Injuries Reported After Car Accident in Fresno
Injuries were reported after a car accident involving several vehicles on Highway 180 in Fresno on the night of March 28, 2020. Officials with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said the incident occurred along the westbound lanes of SR-180 near the interchange with Highway 168. A driver of a Toyota Camry was reportedly traveling over 100 mph and rear-ended another car. The Toyota came to a rest in an embankment where it caught fire while the other vehicle became disabled along the highway and sparked a chain reaction collision. The incident involved a total of seven cars. One of the parties involved in the crash suffered unspecified injuries and was taken to a hospital in Selma. The driver of the Toyota sustained severe head injuries and was transported to Community Regional Medical Center. Once the Toyota driver is released from the hospital, they will be booked into the Fresno County Jail on various charges, according to CHP.
How to Prove Fault in a Multi-Vehicle Accident
Whether it is one or more drivers found at fault for a crash, investigations and police reports are critical for establishing negligence. In multi-vehicle accident cases, evidence that may help prove which parties caused the incident include vehicle damage, traffic violations, toxicology reports, witness statements, and skid marks at the scene. Conversely, it is necessary to retain experts to reconstruct the accident step by step. By doing so, experts can identify factors leading up to the collision, determine which drivers are at fault, and assign percentages of negligence to each party involved. To learn more about how liability is proven in a car accident, watch the video below.
Is There Enough Insurance?
When multiple people are injured in a traffic collision, there is often a dispute between the claimants regarding compensation. For instance, if a drunk driver causes a multi-vehicle accident but only carries minimum liability insurance, there will likely not be enough coverage to pay for all damages incurred. In California, minimum policies usually cover $15,000 per person or $30,000 per accident, so getting compensated for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering can be an issue. This is why drivers in California must carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This type of coverage will help supplement any losses not covered by the at-fault party.
How Long Do I Have to File for Personal Injury?
Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, a car accident injury claim must be filed within two years from the date of the incident. If a lawsuit is not filed within the statute of limitations, the claimant may lose the right to recover compensation. Therefore, injured people should seek assistance from a car accident lawyer in Fresno to ensure their rights and best interests are protected.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Fresno Car Accident?
Proving fault for a car accident involving multiple vehicles is an essential step in recovering compensation for injuries and damages. However, it may affect the value of a personal injury claim. California is a state that follows a system of pure comparative negligence. This means that the compensation an injured person would be entitled to would be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them. Since insurance companies often use comparative fault to minimize how much they reimburse claimants, it is essential to work with a Fresno car accident lawyer who will ensure you are not blamed for a crash you did not cause.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno personal injury lawyer. Dealing with any type of multi-vehicle accident can be a frustrating and stressful ordeal. Having the right injury lawyer at your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Your lawyer can conduct an independent investigation into the incident, consult with expert witnesses to support your personal injury claim, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a rollover accident, I am here to provide you with free, friendly advice on how to move forward in your situation. Please feel free to give me a call anytime at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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