Why Foster City Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
An accident can shatter the peace and predictability of life in Foster City in an instant. One moment you are enjoying the lagoons and parks, and the next you are facing physical pain, mounting medical bills, and the overwhelming stress of an uncertain future. The physical recovery is hard enough; you shouldn’t have to navigate the complex legal and insurance systems alone. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand the turmoil you’re experiencing, and our first priority is to provide the support and guidance you need to focus on healing.
We are a California-based personal injury firm dedicated to helping people just like you reclaim their lives after a serious injury. What sets our firm apart is our founder’s unique background. Before becoming an attorney, John Reardon practiced as a chiropractor for two decades. This extensive medical experience gives him an unparalleled understanding of the human body and the true impact of traumatic injuries. He can analyze medical records with a clinical eye, effectively challenge the arguments of insurance company doctors who try to downplay your injuries, and build a compelling case that accurately reflects the full extent of your suffering.
For residents of Foster City and San Mateo County, this means having an advocate who speaks both the language of law and the language of medicine. We handle every case with the compassion it deserves, combined with the legal authority required to hold negligent parties accountable. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will never pay a fee unless we win.
Accident Hotspots in Foster City
While Foster City is known for its well-planned layout, no community is immune to the dangers of traffic accidents. Local data reveals specific risk factors that every resident should be aware of. While public reports may not single out specific intersections by name, they highlight a significant and alarming trend: the danger of driving, walking, and cycling after dark.
According to California Office of Traffic Safety data, a staggering percentage of severe and fatal accidents in the area occur in dark or low-light conditions. An incredible 75% of fatal or severe motor vehicle crashes and 67% of fatal or severe pedestrian crashes happened at night. This underscores the risk associated with daily commutes during the darker winter months, traveling on roads with inadequate lighting, or simply being near traffic after sunset. Whether you’re in a car, on a bike, or on foot, the risk of a serious accident increases dramatically when visibility is poor.
These statistics, combined with the 34 fatal and injury collisions recorded in a single recent year, paint a clear picture. Accidents involving car accidents, pedestrian accidents, and bicycle accidents are a serious concern in the community. If you were injured in any type of collision, especially one that occurred at night, it is vital to have an attorney who can investigate factors like street lighting, driver fatigue, and visibility to build the strongest possible case.
Types of Cases We Handle in Foster City
Reardon Injury Law is equipped to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. Our deep medical and legal knowledge allows us to effectively represent clients who have suffered injuries in many different scenarios. We are prepared to help Foster City residents with cases involving:
- Car Accidents: From rear-end collisions on busy thoroughfares to complex multi-car pile-ups, we help victims recover compensation for their injuries and losses.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable on the road. We fight to protect the rights of riders who are often unfairly blamed for accidents.
- Truck Accidents: Collisions involving large commercial trucks can be devastating. We have the resources to take on trucking companies and their insurers to secure justice for victims.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Given the local data on nighttime collisions, we are particularly focused on helping pedestrians who have been struck by negligent drivers.
- Bicycle Accidents: Foster City’s scenic paths can still be dangerous. We advocate for cyclists injured by inattentive or reckless drivers.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber and Lyft have unique insurance complexities. We know how to navigate these claims to ensure you are fairly compensated.
This is not an exhaustive list. If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence in any situation, we encourage you to contact us. You can learn more about our full scope of services on our practice areas page.
What to Do After an Accident in Foster City
The moments following 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. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. Check on yourself and your passengers for injuries.
- Contact Emergency Services: Call 911 immediately. This will dispatch both police and medical personnel to the scene. The Foster City Police Department will create an official traffic collision report, which is a critical piece of evidence for your claim.
- Seek Medical Evaluation: Accept medical attention at the scene and be sure to visit the nearest emergency room or an urgent care center for a full evaluation, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like internal bleeding or concussions, and a medical record creates a direct link between the accident and your injuries.
- Document the Scene: If it is safe to do so, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene from multiple angles. Capture vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange Information: Get the name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance details from all other drivers involved. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened.
- 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. Any admission of guilt can be used against you by the insurance company.
- Consult an Attorney: Before you give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster, contact a personal injury lawyer. An attorney can advise you of your rights and handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf, protecting you from tactics designed to devalue your claim.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating a personal injury claim requires a clear understanding of California’s specific laws. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process, but here are some key principles that may apply to your 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. Your final compensation award will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault, you could still recover 80% of your total damages.
- Statute of Limitations: In California, you have a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit. For most cases, the deadline is two years from the date of the injury (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to ever seek compensation.
- Claims Against Government Entities: The deadline is much shorter if your claim is against a public entity, such as the City of Foster City, San Mateo County, or the State of California (e.g., an accident caused by a poorly maintained road or a city vehicle). You must file a formal claim within six months of the injury under the Government Claims Act.
- Compensation You Can Recover: Victims of negligence are entitled to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. This can include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: California law only requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 for injury to multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage. A serious injury can easily exceed these low limits, which is why it’s crucial to have an attorney who can identify all potential sources of recovery, including your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to carry the weight of an injury alone. The team at Reardon Injury Law is here to provide the knowledgeable, compassionate, and authoritative legal representation you deserve. Our unique medical insight allows us to build powerful cases that reflect the true cost of your injuries.
We invite you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. We will
