Why Fullerton Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
A sudden accident on Harbor Boulevard or a collision near the Cal State Fullerton campus can turn your life upside down in an instant. The moments that follow are often filled with confusion, pain, and mounting anxiety about medical bills, lost work, and an uncertain future. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand that you are going through more than just a legal problem; you are dealing with a significant life disruption. Our first priority is to provide the compassionate support and clear guidance you need to navigate this difficult time.
What sets our firm apart is the unique perspective of our founding attorney, John Reardon. Before dedicating his career to law, Mr. Reardon practiced as a chiropractor for two decades. This extensive medical background gives him an unparalleled ability to understand the true nature and long-term impact of your injuries. He can analyze medical records, communicate effectively with healthcare providers, and build a compelling case that accurately reflects the full extent of your suffering—something many attorneys simply cannot do. This fusion of medical insight and legal skill is a powerful advantage for our clients in Fullerton.
We are committed to serving the Fullerton community by holding negligent parties accountable and fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve. We handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies, so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.
Accident Hotspots in Fullerton
With its bustling commercial corridors, major freeway interchanges, and a large university population, Fullerton unfortunately has some of the most challenging traffic conditions in Orange County. In fact, an alarming 18 of the county’s 50 most dangerous intersections are located right here in Fullerton. Navigating these areas requires extreme caution.
Our firm is familiar with the unique dangers at these and other local hotspots:
- Euclid St & Orangethorpe Ave: Ranked as the most dangerous intersection in Fullerton and second in all of Orange County, this junction is notorious for severe car accidents due to its high traffic volume and complex layout.
- Chapman Ave & Harbor Blvd: This intersection, the third most dangerous in the county, sees a constant flow of traffic. The risk of red-light runners and failure-to-yield incidents puts drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians in constant jeopardy.
- Commonwealth Ave & Harbor Blvd: As a key part of the busy Harbor Boulevard corridor, this intersection is a frequent site of collisions, often involving drivers making left turns or proceeding through the intersection unsafely.
- SR-91 and SR-57 Interchange: This major freeway junction is one of the most congested in Southern California. The constant merging, high speeds, and heavy volume of vehicles create a high-risk environment for devastating truck accidents and multi-vehicle pile-ups.
Accidents involving pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents are also a significant concern, especially around the Cal State Fullerton campus and the vibrant downtown area, where vehicle traffic and foot traffic converge.
Types of Cases We Handle in Fullerton
At Reardon Injury Law, we focus exclusively on personal injury law, allowing us to provide dedicated and knowledgeable representation for those harmed by negligence. We have extensive experience helping Fullerton residents who have been injured in a wide variety of incidents.
Our primary practice areas include:
- Car Accidents: We handle everything from rear-end collisions on local streets like Chapman Avenue to complex multi-car crashes on the SR-57 freeway.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on Fullerton’s busy roads. We fight to protect the rights of riders who are often unfairly blamed for collisions.
- Truck Accidents: Cases involving commercial trucks are incredibly complex. We have the resources to take on trucking companies and their insurers after a serious crash on the SR-91 or I-5.
- Bicycle Accidents: With a large student population and an active community, bicycle safety is paramount. We represent cyclists struck by inattentive or reckless drivers.
- Pedestrian Accidents: We advocate for pedestrians who have been hit in crosswalks, parking lots, or on sidewalks throughout the city.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber and Lyft have unique insurance complications. We know how to navigate these claims to ensure you are properly compensated.
If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of accident caused by someone else’s carelessness, we are here to help.
What to Do After an Accident in Fullerton
The steps you take immediately after an accident are critical for protecting your health and your legal rights. If you are involved in a collision in Fullerton, try to remain calm and follow this guide:
- Get to Safety: If you can, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Call 911: Report the accident immediately. The Fullerton Police Department typically responds to incidents on city streets, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has jurisdiction over freeways like the SR-91 and SR-57. An official police report is a vital piece of evidence.
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Accept emergency medical services if offered, or go to a nearby hospital like Providence St. Jude Medical Center or Kaiser Permanente Fullerton Medical Offices for an evaluation. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries, so it’s crucial to get checked out even if you feel fine.
- Document the Scene: If it is safe to do so, use your phone to take photos and videos of everything: vehicle positions, property damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and your injuries.
- Exchange Information: Get the names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details from all other drivers involved. Also, try to get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
- 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 police. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting an attorney.
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: Before you accept any settlement offer, contact our firm for a free consultation. We can help you understand your rights and ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system after an injury can be overwhelming. As your advocate, we ensure you 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 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 poorly maintained public road), you must file a formal claim within just six months under the Government Claims Act. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: California’s minimum liability insurance coverage is only $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 for property damage. In a serious accident, these low amounts are quickly exhausted. We can help you explore all avenues for 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 and suffering. If your case proceeds to trial, it will likely be heard at the Orange County Superior Court, Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face the aftermath of a serious injury alone. Let our firm’s unique combination of medical and legal expertise work for you. We handle the legal complexities so you can dedicate your energy to healing.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or fill out our online form on our contact page to get the help you need.
