San Bernardino Car Accident Attorney

Filing a car accident claim involves several steps — many of which can be taken in the moments after the crash and even before you start looking for an accident attorney in San Bernardino. Right after the accident, you should:

• Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, you could have hidden injuries that need immediate care.
• Call 911 – Authorities will prepare a police report, an impartial account of the accident that can be very helpful for your claim.
• Exchange information – Get the name, phone number, driver’s license, and insurance details of all parties involved. Pro tip: take photos of all documents for accuracy.
• Document the scene – Capture photos and/or videos of the scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, license plates, and any other relevant details (e.g., missing signs, damaged roads, or anything that could have contributed to the accident).
• Contact a car accident lawyer in San Bernardino – Let your attorney guide you through the next steps and handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf.

Typical Steps and Timelines in a Car Accident Claim

Initial Investigation

Once you hire an accident attorney in San Bernardino, they begin an immediate investigation to build your case. 

This includes reviewing police reports, gathering witness statements, securing medical records, and collecting physical or digital evidence such as crash scene photos or traffic camera footage. In complex cases, your attorney may hire experts like accident reconstruction specialists or private investigators to uncover additional proof. 

They’ll also research California laws and past court rulings that support your claim and prepare you for what you may need to provide during the process.

Estimated timeline: 1–4 weeks (can be longer for serious or complex cases).

Demand Letter & Settlement Negotiations

After collecting and analyzing the evidence, your attorney prepares a detailed demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company. This letter outlines the facts of the crash, explains the legal basis for liability, and states a specific compensation demand. Negotiations often begin here, with insurers making counteroffers. Working with a lawyer known for trial readiness can pressure the insurer to offer a fair settlement, since they know the case can proceed to court if needed.

Estimated timeline: 2–8 weeks after investigation is complete.

Filing a Lawsuit

If negotiations fail, your lawyer may file a lawsuit in San Bernardino County Superior Court. In most cases, the court expects defendants to be served within 60 days of filing, after which they have 30 days to respond. Once served, the court will issue scheduling orders that set deadlines for each stage of the case. Your attorney will explain these rules and keep you updated on timing, which may be affected by local court backlog.

Estimated timeline: Filing can happen within weeks of failed negotiations; serving defendants within 30–60 days.

Discovery

This is the formal exchange of evidence and information between both sides. It can include written questions (interrogatories), requests to admit or deny facts, depositions under oath, and medical examinations arranged by the defense. 

Your San Bernardino auto accident lawyer will guide you in answering questions accurately, prepare you for depositions, and coordinate with expert witnesses to strengthen your case. In California, discovery usually closes about 30 days before trial, and the process can take months depending on complexity.

Estimated timeline: 6–12 months, sometimes longer if experts or multiple parties are involved.

Mediation or Settlement Conference

Before trial, California courts often require either private mediation or a court-supervised Mandatory Settlement Conference. A neutral mediator — often a retired judge — works with both sides to explore settlement options. In San Bernardino, these sessions can be scheduled 9 to 18 months after the lawsuit is filed, though court delays can push the date further. 

Your San Bernardino personal injury attorney will present your strongest case during these sessions to encourage a fair resolution without trial.

Estimated timeline: 9–18 months after filing, depending on court calendar.

Trial

If no settlement is reached, the case moves to trial. 

Trials in San Bernardino can range from a few days to several weeks depending on witness numbers and legal complexity. Your lawyer will present evidence, question and cross-examine witnesses, and make legal arguments to the judge or jury. 

At the end, the judge or jury delivers a verdict, and if you win, the court will enter a judgment in your favor.

Estimated timeline: Trial date typically set 18–24 months after filing, lasting 2 days to several weeks.

Payment of Recovery

If you obtain a favorable verdict or reach a settlement, your payment is typically processed within 30 days. Your San Bernardino car accident attorney deducts the agreed-upon fees and any case costs from the total before issuing your final payment. They will also handle any required lien resolutions for medical providers or insurers so you receive your net recovery without surprises.

Estimated timeline: Payment usually within 30 days after settlement or judgment.

Remember: these are estimated timelines for your reference only. They don’t reflect every car accident claim. If your case is taking longer than expected, or want to know how to speed up your car accident settlement, read our blog article:

Why is My Car Accident Settlement Taking so Long in 2025?

How Much is My Car Accident Claim Worth?

There’s no fixed amount for a car accident settlement in California. Every case is unique, and your payout depends on factors like injury severity, impact on your daily life, fault percentage, and available insurance coverage. As of 2025, the average car accident settlement for injured drivers in California is about $29,700, with most cases ranging between $5,000 and $25,000 — but many serious cases exceed those figures.

Typical Settlement Ranges by Accident Type:

• Rear-End Accident: $2,500 – $50,000
• T-Bone Accident: $10,000 – $100,000
• Sideswipe Accident: $7,500 – $45,000
• Head-On Collision: $25,000 – $150,000
• Rollover Accident: $50,000 – $250,000
• Hit and Run Accident: $10,000 – $75,000
• Multi-Vehicle Accident: $15,000 – $100,000

Note: These are general estimates. Actual results vary widely based on injuries, evidence strength, liability disputes, and insurance limits. California law sets no minimum settlement amount for personal injury claims.

What Affects the Value of Your Claim

• Severity and type of injuries — Permanent disabilities, long-term medical care, or chronic pain usually increase claim value.
• Economic losses — Current and future medical bills, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity.
• Non-economic damages — Pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Fault allocation — California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, so your payout is reduced by your percentage of fault.
• Insurance policy limits — Even strong cases may be capped by the defendant’s coverage unless other recovery sources exist.

Real Case Results from Megeredchian Law

• Car and semi-truck collision (back injury & PTSD): $1,300,000
• Drunk driver head-on collision (broken clavicle & facial nerve damage): $1,200,000
• Rear-end collision (ICU stay, 3 days): $1,000,000
• Rear-end crash with Lyft driver (pre-existing back injury aggravated): $370,000

While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, these examples show what’s possible when an experienced San Bernardino car accident lawyer fights for maximum compensation. Insurance companies are not on your side — having strong legal representation often results in higher settlements.

Find more in-depth information on this topic — and learn how a lawyer can make a difference — in this original article by Megeredchian Law:

How Much to Expect From a Car Accident Settlement in California​

What Damages Can You Recover in a Car Accident Claim?

In a California car accident case, damages are typically divided into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages (also called “special damages”)

These refer to financial losses you can prove with receipts, bills, or documentation. They include:

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, ongoing treatment, and future medical needs.

• Lost income: Wages lost due to time away from work while recovering.

• Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working in the future or force you to take a lower-paying job.

• Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any damaged personal property.

• Other out-of-pocket costs: Transportation to medical appointments, home care, medical devices, etc.

Non-Economic Damages (also called “general damages”)

These cover losses that are harder to quantify but still legally compensable:

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain caused by the injuries.

• Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, trauma, and other psychological effects.

• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed.

• Loss of consortium: Harm to your relationship with a spouse or close family member due to your injuries.

Related articles:

Auto Accident Shoulder Injury Settlement Amounts​ (California)  

Average Settlement for Car Accident with Back and Neck Injury  

Typical Car Accident Settlement Amounts: Injury vs No Injury