Why Los Altos Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
An unexpected injury can shatter the peace and security you enjoy in Los Altos. One moment you are commuting on Foothill Expressway or enjoying a bike ride, and the next you are facing physical pain, mounting medical bills, and the overwhelming stress of a disrupted life. The path to recovery can feel uncertain and isolating. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand the profound impact an accident has on you and your family. Our first priority is to provide the compassionate support and clear guidance you need to navigate this difficult time.
We are a California personal injury firm dedicated to helping victims reclaim their lives. Our founding attorney, John Reardon, brings a perspective that few others can offer. Before becoming a lawyer, he practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years. This extensive medical background gives him a deep, firsthand understanding of the physical trauma caused by accidents. He knows how injuries manifest, how they are treated, and the long-term care they may require. This dual expertise allows us to build stronger, more comprehensive cases that account for the full extent of your suffering and future needs, ensuring you are not left to face the consequences alone.
We believe that everyone deserves exceptional legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That is why we operate on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you. We are here to lift the legal burden from your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most: your health and your family.
Accident Hotspots in Los Altos
While known for its quiet, tree-lined streets, Los Altos is not immune to the dangers of Bay Area traffic. Proximity to major commute corridors like Interstate 280 and US-101 creates conditions for serious accidents. Local traffic data highlights several areas where residents should exercise extra caution:
- Page Mill Road: This major east-west artery is a significant concern. The intersection at Arastradero Road, near I-280, has been the site of numerous collisions, partly due to poor visibility at its stop sign. Further along, a sharp curve near Via Ventana has caused drivers to lose control. Overall, this road accounts for a high percentage of local collisions, involving everything from rear-end car accidents to devastating bicycle accidents caused by speeding and failure to yield.
- El Monte Avenue: This road, especially near the Highway 280 on-ramp, is another known trouble spot. The mix of freeway-bound vehicles, local traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians creates a complex and hazardous environment. Speeding on straight sections of El Monte Avenue also contributes to auto-auto collisions.
- Altamont Road: Though scenic, this road has a disproportionately high number of injury-causing accidents, often involving drivers losing control on its winding path.
These areas demonstrate how quickly a routine drive or ride can turn dangerous. If you were injured in one of these hotspots or anywhere else in the Los Altos area, we can help you understand your rights.
Types of Cases We Handle in Los Altos
Reardon Injury Law provides skilled legal representation across a wide spectrum of personal injury claims. Our unique medical-legal approach is particularly effective in cases involving complex physical trauma. We frequently represent Los Altos clients who have been injured in:
- Car Accidents: From collisions on I-280 and Foothill Expressway to fender-benders in downtown Los Altos, we handle all types of auto accidents.
- Bicycle Accidents: Los Altos is popular with cyclists, but sharing roads like Page Mill and El Monte with high-speed traffic can lead to catastrophic injuries. We are committed to protecting the rights of injured cyclists.
- Pedestrian Accidents: With numerous school zones and busy commercial areas, pedestrians are vulnerable. We fight for those struck by negligent or distracted drivers.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists face unique dangers on highways and local roads. Our firm understands the specific biases and challenges involved in these complex cases.
- Truck Accidents: Collisions involving commercial trucks on I-280 or US-101 often result in life-altering injuries. We have the resources to take on powerful trucking and insurance companies.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber and Lyft have unique insurance complexities. We can navigate the policies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
If you have suffered any type of personal injury due to someone else’s negligence, please visit our practice areas page to learn more or contact us for a free case evaluation.
What to Do After an Accident in Los Altos
The actions you take immediately following an accident are critical for your health and your potential legal claim. Follow these steps:
- Move to Safety: If you can, move your vehicle out of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
- Call 911: Report the accident to law enforcement. The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office or local police will respond, create an official report, and dispatch medical personnel.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get a thorough medical evaluation. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Go to a nearby hospital like El Camino Hospital in Mountain View or Stanford Health Care in Palo Alto. This creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
- Document the Scene: Use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance details. Also, collect contact information from any witnesses.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid saying “I’m sorry” or accepting blame. Stick to the facts when speaking with police and the other driver.
- Contact an Attorney: Before you speak with any insurance adjusters, call a personal injury lawyer. The insurance company’s goal is to minimize its payout; your attorney’s goal is to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system after an injury can be confusing. As a California law firm, we ensure our Los Altos clients understand the key laws that affect their cases.
- 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 be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible, you can still collect 80% of the total damages.
- Statute of Limitations: In most cases, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). This deadline is strict.
- Claims Against Government Entities: If your injury was caused by a public entity—such as a poorly maintained road owned by the city or county—you have a much shorter deadline. You must file a formal claim with the government agency within six months of the injury.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: California’s minimum liability insurance is 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, making it vital to explore all avenues for compensation.
- Available Compensation: A successful claim can help you recover costs for medical treatment (past and future), lost wages, diminished earning capacity, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
If your case proceeds to litigation in Santa Clara County, it will likely be heard at the Santa Clara County Superior Court - Old Courthouse in San Jose. Our firm is prepared to guide you through every step of this process.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face the aftermath of an accident alone. Let Reardon Injury Law put our unique combination of medical and legal expertise to work for you. We are ready to listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your options.
We serve clients throughout California throughout California and are ready to help you in Los Altos. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or visit our contact page to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Remember, there are no fees unless we win your case.
