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Our Fresno personal injury lawyers at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer are dedicated to securing the maximum financial compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more for accident victims after being harmed by another’s negligence.
Call our Fresno law offices at (559) 900-3076 to schedule your free consultation today.
Table of Contents
Personal Injury Cases Our Fresno Law Firm Specialize In
What Can Be Compensated in a Personal Injury Case?
How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take to Settle?
Can I Be Compensated if I Was Also at Fault?
How a Fresno Personal Injury Attorney Will Maximize Your Settlement
Personal Injury Cases Our Fresno Law Firm Handles
A serious accident can lead to significant physical and financial difficulties. Our personal injury lawyers understand the devastating effects of such incidents, particularly when they result from another’s negligence. Our personal injury law firm in Fresno, CA can help you hold the at-fault parties accountable and secure the maximum settlement available.
Our Fresno personal injury lawyers maintain a successful track record in the following types of personal injury cases:
- Fresno Bicycle Accidents
- Fresno Car Accidents
- Fresno Dog Bite Accidents
- Fresno Motorcycle Accidents
- Fresno Pedestrian Accidents
- Fresno Rental Car Accidents
- Fresno Slip and Fall Accidents
- Fresno Truck Accidents
- Fresno Lyft and Uber Accidents
- Fresno Workers’ Compensation
- Fresno Wrongful Death Claims
Car Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are a daily occurrence in Fresno and across California, frequently leaving personal injury victims with severe and life-altering injuries.
Fresno County has experienced a significant number of serious auto accidents, like rear-end collisions and head-on crashes, with over 5,300 crashes resulting in injury or fatality in recent years.Â
Car accidents often result in considerable harm to both vehicles and individuals. Injuries sustained can range from broken bones and spinal cord damage to 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 injuries, such as jackknife accidents, rollovers, and underride collisions.Â
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.Â
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, medical bills can fall on the injured rider instead of the appropriate at-fault party.
Pedestrian Accidents
Establishing liability is crucial in pedestrian accident cases. To secure compensation, it must be demonstrated that the other party’s negligence directly caused the collision.Â
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. However, legal representation eases the process of pursuing a successful claim.
Bicycle Accidents
In certain bicycle accident cases, cyclists may bear partial responsibility for their injuries. Like car drivers, bicyclists must adhere to traffic laws, although compliance can be inconsistent.
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 bicyclist’s determined percentage of fault.
When shared liability is a factor, working with an experienced personal injury attorney is vital to maximizing the recoverable damages.
Ridesharing Accidents
Rideshare insurance policies are complex, making claims challenging due to the large corporations’ financial implications.Â
- Uber Accidents: Injured victims may be undercompensated by insurance if the at-fault driver is uninsured/underinsured or the rideshare driver was outside their designated operating “Period” during the accident.
- Lyft Accidents: Unlike traditional taxis, Lyft’s ridesharing platform makes it harder to hold the company liable for damages. Accident claims usually go through the driver’s personal insurance, complicating efforts for victims to get maximum compensation.
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.Â
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 advised to recover maximum compensation.
Slip and Falls and Premise Liability
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.Â
This responsibility extends to any hazardous situations, such as wet floors, elevator malfunctions, dog bites, or any other circumstances that endanger others.Â
Consequently, property owners may be held legally liable for damages resulting from accidents on their premises.
Wrongful Death
A wrongful death case, also known as a wrongful death claim, 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, you deserve justice. Surviving family members may be compensated 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.Â
Due to the unique impact of each accident on individuals, the value of Fresno personal injury cases varies significantly, and the financial award can depend greatly on the specifics of your case. Therefore, there is no fixed average settlement amount.
However, an experienced personal injury attorney can meticulously review the specific details of a case, consider all relevant factors, like future damages, and accurately calculate the full value of your claim to provide a realistic estimate of its potential value.Â
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?
Personal injuries can create a significant financial burden for victims and their families, making it crucial to understand the damages that may be recovered.
Compensation is generally divided into two categories. The first is economic damages, which are quantifiable monetary losses. The other is non-economic damages, which are intangible losses, such as pain and suffering.Â
Our passionate personal injury lawyers at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer always put our clients’ best interests first. We are dedicated to securing the maximum settlement for our clients, ensuring that all damages resulting from someone else’s negligence are fully addressed. This may include 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, medical professionals, physical therapists, physical therapy, and any other necessary medical care.
Loss of Consortium
When severe injuries impair a relationship, a spouse or registered domestic partner can claim loss of consortium for damages like diminished intimacy, inability to conceive, and loss of companionship.
Lost Wages
Lost wages include unearned income during recovery, plus potential insurance benefits and bonuses. Compensation for diminished earning capacity is available if injuries cause permanent disability or prevent returning to the original occupation.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
This covers all accident-related costs, including vehicle repairs, property replacement, and new necessities like childcare or household help.
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.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death damages compensate surviving family members (children, spouses, parents, and other eligible relatives) for financial losses like funeral and burial costs, and non-financial losses such as emotional distress.
Punitive Damages
Also known as exemplary damages, these damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party in addition to compensatory damages (economic and non-economic). It is awarded to punish the defendant and discourage others from similar misconduct in cases involving extreme negligence.
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.
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 the settlement outcome.
- Ongoing Medical Care: Maximum medical improvement to properly treat serious injuries 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.
- Negotiating and Legal Proceedings: After the insurance company evaluates the demand package, settlement negotiations become a key stage where both parties discuss and attempt to formalize the compensation amount.Â
- Trial Is Necessary: If settlement negotiations are unsuccessful and an agreement cannot be met, a personal injury lawsuit may be filed, 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 Personal 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 (TBIs)
- Wrongful Death
What if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
California operates under a pure comparative negligence system for personal injury cases. This means fault is assigned by percentage, and compensation for the plaintiff is reduced by their 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.
Because insurance companies often unfairly blame victims to reduce payouts, it’s vital to have 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 underestimate personal injury costs. Our Fresno personal injury attorneys assess full damages and aggressively negotiate for fair compensation. We have a proven track record of successful cases, consistently securing higher settlements for our clients across various accident types.
Our Fresno personal injury attorneys protect clients from insurance companies by assessing current and future losses, including lost income, rehabilitation, and home modifications for 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 and expert witnesses to analyze the incident and establish liability
- Evidence Collection: Gathering evidence, including witness testimony, 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 were injured in an accident caused by another’s negligence, contact Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer. We’ll protect your rights and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Why Work With Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer
Dealing with the aftermath of a personal injury accident can be challenging, but finding quality legal assistance doesn’t have to be. Jeff Fayngor, Esq., has been recognized by Super Lawyers as one of the top 5% of lawyers for his legal excellence. He and his award-winning law firm provide clients with valuable experience that will be pivotal throughout the claims process.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fresno Personal Injury Accidents
What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury claim?
In a personal injury claim, damages generally fall into two main categories: compensatory damages and, in some rare cases, punitive damages.
Compensatory damages aim to make you “whole” again by covering losses you’ve incurred due to the accident. These are further divided into:
- Economic Damages: These are quantifiable financial losses and include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
- Non-Economic Damages: These are subjective and harder to quantify, as they represent intangible losses, such as emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other areas where the victim experiences any form of pain and suffering.
- Punitive Damages: These are not intended to compensate for losses but to punish the at-fault party for exceptionally egregious or malicious conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Fresno, CA?
The time limit for filing a personal injury claim in California is known as the statute of limitations. For most personal injury cases, including car accidents, the general statute of limitations is two (2) years from the date of the injury. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
What is the process for filing a personal injury claim in Fresno, CA?
While every personal injury case is unique, the general process for a personal injury claim typically involves:
- Seeking Medical Attention: Seek immediate medical care and follow the doctor’s treatment plan. This creates vital medical records of injuries and treatment.
- Contacting a Lawyer: Consult a Fresno personal injury attorney early for advice, process explanation, and insurance communication. Many firms offer free consultations. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay any attorney fees unless your legal team wins your case.
- Investigating and Evidence Gathering: Your attorney will investigate the accident, collect evidence such as police reports, photographs of the scene and injuries, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions to identify fault and prove damages.
- Submitting a Demand Letter: An attorney will typically compile a comprehensive “demand package” outlining the accident, injuries, all medical costs, lost wages, and other damages and send it to the at-fault party’s insurance company.
- Settling or Negotiating: The insurance company will review the demand letter and accept or deny liability. Your attorney will engage in negotiations if necessary to reach a fair settlement.
- Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary): If a fair settlement is not reached, a lawsuit may be filed. This will be followed by the discovery phase, potential mediation, and a trial. An attorney can explain each process in detail.
Should I speak to the other driver’s insurance company?
It is strongly advised not to. Speaking directly with the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting a personal injury attorney poses many risks that can result in your personal injury claim being reduced, denied, or fault being placed on you.
When should I contact a personal injury lawyer?
You should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following an accident–ideally within a few days. While California’s general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years, delaying can significantly harm your case. This is due to potential loss or destruction of evidence, unavailability of witnesses, attempts by the insurance company to settle for less than the claim’s worth, or the expiration of the filing period.
To protect your rights and get personalized advice about your situation, schedule a free consultation today with our team.
If You Were Injured in an Accident, Jeff’s Got You
Though not legally required, hiring a Fresno personal injury lawyer is highly recommended. Navigating personal injury claims is overwhelming, and effective legal representation significantly increases your chances of securing maximum compensation.
At Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, we’re dedicated to helping you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses. We’ll provide clear explanations and support throughout your recovery journey.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for injured victims. Contact us today for a free consultation or try our free case checker and learn how we can maximize your recovery.
Address: 44 P Street, Suite 304, Fresno, CA 93721
Phone Number: (559) 900-3076
Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer’s Other Locations
Our law firm has locations throughout Southern California and Northern California, with team members working around the clock and ready to assist. Contact your nearest office today and schedule a free consultation. After an accident, Jeff’s got you.