Maison Law can answer any question you might have about the claims process after a car accident in Visalia. The costs can pile up fast–medical bills, car repairs, time off work. Insurance might cover some of it, but there’s often more at stake than you realize. That’s why it helps to talk with a lawyer, just to make sure you’re not missing out on the support you might be able to get. Our initial consultation is always free, set up yours today.
How Do Our Car Accident Lawyers Get Paid?
When you’re in a car accident, we believe that you should only worry about the most important thing: your health. That said, there is a claims process in place when you’re in this situation. However, many people in your position have serious concerns about how they’ll pay for a lawyer. That’s why we take the approach we do–you pay nothing upfront and your first consultation is free.
This is what’s called a “contingency-fee” and that means we get paid based off of:
- Whatever result we get for you.
What this means for you is that our fee comes out of that result (usually between 33% and 40%), depending on your case. And don’t worry, we’ll explain everything clearly in writing before anything moves forward. This way, you can focus on getting better–not stressing about legal bills.
What Else Can I Do to Help My Car Accident Claim?
Once you’re working with us, our job is to make sure your settlement reflects what you’ve been through. But a strong case often starts with what you do in those first few hours after the accident. Here’s what you can do to help your claim–before you even think about taking legal steps:
- Call 911 – Even if your injuries seem minor, calling 911 brings emergency help and creates an official report. That report becomes a key part of your case. Follow up at the ER or with your doctor–those medical records are what we’ll use to connect the accident to your injuries.
- Document the scene with pictures/videos – Use your phone to document the scene–damaged vehicles, skid marks, injuries, street signs, traffic signals, weather conditions–whatever helps tell the full story. This kind of visual evidence helps back up your version of events when it’s time to negotiate a settlement.
- Be truthful, but careful – Stick to the facts when talking to police or insurance adjusters. Don’t guess, admit fault, or downplay how you’re feeling. The things you say early on can affect your claim down the line.
- Get all the information you can – Exchange details with the other driver, and if anyone saw the accident happen, get their contact info too. Witnesses can help confirm how the accident unfolded–especially if the other driver tells a different story.
Taking these steps helps protect your health and your rights–and it gives us more tools to push for a fair outcome. Remember, though, getting a result means actually filing a claim.
How Can Maison Law Help You Through the Claims Process?
Every car accident is different, but the goal of any settlement is the same: to cover the full impact the accident has had on your life. Most car accident cases in Visalia are resolved either through an insurance claim or, if needed, a lawsuit in civil court. In both situations, you’re going after what the law calls “damages”, or the financial and personal losses tied to the accident. Depending on your situation, that may include:
- Medical expenses – This includes ER visits, follow-up care, medications, rehab, and any future medical treatment you may need.
- Lost income – If the accident kept you from working, you may be able to recover what you’ve already lost and any future earnings you might miss out on.
- Property damage – Most commonly, this means the cost to repair or replace your car, but it can also cover damaged belongings.
- Pain and suffering – These damages account for the physical pain and discomfort you’ve experienced beyond just your medical bills.
- Emotional distress – A car accident doesn’t just leave physical injuries. It can take a serious toll on your mental health too. If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or struggling with PTSD afterward, that’s something we can include in your claim.
- Reduced quality of life – If your injuries are stopping you from doing the things you used to enjoy–whether that’s hiking, working out, or just playing with your kids–that loss matters. It’s part of the bigger picture of how the accident has changed your life.
- Wrongful death expenses – If someone you love was killed in the accident, no amount of money can make up for that. But the law does allow families to file a claim for funeral expenses and the emotional and financial support they’ve lost.
Getting through a car accident in Visalia can feel overwhelming. You might be dealing with pain, time off work, or a totaled car–and still not sure what to do next. At Maison Law, our job is to take that legal weight off your shoulders so you can focus on getting better. If you’ve been in a car accident and need answers, let’s start with a free consultation. We’ll walk through your options and figure out the best way forward.
