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Our Fresno personal injury lawyers are dedicated to pursuing justice and securing financial compensation for our clients by holding liable parties accountable.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Fresno, CA You Can Trust
Experiencing a serious accident can create significant physical and financial hardship for survivors. At Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, we recognize the devastating impact of such events, especially when caused by someone else’s negligence. An experienced personal injury lawyer from our law firm can hold the at-fault parties accountable and get you the maximum settlement available.
If you or a loved one were injured in a personal injury accident, financial compensation may be available. Schedule a free consultation and speak with a Fresno personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Personal Injury Cases Our Fresno Law Firm Handles
Personal injury cases are considered civil legal disputes. This means they do not involve criminal charges or potential jail time. Instead, the purpose of a personal injury lawsuit is to allow individuals harmed by another party’s negligence to pursue compensation from that responsible party.
Each personal injury case presents unique circumstances and requires tailored legal strategies. Our Fresno personal injury law firm addresses the specific needs of our clients, assisting with a diverse range of personal injury cases, such as:
Car Accidents
Fresno County has experienced a significant number of serious auto accidents, with over 5,300 crashes resulting in injury or fatality in recent years. Motor vehicle accidents are a daily occurrence in Fresno and across California, frequently leaving personal injury victims with severe and life-altering injuries.
These injuries can include broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, burns, and soft tissue damage, all of which require costly medical treatment. A successful California personal injury claim can provide compensation to cover current and future medical bills, along with other damages sustained from the accident.
Truck Accidents
Due to their sheer size and weight, trucking accidents can result in catastrophic accidents, such as jackknife accidents, rollovers, and underride collisions. Crashes involving large commercial vehicles typically result in more severe injuries and property damage than standard car collisions.
Truck accident cases also often involve complex liability issues due to the involvement of multiple parties. These parties can include the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loading companies, and potentially other motorists. Navigating the complex landscape of commercial insurance policies and establishing liability requires specialized legal expertise.
Motorcycle Accidents
Riding a motorcycle is inherently dangerous, and unfortunately, motorcyclists often encounter unfair bias regarding fault following an accident. These assumptions can unfairly impact liability, even when the motorcyclist is not at fault.
Motorcycle accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries requiring substantial medical care. Without the proper legal representation, these medical costs can fall on the injured rider instead of the appropriate at-fault party.
Pedestrian Accidents
Establishing liability is paramount in pedestrian accident cases. To secure compensation, it must be demonstrated that the other party’s negligence directly caused the collision. Common examples of negligent actions include distracted driving, failure to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, running stop signs, and speeding.
California’s evolving traffic laws, particularly those regarding jaywalking and pedestrian crossings outside designated crosswalks, make establishing liability more difficult. Legal representation is crucial to effectively establish fault and pursue a successful claim.
Bicycle Accidents
In certain bicycle accident cases, cyclists may bear partial responsibility for their injuries. Like car drivers, cyclists are obligated to adhere to traffic laws, although compliance is not always consistent.
However, even when a cyclist shares some degree of fault, California’s comparative negligence laws allow for partial financial recovery. In such instances, the amount awarded will be reduced based on the cyclist’s determined percentage of fault. When shared liability is a factor, working with an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial to maximize the recoverable damages.
Ridesharing Accidents
The structure of rideshare insurance policies is complex, and initiating a claim can be challenging due to the significant financial implications for these large corporations. This necessitates the expertise of experienced Uber and Lyft accident lawyers.
Insurance companies sometimes fail to adequately compensate injured victims, either because the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured or because the rideshare driver was not operating within the designated “Period” at the time of the rideshare accident.
Lyft is a technology-driven ridesharing platform that differs from traditional taxi services. Consequently, holding the employer liable for damages is more difficult, and accident claims are generally directed toward the driver’s personal auto insurance. This creates significant challenges for accident victims seeking maximum damages.
Rental Car Accidents
In a rental car accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is generally responsible for covering the resulting damages, similar to a standard motor vehicle accident. However, there are instances where the rental car company may be held liable if they rented a vehicle with known mechanical defects or to an individual without proper authorization.
Establishing liability in rental car accidents can be complicated and challenging. Therefore, seeking guidance from a knowledgeable personal injury attorney is crucial to recover maximum compensation.
Slip and Falls
Slip-and-fall accidents frequently occur in public venues, including grocery stores, restaurants, and sidewalks. These incidents fall under the legal principle of “premises liability,” which mandates that property owners maintain safe environments for the public.
This responsibility extends to any hazardous situations, such as wet floors, elevator malfunctions, dog bites, or any other circumstances that endanger others. Consequently, property owners may be held legally liable for damages resulting from accidents on their premises.
Wrongful Death
A wrongful death case is a civil lawsuit filed by the surviving family of a deceased person against the party who is believed to be responsible for the fatal accident.
If a loved one has died because of someone else’s negligence, a spouse, domestic partner, or someone who was under the deceased’s care may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, burial costs, emotional distress, loss of financial support, and more.
How Much Compensation Do Fresno Accident Victims Receive?
Individuals injured or affected in an accident are entitled to seek damages, aiming to compensate for both out-of-pocket expenses and intangibles, such as emotional pain and suffering. Due to the unique impact of each accident on individuals, the value of Fresno personal injury cases varies significantly. Therefore, there is no fixed average settlement amount.
However, an experienced personal injury attorney can meticulously review the specific details of a case and provide a realistic estimate of its potential value. At Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, we offer all prospective clients a thorough and free case evaluation. Schedule yours today.
What Kinds of Damages Can a Fresno Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me Recover?
Compensation is generally divided into two categories: economic damages, which are quantifiable monetary losses, and non-economic damages, which are intangible losses, such as pain and suffering. Common examples include, but are not limited to, the following:
Medical Expenses
Current medical bills and any anticipated future medical costs are compensable in personal injury claims. This includes costs associated with doctor’s appointments, hospitalizations, medications, medical devices, surgical procedures, physical therapy, and any other necessary medical care.
Lost Wages
Loss of wages encompasses income that could not be earned during recovery from injuries. Other factors, such as insurance benefits and bonuses, may also be considered. Additionally, compensation can be sought for diminished earning capacity if injuries result in permanent disability or prevent the victim from returning to their previous occupation
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
This encompasses financial burdens incurred as a direct result of the accident. This can include repairs or replacement for property damage and additional expenses that were not necessary prior to the accident, such as childcare or household assistance.
Pain and Suffering
While physical pain and emotional suffering are more challenging to quantify than tangible damages, they are equally compensable. Although compensation cannot fully alleviate the trauma of an accident, it can assist in promoting a healthy recovery.
Loss of Consortium
A spouse or registered domestic partner may pursue a loss of consortium claim when their loved one’s serious injuries significantly impair their relationship. This claim addresses losses such as diminished sexual intimacy, inability to conceive, loss of companionship, and other instances where the relationship’s benefits are substantially deprived.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death damages are awarded to a victim’s surviving children, spouses, parents, and other eligible family members. These damages cover financial losses, such as funeral costs and burial expenses. It also accounts for non-financial losses, such as the emotional turmoil experienced by the surviving family members.
Punitive Damages
Also known as exemplary damages, these damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party in addition to compensatory damages. It is awarded to punish the defendant and deter others from similar misconduct in cases involving extreme negligence.
Our passionate personal injury lawyers at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer are dedicated to securing the maximum settlement for our clients, ensuring that all damages resulting from another party’s negligence are fully addressed.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
California’s statute of limitations establishes a two-year deadline for filing personal injury claims, starting from the date of the injury. However, specific circumstances, like the injured party’s age or mental capacity at the time of the incident, can extend the filing period.
The “discovery rule” can also significantly impact the statute of limitations. Discovery temporarily “tolls” or delays the filing period from the date of injury to when the injured party discovers or reasonably should have discovered their injury.
In contrast, the statute of limitations can also be significantly reduced when a government entity is involved. The California Tort Claims Act mandates that claims against government agencies must be filed within six months of the injury date.
If a personal injury claim is not filed within the allotted statute of limitations, the injured individual will lose the right to recover compensation.
What Is the Timeline to Settle a Personal Injury Claim?
The timeframe for resolving a personal injury case can vary considerably, ranging from several months to multiple years. Various factors influence the duration of the legal process, such as:
- Case Complexity: After sustaining severe injuries and when multiple parties are involved, an in-depth investigation and expert analysis are necessary, prolonging a settlement outcome.
- Ongoing Medical Care: To maximize compensation, maximum medical improvement should be reached before settling. Assessing the extent of medical treatment strengthens the claim but also lengthens the turnaround times to demonstrate the recovery period.
- Difficult Insurance Companies: Insurance company responsiveness and negotiation willingness directly impact case resolutions.
- Negotiating and Legal Proceedings: If an agreement cannot be met, litigation may be necessary, further extending the timeline due to court schedules and procedures.
To obtain a personalized assessment regarding your case’s potential value and turnaround, schedule a free consultation with Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer. Our Fresno personal injury law firm can equip you with a clear understanding of what to expect throughout the legal proceedings.
The Most Common Types of Injuries
A personal injury accident is considered catastrophic when its severity necessitates extensive or long-term medical treatment, complex reconstructive surgery, or results in permanent disfigurement, scarring, or disability. Some of the most common injuries in personal injury cases often include, but are not limited to:
- Amputation
- Back injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Burns
- Internal damage
- Lacerations
- Neck injuries
- Nerve damage
- Paralysis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI’s)
- Wrongful Death
What if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Regarding personal injury matters, California follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means that each party who caused the accident will be assigned a percentage of fault. Therefore, a plaintiff (party filing the personal injury claim) who is partially at fault may still recover compensation, but compensation will be reduced by the assigned degree of liability.
For example, if a plaintiff is 10% responsible for an accident, and the claim is worth $50,000, a final amount of $45,000 will be awarded.
While this system allows those partially at fault for an accident to recover damages, insurance companies often use it to assign an unfair portion of the blame onto the victim to reduce compensation. This is why it’s so crucial to work with skilled personal injury attorneys who understand these tactics.
Can I Negotiate for More Money in California?
Yes. You always have the option to negotiate for more compensation–regardless of what the insurance company says. In fact, it is highly advisable to do so when presented with an early offer that is well below a fair settlement amount.
Initial settlement offers often fail to encompass the full range of costs associated with a personal injury. However, our Fresno personal injury attorneys possess the experience to assess the complete scope of damages and aggressively negotiate to secure the fair compensation our clients deserve.
Our Fresno personal injury attorneys prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of our clients by evaluating current expenses and exploring potential future losses, including lost income, ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation needs, and any necessary home modifications resulting from permanent injuries.
How a Fresno Personal Injury Attorney Will Benefit Your Case
The role of a personal injury attorney is to provide professional legal advocacy, simplifying the legal process and securing the best possible outcome for their clients. Partnering with an experienced personal injury law firm will prove to be the most beneficial in the following ways:
- Thorough Investigation: Conducting in-depth investigations and collaborating with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the incident and establish liability
- Evidence Collection: Gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses to build a strong factual foundation for the case
- Access to Medical Experts: Connecting clients with top medical specialists in Fresno County to ensure they receive appropriate medical care
- Accurate Valuation: Determining a precise case value estimate to effectively negotiate for maximum compensation against the at-fault party’s insurance company
- Trial Representation: Filing personal injury lawsuits and providing skilled court representation when necessary
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by another party’s negligence, contact our Fresno personal injury lawyers at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and leveraging our knowledge, skills, and experience to help you recover the full compensation you deserve.
Why Work With Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer
Navigating the aftermath of a personal injury accident can create many challenges; securing legal counsel does not have to be one of them. The experienced Fresno personal injury attorneys at our law firm are dedicated to guiding you through the recovery process and offer the following benefits:
- Personalized Service: We tailor our services to each client’s unique needs and goals, providing 24/7 support throughout the claims process.
- Maximizing Compensation: Our dedicated personal injury attorneys are committed to aggressively securing the maximum compensation, including coverage for future medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and all other applicable damages.
- Comprehensive Investigation: We conduct thorough investigations, leaving no detail unexamined, to build a strong case based on factual data, allowing you to rest and focus on your recovery.
- Regular Status Updates: We prioritize clear and consistent communication, providing new developments and explaining legal options in understandable terms to empower informed decision-making.
- Affordable Legal Advocacy: We offer our award-winning services on a contingency fee agreement, meaning zero upfront legal fees and no costs to our clients unless we win.
Our dedicated legal team prioritizes client education and empowerment. We ensure clients fully understand their rights and options, fostering a collaborative approach to achieve the best possible case outcome.
If You Were Injured in an Accident, Jeff’s Got You
While you are not legally obligated to hire a Fresno personal injury lawyer to file your claim, it is highly recommended. Undergoing the complexities of the personal injury claims process is not only overwhelming, but without effective legal representation, the likelihood of securing maximum compensation is significantly reduced.
Our legal team at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer is dedicated to ensuring you understand your rights so that we can reach an optimal outcome together. We are committed to securing a fair settlement for your injuries and losses, providing clear explanations and support as we navigate your path to recovery together.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Fresno for a Free Case Review Today
We have recovered millions of dollars for injured victims. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can maximize your recovery.