Why Bakersfield Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
The moments after an accident are a blur of confusion, pain, and uncertainty. Whether you were rear-ended during rush hour on Highway 99, struck by a car while crossing a busy street downtown, or injured in a slip and fall, the physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming. You’re trying to heal while facing mounting medical bills, calls from insurance adjusters, and the stress of being unable to work. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand that you are not just a case number; you are a person whose life has been turned upside down.
Our founder, John Reardon, brings a perspective that few personal injury attorneys can offer. Before dedicating his life to law, he practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years. This extensive medical background gives him a profound understanding of the human body and the true impact of traumatic injuries. He doesn’t just see a diagnosis on a medical chart; he understands the underlying mechanics of the injury, the long-term prognosis, and the chronic pain you may be experiencing. This unique insight allows us to build stronger, more compelling cases that accurately reflect the full extent of your suffering.
We are prepared to take on insurance companies that try to downplay your injuries or rush you into a lowball settlement. We know their tactics because we know the medicine. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay absolutely no fees unless we win your case. Your recovery is our priority, and we are committed to providing the compassionate guidance and aggressive legal representation you need to navigate this difficult time.
Accident Hotspots in Bakersfield
With a population of over 410,000 and its role as a major hub for agriculture and commerce, Bakersfield’s roads are some of the busiest in Kern County. This high traffic volume, unfortunately, contributes to a number of dangerous intersections and highways where accidents are all too common.
Many serious collisions occur at intersections where major arteries meet. Union Avenue and California Avenue, for example, is one of the most dangerous spots in the city. This area, part of State Route 204, channels fast-moving traffic connecting SR 58 and SR 99, leading to severe congestion and a high risk of devastating car accidents. Similarly, the commercial corridors of Southwest Bakersfield see constant incidents, with Ming Avenue and New Stine Road and Gosford Road and Ming Avenue being known for crashes caused by heavy traffic and complex turning movements.
High-speed highways and poorly lit rural-urban transition zones also pose a significant threat. Rosamond Boulevard and B Street is a known hazard where vehicles exit the highway into a poorly lit area, leading to misjudged turns and collisions. The mix of high speeds and farm equipment on roads like State Route 43 and Garces Highway creates a dangerous environment for all drivers, especially for those in motorcycle accidents. Of course, no discussion of Bakersfield traffic is complete without mentioning Highway 99 (CA-99) and Interstate 5 (I-5), where the combination of commuter pileups and heavy commercial truck accidents presents a constant danger.
Types of Cases We Handle in Bakersfield
At Reardon Injury Law, we focus exclusively on personal injury law, allowing us to provide dedicated and knowledgeable representation for those harmed by negligence. We handle a wide range of cases throughout Bakersfield and Kern County, including:
- Car Accidents: From fender benders on residential streets to multi-car pileups on Highway 99, we help victims of car accidents recover compensation for their injuries.
- Truck Accidents: Given Bakersfield’s position as a logistics hub, accidents involving semi-trucks and agricultural vehicles are common. These cases are complex, and we have the experience to handle them. Learn more about truck accidents.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable on busy roads. We fight to protect the rights of riders injured by negligent drivers.
- Pedestrian Accidents: With busy commercial areas and intersections, pedestrians are often at risk. We advocate for victims of pedestrian accidents.
- Bicycle Accidents: We represent cyclists who have been injured due to inattentive or aggressive drivers.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber and Lyft have unique insurance complexities. We can help you navigate a claim after a rideshare accidents.
If you have been injured in any type of accident caused by someone else’s carelessness, we encourage you to explore our practice areas and contact us for a free consultation.
What to Do After an Accident in Bakersfield
The steps you take immediately following an accident can significantly impact your health and your ability to recover fair compensation.
- Prioritize Safety and Call 911: If you can, move your vehicle to a safe location. Check on others involved and call 911 immediately. The Bakersfield Police Department will likely respond to accidents on city streets, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) handles incidents on highways like CA-99 and I-5.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: 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 local hospital like Kern Medical Center (the area’s major trauma facility), Adventist Health Bakersfield, or Mercy Hospital Downtown. This creates an official record of your injuries.
- Document the Scene: Use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, traffic signals, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information.
- Exchange Information: Exchange driver’s license, insurance, and contact information with the other driver(s). Do not apologize or admit fault, as this can be used against you later.
- File an Official Report: The responding officer will create a traffic collision report. Make sure you get the report number and learn how to obtain a copy.
- Contact an Attorney: Before you give a recorded statement to an insurance company, speak with a personal injury lawyer. An attorney can protect your rights and handle all communications with the insurance adjusters on your behalf.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system after an injury can be confusing. It’s important to understand a few key California laws that will affect your claim.
- 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. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 10% at fault, your final award will be reduced by 10%.
- Statute of Limitations: In most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to sue.
- Claims Against Government Entities: There is a critical exception to the two-year rule. If your injury was caused by a government employee or a dangerous condition on public property (e.g., a poorly maintained road), you must file a formal claim with the correct government agency within six months of the incident.
- California’s Minimum Insurance: California law only requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 for injury to multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage. These low amounts are often insufficient to cover the costs of a serious injury, making it vital to explore all potential sources of recovery, such as your own underinsured motorist coverage.
An experienced attorney can help you secure compensation for medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a serious injury alone. Let Reardon Injury Law handle the legal burdens so you can focus on what matters most: your health and your family. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options.
We proudly serve clients throughout Bakersfield and all of California. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, there is never a fee unless we win your case. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation on our contact page.
