San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyer

In 2017, San Bernardino County saw 15,104 victims killed and injured in motor vehicle accidents, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. About 1,600 of these accidents involved alcohol and almost 700 involved pedestrians. Across the state of California, more than 2,500 traffic fatalities occur each year, and over 225,000 accidents result in severe injury.

Approximately 50% of those injured permanently lose some functionality or sustain more serious disabilities. As the number of vehicle miles traveled increases in California each year, accidents and injuries become more commonplace. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, you are far from alone our San Bernardino personal injury lawyers can help you and your family recover after an accident has severely affected your life.

Use our free consultation offer to find out if you’re eligible for compensation today.

Meet Brian Panish, Adam K. Shea & Rahul Ravipudi – Your San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyers

At Panish | Shea| Ravipudi LLP, our partners Brian Panish, Adam K. Shea & Rahul Ravipudi have consistently earned recognition for excellence from fellow trial lawyers, legal organizations, and national publications. The firm has been honored with a “Tier 1” ranking in Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®, the highest level awarded. Additionally, the National Law Journal ranks us among the nation’s top 12 Plaintiff’s law firms.

With billions secured in settlements by our top San Bernardino accident lawyers, we’re confident we can handle any case you have for us. Following a motor vehicle accident, let us help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP Attorneys Has A History Of Success?

Some of the top-ranking lawyers in the country can be found at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP. We provide some of the most experienced and acclaimed lawyers who have secured more than $10 billion in verdicts and settlements. We have successfully filed a $4.9 billion auto product liability case against General Motors and won a $58 million verdict when a man was burned after his construction vehicle caught on fire. A case involving tire tread separation resulted in $55.4 million in compensation.

How Many Vehicle Collisions Occur in San Bernardino County Each Year?

Despite being named the 166th safest city for driving in the nation by Allstate in 2019, San Bernardino still experiences a significant number of traffic accidents. In 2018, the county recorded 171 fatalities and injuries from single-vehicle crashes alone.

Common Accident Hotspots:

• I-215 Corridor: The stretch of the I-215 between the I-10 and State 210 freeways is a major accident hotspot due to heavy traffic congestion.
• Perris Hill and Badger Hill Areas: These areas have seen a concerning number of fatal accidents over the years.
• Rialto Area: The intersection of West Baseline, Highway 66, and West Rialto Avenue is a notorious accident-prone area.
• Colton Freeways: The freeways running through Colton, especially at intersections, pose significant risks for accidents.

It’s important to note that while San Bernardino has made strides in improving road safety, these accident hotspots highlight the ongoing need for increased vigilance and preventative measures. Drivers should always prioritize safety, adhere to traffic rules, and be aware of potential hazards on the road.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident In San Bernardino?

• Stop. California state law says that you must stop after an accident, otherwise, you may be charged with a hit and run, regardless of who was at fault. If the accident involves a parked car or other property, you must leave a note with all of your information.
• If you have been injured, seek prompt medical attention. If an accident causes serious injury or death, you must call the CHP.
• Exchange information with the other driver, including your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle identification number.
• Do not voluntarily admit or deny who was to blame for the accident. Do not sign or agree to make any sort of payment. First, speak with your insurance provider and/or car accident attorney before saying anything to the police.
• Gather information at the scene and take pictures. The more concrete information you have about the circumstances surrounding your accident, the better your chances will be in court.
• Speak with your insurance company. If the other driver is at fault, you may be entitled to compensation.
• Speak with a personal injury attorney. If you are not satisfied with the amount offered by insurance for the accident, you may want to sue. Be sure to consult with your council to explore your options.

Causes Of San Bernardino Car Accidents

Car accidents in San Bernardino, like many other areas, can be attributed to a variety of factors. Understanding these common causes can help drivers stay safer on the road and reduce the risk of accidents.

Leading Causes of Car Accidents:

• Distracted Driving: Using a cell phone, texting, or eating while driving significantly increases the risk of accidents. These distractions divert attention from the road, leading to slower reaction times and poor decision-making.
• Speeding: Exceeding speed limits reduces a driver’s ability to control their vehicle, especially in adverse weather conditions or during sudden stops.
• Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making it a leading cause of fatal accidents. If
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, speeding, or weaving through traffic, can lead to serious accidents.

Additional Causes:

• Adverse Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, and strong winds can significantly reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents.
• Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, and construction zones can create hazardous driving conditions.
• Driver Fatigue: Driving while tired can impair judgment and reaction time, similar to driving under the influence.
• Vehicle Malfunction: Mechanical failures, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, can cause accidents.

By being aware of these factors and practicing safe driving habits, drivers can help reduce the number of accidents on San Bernardino roads. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, it’s important to seek legal advice to protect your rights and pursue compensation for damages.

Different Types Of Car Accidents In San Bernardino

Do I Need A San Bernardino Car Accident Attorney?

If you have been involved in a car accident, a lot runs through your mind. You have insurance companies to talk to, medical expenses to pay, income loss anxiety, and more. On top of recovering from your injuries, the stress can be exhausting. If you have sustained up to $15,000 or more in losses of any kind, from injuries to employment absence, you may have a case for filing a lawsuit. Our San Bernardino car accident lawyers can assess your situation and formulate a case.

If you have to appear in court, you will have to learn procedures yourself, spending precious time and money investigating the legal system and formulating a case. When the day comes, you will spend 5 to 10 hours before a judge representing yourself. An attorney can save you this time and provide valuable insight that can help you win your case.

What Damages Can I Recover Following A Crash?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages. These damages can help cover the costs of your injuries, lost wages, and other losses. Here are some of the common types of damages you may be able to recover:

• Medical and Rehabilitation Costs: This includes expenses related to doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other medical treatments.
• Past and Future Medical Expenses: Compensation for both immediate and future medical costs, such as ongoing treatments or long-term care.
• Lost Income: If you’ve missed work due to your injuries, you may be able to recover lost wages.
• Pain and Suffering: This covers both physical and emotional pain and suffering resulting from the accident.
• Loss of Companionship: If a loved one died as a result of the accident, you may be eligible for compensation for the loss of their companionship, guidance, and support.
• Property Damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property, such as your vehicle.

If there was an accident that resulted in the death of a loved one, don’t hesitate to contact our San Bernardino wrongful death attorneys. We will help you through this trying time.

Client Review

“I always felt like the lawyers at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP were fighting for ME — my health, my children, and my future. They worried more about me – and not about how much money they were going to make. I always knew they had my back.” – Andrea Martinez

Contact Our San Bernardino Car Accident Attorneys Today

Our team at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP can assist you by taking your case as their own. We understand your situation and the financial and emotional turmoil you are going through. Our lawyers will treat you with compassion and sensitivity as we formulate a plan for winning the compensation you need to recover. If you have not been injured but have sustained some other loss, there is still an opportunity to file a claim. Call us today for a FREE consultation.