Why Atherton Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
An unexpected injury can shatter the peace and tranquility of life in a community like Atherton. One moment, you are enjoying a drive, a bike ride, or a walk; the next, you are dealing with physical pain, mounting medical bills, and the overwhelming stress of a legal claim. The path to recovery can feel isolating and confusing. At Reardon Injury Law, we want you to know that you are not alone. We understand the profound disruption a serious injury causes, and our first priority is to provide the compassionate and authoritative guidance you need to move forward.
What sets Reardon Injury Law apart is our founder’s unique background. Before becoming an attorney, John Reardon spent 20 years as a practicing chiropractor. This deep, hands-on medical experience gives our firm an unparalleled advantage. We don’t just see a case file; we understand the anatomy of your injury, the complexities of your treatment plan, and the long-term impact on your life. This medical insight allows us to build stronger, more compelling cases, ensuring that insurance companies and juries fully grasp the extent of your suffering and the compensation you rightfully deserve.
We are a California-based firm dedicated to serving clients in communities like Atherton. 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 work on a contingency fee basis. You will never pay us a fee unless we win your case.
Accident Hotspots in Atherton
While Atherton is known for its quiet, tree-lined streets, it is also home to one of the most dangerous corridors in San Mateo County: El Camino Real (State Route 82). This major thoroughfare cuts directly through town and is the site of a disproportionate number of serious and fatal accidents.
According to extensive traffic safety studies, El Camino Real has an alarmingly high pedestrian death rate. The primary factors contributing to the danger include:
- Excessive Speed: Although the posted speed limit is 35 mph, data shows that speeding is the most common violation cited in injury crashes in Atherton, accounting for 37% of incidents.
- Unsignalized Intersections: Pedestrians and bicyclists are most vulnerable at the many unsignalized crossings along this arterial road, where they must navigate multiple lanes of high-speed traffic.
- Poor Lighting: Crashes that occur in dark or unlit conditions on Atherton roads are, on average, twice as severe as those in daylight.
These hazardous conditions make El Camino Real a significant risk for anyone traveling along or across it. The high speeds and heavy traffic frequently lead to devastating car accidents, while the lack of safe infrastructure puts vulnerable road users in constant danger of pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents.
Types of Cases We Handle in Atherton
Reardon Injury Law is equipped to handle a wide spectrum of personal injury cases. Our firm’s unique blend of legal acumen and medical expertise is a powerful asset in any injury claim. We are proud to represent Atherton residents who have been harmed by another’s negligence.
Given the local traffic patterns, we have significant experience with cases involving vulnerable road users. We frequently handle:
- Pedestrian Accidents: Representing individuals struck by vehicles while walking, often at unsignalized crosswalks on busy roads like El Camino Real.
- Bicycle Accidents: Bicyclists are involved in over 20% of all reported crashes in Atherton. We fight for the rights of cyclists injured by inattentive or reckless drivers.
- Car Accidents: From rear-end collisions to high-speed T-bone crashes at intersections, we manage all types of auto accident claims.
- Rideshare Accidents: Navigating the complex insurance policies involved in Uber and Lyft accidents requires experienced legal counsel.
- Motorcycle Accidents: We understand the severe injuries bikers often face and the biases they can encounter.
- Truck Accidents: Collisions with commercial trucks can be catastrophic, and we have the resources to take on large trucking companies.
This is not an exhaustive list. If you have been injured in any type of accident caused by someone else’s carelessness, we encourage you to contact us. You can learn more about our full range of services on our practice areas page.
What to Do After an Accident in Atherton
The moments following an accident are chaotic and stressful. Taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights.
- Ensure Safety and Call 911: If you are able, move to a safe location away from traffic. Call 911 immediately to report the crash and any injuries. The Atherton Police Department will respond and create an official police report, which is a vital piece of evidence.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Accept medical help at the scene or go to a nearby emergency room, such as Stanford Hospital or Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center, for a full evaluation.
- Document the Scene: Use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and your injuries.
- Exchange Information: Get the names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details from all drivers involved. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid making statements like “I’m sorry” or guessing about the cause of the crash. Anything you say can be used against you by insurance companies.
- Contact an Attorney: Before you speak with the other party’s insurance adjuster, contact Reardon Injury Law. We will handle all communications with the insurance companies to protect you from lowball offers and tactics designed to weaken your claim.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating a personal injury claim requires an understanding of specific California laws. An experienced attorney can guide you, but here are some key principles that may affect your case.
- 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. For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible, your total compensation award will simply be reduced by 20%.
- Statute of Limitations: Time is critical. In California, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). However, there is a crucial exception: if your claim is against a government entity—such as the Town of Atherton, San Mateo County, or Caltrans for a poorly designed road—you must file a formal notice of claim within six months of the injury. Missing this short deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: California’s mandatory minimum liability insurance is very low: $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 for all injuries in an accident, and $5,000 for property damage. In a serious injury case, these amounts are often exhausted quickly. An attorney can help you identify all possible sources of recovery, including your own Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
- Recoverable Damages: As an injury victim, you may be entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic losses, including medical bills (past and future), lost wages, diminished earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to navigate the aftermath of a serious injury alone. Let Reardon Injury Law put our unique medical and legal expertise to work for you. While you focus on healing, we will focus on fighting for the justice and financial compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or visit our contact page to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We are here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you understand your options. Remember, you pay no fees unless we win.
