San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyer
San Bernardino County has some of the most high-traffic roads and freeways in Southern California. As a result, this area is prone to countless minor and serious traffic accidents involving passenger vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. If you were involved in a car accident, it is advisable to contact a San Bernardino car accident lawyer for legal representation. A car accident lawyer can guarantee your legal rights are safeguarded while protecting your right to compensation. Contact Arrowhead Accident Lawyers at (909) 453-2040. Our law firm has recovered millions of dollars in successful personal injury cases for our clients and we are ready to help you.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in San Bernardino
In 2019, 16,123 people were injured or killed in traffic accidents in San Bernardino County. Many of the factors that contribute to these serious and deadly collisions involve driver negligence and dangerous behavior, such as speeding and driving while intoxicated.
These are some of the most common causes of car accidents in San Bernardino:
Speeding
A third of all auto accidents in the U.S. involve a speeding driver. Interstate 15 and Interstate 10 are some of the busiest freeways in San Bernardino, and many drivers use the expansive routes to speed and engage in reckless driving. Speeding reduces the driver’s reaction time, increases the stopping distance, and makes the impact more severe.
Distracted Driving
Distractions in the car and outside of the vehicle can lead to a serious accident. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), 140 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in 2021, a 27.3% from 2020.
Distracted driving impairs the driver’s ability to see, hear, and respond to traffic. Some of the common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, or adjusting the radio.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs increases the likelihood of an accident exponentially. Impaired driving affects the driver’s judgment, coordination, vision, and reaction time. It also increases the risk of violating traffic laws, such as running red lights, stop signs, or yield signs.
Poor Road Conditions
Aside from driver negligence or driver error, auto accidents can happen outside of the driver’s control, such as a lack of traffic signals or poor road conditions. Construction is not an uncommon sight in San Bernardino, and can affect a driver’s focus. Motorcycle accidents due to poor road conditions are more likely to cause serious or fatal injuries than other types of accidents, as motorcycles are less stable and more vulnerable than cars or trucks.
Types of Injuries in Car Accidents
A car accident victim may suffer from a range of serious injuries, from brain injuries to internal injuries. In the most tragic cases, car accident victims do not survive their injuries. Their families may file a wrongful death claim to recover damages from the loss of their loved one.
Some of the common injuries of car crashes in San Bernardino are:
Whiplash
One of the most common car accident injuries is whiplash, a type of neck injury. Caused by a sudden back-and-forth movement of the head, whiplash typically occurs after a rear-end collision. Whiplash can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the neck. It can also cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, or blurred vision.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI is a brain injury caused by a blow, jolt, or penetration to the head. A traumatic brain injury can cause bleeding, bruising, swelling, or tearing of the brain tissue. It can also cause cognitive, behavioral, emotional, or physical impairments, such as memory loss, confusion, mood changes, or paralysis.
Broken Bones
Some of the most common broken bones after a car accident are the ribs, collarbone, arms, legs, pelvis, or skull. Broken bones can cause pain, swelling, bruising, bleeding, or deformity. They can also cause complications such as infection, nerve damage, or arthritis.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury can lead to partial or complete loss of movement below the level of the injury. When there is a fracture, dislocation, or compression of the spinal vertebrae, it can damage the nerves that carry signals between the brain and the body.
How to Avoid a Car Accident in San Bernardino
Sometimes car accidents are unavoidable. However, there are some steps you can take to prevent or reduce the risk of a car crash:
- Be a defensive driver – Defensive driving is a set of safe driving skills and techniques that can help you avoid or handle potential hazards on the road. You can be a defensive driver by maintaining a safe speed and distance, staying focused and alert, scanning ahead and around, anticipating risks, yielding to other motorists, and planning your route.
- Do not drive if you’ve been drinking – Alcohol impairs your judgment, coordination, vision, and reaction time, and increases the likelihood of an accident. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in California is 0.08%, but even a small amount of alcohol can affect your driving ability. If you have been drinking, do not drive. Instead, call a taxi, a friend, or a rideshare service.
- Put your phone away – Using your phone while driving is one of the most common and dangerous distractions. Texting, talking, browsing, or checking your phone can take your eyes, hands, and mind off the road, and increase your risk of crashing. In California, it is illegal to use a handheld phone while driving, unless it is in a hands-free model. However, even hands-free devices can be distracting, so it is better to put your phone away and focus on your driving.
- Do not drive tired – Driving when you are tired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Drowsy driving can lead you to drift out of your lane or follow too closely. If you feel tired, pull over to a safe place, take a nap, or drink some coffee. You can also avoid driving during your normal sleeping hours, or share the driving with someone else.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in San Bernardino
If a car accident has left you injured, you may need the help of a qualified personal injury lawyer. The insurance company will play hardball with you or may not offer you a fair settlement that reflects your damages. When you hire a San Bernardino car accident lawyer, you will have the comfort and security knowing that your best interests are in mind. Our personal injury law firm is dedicated to helping car accident victims recover full and fair compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Most personal injury attorneys in California work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they do not collect any legal fees unless they win your case. To schedule a free consultation with our top San Bernardino car accidents lawyers, call us at (909) 453-2040 or fill out our online contact form.