match: Only the driver’s private insurance will apply to the accident unless their insurance company declines to cover it.
In that case, Lyft’s policy would apply, which provides $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
The driver has accepted a ride or until the passenger is released: Lyft’s $1 million policy will apply to the collision. (San Bernardino Car Accident Attorney)
Company truck collision
Several parties may be responsible for damages following a company truck accident, including:
Truck Driver: If the truck driver’s negligence caused your accident, they might be personally liable for your damages.
Examples of negligence by a trucker are driving while distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless or aggressive driving, etc.
Trucking Company: A trucking company may be indirectly liable for the negligent acts of its truckers.
The company may also face liability if they engage in negligent acts, such as hiring an inexperienced driver or having multiple violations on its driving record, failing to train drivers, or regularly driving vehicles. Failure to inspect and maintain.
Leading companies: Cargo-loading companies can sometimes be held responsible for an accident if the truckload is to blame.
For example, they may fail to ensure that the truck was loaded correctly, evenly, or adequately secured.
Other potentially liable parties in a company truck collision could be the truck manufacturer or its parts for dangerous defects, a mechanic who negligently repaired the vehicle, or a local government agency that failed to maintain the road, resulting in dangerous road conditions.
What if the driver’s insurance policy cannot cover the extent of my medical bills?
The extent of the at-fault driver’s insurance policy can play a significant role in your settlement. If your medical bill exceeds the driver’s policy limit, your insurer does not have to pay the difference.
Insurance policies have a maximum amount that the insurance company must pay per person injured and accident.
Any amount over the policy limit will be lost, or you will have to pursue an alternative option to recover further compensation, for example, suing the at-fault driver personally or third parties who contributed to the collision.
Sue, the party However, a significant issue with suing the at-fault driver is that they may not have the funds or assets to cover your bills.
Therefore, even if you win the case, you may not be able to collect the total amount of compensation awarded. (San Bernardino Car Accident Attorney)
How can a San Bernardino car accident attorney help me?
Having a skilled car accident attorney in your corner will let the insurance company know you are serious about your claim.
A car accident attorney has the resources to retain accident reconstruction experts who can investigate the accident and place the fault where it belongs.
They also have access to professionals who can provide expert testimony to support your claims. (San Bernardino Car Accident Attorney)
How Much Will It Cost To Hire A San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyer?
When people think about hiring an attorney, the cost is a determining factor that is usually at the top of their list.
But there is no need to let the fear of legal costs stop you from hiring a car accident attorney to represent you.
Like most car accident attorneys, Hanson & Maury handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will not pay any fees until we have received compensation in your case.
You may hesitate to contact a lawyer because you are unsure of your claim. Your initial consultation with Hanson & Mori is free. We will evaluate your case and advise you on the merits of your case at no cost to you. (San Bernardino Car Accident Attorney)
What Kind of Damages Am I Entitled to After a San Bernardino Car Accident?
Damage is a legal term that describes various types of compensation in an agreement or award used to reimburse a party for damages caused by a collision.
After a car accident in San Bernardino, victims are entitled to recover damages. There are two types of damages: compensatory and punitive. (San Bernardino Car Accident Attorney)
Compensatory damages
Compensatory damages compensate the victim for their present and future losses. They aim to make the victim “whole” or as close to their pre-accident condition as possible. There are two subcategories of compensatory damages: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic (Actual) Losses: This type of compensation reimburses financial losses, where you must provide documentation of how much money you have lost. Some examples include:
Medical bills: emergency visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, outpatient procedures, prescription drugs, etc.
- home medical care
- nursing home or rehabilitation costs
- medical treatment
- property repair
- asset replacement
- lost wages from missed work
Reduced earning potential (if you are no longer able to work at the same level as before the accident)
Non-Economic (General) Losses: These damages do not reflect a specific financial loss but compensate for personal losses. As a result, they are more challenging to prove. For example:
- pain and suffering
- emotional distress
- loss of joy in life
- loss of opportunity
- loss of consortium
- physical impairment (e.g., disability, loss of a limb)
- disfigurement
- unjust hardship
- punitive damages
Another type of damage available in some car accident claims is punitive damages. The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the defendant and deter others from similar harmful actions in the future.
However, this type of compensation is rarely awarded and is reserved for cases involving a guilty party who acted negligently to protect others. (San Bernardino Car Accident Attorney)
How does a car accident attorney collect evidence for my case?
To succeed in your claim, you will need to present evidence that the other driver caused the accident.
This evidence can include police reports, copies of medical records documenting your injuries, photographs of the accident scene and damage to vehicles, eyewitness statements, and more.
All of which your solicitor will collect on your behalf. If necessary, your lawyer will also hire experts, such as those who specialize in accident reconstruction, medical professionals, etc., to establish what caused your accident, which is liable, and the extent of your injuries.
The severity and their impact on your life. A lawyer has the resources to complete an investigation and can do so quickly before important evidence goes missing.
Your attorney can also issue subpoenas to gain access to other important pieces of evidence, such as surveillance footage or cell phone records. This evidence is often challenging or impossible to obtain without a court order. (San Bernardino Car Accident Attorney)
Your Options If You Lost a Loved One in a San Bernardino Car Accident
If you lost a family member in a car accident in San Bernardino and are the next of kin, you have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
The sudden loss of a loved one is never forgotten, but meeting those responsible payments can go a long way toward easing any financial burden the family may face. (San Bernardino Car Accident Attorney)
Every personal injury wrongful death claim is different, but some damages are common:
- ambulance charges
- Medical bills directly related to injuries and subsequent death
- The loss of his income during hospitalization and the future income the decedent was expected to earn during his lifetime
- funeral expenses
- burial costs
Other possible disadvantages:
- Loss of financial support for the deceased
- Loss of consortium (companionship), including love, community, affection, moral support, sexual relationships
- training, and guidance, or other emotional losses related to the death of a family member
What differentiates a wrongful death claim from a car accident claim is that in a wrongful death claim, typically, family members cannot receive damages for pain and suffering.
However, a loved one is entitled to certain damages not available in a car accident claim, such as loss of consortium. (San Bernardino Car Accident Attorney)
Tips For Finding The Right Car Accident Lawyer In San Bernardino
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident in San Bernardino, you want the best personal injury attorneys in San Bernardino to handle your case.
But how do you know which law firm accident attorney is right for you? Here are some important questions you should ask a San Bernardino car accident attorney:
- How many years of experience handling San Bernardino car accident cases?
- Will you work on my case, or will you refer cases to other law firms?
- From your experience, how long will it take for my case?
- Can my case be heard?
- Do I have to pay you something first? How do you get paid?
- What do you need from me to make my case as strong as possible?
Listen to their answers. Also, feel the communication between you and the person you are talking to.
Are they trying to get you off the phone or thoughtfully answering your questions? Remember, you are hiring an accident lawyer, not the other way around. The first impression matters. (San Bernardino Car Accident Attorney)
How Long Do I Have to File a San Bernardino Car Accident Claim?
Each state has laws regarding how long car accident victims must file a claim. In California, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is two years from the date of the collision.
If the case is not followed by this deadline, a judge will dismiss the complaint, and the negligent party will not have to reimburse you for your damages.
Two years may seem like a long time, but starting the claims process as soon as possible is always better. When you hire an attorney, they will investigate your accident to gather important evidence of fault and build a solid case.
As a result, your chances of getting justice and the compensation you are entitled to will improve significantly.
We hope you like our article about San Bernardino Car Accident Attorney.
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