Why Modesto Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
The moments after a sudden injury can feel overwhelming. One minute, you are driving down McHenry Avenue or running errands, and the next, you are dealing with the shock of a collision, physical pain, and a growing list of worries. How will you pay for your medical bills? What happens if you can’t work? The stress and uncertainty can be as debilitating as the injury itself. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand what you are going through, and we are here to help you find a path forward.
Our firm was founded on the principle that every injured person deserves compassionate and skilled legal representation. We serve clients throughout California, including the residents of Modesto and Stanislaus County. What sets our firm apart is the unique background of our founding attorney, John Reardon. Before becoming a lawyer, Mr. Reardon practiced as a chiropractor for two decades. This extensive medical experience gives him an unparalleled understanding of the physical trauma caused by accidents. He can interpret medical records, challenge insurance company doctors, and articulate the full, long-term impact of your injuries in a way that few other attorneys can.
We are not just your legal advocates; we are your partners in recovery. We handle the complexities of your legal claim—from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies—so you can focus on what matters most: healing. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Your fight is our fight, and we are committed to securing the justice and resources you need to rebuild your life.
Accident Hotspots in Modesto
As a key hub in the Central Valley, Modesto experiences significant traffic that unfortunately leads to a high number of accidents. The city ranks as one of the most dangerous in California for traffic injuries and fatalities, with an average of 1,400 injury collisions each year. Certain roads and highways are known hotspots for these incidents.
- Highway 99: This major north-south artery along the western edge of Modesto is the area’s most dangerous road by volume. In 2023 alone, there were over 300 injury collisions on this stretch of highway. The constant mix of high-speed passenger cars, commuter traffic, and heavy commercial big rigs creates a hazardous environment, making truck accidents and multi-vehicle pile-ups tragically common.
- McHenry Avenue (Highway 132): As a primary east-west route, McHenry Avenue is a vital corridor for local and regional travel. Its high traffic volume and numerous intersections contribute to frequent and often severe collisions, matching Highway 99 in fatalities.
- Briggsmore Avenue: Known for its heavy congestion, Briggsmore Avenue is another arterial road where serious and fatal accidents frequently occur.
- Yosemite Boulevard (Highway 132): This route often sees significant traffic jams as local drivers merge with regional Central Valley traffic, leading to a high risk of rear-end and side-impact car accidents.
Data shows that 85% of serious injury collisions in Modesto happen on major arterial roads like these. If you were injured in a crash on one of these roads or anywhere else in Stanislaus County, we can help you investigate the cause and hold the responsible party accountable.
Types of Cases We Handle in Modesto
At Reardon Injury Law, our practice is dedicated to helping individuals who have been harmed by the negligence of others. With Modesto’s unique traffic patterns—from agricultural trucks to commuter congestion—we have the experience to handle a wide range of complex cases.
Our primary practice areas include:
- Car Accidents: We represent drivers, passengers, and families affected by collisions caused by distracted driving, speeding, DUIs, and more.
- Truck Accidents: Given the heavy freight traffic on Highway 99, these complex cases require an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations and corporate liability.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are exceptionally vulnerable on Modesto’s busy streets. We fight to protect riders’ rights and combat unfair biases.
- Pedestrian Accidents: We advocate for pedestrians who have been struck and injured, often suffering catastrophic harm.
- Bicycle Accidents: We help cyclists recover compensation after being injured by careless or aggressive drivers.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber and Lyft have unique insurance complexities that we are equipped to navigate.
This is only a partial list of the cases we handle. If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of accident, please visit our practice areas page or contact our office to discuss the specifics of your situation.
What to Do After an Accident in Modesto
The steps you take immediately following an accident are critical for protecting both your health and your legal rights.
- Prioritize Safety and Call 911: If you are able, move to a safe location away from traffic. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and any injuries. Depending on your location, the Modesto Police Department or the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will respond.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Accept medical assistance from paramedics and agree to be transported to a hospital if recommended. For evaluation and treatment, you may be taken to a local hospital such as Doctors Medical Center of Modesto or Memorial Medical Center. Even if you feel fine, seeing a doctor is crucial, as some serious injuries have delayed symptoms.
- Document the Scene: If you are able, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Exchange Information and File a Report: Exchange driver’s license, insurance, and contact information with all other parties involved. When law enforcement arrives, provide a factual statement but do not guess or speculate about what happened. Be sure to get the police report number.
- Be Cautious in Your Communications: Do not apologize or admit fault to anyone at the scene. When the other driver’s insurance company calls, you are not obligated to give them a recorded statement. Politely decline and direct them to your attorney.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: Before you agree to any settlement, speak with an experienced attorney. An early consultation can help you understand your rights and avoid costly mistakes.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system after an injury can be confusing. In California, several key laws will impact your claim.
- 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. However, your final award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.
- Statute of Limitations: In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to sue forever.
- Claims Against Government Entities: The deadline is much shorter if your injury was caused by a public entity, such as a pothole on a city street or a collision with a city-owned vehicle. In these cases, you must file a formal claim with the government agency within six months of the injury.
- California’s Minimum Insurance Requirements: California law only requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 for property damage. In a serious accident, these amounts are often completely inadequate to cover medical bills and lost wages, which is why having your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage is so important.
An experienced attorney can help you pursue all available forms of compensation, which may include medical expenses (past and future), lost income, loss of earning capacity, and non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face the aftermath of a serious injury alone. The legal team at Reardon Injury Law is ready to provide the skilled guidance and compassionate support you deserve. We will handle every aspect of your case so you can concentrate on your recovery.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or fill out the form on our contact page to get started. Remember, you pay no fees unless we win.
