Maison Law represents anyone that’s been injured in an accident in Dinuba. Of all the different types of accidents you could be in, the most common is a car accident. Our team understands what you’re going through and can help you recover. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to talk about your options.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Ideally, your car accident is minor, meaning you likely won’t need legal help. However, many of these accidents are serious, resulting in significant injuries and damage to you and your family. In these situations, you should seriously think about working with our team. With our experience and resources, we can help you in the following ways:
- We collect and look over evidence, like medical records and accident reports.
- We talk with the other party’s insurance company to get you a fair deal.
- If necessary, we file a lawsuit against the responsible party and represent you in court.
- If we can’t reach a settlement, we will take your case to trial.
With extensive experience in handling car accident claims, our team is here to support drivers, passengers, and pedestrians in Dinuba. Our top priority is to make things easier for you. We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there’s no upfront cost for our services.
Who’s Responsible When There’s a Car Accident?
Car accidents happen virtually every day in Dinuba, and while they’re frustrating, they’re not all potential legal actions. What makes a car accident a potential legal case is when there’s “negligence.” In a car accident, this means:
- The other driver or party had a duty to drive safely and avoid putting others at risk.
- They failed to meet this duty.
- Their failure directly caused the accident.
- Because of the accident, you suffered injuries and other losses.
By understanding these points, you can identify who is responsible for your injuries and damages. Remember, fault can be shared among different parties, including yourself. Depending on what actually happened, any or multiple of the following can be responsible for a car accident:
- Other drivers involved in the accident
- Owner of the car
- Car manufacturers if a defect or part failure causes the crash
- The city or state government if poor road conditions or maintenance issues are a factor
- Employers if the driver was working or using a company car
- Auto shops if faulty repairs cause the accident
A car accident is essentially a personal injury claim, which helps us determine who is legally responsible for covering your damages. While these differ from case to case, it’s very important to understand what you can gain in a car accident claim.
What’s the Claims Process After a Car Accident?
Having legal options after a car accident doesn’t mean the path forward is simple. Every accident is unique, so the steps you take to secure financial support will differ from others. However, understanding the general process can help you know what to expect and what you might be able to claim.
You basically have two options: filing an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.
Insurance claim
After an accident, either your insurance company or the other party’s insurer gets involved. You’ll submit a claim, and an adjuster will evaluate it through their investigation. Settling out of court is usually faster and less expensive, but negotiations with insurers can lead to delays or low settlement offers.
Personal injury lawsuit
If the insurance settlement is insufficient (which is common), you can file a lawsuit and go to court. This process takes more time and effort but may result in higher compensation. While you’ll be more involved in the legal proceedings, our team will manage most of the work.
Though court success isn’t guaranteed, it’s an important option for securing financial support under California law. Remember, there’s a two-year deadline for filing a claim in California; missing this deadline means you cannot recover damages.
Damages in a Car Accident Claim
The goal of the legal process after a car accident is to obtain the financial support you’re entitled to by law. Known as “damages,” these are based on your injuries and losses. When you file a claim, you might recover financial support for:
- Medical bills
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Lost wages or potential future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Decreased enjoyment of life or loss of companionship
- Funeral expenses if the accident resulted in a fatality
Outside of other factors, these damages are going to be available to you if you decide you want to file a claim after a car accident. That said, it’s not automatic that you’ll recover these damages. You have to actually present your case for damages, and that means doing what you can to strengthen your claim.
What Actions Do You Need to Take After a Car Accident?
After a car accident in Dinuba, it’s fair to say that you’ll probably be in shock and not sure about what to do next. It’s tough in these situations, but taking certain actions can not only help with your safety, but can also strengthen your claim. These actions are helpful for any car accident situation. Here’s what you should do:
- Assess your injuries and call 911 – Your health is always the top priority, so the first thing you should do is check yourself and others in the car for injuries. If anyone is injured or you’re unsure, call for emergency help immediately. When the ambulance arrives, let the EMTs check you out.
- Get to safety – If possible, move the cars out of traffic to avoid further accidents.
- Report the accident to the police – Call the Dinuba Police Department (DPD), the California Highway Patrol (CHP), or the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, especially if there are injuries or significant damage.
- Exchange important information – Share names, phone numbers, and insurance details with the other driver(s) involved.
- Document the accident scene – Photograph the cars, any damage, and important signs or signals nearby.
- Get further medical care – Even if you feel fine, get a medical checkup. Some injuries aren’t immediately apparent. This will also give you a medical record that ties your injuries to the car accident.
- Tell your car insurance company about the accident – Tell your car insurance company about the accident and start their claims process. This should take care of any immediate needs.
- Preserve documentation and evidence – Save documents related to the accident, such as medical bills or repair estimates. Also, don’t repair or replace anything that was damaged until we can document it.
Again, the aftermath of a car accident is a scary time. It’s understandable why you would want to take these actions, but unfortunately, it’s not always possible–especially if you’re more seriously hurt. It’s here that our team can help you. We’ll make sure you have what you need for a strong claim.
What Are Some Different Types of Car Accidents in Dinuba?
Car accidents in Dinuba can happen unexpectedly, often when you least expect it. Whether you’re driving along Alta Avenue or down Avenue 416 to the Ridge Creek Dinuba Golf Center, you could encounter various types of car accidents. Some of the most common types include:
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone or side-impact collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Single-vehicle accidents where you’re a passenger
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Sideswipes
- Parking lot accidents
- Rental car accidents
There’s no denying that a car accident is challenging. Often, you’re not the only one impacted. So, while you have legal options, it’s important to act quickly to take advantage of them. And the best way to do that is to work with our experienced car accident lawyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim if I’m a passenger?
Yes. You have the same rights in a car accident as a passenger as you would if you were the driver. This raises its own questions in terms of liability, but our experienced car accident lawyers can help you.
What if the other driver flees the scene?
If you’re in a hit-and-run accident, you still have options. Make sure to take down all the information you can remember about the other car, then call the police and tell them that they fled the scene. They’ll attempt to locate the driver. You can still file an injury claim, but you’ll have to go through your auto policy’s uninsured motorist coverage (UIM).
How much is your claim worth?
It depends on how seriously you’re hurt, along with other damage to your vehicle. Plus, your claim is going to depend on how liable the other parties are, and can even include how liable you are.
Contact Maison Law After a Dinuba Car Accident
A car accident in Dinuba can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Maison Law, our Dinuba car accident lawyers will be there to support you through the claims process, making sure you have a strong claim and you have what you need to make a recovery. If you or a loved one have been hurt in a car accident, contact us today for a free consultation.
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