If you’ve suffered a personal injury due to the recklessness of someone else, you deserve fair compensation for your injuries and other losses. A San Bernardino car accident lawyer can help you get the damages you need from those responsible.
At Gonzales Law Offices, our team understands the unique challenges of car accident cases in Southern California, and as San Bernardino car accident lawyers, we’re committed to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you are entitled to.
Navigating what comes after a car crash can be overwhelming, but with our guidance, you can take the necessary steps to safeguard your case while focusing on recovery.
At Gonzales Law Offices, we understand how to maximize compensation, even with complex cases when the other driver won’t admit legal responsibility. In fact, Gonzales Law Offices was recently involved in one of the most complicated legal cases in California’s history.
California law gives victims the right to pursue recovery from any party that causes an accident. You may seek damages for economic losses and the lasting impact of a collision if you are injured in a car accident. There are many different types of car accident cases, including:
Sometimes, it takes legal pressure from an attorney to compel your financial recovery. While you may be able to recover sufficiently from an insurance claim, there may be reasons to file a personal injury claim as well. Some cases settle quickly out of court, but there may be important reasons why you decide to move forward with a formal court case. If there is any disagreement over who is at fault for your accident, a personal injury attorney can help.
If you sustained serious injuries or if the other driver’s insurance company won’t pay a full and fair amount to compensate you for your injuries, you may need to meet with an accident attorney in San Bernardino. Gonzales Law Offices has substantial experience handling car accident claims. We can help evaluate whether you have a legal claim and how much it may be worth. Our attorneys in San Bernardino can discuss your injuries and assess fault right away.
Recent San Bernardino Car Accident Settlement Results
✓ $350,000 – Severe litigation with Multiple expert designations and multiple witness depositions.
✓ $100,000 – Bike vs. Auto, Disputed liability, no offers made prior to the filing of a lawsuit and multiple depositions.
✓ 100,000 – Auto vs. Auto, Disputed liability, no offers made before litigation.
Common Personal Injuries We Handle in San Bernardino Car Accidents
San Bernardino’s high-speed highways and busy intersections often result in severe injuries requiring experienced legal representation:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Common in high-impact collisions on I-10 and I-215, often requiring long-term care at facilities like Loma Linda University Medical Center
Spinal Cord Injuries: We understand the lifetime care costs and work with local rehabilitation centers
Severe Burns: Particularly in vehicle fires or motorcycle accidents on San Bernardino’s hot asphalt
Multiple Fractures: From rollover accidents common on mountain highways leading to Big Bear
Internal Injuries: Requiring immediate treatment at Dignity Health or St. Bernardine Medical Center
Wrongful Death: Supporting families through California’s complex wrongful death laws
Whether you received emergency treatment at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Redlands Community Hospital or require ongoing care at Kaiser Permanente San Bernardino, we ensure all medical costs are included in your claim.
Other car collision injuries:
Whiplash
Broken bones and fractures
Sprains and strains
Amputations
Emotional injuries
Gonzales Law Offices is dedicated to helping families through injuries after devastating car accidents. If you need help, an experienced San Bernardino attorney at our personal injury law firm can help right away.
Compensation You Could Be Entitled To
The financial impact of a car accident often goes far beyond the immediate medical bills, and many people don’t realize the full value of their case until they talk to an attorney. Understanding the different types of compensation available can help you see the bigger picture, and some of those damages could include:
Medical expenses
Lost income
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Punitive damages
Loss of consortium
Emotional and psychological trauma
Wrongful death
When you work with the Gonzales Law Offices, we carefully evaluate every aspect of your situation and fight to make sure you’re fully compensated for what you’ve been through.
Why San Bernardino Residents Choose Gonzales Law Offices for Personal Injury
As San Bernardino car accident lawyers with deep roots in the Inland Empire community, we bring unique advantages to your case:
24/7 direct attorney access – not just an answering service
Extensive experience in the San Bernardino County Superior Court
Personal relationships with local medical providers and accident reconstruction experts
Understanding of San Bernardino’s specific traffic laws and dangerous intersections
We’ve successfully represented clients injured in car accidents on some of San Bernardino’s most dangerous roads, including the I-10/I-215 interchange, University Parkway, and the congested corridors near San Bernardino International Airport.
Proving Fault in a San Bernardino Car Collision
Often, you can gather evidence supporting your suspicion that the other driver caused the crash right at the scene of the accident. You may gather information about the road conditions and any damage to the vehicles by taking photographs and videos on your mobile phone. Physical evidence can help demonstrate that the other driver was negligent, which means they acted recklessly or failed to drive in a reasonably safe manner, and that led to your accident.
With 225,439 residents, San Bernardino continues to see significant motor vehicle accidents. According to the latest California Office of Traffic Safety data, while fatal accidents have declined nationally for three consecutive years through 2024, San Bernardino County still experiences thousands of injury-causing collisions annually.
As experienced San Bernardino car accident attorneys who have handled cases throughout the Inland Empire for 18 years, we understand the local traffic patterns that contribute to accidents on major corridors like Interstate 10, Highway 215, and busy intersections such as Baseline Road and Sterling Avenue.
If you think the other driver is at fault for the accident, a San Bernardino personal injury lawyer can help discuss your accident and evaluate liability under California law.
In our state, you must prove that the driver of the other vehicle acted negligently to prove fault. It’s worth discussing fault and your specific injuries with a knowledgeable lawyer.
What to Do After a Car Accident, Step-by-Step
Knowing exactly what to do immediately after a car accident is both important for your safety and for your car accident claim. There are a few steps you can take to make the process more manageable, and they include:
Contact the San Bernardino Police Department immediately, even if the accident seems minor. A police report officially documents the incident and provides important evidence for your case. Make sure to request a copy of the report once it’s available.
Get medical help. Even if you feel fine, some injuries like whiplash or internal trauma might not be apparent, and a medical record establishes your injuries for your car accident case.
Take clear photos of all the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, skid marks, traffic signals, and the surrounding environment. Notes about the circumstances, weather conditions, and the other driver’s behavior can be important later when our San Bernardino car accident attorney evaluates your claim.
Gather contact and insurance information from all the drivers and witnesses. Write down license plate numbers, vehicle makes and models, and any statements given by those involved. Accuracy at this stage of the process can prevent disputes later on.
Finally, contact the team at the Gonzales Law Offices. We’re ready to protect your rights and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
Case Timeline / What to Expect
Understanding the typical timeline for a car accident case in San Bernardino can help you feel more prepared and in control of the situation. While every situation is different, most car accident cases in San Bernardino move through several common stages, and they include:
Investigation. Our team collects police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any physical evidence from the scene. This process can take a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on how complicated your case is.
Negotiations. Once the facts are gathered, our team contacts the insurance company to discuss potential settlement options. Many car accident cases are resolved during this phase without going to court. Negotiations can take some time, as insurers evaluate damages and liability.
Filing a claim. If a settlement cannot be reached, our team can initiate a claim, and the other party is served with notice of the case. Filing can occur a few months after the accident or later, depending on prior negotiation outcomes.
Discovery. During discovery, both sides exchange evidence, interrogatories, and deposition testimony. This phase can be extensive, often lasting several months, and is important when building a strong case.
Trial. If negotiations and settlement efforts fail, our team then prepares your case for trial.
While every situation is different, having the right legal guidance can make each phase more efficient and less stressful. With the Gonzales Law Offices advocating for you, our experienced San Bernardino car accident attorneys can handle the paperwork, negotiations, and legal strategy, so you can focus on healing.
Common Challenges in Local Car Accident Cases
Car accidents in San Bernardino don’t always play out the way you expect. In many situations, there are disagreements and obstacles that make it harder for victims to obtain the compensation they need. These challenges can slow down the process, and they include:
Disputed fault. In many cases, insurance companies try to minimize payouts by disputing liability.
Uninsured or underinsured drivers. California law requires insurance, but many drivers are underinsured or uninsured.
Delayed medical treatment. Waiting too long to see a doctor can weaken your case, as insurance companies could claim that your injuries were pre-existing.
Comparative negligence. California applies a comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation could be reduced if you’re partly at fault for the accident.
Rather than trying to fight insurance companies or gather evidence on your own, you can rely on experienced legal support to guide you through every phase. The Gonzales Law Offices have helped countless accident victims in San Bernardino overcome these hurdles and pursue the compensation they deserve.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer: How Gonzales Law Offices Helps
When you’re recovering from a car accident, hire a car accident lawyer who not only understands California car accident laws but also knows San Bernardino and its court systems. We’ve spent years representing injured clients in courtrooms throughout the area, including the San Bernardino Justice Center, the Fontana Courthouse, and the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court.
This local experience means we understand how cases move through these courts, how insurance companies typically respond, and what strategies resonate in front of local judges and juries.
Dedicated to securing the maximum compensation, our team is ready to:
Clearly explain your rights and legal options
Investigate the crash and gather key evidence
Work with medical and accident reconstruction professionals
Handle all communication with insurance companies
Negotiate aggressively for a strong settlement
Prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
At the Gonzales Law Offices, our goal is simple: to make the legal process easier for you while pursuing the full compensation you deserve. You focus on your health. We handle the rest.
Meet Attorney Mark Gonzales, Esq.
Lead Counsel, Gonzales Law Offices
Since 2007, Mark has represented injured clients across Southern California in car, motorcycle, and truck accidents, traumatic brain injuries, wrongful death, and premises liability. His time in insurance defense gives him an insider’s perspective that he uses to help clients take on powerful carriers. He has recovered over a million dollars for clients in difficult cases.
Bar: State Bar of California
Affiliations: CAALA, LACBA
Education: University of La Verne College of Law
Offices: Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, Ontario
Free Consultation No Fees Unless We Win Se Habla Español
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in San Bernardino?
After ensuring everyone’s safety, call 911. The San Bernardino Police Department will respond, and it’s crucial to get an official police report. Take photos of the accident scene, especially on busy intersections like Baseline and Waterman where lighting conditions can affect visibility. Seek medical attention even for minor injuries – many San Bernardino hospitals like Community Hospital can provide immediate documentation of your injuries.
San Bernardino follows California state traffic laws, but local factors matter. Our attorneys understand how factors like the city’s traffic light timing, construction zones on major highways, and the heavy truck traffic from San Bernardino International Airport can impact fault determination.
How Much Are Most San Bernardino Car Accident Settlements?
If you decide to resolve your car accident claim via settlement, the amount you recover depends on case-specific factors, such as your injury severity, the property damage involved, and your attorney’s prior experience handling car accident claims. A San Bernardino personal injury attorney can estimate the amount you might get for your specific injury case and help maximize your recovery.
What Types of Car Accident Injuries Pay the Most in San Bernardino?
In San Bernardino, severe or life-altering injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage, permanent disabilities, or wrongful death often lead to the highest car accident settlements. The value of a claim is also affected by the severity of the injuries, projected future medical costs, and available insurance coverage. Injuries like head trauma or amputations usually result in larger settlements compared to minor injuries such as bruises or lacerations.
If you were involved in a car accident, a trusted attorney at Gonzales Law Offices can evaluate your specific claim and help discuss your anticipated damages.
What Is the California Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident?
You generally have two years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. For property damage claims, you must file within three years of the incident.
However, if a government entity is involved, different rules may apply, and the filing period can be significantly shorter. Contact a San Bernardino personal injury lawyer to discuss your case and ensure your claim is filed on time.
What Kind of Damages Can I Get for a San Bernardino Car Accident Claim?
In a car accident case in San Bernardino, you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include measurable losses such as medical expenses, lost income, and vehicle repairs. Non-economic damages address the emotional and physical impact of the accident, including pain, suffering, and mental anguish.
Every case is different, and your case facts typically determine the kind and amount of damages you receive.
Experienced San Bernardino Personal Injury & Auto Car Accident Lawyer
Our San Bernardino car accident attorneys serve accident victims with serious injuries throughout the Inland Empire, including:
We understand the unique challenges of accidents on local roads like University Parkway, Foothill Boulevard, and the dangerous highway interchanges that connect our communities.
Contact Our San Bernardino Car Accident Attorneys Today – Free Consultation
If you or a family member was hurt in a car accident, contact a trusted San Bernardino car accident attorney. With multiple law offices throughout beautiful Southern California, we are ready to provide our clients with the personalized attention they deserve. We can represent your interests and build a strong case for recovery.
★★★★★
“On April 9th 2024, I was in a very severe accident caused by a reckless driver. I had contacted Gonzalez law firm in which Mrs. Marilyn explain the procedures, and helped me through process. They were very responsive and answered any questions that arose. They were very attentive and if I needed any additional help, they were willing to get me the necessary help I needed. They were very helpful and would highly recommend this law firm.” – Carmen Villalobos
★★★★★
“I am extremely pleased with Gonzalez law. Mr. Mark Gonzalez himself is a very well rounded and educated lawyer in his field. He was communicative, concise, and efficient with handling my personal injury case. I am grateful to have him as my lawyer. His staff was informative and helpful with getting through my process and the he decision to choose this firm was the best decision I could have made. Thank you Mr. Gonzalez and your team! Continue to serve the community well. It is very much appreciated!” – Roza Keflom
★★★★★
“Great Experience. Once I entered you can feel they care. They talk with Experience and knowledge. Thankful to be represented by this law firm! Will recommend.” – Edward SerranoWB
I could not be more happy with the help Mark Gonzales provided. He was there for me every step of the way. He explained each step in a way that was easy for me to understand. He was available to me when ever I had a concern. His staff made me feel like I was family. I highly recommend Mark to anyone who needs legal help!
Robert R.
Mark helped me recover all my expenses due to my car accident. The insurance company tried to slow the process and doubted that I was even injured. Mark fought for me and gave me peace of mind. I felt like I had an army on my side since his staff worked tirelessly for me. They got the insurance company off my back and helped me get back on my feet faster than I expected.
April F.
Mark did a fantastic job for me when I slipped in a restaurant. I owner had the nerve to claim it was my heels, when clearly the floor was damaged and caused me to fall. He tried to make himself look like the victim of a scam. Mark put an end to that real fast. He took control of everything for me. He helped me get my medical costs paid as well as compensation for the lost time at work.
Dottie F.
The Law Office of Mark Gonzales was a smooth experience people were great and professional !! I would recommend them to anyone and if I ever need an injury attorney again I will definitely come back. THANK YOU.
Vanessa M.
The people working here are very nice and helped make a bad experience better. They made the process go smoothly and were always willing to help and answer my questions. The attorney was very personable and willing to help. The office makes sure you are comfortable and that you understand the process. I highly recommend them.
Elizabeth R.
I would like to thank the attorney Mark Gonzalez and his staff for the prompt results representing my family with our case, I would highly recommend his office, thank you in advance.
Jose G.
I want to highly recommend the lawyer Mark Gonzalez due to his great work. He took my case and won it even though another lawyer had said it was a lost case. Very friendly environment especially with the secretary at the front desk. Thank you!
Marelena R.
Mr. Gonzales did an amazing job in solving my case. I was feeling helpless and all hope lost, but him and his staff got me through it. I wouldn’t consider any other attorney than Mr. Gonzales himself. 100% recommended!
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