A car accident is a frightening experience, regardless of whether you were in an accident with a large vehicle, motorcycle cyclist, pedestrian, or distracted driver. If a family member or a loved one suffers injuries in an auto accident caused by another person or party, an attorney from Fresno lawyer in a car accident might be able to obtain compensation for:
- Car damage, including the cost of renting a car when the vehicle is repaired or appraised
- In-pocket expenses, like future and past medical bills and the loss of wages
- Future and past suffering and pain suffered because of the injury
In these circumstances, you require an attorney that will fight to protect your interests. The Fresno lawyers for car accidents from Freedman Law have recovered over $1.25 billion in compensation for clients injured across all of the Central Valley. We will vigorously advocate for you to receive the maximum amount of compensation.
Fresno Car Accident Resources
To instantly access all the information at any time on this page for auto accidents access the resources, click the appropriate link in the table below.
Why Choose Freedman Law for Your Car Accident Claim
- Our lawyers have represented more than 10,000 customers throughout Fresno civil lawsuits for personal injuries as well as insurance claims. We have the knowledge and experience as well as the resources to hold the driver at fault accountable.
- We operate on a contingent fee model to provide the best value. There are no advance fees and will only be charged for our services when we can collect the settlement you requested for you.
- The law office we work for is committed to providing the best level of client service. We are the top-rated personal injury law firm within the Central Valley, and we have over 500 five-star reviews on Google.
What Are California Car Insurance Laws?
California uses a fault-based system in determining the responsibility for car accidents. If you're victimized in an accident that a different driver was responsible for, that responsible driver is liable for injuries you sustained. You may submit claims for personal injuries or insurance against the responsible driver to collect the cost of medical bills or lost wages, and other.
To fulfill this obligation, California requires all drivers to carry the following amount of insurance for their vehicles.
- $15,000 in damages or death for one accident per person
- $30,000 to cover death or injury in more than one instance in an accident
- $5,000 to cover property damages per accident
Drivers can buy more insurance coverage if they wish to. If you file an insurance claim on your vehicle it is possible to only collect damages up to the insurance limits. In certain circumstances, it is possible to begin your claim by making a lawsuit, instead of beginning with the insurance claims.
Optional insurance policies can assist you in settling your expenses in the case of an accident regardless of who is at fault. If you are injured by an uninsured, negligent driver, for example, you can file a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist policy to pay for your damages.
Deciding on what to do following an accident in the car isn't easy. In these cases, an experienced car accident lawyer will assess your situation and assist you in deciding the next actions. Talk to an attorney from Freedman Law immediately following your collision to determine the best path to the compensation you deserve.
Insurance & Medical Expenses
There are various types of insurance to potentially cover a person for injuries sustained in an automobile accident including their automobile policy, which may or may not have medical payments coverage or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
The party at fault may or may not have coverage that may or may not be sufficient to cover your losses. You can also make use of your health insurance plan to pay medical expenses, but typically, they will require you to repay them from any judgment or settlement. A Fresno lawyer in a car accident can help you sort through the various health coverage options.
Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Fresno
Car accidents can occur due to a variety of causes Many of them are caused by driver negligence. The top causes of accidents in Fresno are:
Distracted Driving
Food, cell phones or chatting with your children in the backseat or following directions could easily divert the driver's attention away from the road. Even if only for a moment being distracted could cause a serious accident.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription drugs, can drastically hinder a driver's ability to safely drive.
Drowsy Driving
Based on the National Safety Council, fatigued drivers are three times more likely to become involved in a crash.
Speeding
The faster a car goes the more time it takes to stop to prevent an accident from happening and the less likely it is for drivers in a panic to get out of control.
Aggressive Driving
Rapid changing of lanes weaving, failing to yield the right of way or failing to follow traffic signals and signs as well as. These are all reckless driving behaviors that could result in an accident.
Road Conditions
dangerous road conditions such as potholes of a large size or construction zones, severe weather, dirt or gravel roads, and so on. could be a major threat to motorists.
What Kind of Damages Can Be Claimed After a Car Accident?
A serious injury sustained in an accident in the car can be financially crippling. You can seek compensation from the at-fault party for personal and financial losses relating to the accident. The damages you can claim include, but aren't restricted to:
- Medical expenses These include previous medical bills as well as the cost of any future treatment you might require, like surgery, emergency services, hospitalizations, doctor's appointments, physical therapy, and any other medical requirements. Common injuries that result from car accidents are broken bones, fractures of the brain as well as spinal burns, and internal injuries. Some of these injuries may be caused by an accident involving a large rig and an attorney from the truck accident in Fresno can assist you in evaluating your legal alternatives.
- Lost wages Reimbursement for earnings you lost and are likely to lose when recovering. If the accident makes you unemployed or unable to earn the same amount of income that you did before the accident, you might be able to recuperate the difference due to the loss in earning potential.
- property damage It could include repairs or replacement of your vehicle if it's damaged to the point of the total. Other items that were involved in a crash could need to be replaced or repaired for mailboxes, structures as well as the personal belongings of individuals (e.g. laptops, cell phones, and more. ).
- Pain and Suffering Compensation for physical pain as well as any emotional trauma resulting from the crash.
- Punitive Damages in cases that include a pattern of egregious or malicious behavior, California courts may award punitive damages.
Even if the at-fault driver's insurance provider agrees to cover the claim for your injuries but they won't take on any damages beyond the limit set by the policyholder. If your injuries exceed the limits of insurance, you'll need to file claims with other parties liable to recover the difference or sue the driver at fault personally.
What to Do After a Car Accident
The first few moments following an auto accident can be frightening and overwhelming. But, this is vital for the future claims you may have. To safeguard yourself and ensure your rights to compensation, it is crucial to follow the steps listed below immediately following your accident.
Call 911
First, dial 911 and report the incident to the police. If the police arrive, give an account to the officer responding. Request the officer's or her name as well as badge number, so that you can look up the police report at an later time.
Be sure to present only the facts you know are accurate. Don't make assumptions or guesses regarding the cause of the accident. If you are unsure of what the correct answer is to an inquiry, reply by saying "I don't know" or "I'm not sure."
Avoid assuming that you were at fault for the accident. It is possible that you do not be aware of the full details of the accident as a result, an investigation will be required to determine the cause of the accident. Your Fresno accident lawyer of Freedman Law can conduct a full investigation into the accident, and assist in identifying the responsible party.
Car Accident FAQ
What happens if I'm not wearing an appropriate seat belt?
If it can be proved that you did not wear an appropriate seatbelt during the time of an automobile accident It is reasonable to presume that a portion of the liability for your injuries could be borne by you. In California, the courts are governed by a system of comparative negligence. This means that your compensation is reduced depending on the percentage for which you are to blame. If, for instance, you are awarded $100,000 and you are found to be responsible for 30 the amount you will receive is 70% of the compensation or $70,000. If you're found to be 100% responsible, are you unable to claim any amount?
What if my crash occurred in a construction area?
If the accident was the result of another driver, a construction firm, or a contractor, you may be entitled to an amount of compensation according to California law. This can include future damages if you suffer serious injury that you had not been able to recover from before the settlement. A Fresno attorney for a construction accident lawyer can assist you to identify your legal options following an accident in a construction area.
What is the time frame I must meet to start a lawsuit?
In California, the state of California, victims of car accidents have two years from the date of the accident to bring a lawsuit. This law is called"the statute of limitations. If you do not meet the deadline, you'll not be entitled to any money.
Do I have the right to recover compensation if my memories of the event have changed?
It is not uncommon for victims of accidents to give false information immediately after an accident. However, it is difficult to understand how your memory has changed and contradicts what you heard at the time of the incident. An attorney for car accidents can help you determine the most effective course of action and can assist you in gathering evidence to show your truth.
Do I have to make a claim?
When you are unsure of whether you should settle or file a lawsuit could quickly turn into a tangled mess. It is recommended to speak with an attorney who will assess the value of your case. If your case is worth greater than what the insurance company will offer the injury lawyer may suggest the filing of an action. Just filing a claim could cause an insurance company to offer reasonable compensation.
Do I require an attorney for personal injury in the event of a minor accident?
Even if you've been involved in a minor accident that didn't appear to cause injury, you might get a better understanding of an experienced local accident lawyer. Because Freedman Law takes personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, there's no financial risk when you meet with an attorney. Sometimes, the injuries caused by an accident in the car can require a few days or even weeks before they are noticed, and could cause costly medical bills that you did not anticipate. A lawyer can help you through the legal process and pursue fair compensation for your situation.
What is the best way to pay for the services of a Fresno car accident lawyer?
We are Freedman Law, we take cases involving car accidents and other personal injuries on a contingency fee basis. When you sign up together with any of our lawyers and you do not have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses or upfront costs. If we do not negotiate a settlement for you or prevail in your case at trial, you'll be owed nothing to us for the services we provide. Our team will win when you are successful.
What is the time frame for settling a vehicle crash claim?
There is no definitive answer as the length of time required to get a car accident claim settled will be contingent on a myriad of factors. For example, the extent of the collision as well as whether more than one party is at fault, the severity the extent of injuries you sustained, as well as the quality of evidence to support your claim.
What is the value of my car injury claim value?
Because each case is different there isn't an exact method to determine the value of a case. An attorney will provide you with a precise estimate based on the following elements:
- The extent that you have suffered from your injuries.
- The duration of recovery.
- If you'll require continuous medical attention or adaptive equipment, or have permanent handicaps.
- How can your suffering and pain affect every aspect that you're life?
- What is the amount of income you lost due to being unable to work?
- How much money you'll lose shortly due to the accident?
- The strength of evidence against the driver at fault.
- All aggravating elements. (e.g. the person at fault was drunk)
- The policy of the at-fault party is a limitation.
If the damages you incur exceed the limits of the policy that covers the at-fault party The insurance company isn't obliged to cover the excess. If you purchased uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance (UM/UIM), that is when your coverage will kick in. But, if you don't have the UM/UIM policy or your losses exceed the amount covered by your policy the attorney may help to explore different options to recover additional compensation to cover the gap.
Seek Medical Attention
In the next step, seek emergency medical attention as quickly as possible after the collision. It is possible that you do not feel hurt on the spot, however, there could be an injury to your internal organs or an underlying condition. In some instances, shock can be used to numb the pain and symptoms. They may not be apparent for several some time or even days after the incident.
When you visit an emergency room, you can diagnose and treat the injuries before they become worse. The medical records you keep will be valuable evidence in the event of a lawsuit. If you are receiving treatment, be sure to keep all the documents that pertain to your injuries.
Document All Losses!
Keep copies of medical bills and receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses.
Photograph apparent evidence of injury.
Note down the days that you were unable to work and the way your daily life was affected because of the accident.
Keep in mind that anything you speak about the accident to anyone (your physician, your friends, the police, or even the insurance company on the opposing side, etc.) could be used against you in the future in court, so it is crucial to be precise.
Once you've secured an attorney, the attorney can help you communicate with other entities, such as insurance companies.
Find assistance from a Fresno Auto Accident Lawyer
Following your incident, a representative of the insurance company that is at fault could call you. They may request an official statement to ensure that your case will be concluded sooner, or even offer a settlement from the beginning. In these instances, you should not talk to an insurance company and/or accept any settlement until you consult an attorney with Freedman Law.
Insurance companies are obligated to protect their client's best interests. In the event of a settlement that is too high, every injured person would affect their bottom line, which is why agents may give a small settlement at first in the process.
In addition, an initial statement after the accident may hurt the claim. There is a chance that you do not be aware of all the details regarding the accident at this time and the initial statement might be inaccurate. If you find out more information in the future the insurance company may make use of discrepancies in your claims against you.
Our auto and motorcycle accident lawyer in Fresno has one objective to safeguard your interests. When you engage a lawyer to represent you You will be able to have an advocate assist you throughout the process of filing claims and increase your compensation. The lawyer will manage all communication with the insurance firm on your behalf. He will examine the settlement options to ensure they meet your requirements.
When you can follow your accident, call an attorney for car accidents immediately to discuss your situation. After your meeting, your lawyer will start an investigation into your accident and begin collecting the evidence required to prove your entitlement to settlement.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you've been hurt in a Fresno vehicle accident our attorneys from Freedman Law can help. We'll do our best to get you the amount you are due. Call us at 559-447-9000 or email us online now to set up an appointment and talk about your options in the legal field with an experienced Fresno lawyer for car accidents.
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