Why Burlingame Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
A sudden accident can turn your world upside down. One moment, you’re commuting on US-101 or running errands on Burlingame Avenue; the next, you’re facing physical pain, emotional trauma, and a mountain of unexpected expenses. The confusion and stress of dealing with medical appointments, vehicle repairs, and aggressive insurance adjusters can be overwhelming. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand that you are going through one of the most difficult times of your life. Our first priority is to provide the compassionate support and firm guidance you need to navigate the path forward.
We believe that to secure justice for the injured, an attorney must understand the full scope of the injury itself. That is why our firm is different. Founding attorney John Reardon practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years before becoming a lawyer. This extensive medical background gives him a rare and powerful insight into the mechanics of physical trauma. He can decipher complex medical records, anticipate long-term health consequences, and compellingly argue the true value of your claim. Insurance companies often try to downplay or dismiss injuries; with our firm, they face an advocate who speaks their language and can expertly counter their tactics.
Our commitment extends to every corner of the state, and we believe that everyone deserves access to skilled legal counsel. We handle every aspect of your case—from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurers and, if necessary, litigating in court—so you can focus on what matters most: your health and recovery.
Accident Hotspots in Burlingame
As a key city on the Peninsula, Burlingame deals with significant traffic from both local residents and commuters traveling between San Francisco and Silicon Valley. This daily volume contributes to several known high-risk areas where devastating accidents occur.
- El Camino Real (State Route 82): This major surface street is a notorious corridor for accidents. High traffic volumes, complex intersections with busy left-turn lanes, and numerous pedestrian crossings create a constant risk. Parents have even voiced concerns about the safety of school crossings along this route. The combination of factors makes it a frequent site for serious car accidents and pedestrian accidents.
- California Drive: Running parallel to the train tracks and US-101, California Drive is another primary artery that sees a high concentration of crashes. The steady flow of commuter and local traffic increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and intersection accidents.
- Downtown Intersections (Broadway and Burlingame Avenue): The vibrant downtown area, with its shops and restaurants, attracts heavy foot traffic. This mix of vehicles and people makes intersections along Broadway and Burlingame Avenue particularly hazardous for those on foot or bicycle. Distracted drivers and failure to yield the right-of-way can lead to tragic bicycle accidents and pedestrian injuries.
- U.S. Highway 101: As the main freeway through Burlingame, US-101 is the epicenter of high-speed collisions, multi-car pile-ups, and dangerous truck accidents. The constant gridlock during commute hours and the mix of commercial and passenger vehicles create an environment where a single mistake can have catastrophic consequences.
Types of Cases We Handle in Burlingame
Reardon Injury Law is equipped to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. Our deep understanding of both the medical and legal aspects of an injury allows us to effectively represent clients who have been harmed by another’s negligence. We frequently assist Burlingame residents with cases involving:
- Car Accidents: From fender-benders on local streets to high-speed crashes on US-101, we help victims recover compensation for their injuries and losses.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable on busy roads like El Camino Real. We fight to protect the rights of riders who are often unfairly blamed for collisions.
- Truck Accidents: Collisions involving large commercial trucks can be legally complex and physically devastating. We have the resources to take on trucking companies and their insurers.
- Pedestrian Accidents: We advocate for individuals struck by vehicles in downtown Burlingame, near schools, or at crosswalks along busy thoroughfares.
- Bicycle Accidents: With the city’s focus on becoming more bike-friendly, cyclists still face immense danger from inattentive drivers. We help injured cyclists get the justice they deserve.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber and Lyft are common in a commuter-heavy area like the Peninsula and involve complicated insurance policies. We know how to navigate these unique claims.
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 the specifics of your situation.
What to Do After an Accident in Burlingame
The actions you take in the minutes and days following an accident are critical for protecting your health and your legal rights.
- Ensure Safety and Call 911: If you are able, move your vehicle to a safe location off the roadway. Check on others involved and call 911 immediately to report the accident and any injuries. The Burlingame Police Department or California Highway Patrol will respond and create an official report.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, some serious injuries have delayed symptoms. Being evaluated at a local hospital like Mills-Peninsula Medical Center or San Mateo Medical Center creates a crucial medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
- Document the Scene: Use your phone to take pictures and videos of everything: vehicle positions, property damage, skid marks, traffic signals, weather conditions, and your visible injuries. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information.
- Exchange Information: Exchange driver’s license, contact, and insurance information with the other driver(s). Do not apologize or admit fault, as these statements can be used against you.
- Contact an Attorney: Before you give a recorded statement to any insurance company—especially the at-fault party’s—speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. An attorney will protect you from tactics designed to devalue your claim and will begin building your case right away.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating a personal injury claim requires an understanding of specific state laws. In California, several key rules will impact your case.
- Pure Comparative Negligence: California follows a “pure comparative negligence” system. This means you can still recover financial compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your total award will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 10% responsible, you can still collect 90% of your damages.
- Statute of Limitations: There are strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit. For most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). However, the deadline is much shorter if a government entity is involved. If your injury was caused by a public entity like the City of Burlingame or a San Mateo County vehicle, you must file a formal claim within six months under the Government Claims Act.
- Compensation You Can Recover: Victims are entitled to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. This can include medical bills (past and future), lost wages, diminished earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: California’s mandatory minimum liability insurance is only $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 for property damage. These low amounts are often exhausted quickly in a serious accident, making it vital to identify all possible sources of recovery, including your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face the aftermath of an accident alone. At Reardon Injury Law, we are ready to listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide the skilled legal representation you need to secure a fair recovery. All personal injury cases for Burlingame residents are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay absolutely no fees unless we win your case.
Your road to recovery starts with a single phone call. Contact us at (657) 522-7122 or fill out our online form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation on our contact page.
