Why Auburn Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
An unexpected injury can shatter the peace and quiet of life in Auburn. One moment you are enjoying the historic charm of Old Town or commuting home along I-80, and the next you are facing physical pain, mounting medical bills, and overwhelming uncertainty. The road to recovery can feel isolating and confusing, especially when dealing with insurance companies who are not on your side. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand the profound disruption an accident causes, and our first priority is to provide the compassionate and authoritative guidance you need.
Our founder, John Reardon, brings a perspective that few personal injury attorneys can offer. Before dedicating his career to law, he practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years. This extensive medical background gives him a deep, firsthand understanding of the physical trauma and long-term consequences of serious injuries. He can interpret complex medical records, anticipate future treatment needs, and effectively communicate the true extent of your suffering to insurance companies and juries. This unique blend of medical and legal expertise ensures that we build the strongest possible case to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
We are committed to serving the Auburn community and all of California with integrity and dedication. We believe that everyone deserves access to justice, which is why we offer a free consultation to discuss your case and operate on a contingency fee basis. You will never pay an attorney’s fee unless we win your case.
Accident Hotspots in Auburn
While Auburn is known for its Gold Rush history and scenic beauty, its key transportation corridors create significant risks for drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. As a crossroads for regional travel and local commutes, certain areas see a higher frequency of serious accidents.
- Interstate 80 (I-80): This major freeway is the primary artery connecting Auburn to Sacramento and the Sierra Nevada. The stretch of I-80 through Auburn is notorious for high traffic volumes, sudden slowdowns during peak commute hours, and complex on-ramps and off-ramps. Merging vehicles, speeding, and distracted driving often lead to severe car accidents and devastating truck accidents.
- State Route 49 (SR 49): As a vital link to Nevada City and other historic Gold Rush towns, SR 49 carries a mix of local commuters and tourist traffic. The hilly terrain, winding curves, and variable speed limits can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the road. These conditions increase the risk of head-on collisions, sideswipes, and motorcycle accidents.
- Local Intersections: Where local roads meet major highways like I-80 and SR 49, the potential for conflict is high. Drivers attempting to enter or cross these busy routes can misjudge traffic speeds, leading to serious collisions. Additionally, areas near school zones and the bustling downtown district present risks for pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents.
Types of Cases We Handle in Auburn
The unique traffic patterns in and around Auburn contribute to a wide variety of personal injury cases. The team at Reardon Injury Law has the experience and resources to handle them all. We are dedicated to helping victims who have been harmed by another’s negligence, no matter the circumstances.
Our primary practice areas include:
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Rideshare Accidents (Uber & Lyft)
- Wrongful Death Claims
- Premises Liability (Slip and Fall)
Given the heavy presence of I-80 and SR 49, we frequently represent clients involved in high-speed freeway collisions and accidents involving commercial trucks. Whether your injury occurred during a daily commute, a weekend trip to the foothills, or simply a walk downtown, we are here to help. You can learn more about our full range of legal services on our practice areas page.
What to Do After an Accident in Auburn
The steps you take in the minutes and hours after an accident are crucial for protecting your health and your legal rights. If you are injured in Auburn, follow this guide:
- Prioritize Safety: If you can, 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.
- Call 911: Report the accident to emergency services immediately. Depending on your location, the Auburn Police Department or the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will respond. A police report is a vital piece of evidence for your claim.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it is essential to be evaluated by a medical professional. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Go to an emergency room at a local facility like Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital or the nearby Marshall Medical Center. This 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, and any visible injuries. Get the names and contact information of the other driver(s) and any witnesses.
- Do Not Admit Fault: When speaking with others at the scene, stick to the facts. Avoid saying “I’m sorry” or accepting blame, as these statements can be used against you later.
- Contact an Attorney: Before you speak with any insurance adjusters—even your own—contact an experienced personal injury attorney. The insurance company’s goal is to minimize their payout. Your attorney’s goal is to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating a personal injury claim requires an understanding of specific California laws. An experienced attorney can guide you through the complexities, but here are some key principles that may apply to your Auburn injury case.
- Pure Comparative Negligence: California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover financial compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your final award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.
- Statute of Limitations: There are strict deadlines for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In California, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). If your claim is against a government entity—such as the City of Auburn, Placer County, or the State of California—the deadline is much shorter. You must file a formal administrative claim within six months of the injury.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: California law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of only $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 for property damage. These low limits are often insufficient to cover the costs of a serious injury. This is why it is critical to explore all potential sources of recovery, including your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
- Recoverable Damages: Victims of negligence are entitled to seek compensation for a range of losses, including economic and non-economic damages. This can include medical bills (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Your case will be filed and heard at the Placer County Superior Court - Auburn Branch, and our firm is fully prepared to represent you there.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in Auburn, you don’t have to face the recovery process alone. Let Reardon Injury Law put our unique medical and legal expertise to work for you. We are here to handle the legal burdens so you can focus on what matters most: your health and your family.
Contact us today at (657) 522-7122 or visit our contact page to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We are ready to listen to your story and explain how we can help.
