Why San Dimas Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
A sudden injury can turn your world upside down. One moment you might be enjoying a day at Frank G. Bonelli Park or commuting home, and the next you are facing pain, mounting medical bills, and overwhelming uncertainty. The physical and emotional trauma of an accident is difficult enough without the added stress of fighting with insurance companies. We understand the disruption and distress you are experiencing, and we are here to help you find a path forward.
At Reardon Injury Law, we see you as a person, not a case number. We serve clients across California, but we take pride in providing dedicated, compassionate support to residents of communities like San Dimas. Our firm is founded on a unique principle: combining deep legal knowledge with firsthand medical insight. Before becoming an attorney, John Reardon practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years. This experience gives him an unparalleled understanding of the human body and the true impact of traumatic injuries—insight that insurance companies cannot easily dismiss.
This medical background allows us to build a stronger, more comprehensive case on your behalf. We know how a seemingly minor neck strain can develop into chronic pain, and how to document the full, long-term costs of your recovery. We translate complex medical records into a compelling legal argument for the maximum compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your health and your family.
Accident Hotspots in San Dimas
With its mix of busy freeways, commercial thoroughfares, and residential streets, San Dimas sees its share of traffic collisions. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, the city experienced 125 fatal and injury-causing accidents in a single recent year. While a crash can happen anywhere, certain areas present a higher risk due to traffic volume and design.
Major freeways like the Interstate 210 (Foothill Freeway) and State Route 57 (Orange Freeway) that cut through and border San Dimas are frequent sites of serious accidents. The high speeds, constant truck traffic, and complex on/off-ramps contribute to devastating multi-vehicle pile-ups, rollovers, and severe truck accidents. These incidents often result in catastrophic injuries and require an in-depth investigation.
On the surface streets, major corridors like Bonita Avenue and San Dimas Avenue carry a heavy load of local and commuter traffic. Intersections along these routes can be dangerous for drivers, as well as for vulnerable road users. With beautiful areas for walking and cycling, San Dimas residents are unfortunately still at risk for pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents, especially near shopping centers or at intersections with poor visibility. The increasing popularity of Uber and Lyft also means that rideshare accidents are a growing concern throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
Types of Cases We Handle in San Dimas
Our firm is equipped to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. We apply our unique medical and legal expertise to secure justice for those harmed by another’s negligence. Our primary focus areas include:
- Car Accidents: From rear-end collisions on Arrow Highway to complex freeway crashes on the I-210, we manage all aspects of your car accident claim, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and property damage.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Riders are uniquely vulnerable on the road. We understand the biases motorcyclists often face and fight aggressively to protect their rights and recover damages for devastating injuries.
- Truck Accidents: Collisions involving large commercial trucks are incredibly destructive. We have the resources to take on trucking companies and their insurers to investigate driver fatigue, maintenance failures, and other contributing factors.
- Pedestrian Accidents: We advocate for pedestrians who have been struck by vehicles, helping them cover medical costs and holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions.
- Bicycle Accidents: Our firm champions the rights of cyclists injured in collisions, working to prove driver negligence and secure the compensation needed for a full recovery.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber or Lyft have complex insurance rules. We navigate these policies to ensure our clients’ rights are protected, whether they were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian.
If you have been injured in an incident not listed here, we encourage you to contact us. You can see a more comprehensive list of our practice areas or call our office for a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your situation.
What to Do After an Accident in San Dimas
The moments after an accident are chaotic and stressful. Taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights.
- Ensure Your Safety: If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Call 911: Report the accident immediately. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (San Dimas Station) will likely respond to incidents on city streets, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) handles crashes on the I-210 and SR-57. A police report is a critical piece of evidence.
- Seek Medical Attention: This is the most important step. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Go to an emergency room at a nearby facility like Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center or Emanate Health Queen of the Valley Hospital, or see your doctor as soon as possible. A medical record creates a direct link between the accident and your injuries.
- Document the Scene: If you are able, take pictures and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance policy information. Also, collect contact details from any witnesses.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid saying things like “I’m sorry” or “I think I made a mistake.” Stick to the facts when speaking with police. Do not give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company without consulting an attorney first.
- Contact an Injury Lawyer: Before you agree to any settlement, call an experienced personal injury attorney. A free consultation can help you understand your rights and the true value of your claim.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system can be confusing, but a few key California laws will directly impact your personal injury claim.
- Pure Comparative Negligence: California law allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 10% responsible, you can still collect 90% of the awarded damages. Insurance companies often try to exploit this rule by unfairly shifting blame onto the victim; we fight to ensure liability is assigned correctly.
- Statute of Limitations: In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). However, there is a critical exception: if your claim is against a government entity (e.g., a city bus, a poorly maintained public road), you must file a formal claim within six months of the incident. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: California only requires drivers to carry liability insurance of $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 for injury to multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage. These amounts are often insufficient to cover the costs of a serious injury. An
