Maison Law answers questions about the legal process that comes after a car accident in Visalia. For a lot of people, the primary focus is on what they’ve lost–and this is made most evident by their injuries. Our team can help you know what to expect–and how to get the most out of–a result. To learn more, reach out to our team today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
How Much Can I Get For My Injuries in a Car Accident Claim?
Whether you’re in Visalia or anywhere else, the claims process after a car accident is all about one thing: your “damages.” However, every car accident is different–which means the claims process plays out differently each time. So then, what can you get for your injuries when you file a claim? It depends on the circumstances, but there’s a few markers that you can look for as a guide:
- How seriously you’re hurt – More severe injuries typically lead to higher settlements. If you’ve been hospitalized, needed surgery, or face long-term care, those costs add up fast. The clearer your medical records, the easier it is to connect the injury to the accident and show the full impact.
- How the accident has affected your day-to-day life – If you’re no longer able to work, help out at home, or enjoy your regular activities, that disruption matters. These changes–whether short-term or permanent–can be a major part of your claim.
- How emotionally shaken you are – Car accidents don’t just leave bruises–they can take a serious emotional toll. Anxiety, sleep issues, PTSD, or depression are common and valid forms of harm. If your mental health has suffered, that can be factored into your damages.
- How the accident changed your income – If you’ve missed work or can’t return to the same job, you could recover wages you’ve already lost, along with compensation for any future earnings you won’t be able to earn.
- How much responsibility each driver shares – California follows a comparative fault rule, which means your compensation could be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. That’s why it’s important to have clear evidence and a legal team that can protect your side of the story.
- If the accident was fatal – If the accident tragically took a family member’s life, you may have the right to file what’s called a “wrongful death” claim for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support.
No matter how your accident happened, there’s one detail that always matters: time. California law gives you just two years from the date of the accident to take legal action. If you miss that deadline, your claim could be dismissed–no matter how strong your case might have been.
What’s the Claims Process Usually Like After a Car Accident?
The good thing about the actual way you get damages through the claims process after a car accident in Turlock is that it’s pretty universal. So whether you’re in a minor fender bender with cuts and bruises or a more serious, multi-car accident, your claim is going to play out in one of two ways:
- Through an insurance settlement – This is the most common route. We’ll file a claim, gather the needed evidence, and negotiate with the other person’s insurance company to get a fair result. If they don’t play fair, we’ll be ready to take it further.
- Through a personal injury lawsuit – If the insurance company doesn’t offer enough to cover your losses, we may recommend filing a lawsuit. This can take longer but often leads to better outcomes.
The goal of either approach is to recover financial support for what you’ve lost. That’s where the above factors are going to come into play. Generally though, you’ll be able to recover costs associated with your:
- Hospital bills and future medical care
- Lost income and future earnings
- Repair/replacement costs for your car or other damaged property
- Pain and physical suffering
- Emotional distress and mental health challenges
- Loss of enjoyment in your daily life
- Funeral costs (in fatal accidents)
But remember–none of this is automatic. You’ll need to prove your losses and show how the accident affected your life. There are ways you can do that, but it’s also beneficial to have our team there for support and guidance.
What Can I Do After a Visalia Car Accident to Help My Case?
A strong claim doesn’t start in the courtroom–it starts right at the site of your accident. The steps you take in those first few hours and days can make a big difference later. Here’s what we recommend:
- Call 911 – Always get emergency help by calling 911. Even if your injuries seem minor, let EMTs evaluate you. That creates a medical paper trail, which is key when it’s time to prove your injuries.
- Document the scene – Use your phone to snap photos of vehicle positions, damage, road signs, and anything that seems out of place. This kind of evidence doesn’t last long.
- Exchange contact information – Get the name, phone number, and insurance info from the other driver. If there were witnesses, get their info too–they might help verify what really happened.
- See your doctor – Not all injuries show up right away. Go to urgent care or your doctor for a full checkup. Those records will help prove your injuries are linked to the accident.
- Avoid making statements – Be careful when speaking to the other driver’s insurance company. Stick to the facts, and never admit fault. Let our lawyers handle the communication.
If you’re not able to do all this–because of your injuries or the stress of the situation–that’s okay. Our team can help you fill in the gaps and build the strongest case possible. Let’s talk about what happened and how we can help. Your first consultation is free, and we’re here when you’re ready to take that first step.
