San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyers

The Legal Backup You Need After a San Bernardino Crash

At Thompson Law, we’ve built a reputation by standing up for people who’ve been blindsided by speeding drivers, distracted commuters, or reckless decisions that changed everything in a split second. San Bernardino isn’t an easy city to drive in. Congested highways, high-speed corridors, and outdated intersections make it one of California’s most dangerous places to be behind the wheel. But just because crashes are common doesn’t mean you should have to fight for your future alone.

Our job is to guide you, protect your claim, and help you take control of your life again. Reach out to our San Bernardino car accident attorneys for a FREE CONSULTATION to review your case.

 

 San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyers

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Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer After a Crash in San Bernardino

Car accidents in San Bernardino are routine and often severe. Just this June, a crash on the I-15 shut down traffic and sent nine people to the hospital, with several airlifted by helicopter due to serious injuries. A few days later, a sheriff’s deputy was injured in a solo patrol car crash on Mojave Drive in Victorville. These aren’t isolated events. They reflect a larger problem: dangerous roadways, unpredictable traffic, and high-impact collisions that change lives instantly.

Intersections like Waterman and Baseline or 5th and G Street are known for aggressive drivers and poor visibility. Freeways like I-10 and I-215 see frequent chain-reaction crashes. When you’re hurt in one of these wrecks, you’re suddenly pulled into a process you didn’t ask for and likely don’t understand.

That’s where a lawyer makes the difference. Insurance companies start building their defense the moment a crash happens. Their goal is to settle quickly and pay as little as possible. Without legal representation, your voice gets drowned out, your injuries minimized, and your financial recovery put at risk.

At Thompson Law, we step in to change that. We protect your side of the story, gather time-sensitive evidence, and deal directly with insurers so you can focus on medical care and your recovery. You get a team that knows how to win cases in San Bernardino because we’ve done it over and over again.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Helps You

Our attorneys reconstruct crashes, identify negligence, and document everything insurance adjusters try to ignore. That includes reviewing traffic camera footage, consulting accident reconstruction experts, and investigating whether any traffic laws or liability laws were violated. We issue a demand letter built on facts, not guesswork, and we push for a settlement that reflects the full cost of your injuries.

If the other side stalls or denies fault, we prepare for court without hesitation. At every stage, we’re ten steps ahead of the insurer’s playbook.

Call for Your Free Consultation

(844) 308-8180

Why Choose Thompson Law?

Thompson Law is known across California for one thing: we get results without cutting corners. We’re trial-tested, client-focused, and relentless. Our team has handled high-stakes injury cases throughout the Inland Empire. We know the patterns behind local crashes. We’ve worked cases at intersections you pass every day. We’ve gone head-to-head with major insurers and won when it mattered most.

Our results speak for themselves:

  • $14.28 million for a client who suffered quadriplegia due to a tire failure in a catastrophic vehicle crash
  • $11.99 million recovered for the family of a man killed in a commercial truck accident
  • $8.54 million secured in a case involving wrongful death caused by a vehicle crashworthiness defect

We’re not here to process paperwork. We’re here to protect your future. That means real communication, responsive updates, and a legal strategy that fits your life, not the insurance company’s timeline. Contact us for a FREE CASE EVALUATION to see what your claim is worth.

What to Expect When You Work With a San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyer

The legal process can feel like a maze. We make it manageable.

First, we listen. We review your case during a free consultation, explain what to expect, and outline next steps. Then we begin our investigation. We gather police reports, talk to witnesses, collect your medical records, and coordinate with your care providers to understand the full scope of your injuries.

We’ll handle all communication with the insurer so they can’t twist your words. We’ll build your claim from the ground up, calculating both your immediate and long-term losses. And if your case needs to go to trial, we prepare aggressively. We also help with medical liens, rental vehicles, and making sure your bills don’t pile up while you’re waiting on your case to resolve.

From start to finish, we’re with you.

At Thompson Law

We know what’s at stake after a serious car accident, which is your health, your income, and your ability to move forward. Our team works directly with clients, building strong claims backed by real evidence and real strategy. When you call our San Bernardino car accident lawyers, you’re getting legal support that’s focused, responsive, and proven.

Start with a free consultation. You won’t pay anything unless we recover compensation for you.

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Understanding Liability in California Car Accidents

Liability is the legal term for fault. In car accident cases, it refers to the person or party responsible for causing the crash. That could be a driver who ran a stop sign, a commercial operator who ignored hours-of-service laws, or even a city that failed to maintain traffic control devices.

In California, the law assigns fault based on liability laws. Proving fault means showing that someone’s behavior violated a duty of care, like speeding through a crosswalk, ignoring speed zones, or failing to observe traffic control devices.

We gather the proof, organize the evidence, and make sure liability is clear.

How Negligence Is Proven Under California Law

Negligence is what turns a crash into a lawsuit. Under California negligence laws, we must show that the other driver owed you a duty of care, broke that duty through careless or unlawful behavior, directly caused your injuries, and left you with actual damages.

Examples include texting while driving, unsafe lane changes, or driving under the influence. These behaviors violate the duty every driver has to operate safely and predictably. Our attorneys prove negligence by connecting the dots with evidence, timelines, expert evaluations, and law.

Common Damages You May Be Entitled To

Car accidents affect more than your health. They interrupt your job, your family life, and your plans. That’s why California law allows injury victims to claim both financial and non-financial losses.

Economic Damages

Also known as special damages, they cover the out-of-pocket expenses caused by the crash:

  • Emergency room visits, surgeries, and follow-up care
  • Physical therapy, rehabilitation, and prescriptions
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Vehicle repair or replacement

Non-Economic Damages

These non-monetary damages address the ways your life has been disrupted:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Sleep problems, anxiety, depression
  • Loss of enjoyment of daily life

Special Considerations

If someone you love passed away, we may pursue a wrongful death claim. In rare cases, we also seek punitive damages for extreme misconduct. Review the full list of compensatory damages allowed under California law.

Do’s and Don’ts After a Car Crash

Getting it right in the minutes after a crash can make or break your case.

What You Should Do

  • Call 911. Get medical help and request a police report.
  • Document everything. Take photos of damage, injuries, and the scene.
  • Gather information. Get names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details.
  • Seek medical treatment, even for minor pain. Delay can hurt your health and your case.
  • Talk to a lawyer before you talk to an insurer.

What You Should Never Do

  • Don’t apologize or admit anything at the scene.
  • Don’t downplay your injuries.
  • Don’t post about the crash on social media.
  • Don’t give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance adjuster.
  • Don’t sign anything until a lawyer reviews it.

How Fault Is Determined in Car Accidents in San Bernardino

Determining fault after a car crash in California isn’t always black and white. The state uses a system called comparative negligence, which means more than one person can be found partially responsible for what happened. Each party is assigned a percentage of fault, and any compensation you receive is reduced by your share of the blame. If you’re found 20% at fault, your final recovery is reduced by 20%. But that percentage isn’t fixed since it can be argued, challenged, and negotiated. And the stronger your case, the more of it you can recover.

At Thompson Law, we don’t rely on assumptions or generic arguments. We build fault around facts. That starts with gathering and analyzing evidence, including:

  • Police reports that document initial findings and traffic violations
  • Photographs from the scene, including vehicle positions, skid marks, and visible injuries
  • Witness statements that help verify what happened and when
  • Surveillance or dashcam footage, if available, which can show the sequence of events in real time
  • Medical records that demonstrate the connection between the accident and your injuries
  • Crash reconstruction experts, when needed, to show how speed, angles, and impact points tell the real story
  • Relevant California statutes and case law, including how fault is defined and disputed under the state’s legal system

Fault can also be affected by details others overlook, like whether a driver was texting, speeding in a posted speed zone, ignored traffic control devices, or violated right-of-way laws.

Our job is to reduce or eliminate any blame assigned to you. We do that by pushing back with clear evidence and a strong legal argument built around California’s fault and liability rules. We’re here to make sure your side is fully represented. Contact us for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Legal Deadlines That Can Affect Your Claim

Time matters in injury cases. California has a two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits. But other deadlines also apply:

  • Insurance policy notification requirements
  • Deadlines for claims involving government vehicles or public entities (as short as 6 months)
  • Shorter timelines for gathering video footage or witness statements

We protect your timeline from day one.

What If the Other Driver Was Uninsured?

Uninsured and underinsured drivers are common in San Bernardino. If the person who hit you has no coverage, we may file a claim through your UM/UIM policy. If you don’t have that coverage, we can still investigate other recovery options, including third-party liability. Learn your rights under California’s uninsured driver accident laws.

The Importance of Documentation: Medical and Police Records

The truth needs proof. Insurance companies pay based on documents, not on sympathy. That’s why medical records, police reports, and crash documentation are critical.

After an accident, visit a hospital immediately, even if you think you’re okay. Adrenaline can hide serious injuries. Hospitals near the crash site include:

To request a police report, contact the San Bernardino Police Department:

  • Address: 710 N D St, San Bernardino, CA 92401
  • Records Division Phone: (909) 384-5742

Dangerous Intersections and Roads in San Bernardino

San Bernardino ranks among the worst cities in California for crash frequency and severity. According to OTS crash rankings, collisions occur daily on:

High-Risk Intersections:

  • Waterman Ave & Baseline St
  • 5th St & G St
  • N Arrowhead Ave & W Baseline St
  • E Highland Ave & N Valencia Ave
  • E Date St & N Del Rosa Ave

Dangerous Highways:

  • I-10, I-15, I-215
  • SR 210, SR 60, SR 330, SR 138, SR 18, SR 2

These roads are hazardous due to high speed limits, merging traffic, and poor signage. Crash clusters shown in the TIMS mapping tool reinforce how risky the zones can be.

Should You Settle or Go to Trial?

Most car accident cases in California get resolved through settlement, but that doesn’t mean settling is always the right move. A settlement can bring faster closure and help you avoid the uncertainty of court, but it often comes with a tradeoff, like lower compensation, especially if the insurer believes you won’t push back.

On the other hand, taking your case to trial may result in a higher verdict and force the at-fault party to take full responsibility, but it also requires more time, preparation, and emotional energy. Trials can be powerful tools when the insurance company lowballs or denies a valid claim.

At Thompson Law, we evaluate every angle. We’ll walk you through the potential outcomes, the risks, and the opportunities on both sides. Then we’ll help you decide based on what serves your long-term recovery, not what’s fastest. Our approach to settlements versus trials in California is always strategic and client-focused. You won’t be pushed toward a quick deal if it doesn’t fully reflect the impact of your injuries.

Let Thompson Law Help You Move Forward

Every car accident has a legal, medical, and financial impact. We understand that because we’ve helped thousands of clients through it. What makes Thompson Law different is our commitment to real results and real relationships. We answer our phones. We explain things clearly. And we fight cases like they’re personal. Let’s talk today. You’ll never pay us a fee unless we win your case. Call now for a FREE CONSULTATION. Let’s put your case in motion.

 

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FAQs About Car Accidents in San Bernardino

What should I do if the insurance company sends me a check right away?

Don’t cash it. Early checks are usually lowball offers meant to close your case fast. Once you accept and deposit the money, you likely waive your right to pursue the full value of your claim. Always talk to a lawyer before accepting any payment.

Can I still file a claim if I didn’t go to the hospital right after the crash?

Yes. Delayed symptoms are common after car accidents. You should still seek medical care as soon as possible and inform your provider about the crash. We can help document the delay and explain the circumstances in your claim.

Will my medical bills be paid before the case settles?

They might not be. Many medical providers will wait for your case to resolve or accept a letter of protection. We help coordinate this process so you don’t face collections while you’re recovering.

Do I need to notify my own insurance even if the other driver was at fault?

Yes. Most policies require prompt notice. Failing to notify your insurer could cause complications or even affect your coverage. We’ll handle the communication so your policy obligations are met without hurting your claim.

How much does it cost to hire Thompson Law?

Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. No retainers, no hourly bills, and no risk to you.

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.