San Bernardino Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
Suffered a life-altering injury in San Bernardino? A catastrophic injury attorney at Golden Gate Legal can help you fight for your future.
Dealing with a catastrophic injury can be an overwhelming ordeal, bringing immense physical and emotional challenges that can alter your life forever. If you are seeking legal representation in the San Bernardino area, please contact us at the number below to discuss your case.
Golden Gate Legal has extensive experience representing clients in catastrophic injury cases and securing the compensation they deserve in San Bernardino. In this article, we will provide clear direction on what to do after a serious incident, offer an overview of the legal process, and address the common questions you might have along the way.
What to Do After You've Been Injured in San Bernardino
If you’ve sustained a catastrophic injury in an accident in San Bernardino, it is crucial to follow the steps below:
Make Sure You're Safe
First, take a moment to check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If you can move safely, get your vehicle to the side of the road, away from the flow of San Bernardino traffic, to avoid another collision.
Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
In the event of any injuries, your first and most important step is to call 911 for immediate assistance. Afterwards, it is crucial to get a full medical evaluation, even if you feel fine, to protect your health and document any injuries for a potential claim.
Document the Accident Scene
Use your phone to take pictures of the entire scene, including property damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries you have. It's also important to get the contact and insurance information for everyone involved, as well as for any witnesses, as this evidence will be vital for your case.
Don’t Admit Fault, Post Online, or Sign Anything
Be mindful of what you say at the scene and what you post online, as even a simple apology can be misinterpreted as admitting fault. It's also wise to hold off on signing any documents or speaking with insurance adjusters until you've had a chance to consult with a lawyer.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for Help
If you've been injured in a San Bernardino accident, the team at Golden Gate Legal is ready to protect your rights and manage difficult insurance negotiations. Our dedicated attorneys provide compassionate guidance through the claims process for serious injuries, letting you concentrate on healing.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal
With dedicated years of experience handling catastrophic injury cases for residents in San Bernardino, our firm has the expertise to guide you through the legal process. Here are a few reasons why to choose us:
- We Will Get You Max Compensation: Our attorneys will aggressively fight to ensure you recover all the damages you are legally entitled to, without losing a penny.
- We Will Protect you at All Costs: It is our top priority to protect your rights and interests, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we take care of the rest.
- No Legal Fees Upfront: You do not pay any legal fees upfront, and we only receive a fee when we win or settle your case.
- We Are Available at all times: Our team is ready to provide the strong support you need right from the start and is available whenever you need to reach out.
We encourage you to check out our Client Testimonials.
Legal Process Overview
We take care of every step in your San Bernardino injury case so you can focus on what matters most, your healing:
- Free Consultation & Case Evaluation: We'll listen to your story, answer your questions, and evaluate your case's potential, completely free of charge.
- Evidence Collection & Claim Filing: Our team gathers crucial evidence like police reports and medical records, and we handle filing all claims with the insurance companies for you.
- Medical Treatment Coordination: We can assist in coordinating your medical care and will track your progress to make sure the full extent of your injuries is documented for your claim.
- Demand Letter & Negotiation: After you've completed treatment, we send a comprehensive demand letter to the insurer and aggressively negotiate for the highest possible settlement.
- Litigation (if necessary): If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
- You Get Paid: Once your case is resolved, we manage all the final paperwork to get your compensation to you as quickly as possible.
What Types of Compensation Can You Claim After a Catastrophic Injury?
In California, if you've suffered a catastrophic injury due to someone else's negligence or wrongful act, the law allows you to seek compensation for the significant harm you've endured. Compensatory damages for catastrophic injury cases in California may include the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Future medical care and treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
Because insurance companies and at-fault parties will often try to undervalue your claim to protect their profits, it's essential to have experienced California personal injury attorneys like those at Golden Gate Legal fighting for the full compensation you deserve.
Common Types of Catastrophic Injury Cases in San Bernardino
While this list doesn't cover every possibility, the most common types of catastrophic injury cases include the following:
Car Accidents
Severe collisions can result in devastating injuries, requiring significant medical treatment and the help of a knowledgeable lawyer to get the financial support you need.
Truck Crashes
Crashes with big rigs can leave victims with catastrophic injuries, presenting complex liability questions that require a determined legal approach.
Construction Accidents
Incidents involving heavy equipment, falls from scaffolding, and trench collapses at construction sites can result in devastating injuries and significant financial strain.
Medical Negligence
Mistakes made during surgery, injuries at birth, or an incorrect diagnosis can leave a patient with permanent damage and lifelong health issues.
Defective Products
Defective goods, whether for personal or professional use, can inflict devastating harm like lost limbs or lifelong disabilities, often necessitating legal proceedings.
Fires & Explosions
Fires and explosions at industrial sites can inflict life-altering burns, permanent scarring, and other long-term health issues on survivors.
Types of Injuries Handled
Catastrophic accidents can result in a number of devastating injuries, with some of the most frequently seen types being:
Spinal Injuries
An injury to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis, restricted mobility, and a need for permanent, ongoing assistance.
Brain Injuries
A significant brain injury can result in lasting memory problems, shifts in personality, and persistent cognitive challenges.
Severe Burns
Severe burns can result in dangerous infections, lasting nerve damage, and permanent disfigurement, often necessitating a long course of surgeries and physical therapy.
Amputations
An amputation brings about profound changes to a person's life, requiring a journey of healing that includes prosthetics, therapy, and a reliable support system.
Crush Injuries
The extensive damage to bones and tissues from a crush injury frequently means a person will face multiple surgeries and a long road to recovery.
Organ Damage
Severe damage to internal organs can necessitate immediate surgical procedures, specialized hospital care, and prolonged medical treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Catastrophic Injury Attorney Cost?
For catastrophic injury cases in San Bernardino, you won't owe any legal fees unless we secure a victory or settlement for you. This means there's absolutely no cost to you to get started.
How do I prove the other party was at fault?
Proving the other party was at fault in an accident requires several key steps and often a detailed investigation based on the specifics of your case. If you believe the other driver was responsible for the collision, our team can help you gather the evidence needed to demonstrate their negligence.
It's important to know, however, that if you are found to be partially responsible, your final settlement or award could be reduced based on your percentage of fault. Understanding this concept is vital for correctly evaluating the compensation you might receive, especially when navigating the complex traffic situations found in San Bernardino.
How long do I have to take legal action after my accident?
In California, if you've been seriously hurt in an incident like a car wreck or due to medical malpractice, you generally have two years from the date the accident occurred to file a lawsuit. If you fail to act within this timeframe, you typically forfeit your right to pursue financial compensation for your injuries.
In California, how long does an insurance company have to settle a claim?
In California, once you file a claim, your insurance company has 15 days to acknowledge it and begin its investigation. After you provide all the required documentation for your proof of claim, they then have 40 days to decide whether to accept or deny it.
If the insurance company approves your claim, they are required to send payment within 30 days. According to the state's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, this means the entire settlement process should generally be completed within 85 days from start to finish.
How long does an auto accident stay on your record in California?
In California, an auto accident will typically stay on your driving record for three years from the date of the incident. So, if you get into a fender-bender in San Bernardino, you can expect it to be on your record for that duration. However, more serious accidents, such as those involving a commercial vehicle or hazardous materials, can remain on your record for up to ten years.
How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?
At Golden Gate Legal, our first step is to listen to your story. For our clients here in San Bernardino, we want you to feel heard and supported from day one. We will help you get a clear picture of your injuries, which can include connecting you with the right medical professionals to ensure you receive proper care.
Your only job is to focus on getting better. We take on all the legal heavy lifting, fighting to get you the financial support you need. This compensation is meant to cover everything from your medical bills and lost wages to the personal impact the injury has had on your life.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for legal support
Golden Gate Legal has helped countless personal injury victims get back on their feet. Let’s do the same for you.
Call us now at (310) 445-3425 or click below for your free consultation.
Protecting your rights when you need it most
We believe in doing what’s right: you focus on your recovery, and we’ll handle the legal process from start to finish.
Fighting for your full compensation
We are available at all times
No legal fees paid upfront
We will protect you at all costs
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When dealing with the aftermath of an accident, you need strong support by your side to help you make the right decisions.
