San Bernardino Truck Accident Lawyer
Injured in a truck accident in San Bernardino? The experienced attorneys at Golden Gate Legal can help you get the compensation you deserve.
The aftermath of a truck accident can be an overwhelming ordeal, leaving you to cope with physical injuries and emotional distress. If you've been involved in such an incident in the San Bernardino area and need legal guidance, our team is here to help at the number below.
Golden Gate Legal is a personal injury law firm with extensive experience representing victims of truck accidents in San Bernardino. This guide will provide clear direction on what to do after a crash, offer an overview of the legal process, and address common questions you may have along the way.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in San Bernardino
If you've been in a truck accident in San Bernardino, it's crucial to follow the steps below to protect both your well-being and your legal rights:
Make Sure You're Safe
First and foremost, assess yourself and any passengers for injuries immediately following the accident. If it's safe and you are able, move your vehicle out of the roadway to a secure area to prevent further danger from other San Bernardino drivers.
Call 911 and Get Medical Attention
Your first priority is safety, so call 911 right away if anyone is hurt or the crash is serious. It's also crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible, because some injuries can take time to appear and a medical record is vital for your well-being and any future claims.
Document the Accident Scene
If you are safely able to, take pictures of the accident scene, including damage to all vehicles, your injuries, and any relevant road signs or conditions. You should also gather contact information from any witnesses and exchange insurance, license, and contact details with the other driver.
Don’t Admit Fault, Post Online, or Sign Anything
In the heat of the moment, resist the urge to say you're sorry or accept any blame, as this can be used against you later. Similarly, protect your case by not posting about the crash online or signing any documents from an insurance company before getting legal advice.
Contact Golden Gate Legal for Help
When a truck accident happens in San Bernardino, the team at Golden Gate Legal is ready to step in and protect your interests against complicated insurance negotiations. We focus on guiding you through the personal injury claim process, ensuring you receive dedicated support and expert legal advice.
Why Choose Golden Gate Legal Law Firm
With years of experience handling complex truck accident cases throughout San Bernardino and beyond, our team at Golden Gate Legal is well-versed in all types of personal injury proceedings. Here are a few reasons why you should choose us to represent you:
- We Will Get You Max Compensation: Our attorneys will aggressively fight to ensure you receive every penny you are legally entitled to for your injuries and losses.
- 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 handle the rest.
- No Legal Fees Upfront: You won't pay any legal fees unless we win or settle your case, so there is no financial risk to you.
- We Are Available at All Times: Our team is here for you 24/7 to provide both legal and emotional support whenever you need it.
We encourage you to check out our Client Testimonials to see what others have to say.
Legal Process Overview
We take care of every step of the legal process for your San Bernardino claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery—here’s how it works:
- Free Consultation & Case Evaluation: We begin with a complimentary consultation to hear your side of the story, answer your questions, and determine the viability of your case.
- Evidence Collection & Claim Filing: Our team will meticulously gather all necessary evidence, including police reports and medical records, and handle all communication with the insurance companies for you.
- Medical Treatment Coordination: As you recover, we can assist in coordinating your medical care and will track your progress to make sure the full extent of your injuries is documented.
- Demand Letter & Negotiation: After you've completed your medical treatment, we will send a comprehensive demand package to the insurer and aggressively negotiate for the highest possible settlement.
- Litigation (if necessary): Should the insurance company refuse to offer a fair settlement, our experienced trial attorneys are ready to file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
- You Get Paid: Once your case is successfully resolved, we manage the final paperwork to ensure you receive your settlement funds promptly.
What Types of Compensation Can You Claim After a Truck Accident?
In California, if you've been injured in a truck accident, the law allows you to seek financial compensation for the losses you've suffered due to the at-fault driver's negligence. Compensatory damages for truck accidents in California may include the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Vehicle repair
- Future medical care and treatment
- Pain and suffering
Insurance companies are focused on their bottom line, not your well-being, and will often try to undervalue your claim; having an experienced California personal injury attorney from Golden Gate Legal on your side is essential to protect your rights and get the full compensation you are owed.
Types of Injuries Handled
While this is by no means an exhaustive list, here are some of the most common types of injuries we handle for our clients:
Whiplash & Soft
Tissue Damage
The forceful jolt from a truck collision can cause whiplash and other soft tissue injuries, leading to persistent neck pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving.
Broken Bones & Fractures
The immense force in a truck collision often leads to broken bones, which can necessitate surgical intervention, the use of casts or braces for stabilization, and a prolonged healing process that may result in chronic pain or lasting limitations on movement.
Spinal Cord Injuries
When a truck accident causes significant trauma, the spinal cord can be injured, leading to partial or even complete paralysis that can permanently affect a person's freedom of movement, ability to care for themselves, and their enjoyment of life.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury is a serious risk in truck accidents, potentially causing lasting effects like memory loss, confusion, cognitive challenges, and significant emotional shifts.
Internal Organ Damage
The sheer impact of a truck accident can inflict serious damage on vital organs like the liver, spleen, or lungs, frequently requiring immediate surgery and a lengthy hospital stay.
PTSD & Emotional Trauma
The emotional toll of a truck accident can manifest as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), persistent anxiety, recurring nightmares, and deep sadness, frequently requiring professional counseling to manage.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in San Bernardino
Here are some of the most significant causes of truck accidents in San Bernardino:
Speeding or Reckless Driving
Speeding or driving recklessly makes it much harder to stop safely, dramatically increasing the likelihood of a serious and life-altering crash.
Driving Under the Influence
Getting behind the wheel while intoxicated severely hampers your ability to react quickly, impairs your judgment, and makes a catastrophic collision far more likely.
Running Red Lights
When a driver ignores a red light, they risk causing a severe crash with crossing traffic or hitting someone in the crosswalk.
Rear-End Collisions
Often the result of inattentive driving or following another vehicle too closely, these impacts can lead to debilitating conditions like whiplash and other serious spinal injuries.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Failing to signal properly or misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic can cause other drivers to brake suddenly or swerve, often resulting in a serious accident.
Hit-and-Run Incidents
Motorcyclists splitting lanes can take drivers by surprise and cause collisions, which complicates the process of determining fault and securing compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
For our San Bernardino clients, Golden Gate Legal handles personal injury cases with no initial fees. We only collect a fee if we successfully win or settle your claim, so hiring us comes with no financial risk to you.
How do I prove the other driver was at fault?
Proving the other driver was at fault for the accident isn't always straightforward and often requires gathering key evidence specific to your crash. If you believe the other driver caused the collision, our team can help you build a strong case to show their negligence.
It's also important to know that if you are found to be partially responsible, the compensation you can receive may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Grasping how this works is crucial for understanding what you might be owed, especially when navigating the busy and sometimes complicated traffic situations in San Bernardino.
How long do I have to take legal action after my accident?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to pursue a personal injury case. It's crucial to act within this timeframe, as waiting past this deadline could prevent you from recovering any compensation for your losses.
In California, how long does an insurance company have to settle a claim?
In California, once you've filed a claim, the insurance company is on the clock. They have 15 days to get back to you and start their investigation. After you submit all the required paperwork to support your claim, they then have another 40 days to decide whether to approve or deny it.
If your claim gets the green light, the insurer must send your payment within 30 days of that approval. When you add it all up, the entire settlement process is meant to be wrapped up within 85 days. These timelines are set by the state's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations to ensure claims are handled promptly.
How long does a truck accident stay on your record in California?
For drivers in San Bernardino and across California, a truck accident will typically stay on your driving record for three years. However, for more severe accidents, like those involving a commercial vehicle or hazardous materials, this period can extend to ten years. The clock starts ticking from the date of the collision itself.
How will Golden Gate Legal actually help me?
For our clients in San Bernardino, our first step at Golden Gate Legal is to listen and understand your unique situation. We help evaluate the extent of your injuries and can connect you with specialized doctors to ensure you receive proper care.
You should focus on your health. We will manage the legal fight to win the compensation you deserve for your suffering and recovery.
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
Locations We Serve
Contact Us For a Free Case Evaluation
When dealing with the aftermath of an accident, you need strong support by your side to help you make the right decisions.
