What to Expect in a San Bernardino Personal Injury Claim
If you’ve been injured in San Bernardino, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Contact us for a free consultation and let our experienced team at Countrywide Trial Lawyers, by calling 844-844-9119, help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in San Bernardino, whether it was a car accident on the 215 Freeway, a slip‑and‑fall at Inland Center, or a warehouse incident, you likely have many questions about what comes next. From your initial consultation to resolving your case, here’s a clear, step‑by‑step guide to help you understand the process and how Countrywide Trial Lawyers stand by your side every step of the way.
Step 1: Free Consultation & Case Evaluation
What Happens:
- You’ll meet with one of our San Bernardino-based personal injury attorneys to discuss what happened, how you're affected, and who may be responsible.
- We evaluate the strengths and liabilities of your case, collecting key information such as accident location, medical records, and insurance details.
Why It Matters:
- There’s no upfront cost or obligation.
- Early evaluation helps us determine your best path and begin preserving crucial evidence right away.
Step 2: Gathering Evidence & Investigation
What Happens:
- We obtain police or CHP reports from accidents anywhere in San Bernardino County.
- Our team collects photos, surveillance footage (from local stores or freeway cameras), witness details, and medical records.
- We collaborate with experts, including accident reconstruction specialists, doctors, and engineers, to establish a solid foundation.
Why It Matters:
- Strong evidence is essential. Without it, insurance companies may not pay fairly or at all.
- In San Bernardino, quick scene documentation is vital before evidence is lost due to local traffic cleanup or construction.
Step 3: Calculating Damages
What Happens:
- We assess current and future medical costs, lost wages, rehabilitation needs, and emotional distress.
- Our valuation method includes future care, pain and suffering, property damage, and loss of life enjoyment or consortium.
Why It Matters:
- Accurately calculating damages prevents lowball settlements.
- A full valuation ensures that your claim reflects all your needs and rights.
Step 4: Filing a Claim or Lawsuit
What Happens:
- We draft and file a formal demand letter to insurers, outlining fault and total damages.
- If dealing with a government agency, such as a city bus operator, we file mandatory government claims within 6 months.
- If negotiations stall, we file a lawsuit in San Bernardino County Superior Court.
Why It Matters:
- Formal claims start the legal clock; missing deadlines can mean losing your rights.
- Timeliness is especially crucial when dealing with government defendants.
Step 5: Negotiation & Mediation
What Happens:
- We present your claim, negotiate directly with insurers, and counter any low offers with evidence-backed demands.
- If both sides agree, a mediation session may be scheduled to reach a fair resolution without going to trial.
Why It Matters:
- Mediation often resolves claims more quickly and at a lower expense.
- Still, having a strong, trial-ready case makes mediators take your position seriously.
Step 6: Discovery Phase
What Happens:
- If the case proceeds, both sides exchange documents, conduct depositions (recorded witness interviews), and file motions on legal issues.
- We develop a comprehensive evidence file: medical proofs, expert reports, crash analysis, and financial impact documentation.
Why It Matters:
- Discovery enables both parties to disclose evidence before trial.
- It often promotes fair settlements or uncovers key weaknesses in the defense’s case.
Step 7: Trial Preparation & Litigation
What Happens:
- We prepare pre-trial briefs, subpoena witnesses, organize exhibits, and rehearse courtroom testimony.
- If mediation fails, your case goes before a judge or jury in the San Bernardino Superior Court.
Why It Matters:
- Being ready to try the case makes insurance companies more likely to offer fair settlements earlier.
- You avoid unnecessary trials while maintaining full leverage.
Step 8: Settlement or Verdict
What Happens:
- If a settlement is reached, we formalize it with paperwork and ensure medical liens are addressed.
- If the case goes to trial, we present your evidence and make your case in court. A judge or jury decides.
- Once resolved, funds are disbursed to you after attorney fees and expense reimbursements.
Why It Matters:
- We ensure you receive the maximum amount possible.
- We handle bills, liens, and paperwork so you get your money intact.
Step 9: Appeals & Post-Judgment (If Needed)
What Happens:
- Either party may choose to appeal a verdict if legal errors are involved.
- Our firm can support post-trial motions to enforce or modify judgments.
Why It Matters:
- Ensures the verdict is fair and legally sound.
- Protects you fully even after the trial ends.
Timeline Summary
| Stage |
Typical Duration |
| Consultation |
Immediate |
| Investigation |
1–3 months |
| Demand & Negotiation |
2–6 months |
| Discovery |
3–9 months |
| Trial (if pursued) |
1–3 days or longer |
| Total Time (if trial) |
9 months – 2 years |
(Most cases settle before trial.)
Why Local Experience Matters
Our San Bernardino-based attorneys understand the unique dynamics of local courts, CHP reporting protocols, hospital systems such as Arrowhead and St. Bernardine, and even how local juries tend to respond. We are familiar with the judges, adjusters, and insurers who operate here. That local insight leads to:
- Faster filing and targeted evidence gathering
- Stronger positioning during mediation or negotiation
- Strategic case presentation in front of local juries
- You pay nothing unless we win
Ready to Discuss Your Injury Case?
Navigating a personal injury claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with pain, lost income, and constant calls from insurance adjusters. You may not know what steps to take or how to avoid costly mistakes that could affect your right to compensation.
Unfortunately, delays, paperwork errors, or even saying the wrong thing to an insurer can put your entire case at risk. The legal process in San Bernardino is complex, with strict deadlines, detailed documentation requirements, and aggressive opposition from defense attorneys or insurance companies. Without experienced guidance, you could walk away with far less than your case is truly worth or nothing at all.
That’s where Countrywide Trial Lawyers comes in. With over $100 million recovered for clients and a deep understanding of the San Bernardino legal landscape, we guide you through each phase from investigation to settlement or trial, with clarity and confidence. We handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on recovery.
If you were injured in San Bernardino or the surrounding Inland Empire, we’re here to help. Contact us today by calling 844-844-9119 to schedule a complimentary consultation. Let’s start your path to full compensation together.
Countrywide Trial Lawyers — Local. Experienced. On Your Side.
