DUI Alleged in Fresno County Auto Accident
DUI is suspected to be a factor in a Fresno County car accident that sent ten people to the hospital on the night of December 2, 2019. The crash occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Manning Avenue between Reedley and Parlier near the Riverbend area. Officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said an Acura driver was believed to be under the influence at the time he rear-ended an Audi SUV. The impact of that collision reportedly propelled the Audi into the oncoming traffic lane where it was struck by another car. This caused another accident involving other vehicles and a big rig. Officials said a total of ten people were transported to the hospital, four of those were reported as minors. The drivers of the Audi and the Acura both suffered bone fractures. An update regarding the conditions of those injured has not yet been released by officials.
Recovery in a Fresno County Car Accident
A car accident may drastically change the lives of those involved. Damages incurred from such crashes may be compensated through a personal injury claim. These types of cases consider the financial and intangible harms an injured person has suffered, such as:
- Costs of renovating a vehicle or home to accommodate a permanent disability
- Expenses for cosmetic procedures to correct or revise the appearance of disfigurement or scarring
- Loss of consortium for damage caused to a marital relationship due to a debilitating injury
- Loss of earning capacity caused by a permanent injury
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost wages, including past and future wage loss
- Medical bills, including past and future treatment
- Pain and suffering, which are subjective and differ in value from case to case
- Punitive damages may be recovered in car accidents caused by an egregious act, such as driving under the influence
For a brief overview of personal injury claims and the types of factors that may affect their value, watch the below video.
Is There Enough Insurance?
All drivers are required to carry liability insurance by California law. However, many motorists are on the road without insurance, while others only have minimum coverage. When a car accident involves multiple vehicles, some may wonder if there is enough insurance to cover the losses of those involved. If a person is involved in a collision with a driver who has little to no coverage, they may be able to be compensated for their damages under their own policy’s Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection. This type of coverage is useful to carry when the at-fault party’s insurer does not cover the full extent of your losses. For more information, contact an experienced injury lawyer.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, injured parties only have two years from the date of their car accident to file a claim for personal injury damages. However, the witness statements and evidence needed to help substantiate the case may fade before the deadline approaches. This may make it challenging to recover the compensation an injured person needs to recover from their losses. In situations like these, it is best to retain an experienced Fresno personal injury lawyer to ensure all evidence is gathered and deadlines are met to ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries and damages.
Car Accident Lawyers in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno car accident lawyer. Any injury from an auto accident, whether minor or major, may have a severe impact on a person’s quality of life. When another driver is to blame for the crash and your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of someone else, please call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. I am here to provide you with free, friendly advice and answer any questions you may have concerning what options are available to you after a car wreck.
Since 1982, our law firm has helped families of Northern California, including Fresno County, recover the compensation they need and deserve in their cases of personal injury and wrongful death.
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