Car crashes happen all across the United States every day. California is no exception. The California Office of Traffic Safety reports that during 2014, San Bernardino County had a population of 213,259 people. That year, car crashes killed and injured 1,856 people in the county. Of those crashes, 273 involved alcohol and 279 were speed related. The county had 472 DUI arrests that same year.
If you have been involved in a car accident in San Bernardino, it can be a very stressful time. You should try to remain calm, preserve all the evidence, and do everything you can to ensure your rights to filing a personal injury claim are preserved.
A personal injury attorney can help you file a personal injury claim and recover compensation for the damages that you suffered as a result of the crash. Common damages include medical expenses, property damages, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Dangerous Roads in San Bernardino
Car accidents occur on a variety of roads and even the most experienced drivers can be involved in a crash. However, you should be aware that some roads are more prone to car crashes. Several things can come into play and impact a road's safety rating.
Things such as road design, traffic volume, terrain, and overall location can result in a higher volume of crashes. Here are some of San Bernardino's more dangerous roads.
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State Route 138
State Route 138 has mountainous twists and turns, which make the roadway particularly dangerous. It is especially dangerous for drivers not familiar with the area. -
Interstate 15
I-15 is like other interstates. It sees hundreds of thousands of vehicles every single day. It is ranked among the 10 most dangerous roads in the country according to the America's most dangerous roads list compiled by Popular Mechanics. -
Interstate 10
Another interstate, I-10 was ranked as the fifth most dangerous highway in the country per the Daily Beast. The road is listed for its number of drunk drivers, distracted drivers, poor road conditions, congestion, and other dangers.
What Do In the Event of A Crash in San Bernardino
If you have been in a car accident in San Bernardino, just remember you are not alone. Try to stay calm and do everything you can to preserve evidence and protect your rights. Never leave the scene of a crash and follow the instructions of authorities. Cooperate with the police.
Here are some tips regarding what to do after a crash:
- First, check to see if anyone is seriously injured. If an ambulance is needed, call for one right away.
- Call the police. They will need to investigate the crash and complete an accident report.
- Use your smartphone to take photos of the accident scene. Take pictures of damaged vehicles and visible injuries.
- Exchange contact information and insurance details with the other driver.
- Get the contact information and names of any witnesses to the crash.
- Go be examined at a local emergency room.
- Keep all documentation and evidence for negotiating with the insurance company.
San Bernardino Hospitals
If you have been involved in a car accident, go to the nearest emergency room. You might not think you are injured, or you may think injuries aren't serious. However, some injuries aren't apparent at first or might be much worse than you initially believe.
Here are some local medical facilities that offer emergency care:
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Community Hospital of San Bernardino
1805 Medical Center Dr.
San Bernardino, CA 92411 -
San Bernardine Medical Center
2101 N. Waterman Ave.
San Bernardino, CA 92404 -
Loma Linda University Medical Center
11234 Anderson St.
Loma Linda, CA 92354
San Bernardino Auto Repair Shops
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident in San Bernardino, you are probably going to need to have repairs done to your car. Keep the receipt for having your vehicle towed. Also, keep any receipts for rental vehicles used while your car is inoperable. Get written estimates from qualified auto body repair shops to show how much it will cost to get your car back to its pre-crash condition.
All of these estimates and receipts can be used to help negotiate with the insurance company. Here are local auto body shops and towing services.
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Seidner's Collision Center
25491 Redlands Blvd.
Loma Linda, CA 92354 -
Caliber Collision
1197 E. 3rd St.
San Bernardino, CA 92410 -
A & G Towing
591 9th St.
San Bernardino, CA 92410 -
Armada Towing
2285 6th St.
San Bernardino, CA 92410
The Most Valuable Resource - A Personal Injury Attorney
A car accident will require you to use multiple resources to recover the damages that you have suffered. Economic losses can be significant from a car crash. In order to recoup compensation for your damages, you will need to pursue a personal injury claim.
It can be challenging and complicated to deal with an auto insurance company, so you need to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who will help you get the compensation you are entitled to receive.
Because your lawyer will not be paid until you get money for your losses, you don't pay out any cash up front. Schedule a free consultation with a San Bernardino accident injury lawyer today.
