Why Highland Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
An unexpected injury can turn your world upside down. One moment, you’re commuting on I-210 or running errands on Baseline Road; the next, you’re dealing with physical pain, emotional distress, and a growing pile of medical bills. The confusion and anxiety can be overwhelming. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand that you’re not just a case number—you’re a member of the Highland community whose life has been unfairly disrupted. Our first priority is to listen with empathy and provide the clear guidance you need to move forward.
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 toll an accident takes on the human body. He can decipher complex medical records, anticipate long-term treatment needs, and effectively communicate the true extent of your injuries to insurance companies and juries. This combination of medical insight and legal skill is a powerful advantage when fighting for the full compensation you deserve.
While we are based in California, we proudly serve clients throughout California, including residents of Highland and San Bernardino County. We handle every case with the dedication it deserves, operating on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay absolutely no fees unless we win your case. Your focus should be on healing; our focus is on fighting for you.
Accident Hotspots in Highland
Highland’s location in the heart of the Inland Empire means its residents navigate a mix of quiet suburban streets and heavily trafficked corridors. While our community is generally safe, certain areas pose a higher risk for accidents due to traffic volume, design, and driver behavior. The constant flow of commuters on I-210 and SR-30, combined with local traffic, creates conditions where serious collisions can occur.
Many Highland residents frequently travel through neighboring San Bernardino, where several intersections are known for being particularly hazardous:
- E Street & Highland Avenue: This major junction is notorious for high-speed traffic and poor nighttime visibility. Red-light running is common, leading to dangerous T-bone and head-on car accidents.
- Del Rosa Avenue & Baseline Street: With nearby schools and shopping centers, this intersection sees a high volume of both vehicles and foot traffic. It is a frequent site for rear-end collisions and dangerous pedestrian accidents.
- Waterman Avenue & Hospitality Lane: The concentration of retail stores and restaurants in this area leads to significant congestion. Distracted driving and drivers making sudden, unpredictable turns contribute to a high rate of side-impact crashes.
Additionally, the major freeways that define our region—Interstate 210 (Foothill Freeway), State Route 30, and the nearby Interstate 215—are hotspots for high-speed truck accidents and devastating motorcycle accidents.
Types of Cases We Handle in Highland
At Reardon Injury Law, our team has the experience and resources to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. We are dedicated to helping victims of negligence secure the justice and compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Our primary practice areas include:
- Car Accidents: From fender-benders on local streets to multi-vehicle pileups on I-210, we represent drivers and passengers injured by negligent motorists.
- Truck Accidents: Collisions involving large commercial trucks often result in catastrophic injuries. We have the expertise to take on complex cases against large trucking companies and their insurers.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable on the road. We fight to protect the rights of riders who have been injured by inattentive or reckless drivers.
- Pedestrian Accidents: We advocate for pedestrians struck and injured in crosswalks, parking lots, and on sidewalks, especially in busy areas along Baseline Road.
- Bicycle Accidents: With our beautiful surroundings, cycling is popular in Highland. We help cyclists who have been injured due to drivers failing to share the road safely.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber or Lyft can be complicated by multiple insurance policies. We know how to navigate these complex claims to ensure you are properly compensated.
If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of accident caused by someone else’s carelessness, we are here to help.
What to Do After an Accident in Highland
The steps you take immediately following an accident are critical for both your health and your potential legal claim. Stay as calm as possible and follow this guide:
- Prioritize Safety: If you can, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. Check on yourself and your passengers for injuries.
- Call 911: Report the accident immediately. Depending on your location, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (which provides police services for Highland) or the California Highway Patrol (for accidents on I-210 or SR-30) will respond. A police report is vital evidence.
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, some serious injuries have delayed symptoms. Get a full medical evaluation at a nearby hospital like Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton or San Bernardino County Medical Center.
- Document the Scene: If you are able, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and your injuries.
- 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 apologize or admit fault.
- Avoid Speaking with Insurers: The other party’s insurance adjuster may contact you quickly. Do not give a recorded statement or sign any documents without first speaking to an attorney. Their goal is to minimize their payout, not to protect your interests.
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: Call Reardon Injury Law for a free consultation. We can immediately begin protecting your rights, preserving evidence, and handling all communications with insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system after an injury can be confusing. It’s important to understand the California laws that will affect 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 total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your final award will be reduced by 20%.
- Statute of Limitations: In most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). However, there is a critical exception: if your claim is against a government entity (e.g., a city bus, a county vehicle, or an accident caused by a dangerous road condition), you must file a formal claim within six months of the incident. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from seeking compensation.
- 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 amounts are often insufficient to cover the costs of a serious accident. An experienced attorney can help you explore other avenues for recovery, such as your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
- Recoverable Damages: As an injury victim, you may be entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic losses, including medical bills (past and future), lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering.
All personal injury cases for Highland residents are filed and heard at the San Bernardino Superior Court - Civil Division. Our firm is experienced in navigating this court system and will handle all legal filings and procedures on your behalf.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face the aftermath of an accident alone. Let our unique combination of medical knowledge and legal expertise work for you. At Reardon Injury Law, we are committed to providing compassionate, effective representation to help you secure the resources you need to heal and move forward.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or fill out the form on our contact page to get started. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win.
