Personal Injury Lawyer in Hanford, California

Why Hanford Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law

A sudden accident can turn your world upside down. One moment you are commuting on SR 198 or running errands in downtown Hanford, and the next you are dealing with physical pain, emotional distress, and mounting medical bills. The confusion and anxiety that follow an unexpected injury are overwhelming. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand that your primary focus should be on healing, not on navigating a complex legal system. We are here to lift that burden from your shoulders.

Our firm is founded on a principle of deep, empathetic understanding. We know the challenges you face because we have dedicated our careers to helping people in your exact situation. What sets Reardon Injury Law apart is our founder’s unique background. Before becoming a personal injury attorney, John Reardon practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years. This extensive medical experience gives our firm an unparalleled insight into the true nature of physical injuries. We don’t just see a case file; we understand the anatomy of your injury, the long-term prognosis, and the full scope of care you will need to recover. This dual expertise allows us to build stronger, more comprehensive cases that accurately reflect the total impact an accident has had on your life.

We are dedicated to helping Hanford residents secure the justice and compensation they deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay absolutely no attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Your recovery is our priority, and we believe everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial situation.

Accident Hotspots in Hanford

While Hanford maintains its Central Valley charm, its roads and highways are not immune to serious accidents. As a key hub in Kings County, the city sees significant traffic from commuters, agricultural vehicles, and local residents. State data reveals that for a city its size, Hanford has a concerning rate of fatal and injury collisions.

Many of these incidents are concentrated along major thoroughfares and intersections, including:

• State Route 198: This vital east-west corridor is the main artery for commuters traveling between Hanford, Visalia, and Lemoore. During peak hours, congestion and high speeds increase the risk of rear-end collisions and lane-change accidents. The constant flow of traffic makes this a common location for serious car accidents.
• State Route 43: As a primary north-south route, SR 43 sees a heavy volume of agricultural and commercial trucks. The mix of large, slow-moving vehicles and faster passenger cars can be a dangerous combination. Unsafe turns and stop sign violations, which are leading causes of accidents in Kings County, are particularly hazardous along this route, often leading to devastating truck accidents.
• 10th Ave & Fargo Ave: Local traffic reports have noted visibility issues at intersections like this one, where stop signs may be obscured or drivers may misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic. These intersections within city limits are frequent sites for T-bone collisions and accidents involving pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents.

Whether your accident occurred on a busy highway or a quiet residential street, the consequences can be life-altering. The legal team at Reardon Injury Law has the experience to investigate crashes throughout Hanford and Kings County to establish fault and fight for your rights.

Types of Cases We Handle in Hanford

At Reardon Injury Law, we focus exclusively on personal injury law. This singular focus allows us to provide our clients with the dedicated and knowledgeable representation they deserve. Our firm is equipped to handle a wide range of injury claims, and we regularly assist Hanford residents who have been harmed in:

• Car Accidents: From fender-benders on Lacey Boulevard to high-speed collisions on SR 198, we help victims recover compensation for their injuries.
• Truck Accidents: Given Hanford’s agricultural economy, accidents involving big rigs, farm equipment, and delivery trucks are common. We understand the complex federal and state regulations that govern the trucking industry.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable on the road. We fight to ensure that injured riders receive fair compensation for their often-severe injuries.
• Pedestrian Accidents: A person on foot is no match for a motor vehicle. We advocate for pedestrians struck by negligent drivers in crosswalks, parking lots, and on sidewalks.
• Bicycle Accidents: We represent cyclists who have been injured due to drivers failing to share the road or acting carelessly.
• Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber and Lyft have unique insurance complexities. We know how to navigate these claims to protect your rights as a passenger, driver, or third party.

If you have suffered any type of injury due to someone else’s negligence, we encourage you to explore our full list of practice areas and contact us for a free consultation.

What to Do After an Accident in Hanford

The moments after an accident are chaotic and stressful. Taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights.

1. Ensure Safety and Call 911: If you are able, move to a safe location away from traffic. Immediately call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance for anyone who is injured. The Hanford Police Department or the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will respond to document the scene.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Accept paramedic assistance and go to the emergency room if necessary. For local care, Adventist Health Hanford is the primary facility. For more severe or life-threatening injuries, you may be transported to the nearest Level III trauma center, Kaweah Health Medical Center in Visalia. Even if you feel fine, it is crucial to get a medical evaluation, as some serious injuries may not have immediate symptoms.
3. Document Everything: Use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries. If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information.
4. Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance details. Provide your information, but do not apologize or admit fault.
5. File an Official Report: The responding officer will create a traffic collision report. You can obtain a copy from the agency that responded (Hanford PD or CHP) in the days following the crash. This report is a vital piece of evidence.
6. Contact an Attorney: Before you speak with any insurance adjusters—even your own—consult with a personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts. An attorney can handle all communications on your behalf and ensure you are not pressured into an unfair settlement.

Understanding Your Rights Under California Law

Navigating a personal injury claim requires an understanding of specific California laws. An experienced attorney can guide you, but here are some key principles that may apply to your Hanford case.

• 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 total compensation will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found to be 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000.
• Statute of Limitations: There are strict deadlines for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In California, 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 applies if your claim is against a government entity (e.g., a city bus, a poorly maintained public road). In these cases, you must file a formal notice of claim within just six months under the Government Claims Act. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
• California’s Minimum Insurance Requirements: The state requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of only $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 for injury to multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage. A serious injury can easily exceed these low limits. This is why it is so important to have an attorney who can identify all possible sources of recovery.
• Recoverable Damages: Victims of negligence are entitled to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. This can include medical bills (past and future), lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, property damage, and compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. All civil personal injury cases for incidents in Hanford are filed and heard at the Kings County Superior Court.

Contact Reardon Injury Law Today

You do not have to face the aftermath of a serious injury alone. Let Reardon Injury Law put our unique combination of legal skill and medical insight to work for you. We are here to answer your questions, explain your rights, and handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or visit our contact page to send us a message. Remember, there is never a fee unless we win.