Why Duarte Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
An unexpected accident can shatter your sense of security, leaving you with physical pain, mounting medical bills, and overwhelming stress. The path to recovery can feel isolating and uncertain. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand that you are not just a case number; you are a person whose life has been unfairly disrupted. Our first priority is to listen with compassion, validate your experience, and provide the steadfast support you need to focus on healing.
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—and our entire team—an unparalleled understanding of the human body and the true impact of traumatic injuries. We can anticipate how an injury will affect your life long-term, translate complex medical records into compelling legal arguments, and counter the tactics insurance companies use to downplay your pain. This deep medical insight is a powerful asset when fighting for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
We believe that everyone in Duarte deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we win your case. Your initial consultation is always free and confidential. We are here to answer your questions, assess your case, and help you understand your legal options.
Accident Hotspots in Duarte
While Duarte is a close-knit community, its proximity to major Los Angeles County thoroughfares creates significant traffic risks. Residents face daily hazards from local drivers, commuters passing through, and commercial vehicles.
Some areas known for a higher risk of accidents include:
- Duarte Road and Baldwin Avenue: This intersection has been identified as a high-risk area, particularly for vulnerable road users. With dozens of crashes recorded, including serious injuries and even a fatality, it demands extreme caution. Accidents here often involve T-bone collisions at the intersection and an increased danger for those on foot, making it a hotspot for pedestrian accidents.
- Foothill Freeway (I-210): As a primary east-west artery, the I-210 carries a massive volume of traffic through and around Duarte. High speeds, sudden slowdowns, and frequent lane changes contribute to a high rate of severe car accidents, including multi-vehicle pile-ups.
- San Gabriel River Freeway (I-605): This major north-south freeway is a critical route for both commuters and commercial trucking. The constant presence of large semi-trucks increases the risk of devastating truck accidents, which can be caused by driver fatigue, improper loading, or mechanical failure.
Types of Cases We Handle in Duarte
Our firm has the experience and resources to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. We are prepared to advocate for Duarte residents who have been harmed due to another’s negligence.
Our practice areas include:
- Car Accidents: From rear-end collisions on Huntington Drive to high-speed crashes on the 605, we help victims navigate the complex insurance claims process.
- Truck Accidents: Cases involving commercial trucks are uniquely complex. We have the expertise to take on large trucking companies and their insurers.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable on the road. We fight to protect the rights of injured riders who are often unfairly blamed for accidents.
- Pedestrian Accidents: We represent individuals who have been struck by vehicles while walking, especially in busy areas like the intersection of Duarte Road and Baldwin Avenue.
- Bicycle Accidents: Cyclists have a right to share the road, and we hold negligent drivers accountable when they cause harm.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber and Lyft have multiple layers of insurance coverage. We know how to navigate these policies to maximize your recovery.
If you have been injured in any type of accident, do not hesitate to reach out for guidance.
What to Do After an Accident in Duarte
The moments after an accident are chaotic and stressful. Taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights.
- Ensure Safety and Call 911: If you can, move your vehicle to a safe location out of traffic. Check on others involved. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance.
- Get a Police Report: For accidents on city streets in Duarte, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will respond. For incidents on the I-210 or I-605, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has jurisdiction. An official police report is a crucial piece of evidence.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Get a full medical evaluation at a local hospital like City of Hope National Medical Center or Santa Teresita Hospital. This creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
- Document Everything: Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, your injuries, and any relevant road conditions. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance policy details. Provide your own, but do not discuss fault.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid saying “I’m sorry” or accepting any blame. Stick to the facts when speaking with police and the other driver.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: Before you speak with an insurance adjuster, call our firm. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts. We will handle all communications on your behalf to protect your interests.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system after an injury can be daunting. As a Duarte resident, it’s important to understand the California laws that protect you.
- Pure Comparative Negligence: California law allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your final compensation award will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 10% at fault, you can still collect 90% of your damages.
- Statute of Limitations: In California, you have a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit. Under CCP § 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the injury. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation forever.
- Government Claims Act: The deadline is much shorter if your claim is against a government entity—for example, if you were hit by a city-owned vehicle or tripped on a poorly maintained public sidewalk. In these cases, you must file a formal claim within six months of the injury.
- Compensation You Can Recover: A successful personal injury claim can help you recover costs for economic damages like medical bills (past and future), lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages for your pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- California’s Minimum Insurance: The state’s minimum liability insurance requirement is only $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident for bodily injury. This is often insufficient to cover serious injuries. Our team is skilled at identifying all possible sources of recovery to ensure you are fully compensated.
If your case proceeds to litigation in Duarte, it will likely be filed at the Pasadena Courthouse, which is part of the Los Angeles County Superior Court system. Our firm is experienced in navigating this court and its procedures.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face the aftermath of an accident alone. Reardon Injury Law is here to provide the medically-informed legal representation and compassionate support you need to move forward. We handle the legal burdens so you can concentrate on your recovery.
Your journey to justice starts with a simple conversation. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or visit our contact page to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. There are no fees unless we win.
