Maison Law can guide you through the claims process when you’re hurt in a car accident in Clovis. You never want to be in a car accident, but when you are, your legal options are built around what you can recover in a claim. In legal terms, these “damages” are based on what you’ve lost, but a key question is simple: what makes up my damages? We can answer this question and any others you might have. Reach out today for a free consultation.
What Can You Be Compensated For After a Car Accident in Clovis?
Every car accident is different—but one thing that stays the same is how the legal process works when it comes to getting compensated. In legal terms, these are called “damages,” and they’re based on what you’ve lost. Whether you’re filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit, here’s what that can include:
- Medical expenses – From your ambulance ride to rehab appointments, your claim can include all of your care-related costs. That includes the ER, follow-up visits, surgery, physical therapy, and any future treatment you may need.
- Lost income – If you had to miss work—or you’re unable to return to your regular job because of your injuries—your claim can cover those lost wages and future earning potential.
- Vehicle damage – If your car was damaged or totaled, those costs are also included. That can also mean towing fees and the cost of a rental while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced.
- Pain and suffering – The physical pain you’ve experienced may not show up on a bill, but it’s a major part of your recovery. California law allows you to recover damages for the pain that’s disrupted your day-to-day life.
- Emotional stress – Anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, or other emotional effects that stem from the accident can also be part of your claim. These are just as valid as your physical injuries.
- Reduced quality of life – If your injuries keep you from doing what you love—whether that’s hiking around Clovis or just enjoying time with family—your claim can reflect those personal losses.
- Wrongful death – If a loved one lost their life in the accident, your family may be able to recover funeral expenses, any medical costs they had beforehand, lost income, and the emotional toll that loss has caused.
Remember, your damages are going to be specific to your accident. There’s other factors too, like who’s at-fault and what actually happened. So, while you have a right to these damages when you file your claim, it’s more about what you can show–and how strong your information is.
What Information Helps a Car Accident Claim?
In the aftermath of a car accident, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is filing an injury claim. But in the face of injuries and all the other things you’re going to have to deal with, the information you need is going to go a long way in helping your claim. Here’s what you need to try to get:
- Official reports from police and emergency services – Calling 911 after the accident isn’t just about getting help—it also creates an official report. This report includes where and when the accident happened, who was involved, and what officers saw or heard. Insurance companies usually start with this report to establish what happened.
- Medical records – Go to the hospital or see your doctor, even if you don’t feel badly hurt at first. Some injuries don’t show up right away. Medical records help prove that your pain, treatment, or recovery is directly tied to the accident.
- Documentation of the scene – Use your phone to take pictures of your car, the other vehicle, damage, street signs, road conditions, and anything else that seems important. If you can, get a wide shot of the whole scene. This kind of proof can fade quickly once the vehicles are moved.
- Contact and insurance information – Get names, phone numbers, and insurance details from the other driver. If there were witnesses nearby, try to get their names and contact info too. A neutral third-party witness can help back up your side of the story.
- Your own notes – As soon as things calm down, write down everything you remember—how the accident happened, what you saw, what the weather or traffic was like, and how you felt afterward. These personal details can be really helpful later on when your memory starts to fade.
- Other statements – You might get a call from the other driver’s insurance company asking for a statement. Be careful—what you say can be used to weaken your claim. It’s okay to tell them you’re not ready to talk and that you’ll have your lawyer follow up.
Don’t worry if you weren’t able to gather all this. If your injuries kept you from taking photos or talking to witnesses, we can help.
Let Maison Law Help You After a Car Accident in Clovis
A car accident can turn your whole day—or your whole life—upside down. One moment you’re running errands near Herndon Avenue or heading home on Highway 168, and the next you’re dealing with injuries, missed paychecks, and a car you can’t drive. It’s overwhelming. That’s where our Clovis car accident lawyers at Maison Law can help you by:
- Explaining your rights and options
- Gathering the important evidence and information you’ll need
- Putting together your damages for an accurate picture of what your claim is worth
- Negotiating and pushing back against insurance companies
- Filing a lawsuit, if necessary
Things don’t need to be harder for you after a car accident, and working with our team can make it much easier. To get started, set up a free consultation today.
