When unexpected injuries disrupt your life, it can be difficult to determine your next steps. Whether it is a motor vehicle accident, a slip and fall, or another incident caused by negligence, the challenges that follow can feel overwhelming. Addressing medical bills, lost wages, and other damages often requires a clear understanding of legal options.
Personal injury cases demand careful evaluation to identify the responsible parties and to calculate the impact of the injury on your life. The San Bernardino County personal injury lawyers at Lerner Moore Silva Cunningham & Rubel provide clarity and support throughout this process, offering an avenue to pursue justice while you focus on recovery.
What Is a Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury case arises when an individual suffers harm due to another party’s negligence or wrongful actions. To bring a claim forward, the injured party must demonstrate that the other party’s actions directly caused the injury and associated damages. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
In San Bernardino County, personal injury cases involve gathering evidence, consulting with medical professionals, and negotiating with insurance companies. While some cases settle outside of court, others may proceed to trial if an agreement cannot be reached. Our San Bernardino County personal injury lawyers can protect your rights and advocate for your interests throughout this process.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
California law imposes a statute of limitations on personal injury cases. In most situations, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim. Missing this deadline can result in losing the opportunity to pursue compensation. However, exceptions may apply depending on the specifics of your case. For example, if the injury was not immediately discovered, the filing period might begin at the time the harm became apparent.
Additionally, claims involving government entities require adherence to stricter timelines. If your injury involves a government agency or employee, you may need to file a claim within a shorter time frame. It is essential to determine the applicable deadlines and to begin preparing your case promptly.
What Should I Do After a Personal Injury?
First, seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Documentation of your medical condition and treatment can serve as critical evidence. Next, gather any available evidence at the scene:
- Photographs of your injuries.
- Photographs of the scene, especially hazardous conditions.
- Contact information of witnesses.
- Request an incident report if someone responded to the scene to help.
Keeping detailed records of your expenses, including medical bills and repair costs, is also important. Avoid discussing your case with insurance adjusters without consulting legal counsel. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts, and statements made without proper guidance could be used against you.
We also advise against posting anything about your case on social media; avoid discussing it with anyone other than immediate family. If someone hears or sees your comments (or photos), that information could also be used to jeopardize your claim.
How Is Compensation Determined in Personal Injury Cases?
Compensation in personal injury cases aims to address both ‘economic’ and ‘non-economic’ damages.
- Economic damages include measurable losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
- Non-economic damages account for less tangible impacts, such as emotional distress and pain and suffering. The severity of the injury, the long-term impact on your life, and the degree of negligence involved all influence the compensation amount.
Our San Bernardino County personal injury lawyers analyze evidence to determine compensation; examples include medical bills, body shop invoices, who was liable, and the reason for the crash.
Keep in mind that California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, so it is possible to recover damages if you were partially at fault for a personal injury. If you and a defendant are both found negligent, you will both be assigned a percentage of fault. Your compensation would be reduced by that percentage – up to 99%.
Can I Handle a Personal Injury Case Without Legal Representation?
While it is possible to pursue a personal injury claim without legal assistance, doing so can present significant challenges. Our San Bernardino County personal injury lawyers bring knowledge of the law and experience in handling negotiations and litigation. Without this support, individuals may face difficulties in gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and presenting their cases effectively in court.
For many, the stress of managing a legal claim while recovering from an injury is overwhelming. Our legal team not only handles the technical aspects of the case, but we also work to safeguard your rights. If you are considering pursuing a claim on your own, it is important to weigh the potential risks of doing it carefully.
How Do I Choose the Right Personal Injury Lawyer?
Selecting a personal injury lawyer involves evaluating their experience, reputation, and approach to client service. Researching the firm’s track record in handling cases similar to yours can provide insight into its ability to achieve favorable outcomes. Scheduling a consultation can also help you understand their approach to your specific situation.
Our personal injury lawyers at Lerner Moore Silva Cunningham & Rubel serve San Bernardino County with dedication and professionalism. Our understanding of local laws and commitment to client advocacy makes us a reliable choice for individuals seeking legal support. With a focus on achieving results, we work diligently to address the unique needs of each case.
Let Our San Bernardino County Personal Injury Lawyers at Lerner Moore Silva Cunningham & Rubel Fight to Protect Your Rights
Our San Bernardino County personal injury lawyers at Lerner Moore Silva Cunningham & Rubel can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward resolving your case. We proudly serve clients in San Bernardino County, Ontario, Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Colton, and Riverside County. To learn more, submit our online form or call our Ontario or Victorville, California, office at 909-889-1131.


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Making a false or fraudulent workers’ compensation claim is a felony subject to up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $50,000 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is greater, or by both imprisonment and fine. The information contained on this website does not guarantee, warranty, or predict the outcome of your case.