Why Torrance Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
An unexpected injury can shatter your sense of stability. One moment, you’re commuting home on the 405 or running errands on Torrance Boulevard; the next, you’re dealing with physical pain, mounting medical bills, and the overwhelming stress of an uncertain future. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand that the aftermath of an accident is about more than just legal claims—it’s about getting your life back. We approach every case with the empathy and respect you deserve, listening to your story before we ever talk about strategy.
Our founding attorney, John Reardon, brings a perspective that few personal injury lawyers can offer. Before dedicating his career to law, he practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years. This extensive medical background gives him a profound understanding of the physical trauma you’ve endured. He can interpret medical records, anticipate long-term health consequences, and articulate the full extent of your injuries to insurance companies and juries. This unique blend of medical and legal expertise ensures that your case is built on a solid foundation of evidence, aimed at securing the maximum compensation you need to heal and move forward.
We are committed to serving the Torrance community with integrity and dedication. We believe that everyone deserves access to justice, which is why we operate on a contingency fee basis. You will never pay us a fee unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is always free, giving you a no-risk opportunity to understand your rights and options.
Accident Hotspots in Torrance
While an accident can happen anywhere, certain roads and intersections in Torrance are known for being particularly hazardous. With local traffic injury and death rates rising over 20% since 2020, awareness is more important than ever.
According to traffic safety data, many of the city’s most serious collisions occur at intersections on busy surface streets, often due to failures to yield. Some of the most challenging areas for drivers include:
- Torrance Boulevard: As a major artery through the city, this road sees high traffic volume at all hours. The complex intersections and congestion frequently lead to rear-end collisions and even head-on car accidents, especially during peak commute times.
- West Manchester Avenue and Normandie Avenue: This intersection is known for its heavy traffic flow and a layout that can be confusing for drivers, leading to errors and collisions.
- South Vermont Avenue and West Florence Avenue: Similar to other major junctions in the area, this intersection’s high traffic and complex design contribute to a higher rate of accidents.
- I-10 and I-405 Freeways: The segments of the I-10 and I-405 freeways that serve Torrance are critical commute corridors. Unfortunately, the I-10 has been noted for poor lighting in some areas, while both freeways see a higher incidence of accidents involving intoxicated drivers and collisions near on/off-ramps during rush hour. These high-speed environments often result in devastating truck accidents and motorcycle accidents.
Whether you were injured as a driver, a passenger in a rideshare accidents, or as a vulnerable road user, our firm is prepared to investigate the circumstances of your accident.
Types of Cases We Handle in Torrance
At Reardon Injury Law, we represent individuals who have been harmed by the negligence of others. Our deep understanding of California personal injury law, combined with our unique medical insight, allows us to effectively handle a wide range of complex cases.
Our practice areas include:
- Car Accidents: We handle everything from fender-benders on local streets to multi-vehicle pile-ups on the freeway.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable, and we fight to ensure they are not unfairly blamed for their injuries.
- Truck Accidents: These cases are complex, often involving multiple liable parties and federal regulations.
- Pedestrian Accidents: We advocate for pedestrians struck at intersections or in crosswalks, which are common sites for such incidents in Torrance.
- Bicycle Accidents: With its many surface streets, Torrance can be dangerous for cyclists. We help injured riders hold negligent drivers accountable.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber and Lyft have unique insurance complexities that we are experienced in navigating.
Given that most crashes in Torrance happen at intersections, we frequently represent victims of T-bone collisions, red-light runners, and accidents caused by unsafe turns.
What to Do After an Accident in Torrance
The moments after an accident are chaotic and confusing. Taking the right steps can protect 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.
- Contact Emergency Services: Call 911 immediately. The Torrance Police Department or the California Highway Patrol (for freeway incidents) will respond to the scene. Request paramedics, even if you think your injuries are minor. Adrenaline can mask serious pain.
- Seek Medical Attention: Accept medical treatment at the scene and agree to be transported to a hospital if recommended. Getting evaluated at a major South Bay medical facility or a local clinic creates a crucial record of your injuries. Follow all medical advice and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Document the Scene: If you are physically able, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and your injuries.
- Gather Information: Exchange names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details with the other driver(s). Do not apologize or admit fault. Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
- File an Official Report: Cooperate with the responding officer and make sure you get a police report number. This report will be a critical piece of evidence.
- Contact a Torrance Personal Injury Lawyer: Before you speak to an insurance adjuster, contact Reardon Injury Law. The insurance company’s goal is to minimize its payout. Our goal is to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system can be intimidating, but understanding a few key California laws is essential for any injury victim.
- 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 10% at fault, your recovery will be reduced by 10%.
- Statute of Limitations: In 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). If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation forever.
- Claims Against Government Entities: The deadline is much shorter if your claim is against a public entity, such as the City of Torrance, Los Angeles County, or a public transit agency. Under the Government Claims Act, you must file a formal claim within six months of the incident.
- Compensation You Can Recover: A successful personal injury claim can provide compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, including medical bills (past and future), lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering.
- California’s Minimum Insurance Requirements: The state minimum for liability insurance is only $15,000 per person for injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. These low limits are often insufficient to cover the costs of a serious injury, which is why it’s critical to have an attorney who can identify all potential sources of recovery.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in Torrance, you don’t have to face the recovery process alone. Let us handle the legal burdens so you can focus on what matters most—your health. At Reardon Injury Law, your fight is our fight.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or visit our contact page to schedule your appointment. We are here to help.
