Why Concord Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
A sudden, serious injury can turn your world upside down. One moment you are commuting on I-680 or running errands in town, and the next you are facing pain, confusion, and a mountain of medical bills. The physical and emotional trauma of an accident is overwhelming enough without the added stress of fighting with insurance companies for the compensation you rightfully deserve. We understand the uncertainty and fear you are experiencing, and we want you to know that you are not alone.
At Reardon Injury Law, we help people across California, including residents of Concord and Contra Costa County, navigate the difficult path to recovery. Our firm is founded on a unique and powerful combination of legal and medical expertise. Founding attorney John Reardon practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years before becoming a lawyer. This deep, firsthand medical knowledge gives our clients a distinct advantage. We don’t just see a case file; we understand the complex nature of your injuries, the long-term impact on your health, and the full scope of medical care you will need to heal.
We believe that everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. That is why we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay absolutely no attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our goal is to lift the legal burden from your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.
Accident Hotspots in Concord
While Concord offers a vibrant community, its roads and highways present significant risks for drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. With a population of over 125,000 and its position as a major East Bay hub, traffic congestion and accidents are a serious concern. In fact, Concord ranks 17th among comparable California cities for its high rate of fatal and injury collisions, with 420 such crashes in a single recent year.
Many of these incidents occur on the major arteries that cut through and around the city:
- Interstate 680 (I-680): As a primary commute corridor, I-680 is notorious for heavy congestion, especially at its interchanges. The combination of high traffic volume, narrow lanes in certain sections, and speeding can lead to devastating multi-vehicle pile-ups and serious truck accidents.
- State Route 4 (SR-4): This crucial east-west highway carries a heavy load of daily commuters and commercial traffic. High speeds and frequent stop-and-go conditions contribute to a high risk of rear-end collisions and other serious crashes.
- Local Streets and Intersections: Beyond the freeways, Concord’s local roads are not immune to danger. Statistics show a high number of speed-related crashes and nighttime collisions within the city. Unsignalized intersections and roads in need of repair can be particularly hazardous for bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents.
Types of Cases We Handle in Concord
Our firm is equipped to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. With our deep understanding of both the medical and legal aspects of an injury case, we are prepared to fight for clients who have been harmed by another’s negligence.
We regularly represent clients in Concord and throughout Contra Costa County in cases involving:
- Car Accidents: From fender-benders on Clayton Road to multi-car pile-ups on I-680, we handle all types of auto collisions.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable on busy roads. We advocate for riders who have been injured by inattentive or reckless drivers.
- Truck Accidents: Collisions with large commercial trucks often result in catastrophic injuries. These cases are complex and require an attorney with the resources to take on large trucking and insurance companies.
- Pedestrian Accidents: A person on foot is no match for a motor vehicle. We fight to protect the rights of pedestrians injured in crosswalks, parking lots, and on sidewalks.
- Bicycle Accidents: Concord’s mix of urban and suburban roads can be dangerous for cyclists. We help injured bicyclists hold negligent drivers accountable.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber and Lyft have unique insurance complexities. We know how to navigate these specific types of claims to secure fair compensation.
If you have been injured in a different type of accident, please visit our practice areas page to learn more about how we can help.
What to Do After an Accident in Concord
The steps you take in the minutes, hours, and days following an accident are crucial for protecting both your health and your legal rights.
- Get to Safety and Call 911: If you are able, move your vehicle out of traffic. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and any injuries. The Concord Police Department will likely respond to accidents on city streets, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) handles incidents on I-680 and SR-4.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, it is essential to be evaluated by a medical professional. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries. In Concord, you may be transported to John Muir Medical Center, or in cases of severe trauma, to the nearby Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in Martinez. A medical record is vital evidence for your claim.
- Document the Scene: If you are physically able, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and your injuries. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Exchange Information: Exchange driver’s license, insurance, and contact information with the other driver(s) involved. Do not argue or apologize. Stick to the facts.
- Report the Accident: Follow the instructions of the responding officer. Be sure to get a report number. You will need this to obtain a copy of the official traffic collision report later.
- Contact an Attorney: Before you give a recorded statement to any insurance company—even your own—speak with a qualified personal injury lawyer. An attorney can protect you from tactics used by adjusters to minimize or deny your claim.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating a personal injury claim requires a clear understanding of California’s specific laws. An experienced attorney can ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.
- 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 final 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 total damages.
- Statute of Limitations: There is a strict time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). However, a critical exception exists for claims against government entities (e.g., a city bus, a dangerous public road). In these cases, you must file a formal claim notice within just six months of the incident. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: California law only requires drivers to carry a minimum of $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. These low limits are often completely inadequate to cover the costs of a serious injury. We are skilled at identifying all potential sources of recovery, including uninsured/underinsured motorist policies and third-party liability.
- Recoverable Damages: As an injury victim, you may be entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic losses, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Property damage
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in Concord, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Let us put our unique combination of medical insight and legal skill to work for you. We are here to handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explain your options. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win. Call Reardon Injury Law today at (657) 522-7122 or fill out the form on our contact page to get started.
