Why San Mateo Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
An unexpected injury can shatter your sense of stability. One moment you are commuting on Highway 101 or enjoying a day at Central Park, and the next you are facing mounting medical bills, debilitating pain, and the stress of being unable to work. The physical and emotional trauma is overwhelming enough without the added burden of fighting with insurance companies for the compensation you deserve. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand the profound disruption an accident causes, and our first priority is to provide the compassionate support and expert guidance you need to move forward.
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 extensive medical experience gives him an unparalleled ability to understand the true nature and long-term impact of your injuries. He can interpret complex medical records, anticipate future treatment needs, and effectively communicate the full extent of your suffering to insurance adjusters, judges, and juries. This deep medical insight allows us to build a more compelling case on your behalf, ensuring your claim reflects the complete scope of your damages.
We are dedicated to serving the San Mateo community and all of California. We believe that everyone deserves access to justice, which is why we offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not pay any attorney’s fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
Accident Hotspots in San Mateo
While San Mateo is a wonderful place to live and work, its proximity to major Bay Area transportation corridors means residents are constantly exposed to traffic-related dangers. Certain roads and intersections throughout San Mateo County are known for their high frequency of collisions. As a San Mateo resident, you likely travel these routes regularly.
El Camino Real, which cuts directly through San Mateo, is one of the most hazardous roadways in the county. Data from nearby cities along this same road shows hundreds of crashes over just a few years, many resulting in serious injuries. The constant flow of traffic, numerous entry and exit points, and mix of commercial and residential use create a high-risk environment for car accidents and pedestrian accidents.
Other known danger zones in the surrounding area that San Mateo commuters should be cautious of include:
- Ringwood Avenue and Van Buren Road in nearby Menlo Park, which has been identified as one of the county’s most dangerous intersections based on the severity of injuries sustained in crashes there.
- California Drive in Burlingame and Willow Road in Menlo Park have also seen dozens of injury-causing accidents, particularly at intersections.
A leading cause of injuries, especially for cyclists, is the failure of drivers to yield the right-of-way. Whether you were injured on a busy thoroughfare or a quiet neighborhood street, our firm has the experience to investigate the cause of your accident and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Types of Cases We Handle in San Mateo
Our firm is equipped to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. We combine our deep legal knowledge with critical medical insight to advocate for victims of negligence. We frequently represent clients in San Mateo who have been injured in:
- Car Accidents: From rear-end collisions on the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge to T-bone accidents at busy intersections, we help victims recover compensation for their injuries and vehicle damage.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable on the road. We fight to protect the rights of riders who have been injured due to driver inattention, unsafe lane changes, and other forms of negligence.
- Truck Accidents: Collisions involving large commercial trucks often result in catastrophic injuries. We have the resources to take on complex truck accident cases involving trucking companies and their insurers.
- Bicycle Accidents: With the county’s focus on bike-friendly infrastructure, it’s tragic that so many cyclists are still injured by careless drivers. We champion the rights of injured bicyclists.
- Pedestrian Accidents: A pedestrian struck by a vehicle can suffer life-altering injuries. We are committed to securing justice for victims and their families.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber and Lyft have unique insurance complexities. We can navigate these intricate policies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
If you have suffered any type of injury due to someone else’s carelessness, 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 San Mateo
The steps you take immediately following an accident are critical for protecting your health and your legal rights.
- Prioritize Safety: If you can, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Call 911: Report the accident to the authorities. The San Mateo Police Department or the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will respond, create an official report, and dispatch medical help if needed.
- Seek Medical Attention: Accept medical assistance at the scene. Even if you feel you are not seriously hurt, it is vital to get a full medical evaluation at a facility like San Mateo Medical Center or Mills-Peninsula Medical Center. Some serious injuries may not show immediate symptoms, and this creates an official record of your injuries.
- Document Everything: Use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If there were witnesses, get their names and contact information.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid saying things like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you.” These statements can be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt and used against you by insurance companies.
- Contact an Attorney: Before you give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster, speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. An attorney can protect you from tactics designed to devalue your claim and will handle all communications on your behalf.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system can be confusing, but understanding a few key California laws is essential for any injury victim.
- 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 total compensation 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 the total damages.
- Statute of Limitations: There is a strict time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). The clock is much faster for claims against a government entity (e.g., a city bus, a dangerous public road). For these cases, you must file a formal claim within just six months under the Government Claims Act. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: California’s minimum liability insurance is only $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 for property damage. A serious injury can easily result in medical bills that far exceed these low amounts. A skilled attorney can help identify all potential sources of recovery, including your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Types of Compensation: You may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. This can include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face this difficult journey alone. If you have been injured in San Mateo, let our firm’s unique combination of medical and legal expertise work for you. We are here to answer your questions, handle the legal burdens, and fight for the full and fair compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or visit our contact page to schedule your free, confidential consultation. There is no fee unless we win.
