Fresno Car Accident Attorney
Compassionate & Tenacious Representation
There are millions of cars traveling on the interstates, highways, and roads in California. Unfortunately, this comes with a high rate of traffic collisions for the state. In 2013, while highway accidents and fatalities decreased nationwide, they saw a frightening surge in the state of California. According to state transportation figures, 3,104 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents during that year, and over 220,000 were injured.
If you or someone you love was killed or seriously injured in an auto accident, our Fresno car accident lawyers at Fowler | Helsel | Vogt can help you pursue your right to compensation. Speaking with the insurance companies alone is never recommended. It is not in the best interests of some insurers to look out for you or to maximize your recovery. This is what we are here for.
Why Hire Our Firm?
- Dedicated Car Accident Attorneys
- Award-winning counsel
- Free consultations
- 40+ years of combined experience
- Millions recovered
- $300,000 Uninsured Motorist Claim
-
Vehicle Accident
An injured driver and passenger of a vehicle were T-boned by an uninsured driver. FHV’s clients were able to pay their hospital bills and other medical bills, while still receiving compensation for their pain and suffering.
- $100,000 Rear-End Collision
- $100,000 Drunk Driving Accident
- $100,000 Parking Lot Accident
Representation You Can Trust
Car accidents are by far the most common source of personal injury lawsuits. From outstanding medical bills to a lifetime of future medical care, our auto accident attorneys understand the financial impact and extreme emotional toll such incidents can have on an individual and their family.
Fowler | Helsel | Vogt has significant experience handling claims arising from:
- Automobile accidents
- Trucking / tractor-trailer accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle / pedestrian accidents
- Boating accidents
- Hit and run accidents
Our aggressive team of attorneys is prepared to fight for your rights and work to maximize your financial recovery while maintaining a delicate understanding of your emotions. Our Fresno car accident attorneys have substantial experience in managing all aspects of personal injury cases, from the negotiation and analysis of insurance issues to the eventual litigation in court. We are also equipped to handle the complicated insurance matters that arise in Uber and Lyft accident cases.
We can help you recover damages for losses suffered as a result of the accident, such as:
- Property damage, including damage to your vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses you have paid
- Emotional pain and distress
- Healthcare costs
- Disability and disfigurement
- Loss of income / ability to earn income
- Loss of consortium
Common Causes of Car Accidents
The most common causes of car accidents are reckless driving behaviors such as committing traffic violations, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or using a cell phone behind the wheel.
However, car accidents can also be caused by third-party negligence. For example, a collision can result because a road is not well-maintained or because a part of the vehicle is defective. In these cases, it’s possible for someone other than a driver to be held liable for collision damages.
Car accidents can be caused by:
- Reckless driving
- Traffic violations
- Cellphone use and distracted driving
- Drug/alcohol intoxication
- Inadequate road maintenance
- Misleading road signs
- Vehicle defects
What to Do After a Car Accident
The time following the impact of a collision is frightening, confusing, and overwhelming. In these moments, it is important to remember to stay calm and focus on what will most help your eventual recovery.
After a car accident, you should take these steps:
- Call first responders and get medical attention as soon as possible. Everyone should check for injuries and signs of shock. If there are apparent injuries, these individuals should be taken to the emergency room as soon as possible. If injuries are minor or not apparent at the moment, make sure you see a doctor as soon as possible. Regardless of whether there are injuries, call the police to the scene.
- Take pictures of the accident scene and make a note of contact information from the other driver and any witnesses. You can use your smartphone to document the scene of the accident, all injuries, and the vehicles. This will help protect evidence to build your case. These pictures should be from different distances and angles.
- File a police report. You will want to file a police report, even if the accident appears minor. This will prove essential for your case.
- Contact our Fresno car accident attorneys. You are likely wondering whether you even need an attorney. Work with an experienced car accident attorney to determine what damages you may be eligible to collect. Compensation can include medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and a diminished quality of life.
How to Build a Car Accident Case
Following the immediate aftermath of a car accident, you will need to begin taking steps to build your case. Recovering compensation for collision damages involves negotiating with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
You should have pictures of the accident scene, the other driver’s contact and insurance information, and a police report available to you. Beyond this initial evidence collection, you will need to continue gathering information about the collision and your injuries to begin establishing your claim.
Saved medical records and bills will demonstrate how the collision impacted you physically and financially. Taking pictures of the progression of your injuries can also be helpful.
To recover additional evidence, our car accident lawyers in Fresno can assist you. This may include acquiring traffic camera footage, witness accounts, input from experts, and other items you may not be able to get on your own. We can also help compile these pieces of evidence into a strong case and recover the compensation you deserve.
What is the Time Limit to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in California?
After a car accident, it may take time to get your thoughts together and even realize that you should sue. You do, however, have a time limit to sue after a car accident in California. The time limit for filing a lawsuit for compensation is two years, according to the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. — that includes the time limit to go to court and file a lawsuit due to the harm or loss. The time limit begins at the date that the accident occurred.
If anyone was injured in the car accident, whether it was the driver, a passenger, or a pedestrian, they will need to get their lawsuit filed within two years from the date that the accident took place.
Get Started on Your Claim Today
Each Fresno car accident lawyer on our team at Fowler | Helsel | Vogt is dedicated to defending our clients. We are prepared to represent you in negotiations with the insurance company, but we always treat every case as if it were ultimately headed for trial, allowing us a strategic advantage for your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured on the roads and freeways of California or if you have lost a loved one in an accident, our team of attorneys at Fowler | Helsel | Vogt can protect you and your family's rights. We can help you seek the outcome your desire.
We invite you to contact us today at (559) 900-1280 to schedule your free case consultation.