A car accident can be a life-altering event. Whether you’ve been involved in a minor fender-bender or a serious collision involving a truck, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian, or even a distracted driver, the aftermath can be overwhelming. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence in Fresno, a skilled accident lawyer can be your strongest advocate. An experienced Fresno accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for:
- Vehicle damage, including repair costs or the vehicle’s value, and expenses for a rental car during repairs.
- Out-of-pocket costs such as past and future medical bills and lost income.
- Pain and suffering, both past and future, resulting from your injuries.
In these challenging times, you need a dedicated advocate who will fight tirelessly for your rights and best interests. At Freedman Law, our Fresno accident lawyers have a proven track record of success, having recovered over $1.25 billion for injured clients throughout the Central Valley. We are committed to aggressively championing your right to maximum compensation.
Essential Resources for Fresno Car Accident Victims
For quick access to specific information on this page, please use the links below:
Why Choose Freedman Law?
Understanding California Car Insurance Laws
Navigating Insurance and Medical Expenses
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Fresno
Damages You Can Claim After a Car Crash
Immediate Steps After a Car Accident
Frequently Asked Car Accident Questions
How a Fresno Accident Attorney Can Help
Why Choose Freedman Law for Your Fresno Accident Claim?
Choosing the right legal representation after a car accident is crucial. Freedman Law stands out as a leading choice for accident victims in Fresno and the Central Valley due to our:
- Proven Success: We have a history of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients, totaling over $1.25 billion. This demonstrates our capability and commitment to achieving favorable outcomes.
- Local Expertise: Our attorneys are deeply familiar with Fresno and California traffic laws, insurance practices, and court procedures. This local knowledge is invaluable in navigating your claim effectively.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We are known for our tenacious representation of our clients’ rights. We will not back down from insurance companies and will fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize clear communication, personalized attention, and compassionate support for every client. We understand the stress and disruption a car accident causes and strive to make the legal process as smooth as possible.
- Contingency Fee Basis: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs or hourly fees. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. This eliminates financial risk for you and aligns our interests with yours.
Understanding California Car Insurance Laws
California operates under a fault-based car insurance system. This means that the driver who is determined to be at fault for an accident is responsible for covering the damages of the other involved parties. If you are involved in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you have the right to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver for your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This can be done through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party.
California law mandates minimum car insurance coverage for all drivers:
- $15,000 for bodily injury or death to one person per accident.
- $30,000 for bodily injury or death to more than one person per accident.
- $5,000 for property damage per accident.
While these are the minimum requirements, drivers can opt for higher coverage limits. It’s important to understand that when filing a claim against an at-fault driver, the maximum compensation you can recover from their insurance is limited to their policy limits. In cases where damages are substantial or policy limits are insufficient, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to recover full and fair compensation.
Furthermore, California drivers can purchase optional insurance coverages to protect themselves, regardless of fault. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is particularly important. If you are hit by an uninsured driver or a driver with insufficient insurance to cover your damages, your UM/UIM coverage can step in to protect you.
Navigating California’s car insurance laws and determining the best course of action after an accident can be complex. Consulting with a Fresno accident lawyer at Freedman Law is essential to understand your rights, assess your options, and strategize the most effective path to securing the compensation you are entitled to.
Navigating Insurance and Medical Expenses After a Fresno Car Accident
Dealing with insurance and medical bills after a car accident can be confusing. Several insurance policies might be relevant to covering your injuries and losses:
- Your Own Car Insurance Policy: This may include Medical Payments (Med-Pay) coverage, which can help pay for your initial medical expenses regardless of fault. It may also include Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, as discussed earlier.
- The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Policy: If another driver caused the accident, their liability insurance should cover your damages, up to their policy limits. However, the at-fault party may be uninsured or underinsured, or their insurance company may dispute the claim or offer an unfairly low settlement.
- Your Health Insurance: You can use your health insurance to cover medical expenses related to the accident. However, most health insurance plans have subrogation clauses, meaning they may have a right to be reimbursed from any settlement or judgment you receive from the at-fault party.
A Fresno accident lawyer can play a crucial role in managing these complexities. We can:
- Identify all potential insurance coverage: We will thoroughly investigate all applicable insurance policies to maximize your potential recovery.
- Handle communication with insurance companies: We will deal with insurance adjusters on your behalf, protecting you from tactics designed to minimize your claim.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: We will aggressively negotiate for a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your losses.
- Navigate health insurance subrogation claims: We can negotiate with your health insurer to reduce or eliminate any reimbursement claims against your settlement.
Fresno Car Accident Attorneys
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Fresno
Car accidents in Fresno can result from a wide range of factors, many of which involve driver negligence or error. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Distracted Driving: In today’s hyper-connected world, distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents. Activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or even daydreaming can divert a driver’s attention from the road, even for a few critical seconds.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications, severely impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making it extremely dangerous and illegal.
- Drowsy Driving: Fatigue and sleep deprivation can have similar effects to alcohol impairment. Drowsy drivers are significantly more likely to cause accidents due to decreased alertness and slower reaction times.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions significantly increases the risk of accidents. Speed reduces a driver’s ability to react and increases the severity of collisions.
- Aggressive Driving: Behaviors like tailgating, speeding, weaving in and out of lanes, running red lights, and failing to yield contribute to a hostile driving environment and frequently lead to accidents.
- Traffic Violations: Disobeying traffic laws, such as running stop signs or red lights, making illegal turns, or improper lane changes, are direct causes of many collisions.
- Poor Road Conditions: Hazardous road conditions, such as potholes, uneven pavement, construction zones, inadequate signage, or debris in the road, can contribute to accidents, especially if drivers are not adequately warned or prepared.
- Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, dust storms, and other adverse weather conditions can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, increasing the risk of accidents.
Understanding the causes of car accidents underscores the importance of responsible driving and highlights the potential for negligence to play a role in collisions. If you have been involved in an accident, determining the cause is crucial for establishing liability and pursuing a claim for damages. A Fresno accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the factors contributing to your accident.
What Kind of Damages Can Be Claimed After a Fresno Car Accident?
The financial consequences of a serious car accident injury can be substantial. Fortunately, California law allows you to seek compensation for both your economic and non-economic losses from the at-fault party. Damages you may be able to claim include:
- Medical Expenses: This encompasses all past and future medical costs related to your injuries, such as emergency room treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment, and ongoing care. Common car accident injuries include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, neck and back injuries, soft tissue damage, and internal injuries.
- Lost Wages: You are entitled to recover lost income from time missed from work due to your injuries, both in the past and future. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning capacity, you can also seek compensation for diminished earning capacity.
- Property Damage: This includes the cost to repair or replace your damaged vehicle, as well as any other personal property damaged in the accident, such as cell phones, laptops, or other belongings.
- Pain and Suffering: This category of damages compensates you for the physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and psychological trauma you have experienced and will continue to experience as a result of the accident and your injuries.
- Emotional Distress: Car accidents can cause significant emotional trauma. Compensation for emotional distress can cover anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological conditions resulting from the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries have diminished your ability to participate in hobbies, activities, and aspects of life you previously enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases where the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly egregious, malicious, or intentional (e.g., drunk driving with a prior DUI conviction), punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Even if the at-fault driver’s insurance company agrees to pay your claim, their offer may not fully cover the extent of your damages. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. If your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits, or if the insurance company is undervaluing your claim, a Fresno accident lawyer can help you explore all avenues for recovering the full compensation you deserve, including pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Fresno
The minutes and hours following a car accident are critical. Taking the right steps can protect your health, safety, and legal rights. Here’s what to do:
1. Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries
- Stop and Stay at the Scene: Never leave the scene of an accident. Check on yourself and your passengers for injuries.
- Move to a Safe Location: If possible and safe, move your vehicle to the shoulder or side of the road, away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights.
2. Call 911 and Report the Accident
- Call Emergency Services: Call 911 immediately, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage.
- Provide Information to the Police: When the police arrive, answer their questions truthfully and factually. Stick to the known facts and avoid speculation or admitting fault. Obtain the officer’s name and badge number and ask how to get a copy of the police report.
3. Exchange Information with the Other Driver(s)
- Collect Driver Information: Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, insurance information (company name, policy number), and license plate numbers with all other drivers involved.
- Vehicle Information: Note the make, model, and year of all vehicles involved.
4. Gather Evidence at the Scene
- Take Photos and Videos: If it is safe to do so, take pictures and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Witness Information: If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information. Their statements can be valuable evidence.
5. Avoid Admitting Fault
- Don’t Apologize or Admit Fault: Even if you think you might have contributed to the accident, avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault. The full circumstances of the accident may not be immediately clear.
- Be Cautious with Statements: Be careful about what you say to the other driver, witnesses, and even the police. Stick to the facts.
6. Seek Medical Attention Promptly
- Get Medical Evaluation: Even if you feel fine at the scene, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent.
- Follow Doctor’s Instructions: Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep records of all medical appointments and treatments.
7. Contact a Fresno Accident Lawyer
- Protect Your Rights: Contact a Fresno accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. An attorney can advise you on your rights, investigate the accident, deal with insurance companies, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Taking these steps immediately after a car accident is essential for protecting your health and your legal claim. A Fresno accident lawyer at Freedman Law can guide you through the process and ensure your rights are fully protected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fresno Car Accidents
What if I wasn’t wearing a seat belt?
California’s comparative negligence law means your compensation can be reduced if you weren’t wearing a seat belt. If it’s proven that your injuries were worsened because you weren’t belted, your award could be lowered proportionally to your fault. However, you can still recover damages if you were partially at fault, as long as you weren’t 100% responsible for the accident.
What if the accident happened in a construction zone?
Liability in construction zone accidents can be complex. You may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver, the construction company, or a contractor if their negligence caused the crash. A Fresno construction site accident attorney can help determine all liable parties and your legal options.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
California’s statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits is generally two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline means you lose your right to sue for damages. It’s crucial to consult with a Fresno accident lawyer promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the time limit.
Can I still recover compensation if my memory of the accident changes?
It’s normal for accident victims’ recollections to evolve. However, significant discrepancies between initial statements and later accounts can be challenged. A car accident attorney can help you clarify any inconsistencies and gather evidence to support your claim.
Do I need to file a lawsuit to get a fair settlement?
Not always, but sometimes it’s necessary. If insurance settlement offers are too low, filing a lawsuit can pressure the insurer to negotiate more fairly. A Fresno accident lawyer can assess your case and advise you on whether litigation is needed to achieve a just outcome.
Do I need an attorney for a minor accident?
Even in seemingly minor accidents, injuries can surface later, and long-term medical costs can arise. Consulting a Fresno accident lawyer is advisable, even for minor accidents. A lawyer can protect your rights and ensure you receive appropriate compensation for all your losses.
How do I afford a Fresno accident lawyer?
Freedman Law and many personal injury firms work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs. Attorney fees are a percentage of your settlement or court award, so you only pay if we win your case.
How long does it take to settle a car accident claim?
Settlement timelines vary greatly depending on the accident’s complexity, the severity of injuries, the strength of evidence, and the insurance companies involved. Some cases settle quickly, while others may take months or even years.
How much is my car accident claim worth?
Case value depends on numerous factors, including injury severity, medical expenses (past and future), lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and the at-fault party’s policy limits. A Fresno accident lawyer can thoroughly evaluate your case to estimate its potential worth and fight for maximum compensation.
What if my damages exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance limits?
If your damages surpass the at-fault driver’s policy limits, your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply if you have it. If not, or if your UM/UIM coverage is also insufficient, your attorney can explore other avenues for recovery, such as suing the at-fault driver personally or identifying other liable parties.
How a Fresno Accident Attorney Can Help You
After a car accident, dealing with insurance companies can be stressful and confusing. Insurance adjusters often contact accident victims quickly, sometimes offering settlements that are far less than what victims deserve. Never speak to an insurance representative or accept a settlement offer without first consulting with a Fresno accident lawyer.
Insurance companies prioritize their own financial interests, not yours. Their goal is to minimize payouts. An early statement you provide to an insurance adjuster can be used against you later, and initial settlement offers are often deliberately low.
A Fresno accident attorney at Freedman Law acts as your advocate and protector. We will:
- Investigate your accident thoroughly: We will gather evidence, police reports, witness statements, and medical records to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Handle all communication with insurance companies: We will shield you from aggressive insurance tactics and ensure all communications are handled strategically.
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement: We will fight to maximize your compensation, taking into account all your damages.
- Prepare your case for trial if necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we are ready to take your case to court to protect your rights.
- Provide compassionate support and guidance: We understand the challenges you face after an accident and are committed to providing personalized support throughout the legal process.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Fresno, don’t navigate the legal complexities alone. Contact Freedman Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Fresno accident lawyer. We are here to help you understand your rights and pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve. Call us at 559-447-9000 or reach out to us online to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards recovery and justice.
