One Injured After Car Accident in Fresno
At least one person was injured after a car accident in Fresno, CA, on the afternoon of January 15, 2020. The traffic accident occurred around 3:15 p.m. on Highway 99 in the vicinity of Ventura Avenue. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a Ford Expedition was involved in a collision with two other vehicles. One person suffered unspecified injuries in the collision and was taken to an area hospital for treatment. The cause of the crash, updates on the injured person’s condition, and other details were not immediately available.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Fresno?
A car accident can occur out of nowhere, and the immediate effects are often apparent. Your vehicle may be severely damaged and in need of repairs. The occupants inside the vehicles involved, including your own, will have to be examined by medical professionals for possible injuries. If the crash is catastrophic, then you may have to deal with serious injuries, medical expenses, and time away from work to recover. This is where the claims process comes in. After a car accident, you may be able to seek economic and noneconomic damages through a personal injury claim for resulting injuries and losses. This must be filed with a negligent driver’s insurance company, or your own insurer for uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, depending on whether the at-fault party has a valid policy with sufficient coverage limits. These types of cases provide compensation for the following:
- Costs of medical care, such as emergency transportation, hospitalization, therapy, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and medical devices
- Lost wages for the loss of earnings and salary as a result of a personal injury
- Loss of consortium may be available in cases where a personal injury causes damage to a marital relationship
- Loss of earning capacity for future wage loss due to permanent disability
- Pain and suffering may be claimed in cases involving mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by a personal injury
The value of a personal injury claim may be affected by specific factors. For a brief summary of these factors, watch the video below.
Is There a Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury?
In California, there is a two-year deadline for filing a personal injury claim. This is by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. If the case involves negligence on the part of a government entity for unsafe roadway design, a notice claim must be filed within six months or 180 days from the date of loss. Since the statute of limitations and filing criteria may differ from case to case, it is best to have yours reviewed by an experienced personal injury lawyer in Fresno.
How Long Does an Insurance Adjuster Have to Contact You?
After receiving treatment for your injuries and following up with your primary providers, you may be contacted immediately by an insurance claims adjuster representing the driver responsible for the car accident. Remember that insurance companies are focused on their bottom line, meaning their profit is their first priority and not your well-being. If you are receiving calls or letters from insurance companies, do not respond to them until you have retained an experienced Fresno personal injury lawyer for your case. An injury lawyer knows how to overcome the defense tactics insurance companies use to minimize their payout for a personal injury claim. This way, you can rest assured that your attorney will obtain fair compensation on your behalf.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno personal injury lawyer. A car accident can happen when least expected to anyone. Injuries from a crash may not seem severe at the start and may have long-term effects on your life. Between the missed time from work, mounting medical expenses, and pain and suffering, a catastrophic injury can be devastating. You should be focused on recovering from your injuries and not dealing with unsympathetic insurance claims adjusters who do not care about what you are going through. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car wreck caused by someone else, please call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice on how to get your life back on track after a collision.
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I am a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates.
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