Personal Injury Lawyer in Los Altos Hills, California

Why Los Altos Hills Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law

An accident can shatter the tranquility of life in Los Altos Hills in an instant. One moment, you might be enjoying a scenic drive on Altamont Road or navigating the interchange at El Monte Avenue and I-280; the next, you are dealing with the shock of a collision, physical pain, and a cloud of uncertainty about the future. The aftermath of an injury is a deeply personal and stressful experience. You’re not just facing mounting medical bills and calls from insurance adjusters; you’re trying to heal while your life feels turned upside down. We understand that pain, and we believe your first priority should be your recovery.

At Reardon Injury Law, we put your well-being first. Our founding attorney, John Reardon, brings a perspective that few other personal injury lawyers in California can offer. Before becoming an attorney, he practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years. This extensive medical background gives him a profound understanding of the physical trauma caused by accidents. He doesn’t just see a case file; he sees the complex interplay of spinal injuries, soft tissue damage, and long-term recovery needs that insurance companies often try to minimize. This dual expertise allows us to build a much stronger, medically-sound case on your behalf, ensuring the full extent of your injuries is documented and understood.

While we are based in California, we proudly serve clients throughout California, including the residents of Los Altos Hills and Santa Clara County. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us nothing unless we win your case. Your initial consultation is always free and confidential. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on what truly matters: healing and getting your life back.

Accident Hotspots in Los Altos Hills

Even in a town known for its peaceful, rural character, certain roads and intersections pose a significant risk to drivers, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Local data highlights several areas where caution is paramount.

A significant number of collisions in Los Altos Hills occur on just three roads: Altamont Road, El Monte Avenue, and Page Mill Road. In fact, Page Mill Road alone accounts for 22% of local collisions. Specific areas of concern include:

• Page Mill Road at Arastradero Road: This intersection, particularly near the I-280 ramps, is a known trouble spot. Poor visibility has led to drivers failing to stop, contributing to multiple collisions and injuries. These incidents often involve complex car accidents that require careful investigation.
• Page Mill Road at Via Ventana: A sharp, dangerous curve on this stretch of road has caused several drivers to lose control, resulting in single-vehicle crashes and serious injuries.
• El Monte Avenue at Highway 280: As a primary access point to the interstate, this interchange sees heavy traffic and has been the site of multiple injury-causing accidents.
• Page Mill Road (General): This road is popular with cyclists, but it shares the pavement with vehicles, creating a high-risk environment. Speeding cars and winding turns make it a frequent location for serious bicycle accidents.

Understanding where and why these accidents happen is the first step in building a strong case. If you were injured in one of these areas, our firm has the experience to investigate the unique factors that may have contributed to your crash.

Types of Cases We Handle in Los Altos Hills

The winding roads and proximity to major highways like I-280 create a unique traffic environment in Los Altos Hills. Speeding, failure to yield, and loss of control on sharp curves are common causes of accidents. Our firm is equipped to handle the full spectrum of personal injury claims that result from this environment.

We provide dedicated legal representation for victims of:

• Car Accidents: From rear-end collisions on El Monte Avenue to complex multi-car pile-ups on I-280, we handle all types of car accidents.
• Motorcycle Accidents: The scenic but challenging roads in and around Los Altos Hills can be treacherous for riders. We fight to protect the rights of motorcyclists who are often unfairly blamed for accidents. Learn more about our work with motorcycle accidents.
• Bicycle Accidents: With Page Mill Road being a hotspot for bike-related collisions, we are passionate about representing cyclists injured by negligent drivers. We understand the specific laws that protect cyclists and how to prove driver fault in bicycle accidents.
• Truck Accidents: While less common within the town itself, commercial truck accidents on I-280 can be catastrophic. These cases involve complex federal regulations and require an experienced attorney for truck accidents.
• Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber and Lyft are increasingly common. We can help you navigate the complicated insurance policies involved in rideshare accidents.
• Pedestrian Accidents: Although local data shows few pedestrian incidents, the risk always exists. We are prepared to help anyone injured in a pedestrian accidents.

If you have been injured in any type of accident caused by someone else’s negligence, explore our full list of practice areas to see how we can assist you.

What to Do After an Accident in Los Altos Hills

The moments after an accident are confusing and overwhelming. Taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights.

1. Prioritize Safety and Call 911: Move to a safe location if possible. Call 911 immediately. In Los Altos Hills, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office will likely respond to the scene. Request that a police report be filed and ask for a report number.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask serious injuries. It is crucial to be evaluated by a medical professional. The closest major hospitals are Stanford Health Care in Palo Alto and El Camino Hospital in Mountain View. A medical record is one of the most important pieces of evidence in a personal injury claim.
3. Document Everything: If you are able, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions (like the sharp curve at Via Ventana), and any visible injuries. Get the names and contact information of the other driver(s) and any witnesses.
4. Do Not Admit Fault: Do not apologize or say anything that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts when speaking with law enforcement.
5. Be Cautious with Insurance Companies: The other driver’s insurance adjuster may contact you quickly. Their goal is to minimize the amount they have to pay. Do not give a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer without first speaking to an attorney.
6. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: The sooner you have an experienced attorney on your side, the better. We can manage all communication with insurance companies, gather evidence, and ensure you are on the right path to securing fair compensation.

Understanding Your Rights Under California Law

Navigating the legal system after an injury can be daunting. As a California resident, you have specific rights designed to protect you.

• Pure Comparative Negligence: California law allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you were found to be 10% at fault, your total compensation award would be reduced by 10%. Insurance companies often try to use this rule to shift blame onto the victim; we fight to ensure liability is assigned correctly.
• Statute of Limitations: In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). However, the deadline is much shorter if your claim is against a public entity like the Town of Los Altos Hills or the State of California. Under the Government Claims Act, you must file a formal claim within six months of the incident. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from seeking compensation.
• California’s Minimum Insurance: The state’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 woefully inadequate to cover medical bills and lost wages. An experienced attorney can help you identify all possible sources of recovery, including your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
• Types of Compensation: Victims of negligence are entitled to seek compensation for a range of damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost income, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress.

Contact Reardon Injury Law Today

You do not have to face this difficult journey alone. Let us put our unique combination of medical and legal expertise to work for you. At Reardon Injury Law, we are committed to providing compassionate, client-focused representation to the residents of Los Altos Hills.

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis—there are no fees unless we recover compensation for you. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or fill out the form on our contact page to get started.