Why Chino Hills Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
An accident can shatter your sense of security in an instant. One moment you are enjoying the rolling hills and beautiful community of Chino Hills, and the next you are facing physical pain, mounting medical bills, and overwhelming uncertainty about the future. The physical and emotional trauma of an injury is difficult enough without the added stress of navigating a complex legal system and fighting with insurance companies. We understand what you are going through, and we are here to help.
Reardon Injury Law was founded on the principle that injury victims deserve an advocate who understands their suffering on every level. Our founder, John Reardon, practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years before becoming an attorney. This dual expertise gives our firm a profound advantage. We don’t just see a case file; we see the real-world impact of a spinal cord injury, the long-term consequences of a traumatic brain injury, and the chronic pain that can follow even a seemingly minor collision. This deep medical insight allows us to build stronger cases, communicate effectively with medical providers, and fight for the full compensation you truly deserve.
We are committed to serving the Chino Hills community with compassion and strength. We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will never pay us a fee unless we win your case. Your initial consultation is always free, giving you a no-risk opportunity to understand your rights and legal options.
Accident Hotspots in Chino Hills
While Chino Hills is known for its peaceful neighborhoods, its location as a key commuter city in San Bernardino County means its roads and highways see heavy traffic and, unfortunately, serious accidents. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), there were 118 fatal and injury collisions in Chino Hills in a single recent year, with speed being a factor in at least 23 of those incidents.
Many of the most dangerous areas are the major arteries that residents use every day:
- SR-60 (Pomona Freeway): This freeway is a major source of congestion and collisions. The interchange at Grand Avenue, in particular, is a known trouble spot due to high traffic volumes and complex merging patterns, contributing to a significant number of car accidents and truck accidents.
- SR-71: As another vital north-south connector, the SR-71 corridor experiences peak-hour backups and high-speed traffic that can lead to devastating multi-car pile-ups and motorcycle accidents.
- Nearby Intersections: While specific intersection data within Chino Hills is limited, nearby high-traffic areas demonstrate the risks. The intersection of Euclid Avenue & Pine Avenue in neighboring Chino, for example, has been identified as a regional hotspot for crashes.
Whether you were injured on a busy freeway, a surface street like Chino Hills Parkway, or in a quiet residential area, the consequences can be severe. Our firm has the experience to investigate accidents wherever they occur.
Types of Cases We Handle in Chino Hills
At Reardon Injury Law, we focus exclusively on personal injury law. This singular focus allows us to provide the highest level of expertise for our clients. We represent individuals in Chino Hills who have been harmed by another’s negligence in a wide variety of situations.
Our practice areas include:
- Car Accidents: The most common type of injury claim, often involving distracted driving, speeding, or DUIs on local roads and freeways.
- Truck Accidents: Cases involving large commercial trucks on the SR-60 or I-10 are complex, often involving federal regulations and multiple liable parties.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable to serious injury, and we are dedicated to fighting the biases they often face from insurance companies.
- Pedestrian Accidents: An individual on foot is no match for a motor vehicle. We help victims of crosswalk and intersection accidents hold negligent drivers accountable.
- Bicycle Accidents: We advocate for cyclists’ rights to share the road and seek justice when they are injured by careless drivers.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber or Lyft have unique insurance complexities that require an experienced attorney to navigate.
If you have suffered any type of injury due to someone else’s actions, we encourage you to contact us for a free evaluation of your case.
What to Do After an Accident in Chino Hills
The steps you take immediately following an accident are critical for both your health and your ability to file a successful injury claim.
- Get to Safety and Call 911: If you are able, move your vehicle out of traffic. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department or the California Highway Patrol (for freeway accidents on SR-60 or SR-71) will likely respond.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Allow paramedics to evaluate you and get a full medical check-up. While Chino Hills doesn’t have a major trauma center within city limits, emergency responders will transport you to a quality hospital in a nearby city like Chino or Pomona. This creates a crucial medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
- Document the Scene: If you are physically able, use your phone to take pictures and videos of everything: all vehicles involved, their license plates, property damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and your injuries.
- Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance policy details. Also, collect contact information from any witnesses. Do not discuss fault.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid saying things like “I’m sorry” or “I think I looked away.” Stick to the facts when speaking with law enforcement and the other parties.
- Contact an Attorney: Before you give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster, contact Reardon Injury Law. The insurance company’s goal is to minimize their payout. Our goal is to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating a personal injury claim requires a clear understanding of California’s specific laws. An experienced attorney can guide you through these rules to ensure your rights are protected.
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Pure Comparative Negligence: California follows a “pure comparative negligence” system. This means you can still recover financial compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your final award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.
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Statute of Limitations: In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to sue forever.
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Claims Against Government Entities: The deadline is much shorter if your claim is against a government agency (e.g., you were hit by a city bus or tripped on a broken public sidewalk). You must file a formal notice of claim with the correct government entity within six months of the injury.
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Recoverable Damages: Victims of negligence are entitled to seek compensation for a range of losses, including:
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Past and future medical expenses
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Lost wages and income
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Loss of future earning capacity
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Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
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Property damage
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California’s Minimum Insurance: The state’s minimum liability insurance requirement is very low ($15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 for all injuries, and $5,000 for property damage). In a serious accident, these amounts are often not enough. We are skilled at identifying all possible sources of compensation, including your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face the aftermath of a serious injury alone. Let Reardon Injury Law put our unique combination of legal and medical expertise to work for you. We will handle the legal burdens so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.
We serve clients throughout Chino Hills and all of California. For a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case, call us today at (657) 522-7122 or fill out the form on our contact page. Remember, there is no fee unless we win.
