Why Hillsborough Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
An accident can shatter the peace and security you enjoy in a community like Hillsborough. One moment, you are navigating your daily commute or running errands; the next, you are dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and the overwhelming stress of medical bills and insurance claims. The disruption to your life is immense, and you may feel lost, anxious, and unsure of where to turn for help. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand that your primary focus needs to be on your recovery, not on fighting a legal battle alone.
Our firm was founded on the principle that injured individuals deserve a powerful advocate who understands their situation from every angle. John Reardon, our lead attorney, brings a unique and invaluable perspective to every case. Before becoming an attorney, he practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years. This extensive medical background gives him a deep, first-hand understanding of the physical toll an accident takes on the human body. He can decipher complex medical records, anticipate long-term treatment needs, and effectively communicate the true extent of your injuries to insurance companies and juries. This dual expertise ensures that your case is built on a solid foundation of both legal strategy and medical fact.
While we are based in Southern California, we proudly represent clients throughout the state, including Hillsborough and the greater San Mateo County area. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will never pay us a fee unless we win your case. This commitment removes the financial burden of hiring an attorney, allowing you to access exceptional legal representation when you need it most.
Accident Hotspots in Hillsborough
While Hillsborough itself is a quiet, residential town, its residents are no strangers to the dangers of Bay Area traffic. Most serious accidents affecting Hillsborough families occur not on quiet local streets, but on the major highways and arterial roads that connect the Peninsula. Daily commuters and local drivers frequently encounter high-risk situations on these routes.
Some of the notable areas of concern for Hillsborough drivers include:
- Highway 101: As the primary north-south freeway connecting San Francisco to Silicon Valley, US-101 is notorious for its heavy commute congestion, sudden stops, and aggressive lane-weaving. These conditions are a recipe for high-speed rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and serious truck accidents involving commercial vehicles.
- Interstate 280: Running parallel to the 101, I-280 offers scenic views but also presents risks of high-speed crashes, particularly on its curves and interchanges with other freeways like I-380.
- El Camino Real (CA-82): In the bustling commercial districts of adjacent cities like Burlingame and San Mateo, the intersections along El Camino Real are frequently congested. Wide lanes, complex left-turn signals, and heavy traffic from shoppers and commuters contribute to a high number of car accidents and pedestrian accidents.
- Middlefield Road & Oak Grove Ave (Atherton): This nearby intersection is known as a high-risk spot for cyclists. The combination of significant vehicle traffic and visibility challenges puts riders in danger, often leading to devastating bicycle accidents.
If you were injured in a crash on one of these routes or any other road in San Mateo County, our firm has the experience to investigate the specific dynamics that caused your accident.
Types of Cases We Handle in Hillsborough
Reardon Injury Law is dedicated exclusively to personal injury law. Our focused practice allows us to provide knowledgeable and effective representation across a wide range of accident types. We understand the unique factors involved in each case, from the physics of a collision to the specific laws that apply.
We frequently represent Hillsborough clients who have been injured in:
- Car Accidents: The most common source of injury claims, often caused by distracted driving, speeding, or impairment on highways like 101 and 280.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable on the road. We fight to protect riders who are often unfairly blamed for accidents caused by inattentive drivers.
- Truck Accidents: Cases involving large commercial trucks are complex and require a deep understanding of federal and state regulations. We have the resources to take on large trucking and insurance companies.
- Bicycle Accidents: With the Peninsula’s active cycling community, we are committed to helping injured cyclists recover compensation for their injuries, especially when drivers fail to share the road safely.
- Pedestrian Accidents: A pedestrian struck by a vehicle can suffer catastrophic injuries. We hold negligent drivers accountable for failing to yield the right-of-way in crosswalks and other areas.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber or Lyft have unique insurance complexities. We know how to navigate the layers of coverage to ensure our clients are fully compensated.
If you have been injured in these or any other type of accident caused by someone else’s negligence, please visit our practice areas page to learn more or contact us directly to discuss your case.
What to Do After an Accident in Hillsborough
The moments after an accident are chaotic and confusing. Taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights.
- Get to Safety: If you are able, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights.
- Call 911: Report the accident immediately. The Hillsborough Police Department will likely respond to incidents on local roads, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) handles crashes on freeways like I-280 and Highway 101. Request paramedics if anyone is injured.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it is crucial to be evaluated by a medical professional. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Go to a nearby hospital such as Mills-Peninsula Medical Center in Burlingame, Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, or, for severe trauma, Stanford Health Care in Palo Alto. A medical report creates an official record of your injuries.
- Document the Scene: Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance details. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid saying “I’m sorry” or accepting any blame. Stick to the facts when speaking with the police. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before consulting an attorney.
- Contact an Attorney: Call Reardon Injury Law for a free consultation. We can immediately advise you on how to protect your rights, handle communication with insurance companies, and begin building your case.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating a personal injury claim requires an understanding of California’s specific laws. An experienced attorney can guide you through the complexities, but here are some key principles that may affect 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. However, your total compensation award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your final award will be reduced by 20%.
- Statute of Limitations: In most cases, California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation forever. An important exception is for claims against a government entity (e.g., a city, county, or state agency). For these cases, you must file a formal claim within just six months under the Government Claims Act.
- 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. These low limits are often insufficient to cover the costs of a serious injury. An experienced attorney can help identify all potential sources of recovery, including your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
- Available Compensation (Damages): A successful personal injury claim can help you recover compensation for economic and non-economic losses, including medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face the aftermath of a serious accident alone. At Reardon Injury Law, we are here to provide the compassionate support and skilled legal guidance you need to move forward. Our unique combination of medical and legal expertise gives our clients a distinct advantage in pursuing the full and fair compensation they deserve.
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.
