Why Burbank Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
A sudden accident on Burbank Boulevard or a collision near the studios can turn your life upside down in an instant. One moment you are navigating your daily commute, and the next you are dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and a growing pile of medical bills. The confusion and stress can be overwhelming. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand what you are going through, and our first priority is to provide the compassionate support and clear guidance you need to move forward.
What sets our firm apart is our founder’s unique background. Before becoming a personal injury attorney, John Reardon practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years. This extensive medical experience gives him an unparalleled understanding of the physical toll an accident takes on the human body. He can decipher complex medical records, anticipate long-term care needs, and powerfully articulate the true extent of your injuries to insurance companies and juries. This combination of medical insight and legal expertise is a powerful advantage when fighting for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
We are dedicated to serving the Burbank community and all of California. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you will never pay any attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Your recovery is our priority, and we invite you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help protect your rights.
Accident Hotspots in Burbank
While an accident can happen anywhere, certain roads and intersections in Burbank see a disproportionate number of crashes. Data shows that specific areas pose a higher risk to drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians due to high traffic volume, unsafe speeds, and frequent traffic violations.
- Burbank Boulevard & Laurel Canyon Boulevard: Known as one of the most dangerous intersections in the area, this spot is notorious for severe broadside (T-bone) collisions, which make up 32% of all crashes here. The primary causes are drivers running red lights and making unsafe left turns, often at unsafe speeds.
- Riverside Drive & Whitsett Avenue: Unsafe speed is the leading factor in accidents at this intersection, contributing to 40% of all crashes. It has one of the highest rates of broadside collisions in the region at 36%, making it a significant hazard for those traveling through.
- Burbank Boulevard & Whitsett Avenue: With an alarming 44% of its accidents being T-bone crashes, this intersection is a high-risk zone. Unsafe speeds and traffic signal violations are the main culprits, with accidents peaking during morning, midday, and evening commute hours.
- Vanowen Street & Buena Vista Street: Local residents have identified this intersection as being notorious for violent and dangerous car accidents.
- Major Corridors (Magnolia, Olive, San Fernando): Busy streets like Magnolia Boulevard, Olive Avenue, and San Fernando Boulevard are hubs of activity, but also frequent sites for rear-end collisions at traffic lights, left-turn crashes, and tragic pedestrian accidents near crosswalks and bus stops. The mix of commercial and residential traffic makes these roads particularly challenging for motorcycle accidents and bicycle accidents.
The constant flow of traffic related to studio production, including delivery vans and rideshare accidents, adds another layer of complexity and risk to Burbank’s streets.
Types of Cases We Handle in Burbank
Reardon Injury Law is equipped to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. Our deep understanding of both the medical and legal aspects of an injury case allows us to effectively represent clients who have suffered serious harm. We frequently assist Burbank residents with cases involving:
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Rideshare Accidents (Uber & Lyft)
- Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Wrongful Death
Given Burbank’s unique traffic landscape, we have significant experience with collisions on major arteries, complex accidents involving commercial vehicles near the studios, and incidents where vulnerable road users were harmed. For a comprehensive overview of our services, please see our practice areas page.
What to Do After an Accident in Burbank
The steps you take immediately following an accident are critical for protecting your health and your legal rights. If you are involved in a collision in Burbank, try to remain calm and follow this guide:
- Prioritize Safety: If you are able, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Check on yourself and your passengers for injuries.
- Call 911: Report the accident immediately. The Burbank Police Department will likely respond to crashes on city streets, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) handles incidents on freeways like the I-5. Request paramedics if anyone is injured.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it is crucial to be evaluated by a medical professional. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like whiplash or internal bleeding. Being seen at a local hospital or urgent care clinic creates a vital medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
- Document the Scene: Use your phone to take extensive photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, insurance policy details, and license plate number. If there were witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid saying things like “I’m sorry” or “It was my fault.” Stick to the facts when speaking with the other driver and the police. Let the investigation determine liability.
- Contact an Attorney: Before you give a recorded statement to any insurance company, contact Reardon Injury Law. An insurance adjuster’s goal is to minimize their company’s payout, not to protect your best interests. We can handle all communications on your behalf.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating a personal injury claim requires an understanding of specific state laws. In California, several key rules will impact your case.
- Pure Comparative Negligence: California follows a “pure comparative negligence” system. This means you can still recover financial compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your final compensation award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your award would be reduced by 20%.
- Statute of Limitations: There are strict deadlines for filing a personal injury lawsuit. For most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file your claim (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). The clock is much shorter for claims against a government entity—such as the City of Burbank or Los Angeles County. Under the Government Claims Act, you must file a formal notice of your claim within six months of the incident. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
- California Minimum Insurance: The state’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. In a serious accident, these low amounts are often exhausted quickly, leaving injured victims with unpaid medical bills. This is why having Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage on your own policy is so important.
- 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 earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss
