A Visalia personal injury lawyer from Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer can assist you and your family following an accident caused by someone else’s reckless behavior. Our Southern California personal injury law firm is dedicated to helping our clients achieve physical and financial recovery.Â
Our client-focused methodology begins with providing a free case evaluation and then working on a contingency fee arrangement, making our award-winning services accessible to anyone who needs it.Â
We are prepared to diligently safeguard your legal rights and seek the maximum compensation you are entitled to. To learn how we can strengthen your case, please schedule a free consultation today.
Personal Injury Practice Areas
Personal injury law covers a broad spectrum of case types, resulting in injuries and other losses to the victim. Unlike criminal law, personal injury accidents involve unintentional acts, also referred to as “negligence.” In order for a case to be a success, the plaintiff (the injured party filing the claim) must prove the defendant’s negligence caused the incident, resulting in sustained injuries and other damages.
With years of experience representing accident victims, our personal injury law firm understands how the consequences of the events that transpired into a traumatic situation can significantly affect individuals differently. This is why our award-winning legal team makes a valiant effort to deliver the best legal representation, not just in Tulare County, but across Southern California, as well.
From traffic collisions to workplace injuries, our Visalia personal injury lawyers have successfully obtained the maximum compensation for our satisfied clients in the following practice areas.
Auto Accidents
Auto accidents are a regular occurrence in Visalia, especially along traffic-filled highways like State Route 99 from Avenue 200 to Prosperity Ave. Traffic has affected the city so much that the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) plans to widen some highways to reduce congestion and improve transit operations.
Our firm’s Visalia car accident lawyers have successfully handled numerous car accident cases. We are committed to the well-being of our clients, securing the maximum compensation for accumulated costs, such as medical expenses, vehicle repairs, discomfort and distress, and other damages, on their behalf.
Bicycle Accidents
The smaller size of bicycles compared to motor vehicles makes them less visible to drivers, increasing the risk of serious accidents. However, in some personal injury cases, bicyclists may share accident liability by failing to follow traffic laws, like failing to stop at stop signs.
Even if a bicyclist is partially at fault for a bike accident, it is still possible to recover some financial compensation under California’s comparative negligence laws. However, it is crucial to work with an experienced Visalia bicycle accident lawyer to get the most out of the claim and prevent insurance companies from avoiding liability.
Dog Bites
In California, dog owners are subject to strict liability when their dog bites someone. This means the owner is legally responsible for any injuries or damages caused by the dog, even if the dog has never displayed aggressive behavior. This applies to any act of aggression from an animal and is not limited to a dog bite.
California’s strict liability law for dog bites applies to dog owners, not temporary caretakers. Consulting with a dog bite lawyer for a personal injury claim involving an animal attack is crucial in pursuing rightful compensation.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents frequently result in severe injuries, requiring extensive and costly medical treatment. Injured riders may be unfairly blamed for the crash and left with the burden of hospital bills, loss in income, and other financial consequences.
Unfortunately, motorcyclists often face biases that lead to negative connotations of their involvement in accidents. Even when a motorcyclist is not at fault, these assumptions can unfairly influence liability. Therefore, it is crucial for injured riders to work with skilled legal representation of a motorcycle accident lawyer to protect their rights and ensure a fair legal process.
Pedestrian Accidents
More than 50 pedestrian accidents resulting in serious injuries or death have occurred in Visalia in recent years, making it one of Tulare County’s most dangerous cities for pedestrians. Due to the vulnerability of pedestrians in accidents, legal recourse is crucial to prevent the injured victims from being burdened with costly medical expenses.
Proving negligence is essential in pedestrian accident cases to secure fair compensation. An experienced Visalia pedestrian accident lawyer can investigate and establish liability, whether the accident was caused by distracted driving, running a red light or stop sign, or speeding.
Slip and Fall AccidentsÂ
California property owners are legally obligated to maintain safe premises, such as cleaning wet surfaces or repairing dangerous equipment. Therefore, anyone injured in a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accident due to a hazardous condition on someone else’s property may be entitled to compensation.
Slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and back injuries. Our Visalia slip-and-fall lawyers have extensive experience in premises liability cases and can help prove the property owner’s negligence to get clients adequately compensated.
Truck Accidents
Due to the sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and other commercial trucks, truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries and major damage.
Our Visalia truck accident lawyers are well-versed in the complexities of truck accident cases, including federal trucking regulations, the investigation of logbooks, and obtaining maintenance records. We will determine the cause of the accident to hold the liable party accountable, whether that be neglecting vehicle maintenance or violations of the trucking company.
Uber & Lyft Accidents
Uber and Lyft are popular rideshare services utilized not just by Visalia residents but all across Southern California. Although convenient, car accidents involving rideshare vehicles can be extremely difficult to resolve, as multiple insurance policies are typically involved.
The Uber and Lyft accident lawyers at Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer are experienced in navigating the complexities of Uber/Lyft accident claims to seek compensation for clients, whether they were passengers, other drivers, or other personal injury victims.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
Whether a personal injury resulted from construction accidents or a repetitive strain injury (RSI), workplace accidents can leave victims with mounting medical bills and no financial income. Our Visalia personal injury attorneys assist injured employees with workers’ compensation claims, ensuring they receive the insurance benefits they are entitled to after sustaining an injury while at work.
From filing an insurance claim to dealing with insurance adjusters and appealing claim denials if necessary, our workers’ compensation lawyer strives to get our clients the appropriate medical care for their work injuries and just compensation for their losses.
Wrongful Death
In the unfortunate event of an unexpected death caused by someone else’s negligence, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to hold the at-fault party accountable. This applies to various personal injury accidents, including motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, and more.
Visalia wrongful death lawyers handle all wrongful death claims compassionately while aggressively pursuing damages from the responsible party. While financial compensation cannot alleviate the loss of a loved one, a wrongful death claim can provide justice and financial stability to families.
What Can Be Compensated in a Personal Injury Case?
California law entitles accident victims the legal right to seek monetary compensation, also called “damages, for accidents caused by another person’s negligence or wrongful actions. The exact value of the case will depend on the following.
Medical Expenses
This includes all of the medical expenses related to the injury, both past and future, which may include:
- Ambulance rides
- ER visits
- Surgeries
- Doctor appointments
- Medication
- Physical therapy
- Medical devices
- Any future treatment needed
By compiling medical records and working with medical experts to estimate future care costs, our experienced personal injury attorneys can determine the economic damages that should be included in the claim.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
If work was missed due to a debilitating injury or while in recovery, lost income can also be compensated. If a catastrophic injury was sustained and caused long-term disability or permanent impairment, a loss of future earning capacity may also be claimed. In serious accident cases, our Visalia personal injury lawyers work with economists or vocational experts to calculate these losses.
Pain and Suffering
A form of non-economic damages, “pain and suffering” refers to the emotional and physical pain experienced following a personal injury accident. This allows victims to recover compensation for the distress that resulted due to the incident.
Although more difficult to place a dollar value on, unlike medical bills and lost wages, our attorneys can demonstrate how the injury affected a client’s daily life—including the inability to engage in hobbies, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and PTSD—to demand appropriate compensation for these intangible losses.
Property Damage
Any out-of-pocket expenses or property that needed to be repaired or replaced can also be compensated. In some cases, victims may also be entitled to other types of damages. For instance, for wrongful death claims, surviving family members can claim funeral expenses and the loss of financial support and companionship. In rare cases of egregious misconduct, punitive damages may also be awarded to further punish the responsible party.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys know how to evaluate the extent of both economic and non-economic damages and will identify all possible avenues of compensation. Our goal is to ensure that no money is left on the table and that you are made whole for everything you suffered due to the accident.
What Personal Injury Victims Should Do After an Accident
At Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer, we educate all our clients and potential clients about their legal rights so they can make the best decisions regarding their personal injury claims. This includes advice on what to do—and what not to do—after an accident. Here are some key steps to remember:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even when injuries seem minor and feeling “okay,” always see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries (like concussions or internal injuries) may not show immediate symptoms, and prompt treatment is the only way to preserve health and prevent further injury. Medical records (diagnoses, treatments, and bills) also link the accident to the sustained injuries and ensuing damages.
- Call 911 to Report the Accident: For auto accidents, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) can come to the scene, assist the injured, and create an official police report. Report a slip and fall accident to the property owner, or in a workers’ comp case, notify a supervisor of the incident. Official accident reports are valuable pieces of evidence for personal injury claims.
- Document the Scene and Evidence: If physically able, gather evidence while at the site. Take photos or video of the accident scene, vehicle damage, hazard that may have caused the incident, or any visible injuries. Also, collect contact information from any eyewitnesses; this is crucial to the investigation and establishing the at-fault party.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Stay calm and be mindful of what is shared with the responding officer, paramedics, or the other party. Do not apologize or admit partial fault, as these statements could be misleading and interpreted as an admission of guilt. Also, never give recorded statements to the other party’s insurance company without speaking to an attorney first.
- Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Visalia personal injury attorneys will protect victims’ rights, handle communication with insurance companies, and thoroughly investigate the events leading up to the accident to establish fault. The support of a dedicated legal team not only strengthens the case but also increases the financial recovery.
Our law firm provides a free consultation with no upfront fees; we will only get paid if we win your case. During the no-obligation consultation, we can advise you on your legal options and guide you through the claims process.
Why Hire Our Visalia Personal Injury Lawyers
With our client-first approach, Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer will always prioritize our clients’ health and financial recovery. This is evident in the services we offer, which include the following.
Free Consultation
Our personal injury law firm offers a free, no-obligation consultation where all prospective clients have the opportunity to meet with one of our personal injury lawyers. During this meeting, we will:
- Maintain confidentiality
- Listen to the case’s circumstances
- Address any inquiries or concerns
- Provide an estimation of case value
- Offer the best legal options available
This meeting allows you to understand your rights, while we advise the best way to assist you with your personal injury claim.
No Attorney Fees Unless We Win
The cost of hiring an experienced lawyer often prevents victims from investing in professional legal representation. However, affordability is not a concern for our clients. Our contingency fee arrangement allows everyone access to high-quality legal assistance without the fear of budget concerns.
This is because our legal fees are contingent upon a successful outcome, meaning nothing is owed unless a settlement or verdict is reached.
24/7 Availability and Support
Accidents happen at any time of the day, and questions and concerns arise outside normal business hours. This is why we remain readily available to assist 24 hours a day, seven days a week–including on holidays and weekends. Our personal injury lawyers and legal team work around the clock, providing regular updates, case progression, and availability to address any inquiries.
Our client-focused approach has earned us the trust of many injury victims in Visalia and across Southern California. We pride ourselves on achieving great results and taking care of our clients personally from start to finish.
Common Questions About Personal Injury Claims
How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take?
Every accident is unique. Therefore, the timeline of each personal injury case will range from a few months to potentially a couple of years or more. Straightforward cases with clear liability and minor injuries sometimes settle within months. However, complex cases where fault is being disputed or when litigation is necessary can take longer to reach an ideal outcome.
When working with a Visalia personal injury attorney from our firm, clients are given a detailed timeline based on the specifics of their case. While it’s normal to want a fast resolution, our focus is maximizing your compensation. Therefore, we will not rush into a quick and easy settlement. Our team will work diligently to resolve your claim as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Should I Report the Accident to the Insurance Company?
For auto accidents, inform your insurance company that you were involved in a crash so that the event is documented. For other personal injury accidents, it’s important to inform the appropriate party, like a supervisor or workers’ comp accident, of the incident.
Doing so establishes a timeline and initiates the claims process, which will prevent insurance companies from trying to deny coverage later. Simultaneously, our Visalia personal injury attorneys will pursue damages by outlining the severity of injuries and addressing any other needs to ensure the insurance company provides the necessary financial recovery.
Should I Sign a Release From the Insurance Company?
No. Insurance companies are known for offering settlements that are less than the actual value of the injuries. They intentionally do this before the full extent of the injuries is determined to reduce financial responsibility. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid signing any release of all claims from an insurance adjuster.
Once an offer is signed, you are bound by the terms of that settlement with no way to reverse the agreement. Instead, consult with an experienced Visalia personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand all the potential damages that may result from the accident and determine if the settlement offer is fair and reasonable.
How Working with a Personal Injury Lawyer Will Benefit Your Case
You might be wondering if you can handle your claim on your own, especially if the insurance company is already offering a settlement. While it is technically feasible to settle a claim without legal representation, it’s generally not advisable.
Aside from settling for a significantly lower amount than what your case is actually worth, research shows that individuals with legal counsel typically receive substantially higher compensation than those without. The additional benefits of working with an attorney include the following.
Defense From Deceitful Insurance Tactics
Insurance companies are focused on protecting their profits, and their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may seem friendly and concerned, but their goal is to offer a quick, low settlement, hoping the injured party accepts it and surrenders their rights.Â
In contrast, our law firm distinguishes itself from insurance adjusters, whose primary objective is to minimize expenses for their respective organizations by understanding their strategies and prioritizing the protection of clients’ interests.
Maximize Claim Value
Insurance companies often undervalue damages, such as pain and suffering or future medical needs, to minimize compensation. However, an experienced personal injury attorney can accurately calculate the full extent of damages, including future costs and intangible losses that others may overlook.
From an extra MRI the treating doctor recommends to the potential impact on future earnings, Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer ensures all losses are accounted for in the personal injury claim. This comprehensive approach often leads to a much higher compensation amount than initially proposed by the insurance companies.
Meet Deadlines and Simplify Legal Complexities
Personal injury law is governed by many procedural rules and requirements. For instance, in most cases, California’s statute of limitations mandates that a lawsuit must be filed within two years from the date of the injury. However, if a government entity is involved in the case, a special claim may need to be filed within six months. Failing to adhere to these deadlines will prevent victims from recovering damages.
We ensure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time, simultaneously gathering evidence, filing motions, negotiating liens, and litigating if necessary. Handling these legal tasks is overwhelming for most, but working with Visalia personal injury lawyers prevents such costly mistakes.
Proving Fault and Building a Winning Case
Proving the other party’s liability in contested personal injury cases is a challenging process. Our law firm is adept at investigating and gathering supporting evidence, including obtaining traffic camera footage, consulting with accident reconstruction experts, and subpoenaing phone records to prove a driver was texting.
If the insurance company tries to fault our client for the accident to reduce compensation under California’s principles of comparative negligence, we will strategically contest their efforts through the presentation of evidence and the submission of witness testimonies.
Small Town Care, Big City Experience
From knowledge of busy intersections that run through Mooney Blvd. to the unique landscapes of San Joaquin Valley, we are deeply connected to the residents and understand the unique aspects of living and driving in Visalia.
The Tulare County Superior Court Courthouse symbolizes the community’s pursuit of justice. With shared sentiments, Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer’s mission is simple: Help injured victims get justice and fair compensation they deserve.
With our free consultation, no-win, no-fee guarantee, and 24/7 availability, we offer convenience so you can get the legal help you need. Past clients across Southern California often refer friends and family to our firm because we deliver results with a personal touch.
Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation
Get honest responses to your questions from a dedicated advocate who will stand up to the insurance companies on your behalf. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, contact Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer for a free consultation. You don’t have to go through this difficult time alone. We are here to guide you every step of the way.
Professional Help for Southern California Accident Victims
Our law firm proudly serves clients throughout Southern California. Whether you were injured in Visalia, a nearby community like Tulare or Hanford, or even in Los Angeles or Orange County, Jeff’s Get You.
Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are ready to discuss your case and answer your questions. Find the office nearest you and contact us today to take the first step towards getting the compensation you deserve.