Why Davis Residents Trust Reardon Injury Law
The moments after an accident are filled with shock, pain, and uncertainty. Whether you were rear-ended during your commute on I-80, struck by a car while cycling near campus, or injured in a fall downtown, your life can be turned upside down in an instant. You are not just dealing with physical injuries; you are facing mounting medical bills, lost time from work, and the emotional stress of a recovery you never asked for. At Reardon Injury Law, we understand that your focus should be on healing, not fighting with insurance companies.
Our firm was founded on the principle of providing compassionate and knowledgeable legal guidance to those who need it most. John Reardon, our founding attorney, brings a unique and powerful perspective to every case. Before becoming a lawyer, he practiced as a chiropractor for 20 years. This extensive medical background gives him an unparalleled understanding of the physical trauma and long-term consequences of personal injuries. He can anticipate the tactics insurance adjusters use to downplay injuries and can build a case that accurately reflects the full extent of your suffering and future medical needs.
We are proud to serve the Davis community and all of California. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your rights and legal options. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you will never pay us a fee unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This commitment ensures that everyone has access to justice, regardless of their financial situation.
Accident Hotspots in Davis
While Davis is known for its vibrant, bike-friendly atmosphere, it is not immune to the dangers of traffic congestion and driver negligence. Certain areas within the city and surrounding Yolo County are known for a higher frequency of collisions.
The downtown corridor along 5th Street is a significant area of concern, carrying over 10,000 vehicles daily. The intersection of 5th Street and J Street has been identified as having the highest crash volume in the city, with a high number of right-angle collisions caused by cross-traffic conflicts. The city has even piloted safety measures here due to the persistent danger. Other intersections along this busy street, including 5th Street at E Street, F Street, and G Street, have also been flagged for safety issues related to heavy traffic and distracted driving. These areas are particularly dangerous for pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents.
Major transportation routes also present significant risks. Interstate 80 (I-80), the primary artery connecting Davis to Sacramento and the Bay Area, is a common site for high-speed car accidents and devastating truck accidents. Similarly, California State Route 113 (CA-113), which cuts through the city, handles heavy commute and agricultural traffic, increasing the potential for serious collisions.
Types of Cases We Handle in Davis
The unique character of Davis—a bustling university town with a mix of urban and rural traffic—gives rise to a wide variety of personal injury incidents. Our firm is equipped to handle them all. We provide dedicated legal representation for victims of:
- Car Accidents: From fender-benders on Russell Boulevard to multi-car pile-ups on I-80.
- Bicycle Accidents: Especially common in a city celebrated for its bike culture, these cases require a deep understanding of a cyclist’s rights and vulnerabilities.
- Pedestrian Accidents: We protect the rights of those injured while walking in downtown Davis, near campus, or in residential neighborhoods.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists face unique dangers on highways like CA-113 and are often victims of other drivers’ inattention.
- Truck Accidents: Collisions involving large commercial trucks can cause catastrophic injuries, and these cases often involve complex federal regulations and corporate liability.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving Uber or Lyft have complicated insurance rules that require experienced legal navigation.
If you have been injured in any type of accident caused by someone else’s negligence, please explore our practice areas to learn more or contact us directly to discuss your case.
What to Do After an Accident in Davis
The steps you take immediately following an accident are critical for both your health and your potential legal claim.
- Prioritize Safety: If you are able, move your vehicle to a safe location off the road. Check on yourself and others involved for injuries.
- Call 911: Report the accident immediately. The Davis Police Department typically responds to incidents within city limits, while the California Highway Patrol (CHP) handles collisions on I-80, CA-113, and other state highways.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it is crucial to get a medical evaluation. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Go to an emergency room or an urgent care clinic. For local care, Sutter Davis Hospital is available. For severe or life-threatening trauma, you may be transported to the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, a leading Level I trauma center.
- Document the Scene: If you are able, take photos 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, license plate number, and insurance details. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid saying things like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you.” Stick to the facts when speaking with police and other drivers.
- Contact an Attorney: Before you speak with an insurance adjuster or sign any documents, consult with a personal injury lawyer. The insurance company’s goal is to minimize their payout, not to protect your best interests.
If your case proceeds to a lawsuit, it will likely be filed at the Yolo County Superior Court - Main Courthouse located in nearby Woodland.
Understanding Your Rights Under California Law
Navigating the legal system after an injury can be overwhelming. As a California law firm, we want to ensure you understand the key laws that will affect your case.
- 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 the total damages awarded.
- Statute of Limitations: There are strict deadlines for filing a personal injury lawsuit. For most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). However, the deadline is much shorter if your claim is against a government entity (e.g., a city bus, a poorly maintained road, a public school). Under the Government Claims Act, you must file a formal notice of claim within six months of the injury. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation.
- California’s Minimum Insurance: The state’s minimum liability insurance requirements are just $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. In any serious accident, these amounts are quickly exhausted. This is why it is so important to have an attorney who can investigate all possible sources of recovery, including your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.
- Recoverable Compensation: Victims of negligence are entitled to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. This can include medical bills (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Contact Reardon Injury Law Today
You do not have to face this difficult time alone. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery. The team at Reardon Injury Law is here to provide the experienced, medically-informed, and compassionate representation you deserve.
Call us today at (657) 522-7122 or visit our contact page to schedule your free, confidential consultation. We are ready to listen to your story and help you take the first step toward justice.
