Fresno Car Accident Lawyer

Personal injury accidents are diverse in nature but the most common are car accidents. These vehicular collisions are known to cause more property damage and injuries than any other personal injury accident, often leaving victims with nowhere to turn. The claims process is notably complex and the average person rarely has the legal know-how or time commitment to fight for fair compensation. Rather than chalk up your car accident injury as just another expense, secure the legal counsel of an aggressive Fresno car accident attorney.

A car accident lawyer at Setareh Law is ready to provide you with the representation needed to get through this tough time. We understand that every car accident case is unique and that your situation vastly differs from the next person’s. This is why we take a personalized approach to settling your car accident claim by getting to know you and the details of your claim. We will use that information to relentlessly pursue the compensation you’re entitled to by law. Reach out to us today to discuss what you may be able to recover for your car accident case in Fresno.

The Effects of a Car Accident in Fresno

The primary concern after a car accident is your well-being. The extent of your injuries can range from minor to severe depending on the type of accident you’re involved in. Some of the most common types of car accidents in Fresno include:

• Rear-end collisions
• Sideswipe accidents
• Head on collisions
• High-speed accidents
• Low-speed accidents
• Intersection accidents
• T-bone collisions
• Rollover accidents

We urge that you seek immediate medical attention after your Fresno car accident to ensure your well-being, since it’s not uncommon to experience a delayed injury. Once you’ve received the appropriate medical treatment, contact Setareh Law to learn more about your legal options.

The other party’s car insurance company will likely contact you if the individual reported the accident. Their intentions are to get details of the incident that they can use to lessen your compensation amount. Avoid sharing any information with them and instead, allow your Fresno car accident lawyer to engage in negotiations for just compensation.

Types of Common Injuries to Suffer After a Car Accident

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, injuries and death from car accidents continue to be a serious health problem that our country is still facing to this day. Whether you were involved in a t-bone collision, rear-end collision, etc they all have one thing in common and that is causing some type of injury. Some car accident injuries can appear days to weeks after the accident. This is why it is important to seek the proper medical treatment right away. If you are suffering from any injuries listed below, you must seek the proper medical attention for your injuries. Types of common injuries after a car accident:

• Whiplash
• Neck/back injuries
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Internal bleeding

Your Rights as a Car Accident Victim in Fresno

People will often request that you settle a car accident on personal terms and suggest that you don’t call law enforcement to the scene. This commonly occurs when said driver is uninsured or simply wants to avoid interacting with police officers. While accepting a cash settlement may seem tempting as a way to avoid the complications of the claims process, it can easily backfire. In such instances, the person can choose to remain at the scene after you leave and tell law enforcement you fled the scene of an accident or simply never pay you what they promised.

You should instead exercise your rights as someone involved in a personal injury accident and acquire legal counsel from a skilled car accident attorney to represent you through the claims process. We can pursue compensation for all accident-related damages including:

• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Medical treatment
• Medical equipment
• Loss of earning ability
• Loss of consortium

Our team of Fresno car accident lawyers at Setareh Law is here to help ensure that the negligent party liable for the accident provides you the compensation you deserve.

Should I File a Claim After a California Car Accident?

Anyone injured in an accident may seek compensation from the negligent parties by filing an injury claim within two years of the car accident. The types of payment that you may retrieve in car accident cases may vary between non-economic and economic damages. Certain factors such as percentage of fault, the severity of the injury, and evidence can be used to influence a case’s value and settlement. 

Types of compensation recovery for injured car accident victims include:

• Non-economic damages: Any emotional distress, pain and suffering, physical injuries, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disabilities, and any non-monetary losses. 
• Economic damages: This may include current and future medical expenses and bills for accident-related injuries. Loss of wages, earnings, employment, and other losses related to calculable monetary damages. 
• Punitive damages: In some accidents, a judge may allow an award of a sum for punitive damages due to the severity, extent of damage, and substantial proof of negligence on liable parties. 

Seeking legal counsel from a specialized car accident attorney in Fresno, CA can help you understand your eligibility or entitlement to the various types of compensation.

What Kind of Damages Can Be Claimed After a Car Accident?

If you have been in a car accident in Fresno, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses. You may receive compensation for the following damages:

• Legal fees
• Medical bills
• Property damage
• Loss of wages or wage-earning potential
• Wrongful death
• Loss of consortium or companionship
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Emotional distress

Depending on the circumstances, other damages may also be eligible for compensation. If you want assistance determining what other damages may be applicable, or you wish to increase your potential compensation value, we recommend you contact a personal injury lawyer in Fresno as soon as possible. 

What if I Share Fault in an Auto Accident With Another Driver?

California car accident cases operate under the comparative negligence rule, where multiple parties may be found liable in a collision. The most crucial factor is the percentage of fault each individual has in these cases. As long as an individual is not entirely negligent, they can take legal action and pursue compensation for the other party’s negligence. 

Comparative fault applies to many personal injury cases. Car accidents are included regardless of auto insurance policies. With a skilled car accident lawyer who may evaluate your case and steer you in the right direction for the next steps, you may feel more at ease than if you attempted to face an injury case alone. Don’t agree to low settlement offers or other tactics you may encounter. Our skilled car accident attorneys may be able to maximize your compensation and relieve you of the added legal stress during your recovery.

Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Fresno

There are many potential causes of car accidents, whether in Fresno or elsewhere in California. Any of the following circumstances may result in a car accident:

• Texting while driving
• Driving while distracted
• Distracting passengers
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Pedestrians not following walking or biking laws
• Another driver’s negligence
• Poor vehicle manufacture
• Mis-manufacture of a vehicle part
• Poor upkeep of the city
• Poor upkeep of a person’s owned or rented property
• Not following hiring guidelines for driver employees

Depending on the circumstances, other issues may have caused your car accident. If you need help determining the ultimate cause of the accident and who should be held accountable, please speak with a lawyer for assistance.

Other Auto Accidents Case We Handle in Fresno

We can help you handle the following types of accidents in Fresno:

• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Rideshare accidents

Contact Our Fresno Car Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation

As members of The State Bar of California and the American Bar Association, our personal injury lawyers at Setareh Law have the legal experience needed to help you through this troubling time. Car accidents are stressful occurrences with various moving pieces and the smallest misstep can devalue your entire claim. Free yourself of the headache, and rest assured knowing that you have passionate Fresno car accident lawyers fighting relentlessly on your behalf. Contact us today at 310-659-1826 for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Fresno, CA

Is hiring an attorney necessary to receive compensation?

Although hiring an attorney is not necessary in order to receive compensation, it is highly advisable. Dealing with the insurance companies on your own without proper representation can be frustrating and may often leave you feeling taken advantage of. With the right attorney by your side, you will likely receive a much higher settlement and be fully compensated for your damages.

What are my property damage rights after a car accident?

If your car is damaged in a California car accident, you are entitled to recover damages for the “loss of use” of the vehicle during the duration of the repair.  If your car is deemed to be a total loss, then these “loss of use” damages would include any expenses you incurred while awaiting a replacement vehicle.  Generally, the loss for a damaged vehicle is often measured as the cost of a rental car, excluding insurance or sales tax.  If you do not obtain a rental car, then your damages would be the daily charge for a rental car from the date of the accident until a property damage offer is made by the at-fault party.

How should I handle my medical bills after an auto accident?

Under California law, a person who negligently injures someone is legally responsible for paying that person’s medical bills. Once that at-fault driver’s insurance company agrees to accept liability for the accident, you will need to submit your medical bills to them. However, establishing that they are to blame often takes time, and some insurers will fight any attempt to pay out benefits. This is yet another reason why it is best to have an experienced attorney by your side who can make sure your medical bills are taken care of during this difficult time.

With this being said, there are several options for handling medical bills after an auto accident:

Health Insurance – If you have health insurance, your insurer should cover your medical expenses. To receive treatment, you will need to pay out-of-pocket expenses, such as co-pays and deductibles, which you can be reimbursed for once your case settles.

Many insurance companies have a “right of subrogation”, which means they will want reimbursement out of your settlement for any medical treatment they covered. If you do not receive a settlement, then your insurance company cannot receive anything.

Med Pay Benefits – Your car insurance policy may also include medical payments coverage (“Med Pay”) which will cover medical treatment for injuries caused by an auto accident. There is usually no deductible involved with Med Pay and the insurance company will pay for your medical bills even if you were to blame for the accident. You may want to check your policy to see if you have this type of coverage.

Medical Liens- If you have no health insurance or Med Pay coverage, some doctors may agree to provide medical treatment on a lien basis. The lien would give the doctor a right of payment out of your auto accident settlement proceeds.