Why La Mirada Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
The moments after a serious accident are filled with pain, confusion, and overwhelming stress. Whether you were injured on a busy stretch of Imperial Highway, in a quiet neighborhood, or at a local business, your life has been unexpectedly disrupted. You’re facing mounting medical bills, time away from work, and the difficult process of physical and emotional recovery. During this vulnerable time, you deserve a legal advocate who not only understands the law, but also truly understands your injuries.
Reardon Injury Law was founded on that principle. Our founding attorney, John Reardon, practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years before becoming a lawyer. This dual expertise gives our firm a profound medical insight that is rare in the legal field. We don’t just see a case file; we see the full picture of your injury, the long-term consequences it may have, and the comprehensive care you need to heal. We know how to read medical charts, challenge insurance company doctors, and build a case that accurately reflects the total impact the accident has had on your life.
For residents of La Mirada and across Los Angeles County, we offer compassionate, authoritative legal guidance. We handle every aspect of your claim so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery. We are proud to serve all of California on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will never pay a fee unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
Accident Hotspots in La Mirada
While La Mirada is a community known for its parks and family-friendly atmosphere, its busy streets and proximity to major freeways create significant traffic hazards. As a driver, motorcyclist, or pedestrian, it’s important to be aware of the areas where accidents are most common.
Based on local traffic data, several intersections and roadways in La Mirada have a higher risk of collisions:
- Imperial Highway: This major east-west artery is the site of frequent accidents. Key intersections like Imperial Hwy & Valley View Ave, Imperial Hwy & Biola Ave, and Imperial Hwy & Rosecrans Ave are particularly dangerous due to high traffic volume, commercial vehicle activity, and complex turning movements. These conditions often lead to serious car accidents and devastating truck accidents.
- Leffingwell Rd & La Mirada Blvd: This intersection is another well-known hotspot, where heavy local traffic contributes to a high risk of T-bone collisions and rear-end crashes.
- I-605 (San Gabriel River Freeway): The on-ramps and off-ramps connecting La Mirada to the I-605 create significant bottlenecks, especially during rush hour. This congestion increases the likelihood of sideswipes and chain-reaction collisions as drivers merge and navigate dense traffic.
- Local Streets: With numerous schools and residential areas, La Mirada streets can pose a risk for vulnerable road users. Speeding and distracted driving can lead to tragic pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents, particularly during evening hours when visibility is reduced.
If you were injured in one of these areas, you are not alone. Reardon Injury Law has the experience to investigate accidents at these specific locations and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Types of Cases We Handle in La Mirada
Our firm is dedicated exclusively to personal injury law. We have the resources and knowledge to handle a wide range of cases, ensuring our clients in La Mirada receive the specialized representation they deserve.
We frequently represent clients injured in:
- Car Accidents: From fender-benders on La Mirada Boulevard to multi-vehicle pile-ups on the I-605, we manage all types of auto accident claims.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable. We understand the severe injuries that can result and fight to protect riders’ rights.
- Truck Accidents: Collisions involving commercial trucks are complex. We have the expertise to navigate federal and state trucking regulations to establish liability.
- Pedestrian Accidents: We advocate for pedestrians who have been struck by negligent drivers in crosswalks, parking lots, or on sidewalks.
- Bicycle Accidents: Bicyclists have a right to share the road safely. We help injured cyclists recover compensation for their injuries and damaged property.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber or Lyft have unique insurance complexities. We know how to navigate these claims to ensure you are properly compensated.
This is only a partial list of the cases we handle. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to someone else’s negligence, please visit our practice areas page or call us to discuss your situation.
What to Do After an Accident in La Mirada
The steps you take immediately following an accident are critical for protecting your health and your legal rights.
- Ensure Your Safety: If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Call 911: Report the accident to the police and request an ambulance if there are any injuries. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (La Mirada Station) will likely respond to the scene. An official police report is a vital piece of evidence.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some serious injuries like whiplash or internal bleeding may not show symptoms right away. Being evaluated by paramedics or going to a nearby hospital, such as Norwalk Hospital or St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
- Document the Scene: If you are able, use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance policy information. Also, collect contact details from any witnesses.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid saying “I’m sorry” or accepting blame. Stick to the facts when speaking with police. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance adjuster before consulting with an attorney.
- Contact a La Mirada Personal Injury Attorney: An experienced lawyer can handle communications with insurance companies, gather evidence, and ensure you meet all critical deadlines, allowing you to focus on healing.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system after an injury can be confusing. It is crucial to understand the California laws that will affect your claim.
- Pure Comparative Negligence: California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover damages 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, you can still collect 80% of your total damages.
- 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). However, there is a critical exception: if your claim is against a government entity (e.g., a city bus, a public school, or a poorly maintained public road), you must file a formal claim within six months of the incident. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
- California’s Minimum Insurance Requirements: The state requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of only $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. In a serious accident, these amounts are often woefully inadequate to cover medical bills and other losses. This is why understanding your own insurance policy, especially your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, is so important.
- Types of Compensation (Damages): As an injury victim, you may be entitled to recover compensation for economic and non-economic losses, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face the aftermath of an accident alone. At Reardon Injury Law, we combine deep medical knowledge with proven legal strategy to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. We are here to answer your questions, explain your options, and guide you through every step of the legal process.
Your initial consultation is always free and confidential. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or fill out the form on our contact page to get the help you need.
