Why Claremont Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
A sudden accident can shatter the peace and tranquility of life in a community like Claremont. One moment, you are enjoying the tree-lined streets or commuting to work, 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 going through one of the most difficult times of your life, and our first priority is to provide the compassionate support and expert guidance you need to move forward.
Our firm is founded on a unique principle: combining deep legal knowledge with firsthand medical insight. Before becoming an attorney, John Reardon practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years. This extensive experience gives him an unparalleled understanding of the human body and the complex nature of injuries sustained in an accident. He can interpret medical records, anticipate long-term care needs, and effectively communicate the true extent of your suffering to insurance companies and juries. This dual expertise allows us to build stronger, more comprehensive cases for our Claremont clients, ensuring no aspect of your injury is overlooked.
We are dedicated to serving the Claremont community and all of California. We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That is why we operate on a contingency fee basis—you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. Your recovery is our mission, and we are here to handle the legal burdens so you can focus on what matters most: healing.
Accident Hotspots in Claremont
While known for its academic institutions and charming village, Claremont is not immune to the traffic dangers that affect greater Los Angeles County. Data from the city’s own safety plans reveal several areas and patterns of concern for drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.
- The I-10 Freeway Corridor: As the primary freeway serving Claremont, the I-10 is a major artery for commuters and commercial trucks. The high speeds, heavy traffic volume, and frequent congestion make it a hotspot for serious collisions, including devastating truck accidents and multi-vehicle car accidents. This corridor has been identified as a critical concern, with several traffic fatalities recorded in recent years.
- Speed-Related Corridors: Unsafe speed is the leading cause of traffic collisions in Claremont, responsible for nearly 300 crashes in a recent five-year period. Major thoroughfares with long straightaways can tempt drivers to exceed the speed limit, leading to high-impact crashes and severe injuries, particularly for vulnerable motorcycle accidents.
- Signalized Intersections: Broadside, or “T-bone,” collisions at intersections where one vehicle runs a red light are alarmingly dangerous. These crashes account for 40% of all fatal and severe injury accidents in the city. Any busy intersection can become the scene of one of these life-altering events.
- School Zones and Pedestrian Crossings: Claremont’s Local Roadway Safety Plan highlights the vulnerability of pedestrians. While accidents involving pedestrians are less common, they make up 20% of all fatal and severe injuries—a staggering statistic. This heightened risk makes school zones and areas with heavy foot traffic a major safety priority, and underscores the dangers faced in pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents.
Types of Cases We Handle in Claremont
The team at Reardon Injury Law has the experience and resources to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. Our unique medical-legal approach is beneficial in any case where a physical injury has occurred. We frequently represent Claremont residents who have been injured in:
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Rideshare Accidents (Uber & Lyft)
- Slip and Fall Incidents
- Dog Bites
- Wrongful Death
Given Claremont’s specific traffic patterns, we have significant experience with cases involving excessive speed, intersection collisions, and accidents causing catastrophic harm to pedestrians and cyclists. For a complete overview of the cases we handle, please visit our practice areas page.
What to Do After an Accident in Claremont
The steps you take immediately following an accident are critical for protecting your health and your legal rights.
- 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 Claremont Police Department typically responds to incidents on city streets, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) handles collisions on the I-10 freeway. A police report is an essential piece of evidence.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it is crucial to be evaluated by a medical professional. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Go to an urgent care clinic or a nearby emergency room, such as Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center or San Antonio Regional Hospital. This creates an official record of your injuries, which is vital for your claim.
- Document the Scene: Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and your injuries. If there were witnesses, get their names and contact information.
- Exchange Information: Exchange driver’s licenses, insurance information, and phone numbers with the other driver(s) involved. Do not argue or admit fault.
- Contact an Attorney: Before you give a recorded statement to any insurance company—especially the at-fault party’s—speak with a qualified personal injury lawyer. An attorney can protect you from tactics used by adjusters to devalue or deny your claim.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system after an injury can be complex. Here are some key California laws that may affect your Claremont personal injury 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. Your total compensation award will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 10% at fault, you can still collect 90% of your damages.
- Statute of Limitations: Time is limited. For most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). However, the deadline is much shorter for claims against a government entity. If your injury was caused by a public entity like the City of Claremont, Los Angeles County, or a public school bus, you must file a formal claim within six months under the Government Claims Act.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: California law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of only $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 insufficient to cover the costs of a serious injury. This is why having Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy is so important.
- Available Compensation (Damages): A successful personal injury claim can provide compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. This includes 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. Let Reardon Injury Law put our unique combination of medical and legal expertise to work for you. We are ready to listen to your story,
