Car accidents can drastically alter the course of your life, leading to physical injuries, emotional stress, and unexpected financial burdens. At Omega Law Group, our San Bernardino personal injury lawyers are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to car accident victims.
Here’s what you need to know after you’ve been in a car accident and how Omega Law Group can help you. Call us anytime to schedule a consultation with our experienced car accident lawyers in San Bernardino. We put our clients first. Always.
Immediate Actions After a Car Accident in San Bernardino
Prioritize Safety and Health
Your first concern after a car accident should be ensuring everyone’s safety. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic. Check yourself and others for injuries, then call 911 to report the accident and request medical help, even if injuries seem minor.
Prompt medical attention is vital for your health. It can also be critical for your legal claim, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can become serious over time. Early treatment will also put the insurance companies at a disadvantage.
Documenting the Scene
Collecting evidence at the accident scene is essential for any future legal action. Use your phone to take photos of the vehicles, any visible injuries, and the overall accident scene. Gather information from the other driver(s), including names, contact details, and insurance information.
If there are witnesses, obtain their contact information as well. This documentation can be crucial in building a strong personal injury case. If you were too injured to document the scene, don’t worry. Let our team investigate for you.
Reporting the Accident and Filing Your Claim
Reporting to Authorities
In San Bernardino, you are required to report any accident involving injuries, deaths, or significant property damage to the local police or California Highway Patrol. Reporting what happened creates an official account of the accident, which can be pivotal for your insurance claim and any subsequent legal proceedings.
Contacting Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate information about the incident, but avoid making any statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault.
Have you been involved
in an auto accident?
Our car accident lawyers in Los Angeles
and Beverly Hills are here to help.
(310) 526-8383
Understanding Your Legal Rights and Compensation
Your Rights as a Victim
As a car accident victim in California, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Types of Compensation Available
- Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for all medical costs related to the accident, including future medical expenses if your injuries require ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you lost due to your inability to work following the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for the physical pain and emotional distress you have endured as a result of the accident.
- Property Damage: Coverage for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident.
Our San Bernardino car accident lawyers at Omega Law Group will work with you to prove the extent of your damages and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How a San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyer from Omega Law Group Can Help
Expertise in Personal Injury Law
With extensive experience in handling car accident cases, Omega Law Group’s attorneys are well-equipped to provide comprehensive legal support. Our firm will handle all aspects of your case, from filing your claim to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid With Car Accident Cases
- Delaying Medical Treatment: Failing to seek prompt medical attention can harm your health and weaken your legal claim. Follow through with all recommended treatments.
- Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Guidance: Insurance companies may use your statements to reduce their payout. Always consult with your attorney before providing any statements to an insurance adjuster, especially the defendant’s.
- Accepting Early Settlement Offers: These offers are often lower than what you might be entitled to. Our attorneys will evaluate any settlement offers to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Injured in a car crash?
Our car accident lawyers in Los Angeles and
Beverly Hills are here to help.
(310) 526-8383
California’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury
In California, the statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits. For car accident claims, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation.
Special Considerations
- Discovery Rule: If your injury or its cause was not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations may begin from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the injury.
- Minors: For injured minors, the statute of limitations does not start until they turn 18, giving them until their 20th birthday to file a lawsuit.
- Government Claims: Claims against government entities have stricter deadlines, typically requiring a claim to be filed within six months of the injury.
Understanding these timelines is crucial to preserving your legal rights. Acting promptly can help ensure that evidence is preserved and your case is handled efficiently.
Putting Our Clients First.
always.
Hurt In a Car Accident?
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Contact Omega Law Group Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in San Bernardino, don’t face the aftermath alone. Contact Omega Law Group for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Our experienced San Bernardino attorneys are here to help you understand your legal options and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Let us guide you through this challenging time and support your journey to recovery.
