One Arrested After DUI Crash in Fresno County
One party was injured, and another was arrested after a DUI crash near Selma, CA, in Fresno County on the night of May 24, 2020. The car accident occurred shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Mountain View Avenue, just east of Highway 43, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). A 31-year-old Fresno man was driving a Ford Focus eastbound on Mountain View Ave., and was approaching a red light at the intersection. At the same time, a 27-year-old Selma woman was driving a Toyota Corolla westbound and was also approaching the intersection. The Fresno man reportedly drove around another car stopped at the intersection, ran the red light, and proceeded through the intersection. His Ford allegedly crashed into the rear of the Selma woman’s Toyota, propelling his vehicle into a telephone pole and causing it to knock down. Both lanes of Mountain View Avenue were blocked as a result of the telephone pole falling down. Both parties were taken to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno for treatment of minor injuries. The driver of the Ford has since been arrested and charged with felony driving under the influence (DUI). After being released from hospitalization, he was booked at Fresno County Jail for DUI resulting in injury.
Does Insurance Pay for Drunk Driving Accidents?
When a person has been injured after a motor vehicle accident caused by the negligence of someone else, they may be entitled to economic and noneconomic damages from the at-fault party’s insurance company. Economic damages refer to concrete losses that can be calculated through receipts and other physical evidence. Noneconomic damages are subjective in nature and are generally calculated based upon the severity of the injury and how it has affected the injured party’s ability to interact with friends and family, perform daily tasks, and enjoy hobbies. Medical expert testimony is often necessary to prove the extent of noneconomic damages. Some of the types of damages recoverable through personal injury cases for car crashes include:
- Past and future medical expenses, especially for those who will require lifelong treatment for catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries or paralysis caused by spinal cord trauma
- Lost wages for time missed at work to recover after the auto accident
- Lost future earning potential as a result of permanent disability or injury
- Out of pocket expenses for prescription medications and medical devices like crutches
- Pain and suffering
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages, which are directly sought from the at-fault party for egregious behaviors like excessive speeding or DUI
For more information on the car accident injury claims process, watch the video below.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit for a Fresno County DUI Crash?
A two-year statute of limitations applies to car accident injury cases in California. This means you only have two years after a car crash in California to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is a limited amount of time, which makes it crucial to take legal action as soon as possible. California law also places specific filing procedures and deadlines for making a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Such cases can be made if the at-fault party does not have enough insurance or none to compensate you for your injuries and your losses. Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage may also cover hit and run accidents, even if the driver is not later found.
Should You Get an Attorney for a Drunk Driving Accident?
After a car accident caused by DUI in California, you may need to seek medical treatment and take time off work. You may also receive bills for other medical care you may require, such as surgery, physical therapy, and counseling. Depending on your specific situation, you may not be able to pay for all of your medical expenses while you are missing work to recover from your injuries. This is why it is essential to retain an experienced Fresno personal injury lawyer if you have been injured in a crash caused by a DUI driver. At AutoAccident.com, we are experienced in handling claims like yours and have the resources necessary to build a strong case for fair financial compensation on your behalf. If all attempts for a fair recovery fail with the at-fault party’s insurance company, we will take your case to court, if necessary.
Car Accident Lawyer in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno car accident lawyer. When you have been injured after a drunk driving accident caused by someone else, it is essential that you consult with an experienced injury lawyer who can guide you through every step of the way in your personal injury case. Should you decide to retain me as your attorney, I can help handle all legal aspects of your personal injury claim so you can focus on what matters most; your family and your recovery. Contact me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400. I can provide you with my free, friendly advice on what steps you should take after your car accident to protect your right to fair compensation.
Learn more about our Fresno personal injury law firm by visiting the links listed below:
In recognition of my work as a Fresno personal injury attorney, I was granted membership into the Million Dollar Advocates and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
Image Credit: By “ElasticComputeFarm” via Pixabay
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