Personal Injury Lawyer in Lakewood, California

Why Lakewood Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law

An unexpected injury can turn your world upside down. One moment, you’re commuting on the I-605 or running errands on Bellflower Boulevard; the next, you’re dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills. The confusion and stress can be overwhelming. We understand what you’re going through, and we want you to know that you don’t have to face this challenge alone.

Reardon Injury Law was founded on the principle of providing compassionate and effective legal representation to those who have been wrongfully injured. What sets our firm apart is our founder’s unique background. Before becoming an attorney, John Reardon practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years. This extensive medical experience gives our firm a profound understanding of the physical toll an accident takes on the human body. We don’t just see a case file; we see the real-world impact of your injuries, from soft tissue damage to complex spinal conditions. This dual expertise allows us to build a stronger, more medically sound case on your behalf, ensuring that the full extent of your suffering is accurately documented and powerfully argued.

We are here to lift the legal burden from your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will never pay us a fee unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Your fight for justice is our fight, and we are committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process with the care and authority you deserve.

Accident Hotspots in Lakewood

While Lakewood is known for its tree-lined streets and community focus, its proximity to major Los Angeles County thoroughfares means residents are exposed to significant traffic risks. Commuters navigating the I-605 (San Gabriel River Freeway), CA-91, and I-105 freeways face daily congestion and the potential for serious collisions.

Local data reveals several areas of concern where car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents are unfortunately common. These intersections and roadways require extra caution:

• Firestone Blvd and Lakewood Blvd: Located in nearby Downey, this intersection has been ranked as one of the most dangerous in California. High traffic volumes and frequent turning movements contribute to a significant number of injury-causing collisions.
• Florence Ave and Lakewood Blvd: The heavy flow of traffic along these two major arterials creates a high risk for broadside (T-bone) and rear-end crashes, particularly during peak hours.
• Lakewood Blvd and Stewart & Gray Rd: Crash patterns at this intersection have been significant enough to warrant federally funded safety improvements, highlighting its known risks to drivers and pedestrians.
• Bellflower Blvd and Imperial Hwy: This busy junction in an adjacent area is another site of frequent accidents, leading to recent safety enhancements aimed at reducing collisions.

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), Lakewood has a high rate of speed-related crashes, nighttime accidents, and hit-and-run incidents. These statistics underscore the dangers faced by drivers, pedestrian accidents, and bicycle accidents in our community.

Types of Cases We Handle in Lakewood

At Reardon Injury Law, our deep understanding of both medicine and law allows us to effectively represent clients across a wide range of personal injury claims. We are prepared to handle complex cases arising from incidents throughout Lakewood and the surrounding Los Angeles County area.

Our primary practice areas include:

• Car Accidents: From fender-benders on local streets to multi-vehicle pile-ups on the I-605, we help victims of negligent driving recover the compensation they need for their injuries and losses.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are exceptionally vulnerable on the road. We understand the severe biases they often face and fight to protect their rights and secure fair compensation for their injuries.
• Truck Accidents: Collisions involving large commercial trucks can be catastrophic. We have the resources and knowledge to take on complex trucking litigation, investigating driver logs, maintenance records, and company negligence.
• Bicycle Accidents: With many residents enjoying Lakewood’s parks and streets, cyclists are at constant risk. We advocate for injured bicyclists who have been struck by inattentive or reckless drivers.
• Pedestrian Accidents: A person on foot is no match for a motor vehicle. We help pedestrians who have been injured in crosswalks, parking lots, or on sidewalks hold negligent drivers accountable.
• Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber or Lyft can present complicated insurance questions. We are experienced in navigating the unique legal landscape of rideshare accidents to ensure our clients’ rights are protected.

If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of accident caused by someone else’s carelessness, please visit our practice areas page to learn more or contact us for a free case evaluation.

What to Do After an Accident in Lakewood

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 your vehicle to a safe location off the main roadway. Check on others involved. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Lakewood Station will likely respond to the scene.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask serious injuries. It is crucial to be evaluated by a medical professional. Paramedics may transport you to a nearby hospital like Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center or PIH Health Hospital-Whittier. A documented medical visit creates an essential record for your injury claim.
3. Document the Scene: If you are physically able, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene. Capture vehicle damage, license plates, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
4. Gather Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s). Do not discuss fault. If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers. Their independent testimony can be invaluable.
5. Report the Accident: Obtain the police report number from the responding officers. You will need this to get a copy of the official report later, which is a key piece of evidence.
6. Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters: The other party’s insurance company may contact you quickly, seeking a recorded statement or offering a low settlement. Do not agree to either. Their goal is to minimize their payout.
7. Contact a Lakewood Personal Injury Lawyer: Before making any decisions, speak with an experienced attorney. We can handle all communications with insurance companies and ensure you are not taken advantage of during a vulnerable time.

Understanding Your Rights Under California Law

Navigating the legal system after an injury can be complex. In California, several key laws will impact 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 20% at fault, your final award will be reduced by 20%.
• Statute of Limitations: Time is of the essence. For most personal injury cases, California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation forever.
• Claims Against Government Entities: If your injury was caused by a public entity—such as a dangerous road condition or an accident with a city vehicle—the deadline is much shorter. The Government Claims Act requires you to file a formal claim with the correct government agency within six months of the injury.
• Minimum Insurance Requirements: 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. In a serious accident, these amounts are often woefully inadequate to cover medical bills and lost income, which is why having your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is so important.
• Available Compensation (Damages): As an injury victim, you may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, including medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Contact Reardon Injury Law Today

If you have been injured in Lakewood, you deserve a legal team that combines legal skill with a true understanding of your physical recovery. At Reardon Injury Law, we are ready to put our unique medical and legal experience to work for you.

We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, so you owe us nothing unless we win. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or visit our contact page to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you on the path to justice and recovery.