Maison Law can help you through the claims process after a car accident in Clovis. Any car accident brings some type of injury–whether it’s physical, mental, or financial. That’s why you have car insurance, but injuries also go a long way in putting a dollar amount on a potential claim. Our team can make sure you have what you need and feel supported. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
What Should I Expect to Get For My Car Accident Injuries?
Every car accident is different–even ones that happen for similar reasons and result in similar injuries. You might not necessarily heal the same way as someone else in your position, but the fact of the matter is that your injuries–and other losses–are going to shape your claim. With that, here’s how you can expect them to shape things:
- The seriousness of your injuries – If you ended up in the hospital, needed surgery, or are looking at long-term recovery, your claim will likely be worth more. Medical records, test results, and treatment notes help connect your injuries directly to the crash and show the true cost of your care.
- How your day-to-day life has changed – If you’re no longer able to work, help around the house, or enjoy the routines and hobbies you used to, that matters. These disruptions—whether temporary or permanent—can increase the value of your claim.
- Your emotional recovery – Car accidents don’t just cause physical injuries. It’s not uncommon to experience anxiety, depression, or insomnia after what happened. If your mental health has taken a hit, that can and should be factored into your claim.
- How your income has been affected – If you’ve missed paychecks or can’t return to the same type of work, that loss of income can be included in your case. Future losses may also be covered, depending on your situation.
- Whether you were partially at fault – California uses a system called “comparative negligence.” That means if you were partly responsible for the crash, your settlement could be reduced by your percentage of fault. The stronger your evidence, the easier it is to protect your side of the story.
- If the accident is fatal – If you lost a family member, you may have the right to bring a wrongful death claim. These cases can help cover funeral costs, the income your loved one would’ve earned, and the emotional impact on your family.
You obviously don’t want to be in a car accident–let alone one that leaves you or someone you care about injured. But this is exactly what can happen when you spend so much time behind the wheel. And don’t forget—you only have two years from the date of the crash to take legal action in California. Miss that window, and even a strong claim could be thrown out. Time really does matter here.
How Do You Actually Get Financial Support After a Car Accident?
Whether you were rear-ended on Clovis Avenue or hit in a busy parking lot at Sierra Vista Mall, you actually get financial support by filing an injury claim. Usually, this means filing:
- An insurance claim out of court – This is the route most people take. We build the case, collect the evidence, and negotiate directly with the other driver’s insurance company. If they make a fair offer, your case can be resolved without going to court.
- A personal injury lawsuit – If the insurance company won’t cover what you’ve lost, filing a lawsuit might be the next step. This can take longer, but in some cases, it’s the only way to recover what you’re truly owed.
In either approach, the goal is the same: to get you financial support for everything you’ve lost because of the accident. That might include:
- Medical treatment and future care
- Lost income and future earnings
- Car repairs or replacement costs
- Physical pain and ongoing discomfort
- Emotional distress and mental health struggles
- Loss of enjoyment in everyday life
- Funeral costs in fatal accidents
But nothing about this process is automatic. It’s all about getting the right information so your claim can have a solid foundation.
What Information Do You Need to Build a Strong Car Accident Claim?
A strong claim doesn’t start with a lawsuit—it starts with what happens at the scene. The steps you take right after the crash can make a big difference in how your case plays out later. Here’s what helps most:
- Official reports – Even if you think you’re okay, let emergency responders check you out. That police report and medical documentation will be important if you decide to file a claim.
- Pictures and videos – Use your phone to take pictures of the damage, where the cars ended up, the street signs, and anything else that shows what happened. Photos fade, but a quick snapshot at the scene can tell the full story later.
- Contact and insurance information – Be sure to exchange names, insurance details, and contact information with the other driver. If anyone nearby saw the crash, ask for their number too—they could help back up your version of events.
- Medical records – Some injuries don’t show up right away. Going to urgent care or seeing your primary doctor helps create a clear medical trail that links your injuries to the accident.
- Statements – Whether you’re talking to the police or the other driver’s insurance company, stick to the facts. Don’t admit fault or guess what might’ve happened. It’s okay to say you’re not sure—just don’t say anything that could be used against you later.
We know it’s not always possible to gather everything, especially if you were badly hurt or overwhelmed in the moment. That’s where we come in at Maison Law. We’ll help track down what’s missing and build a case that reflects what you’ve been through. Reach out today for a free consultation.
