Car Accident Lawyer Serving Fontana, CA

After a car accident in Fontana, the physical pain and emotional stress can be overwhelming. Between medical appointments, car repairs, and the pressure of missing work, trying to navigate a complex insurance claim on your own is a burden you shouldn’t have to carry.
At the Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, we understand that you need more than just legal advice. You need a dedicated partner to handle the fight for you. If you have been injured due to another driver’s negligence, our firm provides the solution by providing aggressive, results-driven representation.
Let us start working to recover the maximum compensation for your losses in a collision. To schedule a free consultation with our car accident lawyers serving Fontana, contact our law firm today.

How Common Are Car Accidents in the Fontana Area?

According to numbers from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), there were 911 injuries and fatalities from car accidents in Fontana during 2023. Looking at OTS numbers for the county, there were 15,118 injuries and fatalities in San Bernardino County during 2023.
This is a reminder that collisions can happen locally or anywhere in the Inland Empire while you’re commuting or running errands. It’s best to be attentive whenever you’re on the road.

Dangerous Roads and Highways in and Around Fontana

These are some of the most dangerous roads and highways in and around Fontana.

• Interstate 10: I-10 can be extremely busy with the mix of local commuters and long-haul truckers on the road. The dangers of this heavy traffic and congestion are especially pronounced near any on-ramps or off-ramps.
• Interstate 15: Similar concerns surround I-15. A collision caused by a tractor-trailer or a reckless driver could impact people in multiple lanes of traffic, causing catastrophic injuries in the process.
• Foothill Freeway/Route 210: Thousands of people take the Foothill Freeway each day as part of their commute. Busy roads like Route 210 mean an increased risk of a major crash.

Foothill Boulevard: Foothill Boulevard spans multiple lanes, which can lead to speeding and reckless driving. In addition to the risk of serious collisions at intersections, there’s also a danger to cyclists and pedestrians, even if they’re abiding by traffic laws.

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 remains a leading factor in local collisions, contributing to nearly one-third of all injury-related accidents in the area. High speeds are particularly dangerous on wide stretches like Foothill Boulevard and Sierra Avenue, where drivers often exceed the limit to keep up with fast-moving traffic. When a driver speeds, their reaction time is cut in half, and the force of impact is significantly higher. We hold these negligent drivers accountable for the devastation they cause.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving in Fontana often involves aggressive behaviors such as weaving through lanes during peak freight hours or tailgating on the I-10. These drivers show a blatant disregard for the safety of others, frequently leading to high-impact “T-bone” or broadside collisions. Our team is skilled at gathering traffic camera footage and witness accounts to prove that a driver’s reckless conduct was the direct cause of your wreck and subsequent injuries.

Drunk/Intoxicated Driving

Despite strict California laws, impaired driving continues to claim lives and cause severe injuries across the Inland Empire. Alcohol and drugs—including prescription medications—impair a driver’s judgment and reflexes. In Fontana, many of these tragic incidents occur during the late-night or early-morning hours. We are committed to seeking justice for victims of intoxicated drivers, ensuring that those who choose to get behind the wheel while impaired are held fully responsible.

Distracted Driving

With the rise of smartphone use, distracted driving has become an epidemic on our roads. Whether a driver is texting, using a GPS, or simply not paying attention to the road, a split second of distraction can lead to a multi-vehicle pileup. We treat distracted driving with the seriousness it deserves, often subpoenaing phone records to demonstrate that the at-fault driver was not focused on the road at the time of your accident.

Driver Fatigue

Fontana is a major regional hub for the trucking and logistics industry, meaning driver fatigue is a significant concern on our local freeways. Tired drivers, whether they are long-haul truckers or exhausted commuters, suffer from reduced coordination similar to that of intoxicated drivers. We investigate driving logs and employment records to determine if a driver stayed behind the wheel longer than safely allowed, contributing to a preventable and dangerous collision.

Vehicle Defects or Faulty Auto Parts

Sometimes, an accident isn’t caused by a driver, but by the equipment they are using. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and malfunctioning safety systems like airbags can lead to catastrophic injuries. In these cases, the vehicle manufacturer or a negligent maintenance shop may be to blame. Our legal team works with engineering experts to identify mechanical failures, ensuring that even the largest corporations are held accountable for putting defective products on our roads.

Poor Road Conditions

Dangerous road conditions, such as deep potholes, obscured traffic signs, or poorly marked construction zones near the I-15/I-10 interchange, can cause even the most careful drivers to crash. When the government or a private contractor fails to maintain a safe roadway, they can be held liable for resulting damages. These cases involve specific notice requirements and shorter filing deadlines, making it essential to have an experienced car accident lawyer, handling your claim.

Bad Weather Conditions

Sudden heavy rain or the dense winter fog common in the Inland Empire can make driving treacherous. Under California law, drivers must adjust their speed to match the current conditions, regardless of the posted limit. Failing to slow down during a downpour or maintain visibility in fog is a form of negligence. We help victims prove that the other driver failed to exercise the necessary caution required by the weather at the time of the crash.

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 involved in a motor vehicle collision often results in broken bones, ranging from simple fractures to complex breaks requiring hardware like pins and plates. Injuries to joints, such as the knees or wrists, can lead to long-term arthritis and limited range of motion. We work to ensure your settlement covers all medical costs, including the extensive physical therapy often required to regain your strength and mobility after a serious break.

Loss of Limbs

A catastrophic car accident can result in the traumatic loss of a limb or injuries so severe that amputation becomes medically necessary. This is a life-altering trauma that impacts your ability to work and perform daily activities. Beyond the physical loss, the psychological impact is profound. Our firm fights for compensation that accounts for the cost of prosthetics, home modifications, and the lifelong support needed to adapt to such a significant physical change.

Burn Injuries and Post-Crash Fires

When a high-speed impact causes a vehicle to catch fire, the resulting burn injuries are among the most painful and difficult traumas to treat. Severe burns often require specialized care in a burn unit, multiple skin grafts, and leave permanent scarring or disfigurement. We pursue damages that reflect the intense physical pain, the high cost of specialized medical treatment, and the emotional distress associated with surviving a post-crash fire.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Traumatic brain injuries occur when a sudden impact causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull. Even if there is no visible external wound, a TBI can cause permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, and personality changes. Because these “invisible” injuries are often downplayed by insurance companies, we collaborate with neurologists to document the full extent of the damage, ensuring you receive the resources needed for long-term neurological care and rehabilitation.

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

A spinal cord injury can lead to partial or total paralysis, forever changing the trajectory of a victim’s life. The costs associated with an SCI are staggering, often reaching millions of dollars for lifetime care, including 24-hour nursing and specialized medical equipment. We are dedicated to securing the substantial compensation necessary to cover these lifetime expenses, holding the negligent parties responsible for the catastrophic impact on your health and future.

Compensation in a Car Accident Lawsuit

The value of every collision case is going to be different. How much your accident claim could be worth will depend on individual circumstances related to the crash and its lasting effects on your life.

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

Economic damages are material and financial losses caused by a crash. 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 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 damages in California even if you were partially responsible for the accident. California follows the “pure comparative negligence” system, which allows you to seek compensation regardless of your percentage of fault. Your final award is simply reduced by your share of the liability.

For instance, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 30% at fault, you would receive $70,000. 

Insurance companies will try to maximize your fault to pay you less. That’s why having a skilled car accident lawyer serving Fontana is essential.

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

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, your right to sue is lost forever.
However, if your claim involves a government entity (such as a city bus or a poorly designed public road) you must file a formal claim within just six months.
To ensure your rights are protected and all evidence is preserved, it’s vital to contact a car accident attorney serving Fontana, as soon as possible after your collision.