Why Millbrae Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
An unexpected injury can turn your world upside down. One moment you are commuting on El Camino Real or enjoying a day at a local park, and the next you are facing physical pain, mounting medical bills, and the overwhelming stress of a recovery you never planned for. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand that the aftermath of an accident is about more than just legal paperwork; it’s about regaining your health, financial stability, and peace of mind.
Our approach begins with empathy. We listen to your story, validate your concerns, and prioritize your well-being. We serve clients throughout California throughout California, providing dedicated and compassionate representation to the residents of Millbrae and San Mateo County. We believe that everyone deserves access to justice, which is why we offer free consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis. You will not pay any attorney’s fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
What truly sets Reardon Injury Law apart is the unique background of our founding attorney, John Reardon. Before dedicating his life to law, John practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years. This extensive medical experience gives him an unparalleled understanding of the physical trauma and long-term consequences of personal injuries. He can analyze medical records with a trained eye, effectively communicate the extent of your suffering to insurance companies and juries, and build a case that fully captures the impact the injury has had on your life.
Accident Risks in Millbrae
As a key community on the San Francisco Peninsula, Millbrae experiences a constant flow of local and commuter traffic. Its proximity to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and major freeways creates unique traffic patterns and potential hazards for drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. While any road can be dangerous, certain areas require extra caution.
The bustling commercial corridor of El Camino Real sees heavy traffic, frequent stops, and a mix of vehicles and pedestrians, increasing the risk of car accidents and pedestrian accidents. The access points and on-ramps for major highways like U.S. Route 101 and Interstate 280 are also common sites for high-speed collisions and complex truck accidents.
Furthermore, the roads surrounding SFO are constantly busy with travelers, taxis, and rideshare vehicles. This high-density traffic can lead to everything from fender benders to serious rideshare accidents. Statewide data highlights a concerning trend that affects all California cities, including Millbrae: red-light running. Crashes caused by drivers ignoring red lights are a significant cause of injury and death, making busy intersections particularly hazardous. Whether you were injured in a multi-car pileup on the freeway or a collision on a quiet residential street, our firm has the experience to help.
Types of Cases We Handle in Millbrae
At Reardon Injury Law, we focus exclusively on personal injury law, allowing us to provide expert and focused representation. Our deep knowledge of California law and our unique medical insight benefit clients across a wide range of injury claims.
We frequently represent Millbrae residents in cases involving:
- Car Accidents: From rear-end collisions on Millbrae Avenue to complex accidents on the freeway.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Advocating for riders who are often victims of driver inattention and face catastrophic injuries.
- Truck Accidents: Investigating crashes involving commercial trucks, which are governed by complex federal and state regulations.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Protecting the rights of people injured while walking, often in crosswalks or along busy roads like El Camino Real.
- Bicycle Accidents: Helping cyclists recover compensation after being struck by negligent motorists.
- Rideshare Accidents: Navigating the complicated insurance issues involved in accidents with Uber and Lyft vehicles, especially common near SFO.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we encourage you to explore our full list of practice areas and contact us for a free case evaluation.
What to Do After an Accident in Millbrae
The steps you take immediately following an accident are critical for both your health and your potential legal claim.
- Prioritize Safety: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights. Check on yourself and your passengers for injuries.
- Call 911: Report the accident to the police immediately. The Millbrae Police Department or the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will likely respond. A police report is a crucial piece of evidence. Request medical assistance if anyone is hurt.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s vital to get a medical evaluation. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Visiting a local hospital like Mills-Peninsula Medical Center or Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco, or your own doctor, creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
- Document Everything: Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Exchange Information: Exchange names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details with the other driver(s). Do not apologize or admit fault.
- Contact an Attorney: Before you speak with an insurance adjuster, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. The insurance company’s goal is to minimize their payout. Your attorney’s goal is to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system after an injury can be confusing. An experienced attorney can guide you through California’s specific laws to ensure your rights are protected.
- Pure Comparative Negligence: California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover financial compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your total compensation will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, you can still collect 80% of the damages.
- Statute of Limitations: Time is limited. In most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). However, 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 under the Government Claims Act. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
- California’s Minimum Insurance: California law only requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 for injury to multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage. These low limits are often insufficient to cover the costs of a serious injury. An attorney can help you explore other avenues for recovery, such as your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
- Types of Compensation: A successful personal injury claim can provide compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. This can include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, property damage, and compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face the aftermath of an accident alone. The legal team at Reardon Injury Law is here to provide the support, guidance, and powerful advocacy you need to secure justice and focus on your recovery. Our unique combination of medical and legal expertise allows us to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis—there are no upfront costs, and you only pay if we win. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or visit our contact page to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
