Getting hurt in an accident is never a good thing, but it’s important to be ready for unexpected events. That’s why having insurance is crucial. It protects you if you get into a car accident or get injured while working. However, dealing with insurance companies can be tough because they focus on their own interests and might try to avoid paying you a fair settlement.
Experienced Fresno Personal Injury Lawyers
If you or someone you care about gets injured, negotiating with the insurance company is essential for a fair outcome. That’s when experienced Fresno personal injury lawyers can be a great help. Our team at Maison Law has a proven track record of helping clients get the compensation and treatment they deserve under California law.
You don’t have to face the challenges of an accident and injury alone. We are here to assist you, so you can focus on getting better and moving forward in life. Feel free to contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about your options.
Injury Claims in Fresno
While there are other California cities with a higher population, Fresno is still a popular area for many people. With numerous activities and work options, the city and its surrounding area see its fair share of accidents and injuries. Under California law, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries–if the accident was the fault of someone else, or even if you contributed some of the fault. This applies to various accidents like:
- Vehicle accidents
- Slip and falls
- Dog bites
- Workplace accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Product or premises liability accidents
To make a personal injury claim in Fresno, you need to know the rules and what steps to take. Here are some essential factors to consider:
- Statute of limitations – California has a time limit of two years from the injury date to file a personal injury claim. It’s critical to file your claim within this timeframe. Not doing so could mean you aren’t able to get compensation for your injuries.
- Comparative negligence – Even if you are partly at fault for the accident, you can still seek compensation in Fresno. However, the amount you receive may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
- Insurance coverage – California is a “fault” state when it comes to accidents. This means the insurance of the person at fault is usually responsible for compensating the injured party. Though not mandatory, you can carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage to help pay for your injuries and damages.
In general, when you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence in Fresno, you can file a claim for damages. This is typically done through an insurance claim or a lawsuit, but an insurance company will likely be involved in the process one way or another.
What’s the Difference Between an Insurance Claim and a Lawsuit in Fresno?
To understand the difference between an insurance claim and a lawsuit, it’s essential to know their basic dissimilarities. An insurance claim is usually settled “outside of court,” where you request payment from your insurance company after an accident. On the other hand, a lawsuit is an official legal action taken in a court setting to seek compensation.
Whether you decide to make an insurance claim or file a lawsuit depends on various factors, like:
- How much compensation you need for your injuries
- The specific details of your case
- Your personal preferences regarding the effort required
Once you decide to move forward with a claim, there are two main paths you can take:
- Filing an Insurance Claim – When injuries occur, involving an insurance company becomes necessary. Once you submit your injury claim for review, the insurance company will get in touch with you. They might accept the claim as it is, offer a different amount, or reject it outright. The typical insurance claim process involves the insurance provider and their representative, called an adjuster, performing the following steps:
- Conducting investigations into the insurance claim.
- Gathering essential documents, like photos, videos, and witness statements.
- Evaluating the coverage of the claimed loss under the insurance policy.
- Determining the appropriate amount for reimbursement.
- Verifying the legitimacy of claims to prevent fraud.
- Communicating with claimants’ doctors or employers for additional information in doubtful cases.
- Seeking advice from legal advisors when needed.
- Engaging in negotiations to reach settlements.
- Approving payments for authorized claims.
- Filing a Lawsuit – In some cases, reaching a mutually acceptable settlement with the insurance company may not be possible. In such situations, your next course of action might involve filing a lawsuit against the person responsible for your accident, who is usually represented by their insurance company. This entails presenting your case in a court of law, where a judge or jury will carefully consider the arguments and evidence before delivering a verdict. When filing a personal injury claim in California, your aim is to seek compensation for the significant injuries you have endured. In legal terms, this compensation is known as “damages.” Damages are intended to reimburse you for the losses you have incurred as a result of the accident or injury. Most of the time, the following damages are available in a Fresno personal injury claim:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Punitive damages, in certain cases
Obviously, the extent of your injuries and the facts that surround your accident will be the main determining factor in what you decide to do. However, in most cases, it’s very likely that you’ll file both an insurance claim and a lawsuit to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. But in order to enjoy the full range of your options, it’s very helpful to consult and work with our team of experienced Fresno personal injury lawyers.
Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer in Fresno to Help Negotiate With Insurance Companies?
If you’ve been in an accident or suffered an injury, and it feels like too much to handle, remember that you don’t have to face it alone. In Fresno, there’s no requirement that you must be represented by a personal injury lawyer, but having an experienced team on your side can significantly impact the outcome of your claim.
We believe in providing a personalized approach that caters to your specific needs. With our knowledge and strategy, we can build a strong case to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve. By letting us handle negotiations with the insurance company, we can help you in the following ways:
- Our lawyers have a lot of experience in dealing with insurance companies. We know the tricks insurance adjusters commonly use, which help us negotiate effectively and improve your chances of getting a fair settlement.
- Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible for claims. Our lawyers understand personal injury laws and can figure out how much your claim is really worth. We consider all the ways the accident has affected you and gather strong evidence to support your case. With this approach, we work to get you the most compensation you deserve.
- Insurance companies have their own team to protect their interests. But with our personal injury lawyers on your side, your rights and interests are protected too. Our lawyers stand up for you, handle any unfair tactics from the insurance company, and work hard to get you a fair and just settlement.
- Dealing with insurance negotiations can be really stressful, especially when you’re already trying to recover from an injury. Our lawyers take care of all the talking, paperwork, and legal responsibilities for you. This takes away the stress and lets you focus on getting better.
Focus On Your Recovery With Experienced Fresno Personal Injury Lawyers
If you get injured in an accident in Fresno, having reliable legal help and guidance is crucial. At Maison Law, we understand how important it is to protect your health and legal rights. You don’t have to face an insurance company alone. Our Fresno personal injury lawyers bring experience, expertise, and dedication to protect your interests. We work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case and can make sure you receive the compensation you deserve all while you focus on your recovery.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
