Why Redlands Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
An unexpected injury can shatter the peace and stability of your life in Redlands. One moment you are enjoying the historic downtown, commuting on the I-10, or spending time with family, and the next you are facing physical pain, mounting medical bills, and overwhelming uncertainty. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand that the aftermath of an accident is about more than just legal procedures; it’s about helping you put the pieces of your life back together. Your pain is real, and your story deserves to be heard with compassion and respect.
Our firm is founded on a unique principle: combining deep medical knowledge with assertive legal advocacy. Before becoming an attorney, John Reardon practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years. This extensive medical background gives our firm an unparalleled advantage in understanding the true nature and long-term impact of your injuries. We don’t just see a case file; we see the torn ligaments, the nerve damage, and the chronic pain that insurance companies often try to downplay or dismiss. This insight allows us to build a more compelling case, accurately document your suffering, and fight for the full and fair compensation you need to truly recover.
we are deeply familiar with the challenges facing residents of San Bernardino County. We know the local roads, the court systems, and the specific factors that contribute to accidents in communities like Redlands. We are committed to providing you with the sophisticated representation of a large firm, delivered with the personal attention and care you deserve.
Accident Hotspots in Redlands
The beautiful city of Redlands is not immune to the dangers of Southern California traffic. In 2022 alone, the city recorded 580 fatal and injury collisions, with alarmingly high rates of speed-related and nighttime crashes. Many of these incidents occur on the major freeways that cut through or border the community, including Interstate 10 (I-10), Interstate 215 (I-215), and State Route 210 (SR-210). The constant flow of commuter and commercial traffic creates a high-risk environment for serious car accidents and devastating truck accidents.
While any road can be dangerous, Redlands drivers frequently navigate several high-risk intersections in the greater San Bernardino area, including:
- Highland Avenue at Del Rosa Avenue: The long stretches of this road encourage drivers to speed, often leading to violent T-bone collisions from red-light running. Poor visibility caused by parked vehicles further complicates navigation and increases the risk of a crash.
- Del Rosa Avenue at Date Street: Located in a dense residential area, this intersection sees significant traffic volume. Blocked sightlines from street parking contribute to frequent rear-end collisions and accidents caused by drivers failing to yield the right-of-way.
- Sterling Avenue and 5th Street: The proximity to I-215 on-ramps creates a chaotic mix of local traffic and high-speed freeway drivers. This environment often results in aggressive left turns and high-impact T-bone crashes as vehicles merge and exit the interstate.
Whether you were injured on a busy freeway, a local street, or as a cyclist or pedestrian near the University of Redlands, our firm has the experience to investigate the unique circumstances of your accident.
Types of Cases We Handle in Redlands
Reardon Injury Law is dedicated exclusively to representing injury victims. Our focused experience allows us to effectively handle a wide range of complex personal injury claims. We provide skilled legal representation for residents of Redlands and San Bernardino County who have been injured in:
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Rideshare Accidents (Uber & Lyft)
- Slip and Fall Incidents
- Wrongful Death Claims
Given the traffic patterns in the region, collisions involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles on I-10 and SR-210 are especially common. We also recognize the risks faced by vulnerable road users, and we are staunch advocates for injured cyclists and pedestrians. To learn more about how we can help with your specific situation, please explore our practice areas.
What to Do After an Accident in Redlands
The steps you take immediately following an accident are critical for protecting your health and your legal rights. If you are involved in a collision in Redlands, try to remain calm and follow this guide:
- Ensure Safety: If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
- Call 911: Report the accident to law enforcement immediately. The Redlands Police Department will likely respond to incidents on city streets, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) handles crashes on freeways like I-10.
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to get a medical evaluation. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Go to an emergency room at a local hospital like Redlands Community Hospital or the highly-regarded Level I Trauma Center at Loma Linda University Medical Center.
- Document the Scene: If you are able, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Gather Information: Exchange names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details with all other drivers involved. Get contact information from any witnesses.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid apologizing or making any statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts when speaking with the police.
- Contact an Attorney: Before you give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster, speak with a qualified personal injury attorney. The insurance company’s goal is to minimize their payout, not to protect your best interests.
Your case will likely be filed at the San Bernardino Superior Court - Civil Division, located at 247 West Third Street in San Bernardino. Having an attorney who understands the local court procedures is an invaluable asset.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system after an injury can be confusing. It is important to understand the key California laws that will affect your claim.
- 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 your damages.
- 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 seek compensation forever.
- Claims Against Government Entities: The deadline is much shorter if your injury was caused by a public entity, such as a city bus, a police vehicle, or a dangerous condition on public property. Under the California Government Claims Act, you must file a formal claim with the responsible government agency within six months of the incident.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: California law only requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of $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 completely inadequate to cover the costs of a serious injury, which makes it vital to explore all avenues of recovery, including your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage.
An experienced attorney can help you navigate these complex rules and ensure your rights are protected. We can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future earning capacity, and the non-economic impact of your pain and suffering.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face this difficult time alone. If you or a loved one has been injured in Redlands, contact Reardon Injury Law for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide clear guidance on your legal options.
We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or fill out our online form on our contact page to get started.
