Visalia 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 Visalia Accident Lawyers Are Dedicated To Finding Solutions For You
You never know when an accident might happen. We understand that this experience is traumatic and can be financially burdensome for you. Our Visalia accident lawyers can help you seek compensation if you or your loved one gets injured because of someone else’s negligence. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Visalia has more than 360,000 residents. The city’s population increases activity in the area and raises accident risks. Our accident attorneys in Visalia have the necessary knowledge and experience to help all residents and tourists with a variety of personal injury cases.
Our lawyers handling accident cases in Visalia can help our victims pursue justice and fair compensation. We will work diligently on your case, allowing you to focus on recovering from your injuries.
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
How Can Visalia Accident Lawyers Help With Your Claim?
Our attorneys will gather information to create a strong case and represent you at the negotiation table and, if necessary, in court. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and guiding you through the claims process.
Traumatic personal injuries can have a lasting and devastating impact on your life due to the need for continued treatment and long-term care. Sometimes, someone else’s negligence can result in a permanent disability. These issues can hinder your ability to earn a living or find new employment.
Learn about your rights after a personal injury accident by contacting our Visalia accident attorneys.
Why Choose Our Accident Lawyers For Your Case?
With decades of experience, we use our skills to support your rights and guide you through the pursuit of fair compensation. Our team will gather evidence from the accident scene, statements, and your medical reports. We will use these pieces of evidence to support your claim.
Here’s how our attorneys in Visalia can help you:
- Extensive Experience — With our extensive combined experience advocating for personal injury victims, we know how to handle any situation that arises.
- Access to Experts — Our legal team can connect you to medical professionals in the field who can assess your injuries and treat them accordingly. We can also work with specialists, like accident reconstructionists, to back up your claim further.
- Reduced Stress — By letting our accident lawyers in Visalia handle your case, you also allow yourself to focus on healing. Let your personal injury lawyer deal with insurance companies, paperwork, deadlines, and everything else that your case needs.
- No Upfront Cost — Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t need to pay attorney’s fees up front. Instead, our fees will come from a percentage of the total settlement award. We’ll talk about the percentage we’ll take during your onboarding process. You may still be responsible for case-related costs regardless of the outcome of your case.
- Skilled Representation — Our Visalia lawyers possess not just accident law knowledge but also strong negotiation and trial skills. This enables us to advocate on your behalf with insurance companies and, if necessary, represent you in court.
Types Of Accident Cases We Handle
If you are injured because of someone’s negligence, you may want to seek legal advice from accident attorneys in Visalia. Here are the types of accident cases we handle:
Car Accidents
Our car accident lawyers in Visalia have handled cases of drunk driving, distracted driving, and reckless behavior, among others.
Drunk driving is defined as driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least 0.08%. Even a few drinks can make driving dangerous for the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. It is one of the leading causes of car wrecks.
Distracted driving increases the risk of a car accident. Texting, talking on the phone, using a navigation system, and eating while driving are all examples of distracted driving.
Meanwhile, reckless driving, also known as aggressive driving, consists of a combination of traffic offenses that endanger people or property. The following offenses are considered reckless:
- Speeding or traveling too fast for conditions.
- Unsafe lane changes.
- Running red lights (failing to obey traffic signals).
- Passing outside the standard traffic lanes on the right.
- Tailgating (following too closely).
- A failure to yield the right-of-way.
- Failure to signal.
Truck Accidents
In many truck accidents, victims suffer serious injuries and property damage. Death is also widely reported because of the disparity between trucks and other vehicles on the road. Trucks may also hit unknowing pedestrians and cyclists, which often leads to fatalities. Our Visalia truck accident lawyers can help you if you are injured because of another person’s negligence.
Federal Trucking Regulations
Weight limits are one of the important regulations governing the trucking industry. According to Caltrans, the law prohibits trucks from exceeding 80,000 pounds, with no more than 20,000 pounds per axle. Trucks that exceed the set limit can damage the road over time, especially in vulnerable areas such as overpasses and bridges.
Road safety is essential, but so is vehicle safety. For a semi-truck to be safe, it must adhere to the manufacturer’s weight limit. Heavy trucks, such as semis, take longer to stop, are more difficult to control going downhill, and are less maneuverable than cars. The weight limit is crucial for the safety of the truck driver and other road users.
Uber And Lyft Accidents
The popularity of ridesharing services has increased in recent years due to the availability of convenient transportation options such as Uber and Lyft. However, Uber accidents and Lyft collisions do happen, so ridesharing is not without its risks.
Aside from reporting to these companies, consulting with our rideshare attorneys in Visalia can help support your claim.
Hit-And-Run Accidents
In a hit-and-run accident, the driver leaves the scene without exchanging information or assisting the other party. A person who flees the scene without reporting the incident may face criminal charges in the state of California.
Such types of accidents are more challenging to handle. But our accident lawyers in Visalia can help with investigations. Our goal is to help you pursue compensation for your injuries so you can focus on your recovery.
Slip And Fall Accidents
A slip and fall accident in Visalia can lead to various injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and paralysis. If you are suffering losses due to a slip and fall incident on someone else’s property, it’s important to file a claim immediately. These types of accidents typically fall under premises liability, and our Visalia accident attorneys can handle such claims.
Dog Bites
Dog bite incidents can lead to serious injuries and emotional distress. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries and report the incident to the authorities. You can also sue the dog owner for negligence in taking care of their pet.
Product Liability Cases
Individuals who suffer injuries or damages due to a defective or unsafe product can file a product liability claim. It’s crucial to prioritize your safety and take legal action. Preserving evidence, such as the defective product, packaging, and relevant documentation, is essential to supporting your claim.
You can check our practice areas to learn about the other types of cases our accident lawyers in Visalia handle. Our legal team is dedicated to advocating for you and protecting your rights. We will seek compensation for your medical bills, lost time at work, and pain and suffering.
How To Establish Liability In A Visalia Accident
Our Visalia accident lawyers can determine liability by gathering evidence such as photographs, witness statements, and police reports from the accident scene. In a personal injury case, it is important to know who is responsible for your losses and injuries.
The following parties may be liable in personal injury cases:
- A person who is at fault.
- Employers.
- Business, company, or other type of organization.
- Doctors and other healthcare professionals.
- Owner of the property.
- A company that manufactures or distributes products.
Your attorney will investigate how the accident occurred if they take your case. We will obtain footage from nearby traffic cameras, obtain the police report, contact any witnesses you provided, and more. Our accident attorneys in Visalia will try to determine what kind of negligence caused the accident.
How Do We Prove Negligence?
Our Visalia accident attorneys can prove negligence by conducting a thorough investigation. You need valid evidence to support the negligence theory, such as:
- Eyewitness Accounts — These people witnessed the incident and are voluntarily offering their account of what happened. A written statement from an eyewitness can help prove negligence.
- Police Report — Police accident reports contain all parties’ personal information. It also typically includes a brief statement of the incident’s circumstances. Most often, such reports already have a negligence theory, which can help back up your claim. The police station will be able to provide you with a copy of this report for use with all other evidence they may have gathered.
- Photographs and Visuals — Any photographs taken at the accident scene are valuable evidence. You can also provide photos of your vehicle’s damage and any bruises or marks on your skin after the accident.
- Medical Records — Your medical report is primarily intended for your well-being, but it can also serve as a valid piece of documentation that you can present in court in order to prove your injury claim. This piece of evidence can help link your injuries to the accident that the negligent party caused.
With an experienced personal injury attorney, you can pursue compensation for all your losses, including car damages, hospital bills, and even lost wages.
What Is The Comparative Negligence Rule?
If there are multiple negligent parties, a court can assign a percentage of fault to each one since California is a comparative negligence state. Victims can seek compensation from these at-fault parties for the total cost of their injuries based on the calculation of damages and fault. However, each party will only cover the percentage assigned to them.
For instance, a car collided with yours after being sideswiped by another driver. Driver A, who hit you, was assigned a 30% fault, while Driver B, who sideswiped them, was assigned the remaining 70%. If the settlement amount is $100,000, Driver A owes you $30,000, while Driver B will cover $70,000.
What Damages Are Recoverable In Visalia Accidents?
You can claim both economic and non-economic damages after an accident. Visalia accident lawyers can help you understand your legal options for compensation. Depending on the circumstances, you can also claim damages for wrongful death.
Economic Damages
These are the financial losses incurred by the accident. Loss of wages is an example of economic damage. If your injury requires you to stay home from work, you may be able to seek compensation for lost wages resulting from the accident.
Common economic losses in a personal injury case in Visalia are:
- Medical Expenses — Costs associated with emergency care and treatment of your injuries, including rehabilitation and therapy.
- Lost Potential to Earn — Your injuries can impact your ability to work, which limits the type of work you can do. In turn, it affects your potential earnings.
- Property Damage — During an accident, your personal property may be damaged. Proper documentation, like photos and repair estimates, can help support your claim.
Non-Economic Damages
You may suffer depression, anxiety, shame, grief, and other forms of emotional trauma after you’ve been injured. Our Visalia accident lawyers can help you evaluate non-economic factors like pain and suffering and estimate their potential dollar equivalents.
The total settlement amount includes non-economic damages, such as the following:
- Pain and Suffering — During recovery from serious injuries, pain often persists. Treatments, surgeries, and other procedures can worsen a victim’s pain and discomfort. You may have grounds to seek compensation for your suffering after an accident if you file an injury claim or lawsuit.
- Emotional and Mental Trauma — The victim’s day-to-day life and future may be affected by trauma, emotional distress, and psychological issues. An accident that damages your emotional and mental well-being may debilitate you.
- Loss of Quality or Enjoyment of Life — You can seek these often irreparable damages when your injuries reduce your quality of life or enjoyment of life. Money can’t make up for the losses you’ve suffered, but you can pursue recompense for the impacts of the accident and your injuries.
- Wrongful Death — A preventable accident can cause your family not only significant emotional loss but also unexpected financial hardship. Survivors of a loved one who died as a result of negligence may seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. The monetary compensation can include the loss of financial contributions to the family unit as well as funeral and burial expenses.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident involving a commercial agricultural defendant – client suffered spinal injuries
– BRIAN BEECHER
What To Do After An Accident In Visalia
An accident can cause feelings of shock, disorientation, and pain. The following steps are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice, but they may help you understand what actions can protect your rights after the incident.
- Check for Injuries — See if you or your companions have visible injuries. Call 911 as soon as possible, especially if anyone appears injured. You should not move until help arrives if you are seriously injured.
- Cooperate with the Police — The police will create a report of the accident. Tell them what happened without adding any unnecessary opinions. Don’t admit fault or show guilt, and stick to the facts.
- Exchange Insurance and Contact Information — Get the names and insurance information of all parties involved. You can also try getting other helpful information. Take the information of any witnesses to the accident.
- Gather Potential Evidence — Collect evidence to help support your case. Some examples include photos and videos of the scene, medical reports, and witness testimonies.
- Consult Visalia Accident Lawyers — Compensation for accidents must be sought within the appropriate timeframe. Your lawsuit can be dismissed if you do not act promptly. By hiring a personal injury attorney on time, you can stay on top of deadlines. Additionally, a lawyer can gather evidence that may support your claim.
All of this information can help clarify what happened on the day of the accident and evaluate fault for any resulting injuries.
Other Steps To Take After An Accident
Here are some other steps to consider taking after an accident:
- Be Mindful of Your Words — After an accident, what you say can significantly impact your ability to pursue compensation. It’s advisable to hire a lawyer to handle communications on your behalf.
- Be Cautious Online — Avoid posting anything related to the accident on social media, especially seemingly unrelated content like vacation photos. The opposing insurance company might use it to downplay your injuries.
- Document the Accident — Write down the details of the accident while the memory is fresh. This information will be crucial for your claim and help you recall the events during recovery.
- Contact Your Insurance Company — In California, you are legally required to notify your insurance company if you are injured in an accident.
Statute Of Limitations In Visalia, CA
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations sets a time limit for filing a lawsuit after an accident. As time passes, your ability to recover compensation can be affected.
If you are worried about attorney fees, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means we don’t charge upfront fees. Our “No Win, No Fee” policy enforces our practice of not taking any payment unless we win your case. Please note that, despite not accepting attorney’s fees upfront, clients may still need to cover case costs or additional expenses regardless of the outcome.
How Long Will My Case Take?
A settlement can take a considerable amount of time, depending on the specific facts of the case. Settlements are through negotiation, and the courts do not have a specific timeframe. They may take weeks or months. In some cases, it takes longer, especially if the claim reaches the court.
If you are pursuing a settlement, you may receive an initial offer and be tempted to accept it quickly. However, doing so may result in your potential compensation being significantly less than your total damages.
Our Visalia accident lawyers will advocate for the appropriate compensation on your behalf. We will keep you informed so that you are aware of exactly what is happening and what steps need to be taken next.
Accident Statistics In California
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), in 2021, California reported 4,285 fatal traffic accidents, a 7.6% increase over the previous year. Increasing car ownership has led to more and more motor vehicle accidents. Of these fatalities, 1,370 were caused by alcohol-related crashes.
In the same year, 565 people died in motorcycle accidents. Pedestrian fatalities have also increased to 1,108 from 1,013 in 2020.
Meanwhile, work accidents are also widely reported. In 2022, there were 504 work-related fatalities, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Slip and fall incidents are the second-most common fatal cause of these deaths, following transportation incidents. A total of 5,486 work-related injuries were reported in the same year.
Consult Our Accident Attorneys Serving Clients In Visalia
Accidents caused by the negligent actions of others can be grounds for you to seek compensation. However, you should not have to undergo the complex legal process by yourself and bear financial hardship and pain alone. Hire experienced Visalia accident lawyers to guide you through the claims process, advocate for your rights, and provide professional legal representation.
We offer a free initial consultation at Arash Law. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form here to get your case reviewed. We also extend our legal services to nearby areas, such as West Goshen, Goshen, Tagus, Loma, Hypericum, Rector, Ivanhoe, Linnell Camp, Farmersville, Exeter, List, Tooleville, Rocky Hills, and Patterson Tract.
