Common Car Accident Types in San Bernardino County: A Comprehensive Legal Guide



San Bernardino County experiences thousands of traffic collisions annually on its extensive road network. These incidents range from minor crashes to those causing death, each presenting unique legal challenges for victims seeking compensation. Understanding the different types of accidents and their implications is crucial for anyone involved in a motor vehicle collision in this region.

• Stop-and-go traffic on highways
• Sudden stops at intersections
• Distracted driving incidents

Side-impact or “T-bone” collisions typically occur at intersections when one vehicle strikes the side of another. These accidents are particularly dangerous because vehicle sides offer less protection than front and rear crumple zones.

Common locations for T-bone accidents in San Bernardino County include:

• Busy intersections in populated areas
• Four-way stop signs in residential neighborhoods
• Shopping center entrances and exits

Determining fault in these cases often requires thorough investigation of traffic signal timing and witness statements.

Single-vehicle accidents involve just one car and commonly result from:

• Driver losing control on curves
• Swerving to avoid debris on the road
• Vehicle rollover incidents, particularly with SUVs
• Collisions with stationary objects

While these accidents might seem straightforward regarding fault, they can involve complex factors such as vehicle defects, poor road design, or inadequate signage.

Multi-vehicle accidents involve three or more vehicles and frequently occur on high-speed highways, particularly during adverse weather conditions. These complex crashes present significant challenges:

Collisions involving large commercial trucks are often catastrophic due to the massive size difference between trucks and passenger vehicles. These accidents have several distinctive features:

• Higher risk of fatality compared to car accidents
• Severe road rash and other wounds common even in minor crashes
• Frequent bias against motorcyclists that must be overcome
• Different dynamics of motorcycle operation that affect liability determinations

Motorcyclists injured in San Bernardino County deserve full compensation regardless of unfair stereotypes about rider behavior.

Excessive speed contributes to both the likelihood and severity of accidents throughout San Bernardino County. Common issues include:

Driver fatigue is an underreported but serious cause of accidents in San Bernardino County. Fatigue-related accidents often share these characteristics:

• Lack of evasive action before impact
• Single-vehicle run-off-road crashes
• Accidents occurring between midnight and 6 a.m.
• Long-distance travelers or commercial drivers

Fatigue impairs judgment and reaction time similarly to alcohol, making it a form of negligence in accident claims.

Some accidents result from inadequate infrastructure rather than driver error. Problems include:

Have you suffered injuries in a car accident that require ongoing medical treatment? Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Call our attorneys at 760-835-9353 to discuss how we can help you secure compensation for current and future medical expenses.

Different accident types tend to cause distinct patterns of injury, all of which can form the basis for compensation claims.

Bruises and soft tissue injuries occur in nearly all car accidents and range from minor to severe:

• Facial bruising and abrasions
• Chemical burns from deployment mechanisms
• Hearing damage from deployment sound
• Eye injuries from impact or chemicals

These injuries should be documented as they provide clear evidence of the collision’s force and direction.

Suffering from bone fractures, brain injuries, or internal bleeding after a car accident? Our attorneys understand the full impact of catastrophic injuries and fight for maximum compensation. Call 909-915-0181 for dedicated legal representation.

• Rear-end collisions typically establish a presumption of fault against the rear driver
• Head-on collisions often involve clear liability but may have contributing factors
• T-bone accidents frequently require detailed investigation to establish right-of-way
• Multi-vehicle accidents may involve complex shared liability determinations

• Head-on collisions typically result in higher settlements due to severe injuries
• Rear-end collisions at low speeds may yield smaller settlements unless soft tissue injuries are well-documented
• T-bone accidents often produce substantial settlements due to side-impact injuries
• Single-vehicle accidents may involve reduced damages if driver error contributed

The specific circumstances of your accident influence potential settlement value.

These initial actions create a foundation for any subsequent insurance claim or lawsuit.

When exchanging information after an accident, be sure to collect:

• Full name, address, and phone number
• Driver’s license number
• Vehicle registration information
• Insurance company name and policy number
• License plate number
• Vehicle make and model

This information is essential for filing claims with the insurance company and identifying all potentially responsible parties.

California law requires reporting accidents to police when they involve:

Most insurance policies require prompt reporting of accidents, typically within 24-72 hours. When making your report:

• Trauma centers at regional medical centers
• Emergency response through county fire departments
• Air ambulance services for critical cases

Documenting all emergency care is essential for establishing the severity of injuries in your claim.

Beyond hiring a personal injury attorney, accident victims can benefit from:

These resources can supplement professional legal representation in addressing all aspects of your accident claim.

• Transportation assistance for medical appointments
• Temporary disability support
• Vocational rehabilitation services
• Financial assistance programs for qualified individuals

Have you experienced pain and suffering after a car accident? Insurance companies often undervalue these damages. Call 760-835-9353 to speak with attorneys who understand how to properly value your claim.

Most car accident attorneys in San Bernardino County work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only collect payment if they secure compensation for you. Typical contingency fees range from 33-40% of the recovery amount. Learn more about our fee structure.

Yes, because contingency fee arrangements require no upfront payment, accident victims can access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation. Initial consultations are typically free, allowing you to understand your options without cost.

Airbag failures can form the basis for product liability claims against vehicle manufacturers. If your airbag failed to deploy in a collision where it should have activated, or if it deployed unnecessarily causing injuries, document these issues thoroughly. Our attorneys work with automotive experts to determine if airbag systems functioned properly and pursue claims against manufacturers when appropriate.

Establishing causation for internal bleeding requires prompt medical documentation and expert testimony. Medical records showing the progression of symptoms, surgical reports, and diagnostic imaging are crucial evidence. Our attorneys work with medical experts who can testify that the internal bleeding resulted directly from trauma sustained in the accident rather than pre-existing conditions.

If road debris caused your accident, document the debris through photographs if possible, file a police report specifically noting the debris, and attempt to determine its source. Liability may rest with the party who dropped the debris, the entity responsible for road maintenance, or another driver who swerved to avoid it. Our attorneys investigate to identify all liable parties to ensure maximum compensation.

When car accidents result in death, California law allows surviving family members to pursue wrongful death claims. These claims compensate for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and the victim’s pre-death pain and suffering. Different rules apply regarding who can file and what damages can be recovered, making specialized legal representation essential in these tragic cases.

Accidents involving Uber or other rideshare drivers involve specialized insurance issues. Coverage depends on whether the driver was logged into the app and whether they were carrying a passenger. These companies typically carry $1 million policies that apply when drivers are actively transporting passengers, but lower limits may apply at other times. Our attorneys understand the complex coverage rules for rideshare accidents and maximize available insurance resources.

Driver fatigue is treated similarly to other forms of negligence in accident cases. Evidence of fatigue might include the driver’s work schedule, distance traveled before the accident, time of day, witness observations of the driver’s behavior, and lack of evasive action before impact. If the fatigued driver was working, their employer may share liability, particularly if they encouraged or required extended driving periods.