Why Ontario Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
A sudden, serious injury can turn your life upside down. One moment you are navigating traffic on Holt Boulevard or running errands, and the next you are dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and a growing pile of medical bills. The confusion and stress can be overwhelming, leaving you unsure of where to turn. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand what you are going through. Your recovery—physical, emotional, and financial—is our primary concern.
For residents of Ontario and the greater Inland Empire, choosing the right legal representation is critical. Reardon Injury Law offers a unique and powerful advantage. Our founding attorney, John Reardon, practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years before becoming a personal injury lawyer. This dual expertise gives him an unparalleled understanding of the medical complexities of your injuries. He can decipher medical records, anticipate long-term care needs, and effectively communicate the full extent of your suffering to insurance companies and juries. This medical insight ensures that your case is built on a solid foundation of both legal strategy and a deep understanding of your physical recovery journey.
We are dedicated to serving clients throughout California, providing top-tier legal representation to residents of Ontario and across San Bernardino. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. Your focus should be on healing, not on how to afford a lawyer. We handle the legal burdens so you can concentrate on what matters most: getting your life back.
Accident Hotspots in Ontario
As a major hub in the Inland Empire with a population of over 179,000, Ontario experiences significant traffic. Daily commutes, commercial transport, and proximity to major freeways create conditions where accidents are unfortunately common. Our firm is familiar with the specific dangers Ontario drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians face.
Some of the most dangerous areas in and around Ontario include:
- Euclid Avenue and D Street: This intersection consistently ranks as one of the most hazardous in the city. As a key commercial and transport hub, its high volume of traffic leads to frequent and often severe collisions.
- San Antonio Avenue & State Street / Holt Boulevard: These two intersections along San Antonio Avenue are major trouble spots. Converging traffic streams, failure to yield, and red-light running contribute to a high number of car accidents, including dangerous T-bone and turning collisions.
- Mountain Avenue and Philadelphia Street: Known locally as a “death trap,” the sharp, dangerous curve on this stretch of road has been the site of numerous tragic and fatal accidents. Drivers often lose control, leading to devastating consequences.
- The I-10 and I-15 Freeways: These vital arteries are notorious for high-speed truck accidents, multi-car pileups, and incidents caused by aggressive driving and constant congestion. The flow of traffic to and from Ontario International Airport adds another layer of complexity and risk to these major routes.
If you were injured in an accident at one of these locations, or anywhere else in San Bernardino County, you are not alone. We are here to help you understand your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.
Types of Cases We Handle in Ontario
At Reardon Injury Law, we have the experience and resources to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. We understand that each case is unique and requires a personalized strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of the incident and the victim’s injuries.
Our primary practice areas include:
- Car Accidents: We represent victims of collisions caused by distracted driving, speeding, DUI, and other forms of negligence on Ontario’s busy streets and freeways.
- Truck Accidents: Given the heavy commercial traffic on the I-10 and I-15, accidents involving semi-trucks and commercial vehicles are a serious concern. These cases are complex and require an attorney who understands federal and state trucking regulations.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable on the road. We fight to protect the rights of riders who have been injured by inattentive drivers.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Busy intersections and a lack of driver awareness can lead to devastating injuries for people on foot. We hold negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause to pedestrian accidents victims.
- Bicycle Accidents: We advocate for cyclists who have been struck by vehicles, helping them recover compensation for their injuries and damaged property.
- Rideshare Accidents: With Ontario International Airport nearby, accidents involving Uber and Lyft are increasingly common. We navigate the complex insurance policies involved in rideshare accidents to ensure our clients are fairly compensated.
No matter the cause of your injury, our firm is prepared to investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a compelling claim on your behalf.
What to Do After an Accident in Ontario
The moments after an accident are chaotic and stressful. Taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights.
- Prioritize Safety and Call 911: Move to a safe location if possible. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance. The Ontario Police Department will likely respond to incidents on city streets, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) handles crashes on the I-10 and I-15.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it is crucial to get a medical evaluation. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like concussions or internal bleeding. In the Ontario area, victims are often transported to excellent regional facilities like Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center or San Antonio Regional Hospital in Upland. A documented medical visit creates a vital link between the accident and your injuries.
- Document the Scene: If you are able, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and your visible injuries. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Exchange Information and Report the Crash: Exchange driver’s license, insurance, and contact information with the other driver(s). Do not apologize or admit fault. Obtain a copy of the police report number from the responding officer.
- Contact an Ontario Personal Injury Lawyer: Before you give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster, speak with an attorney. The insurance company’s goal is to minimize its payout. Having a lawyer on your side from the beginning ensures your rights are protected and allows you to focus on your recovery.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system after an injury can be confusing. An experienced attorney can guide you through California’s specific personal injury laws.
- 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 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 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, a critical exception exists for claims against government entities (e.g., if your accident was caused by a city-operated vehicle or a poorly maintained public road). In these cases, you must file a formal claim within just six months of the incident. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
- California’s Minimum Insurance Requirements: The state requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of only $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 for injury to multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage. In a serious accident, these amounts are often woefully inadequate to cover medical bills, lost income, and other damages. We can help you explore all possible sources of recovery, including your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
- Types of Compensation: As an injury victim, you may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. This can include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
If your case proceeds to litigation in Ontario, it will likely be filed at the San Bernardino County Superior Court - Rancho Cucamonga District Courthouse, which handles civil matters for the region. Our firm is prepared to represent you at every stage of the legal process, from initial negotiations to trial.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face the aftermath of a serious injury alone. At Reardon Injury Law, we combine legal skill with deep medical knowledge to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Let us handle the insurance companies and legal complexities so you can focus on healing.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or visit our contact page to schedule your appointment. We are here to help.
