Why Lancaster Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
A sudden, serious injury can turn your life upside down. One moment you are commuting through the Antelope Valley, running errands, or enjoying a day out, and the next you are dealing with pain, medical bills, and uncertainty. The high volume of traffic and unfortunate reality of frequent accidents in Lancaster means that residents are all too familiar with the risks on our roads. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial stress you are facing, and we believe your primary focus should be on your recovery, not navigating a complex legal system alone.
At Reardon Injury Law, we provide more than just legal representation; we offer a partnership grounded in deep medical understanding. Our founding attorney, John Reardon, practiced as a chiropractor for two decades before becoming a personal injury lawyer. This dual expertise gives our clients a distinct advantage. We don’t just see a case file; we see the full scope of your injuries. We understand the long-term impact of a spinal cord injury from a high-speed collision or the chronic pain resulting from a broadside crash. This medical insight allows us to build a more compelling case, ensuring your injuries are accurately documented and valued, and to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
We proudly serve clients throughout California, including the Lancaster community. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will never pay us a fee unless we win your case. Your initial consultation is always free, providing you with a no-risk opportunity to understand your legal options and find a path forward.
Accident Hotspots in Lancaster
While any road can become the scene of an accident, local data for Lancaster reveals alarming trends rather than isolated dangerous intersections. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), Lancaster has one of the highest rates of fatal and injury-causing collisions in the state. Speed is a major contributing factor, with tragic consequences on state highways and local roads throughout the Antelope Valley.
The most common and dangerous types of collisions in Lancaster include:
- Broadside Collisions: Accounting for over 34% of local crashes, these “T-bone” accidents frequently happen at intersections when a driver fails to yield the right-of-way. They often result in severe, life-altering injuries for the occupants of the vehicle that is struck.
- Rear-End Collisions: Making up nearly 23% of crashes, these incidents are often caused by unsafe speeds, tailgating, and distracted driving. Even at low speeds, a rear-end impact can cause significant whiplash and spinal injuries.
- Speed-Related Crashes: Unsafe speed is a primary factor in almost 17% of collisions where a violation was noted. This dangerous behavior dramatically increases the risk of severe injury or fatality, especially in motorcycle accidents and pedestrian accidents.
- State Highway Accidents: The major highways that serve as critical commute corridors for Lancaster residents are unfortunately common sites for serious and fatal incidents, often involving truck accidents and other high-speed collisions.
Vulnerable road users face significant risks. The city sees a high number of incidents involving pedestrians and individuals on bicycles, often with devastating outcomes. If you or a loved one has been injured, it is crucial to have an advocate who understands the specific dynamics of Lancaster traffic and can effectively prove liability.
Types of Cases We Handle in Lancaster
Our firm is equipped to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. With our unique medical and legal expertise, we are prepared to fight for clients who have suffered due to another’s negligence. We frequently represent Lancaster residents in cases involving:
- Car Accidents: From rear-end collisions on Lancaster Boulevard to high-speed crashes on the freeway, we handle all types of car accident claims.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to severe injuries. We advocate fiercely for riders who have been harmed by inattentive drivers.
- Truck Accidents: Collisions with large commercial trucks can be catastrophic. These cases are complex and require an attorney experienced in federal and state trucking regulations.
- Pedestrian Accidents: We fight to protect the rights of pedestrians who have been struck and injured by negligent drivers.
- Bicycle Accidents: Bicyclists have a right to share the road safely. We help injured cyclists hold reckless drivers accountable.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber or Lyft have unique insurance complexities. We can help you navigate the claims process to secure the compensation you need.
If you have been injured in a way not listed here, please visit our practice areas page or contact us directly. We are committed to helping victims of all types of negligence.
What to Do After an Accident in Lancaster
The steps you take immediately following an accident are critical for protecting both your health and your legal rights.
- Prioritize Safety and Call 911: If you are able, move your vehicle out of traffic. Check on others involved. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request emergency medical services. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (Lancaster Station) or the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will likely respond.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, you should be evaluated by a medical professional. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like concussions or internal bleeding. Go to an emergency room at an Antelope Valley area medical center or see your doctor as soon as possible. This creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
- Document the Scene: If you are able, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
- Gather Information: Politely exchange names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details with all other drivers involved. Get contact information from any witnesses.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid saying “I’m sorry” or accepting blame. Stick to the facts when speaking with law enforcement. Any admission of fault can be used against you by insurance companies.
- Report the Accident, but Be Cautious: You must report the accident to your own insurance company. When speaking to any insurance adjuster, including your own, provide only basic facts. Do not give a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer without first speaking to an attorney.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating a personal injury claim requires a clear understanding of California’s specific laws. An experienced attorney can guide you through these complexities.
- 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 award will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 10% at fault, you can still recover 90% of your damages.
- Statute of Limitations: In California, you have a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit. For most cases, the deadline is two years from the date of the injury (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). However, a critical exception exists for claims against government entities (e.g., the City of Lancaster, Los Angeles County, or a public school). In these cases, you must file a formal claim within just six months under the Government Claims Act. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: California law 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. In a serious accident, these minimums are rarely enough to cover the true costs. We can investigate all potential sources of recovery, including underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage and assets of the at-fault party.
- Available Compensation: A successful personal injury claim can provide compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, including medical bills (past and future), lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face the aftermath of a serious injury alone. Let our firm’s unique combination of medical knowledge and legal skill work for you. At Reardon Injury Law, we are dedicated to helping Lancaster residents rebuild their lives.
We offer a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and explain your rights. We handle all cases on a contingency basis, so there is no financial risk to you—we only get paid if we win. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or fill out our online form on our contact page to get started.
