Personal Injury Lawyer in Selma, California

Why Selma Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law

A sudden accident can turn your world upside down. One moment you’re commuting on SR-99 or running errands in downtown Selma, and the next you’re dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills. The confusion and stress can be overwhelming, leaving you unsure of where to turn for help. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand what you’re going through. We know that behind every case file is a person whose life has been profoundly disrupted, and our first priority is to provide the compassionate and steadfast support you need.

For residents of Selma and Fresno County, choosing the right legal representation is critical. Reardon Injury Law offers a unique and powerful advantage. Our founding attorney, John Reardon, practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years before becoming a lawyer. This extensive medical background gives our firm an unparalleled understanding of the physical injuries caused by trauma. We don’t just see a case; we see the full scope of your injuries, how they affect your daily life, and what it will take for you to truly recover. This insight allows us to build stronger, more compelling cases and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.

We are proud to serve clients throughout California, including the community of Selma. We believe that everyone deserves access to justice, which is why we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely no attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Your initial consultation is always free and confidential, giving you the opportunity to get expert legal advice without any financial risk.

Accident Hotspots in Selma

While Selma maintains its small-town charm, it is not immune to the dangers of modern traffic. Certain roads and intersections in and around the city present a heightened risk for drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.

• State Route 99 (SR-99) through Selma: As the primary artery connecting Selma to Fresno and Visalia, SR-99 is a site of frequent and often serious collisions. The combination of high-speed commuter traffic, heavy agricultural semi-trucks, and busy on/off-ramps creates a hazardous environment. These high-speed conditions can lead to devastating car accidents and catastrophic truck accidents.
• Highland Avenue at Selma Avenue: This key local intersection sees a mix of passenger vehicles, school traffic, and slow-moving agricultural equipment. During harvest season, visibility can be compromised, and the varying speeds of different vehicles can lead to dangerous T-bone collisions and rear-end crashes.
• Dockery Avenue and SR-99 Ramps: The transition between rural roads and the high-speed freeway is a common point of conflict. Drivers merging onto or exiting SR-99 at Dockery Avenue can misjudge traffic speed, leading to violent collisions that are particularly dangerous for those in smaller vehicles or on motorcycles. These areas see a number of serious motorcycle accidents each year.

Types of Cases We Handle in Selma

Our firm has the experience and resources to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. We are dedicated to helping Selma residents who have been harmed by another’s negligence. Our practice areas include:

• Car Accidents: From fender-benders on Floral Avenue to multi-car pileups on SR-99, we represent drivers and passengers injured in all types of auto collisions.
• Truck Accidents: Given Selma’s location in the heart of an agricultural hub, accidents involving semi-trucks and farm vehicles are a serious concern. These cases are complex and require an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable on the road. We fight to protect the rights of riders who have been injured by inattentive or reckless drivers.
• Pedestrian Accidents: A person walking near downtown Selma or in a residential neighborhood has no protection in a collision. We hold negligent drivers accountable for the life-altering injuries they cause.
• Bicycle Accidents: We advocate for cyclists who have been injured while sharing the road with motor vehicles on local streets like Highland Avenue.
• Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber and Lyft have unique insurance complexities. We can help you navigate the claims process to ensure you are fairly compensated.

What to Do After an Accident in Selma

The steps you take immediately following an accident can significantly impact your health and your ability to recover compensation.

1. Ensure Safety and Call 911: If you are able, move to a safe location away from traffic. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request emergency medical services. The Selma Police Department will likely respond to incidents within city limits, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) handles crashes on SR-99.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to get a medical evaluation. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Go to an emergency room at a facility like Adventist Health Selma. For severe, life-threatening injuries, you may be transported to the Level I Trauma Center at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno or to Kaweah Health Medical Center in Visalia.
3. Document the Scene: If you can do so safely, take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Exchange driver’s license, insurance, and contact information with the other party, but do not discuss fault.
4. Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid making statements like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you.” These can be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt by insurance companies. Stick to the facts when speaking with law enforcement.
5. Contact an Experienced Attorney: Before you speak with an insurance adjuster or sign any documents, contact Reardon Injury Law. The insurance company’s goal is to pay out as little as possible. Our goal is to protect your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve for your recovery.

Understanding Your Rights Under California Law

Navigating the legal system after an injury can be complex. As a Selma resident, it’s important to understand the California laws that protect you.

• Pure Comparative Negligence: California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your final 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 the total 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 your claim. However, there is a critical exception: if your claim is against a government entity (like the City of Selma, Fresno County, or the State of California), you must file a formal claim within six months under the Government Claims Act. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
• Minimum Insurance Requirements: California’s mandatory minimum liability insurance coverage is just $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 for injury to multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage. In any serious accident, these amounts are rarely enough to cover the full cost of medical bills and lost wages. An experienced attorney can help you identify all possible sources of recovery, including your own Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
• 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
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Contact Reardon Injury Law Today

You do not have to face the aftermath of a serious accident alone. The legal team at Reardon Injury Law is here to provide the expert guidance and compassionate advocacy you need to rebuild your life. Our unique combination of medical and legal expertise sets us apart and allows us to fight effectively for the justice you deserve.

We handle all cases on a contingency basis—you will never pay a fee unless we win your case. To discuss your case with an experienced California personal injury attorney, call us at (657) 522-7122 or fill out the form on our contact page for a free, no-obligation consultation.