Fresno Car Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Fresno Car Accident Lawyers Are Advocates Focused On Your Recovery
A simple mistake on Fresno’s busy roads can quickly cause a major collision. If you get injured in one, reach out to our Fresno car accident lawyers. We can help you seek damages, including medical bills and lost wages, if you have a case. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Fresno is a large city in California that sees more than its fair share of car accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fresno car accident, seek the guidance of an experienced lawyer. Our Fresno injury law firm has decades of experience protecting the rights of victims after such incidents. We can help you navigate the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue the compensation that may be available to you.
Why Have Our Fresno Car Accident Lawyers Handle Your Case
Arash Law’s dedicated team has served Fresno and the rest of California for decades. Our Fresno injury law firm has handled various types of personal injury cases, including car accident claims. Here’s how we can help you:
- Our Law Firm Understands the Importance of Our Clients’ Health — We work to manage all case-related documents and communications with the aim of helping them focus on recovery. We may also connect them with appropriate medical providers in the area if they need treatment while pursuing compensation.
- Our Attorneys Use Their Knowledge of the Law to Help Clients Understand Their Cases — We explain complex legal concepts in plain language so they can make informed decisions.
- Our Personal Injury Lawyers Use a Tailored Approach — We understand each case is unique, so we take the time to get to know you and your situation. We can then use this information to develop a tailored approach for your case.
- Our Fresno Car Accident Attorneys Independently Investigate Cases — We can assist with gathering evidence, documenting possible scenarios, and interviewing witnesses to get a clearer picture of the incident.
- Our Lawyers Negotiate With Insurance Providers — We can discuss potential settlement offers on your behalf and can consider taking your case to court if negotiations don’t work.
Additionally, we don’t charge upfront fees for our services. Our Fresno injury law firm works on a contingency basis, meaning attorney fees are only paid if compensation is recovered. Clients may be required to pay case-related costs, but we discuss these with them before handling their claim. If you’re worried about potential language barriers, we can also work to acquire the necessary translation services as soon as you notify us of your preferences.
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– ARASH KHORSANDI
Why You Need An Experienced Car Accident Attorney To Represent You
You may ask yourself, “Do I really need a personal injury lawyer for my car accident claim?” If you have reason to believe your crash was caused by another’s carelessness, our answer would be yes. Our car accident lawyers can help you understand the legal aspects of your case so you can understand your rights and available options after being injured.
If you don’t have any prior legal knowledge or experience, an attorney can help you deal with the complexities of filing an insurance claim. For instance, they can assist with estimating the worth of losses that are hard to value (such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disfigurements) that may be compensated through legal action.
Our Fresno car accident lawyers can also help negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, helping you study settlement offers and preventing you from making mistakes that may impact your claim. If necessary, we will pursue the case in court if an appropriate settlement cannot be reached.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents
The first thing an insurance company will want to know is who is at fault for causing the car accident. Legally, this is known as “liability.” A negligent driver may be held liable for all the injuries and losses they cause. A car accident can be caused by:
- Driving over the speed limit.
- Failing to control speed to avoid a collision.
- Failing to obey traffic signals and signs.
- Failure to yield the right-of-way.
- Driving while distracted by a cell phone or mobile device.
- Making an improper turn.
- Failure to check blind spots before changing lanes or backing up.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, controlled substances, or any combination of these.
- Other reckless driving behaviors, including tailgating and aggressive driving.
- Driving while fatigued.
Our Fresno lawyers have also seen car accidents caused by adverse road and weather conditions. Icy roads and poor visibility due to fog, heavy rain, or snow can contribute to traffic collisions.
Alcohol Causes Many Car Accidents
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a significant public safety problem. However, with advocacy groups like MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving), people are becoming more aware of the dangers of drunk driving. Unfortunately, alcohol isn’t the only thing that can impair a driver. The opioid epidemic in the United States has led to many car accidents. Drivers impaired by pills can potentially injure and kill innocent victims.
DUI is a particular problem here in Fresno. A study published by LendingTree revealed that Fresno has the sixth-highest DUI rate among U.S. cities. Six of the top 25 cities were also in California. According to UC Berkeley’s SWITRS, there were 345 DUI-related fatalities and injuries in 2023. It also had the 3rd highest drug-involved traffic fatalities in the same year.
If you are injured by an impaired driver, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your losses. Contact our car accident lawyers in Fresno so we can study your case in line with the laws that apply to DUI accidents.
High-Risk Locations In Fresno
Fresno has some dangerous sections of road. Drivers should be aware of these areas so they can use extra caution when traveling through them. ABC 7 reported in 2018 that the Fresno section of Highway 99 was rated the most dangerous in the entire United States. It had more fatal accidents per hundred miles than any other roadway in the nation. It was also the darkest highway in the United States and the second worst for drunk drivers. In 2024, CBS Sacramento revealed that Highway 99 is also the most deadly route in the state.
Car accidents are also more likely to occur at intersections with multiple traffic streams converging. Drivers often misjudge the speed and intentions of other vehicles, and complex traffic signals can create confusion. Fresno drivers should slow down, pay attention, and use extra caution when approaching an intersection. Watch for other drivers (who may be confused) until you have made it safely through the entire intersection.
Parking lots are another source of many Fresno collisions. Like intersections, many road users travel through these areas. Unfortunately, they have even fewer traffic controls. Drivers and pedestrians must rely on one another to keep a close watch and yield the right of way. When some drivers fail to check their blind spots before backing up fully, collisions with another car, truck, van, bus, bicycle, or even a pedestrian can happen.
Other areas that are prone to car accidents include the following:
- Freeways and Highways — These areas often see congested traffic, and drivers are not always paying attention.
- Curves and Sharp Bends — These can be dangerous if drivers don’t change their speeds as they travel. They might lose control of their vehicles, go off the road, and crash into oncoming traffic.
- Construction Zones — These areas often have reduced lanes, uneven pavements, and many workers present, potentially causing confusion and unexpected hazards for drivers. Furthermore, debris, such as nails and other sharp objects, can puncture tires, resulting in drivers losing control of their vehicles.
Dangerous Intersections In Fresno
Car accidents can occur anywhere in Fresno. However, certain areas are notorious for being hotspots for crashes. As such, drivers should be extra careful when driving through these areas.
The intersection of South Chestnut and Central Avenues, just outside the city limits, was voted the most dangerous. Although it’s not statistically the deadliest, this area has had numerous accidents over the past five years.
On October 28, 2023, a two-vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of South Chestnut and East Central Avenues. Additionally, on April 4, 2024, a hit-and-run accident occurred on southbound Chestnut Avenue. Unfortunately, this incident claimed the life of a 30-year-old pedestrian.
The intersection of Friant and Shepherd, known as “The Friant Roulette,” was the second most dangerous in the survey with 18%, or roughly 800 votes. Tied for third were the intersections of Shaw and Golden State in the northwest and Tulare and Minnewawa in the southwest, both receiving 18% of the votes. Rounding out the top four was the intersection of Shaw and Polk, with 8% of the votes.
Fresno Is The “Safest Large City” In California
Despite the risks of drunk driving and unsafe roadways, local police efforts have made impressive impacts on our city’s safety. The Fresno Police Department reported issuing nearly 45,000 citations for traffic violations in 2015. By 2023, the number of issued citations had significantly decreased to 28,174. Both speeding and distracted driving had a high number of citations. Traffic officers also arrested 307 felony suspects in 2015. These impressive statistics have led the local police department to label Fresno as the “safest large city” in California.
Notwithstanding this good news, it’s important to remember that car accidents can still happen in the city. If you get injured in one, don’t hesitate to contact our car accident lawyers in Fresno for guidance.
Local Courthouses
For your legal needs, there are also several courthouses here in Fresno:
(1) Fresno Superior Courthouse Downtown Location,1100 Van Ness Avenue
Fresno, CA 93724-0002
Telephone: (559) 457-2000
(2) B. F. Sisk Court,1130 O Street, Fresno, CA 93721-2220
Telephone: (559) 457-2000
(3) M Street Courthouse,2317 Tuolumne Street, Fresno,
CA 93721-1220
Telephone: (559) 457-1700
Our experienced attorneys at Arash Law can also help you with any personal injury case. Whether your case involves a car accident, bus accident, motorcycle accident, Uber or Lyft accident, construction accident, a worker’s compensation claim, a premises liability case, amusement park accident, or an accident at a vacation home rental (such as an Airbnb), our experienced lawyers can help review your case and potentially pursue compensation. We also handle cases involving nursing home or childcare injuries, dog bites, burns, brain injuries, eye injuries, and birth injuries.
Common Types Of Car Accidents
There are many types of car collisions. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be eligible to pursue compensation by taking legal action against the parties at fault. Our Fresno attorneys usually handle these types of car accidents:
- Rear-End Collisions — Motorists, particularly when distracted, are more likely to rear-end other vehicles if they fail to hit their brakes on time. Injuries like whiplash and back injuries are relatively common in these accidents.
- T-Bone Collisions or Broadside Accidents — These happen when a car collides with the side of another vehicle, forming a “T” shape. They often happen at intersections when drivers fail to yield the right of way or run a red light. Other typical causes include distracted driving, speeding, DUI, and poor road conditions.
- Sideswipe Accidents — Two cars traveling alongside each other can make contact and potentially cause sideswipe accidents. These are usually caused by lane drifting, distracted driving, failure to notice blind spots, and driving in inclement weather.
- Head-on Collisions — These happen when two cars traveling in opposite directions collide head-on. They are one of the most dangerous types of traffic accidents.
- Blind Spot Accidents — Typically, drivers cannot see all areas around their cars, including the space directly behind and next to them. Accidents can happen when drivers fail to check these blind spots before changing lanes.
- Pedestrian Accidents — These accidents typically occur when drivers fail to follow the rules at crosswalks or intersections. They are often caused by a driver’s negligence, distraction, or recklessness.
- Bicycle Accidents — These incidents happen when drivers tailgate, are distracted or intoxicated, or fail to yield to cyclists. Bicycle accidents also arise when vehicle occupants open their doors in front of an approaching bicycle.
Common Injuries In Auto Accidents
Soft tissue injuries are common in car accidents. For example, whiplash, a soft tissue injury affecting the neck and shoulders, is typically sustained in rear-end accidents. However, these are not the only injuries that can occur in a car crash.
Some victims also suffer brain injuries. These may result in a concussion that resolves on its own in a day or two. More serious brain injuries can leave lasting damage. The most severe traumatic brain injuries result in permanent brain damage that dramatically changes an injury victim’s life. They might be unable to work, enjoy hobbies, or even play with their children.
Here are other common injuries you might experience in a car accident:
- Nerve damage
- Organ damage
- Bone fractures
- Facial lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Loss of limbs (amputation injuries)
- Neck injuries
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
A negligent driver has a legal obligation to pay for all of your medical care if they are found liable. This can include covering visits to specialists and expensive testing, such as MRIs or CT scans. You might also need rehabilitative care like physical therapy. Some permanent injuries will require ongoing medical care for the rest of your life. If your case is successful, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may be required to pay these expenses. Our Fresno car accident lawyers can help you understand your options and pursue compensation for such injuries.
The Types Of Losses You Might Suffer After A Car Accident
There are many types of losses you can suffer after a car accident. When you pursue a personal injury claim and after proving the at-fault party’s negligence, you may be able to seek economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are quantifiable losses and accident-related expenditures. It is simple to calculate these expenses since receipts show what was spent. These types of losses include:
- Medical bills for hospitalization and physical or occupational therapy.
- Laboratory fees, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
- Cost of medications.
- Use of assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, crutches, and walking boots.
- Other supplementary treatments, such as acupuncture and chiropractic therapy.
- Lost wages (which can be proven by documentation from your employer showing how many hours you missed from work).
- Property damage.
- Car rental fees and transportation-related costs for going to medical appointments.
Non-Economic Damages
In contrast, non-economic damages are non-quantifiable losses that are far more difficult to value. They include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Humiliation
- Mental disorder
- Loss of a limb
- Disfigurement (such as a scar)
- Permanent disability
- Lower self-esteem
- Loss of a spouse or family member
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Reputational damage
- Inconvenience
Though these losses do not have a simple dollar value, they are very real. If a driver is found to be at fault, they may be required by law to pay you for these losses. However, the outcome will depend on the specific details of your case.
Consider reaching out to our car accident lawyers in Fresno, who can work to calculate your non-economic losses based on your specific circumstances. When relevant to your case, we may consult medical and financial experts to help assess how these damages impact your quality of life and your ability to earn income or support your family.
If you find economic and non-economic damages confusing, do not hesitate to contact our car accident attorneys in Fresno. Our team can assist in reviewing your case and clarifying how various types of damages may apply.
Comparative Negligence
California is a pure comparative negligence state, which means that a plaintiff can still recover damages even if they are found to be partially at fault. However, the court will reduce their damages by the percentage of fault attributed to them.
As an example, a van rear-ended a sedan on Fulton Street, causing a fender-bender and a moderate back injury to the car driver. The injured motorist sued the van driver for damages. Based on the evidence presented, the court found that the car driver was preoccupied with his GPS and ruled he was 50% responsible for the accident. If the sedan driver’s damages amount to $500,000, their net recovery will only be $250,000 due to their portion of liability.
If you believe that you are partially responsible for a car accident in Fresno, you can speak to our lawyers about how shared liability may impact your case.
Statute Of Limitations
California’s statute of limitations usually gives personal injury victims two years to take their case to court.
There are a few exemptions to this rule, such as:
- If the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations will be paused or tolled until they turn 18.
- The delayed discovery rule allows the statute of limitations to start running when an injury or harm is discovered rather than when the injury occurred. This rule is particularly important in cases where the victim’s injuries were not immediately apparent.
- The two-year period does not apply to cases where the government is named the defendant. These actions must be filed within six months of the accident.
If you believe that your car accident case falls into one of these exemptions, our Fresno lawyers can help you confirm it.
What To Do After A Car Accident In Fresno
It can be challenging to know what to do after you are injured in a crash. However, there are some steps you can take to help keep everyone at the scene safe and may also safeguard your rights. For example:
Prioritize Your Safety
Move to a safer location, as far away from passing vehicles as possible. Stay by the roadside while you wait for the authorities. If you are on the freeway, it’s usually best to stay in your car until help shows up. If you sustain serious wounds, apply pressure to prevent blood loss and call 911 for medical assistance. If you can, check others involved in the crash for injuries.
Report To The Police
Call 911 if anyone is injured. Notify the law enforcement authorities about the road crash. You may also call (559) 621-7000 to report the accident directly to the Fresno City police department.
Get Witness Information And Photos Of The Scene
Once you are sure of everyone’s immediate safety, it is important to gather evidence. This starts by getting the name and phone number of anyone who might have witnessed the accident. You should also ask for the at-fault driver’s contact information, full name, complete address, cell phone number, email address, and insurance details.
Then try to take photos with your phone. Get pictures of the damage to all vehicles involved, and document the scene as best you can. Ask the responding police officers how to get a copy of their report. These witnesses, photos, and police reports will be important evidence in your personal injury claim.
Follow Up On Your Medical Care
Whether or not you meet with emergency medical technicians on the scene of an accident, it is important to receive follow-up medical care from your primary care provider (PCP). This is the only way to ensure that your injuries are healing appropriately. It will also help you access any other medical care you need.
Notify Insurance Companies
Call your insurance company so they can prepare all the necessary documents you will need for your claim. Relay all the basic details about the car crash, but do not overshare. Any subjective statements you make may be misconstrued as you accepting fault for the accident.
Seek Legal Assistance
Pursuing a personal injury claim following a car accident entails tremendous legwork. Accomplishing all these is overwhelming when you’re still dealing with your recovery. In this trying time, consulting with Arash Law can help you prioritize your well-being. Our Fresno car accident attorneys will guide you on how to proceed with your personal injury claim. We can also assist you in collecting evidence if you are seriously hurt. Contact us at (888) 488-1391.
What initially seemed like a routine rear-end collision, commonly known as a “fender bender,” turned into a significant settlement with high maximum limits for a client who suffered lower back disc injuries. The case was resolved just two weeks before the scheduled trial commencement.– BRIAN BEECHER
Things You Should Not Do After A Car Accident
Aside from knowing what to do next after a car accident, you should also be aware of what not to do. That said, you may wish to avoid the following:
Do Not Panic
Panicking will only make the situation worse. Remain calm at all times and be cautious of your actions. Do not leave the accident scene unless absolutely necessary, such as in a medical emergency, but leave your contact information to avoid a hit-and-run charge.
Do Not Confront The At-Fault Party
Approaching and challenging the other parties might only create tension, complicate the situation, and lead to a physical altercation. Worse, this could place you at fault and may weaken or nullify your case.
Do Not Admit Fault
When the police ask you questions during the investigation, share your version of events. However, do not apologize, as they may think that you have done something wrong. When you are declared at fault, any potential compensation you’re awarded may be reduced based on your degree of responsibility.
Do Not Publicize Information
Do not post anything on social media, as doing so may similarly lead you to weaken your claim unconsciously. Keep all communication confidential, and do not discuss the case with anyone other than your lawyer.
Don’t Talk To The Other Driver’s Insurance Company
If other insurance companies request to speak with you after a crash, consider enlisting the services of a car accident lawyer so you can direct all case-related communications to them. Doing so might help you avoid making mistakes that may take away from the validity of your claim.
Car Accident Statistics In Fresno
Authorities have not yet disclosed specific data on car accidents in Fresno. Nonetheless, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reported that road crashes, in general, injured or claimed the lives of 1,351 victims in 2021. In the same year, they also recorded 1,065 DUI arrests. Unfortunately, these incidents increased as the years passed by. In 2023, Fresno logged 1,575 traffic accidents, resulting in fatalities and varying levels of injuries.
This persistent issue should not be ignored, especially since any motor vehicle crash, such as a car accident, can be an overwhelming experience for everyone involved. First, you must deal with emergency medical personnel and police officers on the scene. Then, you have to coordinate follow-up medical care for all of your injuries. Next, you need to explore whether you can file a claim with the insurance company. This can be a complicated and confusing process.
After an accident, you can protect your legal rights by hiring an experienced Fresno car accident lawyer. Attorneys know how to deal with insurance companies and other parties on their clients’ behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Car Accidents
How Much Is My Car Accident Claim Worth?
Potential settlement amounts vary depending on many factors, such as the type and severity of the injury, its negative impact on the victim’s quality of life, the number of potential at-fault parties, insurance policy coverage, all out-of-pocket expenses, legal fees, and many more.
If you would like to know the approximate value of your case, you can contact our Fresno car accident lawyers so they can come up with an estimate.
How Much Will It Cost Me To Hire A Car Accident Lawyer In Fresno?
Attorney’s fees will depend on their years of experience, the cases they have handled, and the complexity of the accident.
We have seen many personal injury victims who cannot afford traditional legal fees, which is why we charge our clients on a contingency basis.
Under this arrangement, they don’t pay attorney fees unless they’re awarded compensation. However, they might still be responsible for some costs, regardless of the case’s outcome.
Our car accident attorneys in Fresno can give you more information about our contingency fee agreement.
Can I Pursue Compensation For My Pain And Suffering?
Yes, you can pursue compensation for pain and suffering, based on the evidence of your case. Our Fresno car accident attorneys can assist you in assessing the value of this and identifying other non-economic damages you might have suffered to help you understand what you may be able to seek when filing a car accident claim.
Our lawyers may seek the opinion of financial experts in Fresno to estimate the value of your non-monetary losses. We will also work to understand how they might affect your ability to support yourself and your loved ones following your car accident.
Contact Our Fresno Car Accident Lawyers For Clear Legal Help
Pursuing a car accident claim can be difficult, time-consuming, and stressful. Our car accident lawyers in Fresno can guide you through the next legal steps you can take.
We are ready to help you with your case. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys.
Our lawyers also assist car accident victims in Parlier, Clovis, Kingsburg, Firebough, Kerman, Reedley, Sanger, Selma, Orange Cove, San Joaquin, Tapey Village, Mendota, Cincotta, Muscatel, Firebaugh, Coalinga, Fowler, Huron, Squaw Valley, Malaga, Goldleaf, Old Fig Garden, Three Rocks, Mayfair, Minkler, Big Creek, Centerville, Benito, Rolinda, Pratton, New Auberry, Gravesboro, Lacjac, Fig Garden Loop, Miramonte, Tollhouse, Dinuba, Madera, Hanford, Lemoore, Chowchilla, Visalia and Prather, as well as other locations across California.
