Maison Law helps people in Porterville that have been hurt in a car accident.
There’s never a good time to be in such an accident, but it’s obviously quite common if you spend any amount of time behind the wheel.
No matter where your car accident happens or what kind it is, our team will be there to help you through what comes next. Set up a free consultation today to learn more.
Porterville Car Accident Injury Claims Process
Step 1
Call Us For A Free Consultation
Call us 24/7 with No Obligations.
Step 2
Describe Your Accident Details
We will then discuss your legal options and decide whether to move your case forward.
Step 3
Retain Maison Law w/ No Upfront Fees
We work on contingency. No attorney fees unless you win your case.
Step 4
Receive Your Compensation
We will fight for you to earn the highest possible payout for your damages.
Should I Get a Lawyer?
Getting into a car accident can turn your world upside down in a matter of seconds. Beyond the obvious injuries, you might be dealing with missed work, medical bills piling up, and the stress of figuring out what to do next. Maybe it happened on Henderson Avenue on your way to work, at a busy downtown intersection, or while driving home along Highway 190. Even a quick trip to the grocery store or dropping kids off at school can go wrong if another driver isn’t paying attention.
You don’t have to get a lawyer after an accident, but having someone in your corner can make a huge difference by:
- Explaining your rights and what the path forward looks like.
- Figuring out what caused the accident and who might be responsible.
- Helping you gather your medical records, accident report, pay records, and anything else that helps your claim.
- Handling talks with the insurance company so you don’t have to.
- Filing a lawsuit, if it comes to that.
We work on a contingency basis—meaning you don’t pay anything upfront—and our consultations are always free. But even before you get to the claims process, there’s something else that can make a big difference: having the right information.
What Information Will Help My Car Accident Claim?
Even “everyday” car accidents that happen in Porterville are similar when it comes to the types of information that’s available. But at the same time, it can be hard to know where to start–especially in more serious collisions with injuries. Regardless, though, here’s what you can start gathering to help your claim:
- Medical records – Keep all documents from ER visits, doctor appointments, therapy, prescriptions, and follow-ups. This shows the real impact of your injuries.
- Photos and videos – Snap clear pictures of your car, the scene, skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries. Dashcam footage or phone videos are a bonus.
- Receipts – Save receipts for medications, rides to appointments, car repairs, or anything else related to the accident.
- Witness information – Names, phone numbers, and statements from anyone who saw what happened.
- Personal notes or journals – Track your pain, mobility issues, and how your daily life is affected. This helps show the real-life impact of the accident.
If you didn’t (or can’t) get everything at the scene, we can help track it down and fill in the gaps. The more information you can get, the stronger your claim will be. But it’s not a guarantee–because you still have to go through the claims process to get financial support.
How Does the Claims Process Work After a Car Accident?
Even a minor car accident can feel overwhelming when you’re juggling injuries, car repairs, and missed work. But the reality is that there is a legal process in place that’s designed to help you. It’s not easy, but with the right guidance and support, you can make your way through it to get “damages” that cover your losses. To do that, you can either:
- File an insurance claim – Most claims start by filing with the at-fault person’s insurance–out of court. The adjuster investigates and will make an offer—often lower than what you need. Negotiating can get it closer to a fair amount, but if not, you have another option.
- File a lawsuit – If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be the next step. It takes more time, but can result in higher financial support, either through settlement or trial.
Once your claim is filed, your “damages” are going to come into view. They’ll also be unique to your accident, the circumstances, and what you’ve lost, but generally you can get things like:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages or reduced earning potential
- Car repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one passed
California law gives you just two years from the accident to file a claim. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to file a claim at all–no matter how strong it is. But it brings up another question: who pays for my damages?
Who Pays For My Damages in a Car Accident Claim?
A typical car accident in Porterville–just like anywhere else–usually comes down to someone being careless. In legal terms, this carelessness is called “negligence” and that’s what determines who pays for your damages.
Yet, it’s rarely straightforward–and the more parties involved, the more complicated it can get. But generally, here’s a few of the more common responsible parties in a car accident:
- Another driver – This is the most common situation. Maybe someone ran a stop sign on Henderson Avenue, cut across Highway 65 without checking for traffic, or wasn’t paying attention near the Walmart parking lot. Even a simple mistake, like failing to signal or braking too late, can cause serious damage. In these cases, the other driver—and their insurance—can be responsible for your damages.
- City or state government – Sometimes, the accident isn’t just about what the driver did. Poorly maintained roads, missing or faded signs, malfunctioning traffic lights, or unsafe intersections can all play a role. For example, if a pothole on Olive Avenue caused you to swerve into another car, or a malfunctioning stoplight contributed to a crash downtown, the city or state could share responsibility.
- Businesses or property owners – Hazards on private property can also lead to accidents. Maybe a shopping center’s parking lot has uneven pavement, poorly marked lanes, or debris that causes a collision. If a hazard on someone else’s property contributed to your accident, the business or property owner could be held liable.
- Vehicle makers – Occasionally, accidents aren’t just about human error. A faulty part—like brakes, airbags, or steering components—can cause or worsen a crash. If a defective vehicle part contributed to your accident, the manufacturer could be liable.
As you can see, this legal responsibility can get complicated quickly. What’s more, multiple parties may be involved, or insurance companies may try to shift blame onto you. That’s what can make the claims process challenging–but not impossible.
What Kinds of Car Accidents Happen in Porterville?
Accidents can happen anywhere in Porterville—on Henderson Avenue during rush hour, near Porterville Mall, or out on Highway 65. Here are the most common types we see:
- Rear-end collisions – These usually happen when traffic slows unexpectedly on Henderson Avenue or Main Street. You might be sitting at a light near Porterville Mall, and the driver behind you isn’t paying attention, causing a sudden collision.
- T-bone or side-impact collisions – These often happen at intersections like Main Street and Olive Avenue when someone runs a red light or fails to yield. It’s the kind of accident that can leave your car smashed on one side and your day completely disrupted.
- Head-on collisions – These are serious accidents, often on Highway 65 or Highway 190, especially outside town on the rural stretches. A moment of inattention can lead to severe injuries that change your life in an instant.
- Single-vehicle accidents – Sometimes accidents don’t involve another car at all. On roads like Strathmore Highway or in neighborhoods like Westfield Drive, a driver might lose control, hit a tree, or skid off the road in wet conditions. Most of the time, you could get hurt as a passenger and have to file a claim that way.
- Multi-vehicle pileups – These happen when traffic is heavy on highways, near construction zones, or in early morning fog along Highway 65. One small mistake can quickly turn into a chain reaction with multiple cars involved.
- Sideswipes – These often happen when vehicles squeeze too closely together on narrow streets like J Street or in tight parking areas. A distracted driver can brush against your car without even realizing it.
- Parking lot accidents – Even small fender benders at the Porterville Mall, a grocery store, or a school can lead to injuries, headaches, and insurance disputes.
No matter what kind of accident you’re in, acting quickly matters. Collecting the right information and understanding your options can protect your rights, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
What Our Clients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Not every small fender bender needs a report, but if there’s any injury or significant damage, it’s a good idea. An official record can protect your rights.
Hit-and-run accidents are scary, but you still have options. Get as much information as you can about the car and driver, call the police, and file a report. You may be able to claim damages through your uninsured motorist coverage.
California follows “comparative negligence,” which means your payout may be reduced by your share of responsibility—but you can still recover for your portion of damages.
Speak With Our Porterville Car Accident Lawyers
Car accidents are stressful, frustrating, and often painful.
If you’ve been injured in one in Porterville—whether on Highway 65, Henderson Avenue, or a local street like Citrus Avenue—we can guide you through your options and help put together a strong claim.
From filing claims to negotiating settlements or going to court, we’re here every step of the way. Reach out for a free consultation, and let’s figure out the next steps together.
