Car Accident Lawyer Serving Bloomington, CA

A sudden car accident in Bloomington can leave you struggling with physical pain, mounting medical bills, and the stress of a damaged vehicle. When another driver’s negligence turns your life upside down, you shouldn’t have to navigate the complex legal system on your own.
At the Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, we understand the unique challenges that residents of the Inland Empire face after a serious wreck. Our priority is to provide a compassionate yet aggressive legal solution that allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the insurance companies.
Our attorneys can fight for the maximum compensation after a major car wreck. For a free consultation with our car accident lawyers serving Bloomington, contact our firm today. 

How Common Are Car Accidents in the Bloomington Area?

The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) doesn’t have data for Bloomington alone, but the numbers for nearby cities like Fontana and Rialto reveal dangers for commuters who live in the area:

• According to OTS data for Fontana, there were 911 injuries and fatalities in that nearby city in 2023
• According to OTS data for Rialto, there were 468 injuries and fatalities in that nearby city in 2023

Even though Bloomington is not as busy as other neighborhoods, it’s important for residents to exercise caution while commuting and running errands. Looking at OTS numbers for the county, there were 15,118 injuries and fatalities in San Bernardino County in 2023.

Dangerous Roads and Highways in and Around Bloomington

Here are some of the most dangerous roads in Bloomington and the surrounding area:

• Interstate 10: Heavy traffic and large vehicles driving down I-10 can cause serious crashes that span multiple lanes. Drivers also need to be careful with clipping and sideswipe crashes along on-ramps and off-ramps.
• Cedar Avenue: The multiple lanes of traffic along Cedar Avenue could lead to crashes, especially at intersections and turns. The dangers increase near I-10 and Valley Boulevard.
• Riverside Avenue: Accidents can happen on Riverside Avenue whenever drivers are speeding, rushing to beat a light, or pulling out of a parking lot.

Dangers on Quiet Streets: Residential streets tend to be quiet and calm, but accidents can still happen on these roads. Drivers may be distracted or less attentive when speed limits are low, or could speed on quiet streets, assuming few people or vehicles will be around.

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

Speeding

Speeding is a leading cause of collisions in Bloomington, particularly on busy surface streets like Valley Boulevard and Cedar Avenue. When drivers exceed the speed limit, their reaction time is severely diminished, and the force of impact increases exponentially. These high-speed crashes often result in catastrophic injuries. Our law firm is committed to holding speeding drivers accountable for their reckless disregard for the safety of our local community.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving involves a willful disregard for traffic laws and the safety of others. This often includes aggressive lane changes, tailgating, refusing to yield, or running stop signs at busy intersections. These erratic behaviors make it nearly impossible for other motorists to stay safe. Our lawyers work diligently to gather evidence and witness statements to prove that a driver’s reckless conduct was the direct cause of your injuries and property damage.

Drunk/Intoxicated Driving

Despite strict laws and public awareness, driving under the influence remains a major threat in San Bernardino County. Intoxication impairs a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reflexes, often leading to devastating head-on or broadside collisions. We take a firm stand against those who choose to drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol. The Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas fights to ensure that victims in DUI accidents receive justice and full compensation.

Distracted Driving

A split second of inattention can be life-changing. Distracted driving, whether from texting, using a navigation app, making a call, or adjusting the radio, is a leading cause of rear-end accidents in the area. When a driver’s eyes or mind are not on the road, they are legally negligent. Our car wreck lawyers use specialized investigative techniques to uncover evidence of distraction, ensuring that the at-fault party is held responsible for their negligence.

Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is a significant danger for local commuters, especially when it involves commercial truck drivers along the I-10. A tired driver suffers from reduced reaction times, similar to someone who’s drunk driving. If a driver falls asleep or experiences “microsleep” on the road, the results are often fatal. The Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas investigates driving logs and circumstances to determine if exhaustion played a role in your car accident.

Vehicle Defects or Faulty Auto Parts

Sometimes an accident is caused by a mechanical failure rather than driver error. Defective brakes, steering systems, or tire blowouts can lead to a complete loss of control. In these situations, the vehicle manufacturer or a negligent repair shop may be held liable. We collaborate with automotive experts to inspect the vehicles involved and identify any mechanical defects that contributed to the crash, ensuring all responsible parties are named.

Poor Road Conditions

Hazards like deep potholes, obscured traffic signs, or poorly marked construction zones can make Bloomington roads treacherous. The government entities responsible for maintaining these roads have a duty to keep them safe. If a dangerous roadway caused your wreck, you may have a claim against the city or county. These cases involve specific legal procedures and strict deadlines, making it essential to have the Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas on your side.

Bad Weather Conditions

While Southern California is known for sun, sudden heavy rain or dense fog can make local driving dangerous. Drivers are legally required to adjust their speed and behavior to match current conditions. Failing to slow down during a storm or maintain a safe following distance in low visibility is a form of negligence. We help victims prove that the other driver failed to exercise reasonable care given the environmental conditions at the time.

If you’re in a serious car wreck, the injuries you suffer could have a lasting effect on your life, livelihood, and independence.

Fractured Bones and Joints

The extreme force of a car accident often results in broken bones, ranging from simple breaks to compound fractures requiring surgery and hardware. Impact with the dashboard or side doors can also crush joints like the knees, hips, or wrists, leading to chronic pain. At the Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, we ensure your claim accounts for all immediate medical costs and the necessary long-term physical therapy required to regain your mobility after a serious fracture.

Loss of Limbs

Catastrophic accidents can result in traumatic amputations or injuries so severe that a limb cannot be saved. The loss of a limb is a life-altering event that affects your ability to work and perform daily tasks. Our car accident lawyers fight for compensation that reflects the profound nature of this loss, including costs for high-quality prosthetics, home modifications, and the emotional support needed to navigate such a significant physical change.

Burn Injuries and Post-Crash Fires

When a collision causes a fuel leak or electrical fault, fires can erupt instantly. Burn injuries are among the most painful traumas a person can endure, often leading to permanent scarring and a high risk of infection. Treatment typically involves specialized burn units and skin grafts. The Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas can seek damages that cover these intensive medical treatments and address the significant physical and emotional pain associated with severe burns.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury can occur when the head strikes an object in the vehicle or from the violent jarring of the brain inside the skull during an impact. Severe concussions and brain contusions can cause permanent cognitive impairment. Symptoms can include memory loss, mood swings, and sensory issues. Our accident attorneys work with neurological specialists to document the full extent of your brain injury, ensuring the insurance company recognizes the lifelong impact on your health.

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

An injury to the spinal cord can result in partial or total paralysis, requiring a lifetime of specialized medical care. The financial burden of a spinal cord injury can be staggering, 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 quality of life.

Compensation in a Car Accident Lawsuit

The value of every car crash is different. How much your accident claim could be worth will depend on the unique circumstances related to the collision itself and the lasting effects it’s had on your life.

At the Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, our car accident lawyers serving Bloomingtom will review what happened and seek maximum compensation to address your economic and non-economic losses.

Economic damages are financial and material losses caused by a car wreck. 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 changes in a person’s life related to the car accident. 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 “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means that your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, you would still receive $80,000.

Insurance companies often try to shift as much blame as possible onto you to save money. That’s why it’s vital to have an experienced car accident attorney protecting your interests.

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 miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to sue forever.

There are exceptions, however. If your car accident involved a government entity (e.g., a city vehicle or a state employee), the deadline to file an administrative claim is much shorter, typically only six months.

Regardless of the crash, it’s best to speak with our car accident attorneys serving Bloomington as soon as possible. It is critical to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas can ensure all legal deadlines are met.