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ToggleIf you’ve been in a car accident, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. You may wonder how you’ll pay your medical bills or repair your damaged vehicle. And, if someone else’s negligence caused the accident, you may consider taking legal action. Getting a good car accident lawyer in Fresno can help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve.
Fresno is one of the busiest cities in California, with a population of over half a million people. That means many cars are on the road, and unfortunately, that also means many Fresno car accidents. In fact, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety, Fresno County ranked second in the state for the number of fatal vehicle collisions in 2016.
Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Fresno California
Most car accidents are caused by human error. That means one could have prevented them if one of the drivers had made a different decision. Common causes of car accidents in Fresno include:
Distracted driving
Distractions like talking on the phone, texting, eating, or fiddling with the radio can take a driver’s attention away from the road. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Fresno and across the country. Since it only takes a second for an accident to happen, staying focused is essential when you’re behind the wheel.
Speeding
Speed limits are in place for a reason- to keep drivers and pedestrians safe. But many drivers ignore the posted limit and go as fast as they want. Speeding is one of the most common causes of accidents because it gives drivers less time to react and can make accidents more severe.
DUI
One of the biggest causes of car accidents in Fresno is DUI. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal for a reason. Substances like alcohol and marijuana can impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination. That’s why it’s crucial to never get behind the wheel when you’ve been drinking. Drunk drivers who cause DUI accidents can be held liable for the damages they cause.
Reckless driving
Drivers who engage in risky behaviors like tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or running red lights risk themselves and others. Reckless driving is often to blame for serious accidents, including those that result in injuries or death. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of accidents caused by street racing.
Aggressive driving
Like reckless driving, aggressive driving includes a range of dangerous behaviors. But it also involves an element of intent- the driver is trying to intimidate or scare the other drivers on the road. Road rage is aggressive driving that can lead to severe accidents.
Some more causes of a motor vehicle accident are:
- Faulty car parts
- Poorly maintained roads
- Weather conditions
Accidents can have a severe impact on your life. If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and a long recovery. And, if your car was damaged or totaled, you may be dealing with repair bills or the cost of a new vehicle. If someone else’s negligence caused your auto accident, you might be able to get compensation for these damages by filing a personal injury claim.
Types of car accidents in Fresno
As we mentioned, there are many different types of car accidents. Some of the most common include:
Head-on collisions
These car accidents often occur on highways when one driver crosses the centerline and strikes another head-on. Head-on collisions can be devastating, resulting in severe injuries or even death.
Rear-end collisions
Rear-end collisions are some of the most common car accidents. They often happen in stop-and-go traffic or when one driver follows another too closely. Rear-end motor vehicle crashes can cause whiplash, neck injuries, brain injury, soft tissue injury, and back pain.
Sideswipe car accidents
Sideswipe car accidents occur when the side of one car hits the side of another. They often happen when one driver is changing lanes without checking first or when a driver drifts into another lane. Sideswipe accidents can damage your car’s doors, windows, and mirrors.
Rollover accidents
A rollover auto accident happens when a car flips onto its side or roof. They often occur when a driver loses control of the car but can also be caused by a collision with another vehicle. Rollover accidents are some of the most dangerous, as they can crush the car’s occupants.
T-bone collisions
Another name for a T-bone accident is a right-angle collision. These accidents happen when the front of one car hits the side of another. They often occur at intersections when one driver runs a red light or fails to yield the right way. T-bone collisions can cause severe injuries, especially to the car’s occupants that were hit on the side.
Multi-car accidents
Accidents involving three or more cars are not as common as other accidents, but they can be just as dangerous. Multi-car accidents often happen in heavy traffic or when one car rear-ends another, causing a chain reaction.
You may wonder what to do next if you’ve been injured in a car accident. The first step is to seek medical attention for your injuries. Once you’re sure you and your passengers are safe, you can start thinking about what to do next.
Common injuries in auto accidents
As anyone in a car accident can tell you, they can be very painful. And depending on the severity of the collision, they can also result in serious injuries. Common injuries that occur in car accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Concussion
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
These injuries can have a significant impact on your life. They may require extensive medical treatment and could leave you unable to work or take care of your family. If you’ve been injured in an accident, getting maximum compensation, you need to cover your hospital bills, and other expenses are essential.
What to do After a Car Accident
A car accident victim often makes critical mistakes in the aftermath of a collision that can jeopardize their injury claim. Knowing what to do (and what not to do) after an accident is essential to protect your rights and give yourself the best chance at getting compensation. According to the California Department of Insurance, one should stop after one gets in an accident and move to a secure location if possible.
Do:
- Call the police
- Get medical attention
- Exchange insurance information
- Take pictures of the accident scene
- Speak to witnesses
- Get a copy of the police report
- Hire an experienced personal injury law firm
Don't:
- Admit fault
- Leave the accident scene
- Fail to get medical attention
- Give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company
- Destroy evidence
An experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, don’t wait to get help. Contact a law firm today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Fresno car accident lawyers. They’ll review your case and advise you of your legal options. Call today to get started on your claim.
Damages to Seek After a Car Accident
After a car accident, you may be wondering what kind of compensation you’re entitled to. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to recover damages for your:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Your ability to recover these damages will depend on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your property damage, and other factors. An experienced Fresno car accident lawyer can help you determine what damages you’re entitled to and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose a Lawyer after an Accident?
Car accident victims often wonder if they need a Fresno car accident attorney. The answer is that it depends on the circumstances of your case. If you’ve been seriously injured or have a dispute over who was at fault for the accident, you’ll likely need an attorney to help you navigate the legal process.
An experienced Fresno car accident lawyer will:
Conduct a thorough investigation of your case.
A personal injury case is usually settled out of court. But, having an experienced Fresno car accident attorney on your side will be essential if your case goes to trial.
An experienced Fresno car accident lawyer will know how to conduct a thorough investigation of your case and will gather the evidence you’ll need to prove your claim. This may include interviewing witnesses, reviewing medical records, and more.
Handle the insurance company
After an accident, you’ll likely be dealing with the other driver’s insurance company. And, if you’re like most people, you’ll have no idea how to deal with them. That’s where an experienced lawyer comes in.
Your lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance company and fight to get you the fair compensation you deserve. And, if the insurance company offers you a low settlement, your lawyer will be prepared to take them to court.
Get you the compensation you deserve.
The goal of any personal injury claim is to get the victim the compensation they deserve. In many cases, this means more than just paying your medical bills. It may also include compensation for your lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.
An experienced Fresno car accident lawyer will know how to value your claim and will fight to get you the total amount of compensation you’re entitled to.
Prepare your case for trial, if necessary.
Another reason to hire a Fresno car accident attorney after an accident is to have someone on your side who’s prepared to take your case to trial, if necessary. Most personal injury cases are settled out of court.
But, if the insurance company refuses to offer you a fair settlement, your lawyer will be prepared to take them to court. The goal of any personal injury claim is to get the victim the compensation they deserve. In many cases, this means more than just paying your bills. It may also include compensation for your lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t try to handle your claim alone. Contact a law firm today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Fresno car accident lawyers.
Who is Liable in a Fresno Car Accident?
In a car accident, one or more parties may be held liable for the damages suffered by the victim. Liability typically depends on who was at fault for the accident. The following are some common examples of who may be held liable in a car accident:
- The other driver: If the other driver were at fault for the accident, they would be liable for your damages.
- The car manufacturer: In some cases, the car manufacturer may be held liable if a defective part caused the accident.
- The government: The government may be liable if a dangerous road causes a car accident. Also, if one gets into an accident with a Government vehicle, the government may be held liable.
- The victim: In some cases, the victim may be held partially or fully responsible for the accident. This is most common in hit-and-run accidents or accidents where the victim was speeding.
An experienced Fresno car accident lawyer can help you determine who is liable for your damages and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
How to find the best lawyer for you
Finding the right lawyer for your case is essential to getting your compensation. There are hundreds of car accident attorneys in Fresno, so how do you know which one to choose? Here are a few factors to consider when finding the best lawyer for your case:
Experience
Any lawyer will tell you that experience is essential. But when it comes to an auto accident case, it’s essential to choose a lawyer with experience handling them. Why? Because a car accident case can be complex, an experienced lawyer will know how to navigate the legal process and build a strong case on your behalf.
Ask the lawyer how many car accident cases they’ve handled and the outcomes of those cases. You should also ask if they have any experience with cases like yours. For example, if you were hit by a commercial truck, you’ll want to choose a lawyer with experience handling these cases.
Reviews and Testimonials
When considering hiring a lawyer, it’s always a good idea to read reviews and check out testimonials from past clients. This will give you an idea of what other people have thought about the lawyer’s services.
You can find reviews and testimonials on the lawyer’s website and third-party websites like Google and Avvo.
Fees
You should also consider the fees charged by the Fresno car accident lawyer. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. Contingency fees are typically a percentage of the total settlement amount, so you won’t have to pay anything upfront.
When considering hiring a Fresno car accident attorney, ask about their fees and how they structure their contingency fees. This will help you understand what you can expect to pay if the lawyer wins your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in an accident, contact a law office today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Fresno car accident lawyer. During your consultation, the lawyer will review your case and answer any questions. This is an excellent opportunity to get to know the auto accident lawyer and see if they’re a good fit for your case.
Communication and Promptness
Another factor to consider when choosing a Fresno car accident attorney is their communication style. You should choose a car accident lawyer who is responsive to your calls and emails and keeps you updated on the status of your case.
You can get an idea of a car accident lawyer’s communication style by asking them how they will keep you updated on the status of your case. You should also ask if they have any questions for you. If the car accident lawyer is responsive to your questions and concerns, that’s a good sign that they will be responsive to you throughout the legal process.
Personality
When choosing Fresno car accident lawyers, the most crucial factor is whether or not you feel comfortable with them. Choosing a car accident lawyer who you can trust and feel comfortable communicating with is essential.
You can understand a lawyer’s personality by meeting with them in person. During your consultation, please pay attention to how the car accident lawyer treats you and whether or not you feel comfortable talking to them. Hiring them is probably not a good idea if you don’t feel comfortable with the Fresno car accident attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the popular car accident faq about Fresno car accident lawyers:
How much does a car accident claim cost?
The cost of a car accident claim will depend on the lawyer you choose and the severity of your injuries. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. Contingency fees are typically a percentage of the total settlement amount, so you won’t have to pay anything upfront.
What if my accident occurred in a construction zone?
The lawyer you choose should have experience handling construction zone accident cases. Construction zones are complex legal environments, and you’ll need a lawyer who knows how to navigate these types of cases.
What happens if I don't wear a seat belt?
This is a ubiquitous question we receive. The answer will depend on your accident’s circumstances and the injuries’ severity. If you’re not wearing a seat belt, the other driver may be found at fault for your accident. However, if you have serious injuries, you may still be able to recover compensation from the other driver.
Do I need to file a lawsuit?
No, you don’t need to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries. In most cases, your lawyer can negotiate a settlement with the other driver’s insurance company. However, Fresno car accident lawyers may file a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.
Some of the compensation you can recover include:
- Economic damages: These types of damages include any financial losses you’ve suffered due to your accident. This includes hospital bills, lost earnings, and property damage.
- Non-economic damages: They are more challenging to quantify. They can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive damages are intended to punish the other driver for their negligence. They’re typically only awarded in cases of gross negligence.
Contact an experienced Fresno car accident lawyer to discuss your case if you’ve been injured in a car accident. Schedule a free consultation today to get started on your claim.
Can I recover compensation if my memories of the event change?
The answer to this question will depend on your specific circumstances. It’s important to note that memories can change over time, and it’s not uncommon for accident victims to have different memories of the event than they did initially. If your memories change significantly, it may not be easy to recover compensation.
How long does it take to settle a car accident claim?
Most car accident claims are settled within a few months. The personal injury claims process can take longer to settle if the other driver’s insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement.
Conclusion
You must hire a Fresno car accident lawyer if you’ve been involved in a car accident. The lawyer you choose will play a crucial role in the outcome of your case, so it’s essential to choose carefully. Consider the abovementioned factors when choosing a lawyer, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Choosing the right lawyer can mean winning and losing your case.
To learn more about other types of motor vehicle accidents, click here.