Injuries in Porterville Car Accidents

Maison Law can help you if you’ve been injured in a car accident in Porterville. They happen all over Porterville–on West Olive, out by Plano Street, or even in quieter neighborhoods. And when they do, they can change everything in an instant. If you’ve been hurt in a collision, our team is here to help guide you through what comes next. We make it easier to understand your options, starting with a free consultation.

Should You Get a Lawyer?

Not every car accident calls for legal help, but the more serious your injuries, the more likely it is you’ll need support. The truth is, insurance companies aren’t always on your side–and trying to handle a claim alone can be overwhelming. Having our team on your side can make things much simpler. We help by:

• Breaking down your legal options in plain English.
• Collecting records and evidence to back up your case.
• Dealing with the insurance company so you don’t have to.
• Taking your case to court if that’s what it takes.
  
  

We’ve helped people all across Porterville after serious car accidents, and we work on a contingency basis–so you don’t pay anything upfront.

What Injuries Can Happen to Me in a Car Accident?

Every accident is different. A minor fender-bender near downtown might leave you sore for a few days. But a head-on collision on Highway 190 can be life-changing. No matter what the circumstances are, you could be facing a huge range of injuries like:

• Whiplash – This happens when your neck is suddenly thrown forward and back, often from the force of a rear-end collision. It can be mild, or it can lead to serious, lasting pain and stiffness.
  
  

• Broken bones – This happens when the impact of a collision is strong enough to fracture bones–commonly in the arms, legs, ribs, or even the skull. Some breaks heal easily; others may need surgery and physical therapy.
  
  

• Torn ligaments – This happens when the force of the accident overstretches or tears the tough bands of tissue that connect your joints–like an ACL tear in the knee. Recovery can take months and may require surgery.
  
  

• Head, neck, and shoulder Injuries – These happen when your body is jolted or struck during a collision, making it hard to move or function normally. Some are minor; others can cause long-term pain or disability.
  
  

• Cuts and lacerations – This happens when glass, metal, or debris breaks the skin. Even small cuts can get infected or need stitches if they’re deep or located in sensitive areas.
  
  

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – This happens when a blow or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. Some TBIs are mild, like a short-term concussion; others can affect memory, mood, and movement for months or longer.
  
  

• Burns – This happens when a collision causes exposure to heat, flames, chemicals, or electricity. Burns can be incredibly painful and sometimes lead to permanent scarring or complications.
  
  

After a serious collision, you’re not just dealing with medical bills–you’re juggling missed work, physical pain, and the mental toll of it all. But it’s also about taking the right steps in the aftermath.

What Do I Need to Do After I’m Hurt in a Car Accident?

Any accident–whether it’s a minor fender bender near Henderson Avenue or something more serious on Highway 190–can leave you rattled. It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed at the moment. But there are a few key steps that can help protect both your health and your potential injury claim:

• Check for injuries and call 911 – This happens right away. Your health is the priority. Check yourself and others for injuries, and if there’s any doubt, call 911. Paramedics will make sure everyone’s safe, and they’ll document your condition too. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to avoid further danger.

 

• Report the accident to police – You’ll need an official report, especially if anyone’s hurt or there’s major damage. In Porterville, that usually means calling the Porterville Police Department or CHP.

 

• Exchange details – Swap names, phone numbers, driver’s license info, and insurance details with the other driver. Don’t rely on memory–write it down or take photos.

 

• Document the scene – Use your phone to take photos of damage, the location, road conditions, and anything else that might help later. If there are traffic signs, signals, or skid marks, get those too.

 

• Watch what you say – When speaking to police or insurance reps, stick to the facts. Don’t apologize or admit fault–even casually. Just report what happened as clearly and calmly as you can.

 

• Hang on to important paperwork – Save medical bills, repair quotes, and anything related to the accident. And don’t fix or throw away damaged items until they’ve been properly documented.

 

If you were seriously injured and couldn’t do some of this at the scene, don’t stress. Our team can help you track down the records and build your case.

How Does the Claims Process Work After I’m Hurt in a Car Accident?

There’s no way around it–-when you’re hurt in a car accident, the claims process is going to be extremely important to how well you’re able to get better. This is due to the fact that the main goal is to help you financially recover what you’ve lost. But the starting point is figuring out who has to pay you. That’s called liability, and to figure it out, you have to show negligence. Negligence has four elements that have to be met: 

• The other driver had a legal duty to drive safely.

• They failed to do that–through speeding, texting, running a red light, etc.

• That failure is what led to the crash.

• You were hurt as a result.
  
  

Once liability is clear, you typically have two options:

• File an insurance claim – Usually the first step. You’ll work with either your insurer or the at-fault driver’s company. They’ll assign an adjuster to review everything and make a settlement offer.

 

• File a lawsuit – If the insurance offer is too low, you can take things to court. This route takes longer but can lead to better results. Our team handles most of the work, and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

 

Either option allows you to recover certain “damages” from whoever is responsible. Most of the time, this includes:

• Medical bills (including future care)

• Vehicle repairs or replacement

• Lost wages or reduced future income

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Loss of quality of life

• Funeral costs in fatal cases
  
  

One more thing–it’s extremely important to act in time. In California, you only have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. Miss that deadline, and you may lose your right to recover anything.

Talk to Experienced Porterville Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents can upend your life in seconds–but you don’t have to handle the fallout alone. At Maison Law, we help people across Porterville get the support they need to move forward. If you or someone you care about was hurt in a car accident, we’re here to help you understand your options–starting with a free consultation.