Maison Law can guide you through the claims process after a car accident in Porterville. Car accidents can leave you with more than just car damage. You might be dealing with medical bills, missed time from work, and the stress of figuring out what’s next. And while your health and safety always come first, one of the first big questions people ask is: do I even need a lawyer for this?”
The answer depends on your situation, but we can make the process easier—not harder—and to step in when the system isn’t working for you. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
No matter what kind of car accident you’re in or how hurt you are, you’re not required to get a lawyer at all. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need one, especially if you’re looking at the following:
- Your injuries are more than minor – If you’re just a little shaken up and your car only has a scratch, you may not need legal help. But if you ended up in the ER, needed follow-up treatment, or are still dealing with pain weeks later, the costs can add up quickly. Our lawyers help connect those expenses to your claim and make sure they don’t get brushed aside.
- The other driver won’t take responsibility – Accidents on Henderson Avenue or Highway 190 often involve finger-pointing. If the other driver insists it wasn’t their fault, or the police report isn’t crystal clear, your side of the story could get lost. Having legal backup makes sure your version is documented and defended.
- Insurance is making things harder – Insurance companies aren’t in a rush to pay out fair settlements. If you’re getting lowball offers, endless delays, or pushy adjusters pressuring you to “just settle,” that’s a sign you need someone in your corner.
- There’s a lot of vehicles involved – Busy stretches like Main Street or Olive Avenue see plenty of multi-car accidents. When delivery vans, trucks, or more than one passenger vehicle is involved, claims get complicated fast. Sorting out liability is something our team has a lot of experience with.
- The accident was fatal – If you lost a loved one in a Porterville accident, a wrongful death claim may be an option. These cases are deeply emotional and legally complex—having our lawyers can help shoulder some of that burden.
Getting a lawyer can really help you if you decide to file a claim after a car accident, but it’s not the only thing you need to do.
What Else Do I Need to Do After a Car Accident in Porterville?
Most people aren’t thinking about insurance or legal claims right away. You’re worried about injuries, damage, and your family. That’s normal. Still, the steps you take right after a crash are important for your safety and your financial recovery. Here’s what to do if it happens to you:
- Call 911 – Get to a safe spot and call 911. Let EMTs check you—even if you “feel fine.” Injuries like whiplash or concussions don’t always show up right away. Medical records also help protect your claim later.
- Ask for a police report – Officers from Porterville PD or CHP should file an official report about the accident. This report is key evidence for your insurance claim and makes it harder for the other driver to deny fault.
- Gather your own evidence – You don’t have to rely solely on the police to document the accident. Use your phone to take pictures of:
- Vehicle damage
- Skid marks or debris
- Road conditions (lighting, wet pavement, etc.)
- Traffic signs or signals
- Visible injuries
Also, collect names and contact info from witnesses. Their statements can make or break a claim.
- Keep track of your records and receipts – Save everything related to the accident:
- Hospital bills (Sierra View Medical Center, follow-up visits, prescriptions)
- Car repair estimates
- Proof of lost wages
- Even mileage to medical appointments
Without documentation, insurance companies may argue your losses are smaller than they really are.
- Be careful with statements – Don’t admit fault—or even apologize—at the scene. Simple words like “I’m sorry” can be used against you. Stick to the facts when talking to police, the other driver, or insurers. Avoid posting about the accident on social media. Insurance adjusters may use it against you.
These steps aren’t just about paperwork. They protect you in the days and months ahead when bills pile up and recovery takes longer than expected. Porterville accidents can bring major costs—medical care, lost work, and stress for your family. Taking the right steps helps ensure you’re not left paying for someone else’s mistake.
Maison Law Helps You Move Forward After a Porterville Car Accident
You don’t always need a lawyer. If your injuries are minor and insurance is fair, you may be fine handling things yourself. But if you’re seriously hurt, the other driver denies fault, or the insurance company drags its feet, things get complicated fast. That’s where our Porterville car accident lawyers at Maison Law come in. We can:
- Investigate the accident by looking at police reports, photos, traffic footage, and more.
- Collect evidence like medical records, repair bills, lost wage proof, expert opinions.
- Interview witnesses and experts to prove liability and damages.
- Handle the insurance company so you don’t deal with lowball offers or pressure tactics.
- Negotiate or go to court so you can get a fair result for what you’ve been through.
No one plans to end up in a car accident, but it happens every day here in Porterville—downtown, on Henderson, Plano, or out on the county roads. Knowing what steps to take, and when to reach out for help, can protect both your health and your future. At Maison Law, we’re here to take the legal stress off your shoulders so you can focus on getting better. Reach out today for a free consultation.
