Benefits Fresno Wrongful Death Lawyers Provide

The Risk of Not Hiring Fresno Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents are the most prevalent type of personal injury cases, often leaving victims struggling with debilitating injuries and overwhelming financial burdens.

Established car accident law firms that are knowledgeable in personal injury law seamlessly navigate the subsequent auto accident claims process, which is notoriously intricate. Choosing not to work with Fresno car accident attorneys can result in the following consequences.

Being Solely Blamed for the Auto Accident

The insurance company will try to minimize an auto accident settlement, especially if the plaintiff shares fault. However, the right legal backing protects victims from being taken advantage of in this situation.

In California, car accident cases follow the “comparative negligence” rule. This means that multiple parties can share fault for a collision, including the individual filing the car accident claim.

Even if partially at fault, the plaintiff may still recover compensation. The caveat is that the final awarded amount will be contingent upon that individual’s percentage of fault in causing the car accident.

Therefore, even if responsibility is shared, the plaintiff can still pursue legal action against the other involved party or parties, but this won’t be easy.

This complex legal landscape applies to all car accidents in Fresno, CA, regardless of insurance policies. Seeking guidance from a skilled personal injury attorney can significantly benefit the car accident case and prevent being left with the burden of financial costs.

Reduced Compensation and Rejected Car Accident Claims

Car accidents can leave victims facing both physical and financial burdens with life-changing consequences. Any losses suffered can be compensated in the form of economic damages and non-economic damages. 

Although auto accident victims are entitled to these damages, insurance companies will make it very difficult to recover the full extent of compensation. Common recoverable damages in a car accident case may include the following:

• Medical expenses: This covers all past and future costs to treat car accident injuries, like surgeries, therapy, medication, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages and earning potential: Compensation for income that could not be earned while recovering from car accident injuries and any long-term impact on earning abilities.
• Property damage: Repairs or replacement for a damaged vehicle and other belongings damaged in the car wreck may be reimbursed.
• Pain and suffering: This covers emotional distress, mental anguish, and physical discomfort resulting from the auto accident.
• Wrongful death: Compensation may be available to surviving family members due to lost income, medical bills, and funeral expenses.
• Other damages: Depending on the specifics of the auto accident, additional compensation for scarring, disfigurement, loss of consortium (loss of companionship), and more may be available.

Experienced Fresno car accident lawyers understand the varying damages that injured victims are entitled to. Their knowledge allows them to accurately recognize all potential damages and maximize compensation in personal injury cases.

Lack of Sufficient Medical Care

Sometimes, victims of car accidents do not realize the extent of their injuries and forgo medical treatment. Other times, medical bills deter car accident victims from treatment for fear of going into medical debt. 

Failing to treat injuries not only compromises health and well-being, but available compensation will also be negatively affected once a car accident claim is filed. 

Insurance companies will question the severity of injuries based on when they were treated. The more time that passes, the more difficult it will be to prove the legitimacy of the auto accident injuries. Another argument the insurance company may use is that the injuries were not sustained from a different event and not from the auto accident.

A skilled Fresno car accident lawyer will analyze a case and guide clients through viable options, including which insurance provider to go through. This may include: 

• Victim’s auto policy: May cover medical bills and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage
• At-fault party’s insurance: Liability coverage may help cover some damages, but it may max out if damages exceed the policy limit
• Personal health insurance: Applicable for initial medical treatment and reimbursed through the car accident settlement

When to Hire a Fresno Car Accident Attorney

As soon as possible AND certainly before speaking to the insurance company. 

Following a car accident, prioritizing communication with a personal injury attorney is crucial, even when still contemplating representation.

A Fresno car accident attorney will provide valuable advice, like avoiding to speak with the at-fault party’s insurance company immediately following the auto accident.

Conversations with the insurance company are typically recorded, and anything stated can be used against the case, impacting the overall value of the auto accident claim. 

Similarly, signing any paperwork without legal guidance could compromise an auto accident case. Regardless if the victim was aware of what was being signed away, it cannot be undone. 

Therefore, consult with a Fresno car accident attorney to prevent an irreversible mistake. Some law firms in Fresno, CA offer a free consultation to get started.

The Statue of Limitations

In California, personal injury victims are generally given two years from the date of injury to file a car accident claim. This is referred to as the statute of limitations.

Unfortunately, if the deadline is missed, victims lose the right to pursue legal action; and in some instances, the statute of limitations is only six months.

Other factors to consider are the preservation of evidence and the eagerness to initiate an auto accident claim. The more time that passes, the more difficult it will be to leverage evidence and negotiate a maximized settlement.

The Top Fresno Car Accident Attorneys

Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Fresno car accident lawyers from Central Valley Accident Lawyers can help you take control of your future and get you compensated for your losses. Here’s how our law firm can help:

• Maximize compensation: Our Fresno car accident lawyers will fight for everything you deserve, from medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
• Deal with the insurance company: Let us handle the lengthy paperwork and negotiations, so you can focus on healing.
• Protect your rights: We ensure you understand all of your legal options and provide support through the whole legal process with confidence.
• Free consultation: Get a no-obligation case evaluation about your car accident case.

Speak with one of our Fresno car accident lawyers and discover how we can help you with your case.