Why Mountain View Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
An unexpected injury can turn your world upside down. One moment you might be commuting on the Central Expressway or enjoying a bike ride through your neighborhood, and the next you are facing pain, medical bills, and uncertainty. In a vibrant community like Mountain View, an accident can feel especially disruptive, sidelining you from your career in Silicon Valley and the active lifestyle you love. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial stress you are experiencing, and our first priority is to provide the compassionate support you need.
Reardon Injury Law was founded on the principle of providing clients with more than just legal representation; we provide a deep, clinical understanding of their injuries. Led by attorney John Reardon, who practiced as a chiropractor for two decades before earning his law degree, our firm brings a unique medical perspective to every case. This background allows us to grasp the true severity of your injuries, anticipate future medical needs, and effectively communicate the full impact of your accident to insurance companies and juries. We know the difference between a minor sprain and a long-term spinal injury because we have treated them.
For residents of Mountain View and across California, this dual expertise means we build stronger, more comprehensive claims. We meticulously analyze medical records and accident reports to establish a clear link between the negligence of another and the harm you have suffered. We are dedicated to ensuring you receive the maximum compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your recovery.
Accident Hotspots in Mountain View
While Mountain View is a forward-thinking city with a focus on active transportation, certain areas pose a significant risk to drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Based on local traffic data, residents should be especially cautious in these locations:
- Rengstorff Avenue and Central Expressway/Crisanto Avenue: This complex intersection has a documented history of being dangerous, particularly for vulnerable road users. High vehicle speeds contribute to a significant number of collisions, with numerous injuries to bicyclists and pedestrians reported here.
- Pedestrian Danger Zones: The city’s walkable downtown and central corridors unfortunately see a high number of incidents. Escuela Avenue between El Camino Real and California Street and Castro Street between El Camino Real and Evelyn Avenue have been identified as segments with a high concentration of pedestrian injuries. Tragically, California Street between Franklin Street and Escuela Avenue has seen multiple pedestrian fatalities.
- El Camino Real Corridor: As a major artery connecting communities, El Camino Real is a constant site of traffic. Intersections like those at El Monte Avenue and Sylvan Avenue/The Americana are known collision points.
- City-Wide Risks: Driving under the influence (DUI) remains the leading cause of collisions in Mountain View, with incidents often peaking on weekends. The city also ranks high in California for bicycle accidents, with injuries dispersed throughout its network of streets and bike lanes.
If you were injured in one of these areas or anywhere else in Santa Clara County, you are not just a statistic. You are a person whose life has been impacted by someone else’s carelessness.
Types of Cases We Handle in Mountain View
At Reardon Injury Law, our unique medical-legal approach is invaluable across a wide range of personal injury claims. We are equipped to handle complex cases and are committed to fighting for the rights of the injured.
Our primary practice areas include:
- Car accidents: From rear-end collisions on El Camino Real to multi-vehicle pile-ups, we handle all types of auto accidents.
- Pedestrian accidents: Given the city’s known risks, we are strong advocates for pedestrians who have been struck by negligent drivers.
- Bicycle accidents: We understand the severe injuries cyclists can suffer and fight to hold inattentive motorists accountable.
- Motorcycle accidents: Motorcyclists are uniquely exposed to catastrophic harm, and we have the experience to manage these complex claims.
- Truck accidents: Collisions involving commercial trucks often result in devastating injuries and require an attorney who can stand up to large trucking and insurance companies.
- Rideshare accidents: Accidents involving Uber and Lyft have unique insurance complexities that we are prepared to navigate on your behalf.
No matter the nature of your accident, our team is ready to help. To learn more about our comprehensive legal services, please see our full list of practice areas.
What to Do After an Accident in Mountain View
The moments after an accident are chaotic and stressful. 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. If you are a pedestrian or cyclist, move to a sidewalk or safe location away from the road.
- Call 911: Report the accident to the police and request paramedics. The Mountain View Police Department will likely respond to the scene and create an official traffic collision report, which is a critical piece of evidence.
- Seek Medical Evaluation: Even if you feel fine, accept medical attention at the scene and visit a doctor or a Santa Clara County area hospital for a full evaluation. Some serious injuries, like internal bleeding or soft tissue damage, may not have immediate symptoms.
- Document Everything: Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and your visible injuries. If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information.
- Exchange Information: Obtain the other party’s name, driver’s license number, insurance information, and license plate number. Provide your own information, but do not discuss fault.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid saying things like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you.” These statements can be used against you later by an insurance company.
- Contact an Attorney: Before you speak to an insurance adjuster, contact a personal injury lawyer. An attorney can handle all communications with the insurance company and ensure you do not unknowingly jeopardize your claim.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system after an injury can be daunting. An experienced attorney can guide you through California’s specific laws to ensure your rights are protected.
- 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 total award will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 10% at fault, you can still collect 90% of the damages.
- Statute of Limitations: Time is critical. In California, you have a two-year statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). However, the deadline is much shorter for claims against a government body. If your injury was caused by a public entity—like a poorly maintained road owned by the City of Mountain View or a collision with a county vehicle—you must file a formal claim within just six months under the Government Claims Act. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering 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 any serious accident, these low amounts are often exhausted quickly. A skilled attorney can investigate all possible sources of recovery, including underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage and potential third-party liability.
- Available Compensation: A successful personal injury claim can provide compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, including medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face the aftermath of a serious injury alone. At Reardon Injury Law, we combine legal skill with medical insight to fight for the justice and compensation you need to rebuild your life. We handle cases for clients throughout California and are ready to put our experience to work for you.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or fill out our online form to get in touch through our contact page.
