Why Commerce Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
In an instant, an accident on a busy Commerce street or freeway can turn your world upside down. The screech of tires, the impact, and the sudden wave of pain and confusion are just the beginning. Now, you face mounting medical bills, calls from insurance adjusters, and the stress of being unable to work or live your life as you did before. The physical and emotional toll is immense, and navigating the path forward can feel isolating and overwhelming. We understand what you are going through, and we want you to know that you are not alone.
At Reardon Injury Law, we provide more than just legal representation; we offer a partnership grounded in empathy and a profound understanding of your injuries. Before becoming an attorney, our founder, John Reardon, practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years. This extensive medical background gives our firm a unique and powerful advantage. We don’t just read medical reports; we comprehend the underlying trauma, the long-term prognosis, and the true impact an injury has on your daily life. This insight allows us to build a more compelling case on your behalf, effectively countering insurance company tactics that aim to downplay your pain and suffering.
We are dedicated to serving the Commerce community and all of California, helping accident victims secure the justice and compensation they deserve. Our goal is to handle the legal burdens so you can focus on what matters most: your health and recovery. We manage the complex paperwork, negotiate aggressively with insurance companies, and prepare every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring you are in the strongest possible position.
Accident Hotspots in Commerce
As a dense industrial and commercial hub in Los Angeles County, Commerce sees a significant volume of traffic, leading to a high number of accidents. In 2023 alone, the city recorded 164 fatal and injury crashes. Our firm is familiar with the city’s most hazardous areas, where negligence and congestion frequently cause harm.
- Atlantic Blvd & Ferguson Dr: This intersection is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous in Commerce. It sees a high percentage of severe broadside, head-on, and rear-end collisions. Data shows that primary causes include drivers running red lights and failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, making it a high-risk zone for both drivers and people on foot. These incidents often result in serious car accidents and devastating pedestrian accidents.
- Goodrich Blvd & Olympic Blvd: Known for a high rate of broadside (T-bone) and head-on collisions, this intersection is another major problem area. Crashes here are frequently caused by traffic signal violations, especially on Sunday afternoons. The mix of commercial and commuter traffic creates a complex and dangerous environment.
- I-710 (Long Beach Freeway): The I-710 is the industrial backbone of the region, but its constant flow of heavy commercial vehicles makes it a hotspot for catastrophic truck accidents. The sheer size and weight of semi-trucks mean that any collision can have life-altering consequences for those in smaller passenger vehicles. Congestion and driver fatigue are major contributing factors to crashes along this vital corridor.
- I-5 and SR-60 Corridors: The proximity of the Golden State Freeway and Pomona Freeway adds to the overall traffic density in and around Commerce. Commuters and freight carriers use these routes heavily, increasing the risk of multi-car pileups, motorcycle accidents, and rideshare accidents during peak hours.
Types of Cases We Handle in Commerce
Reardon Injury Law is a full-service personal injury firm prepared to handle a wide range of claims. Our deep medical and legal expertise allows us to effectively represent victims of:
- Car Accidents: We handle everything from rear-end collisions on Slauson Avenue to complex multi-car pileups on the I-5.
- Truck Accidents: Given Commerce’s industrial nature and the I-710 corridor, we have significant experience with the complex regulations governing commercial trucking cases.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable in heavy traffic, and we fight to ensure their rights are protected after a crash.
- Pedestrian Accidents: We advocate for pedestrians injured at dangerous intersections like Atlantic & Ferguson, holding negligent drivers accountable.
- Bicycle Accidents: We help cyclists who have been injured due to driver inattention or failure to share the road.
- Rideshare Accidents: We navigate the complicated insurance policies involved in accidents with Uber and Lyft vehicles.
If you have been injured in any type of accident caused by someone else’s negligence, we can help. You can learn more about our full range of legal services on our practice areas page.
What to Do After an Accident in Commerce
The steps you take immediately following an accident are critical for protecting your health and your legal rights.
- Move to Safety and Call 911: If you are able, move your vehicle out of traffic. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request police and medical assistance. For accidents on surface streets, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (East LA Station) will likely respond. For crashes on the I-710 or I-5, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will have jurisdiction.
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Accept paramedic assistance and, if necessary, go to the emergency room. Even if you feel fine, it is vital to get a medical evaluation at a nearby hospital like Whittier Hospital Medical Center or Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center. Some serious injuries have delayed symptoms, and a medical record creates a direct link between the accident and your injuries.
- Document the Scene: If you are able, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, positions of cars, skid marks, and any relevant traffic signs or signals. Get contact and insurance information from the other driver(s) and names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Be polite, but do not apologize or admit any fault for the accident to anyone at the scene or to an insurance adjuster. Stick to the facts of what happened.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: Before you give a recorded statement to an insurance company, speak with an experienced attorney. The insurance adjuster’s goal is to minimize their company’s payout. Your attorney’s goal is to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating a personal injury claim requires an understanding of specific California laws. Here is what you need to know:
- Pure Comparative Negligence: California law allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault, your total compensation award would be reduced by 20%. This rule prevents insurance companies from unfairly denying your entire claim just by assigning you a small amount of blame.
- Statute of Limitations: There are strict deadlines 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, the deadline is much shorter if your claim is against a government entity (e.g., a city bus, a public school vehicle, or an injury from a poorly maintained road). In these cases, you must file a formal claim within just six months under the Government Claims Act.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: California’s mandatory minimum liability insurance is only $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. In a serious accident, these low amounts are often exhausted quickly. An experienced attorney can help identify other potential sources of compensation, such as underinsured motorist coverage or third-party liability.
- Available Compensation (Damages): As an injury victim, you may be entitled to recover compensation for economic and non-economic losses, including medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, diminished earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Your case will be filed at the Los Angeles County Superior Court - Southeast District, located in nearby Lynwood. Our firm is intimately familiar with the procedures and personnel at this courthouse and will guide you through every step of the legal process.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face this difficult time alone. Let our unique combination of medical insight and legal skill work for you. At Reardon Injury Law, we handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis
