Why Redwood City Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
A sudden accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. One moment you are commuting on US-101 or running errands on Woodside Road, and the next you are dealing with physical pain, emotional distress, and a growing pile of medical bills. The confusion and anxiety can be overwhelming. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand that you are not just a case number; you are a person who is hurting and in need of guidance and support. Our first priority is to listen to your story with compassion and help you understand your path forward.
For residents of Redwood City and across San Mateo County, choosing the right legal representation is critical. Reardon Injury Law offers a unique and powerful advantage. Our founding attorney, John Reardon, practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years before becoming a personal injury lawyer. This deep medical background gives our firm an unparalleled ability to understand the true nature and long-term impact of your injuries. We don’t just see a medical report; we see the full picture of how a spinal cord injury, a traumatic brain injury, or chronic soft-tissue damage will affect your ability to work, care for your family, and enjoy your life.
This dual expertise in medicine and law allows us to build stronger, more compelling cases for our clients. We can effectively communicate the severity of your condition to insurance companies and juries, ensuring that your demand for compensation fully reflects your past, present, and future needs. We are dedicated to serving the Redwood City community and fighting for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
Accident Hotspots in Redwood City
While an accident can happen anywhere, certain areas in Redwood City see a higher frequency of collisions due to traffic volume, complex layouts, and high speeds. Understanding these hotspots can highlight the daily risks residents face.
- Middlefield Road & Woodside Road: This intersection has been recognized as one of the most dangerous in California. With a high volume of traffic and complex turning movements, it has been the site of numerous crashes resulting in significant injuries. These incidents often involve T-bone collisions and rear-end accidents, making it a known hazard for local drivers.
- US-101 Corridors: As the primary freeway connecting Redwood City to San Francisco and Silicon Valley, US-101 is plagued by heavy congestion and high-speed traffic. The constant merging at on-ramps and frequent lane changes contribute to a high rate of car accidents, truck accidents, and severe motorcycle accidents.
- Broadway Corridor: This busy urban street is a major artery through the city, but it also has one of the highest rates of bicycle-related crashes in Silicon Valley. The mix of vehicle traffic, cyclists trying to navigate lanes, and shoppers creates a complex environment where bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common.
Data from Redwood City’s Vision Zero program also points to ongoing issues with speed-related and nighttime collisions throughout the city. If you were injured in one of these areas, our firm has the experience to investigate the unique factors that may have contributed to your accident.
Types of Cases We Handle in Redwood City
Reardon Injury Law is equipped to handle a wide spectrum 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 suffered due to another’s negligence. We frequently assist Redwood City residents with cases involving:
- Car Accidents: From fender-benders on El Camino Real to multi-vehicle pile-ups on US-101, we handle all types of auto collisions.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on busy roads. We fight to protect the rights of riders who have been injured by inattentive drivers.
- Truck Accidents: Collisions with large commercial trucks can be catastrophic. We have the resources to take on complex truck accident cases involving federal regulations and powerful trucking companies.
- Bicycle Accidents: With areas like the Broadway corridor posing significant risks, we are committed to helping injured cyclists recover the compensation they need.
- Pedestrian Accidents: We advocate for pedestrians who have been struck and injured in crosswalks, parking lots, or on sidewalks.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber and Lyft have unique insurance complexities. We can help you navigate the claims process whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian.
This is not a complete list. If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of accident, please visit our practice areas page to learn more or contact us directly to discuss your situation.
What to Do After an Accident in Redwood City
The actions you take in the minutes and days following an accident are crucial for protecting your health and your legal rights.
- Prioritize Safety: If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safe location, especially on a busy highway like US-101 or State Route 84. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Call 911: Report the accident immediately. The Redwood City Police Department will typically respond to incidents on local streets, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) handles collisions on freeways. An official police report is a vital piece of evidence for your claim.
- Seek Medical Care: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Get evaluated by paramedics on the scene or go to a local hospital like Sequoia Hospital (Kaiser Permanente). For severe, life-threatening injuries, you may be transported to the Level 1 trauma center at Stanford Health Care in nearby Palo Alto.
- 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. Exchange contact and insurance information with all other drivers involved. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers.
- Be Cautious with Statements: Report the accident to your own insurance company, but stick to the basic facts. Do not give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance adjuster or admit fault to anyone.
- Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Before you accept any settlement offer, speak with an experienced lawyer. Insurance companies aim to pay out as little as possible. An attorney can assess the true value of your claim and handle all communications on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system after an injury can be confusing. It is important to understand some key California laws that will impact your case.
- 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 final award 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 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). However, the deadline is much shorter if your claim is against a government entity (e.g., a city bus, a poorly maintained public road). Under the Government Claims Act, you must file a formal claim within six months of the incident.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: California’s minimum liability insurance requirements are very low: $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 for injuries to multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage. In a serious accident, these amounts are often insufficient to cover all your losses. An experienced attorney can help you identify other potential sources of recovery, such as your own Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
- Available Compensation: A successful personal injury claim can provide compensation for a wide range of damages, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face this difficult time alone. If you have been injured in Redwood City, let our firm’s unique combination of medical knowledge and legal skill work for you. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explain your options.
At Reardon Injury Law, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely no fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or fill out the form on our contact page to get the help you need.
