Why West Covina Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
A sudden, serious injury can turn your world upside down. One moment you are commuting on Interstate 10 or running errands on Azusa Avenue, and the next you are dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills. The confusion and stress can be overwhelming, leaving you unsure of where to turn. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand what you are going through. Our first priority is to provide compassionate, clear guidance to help you navigate this difficult time.
We are a California personal injury firm dedicated to helping people in communities like West Covina get the justice and compensation they deserve. 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 deep, hands-on medical experience gives our firm an unparalleled understanding of the physical toll an accident takes. We don’t just see a case file; we see the real-world impact of a spinal cord injury, a traumatic brain injury, or chronic soft tissue damage. This insight allows us to build a stronger, more compelling case that accurately reflects the full extent of your suffering.
We believe that everyone deserves access to exceptional legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That is why we offer a free consultation to discuss your case and operate on a contingency fee basis. You will not pay any attorney’s fees unless we win your case. We are here to lift the burden from your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.
Accident Hotspots in West Covina
As a major hub in the San Gabriel Valley, West Covina sees a significant volume of traffic, leading to several known danger zones for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Understanding these hotspots can help you stay safe, and it highlights the areas where we frequently see serious injury cases originate.
Interstate 10 (I-10): This critical east-west freeway is the lifeblood of the region’s commuters, but it is also the site of many devastating accidents. The combination of high speeds, heavy congestion during peak hours, and constant merging traffic near on-ramps and off-ramps creates a high-risk environment. We handle numerous car accidents and truck accidents that occur on this stretch, often caused by distracted driving, speeding, or unsafe lane changes.
Azusa Avenue and Barranca Avenue: These major surface streets are the commercial and retail arteries of West Covina. They are prone to serious crashes due to high traffic volumes, complex intersections, and constant activity near shopping centers and interchanges with I-10. Local data shows West Covina has notable issues with speed-related crashes and hit-and-runs. The significant pedestrian activity along these corridors also increases the risk of severe pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents.
Types of Cases We Handle in West Covina
Our firm has the experience and resources to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. We are prepared to advocate for West Covina residents who have been harmed by another’s negligence in cases involving:
- Car Accidents: From rear-end collisions on local streets to multi-vehicle pile-ups on I-10, we help victims of negligent driving recover the compensation they need.
- Truck Accidents: Collisions involving large commercial trucks are often catastrophic. We have the expertise to take on trucking companies and their aggressive insurance carriers.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable on busy roads like Barranca Avenue. We fight to protect the rights of riders who are often unfairly blamed for accidents.
- Pedestrian Accidents: With its high rate of pedestrian activity, West Covina unfortunately sees many accidents involving people on foot. We hold careless drivers accountable for the harm they cause.
- Bicycle Accidents: We represent cyclists injured due to drivers failing to share the road, opening doors into bike lanes, or other forms of negligence.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber and Lyft can be legally complex due to multiple insurance policies. We know how to navigate these specific challenges.
If you have been injured in any type of accident, please visit our practice areas page to learn more or contact us directly to discuss your specific situation.
What to Do After an Accident in West Covina
The steps you take immediately following an accident are crucial for protecting both your health and your legal rights.
- Prioritize Safety and Call 911: Move to a safe location if possible. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance for anyone who is injured. The West Covina Police Department will likely respond to accidents on city streets, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) handles incidents on Interstate 10.
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Accept paramedic assistance and go to the emergency room if recommended. Even if you feel okay, it is vital to get a medical evaluation from your doctor, an urgent care clinic, or one of the major medical centers serving the San Gabriel Valley. Some serious injuries, like internal bleeding or whiplash, may not have immediate symptoms.
- Document the Scene: If you are able, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and your injuries. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Exchange Information and Report the Crash: Exchange driver’s license, insurance, and contact information with the other driver(s). Do not apologize or admit fault. When you receive the police report number from the officer, keep it in a safe place.
- Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Before you give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster or accept a settlement offer, speak with an experienced attorney. The insurance company’s goal is to pay as little as possible. Our goal is to ensure you are fully and fairly compensated for all your losses.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system after an injury can be confusing. Here are some key California laws that may affect your West Covina injury 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 final compensation award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, you can still collect 80% of your total damages.
- 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). The clock is much faster for claims against government entities (e.g., a city bus, a poorly maintained public road). Under the Government Claims Act, you must file a formal notice of claim within six months of the injury. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
- California’s Minimum Insurance Requirements: California law only requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 for property damage. In a serious accident, these low amounts are often not enough to cover medical bills and lost wages. An experienced attorney can help identify all potential sources of recovery, including your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
- Recoverable Damages: Victims of negligence are entitled to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. This can include medical expenses (past and future), lost income, diminished earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face this challenge alone. The legal team at Reardon Injury Law is ready to provide the skilled advocacy and compassionate support you need to move forward. Our unique medical and legal expertise allows us to fight effectively for the maximum compensation you are owed.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options. Because we work on a contingency basis, you pay nothing unless we win. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or fill out the form on our contact page to schedule your free case review.
