Why Exeter Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
An unexpected injury can turn your life upside down. One moment, you’re enjoying the quiet charm of Exeter, and the next, you’re facing physical pain, mounting medical bills, and the stress of being unable to work. In a close-knit community like ours in Tulare County, the disruption of a serious accident is felt by the entire family. We understand that this is more than just a legal problem; it’s a deeply personal crisis that requires compassion and dedicated support.
At Reardon Injury Law, we put your well-being first. Our approach is founded on empathy and a genuine desire to help you heal. What sets our firm apart is the unique background of our founding attorney, John Reardon. Before dedicating his career to law, John practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years. This extensive medical experience gives him an unparalleled understanding of the physical trauma and long-term consequences of personal injuries. He can interpret medical records, challenge insurance company doctors, and articulate the full extent of your suffering in a way few other attorneys can. This blend of medical insight and legal skill ensures that we build the strongest possible case to fight for the compensation you deserve.
While our firm is based in Southern California, we proudly serve clients throughout the entire state, including the residents of Exeter and Tulare County. We believe that everyone deserves exceptional legal representation, regardless of their location. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. Your recovery is our priority, and we are here to lift the legal burden from your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most: getting better.
Accident Hotspots in Exeter
While Exeter is known for its small-town atmosphere, it is not immune to the dangers of the road. According to recent statewide traffic safety data, Exeter recorded 8 fatal and injury collisions in a single year. More detailed local reports from Street Story highlight 21 crashes, 39 near-misses, and over 100 reported hazards, showing that residents are right to be concerned about safety.
The data reveals specific risk factors in our area. Officials recorded 27 DUI arrests and multiple speed-related collisions, indicating that negligent driving behaviors are a significant cause of harm. While any road can be dangerous, certain situations present a higher risk in and around Exeter:
- Rural and Agricultural Roads: The roads connecting Exeter to surrounding farmland can be hazardous. The mix of passenger vehicles with slow-moving farm equipment, commercial trucks, and limited visibility can lead to devastating truck accidents and collisions.
- Routes to Visalia and Highway 99: Commuter traffic and commercial transport on roads leading to Visalia and major arteries like Highway 99 increase the volume of vehicles and the potential for high-speed car accidents.
- Downtown and Commercial Areas: Streets with local businesses see a high concentration of vehicle, bicycle, and foot traffic. These areas can be hotspots for pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents, especially if drivers are distracted or fail to yield the right-of-way.
No matter where your accident occurred, the consequences can be severe. If you were injured due to another’s carelessness, our firm is here to help you navigate the path to recovery.
Types of Cases We Handle in Exeter
Reardon Injury Law has the experience and resources to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. Our deep understanding of both medicine and law allows us to effectively represent clients who have suffered serious harm.
We frequently assist Exeter residents with cases involving:
- Car Accidents: From rear-end collisions on Belmont Street to collisions caused by impaired drivers, we hold negligent motorists accountable.
- Truck Accidents: Given the agricultural and commercial traffic in Tulare County, accidents involving big rigs, delivery trucks, and farm vehicles are a serious concern. These cases are complex and require an attorney who understands federal and state trucking regulations.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Riders are extremely vulnerable on the road. We fight to protect the rights of motorcyclists who have been injured by inattentive drivers.
- Pedestrian Accidents: A moment of driver distraction can lead to life-altering injuries for someone on foot. We advocate for victims to ensure they receive compensation for their medical care and suffering.
- Bicycle Accidents: Whether you were riding for leisure or commuting, we help cyclists who have been struck by negligent drivers.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber or Lyft have unique insurance complexities. We know how to navigate these claims to maximize your recovery.
This is not an exhaustive list. If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of accident caused by someone else’s negligence, we encourage you to explore our full list of practice areas and contact us for a free consultation.
What to Do After an Accident in Exeter
The steps you take immediately following an accident are critical for protecting your health and your legal rights. Stay as calm as possible and follow this guide:
- Ensure Safety and Call 911: If you are able, move your vehicle out of traffic. Check on others involved. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance for anyone who is injured. Depending on your location, the Exeter Police Department or the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will respond.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to be evaluated by a medical professional. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like concussions or internal bleeding. Go to an emergency room at a facility like Kaweah Health Medical Center in Visalia or see your doctor as soon as possible. This also creates an official medical record of your injuries, which is vital for your claim.
- Document the Scene: If you are physically able, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene. Capture vehicle damage, license plates, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, and insurance policy details. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened. Do not discuss fault.
- Report the Accident: You will need a copy of the official police report. If the Exeter Police Department responded, you can request the report from them. If the CHP responded, you will obtain it from their local office.
- Do Not Speak to the Other Party’s Insurer: The other driver’s insurance adjuster may call you quickly. Their goal is to minimize the payout. Politely decline to give a recorded statement and refer them to your attorney.
- Contact an Exeter Personal Injury Lawyer: Before you agree to any settlement, speak with an experienced attorney. We can protect you from lowball offers and manage all communication with the insurance companies on your behalf.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system after an injury can be confusing. An experienced attorney can guide you, but it’s helpful to understand some key California laws 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. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault, your total compensation award would simply be reduced by 20%. The insurance company may try to assign you an unfair percentage of blame to reduce their payout; we fight to ensure liability is assigned correctly.
- Statute of Limitations: In California, you have a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, you must file your claim within two years of the date of the injury. However, a critical exception exists for claims against government entities (e.g., a city bus, a poorly maintained public road). In these cases, you must file a formal claim with the government agency within just six months. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: California law only requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 for injury to multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage. A serious injury can easily result in medical bills far exceeding these low limits. This is why it is so important to explore all avenues for compensation, including your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
- Recoverable Damages: A successful personal injury claim can provide compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face the aftermath of a serious injury alone. The legal team at Reardon Injury Law is ready to provide the compassionate support and tenacious advocacy you need to secure justice. Our unique combination of medical and legal expertise gives our clients a distinct advantage in the fight for fair compensation.
We invite you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis—there is no fee unless we win. Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or fill out the form on our contact page to get started.
