San Bernardino Personal Injury Attorney - Traffic Collision Lawyer Fighting for Your Rights

Available 24/7: Call 760-835-9353 | No Recovery, No Fee Guarantee

When a devastating traffic collision changes your life in San Bernardino, you need more than just any lawyer san bernardino—you need an experienced personal injury attorney who understands California law and fights tirelessly for maximum compensation. The Law Offices of Edgar Lombera serves victims throughout San Bernardino County and the Inland Empire, from California State Route 138 to downtown San Bernardino streets.

Whether you’ve suffered brain trauma from negligent driving, lost a loved one to drunk driving, or sustained wounds requiring surgery and extensive medical care, our San Bernardino personal injury lawyer provides the aggressive representation you deserve. We handle cases on a contingent fee basis—meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case.

Injured in a traffic collision in San Bernardino? Contact The Law Offices of Edgar Lombera at 909-915-0181 for a free consultation. Email address and telephone number available below.

About Our San Bernardino Personal Injury Law Firm

Edgar Lombera brings years of experience handling complex traffic collision cases, from simple rear-end accidents to serious injuries that require ongoing medical care. Our team includes skilled paralegals and support staff who ensure every detail of your case receives the attention it deserves. We coordinate with California Highway Patrol officers, emergency departments, and expert witnesses to thoroughly document your damages.

Our Commitment to Southern California Clients

We understand the fear, pain, and financial stress following serious accidents. That’s why we offer comprehensive case management with compassion, helping coordinate medical care, dealing with insurance companies, and protecting your rights while you focus on recovery. Our bilingual services ensure clear communication throughout your case in both English and Spanish.

Why Choose Our Practice:

  • Free consultations with honest case evaluations
  • No fees unless we win your claim
  • 24/7 availability for emergencies
  • Proven success with San Bernardino juries
  • Access to top medical providers and experts

Comprehensive Legal Services in San Bernardino

Traffic Collision and Motor Vehicle Accidents in San Bernardino

Traffic collisions remain one of the leading causes of injury and death among young people in California, especially those under 45. Our personal injury lawyer handles all types of motor vehicle accidents, from minor fender-benders causing soft tissue damage to catastrophic crashes resulting in brain trauma or death.

Common Causes We Investigate:

  • Distracted driving and distraction from mobile phone use, sms texting, or adjusting radio stations
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Drowsy driving and fatigue, especially among commercial drivers
  • Aggressive behaviors like tailgating and road rage
  • Failure to obey traffic lights and stop signs
  • Poor road conditions and construction hazards
  • Tire blowouts, brake failures, and wheel defects
  • Reckless driving and speeding beyond posted speed limits

Each traffic collision requires thorough investigation. We gather evidence from the scene, review California Highway Patrol reports, and work with accident reconstruction experts who analyze event data recorders and vehicle electronics.

Uber and Lyft Ridesharing Company Accidents in San Bernardino

The rise of ridesharing companies in San Bernardino creates complex liability issues when accidents occur. Uber and Lyft use a three-period insurance model, with coverage levels increasing once a ride is accepted or the passenger is in the vehicle.

Rideshare Cases We Handle:

  • Passenger wounds during Uber or Lyft rides
  • Pedestrians struck by rideshare vehicles
  • Other drivers hit by rideshare operators
  • Multi-vehicle collisions involving rideshare cars

Understanding ridesharing company insurance requirements and coverage limits proves crucial for maximizing compensation in these complex cases.

Commercial Vehicle and Delivery Accidents in San Bernardino

When commercial operators cause accidents, the results can be catastrophic. Our attorney handles cases involving semi-trucks, delivery vehicles, garbage trucks, and other commercial transport. For qualifying commercial carriers, we analyze FMCSA regulations and applicable NHTSA vehicle safety standards.

Common Commercial Vehicle Violations:

  • Exceeding hours of service limits leading to drowsy driving
  • Improper cargo loading causing trailer instability
  • Inadequate vehicle maintenance resulting in tire or brake failures
  • Distracted driving while managing delivery schedules
  • Substance abuse violations

Brain Trauma and Cognitive Damages in San Bernardino

Brain trauma cases range from mild concussions to serious injuries that can impact every aspect of life. Our San Bernardino personal injury team collaborates closely with neurological experts and medical specialists to document both immediate and long-term effects. Brain injuries can affect memory, speech, movement, mood, and cognitive function.

Brain Trauma Symptoms Include:

  • Persistent headaches and skull pain
  • Memory loss, confusion, and amnesia
  • Mood swings and emotional instability
  • Loss of consciousness, coma, or vegetative state
  • Cognitive difficulties affecting employment
  • Physical weakness, paralysis, or seizures
  • Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness
  • Bleeding, bruising, and internal damage
  • Neck pain and shoulder stiffness
  • Knee sprains and joint issues from impact
  • Sprain conditions affecting mobility

Some victims experience personality changes that strain family relationships, while others face hypoxia and oxygen deprivation complications requiring lifetime care.

Wrongful Death Claims in San Bernardino

Losing a loved one due to someone’s negligence creates immense grief while causing financial hardship. Our wrongful death attorney San Bernardino helps families seek justice and compensation. California law allows spouses, domestic partners, children, and certain financially dependent relatives—including parents or siblings when no closer relatives exist—to file wrongful death claims.

Death Cases Result From:

  • Drunk driving and traffic collisions
  • Medical malpractice and surgical errors
  • Workplace accidents and occupational injuries
  • Criminal acts including assault, murder, and homicide
  • Product defects and strict liability cases
  • Nursing home neglect and abuse

Families may recover funeral and burial expenses, lost income, and loss of consortium damages in wrongful death cases.

Premises Liability and Slip and Fall in San Bernardino

Property owners owe visitors a duty of care to maintain safe premises. Our personal injury attorney handles slip and fall cases in stores, offices, apartments, and public spaces throughout San Bernardino. We also represent victims of dog bites, swimming pool drowning incidents, and wounds from criminal violence due to inadequate security. To prevail in a slip-and-fall claim, the injured party must prove the property owner failed to take reasonable care in identifying or fixing dangerous conditions.

Common Hazards Include:

  • Wet floors without warning signs
  • Broken stairs and handrails
  • Poor lighting in parking lots
  • Debris and obstacles in walkways
  • Uneven surfaces and potholes
  • Dog attacks from unleashed animals
  • Inadequate security enabling crime

Workplace and Occupational Accidents in San Bernardino

Work accidents often involve complex legal issues beyond workers’ compensation. When third parties cause workplace harm through negligence, victims may pursue additional claims. Our lawyer coordinates with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration when safety violations contribute to accidents.

Occupational Cases Include:

  • Construction site accidents
  • Delivery driver collisions
  • Repetitive stress conditions
  • Toxic exposure cases
  • Workplace violence, harassment, and discrimination incidents
  • Warehouse accidents and equipment failures

Additional Practice Areas in San Bernardino

Our comprehensive services include:

  • Motorcycle Accidents: Road rash, spinal cord damage, and burns – California enforces a universal helmet law, requiring all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets.
  • Bicycle and Pedestrian Cases: Crosswalk and intersection accidents
  • Bus and Taxi Passenger Claims: Public transportation incidents
  • Product Liability: Defective items causing burns, wounds, or death
  • Boating Accidents: Recreational water incidents and drowning
  • Scooter and E-bike Collisions: Modern transportation risks
  • Hit and Run Cases: Uninsured motorist claims involving car or suv vehicles
  • Lane Splitting Motorcycle Accidents: California-specific motorcycle laws
  • Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress: Psychological trauma tort claims

Understanding California Personal Injury Law

Statute of Limitations and Legal Deadlines

Time limits govern when you can file lawsuits. California’s statute typically provides two years from the date of harm, but numerous exceptions exist under the California Code of Civil Procedure:

  • Government claims require filing within six months
  • Minors have extended deadlines through legal guardians
  • Criminal acts may have different limitations
  • Product liability claims follow specific timelines
  • Domestic violence cases have special provisions

Missing deadlines eliminates your ability to make a claim, making immediate legal advice essential.

Burden of Proof and Evidence Requirements

In civil cases, the plaintiff carries the burden of proof using the preponderance of evidence standard—meaning more likely than not, unlike criminal cases requiring proof beyond reasonable doubt.

Critical Evidence Includes:

  • Police reports and law enforcement testimony
  • Medical records documenting trauma
  • Witness statements and depositions
  • Expert witness opinions
  • Physical evidence from accident scenes
  • Electronic data from vehicles and phones
  • Hospital records and emergency department reports

Comparative Negligence in California

California follows pure comparative negligence rules, allowing recovery even when partially at fault. However, your compensation reduces by your fault percentage. Insurance companies exploit this by exaggerating victim fault through surveillance and investigation.

Types of Damages Available

Economic Damages include quantifiable losses:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Property damage to vehicles
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Future surgery and therapy costs
  • Medication and equipment needs

Non-Economic Damages compensate intangible losses:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental distress, anxiety, and anguish
  • Loss of consortium for spouses
  • Disfigurement and scarring
  • Loss of life enjoyment
  • Impact on family relationships

Punitive Damages apply in cases of extreme misconduct, such as drunk driving causing death or corporate recklessness endangering consumers.

Insurance Policy Complexities

Auto Insurance Requirements

California mandates minimum liability insurance, but these limits often prove inadequate for serious harm. Many drivers carry additional coverage including uninsured/underinsured motorist protection and comprehensive collision coverage.

Commercial Policies

Businesses typically maintain higher liability limits and may have umbrella policies providing additional coverage for severe accidents involving commercial vehicles or premises liability.

Health Insurance Coordination

Coordination between health insurance and settlements requires careful navigation to avoid overpayment or benefit denial. We handle subrogation claims to maximize your recovery.

Common Challenges We Overcome

Pre-Existing Conditions

Insurance companies love finding pre-existing conditions to blame for current trauma. However, California recognizes the “eggshell plaintiff” doctrine—defendants take victims as they find them. We demonstrate how accidents aggravated existing conditions or caused new distinct harm.

Multiple Defendants

Complex cases often involve multiple potentially liable parties. Car accidents might implicate several drivers, vehicle manufacturers for defects, and government entities for dangerous road conditions.

Bad Faith Insurance Tactics

Insurance bad faith occurs when companies unreasonably deny or delay valid claims.

Common Tactics Include:

  • Misrepresenting policy language or coverage
  • Failing to investigate claims properly
  • Making unreasonably low settlement offers
  • Delaying payment hoping financial pressure forces acceptance
  • Using surveillance to mischaracterize conditions
  • Demanding unnecessary documentation repeatedly

The Claims Process Step-by-Step

Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation

Your journey begins with a free consultation where we evaluate your case’s merits. Bring all documentation including police reports, medical records, insurance correspondence, and witness contact information.

Investigation and Evidence Preservation

Immediate investigation proves crucial. Evidence disappears, skid marks fade, and witnesses forget details. We quickly visit accident scenes, obtain surveillance footage, and interview witnesses while memories remain fresh.

Medical Treatment Coordination

Your health takes priority. We help coordinate care with quality physicians and health care providers who understand legal cases. Consistent treatment following medical advice strengthens your claim and ensures proper documentation of all trauma. Patient consent for treatment and medical records sharing helps build stronger cases.

Demand Letter and Settlement Negotiations

Once we understand your condition’s full extent, we prepare comprehensive demand letters for insurance companies. Most cases resolve through skilled negotiation without trial, leveraging our reputation and courtroom experience.

Litigation When Necessary

If insurance companies refuse reasonable settlements, we file lawsuits in appropriate courts. Litigation involves pleadings, discovery, motion practice, mediation, arbitration, and potentially trial before judge or jury. Each cause of action requires specific legal knowledge and experience with court procedures and filing frequency requirements.

San Bernardino-Specific Considerations

Local Medical Providers

We maintain relationships with quality medical providers throughout San Bernardino:

  • Emergency departments for immediate trauma care
  • Orthopedic surgeons for bone and joint damage
  • Neurologists for brain and nerve conditions
  • Physical therapy clinics for rehabilitation
  • Pain management specialists
  • Psychological counselors for mental health treatment

High-Risk Areas and Traffic Congestion

Our experience reveals dangerous locations throughout San Bernardino:

  • Interstate 215 through downtown sees frequent multi-vehicle collisions
  • Highway 210 experiences heavy traffic and speed-related crashes
  • Baseline Street and Waterman Avenue intersection poses particular dangers
  • Highland Avenue has been identified in city safety plans as a corridor with frequent pedestrian risks.
  • Mountain roads like Highway 18 create unique hazards

Local Court Procedures

San Bernardino Superior Court has specific local rules under civil procedure. We understand these requirements, know the judges’ preferences, and maintain good relationships with court staff.

Maximizing Your Compensation

Document Everything Thoroughly

  • Photograph wounds regularly showing progression
  • Keep detailed pain journals noting symptoms
  • Save all receipts for accident-related expenses
  • Record missed work and activities
  • Obtain witness statements promptly
  • Preserve damaged property as evidence

Follow Medical Standard of Care

Insurance companies scrutinize medical records for non-compliance. Attend all appointments, complete prescribed therapy, and follow treatment plans. If you disagree with recommendations, discuss concerns with doctors rather than stopping treatment.

Avoid Social Media During Your Case

Insurance companies monitor social media for posts contradicting claims. Photos showing physical activities or posts downplaying pain can devastate cases. We advise clients to avoid posting or maintain extremely limited, careful usage.

Be Patient With the Process

While financial pressures mount, accepting quick settlements rarely serves your interests. Some conditions take months to fully manifest. Rushing settlements before understanding long-term impacts often leaves money on the table.

Why Choose The Law Offices of Edgar Lombera

Proven Success with Local Juries

Our courtroom experience gives us unique insights into how San Bernardino juries respond to different case types. We understand which arguments resonate with local residents and how to present complex medical testimony effectively.

Technology and Resources

Modern cases require sophisticated resources. We use advanced case management software to track deadlines, organize evidence, and maintain communication. Our access to expert witnesses, accident reconstructionists, and medical professionals strengthens your case.

Professional Ethics and Confidence

As members of the State Bar of California, we maintain the highest ethical standards while building confidence in our clients. Our approach combines empathy with aggressive advocacy, ensuring you feel supported throughout the process.

No Recovery, No Attorney Fees

Financial concerns shouldn’t prevent you from seeking justice. Our contingent fee arrangement means you pay nothing upfront.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident

Step 1: Seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital

Step 2: Call police to document the scene – get the police officer‘s information

Step 3: Photograph the scene, vehicles, and any visible wounds

Step 4: Gather witness contact information

Step 5: Exchange insurance information but avoid discussing fault

Step 6: Contact our law firm immediately for legal advice

Step 7: Keep detailed records of all expenses and symptoms

Step 8: Wear your seat belt in future travels for safety

Advanced Legal Strategies

Event Data Recorder Analysis

Modern vehicles contain event data recorders that capture crucial information about speed, braking, and impact forces. We work with technical experts to analyze this electronic evidence.

Causation and Liability Establishment

Proving causation requires demonstrating the defendant‘s actions directly caused your harm. We use medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and biomechanical engineers to establish clear causal links.

Google and Digital Evidence

In today’s digital age, we investigate all electronic evidence including GPS data, smartphone records, and even Google location history to build stronger cases.

Contact Information and Next Steps

Don’t let someone else’s negligence derail your life. Whether facing mounting medical bills from brain trauma, grieving the wrongful death of a loved one, or struggling with chronic pain from a traffic collision, you deserve justice and fair compensation.

From our Redlands office, we serve all of San Bernardino County, western Riverside County, Ontario, and the greater Inland Empire. Our track record demonstrates our effectiveness, but our client relationships show our true commitment to the community.

Take the first step toward justice. Call 909-915-0181 now for your free consultation with a San Bernardino personal injury attorney who delivers results. Visit lomberalaw.com to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is my case worth?

Case values depend on numerous factors including severity, medical expenses, lost income, and impact on daily life. We analyze comparable cases, consider local jury verdicts, and factor in available insurance coverage.

What if I can’t afford medical treatment?

We help arrange treatment on a lien basis, meaning providers wait for payment until case resolution. Many doctors work with legal clients this way, and health insurance may also cover treatment.

Should I give a recorded statement to insurance companies?

No. Insurance adjusters use recorded statements to minimize claims. Even innocent comments get twisted against you. Let our lawyer handle all insurance communications to protect your interests.

Can I switch lawyers if I’m unhappy?

Yes, you can change attorneys anytime. Your new lawyer coordinates with the previous firm regarding file transfer and fee splitting. Quality lawyers welcome clients who’ve done their research.

What about conditions discovered later?

Some trauma manifests weeks or months post-accident. Brain symptoms, neck problems, and psychological impacts often delay. That’s why rushing settlements proves dangerous—once you sign releases, reopening claims becomes nearly impossible.

How do you handle subrogation claims?

Subrogation allows health insurance companies to seek reimbursement from settlements. We negotiate these claims, often reducing amounts owed significantly to maximize money actually reaching your pocket.

What’s the difference between settlements and verdicts?

Settlements are negotiated agreements avoiding trial, providing certainty and faster resolution. Verdicts result from jury decisions after trial, which risk adverse outcomes but can produce higher awards.

Do all cases go to trial?

No, most cases settle without trial. However, insurance companies must believe you’ll go to trial if necessary. We prepare every case for potential litigation while working toward favorable settlements.

What if the at-fault party has minimal insurance?

We explore all compensation sources including your underinsured motorist coverage, umbrella policies, employer liability, and personal assets. Multiple defendants may share responsibility.

What are contingent attorney fees and how do they work?

Contingent fees are percentages of recovery rather than hourly charges. Rates vary based on case complexity and whether litigation becomes necessary. We provide written fee agreements explaining everything clearly.

Have questions about your potential case? Contact The Law Offices of Edgar Lombera at 909-915-0181 or submit your email address through our form below.

Injured? We’re Here to Help.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. At The Law Offices of Edgar Lombera, we specialize in fighting for fair compensation and justice for injury victims across California.

📞 Call us today at 909-915-0181 (Redlands) or 760-835-9353 (Palm Springs) for a free consultation.

💻 Learn more at lomberalaw.com and take the first step toward protecting your rights.

Your case matters. Your recovery matters. Let us help.

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