A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. If you’re searching for a Fresno car accident lawyer, you need someone who understands both the legal complexities and the personal toll these accidents take.
At Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accidents Lawyers, we’ve been helping accident victims in Fresno for over four decades. Beyond physical injuries and vehicle damage, you’re likely facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and uncooperative insurance companies.
What To Do After A Fresno Car Accident
After a car accident in Fresno, prioritize safety by calling 911, seeking medical attention, and documenting evidence. These immediate actions protect your health and preserve your legal rights to compensation.
Call 911 And Secure The Scene
Immediately secure the accident scene by following these steps:
- Move to safety: If possible, move vehicles out of traffic and turn on hazard lights
- Call 911: Request police and medical assistance, even for minor accidents
- Follow California law: Police reports are required for injuries or property damage over $1,000
See A Doctor Immediately
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline masks serious injuries that may not appear for days:
- Hidden injuries: Whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding often have delayed symptoms
- Legal protection: Medical records link your injuries to the accident
- Insurance defense: Treatment gaps allow insurers to deny your claim
Document Evidence And Expenses
Document as much as possible with photos, videos, or witness contact information at the scene. If you receive medical treatment afterward, ensure that it is all documented, ideally with photographs of any injuries.
You are required to exchange information with any other parties involved in the accident: names, contact information, insurance policies, and license plate numbers. Keep a file of all accident-related expenses, including medical bills, repair estimates, and receipts for any out-of-pocket costs.
What Not To Do After A Crash
Never admit you were at fault in the accident, either to a police officer or to other drivers. You may say something that isn’t correct in the moment, especially if you’re in shock. Even a simple apology can be misconstrued as an admission of guilt.
You need to make two calls to report the accident: one to your insurance company and one to the California DMV. You may wish to make a third call to a Fresno car accident lawyer if you or a passenger is injured, if you have trouble reaching an insurance settlement, or if you feel your rights were not upheld after the crash.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?
Several factors commonly contribute to car accidents in Fresno and throughout the United States. You can reduce your risk of being involved in a motor vehicle crash by avoiding these hazards.
Speeding
Speeding is a leading cause of accidents, especially on highways, where the consequences can be fatal. If people around you are going far above the speed limit, pull over and travel in the right lane whenever possible.
Driving Distracted
Never drive distracted. This means no texting or even talking on the phone using an earpiece. Kids and pets should be appropriately restrained. Keep your radio volume turned down so you can hear horns and sirens nearby.
Driving Under the Influence
Most commonly, this refers to driving while intoxicated. But it also includes driving while on recreational drugs and on certain medications that cause drowsiness, whether prescription or over the counter. Driving when tired can have similar effects to driving under the influence, so avoid operating a vehicle when exhausted.
Common Causes Across California
While all drivers in California face risks, Fresno drivers face a unique combination of regional hazards that contribute to a high number of accidents. Our Fresno personal injury attorneys understand these local factors, leveraging data and expertise to build a strong case.
Highway 99 Congestion:
This major artery is notorious for high-speed congestion. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Highway 99 consistently sees a high volume of collisions involving distracted driving.
Agricultural Traffic:
Our rural roads are shared with slow-moving farm vehicles. This dangerous mix can lead to rear-end collisions and head-on crashes, especially during harvests.
Weather Hazards:
Fresno’s dense winter fog, or “Tule fog,” can reduce visibility to mere feet. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) has documented a notable increase in fog-related accidents during the winter months.
Complex Intersections:
Intersections like Blackstone and Shaw are consistently ranked among the most dangerous in the city due to high traffic volume, poor signal timing, and confusing lanes.
Our Fresno personal injury attorneys understand these local factors, and we use this knowledge to prove negligence and build a strong case for our clients
Common Types Of Car Accidents
Car accidents in Fresno can happen in many ways, and the type of collision often determines both fault and the severity of injuries. Understanding these crash types helps you better communicate what happened and can impact your legal strategy.
The most frequent types of accidents we see in Fresno include:
Rear-End Collisions:
These often occur in stop-and-go traffic on busy roads like Herndon Avenue or Shaw Avenue. The trailing driver is typically at fault for following too closely.
T-Bone (Broadside) Accidents:
Common at Fresno’s busy intersections, these crashes happen when one driver fails to yield the right-of-way or runs a red light.
Head-On Collisions:
While less frequent, these are among the most dangerous crashes and often result from wrong-way driving or crossing the center line.
Sideswipe Accidents:
These occur when two vehicles traveling parallel make contact, typically during unsafe lane changes on highways like Highway 41.
Single-Vehicle Accidents:
These can involve hitting fixed objects, rollovers, or run-off-road crashes, sometimes due to road defects or avoiding other hazards.
Common Car Accident Injuries
The force of a car crash can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-altering trauma. Even seemingly minor accidents can result in serious injuries that don’t show symptoms immediately.
Common injuries our Fresno car accident lawyers see include:
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries:
Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck and back, often with delayed onset of symptoms.
Broken Bones:
Fractures to arms, legs, ribs, and hips are common, especially in high-impact collisions.
Head and Brain Injuries:
From mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that can have lasting cognitive effects.
Spinal Cord Injuries:
These can range from herniated discs to paralysis, dramatically impacting quality of life.
Internal Injuries:
Damage to organs may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Psychological Trauma:
PTSD, anxiety, and depression following an accident are real injuries deserving of compensation. In the most severe cases, this can lead to a wrongful death claim.
Who Is Liable After A Fresno Car Accident?
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule when determining fault in car accidents. This means you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, though your percentage of responsibility will reduce your award.
Determining liability requires identifying which party’s negligence caused the crash. While another driver is often at fault, other potentially liable parties include employers (for accidents involving commercial vehicles), government entities (for dangerous road conditions), or vehicle manufacturers (for defective parts).
California Car Accident Laws And Insurance
Understanding California’s specific laws and insurance requirements is crucial for protecting your rights after an accident. The state requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of 15/30/5 (up to $15,000 for one person’s injuries, $30,000 total per accident, and $5,000 for property damage).
California is an “at-fault” state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for damages. This system allows injured parties to seek compensation directly from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
How Insurance Claims Work In California
After an accident, you’ll typically file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Their adjuster will investigate to determine liability and calculate damages. Remember, insurance adjusters work for their company, not for you.
Insurance companies often use tactics to minimize payouts, including offering quick, lowball settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries. Having an experienced Fresno personal injury attorney handle negotiations levels the playing field.
How Long Do You Have To File In California?
California’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. For property damage claims, you have three years. However, if your claim involves a government entity, you must file an administrative claim within six months.
Missing these deadlines typically means losing your right to compensation forever. That’s why it’s crucial to consult with a lawyer promptly after your accident.
What If The Other Driver Has No Insurance?
Unfortunately, California has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the nation. If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you can turn to your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
UM/UIM coverage is optional but highly recommended. It acts as a safety net when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance to cover your damages. Our attorneys can help you navigate your own insurance policy to maximize recovery.
What Expenses Can You Claim After a Car Accident?
A Fresno car accident lawyer can help you make a claim for compensation after an auto accident. When you’re injured, your attorney will work to ensure you are fully reimbursed for all your losses.
Medical Expenses:
You can claim all medical care, from initial emergency room visits and hospital stays to physical therapy, rehabilitation, and long-term care needs. Your settlement should cover all past and future medical costs.
Loss of Income:
If your injuries cause you to miss work, you can claim restitution for lost wages. This can include not only the income you’ve already lost but also any future earnings you may miss due to your injuries.
Property Damage:
Your claim will include the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
Pain and Suffering:
Your claim can also include compensation for the physical and mental pain you endure due to the accident, including emotional distress and loss of enjoyment in life.
Punitive Damages:
In California, you may be able to sue for punitive damages, which are meant to punish the at-fault party in cases of severe negligence. You can read more about California’s law on punitive damages here.
Wrongful Death:
If a car accident tragically results in a fatality, a wrongful death claim allows certain family members to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.
The Fresno personal injury attorneys at Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accidents Lawyers can review your case, put a dollar amount on your damages, and fight for a full and fair settlement. You can learn more about our experience and dedication by visiting our company profile.
When Should You Hire A Fresno Car Accident Lawyer?
It’s not about whether you need a lawyer; it’s about whether you can afford not to have one. Insurance companies hire whole teams of adjusters and lawyers to help them pay out as little as possible. You need a Fresno car accident lawyer who knows what they’re doing to help you level the playing field.
If you or a passenger were hurt in the accident and needed medical attention, or if the accident caused a lot of damage to your property, you should definitely think about hiring a Fresno car accident lawyer.
We are also necessary if there is a disagreement about who is to blame, if the insurance company is taking too long, denying your claim, or offering a low settlement, or if you just don’t know what your claim is worth.
If the driver who caused the accident didn’t have enough insurance or wasn’t insured at all, you need a lawyer to help you find other ways to get your money back. Before you talk to the insurance company on tape, you should speak with a lawyer first. Anything you say could be used against you.
How To Choose A Fresno Car Accident Lawyer
When life takes an unexpected turn, and you find yourself facing the aftermath of an injury, choosing the right legal representation is crucial.
Finding the ideal Fresno personal injury lawyer may seem daunting, but a few key qualities can guide your decision.
Expertise That Matters
First and foremost, look for a legal professional with expertise that matters. A lawyer’s job is rarely straightforward, so you need a seasoned attorney with a proven track record in handling cases like yours.
While many personal injury cases settle outside of court, as studies show, a lawyer with substantial trial experience is a game-changer.
They send a powerful message to the opposing party that you are prepared to fight for a fair outcome.
A Client-Centered Approach
Beyond expertise, seek an attorney who offers a personalized approach. Your case is not just another file; it’s your life.
You deserve empathy and understanding from your lawyer.
Choose a Fresno car accident lawyer who truly listens to your story and treats you as an individual, not just another case number. To get a better sense of their reputation and commitment, listen to what their past clients have to say.
Transparent Fees and Local Knowledge
Practical matters are also crucial. A reputable lawyer will offer a transparent fee structure, preferably a contingency fee arrangement, so you don’t have to worry about upfront costs.
Opt for a lawyer with a strong presence in the local Fresno community because their understanding of the local legal system can be invaluable.
This combination of expertise, a client-first approach, and local insight is what sets a top-tier personal injury lawyer apart.
What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?
Before searching for “car accident lawyer near me,” you may wonder how a car accident attorney can help. A Fresno personal injury lawyer, such as Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accidents Lawyers, can assist in various ways.
At your first consultation, you’ll go over your case with a Fresno personal injury attorney, who can help you decide how to move forward. They may help you negotiate a better settlement with the other driver’s insurance carrier, for instance.
If the insurance company is not forthcoming with a reasonable claim, or if there were serious injuries or deaths involved — particularly if the other driver was breaking the law before the crash — you may wish to go to court.
Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accidents Lawyers can help you get the financial compensation that’s rightfully yours, whether you need to be paid for medical treatments, lost income, damaged property, or pain and suffering.
An experienced Fresno car accident lawyer with a good track record of success knows California laws and has the resources to work on your case, including conducting an investigation, working with expert witnesses, going to bat against an insurance company, or representing you in a trial.
Contact Fresno Car Accident Lawyer Today. We Offer Free Consultations!
Have you or a loved one been involved in a car accident in Fresno and encountered difficulties with the other party’s insurance company? Were you injured, or did you lose a family member in the accident? Have you endured pain and suffering or had financial setbacks because of the accident?
Contact Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accidents Lawyers today to explore your options for compensation and to have your rights properly upheld according to California Law. Call us or reach out online to set up an appointment with us at our Fresno location at 2045 E. Ashlan Avenue, Suite 106.
We’ve successfully settled over 100,000 cases, and we welcome the chance to add yours to that list. Your first consultation with Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accidents Lawyers is absolutely free.
What To Do After A Car Accident INFOGRAPHIC
