Why Corona Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
An unexpected injury can shatter your sense of stability. One moment, you’re navigating your daily commute on the 91 Freeway or running errands in town; the next, you’re dealing with physical pain, mounting medical bills, and the overwhelming stress of an uncertain future. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand that the time following an accident is confusing and frightening. Our first priority is to provide the compassionate support you need to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities of your case.
What sets our firm apart is our founder’s unique background. Before becoming an attorney, John Reardon practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years. This extensive medical experience gives him an unparalleled understanding of the physical trauma caused by accidents. He can interpret medical records, comprehend the long-term consequences of your injuries, and effectively communicate the full extent of your suffering to insurance companies and juries. This blend of medical insight and legal expertise ensures that your case is built on a solid foundation of evidence, aimed at securing the maximum compensation you deserve.
We are committed to making justice accessible to all Californians. We believe that everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and operate on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay us a thing unless we win for you.
Accident Hotspots in Corona
As a major hub in the Inland Empire with a population of over 170,000, Corona experiences significant traffic challenges. Commuters traveling between Riverside County, Orange County, and Los Angeles pack the local freeways daily, leading to congestion and a higher risk of collisions. While an accident can happen anywhere, certain areas near Corona are known for their high volume of incidents.
- The I-215/I-91/SR-60 Interchange: Known locally as the “Three Interchange,” this massive freeway convergence point near the Riverside-Corona area is notorious for complex weaving patterns, high speeds, and frequent, often serious, collisions. Navigating this interchange during peak hours requires extreme caution.
- SR-60 Westbound at Grand Avenue: The Pomona Freeway is a vital artery, but segments like the stretch at Grand Avenue have one of the highest crash counts in the state. The sheer volume of traffic contributes to a significant number of injury-causing car accidents.
- I-15 Southbound at SR-138: Located near Corona’s eastern edge, this portion of the I-15 sees thousands of crashes. The combination of high freeway speeds and merging traffic creates a hazardous environment, especially for those involved in truck accidents or motorcycle accidents.
Heavy traffic on the Riverside Freeway (SR-91) and the I-15 through Corona also contributes to a steady stream of rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and other incidents, particularly during morning and evening commutes.
Types of Cases We Handle in Corona
At Reardon Injury Law, we have the experience and resources to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. Our deep understanding of both the medical and legal aspects of these cases allows us to build a powerful strategy tailored to your specific situation. We frequently represent Corona residents who have been injured in:
- Car Accidents: From fender-benders on Sixth Street to multi-vehicle pile-ups on the 91, we help victims of negligent driving recover the compensation they need for their injuries and losses.
- Truck Accidents: Collisions involving large commercial trucks on the I-15 or SR-60 can be catastrophic. We have the expertise to take on complex trucking litigation and hold negligent companies accountable.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable on the road. We fight to protect the rights of injured riders and combat the unfair biases they often face from insurance companies.
- Pedestrian Accidents: A person on foot is no match for a motor vehicle. We advocate for pedestrians struck by careless or distracted drivers in crosswalks, parking lots, and neighborhoods across Corona.
- Bicycle Accidents: Whether you were enjoying a ride or commuting to work, we help injured cyclists hold at-fault drivers responsible for their actions.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber or Lyft can be complicated due to multiple insurance policies. We know how to navigate these complex claims to ensure you are fairly compensated.
If you have been injured in any type of accident caused by someone else’s negligence, we encourage you to explore our practice areas and contact us for a free case evaluation.
What to Do After an Accident in Corona
The steps you take immediately following an accident are crucial for protecting your health and your legal rights.
- Prioritize Safety: If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Call 911: Report the accident to the authorities. For incidents on surface streets within Corona, the Corona Police Department will likely respond. For crashes on the SR-91, I-15, or other freeways, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has jurisdiction.
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Accept emergency medical services at the scene or go to the nearest hospital, such as Corona Regional Medical Center or a regional trauma center like Riverside Community Hospital. Some serious injuries have delayed symptoms, so it’s vital to get a medical evaluation even if you feel fine.
- Document the Scene: If you are able, use your phone to take pictures of the vehicles, the accident scene, any visible injuries, and relevant road signs or conditions.
- Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance details. Also, collect contact information from any witnesses.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid saying “I’m sorry” or accepting blame. Stick to the facts when speaking with police. Do not give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance adjuster without first consulting an attorney.
- Contact an Attorney: Before you navigate the complex claims process, contact an experienced Corona personal injury lawyer. We can help you preserve evidence, handle communications with insurance companies, and ensure you take the right steps to build a strong case.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating a personal injury claim requires an understanding of California’s specific laws. An experienced attorney can guide you, but here are some key principles that may apply to your case:
- Pure Comparative Negligence: California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your final compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible, your total award will be reduced by 20%.
- Statute of Limitations: There are strict deadlines for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). A critical exception exists for claims against government entities (e.g., a city bus, a poorly maintained public road). In these situations, you must file a formal claim with the government agency within just six months of the injury.
- 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 limits are often insufficient to cover the costs of a serious injury, which makes it crucial to explore all avenues for compensation, including your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage.
- Types of Compensation: As a victim, you may be entitled to recover damages for a wide range of losses, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
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 an accident in Corona, let us put our unique medical and legal experience to work for you. We are here to answer your questions, protect your rights, and fight for the justice you deserve.
Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or visit our contact page to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Remember, there is never a fee unless we win your case.
