Why Manhattan Beach Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
Life in Manhattan Beach can feel like a dream—the sun, the sand, the vibrant community. But when that dream is shattered by a sudden, severe injury, the path forward can feel overwhelming and uncertain. You may be facing mounting medical bills, the inability to work, and significant pain and emotional distress. During this difficult time, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a compassionate advocate who truly understands what you’re going through, both medically and legally.
At Reardon Injury Law, we put your well-being first. We know that an accident is more than a legal case; it’s a life-altering event. Our firm is founded on a unique combination of legal expertise and deep medical insight. Before becoming an attorney, our founder, John Reardon, practiced as a chiropractor for two decades. This hands-on experience treating accident victims gives our firm an unparalleled understanding of the physical toll an injury takes. We don’t just see a case file; we see the complex nature of your injuries, the long-term care you might need, and the strategies insurance companies use to downplay your suffering.
We are dedicated to serving communities across California, including the residents of Manhattan Beach. Our commitment is to provide you with authoritative legal guidance and unwavering support, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the complexities of your claim. We believe that everyone deserves access to justice, which is why we offer a free, no-obligation consultation and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay us a thing unless we win your case.
Accident Hotspots in Manhattan Beach
While known for its picturesque coastline, Manhattan Beach is not immune to the dangers of Southern California traffic. The constant flow of residents, commuters, and tourists creates conditions where serious accidents can and do happen. According to 2021 data from the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were 97 fatal and injury collisions within the city.
The data reveals specific patterns of risk for drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians in Manhattan Beach:
- Nighttime Collisions: The city has a notable rate of accidents occurring between 9:00 PM and 2:59 AM. This pattern is often linked to the city’s active nightlife and dining scene, where factors like lower visibility and an increased potential for impaired driving can lead to devastating car accidents.
- Alcohol-Involved Accidents: Manhattan Beach ranks 20th out of 93 similar-sized California cities for alcohol-related collisions. These accidents are entirely preventable and often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
- Major Thoroughfares: While no single intersection is officially labeled the “most dangerous,” heavy traffic on major roads like Sepulveda Boulevard (Pacific Coast Highway) and Manhattan Beach Boulevard creates a high-risk environment. These arteries see a mix of local traffic, commercial vehicles, and tourists, increasing the likelihood of truck accidents, rideshare accidents, and intersection collisions.
Whether you were injured in a rear-end crash on Rosecrans Avenue or as a cyclist near the pier, our firm has the local knowledge to investigate the unique factors of your accident.
Types of Cases We Handle in Manhattan Beach
Our firm is equipped to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. We understand that each case is unique and requires a tailored legal strategy built on a thorough understanding of the specific type of accident and the resulting injuries.
Our practice areas include:
- Car Accidents: From fender-benders on local streets to high-speed collisions on the nearby I-405, we help victims of negligent driving recover the compensation they deserve.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable on roads like Sepulveda Boulevard. We are fierce advocates for riders who have been injured by inattentive drivers.
- Truck Accidents: Commercial truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries. We have the resources to take on trucking companies and their insurers to secure justice for victims.
- Bicycle Accidents: With its beautiful coastline, Manhattan Beach is popular with cyclists. We represent bicyclists injured along The Strand or on city streets due to driver negligence.
- Pedestrian Accidents: The busy downtown area and crosswalks near the beach can be dangerous for those on foot. We fight for pedestrians who have been struck and seriously injured.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber and Lyft have complex insurance rules. We are experienced in navigating these claims to ensure our clients are fully compensated.
What to Do After an Accident in Manhattan Beach
The actions you take in the minutes and hours after an accident can significantly impact your health and your ability to file a successful personal injury claim. Follow these steps:
- Move to Safety and Call 911: If you are able, move your vehicle out of traffic. Immediately call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. The Manhattan Beach Police Department will likely respond to incidents within city limits. An official police report is a critical piece of evidence.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to get a medical evaluation. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like whiplash or internal bleeding. Go to an emergency room at a nearby hospital like Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance or UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica, or see your primary care physician as soon as possible. This creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
- 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.
- Gather Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s). Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Do not argue or discuss fault at the scene.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Be careful what you say to other drivers, witnesses, and even law enforcement. Simply state the facts as you know them. Do not apologize or say anything that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: Before you speak with any insurance adjusters—even your own—contact an experienced attorney. Insurance companies are focused on minimizing their payout. We can protect your rights and handle all communications on your behalf.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system after an injury can be confusing. It’s important to understand the key California laws that will affect 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% responsible, your final award will be reduced by 20%. Insurance companies often use this rule to unfairly shift blame onto victims, making skilled legal representation essential.
- Statute of Limitations: In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). 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 injury was caused by a public entity, such as a city bus, a police vehicle, or a dangerous condition on public property. Under the Government Claims Act, you must file a formal claim with the responsible government agency within six months of the injury.
- Compensation You Can Recover: A successful personal injury claim can help you recover compensation (known as “damages”) for a wide range of losses, including:
- Economic Damages: Medical bills (past and future), lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: California’s minimum liability insurance requirements are just $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 for property damage. These low limits are often insufficient to cover the costs of a serious injury, which is why it’s critical to have an attorney who can identify all possible sources of recovery.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in Manhattan Beach, you don’t have to face the fight for justice alone. Let our firm’s unique combination of medical knowledge and legal skill work for you. We will handle the legal burdens so you can concentrate on what matters most: your recovery.
Contact us today at (657) 522-7122 or visit our contact page to schedule a free, confidential consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case.
