Why Livermore Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
A sudden injury can turn your world upside down. One moment you are enjoying life in Livermore—perhaps commuting home on I-580 or running errands downtown—and the next you are dealing with physical pain, mounting medical bills, and overwhelming stress. The path to recovery can feel isolating and uncertain. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an unexpected accident takes on you and your family. Our first priority is to listen to your story with compassion and help you understand your options.
Reardon Injury Law was founded on the principle that injured individuals deserve a powerful advocate who genuinely understands their suffering. Our founding attorney, John Reardon, brings a unique and invaluable perspective to every case. Before becoming an attorney, he practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years. This deep medical background allows him to grasp the true extent of your injuries in a way few other lawyers can. He can analyze medical records, understand diagnostic reports, and articulate the long-term impact of your injuries to insurance companies and juries. This combination of medical insight and legal expertise is a powerful tool in building a compelling case for the full compensation you deserve.
We believe that access to justice should not depend on your ability to pay. That is why we represent clients throughout California, including Livermore, on a contingency fee basis. This means you will never pay any upfront costs or attorney’s fees. We only receive a fee if we successfully win your case. Your recovery is our priority, and our free, no-obligation consultations are a risk-free way to get the answers you need.
Accident Hotspots in Livermore
As a key city in the Tri-Valley area with a population of over 85,000, Livermore deals with significant traffic challenges. While any road can be dangerous, local and state data highlight specific areas of concern. According to recent traffic safety reports, nearly 75% of fatal and injury collisions in Livermore occur at or near intersections. Speeding was a factor in over 50 of these crashes, underscoring the risks of aggressive driving on city streets.
The city’s major arteries, Interstate 580 and State Route 84 (Isabel Avenue), are notorious for congestion and serious accidents.
- I-580: As a primary east-west freeway for the Bay Area, I-580 carries an immense volume of daily traffic through Livermore. The combination of high speeds, heavy commute congestion, and a significant number of large commercial vehicles makes this stretch prone to severe truck accidents and multi-car collisions.
- SR-84: This vital route also experiences bottlenecks and is frequently the site of high-impact crashes. Drivers rushing to merge or navigate complex interchanges contribute to the risk.
- City Intersections: While official reports don’t single out specific cross-streets, the data is clear: intersections are where most urban accidents happen. These incidents often involve drivers running red lights, failing to yield, or making unsafe turns, leading to devastating motorcycle accidents and T-bone collisions.
Furthermore, Livermore’s traffic data reveals a concerning trend for vulnerable road users. Nearly one in five injury collisions involve a pedestrian. Whether you are crossing the street downtown or walking in your neighborhood, the risk of a serious pedestrian accidents is significant.
Types of Cases We Handle in Livermore
At Reardon Injury Law, we focus exclusively on personal injury law. This singular focus allows us to provide dedicated and knowledgeable representation for people who have been harmed by the negligence of others. Our firm has the resources and experience to handle a wide range of injury claims in the Livermore area.
Our practice areas include:
- Car Accidents: From fender benders on local streets to catastrophic pileups on I-580, we help victims of driver negligence.
- Truck Accidents: We understand the complex federal and state regulations that govern the trucking industry and know how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable on the road. We fight the unfair biases they often face from insurance adjusters.
- Pedestrian Accidents: We advocate for walkers, joggers, and runners who have been struck by inattentive or reckless drivers.
- Bicycle Accidents: With its beautiful trails and roads, Livermore is popular with cyclists. We represent riders injured by drivers who fail to share the road safely.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber and Lyft have unique insurance complexities that require an experienced attorney to navigate.
No matter the circumstances of your accident, our team is prepared to investigate, build your case, and fight for the justice you deserve.
What to Do After an Accident in Livermore
The moments after an accident are chaotic and stressful. Knowing what to do can protect 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 warn other drivers. Check on yourself and your passengers.
- Call 911: Report the accident to law enforcement immediately. The Livermore Police Department will likely respond to incidents on city streets, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) handles crashes on I-580 and SR-84. A police report is a vital piece of evidence for your claim.
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Accept medical assistance from paramedics at the scene. Even if you feel fine, it is crucial to get a full medical evaluation at a local hospital or urgent care clinic. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries, and a medical record creates a direct link between the accident and your injuries. For severe trauma, you may be transported to one of the nearby Alameda County trauma centers.
- Document the Scene: If you are able, use your phone to take pictures and videos of everything: the position of the cars, vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, weather conditions, and your visible injuries.
- Gather Information: Exchange names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details with all other drivers involved. Get contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid saying things like “I’m sorry” or “I think it was my fault.” Stick to the facts when speaking with police. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without first speaking to an attorney.
- Contact an Attorney: Before you agree to any settlement or sign any documents from an insurance company, contact a personal injury lawyer. A free consultation can help you understand your rights and the true value of your claim.
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 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 your damages.
- Statute of Limitations: There is a strict time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim. However, a critical exception exists for claims against government entities (e.g., a city bus, a poorly maintained public road). The Government Claims Act requires you to file a formal claim with the public entity within just six months of the incident. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from seeking compensation.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: California’s minimum liability insurance requirements are just $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 for injury to multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage. These low amounts are often not enough to cover the costs of a serious injury. This is why it is so important to explore all avenues of recovery, including your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
- Available Compensation (Damages): As an injury victim, 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 future earning capacity, property damage, and non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face the aftermath of an accident alone. At Reardon Injury Law, we are here to provide the compassionate support and expert legal guidance you need to move forward. Let us handle the complexities of the legal process so you can focus on what matters most: your health and your family.
We invite you to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case. There is no cost and no obligation. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or visit our contact page to tell us your story.