Why Truckee Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
A sudden accident can shatter the peace and beauty of life in the Sierra Nevada. One moment you are navigating Donner Pass or heading to the lake, and the next you are dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand that the aftermath of an injury is overwhelming. Our first priority is to provide compassionate support and clear guidance, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the complexities of your legal claim.
For residents of Truckee and the surrounding Nevada County area, choosing the right legal representation is crucial. Reardon Injury Law brings a unique and powerful advantage to your case. Our founding attorney, John Reardon, practiced as a chiropractor for two decades before becoming a lawyer. This extensive medical background gives him an unparalleled ability to understand the true nature and long-term impact of your injuries. He can interpret medical records, challenge insurance company doctors, and build a compelling case that accurately reflects the full extent of your suffering and future needs.
While our firm is based in Southern California, we proudly serve clients throughout the state, including the unique mountain communities of Truckee. We combine our deep knowledge of California injury law with a genuine commitment to each client’s well-being. We are here to be your advocates, fighting to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Accident Hotspots in Truckee
While Truckee is a scenic mountain town, its major transportation corridors present significant risks for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Our firm is familiar with the dangers posed by local roads and highways.
- Interstate 80 (I-80): As the primary artery connecting Northern California with Nevada, I-80 through Truckee is a major site for serious accidents. The combination of steep grades, severe winter weather with snow and ice, heavy commercial truck traffic, and seasonal congestion from tourism creates a hazardous environment. These factors contribute to everything from multi-car pileups during snowstorms to devastating truck accidents on the Donner Summit grade.
- State Route 267 (SR 267): This busy two-lane highway is a key connector route in the region. With limited passing opportunities and significant traffic volume, especially during peak ski season and summer weekends, the risk of head-on collisions and other severe car accidents is elevated.
- Brockway Road and SR 267 Intersection: This specific intersection has been identified by local authorities as an area of concern, with traffic safety improvements planned. Intersections like this, which handle a mix of local and tourist traffic, are often hotspots for T-bone collisions and accidents involving bicycle accidents or pedestrian accidents.
- Alpine Meadows Road: Like many two-lane roads serving recreational areas, this route can be dangerous. Drivers unfamiliar with the road, combined with cyclists and pedestrians, can lead to tragic incidents, especially when speed or distraction is a factor.
Types of Cases We Handle in Truckee
Our firm has the experience and resources to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. We understand the specific types of accidents that are common in the Truckee area, from high-speed highway collisions to recreational injuries.
We regularly represent clients in cases involving:
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Rideshare Accidents (Uber & Lyft)
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Wrongful Death
Given Truckee’s geography and role as a travel hub, we frequently assist victims of complex collisions on I-80 and SR 267. Whether your accident was caused by a negligent truck driver, a tourist unfamiliar with mountain driving, or hazardous road conditions, we are prepared to investigate thoroughly. For a complete list of our legal services, please see our practice areas page.
What to Do After an Accident in Truckee
The steps you take immediately following an accident are critical for protecting your health and your legal rights.
- Prioritize Safety: If you can, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. Check on yourself and your passengers.
- Call 911: Report the accident immediately. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) typically responds to incidents on I-80 and SR 267, while the Truckee Police Department handles accidents on local town roads. A police report is an essential piece of evidence.
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Accept emergency medical services at the scene or go to the nearest hospital or urgent care center for an evaluation. Some serious injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not have immediate symptoms. A medical record creates a direct link between the accident and your injuries.
- Document the Scene: If you are able, use your phone to take pictures and videos of everything. Capture vehicle damage, license plates, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange Information: Get the names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details from all other drivers involved. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid saying things like “I’m sorry” or “I think it was my fault.” Stick to the facts when speaking with the police. Do not give a recorded statement to the at-fault party’s insurance company without first consulting an attorney.
- Contact an Injury Lawyer: Call Reardon Injury Law for a free consultation. We can advise you on how to proceed, handle communications with insurance companies, and begin building your case right away.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system after an injury can be confusing. It is important 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 financial compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your total 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 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, a critical exception exists for claims against government entities (e.g., the Town of Truckee, Nevada County, or the State of California). In these cases, you must file a formal notice of claim within just six months of the accident. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: California’s mandatory minimum liability insurance is only $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. In a serious accident, these low amounts are often exhausted quickly, leaving you with unpaid bills. An experienced attorney can help identify other potential sources of recovery, including your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
- Recoverable Damages: As an injury victim, you may be entitled to compensation for economic and non-economic losses, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, property damage, and pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face the aftermath of a serious accident alone. Let our firm’s unique combination of medical and legal expertise work for you. We are committed to helping Truckee residents secure the resources they need to heal and move forward.
We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you will never pay any upfront costs or attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or visit our contact page to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case.
