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Knowing the right steps to take immediately after a collision can significantly impact your health, safety, and potential compensation for any injuries or damages you may incur. If you’ve recently been involved in an accident, you don’t navigate this challenging time alone. Contact Countrywide Trial Lawyers at 844-844-9119 today to receive expert guidance and support in your recovery process.
Getting into a car accident in San Bernardino can be a disorienting and traumatic experience. Whether the crash happened on I-215 near downtown, along Highland Avenue, or at a busy intersection like Baseline and Waterman, the steps you take immediately after the accident can have a major impact on your health, safety, and ability to recover compensation later.
At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we’ve guided countless car accident victims through the aftermath of serious collisions. This guide outlines exactly what to do and what to avoid if you’ve been involved in a car accident in San Bernardino.
Your safety and the safety of others always come first. If you can move your vehicle to the side of the road without causing further danger, do so. Turn on your hazard lights and remain calm.
Call 911 immediately, even if the accident seems minor. In San Bernardino, both the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the San Bernardino Police Department respond to local crashes, depending on the location of the incident. An official report from law enforcement is crucial for documenting what happened and can serve as key evidence in your case.
Check yourself and passengers for injuries. If you or anyone else is injured, request an ambulance when calling 911. Even if you feel “okay,” it’s still wise to get checked out by a medical professional. Adrenaline can mask symptoms that show up hours or days later.
You can seek care at nearby hospitals such as:
Make sure to document all injuries and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. This medical documentation is essential for any future personal injury claim.
After the scene is secured and emergency services have been called, exchange information with the other parties involved. You should collect:
Avoid making statements about fault or apologizing, even out of politeness. What you say could be misinterpreted and used against you later.
Use your phone to take detailed photos of the scene from different angles. Important shots include:
If there are surveillance cameras nearby, such as those outside a business or gas station, make a note of their location. Your attorney may be able to obtain this footage later.
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide the basic facts of what happened, but avoid giving a recorded statement or speculating about fault. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim, even your own provider. Before speaking in depth, it’s a good idea to consult with an experienced San Bernardino car accident lawyer.
After an accident, the at-fault party’s insurance company may reach out quickly with a settlement offer. While this might seem convenient, these early offers are usually far lower than what you’re actually entitled to. They may not account for long-term medical care, pain and suffering, or lost wages.
Before signing anything, speak to an attorney at Countrywide Trial Lawyers. We’ll evaluate your case for free and make sure you understand the full value of your claim.
What you do after a crash is just as important as what happened during the collision itself. Many people unintentionally hurt their case or delay their recovery by making simple but costly errors. If you were injured in a car accident on a San Bernardino roadway like E Street, I-215, or Del Rosa Avenue, make sure you steer clear of the following mistakes:
Even in accidents that appear minor, failing to report the incident to the police can be a significant mistake. A police report provides an unbiased, official account of the crash. Without it, it becomes your word against the other driver’s. The report may include important details about the fault, road conditions, witness statements, and citations issued. Whether the collision occurs near CSUSB, in the downtown corridor, or on a neighborhood street, always call 911.
Some injuries, like concussions, soft tissue damage, or internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms right away. You might feel fine, but adrenaline can mask pain. Waiting days or weeks to seek treatment not only puts your health at risk but also gives insurance companies an excuse to deny or reduce your claim. Always visit a hospital or urgent care facility in San Bernardino as soon as possible after the crash.
In the chaos of a crash, people often apologize out of instinct. However, saying “I’m sorry” or speculating about what caused the accident could be interpreted as an admission of fault. Even if you believe you may have contributed to the accident, let the police and your attorney determine liability based on evidence. California follows a comparative fault system, so you may still be entitled to compensation even if you were partially at fault.
In the immediate aftermath of a crash, it’s easy to forget to take photos or gather witness information, but this documentation can be crucial. Photos of the vehicle damage, license plates, skid marks, street signs, traffic signals, and injuries can support your claim. Video or photos from a busy San Bernardino street, such as Foothill Boulevard or Tippecanoe Avenue, can help illustrate how the accident occurred. Always collect as much information as possible.
Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but their goal is to minimize the amount their company pays. They may ask leading questions, take your statement out of context, or pressure you into settling quickly. Do not provide recorded statements or sign any documents until you’ve spoken to a car accident lawyer. A simple misstep during this process can harm your case.
After a crash, insurance companies often make early settlement offers to quickly close the case. These offers typically don’t cover the full extent of your damages, especially if you need ongoing medical care, physical therapy, or time off work. Once you accept, you likely forfeit the right to pursue additional compensation. Always have an attorney review any offer before you agree to it.
You might want to update friends or vent your frustration online, but posting about the accident on social media can have unintended consequences. Insurance companies monitor Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for statements or photos they can use against you. Even something as innocent as a photo at a family gathering can be twisted to suggest your injuries aren’t serious. Stay off social media or adjust your privacy settings until your case is resolved.
Failing to attend follow-up appointments, ignoring prescribed care, or prematurely stopping treatment can negatively impact your claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim or that you contributed to your own lack of recovery. Be consistent with your care and follow your doctor’s recommendations. This builds a stronger case and supports your recovery.
California has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but waiting too long to speak to a lawyer can still hurt your case. Key evidence, such as traffic cam footage, skid marks, or witness recollections, can fade over time. The sooner you contact a San Bernardino car accident attorney, the better your chances of building a strong claim.
Some people assume they can handle the process alone, especially if the accident seems minor. However, the legal and insurance systems are complex, and pursuing a case independently often results in lower settlements or missed opportunities for a full recovery. An experienced San Bernardino attorney knows how to navigate local laws, negotiate effectively, and fight for your rights every step of the way.
When you choose Countrywide Trial Lawyers, you’re not just getting legal representation, you’re getting a partner in your recovery. We handle all communication with insurers, gather evidence, build a compelling claim, and, if necessary, take your case to trial in San Bernardino County Superior Court.
Our attorneys are known for being trial-ready, tough negotiators, and highly responsive to client needs. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in San Bernardino, don’t wait to protect your rights. Evidence fades, witnesses become harder to contact, and deadlines pass quickly.
Contact Countrywide Trial Lawyers at 844-844-9119 today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to help you navigate this stressful time, hold negligent drivers accountable, and secure the compensation you deserve.
We serve clients throughout San Bernardino and surrounding communities, including Rialto, Highland, Redlands, and Colton.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.
