Car Accident Lawyer Serving Upland, CA

After a car accident in Upland, your priority should be your physical recovery, not battling insurance adjusters who want to minimize your claim. The aftermath of a serious crash often leaves victims overwhelmed by medical expenses, lost wages, and the uncertainty of what comes next.
At the Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, we step in to handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing. If you are struggling with injuries caused by a negligent driver, we offer the expert representation and personal attention needed to secure the compensation you deserve. 
Our attorneys are ready to discuss your case and help you find a path forward. For a free consultation with our car accident lawyers serving Upland, contact our law firm today.

How Common Are Car Accidents in the Upland Area?

According to numbers from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), car accidents in Upland caused 577 injuries and fatalities during 2023. As we look at countywide OTS numbers, there were 15,118 injuries and fatalities in San Bernardino County during 2023.
That’s a major difference in collisions at the citywide and county levels, but it speaks to the dangers on the road throughout the Inland Empire. Whenever you get behind the wheel to go to work, get the kids from school, or run an errand, be sure to be careful and buckle up.

Dangerous Roads and Highways in and Around Upland

Here are some of the more dangerous roads and highways in and around Upland.

• Interstate 10: Heavy traffic along I-10 is made more dangerous due to the presence of large commercial trucks. Drivers need to be especially careful on the interstate’s busy on-ramps and off-ramps.
• Foothill Freeway/Route 210: Thousands of vehicles travel along the Foothill Freeway each day. Congestion, commercial trucks, and aggressive drivers can make these commutes particularly dangerous.
• Foothill Boulevard: Large multi-lane roads like Foothill Boulevard are not just a danger to commuters. High speeds, heavy traffic, and potential crashes at intersections also create dangers for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Mountain Avenue: Drivers need to be mindful of traffic along Mountain Avenue, especially around the Foothill Freeway and I-10.

There are many different causes of car accidents. Below are some of the most common reasons collisions happen around this part of San Bernardino County.

Speeding

Speeding is a leading cause of collisions in Upland, particularly on busy thoroughfares like Foothill Boulevard and Mountain Avenue. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they significantly reduce their ability to stop in time or navigate curves safely. High-speed impacts also escalate the severity of injuries. Our firm aggressively pursues drivers who prioritize getting to their destination quickly over the safety of the Upland community, ensuring they are held liable for their dangerous choices.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving involves a total disregard for the rules of the road. This includes aggressive maneuvers like weaving through lanes, tailgating, or running red lights at major intersections such as Euclid Avenue and 19th Street. These unpredictable behaviors put every motorist and pedestrian at risk. We work diligently to gather witness statements and traffic camera footage to prove when a driver’s reckless actions were the direct cause of your injuries and property damage.

Drunk/Intoxicated Driving

Despite being entirely preventable, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs continues to cause devastating wrecks in the Inland Empire. Intoxicated drivers suffer from impaired coordination, blurred vision, and slowed reflexes, making them a lethal threat on Upland’s streets. We take a firm stand against those who choose to drive while impaired. Our team holds these individuals accountable for the physical and emotional trauma they inflict on innocent victims and their families.

Distracted Driving

From checking a text on a cell phone to adjusting a navigation system, distracted driving is a growing epidemic. In Upland, a split second of inattention can lead to a life-changing collision. When a driver’s focus is not on the road, they are legally negligent. We use expert investigative techniques to uncover evidence of phone use or other distractions, helping you prove that the other party failed in their duty to drive safely.

Driver Fatigue

Fatigue can be as dangerous as intoxication, as it severely impairs a driver’s judgment and reaction time. This is a common issue for commuters and commercial truck drivers traveling along the I-10 or the 210 Freeway. A tired driver may drift out of their lane or fail to notice braking traffic ahead. We investigate logbooks and driving records to determine if sleep deprivation played a role in your accident, ensuring the responsible party is identified.

Vehicle Defects or Faulty Auto Parts

Not all accidents are caused by driver error; some are the result of mechanical failure. Defective tires, faulty brakes, or malfunctioning airbags can lead to catastrophic crashes. In these cases, the manufacturer or a negligent repair facility may be responsible for the harm caused. Our legal team collaborates with mechanical experts to inspect your vehicle and determine if a defect contributed to the wreck, allowing us to pursue a product liability claim.

Poor Road Conditions

Government entities have a responsibility to maintain safe roadways. Potholes, faded lane markings, and poorly designed construction zones can all cause serious accidents in and around Upland. If your crash was caused by a dangerous road condition, you may have a claim against the city or state. These cases involve specific legal procedures and strict timelines, making it essential to have a car accident lawyer, who understands how to navigate these complexities.

Bad Weather Conditions

While Upland often enjoys clear skies, sudden heavy rain or fog can make local roads treacherous. Drivers are legally required to adjust their speed and driving habits to meet these conditions. Failing to slow down on slick pavement or maintain a safe following distance in low visibility constitutes negligence. We help victims prove that the other driver’s failure to account for the weather was the primary factor in the collision.

If you’re in a major car crash, the injuries you sustain could have a lasting effect on your life, livelihood, and independence.

Fractured Bones and Joints

The impact of a car wreck often results in broken bones, ranging from simple fractures to severe compound breaks that require surgical intervention. In many cases, these injuries occur when victims attempt to brace themselves or strike the interior of the vehicle. Fractured joints, such as the hips or knees, can lead to permanent mobility issues. We ensure that your claim reflects the full cost of surgeries, casting, and necessary long-term physical therapy.

Loss of Limbs

Catastrophic accidents can lead to traumatic amputations or injuries so severe that a limb must be surgically removed. The loss of a limb is a permanent, life-altering event that impacts every aspect of a person’s life, from their career to their daily independence. Our firm fights for compensation that addresses these profound changes, including the cost of high-quality prosthetics, specialized medical equipment, and the emotional suffering associated with such a devastating loss.

Burn Injuries and Post-Crash Fires

When vehicles collide at high speeds, fuel leaks and electrical shorts can lead to immediate fires. Burn injuries are excruciating and often leave victims with permanent scarring and disfigurement. Treatment is typically extensive, involving skin grafts and specialized burn care. We seek maximum damages to cover these intensive treatments and the psychological impact of surviving a fire, ensuring you have the resources needed for both physical and emotional recovery.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Traumatic brain injuries can occur when the head strikes an object or from the violent jarring of the brain inside the skull during an impact. TBIs range from concussions to permanent cognitive impairment. Symptoms can be subtle at first, including headaches, memory loss, and personality changes. We work with medical specialists to properly diagnose and document the extent of your brain injury to ensure the insurance company recognizes the long-term impact on your life.

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

An injury to the spinal cord can result in partial or total paralysis, requiring a lifetime of specialized care. The financial burden of a spinal cord injury is immense, often involving home modifications, around-the-clock nursing, and expensive medical technology. We are dedicated to securing the substantial compensation necessary to provide for your future needs, holding the negligent party fully responsible for the catastrophic changes to your physical health and quality of life.

Compensation in a Car Accident Lawsuit

The value of every car accident case is going to vary. How much your claim could be worth will depend on individual details related to the crash and its lasting effects on your life.
At the Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, our car accident lawyers serving Upland will investigate what happened and seek maximum compensation to cover your economic and non-economic losses.

Economic damages are financial and material losses caused by a collision. This includes:

• Past and current medical bills
• Estimated future healthcare expenses
• Damage to your vehicle
• Damage to personal belongings in the crash
• Lost wages due to medical leave and recovery
• Loss of future earning potential due to disability
• Funeral expenses after a fatal car accident

Non-economic damages are subjective and involve changes in a person’s life related to the crash. This includes:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of companionship after a fatal accident
• Reduced overall quality of life

Can I Seek Damages If I Was Partly at Fault for a Crash?

Yes, you can still recover compensation in California even if you were partially responsible for the accident. California follows the legal doctrine of “pure comparative negligence.” This means that your total award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are awarded $200,000 but are found to be 25% at fault, you would still receive $150,000.
Insurance companies often try to inflate your share of the blame to avoid paying. That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced car accident lawyer protecting your rights.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Collision?

In most personal injury cases in California, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this window, you will lose your right to seek compensation permanently.
However, if your accident involved a government vehicle or a poorly maintained public road, you may have as little as six months to file an administrative claim.
To avoid missing these critical deadlines, it’s best to consult with a car accident attorney serving Upland, immediately after your crash to preserve your legal options.