Why San Bruno Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
A serious injury can turn your life upside down in an instant. One moment you’re commuting on US-101 or running errands on San Mateo Avenue, and the next you’re dealing with physical pain, mounting medical bills, and the stress of uncertainty. The aftermath of an accident is overwhelming, and the last thing you should have to worry about is fighting with insurance companies for the compensation you deserve. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an unexpected injury takes on you and your family.
At Reardon Injury Law, we provide more than just legal representation; we offer a unique combination of legal skill and deep medical insight. Our founding attorney, John Reardon, practiced as a chiropractor for two decades before becoming a personal injury lawyer. This dual expertise gives our firm a distinct advantage in understanding the full scope of your injuries, from soft tissue damage to complex spinal cord trauma. We can interpret medical records, anticipate future treatment needs, and effectively communicate the severity of your condition to insurance adjusters, judges, and juries.
We are dedicated to serving the San Bruno community and all of California. We believe that everyone deserves access to justice, which is why we operate on a contingency fee basis—you pay absolutely no fees unless we win your case. Your recovery is our priority, and we are here to guide you through every step of the legal process with compassion and authority.
Accident Hotspots in San Bruno
Living in San Mateo County means navigating some of the Bay Area’s busiest roadways. While San Bruno offers a close-knit community feel, its proximity to major transportation corridors creates significant risks for drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.
The constant flow of traffic on US-101, which cuts directly through the city, is a primary source of serious collisions. The interchanges with I-380 are particularly hazardous, with high volumes of merging traffic leading to sideswipes, rear-end collisions, and complex truck accidents. Speeding is a persistent problem, with local data showing a high rate of speed-related crashes.
Intersections within the city also pose dangers. The area around Alemany Boulevard at San Bruno Avenue has been the site of tragic accidents, often exacerbated by high speeds and adverse weather conditions. Whether you were involved in a multi-car pileup on the freeway or a T-bone collision at a local intersection, the consequences can be devastating. These incidents often result in severe injuries that demand skilled legal representation to ensure you are fully compensated for your losses from car accidents and other incidents.
Types of Cases We Handle in San Bruno
At Reardon Injury Law, our focused experience allows us to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. We understand the specific challenges associated with each type of accident and build a legal strategy tailored to your unique circumstances.
Our primary practice areas include:
- Car Accidents: As the most common type of injury claim, we have extensive experience navigating cases involving distracted driving, speeding, DUIs, and uninsured motorists on San Bruno’s streets and highways like US-101.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable on the road. We fight to protect the rights of riders who have been injured due to negligent drivers, unsafe lane changes, and road hazards.
- Truck Accidents: Collisions with commercial trucks often result in catastrophic injuries. We have the resources to take on powerful trucking companies and their insurers to secure the compensation you need.
- Pedestrian Accidents: We represent individuals who have been struck by vehicles in crosswalks, parking lots, or on sidewalks, ensuring the at-fault driver is held accountable.
- Bicycle Accidents: With the Bay Area’s cycling culture, bike accidents are unfortunately common. We advocate for cyclists injured by inattentive or aggressive drivers.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber and Lyft have complex insurance implications. We understand the specific laws governing rideshare companies and can help you navigate your claim.
If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of accident caused by someone else’s negligence, we are here to help.
What to Do After an Accident in San Bruno
The moments following an accident are chaotic and stressful, but the actions you take can significantly impact your health and your ability to recover fair compensation. Follow these steps:
- Prioritize Safety: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location off the main road to avoid further collisions. Turn on your hazard lights. Check on yourself and your passengers for injuries.
- Call 911: Report the accident immediately. The San Bruno Police Department will likely respond to accidents on city streets, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) handles incidents on freeways like US-101 and I-380. A police report is a crucial piece of evidence for your claim.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s vital to get a medical evaluation. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Go to an urgent care clinic like San Bruno Family Medical Center or Kaiser Permanente San Bruno Medical Offices, or a nearby hospital like Peninsula Medical Center in Burlingame for more severe injuries. This creates an official record of your injuries.
- Document Everything: Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and your visible injuries. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Exchange Information: Exchange names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details with the other driver(s). Do not discuss fault.
- Report to Your Insurer, But Be Cautious: Inform your insurance company that an accident occurred, but do not give a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer before speaking with an attorney.
- Contact a San Bruno Personal Injury Lawyer: Before you get entangled with the at-fault party’s insurance adjuster, call Reardon Injury Law. We can handle all communications on your behalf and protect 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 ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
- Pure Comparative Negligence: California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your total compensation will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, you can still collect 80% of your total damages.
- Statute of Limitations: Time is of the essence. In California, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). However, a critical exception exists for claims against government entities. If your injury was caused by a public agency—such as a city bus, a poorly maintained public road, or a government employee—you must file a formal claim within just six months under the Government Claims Act. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from seeking compensation.
- California Minimum Insurance: California’s minimum liability insurance requirements are just $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 for injury to multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage. In a serious accident, these amounts are often insufficient to cover all your losses. This is why it’s crucial to 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 a wide range of losses, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face the aftermath of a serious injury alone. Let Reardon Injury Law put our unique medical and legal expertise to work for you. We will handle the legal complexities so you can focus on what matters most—your health and recovery.
We serve clients throughout San Bruno and San Mateo County. Your initial consultation is always free and confidential. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or visit our contact page to schedule a no-obligation review of your case. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win.
