Why Lemoore Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
A sudden injury can turn your world upside down. One moment, you’re commuting to work, running errands, or enjoying life in Lemoore, and the next, you’re dealing with pain, medical bills, and uncertainty. The physical and emotional toll is overwhelming, and the thought of navigating a complex legal system can feel impossible. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand what you’re going through. Your recovery is our priority, and we are here to provide the compassionate and skilled legal guidance you need during this difficult time.
Our firm is led by John Reardon, an attorney with a background that sets him apart. Before dedicating his career to law, John practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years. This extensive medical experience gives him a profound understanding of the human body and the true impact of traumatic injuries. He doesn’t just see a case file; he sees the person behind the injury. This unique insight allows our firm to build stronger, more comprehensive cases that accurately reflect the full extent of your suffering, from immediate medical needs to long-term rehabilitation and pain.
We proudly serve clients throughout California, including Lemoore and Kings County. Our commitment is to you, the injured party. We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing unless we win your case. By offering free consultations, we remove the financial barriers to getting the expert legal advice you deserve. Let us handle the insurance companies and legal burdens so you can focus on what matters most: healing.
Accident Hotspots in Lemoore
While Lemoore offers a quieter pace of life compared to California’s major metropolitan centers, its residents are not immune to the dangers of the road. Serious accidents can and do happen, particularly on the major state routes that crisscross the region and connect Lemoore to the rest of the Central Valley.
Our experience shows that certain areas pose a higher risk for Lemoore drivers:
- State Route 198 (SR-198): As the primary east-west artery running directly through Lemoore, SR-198 is a hub of activity. The combination of local traffic, agricultural vehicles, and commuters creates a complex environment where devastating car accidents and truck accidents can occur, especially at intersections and access points.
- State Route 41 (SR-41): This vital north-south highway is a major commuter path for residents traveling to and from Fresno. The high speeds and heavy traffic volumes, particularly during peak hours, contribute to a significant risk of rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and other serious crashes.
- Highway 99: Though it runs north of Lemoore, many residents rely on Highway 99 for regional travel. This highway is notorious for its high rate of serious and fatal collisions. The mix of commercial trucks and passenger vehicles at high speeds makes it one of the most dangerous roads in the Central Valley, posing a particular threat to motorcycle accidents.
Accidents in these areas, as well as those related to traffic around Naval Air Station Lemoore or in busy commercial zones, require a thorough investigation to establish liability and secure the compensation you deserve.
Types of Cases We Handle in Lemoore
At Reardon Injury Law, our practice is exclusively focused on helping individuals who have been harmed by the negligence of others. Our deep knowledge of both medicine and law allows us to effectively represent clients across a wide spectrum of injury claims.
We frequently assist Lemoore residents with cases involving:
- Car Accidents: From fender-benders on local streets to high-speed collisions on SR-41, we handle all types of auto accidents.
- Truck Accidents: Given the agricultural and commercial traffic on SR-198 and Highway 99, accidents involving semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles are a serious concern. These cases are complex and require an attorney who understands federal and state trucking regulations.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are incredibly vulnerable on the open road. We fight to ensure riders who have been injured by careless drivers receive fair compensation for their often-catastrophic injuries.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Even in a smaller city, pedestrians can be struck in crosswalks, parking lots, or on sidewalks. We hold negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause.
- Bicycle Accidents: We advocate for cyclists who have been injured by drivers who fail to share the road safely.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber or Lyft can present complicated insurance issues. We know how to navigate these claims to protect our clients’ rights.
If you have been injured in any type of accident, please visit our practice areas page to learn more or contact us directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
What to Do After an Accident in Lemoore
The moments after an accident are chaotic and stressful, but the actions you take can significantly impact your health and your ability to recover financial compensation. Follow these steps:
- Prioritize Safety and Call 911: If you are able, move your vehicle out of traffic. Check on others involved and call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance. The Lemoore Police Department will likely respond to accidents within city limits, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) handles incidents on state routes like SR-198 and SR-41.
- Seek Immediate Medical Evaluation: Your health is the top priority. Accept paramedic assistance and go to the emergency room if recommended. For serious injuries, you may be transported to a major trauma center in Fresno, such as Community Regional Medical Center or Saint Agnes Medical Center. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible, as some serious injuries may not have immediate symptoms.
- Document the Scene: If you are physically able, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries.
- Exchange Information: Get the names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details from all other drivers involved. Also, collect the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid saying things like “I’m sorry” or “I think it was my fault.” Stick to the facts when speaking with police. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting an attorney.
- Contact an Experienced Injury Attorney: Before you agree to any settlement, speak with a lawyer. An attorney can help you obtain the official traffic collision report, manage all communications with insurance companies, and ensure your rights are protected while you focus on your recovery.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating a personal injury claim requires an understanding of key California laws that will directly affect your case.
- 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% responsible, your final award will be reduced by 10%.
- Statute of Limitations: In most cases, you have a strict deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you have two years from the date of the injury. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation forever.
- Claims Against Government Entities: The deadline is much shorter if your claim is against a public entity, such as the City of Lemoore, Kings County, or the State of California (e.g., due to a dangerous road condition or an accident with a city vehicle). You must file a formal claim within just six months of the injury under the Government Claims Act.
- California’s Minimum Insurance Requirements: The state’s mandatory liability insurance minimums are very low: $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 for injury to multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage. In a serious accident, these amounts are often not enough to cover all your medical bills and lost wages. An experienced attorney can help identify all potential sources of recovery, including your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
- Recoverable Damages: As an injury victim, you may be entitled to compensation for economic damages (medical bills, future medical care, lost income, property damage) and non-economic damages (pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life). Your case will be filed and heard at the Kings County Superior Court in Hanford.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to navigate the aftermath of a serious injury alone. The legal team at Reardon Injury Law is here to provide the support, medical knowledge, and
