Driving in Fresno is often a delightful experience. The region’s abundant greenery offers a stunning view, making it a beautiful backdrop for driving, and there are plenty of chances to savor the serenity of the Central Valley.
However, there are certain aspects of sharing the road with others that can lead to accidents. While this usually involves others driving too fast, sometimes when others drive too slow, it’s just as dangerous. If you have experienced a car accident injury, you understand the pain and difficulty of recovery.
Fresno Personal Injury Lawyers Are On Your Side
No matter what the cause of your accident is, Maison Law aims to help you in focusing on your recovery. With our wealth of experience, we ensure that responsible individuals are held accountable and strive to secure fair compensation for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward resolving your case.
Is Driving Too Slow Against the Law in Fresno?
Dealing with car accidents can be incredibly frustrating because they happen often and can result from various causes. When driving, you must make numerous split-second decisions that affect not only yourself but also your passengers and other drivers on the road. Likewise, other drivers are also making these decisions. That said, most of the time, car accidents occur when one driver violates the law. Usually, this is associated with speeding or reckless driving.
However, under California law, driving too slowly is also against the law. Legally, this is known as “impeding traffic.” In general, driving too slowly can cause accidents because:
- It disrupts traffic flow, leading to sudden lane changes or braking by other drivers, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions or accidents.
- Other drivers may underestimate the slow driver’s speed, causing dangerous attempts to overtake, resulting in collisions.
- Frustration from slow driving can lead to tailgating, which may escalate into rear-end collisions if the slow driver brakes suddenly.
- Slow-moving vehicles are harder to spot, especially in bad weather or low visibility, increasing the chances of collisions if others don’t see them in time.
- Slow merging onto highways can cause congestion and accidents as other drivers struggle to adjust to the slower speed.
- Driving significantly below the speed limit might indicate impairment or distraction, leading to slower reaction times and difficulty handling unexpected situations.
It’s very important for all drivers to drive at a speed that’s safe and appropriate for the traffic around them. Sometimes, you might have to go slower than usual because of bad weather or other reasons. In such situations, turning on your hazard lights can help let other drivers know that you’re going at a reduced speed.
Are You Responsible If You Hit a Motorist That’s Going Too Slowly in Fresno?
Generally speaking, every car accident in Fresno has an underlying cause. The key, though, revolves around negligence. In terms of the law, negligence means that:
- Every driver has a duty to drive in a way that prevents accidents.
Sometimes, both drivers can share fault in an accident. If both drivers were careless or not cautious enough, their level of fault will be assessed to determine who should be held responsible and to what extent they should pay for damages. This is known as “comparative negligence.”
In cases where you are in an accident where you hit someone who was driving too slowly, you’ll likely carry some of the blame. Under California’s comparative negligence system, it just means any settlement amount you can get in your claim is reduced by the same percentage of fault you had in the accident.
Should You Hire a Lawyer?
Each car accident is distinct, and liability hinges on the particular facts and evidence presented. If you find yourself in a situation where the other driver was driving too slowly, seeking guidance from our team of experienced Fresno personal injury lawyers is definitely in your best interest. We can assist you in the following ways:
- Our lawyers are highly skilled in gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, obtaining medical records, and managing all the necessary paperwork to build a strong case for you. We know how to present this evidence in a compelling manner to increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.
- Dealing with insurance companies can be tough as they often try to minimize payouts. However, our team has extensive experience in negotiating with insurance adjusters and will fight for your rights. We will skillfully negotiate for a settlement that covers all your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- If we can’t reach a fair settlement through negotiation, our personal injury lawyers are ready to take your case to trial. We will represent your interests in court, presenting your case to a judge and jury, and fighting for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Above all, dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be physically, emotionally, and mentally draining. By hiring our team, you can concentrate on your recovery while we handle all the legal aspects of your case. We’ll manage the paperwork, legal deadlines, and communication with the other party, easing the burden on you.
What is Recoverable in a Fresno Car Accident Claim?
No matter what caused your car accident, if there are injuries, you can file a claim for damages. In Fresno and throughout California, a car accident is considered a “personal injury” case. Here are the potential benefits and support you can seek in such a claim:
- Medical expenses – You can receive compensation for medical treatment costs, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost income – If the injury has caused you to miss work or affected your ability to earn money, you can be compensated for the wages or income you’ve lost. This may also include compensation for any future earning potential that has been impacted.
- Property damage – If your belongings were damaged or destroyed in the accident, you can receive money to repair or replace them.
- Pain and suffering – You can receive compensation for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the injury. This is meant to cover the non-financial impact the accident has had on your quality of life.
- Emotional distress – Along with pain and suffering, you may be entitled to compensation for psychological or emotional trauma resulting from the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Loss of enjoyment of life – If the injury has affected your ability to participate in activities or hobbies you used to enjoy, you can be compensated for the loss of pleasure in life.
- Loss of consortium – You can also recover damages relating to the strained relationship with your spouse or family members, leading to a loss of love, support, or companionship that resulted from the accident.
Keep in mind that the extent of damages you can claim depends on the particular circumstances surrounding your accident and injuries. In situations where one driver was deemed to be driving too slowly, it might be possible to argue that you shared partial fault, potentially impacting your overall recovery. That’s why it’s crucial to act quickly so our team can review your case’s details and guide you on the next steps. Regardless, we’ll make sure you’re treated fairly and receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Get Fair Treatment From Experienced Fresno Personal Injury Lawyers
At Maison Law, your health and well-being are our top priority. We are dedicated to making sure you’re treated fairly and get full compensation after a Fresno car accident. Regardless of the cause of your accident, our team of skilled personal injury lawyers will stand by your side and work tirelessly for the rightful compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait if you’ve been in a car accident. Contact us today to set up your free consultation.
