Why Fontana Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
A sudden, violent collision on Interstate 15 or a quiet residential street in Fontana can shatter your sense of security in an instant. In the moments and days that follow, you’re left dealing not just with physical pain, but with a flood of questions and anxieties. How will you pay for the mounting medical bills? What happens if you can’t work? Who will hold the responsible party accountable? We understand that this is an overwhelming and deeply personal crisis, and our first priority is to provide the compassionate support you need to begin healing.
At Reardon Injury Law, we offer more than just legal representation; we provide a unique and powerful advantage. Our founding attorney, John Reardon, practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years before becoming a lawyer. This extensive medical background gives him an unparalleled understanding of the physical trauma you’ve experienced. He can decipher complex medical records, anticipate long-term treatment needs, and compellingly argue the true extent of your injuries to insurance companies and juries. This dual expertise ensures that your case is built on a solid foundation of both legal and medical fact, giving you the best possible chance at securing the full compensation you deserve.
We believe that justice should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you will never pay us any upfront fees for our services. We only get paid if we win your case. Your recovery—both physical and financial—is our primary mission.
Accident Hotspots in Fontana
While official reports may not single out specific intersections in Fontana as the most dangerous in the state, local data reveals clear and alarming trends. The city’s location as a key corridor in the Inland Empire means its freeways and major roads carry an immense volume of traffic, often moving at high speeds.
The long, open stretches of Interstate 10 (I-10) and Interstate 15 (I-15) that cut through Fontana are particularly prone to high-speed collisions. Local data shows that speeding is a factor in nearly one-third of all injury-causing accidents in the city. These incidents frequently involve serious car accidents, devastating truck accidents with commercial big rigs, and tragic motorcycle accidents where riders have little protection.
Furthermore, statistics highlight a significant risk during nighttime hours. Between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., Fontana experiences a high concentration of crashes, injuring dozens of victims each year. This pattern, combined with a notable number of alcohol-related incidents, creates a hazardous environment for anyone on the road after dark. Whether you were injured on a major freeway or a local street like Sierra Avenue or Foothill Boulevard, the consequences can be life-altering.
Types of Cases We Handle in Fontana
The team at Reardon Injury Law is equipped to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. We understand that every accident is unique, and we dedicate ourselves to providing personalized legal strategies for every client we serve.
Based on local traffic patterns in Fontana, we frequently assist clients who have been injured in:
- Car Accidents: From rear-end collisions on busy streets to high-speed crashes on I-10 and I-15.
- Truck Accidents: The high volume of commercial traffic through the Inland Empire unfortunately leads to catastrophic accidents involving semi-trucks and other large vehicles.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Riders are especially vulnerable to severe injuries, and we fight to protect their rights on the road.
- Pedestrian Accidents: With dozens of pedestrians injured in Fontana each year, we are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable.
- Bicycle Accidents: We help cyclists who have been struck by careless or distracted drivers.
- Rideshare Accidents: Navigating insurance claims involving Uber and Lyft can be complex, and we have the experience to manage these specific cases.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, please explore our full list of practice areas to learn more about how we can help.
What to Do After an Accident in Fontana
The steps you take immediately following an accident are critical for protecting your health and your legal rights. If you are involved in a crash in Fontana, try to remain calm and follow this guide:
- Get to Safety: If possible, move your vehicle out of active traffic lanes to a safe location on the shoulder. Turn on your hazard lights.
- Call 911: Report the accident immediately. The Fontana Police Department will likely respond to accidents on city streets, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) handles incidents on freeways like I-10 and I-15. Request medical assistance if anyone is injured.
- Seek Medical Evaluation: Accept emergency medical care at the scene. Even if you feel fine, it is crucial to get a full medical evaluation as soon as possible. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries, and a medical report creates an essential record for your claim. You may be taken to a regional medical center in the Inland Empire for treatment.
- Document the Scene: If you are able, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange Information: Collect the names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details from all drivers involved. Also, get the contact information of any witnesses.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid saying “I’m sorry” or accepting any blame. Stick to the facts when speaking with police and other drivers.
- Contact an Attorney: Before you speak with any insurance adjusters—even your own—call an experienced personal injury lawyer. An attorney can protect you from lowball settlement offers and ensure your rights are preserved from the very beginning.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system after an injury can be confusing. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process, but it’s helpful to understand some key California laws that may impact your case.
- Pure Comparative Negligence: California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover financial compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your total compensation award will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, you can still collect 80% of the damages.
- Statute of Limitations: In California, you have a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit. For most cases, the deadline is two years from the date of the injury (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). However, there is a critical exception: if your claim is against a government entity (like the city of Fontana for a poorly maintained road or a public bus), you must file a formal claim within just six months. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from seeking compensation.
- California’s Minimum Insurance: The state’s minimum liability insurance requirements are just $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 for injury to multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage. These low amounts are often insufficient to cover the costs of a serious injury. This is why it is so important to have an attorney who can identify all possible sources of recovery.
- Types of Compensation: A successful personal injury claim can provide compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. This can include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, property damage, and compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face this journey alone. At Reardon Injury Law, we are here to lift the legal burden from your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery. We serve clients throughout Fontana and all of California, offering expert legal guidance rooted in a deep understanding of your injuries.
Contact us today at (657) 522-7122 or visit our contact page to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We are ready to listen to your story and explain how we can fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Remember, there is no fee unless we win.
