No two car accidents are the same, from the type to the injuries that can result. Still, car accidents in Fresno can be very serious, often resulting in injuries. In 2022, there were:
- 1,689 car accidents in Fresno which resulted in injuries, according to data from the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Record System (SWIRTS).
Unfortunately, it’s practically impossible to completely avoid getting injured in a car accident. However, it’s important to know that if you do get injured in such an incident, you still have specific legal rights and options available to you. This includes the compensation you’re entitled to.
Work With Experienced Fresno Personal Injury Lawyers
If you have suffered a car accident injury, you understand how painful and challenging the recovery process can be. At Maison Law, we want to help you focus on getting better. Our team of Fresno personal injury lawyers has extensive experience dealing with insurance companies and helping our clients receive the compensation they need. To get started, contact us today for a free consultation.
What Kinds of Car Accidents Are There in Fresno?
Like many other areas of California, Fresno sees its fair share of car accidents. Whether in the city proper or wider Fresno County, there are a large number of people out on the road, each trying to navigate sometimes-complex roadways. What this means is that there are various types of car accidents that are prevalent due to specific conditions. Some of the most common kinds of car accidents in Fresno include:
- Rear-end accidents – These happen when one vehicle hits the rear of another, often due to following too closely, distracted driving, or sudden stops.
- T-bone accidents – Also known as side-impact accidents, these occur when one vehicle hits the side of another, often caused by running red lights, failing to yield, or making illegal turns.
- Head-on accidents – These accidents involve two vehicles colliding front-end to front-end, often due to impairment, wrong-way driving, or attempting dangerous passes.
- Single-vehicle accidents – These happen when a vehicle collides with a stationary object like a tree or pole, often caused by speeding, distraction, or driving under the influence.
- Multi-vehicle accidents – Involving multiple vehicles, these accidents can be triggered by factors like bad weather, poor visibility, or reckless driving.
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents – Car accidents involving cyclists or pedestrians can be particularly dangerous, often resulting from drivers failing to yield or being distracted.
Injuries
No matter the type of car accident you find yourself in, injuries are highly likely to happen. Furthermore, accidents are unpredictable, and how your body reacts to various forces and accident types can lead to one or multiple injuries. These can include:
- Whiplash
- Head, neck, and shoulder injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Lacerations
- Fractures and broken bones
- Bruises
- Facial injuries
- Burn injuries
- Muscle strains
- Ligament damage
- Injuries to limbs
- Loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Internal bleeding
- Back strains
- Emotional damage
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Fresno’s weather patterns, crowded areas, and challenging traffic patterns all contribute to the frequency of these accidents. However, car accidents–even common ones–have a certain path forward. That’s why it’s crucial to know what steps to take if you find yourself in one of these situations.
How Does an Insurance Company Approach Car Accidents in Fresno?
The time it takes to get better from your injuries depends on how bad they are. Some injuries can heal quite quickly, but more serious ones like Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) or internal injuries may take months or even years to heal. The worse your injury is, the more money you’ll need for recovery. It’s important to know how the insurance process works so you can get the most money possible for your claim.
In Fresno, car insurance companies try to pay as little money as they can for claims, even though they should compensate for damages from car accidents. Their main goal is to give you as little money as possible. One way they do this is by using a tactic called “delay, deny, and defend.”
Here’s how it works:
- Delay – Insurance companies try to delay payment of your claims for as long as possible. They may use administrative holdups, incorrect claim forms, or continuously request additional documentation from you. Sometimes, they offer a low initial settlement offer, knowing you will refuse it, which prolongs the process.
- Deny – If their delay tactics fail, the next step is to deny your claims. Car accident policies can be complex, and agents may try to confuse you about the technicalities and facts of the accident. They might also accuse you of not seeking timely medical attention or not reporting the accident promptly to deny liability. By doing this, they aim to pressure you into accepting a lower settlement offer.
- Defend – As a final step, insurance companies may use their vast resources to defend against a lawsuit. Litigation can be time-consuming and expensive, making it a gamble for anyone pursuing a lawsuit, regardless of the strength of their case.
Being aware of these tactics can help you navigate the claims process and protect your rights to fair compensation after a car accident in Fresno. However, like any claim, it’s important to understand how having a lawyer on your side can help.
How Are Damages Calculated in a Fresno Car Accident?
If you’re in a car accident in Fresno, chances are you’ve been injured, and those injuries lead to damages, which means the losses you’ve experienced. The amount of compensation you may receive depends on the extent of your injuries and how the accident affected you emotionally and financially. To calculate your damages in a car accident claim in Fresno, the following factors are considered:
- Medical expenses encompass the financial outlays associated with your medical treatment, spanning from initial care to ongoing support.
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy involve the costs linked to your recovery process through therapeutic interventions and rehabilitation programs.
- Pain and suffering compensation accounts for the physical and emotional distress endured as a result of the accident.
- Loss of quality of life compensation may be provided if the accident significantly diminishes your overall well-being and life satisfaction.
- Costs related to disfigurement or permanent injury compensation are granted in case the accident results in permanent changes to your appearance or abilities.
- Lost wages refer to the income you were unable to earn due to the accident.
- Loss of future income compensation may be awarded if the accident negatively impacts your ability to work and earn money in the future.
- Loss of companionship addresses the emotional and personal effects of a significant relationship being impacted or lost due to the accident.
Again, since every car accident claim is different, so these damages may not apply to your particular situation. With that said, filing a claim is the only way that you can recover compensation. To that end, it’s important to have experienced representation on your side to make sure you get what you’re owed–and to make sure the other side doesn’t devalue your claim.
Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer if You Want More Money in Fresno?
Simply put, working with our experienced personal injury lawyers can increase your chances of obtaining more money in a claim in Fresno. Our team has experience in handling different types of cases, and we know how to negotiate with insurance companies and lawyers.
Here’s why our Fresno personal injury lawyers can be beneficial in a car accident claim:
- Legal experience – Our lawyers understand California’s personal injury laws, know the legal process and can build a strong case for you.
- Evaluating damages – We can assess the full extent of your losses to ensure you seek fair compensation.
- Negotiation skills – Our lawyers can effectively negotiate with insurance companies to maximize the value of your claim.
- Lawsuit representation – If needed, we will represent you in court and work to secure the best outcome for you.
Though hiring a personal injury lawyer is not mandatory, our expertise can be invaluable in pursuing a higher settlement. We will guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Fresno Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You
If you were injured in a Fresno car accident, your main goal is to get fair compensation. Whether you want to deal with the insurance company directly or go for a lawsuit, good negotiation skills are crucial. At Maison Law, our team of Fresno personal injury lawyers is here to support you with our expertise and guide you through the process. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation tailored to your needs.
