Why Upland Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
The moments after an accident are filled with confusion, pain, and uncertainty. Whether you were rear-ended on Foothill Boulevard, involved in a collision on a congested freeway, or injured in a slip and fall, your life can be turned upside down in an instant. You’re not just dealing with physical injuries; you’re facing mounting medical bills, lost time from work, and the stress of navigating a complex insurance claim. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand that your pain is real, and your primary focus should be on healing.
Our firm offers a unique advantage to injury victims in Upland and throughout San Bernardino County. Founding attorney John Reardon practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years before becoming a lawyer. This deep, firsthand medical knowledge allows him to understand the true extent of your injuries in a way few other attorneys can. He can decipher complex medical records, anticipate future treatment needs, and effectively communicate the full impact of your injury to insurance companies and juries. This blend of medical insight and legal skill ensures that we build the strongest possible case to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
We are dedicated to providing compassionate, client-focused representation. We know the financial strain an accident can cause, which is why we operate on a contingency fee basis. You will never pay us a fee unless we win your case. Your initial consultation is always free, giving you the opportunity to get answers and understand your legal options without any financial risk.
Accident Hotspots in Upland
While an accident can happen on any street in Upland, certain areas pose a greater risk due to heavy traffic, high speeds, and complex interchanges. State traffic data reveals that Upland has a particularly high rate of speed-related collisions, ranking 6th out of 104 comparable cities. This danger is compounded by a high incidence of nighttime crashes.
Many of the most serious accidents affecting Upland residents occur on the major freeways that crisscross the Inland Empire. These corridors are essential for commuters but are also sites of frequent and severe collisions. Key danger zones include:
- I-10 (San Bernardino Freeway): The stretch of I-10 near Baldwin Park Boulevard is notorious for congestion and high crash volumes, often involving multi-vehicle pile-ups and devastating truck accidents.
- SR-60 (Pomona Freeway): Near the Grand Avenue interchange, the Pomona Freeway sees an extremely high number of collisions. Heavy commuter traffic and constant lane changes make this a hotspot for car accidents and motorcycle accidents.
- I-15: The interchange where the I-15 meets SR-138 is another high-risk area. High-speed merges and significant commercial vehicle traffic contribute to the danger, especially for those unprepared for sudden changes in traffic flow.
Locally, major arteries like Foothill Boulevard (SR-83) present risks for pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents, especially at night or near busy intersections.
Types of Cases We Handle in Upland
Our firm has the experience and resources to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. We are prepared to advocate for Upland residents who have been harmed by another’s negligence. Our primary practice areas include:
- Car Accidents: We represent victims of collisions on Upland city streets and surrounding freeways like the I-10, SR-60, and I-15, handling everything from rear-end collisions to complex multi-car pile-ups.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable on the road. We understand the biases they often face and fight to protect their rights and secure fair compensation for their serious injuries.
- Truck Accidents: Given Upland’s proximity to major freight corridors, truck accidents are a serious concern. These cases are complex, often involving federal regulations and multiple liable parties, and require an experienced legal team.
- Bicycle Accidents: We help cyclists who have been injured by careless or distracted drivers on roads like Foothill Boulevard and throughout the community.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Our firm stands up for pedestrians struck by vehicles in crosswalks, parking lots, or on sidewalks, ensuring their rights are protected.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber or Lyft can create complicated insurance questions. We have the expertise to navigate claims involving rideshare accidents and identify all sources of coverage.
If you have 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 Upland
The steps you take immediately following an accident are critical for protecting 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 any injuries. The Upland Police Department will likely respond to incidents on city streets, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) handles crashes on freeways like the I-10 and I-15.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Accept medical help from paramedics at the scene. Even if you feel you are not seriously hurt, it is vital to get a full medical evaluation. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. You may be transported to a major regional facility like Loma Linda University Medical Center or another hospital in San Bernardino County.
- Document Everything: If you are able, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) but avoid discussing fault. Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
- File an Official Report: Obtain a copy of the official traffic collision report from the responding agency (Upland PD or CHP) as soon as it becomes available. This report is a crucial piece of evidence.
- Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Before you give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster—especially the other party’s—contact an experienced attorney. The insurance company’s goal is to minimize its payout. We will protect you from their tactics and handle all communications on your behalf.
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 through the process, but here are some key principles that may apply to your Upland injury 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 your damages.
- Statute of Limitations: In California, you have a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file. However, a critical exception exists for claims against government entities (e.g., a city-operated vehicle or a dangerous condition on public property). In these cases, you must file a formal claim with the government agency within six months.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: California law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of only $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. This is why it is so important to explore all avenues of recovery, including your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
- Recoverable Damages: Victims of negligence are entitled to seek compensation for a range of losses, including economic and non-economic damages. This can include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, physical pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in Upland, you do not have to face the recovery process alone. Let our firm handle the legal burdens so you can focus on what matters most: your health and your family. With our unique medical and legal expertise, we are uniquely positioned to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. We are here to listen, answer your questions, and explain your options. Call us at (657) 522-7122 or visit our contact page to send us a message. Remember, there are no fees unless we win.
