Fresno Car Accident Lawyers

Fresno, the heart of California’s Central Valley, is a bustling city known for its thriving industries such as agriculture, manufacturing and warehousing. The city’s growth has also meant a lot more traffic. With major roads like Highway 99 and 41 and a mix of urban and rural traffic, Fresno faces unique challenges when it comes to road safety.

The combination of commuter traffic and commercial vehicles contributes to a higher risk of car accidents. If you were seriously injured in a Fresno car accident, you need the services of a personal injury lawyer. At The Dominguez Firm, our experienced Fresno car accident attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation at (800) 818-1818.

Please keep reading for more information about car accidents in Fresno and your rights if you’re injured in one.

Unique Factors Contributing to Fresno Car Accidents

Fresno’s location and layout contribute to some specific accident risks:

• Agricultural traffic: With Fresno being in the heart of California’s agricultural region, there’s often a mix of slow-moving farm equipment and regular traffic on the roads.
• Fog: The Central Valley’s famous Tule fog can create poor visibility and dangerous driving conditions, especially in winter months.
• Heat-related accidents: Extreme summer temperatures can cause tire blowouts and overheated engines, leading to unexpected accidents.
• Busy highways: Major routes like Highways 99 and 41 are heavily trafficked and are the scene of frequent accidents.
• Urban sprawl: Fresno’s spread-out layout means longer commutes for many residents. This increases the risk of fatigue-related accidents, especially during rush hours or late at night.

Recent Car Accident Statistics in Fresno

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), overall, 1,351 people were injured or died in car accidents in the city of Fresno in 2021. For Fresno County, 5,423 people suffered injuries or were killed in car accidents in the same year.

One alarming statistic really stood out. Fresno ranked first among similarly sized cities in California, with 45 victims injured and killed in underage drinking accidents in 2021. A more recent study showed Fresno ranked sixth among the 50 largest cities in the U.S. for drinking and driving from July 2023-2024.

Clearly, impaired driving, especially among underaged drivers, is a major concern in Fresno.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Fresno

If you’re involved in a car accident in Fresno, take these important steps. One note, do not delay medical attention and only do the following if it is safe to do so:

• Check yourself and others for injuries.
• Move to a safe area if possible.
• Call 911 or have someone do it for you.
• Don’t apologize! That can be seen as an admission of guilt and used against you.
• Since there are injuries, the police should arrive on the scene. If they don’t, call them. A police report is vital evidence for your Fresno car accident claim.
• Exchange information with the other driver(s), including license, registration and insurance details.
• Take photos of the accident scene and damage.
• Get contact information from any witnesses.
• Seek medical attention, even if you think you’re alight.
• Contact the Fresno car accident lawyers at The Dominguez Firm.

Why Contacting a Lawyer Quickly Matters

Getting in touch with a car accident lawyer immediately after your accident can make a big difference for your case. Here’s why:

• Evidence can disappear quickly
• Witness memories fade
• There are time limits for filing claims
• Insurance companies will try to settle for less than you deserve
• If you wait, defense attorneys will question the extent of your injuries, or whether they were even caused by your car accident.

What Are Some Common Car Accident Injuries?

Car accidents in Fresno can result in a wide range of injuries, from so-called minor whiplash to severe, life-changing ones. Here are some of the most common car accident injuries:

1. Whiplash: A neck injury caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head during a collision. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage, TBIs can occur when the head strikes an object or experiences violent shaking. Symptoms may include headaches, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
3. Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in partial or complete paralysis. The severity depends on the location and extent of the damage to the spinal cord.
4. Broken Bones: Fractures commonly occur in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis during car accidents. They can range from simple breaks to complex fractures requiring surgery.
5. Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys can be life-threatening. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and require prompt medical attention.
6. Chest Injuries: Seat belts and air bags can cause chest trauma, including broken ribs.
7. Amputations: In severe accidents, limbs or digits may be severed or crushed beyond repair, resulting in traumatic amputations. These life-altering injuries often require immediate surgical intervention and long-term rehabilitation to the heart or lungs.
8. Burns: In cases where a vehicle catches fire or if skin comes into contact with hot fluids, surfaces, or chemicals, severe burns can occur.
9. Psychological Injuries: While not physical, conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common after serious accidents.

These injuries underscore the importance of seeking immediate medical attention after a car accident, even if you feel fine initially. Some injuries, particularly internal ones, may not show symptoms right away but can be life-threatening if left untreated.

I Lost a Family Member in a Fresno Car Accident. Can I Take Legal Action?

Yes, if you’ve lost a family member in a Fresno car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you can file a wrongful death claim if you are their legal next-of-kin. In California, eligible family members have two years from the date of their loved one’s death to pursue such a claim.

Wrongful death claims in Fresno can stem from various circumstances, including car accidents caused by drunk driving, distracted driving, or reckless behavior. These claims can provide financial relief to family members who have unexpectedly lost someone close to them.

While no amount of money can replace a beloved family member, a wrongful death claim can help cover expenses such as:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical bills
• Most future income
• Loss of companionship
• Pain and suffering

California places no limit on how much can be awarded for pain and suffering, so it usually makes up the bulk of the plaintiff’s settlement or verdict.

Consult with an experienced Fresno wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. They can help you understand your legal rights, gather evidence, determine which family members can file, and build a strong case against the responsible driver.

Taking legal action not only seeks justice for your loved one but also helps hold negligent drivers accountable, potentially preventing others from acting similarly in the future.

How a Fresno Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You

When you work with a car accident lawyer from The Dominguez Firm, we’ll handle every aspect of your case:

Investigating Your Accident

We’ll gather all the evidence needed to build a strong case, including:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Traffic camera footage
• Medical records
• Expert testimony

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Our lawyers are well aware of their tactics and will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you get fair compensation. Do you really want to deal with insurance company adjusters? You should be recovering from your injuries, not stressing over their phone calls.

Calculating Your Damages

We’ll consider all your losses to determine the full value of your claim, including:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Rehabilitation costs

Representing You in Court

Most cases settle before going to trial. However, If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re prepared to take your case before a judge and jury. Our experienced litigation attorneys are not afraid to fight for your rights in court.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To

After a car accident in Fresno, you may be able to recover various types of compensation:

• Economic damages: Cover your financial losses, like medical bills and lost wages.
• Non-economic damages: These compensate you for the emotional losses your car accident has caused you, such as pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive damages: In cases of extreme behavior, you could receive additional damages to punish the at-fault party. Punitive damages are rare. They are generally awarded to make an example of the defendant.

Fresno’s Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections

Knowing where accidents commonly occur can help you stay alert. Some of Fresno’s most dangerous areas for drivers include:

• Highway 99, especially near downtown Fresno
• The intersection of Blackstone and Shaw Avenues
• Fresno Street and Shaw Avenue
• Cedar Avenue and Kings Canyon Road
• First Street and Shields Avenue

Be extra cautious when driving in these areas, especially during rush hour or bad weather.

Can I File a Fresno Car Accident Claim if I’m an Undocumented Immigrant?

Yes, you can file a car accident claim in Fresno even if you’re an undocumented immigrant. Your immigration status does not affect your right to seek compensation for injuries and damages.

In California, including Fresno, the law protects all individuals involved in car accidents, regardless of their immigration status. You have the same rights as any other person to file a personal injury claim, seek medical attention, and receive fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and property damage. Also, your compensation will be calculated based on your cost of living in Fresno, not your country of origin.

While it’s understandable that you might feel hesitant to come forward after an accident, know that:

• Defense attorneys and insurance companies can not ask about your immigration status at any point during your claim.
• Seeking medical treatment or filing a lawsuit will not lead to deportation.
• The Dominguez Firm has a staff of over 130 legal professionals, all of whom are bilingual. Many of our personal injury attorneys are also bilingual. We understand the unique challenges faced by undocumented immigrants in legal situations.

Insurance companies and at-fault parties might try to take advantage of your undocumented status. With a knowledgeable car accident lawyer on your side, you can protect your rights and receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Don’t let fear prevent you from seeking the justice and compensation you deserve after a car accident in Fresno.

Can I Still Receive Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault For My Car Accident?

Yes. California follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault. A court will determine your percentage of fault and subtract that from your final verdict or settlement amount.

One important side note: what you think happened may not have. Car accidents occur quickly. If you were seriously injured, your recollection of how it unfolded may not be accurate, especially if you were dazed or had to be rushed to the ER.

Instead, let the litigation lawyers at The Dominguez Firm investigate the circumstances of your car accident to determine how it occurred. In short, don’t let doubts about your share of responsibility stop you from calling The Dominguez Firm.

Why Choose the Car Accident Lawyers at The Dominguez Firm

When dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, selecting the right personal injury law firm is crucial. The Dominguez Firm offers:

• Over 30 years of experience handling personal injury cases
• Personalized service for each client
• A fully bilingual staff ready to serve our community
• A wide network of quality healthcare providers
• We can take on the biggest corporations and insurance companies
• Our own team of award-winning litigation attorneys
• A no-fee promise – we only get paid if you do

The Dominguez Firm is NOT a referral service. We are a full-service personal injury law firm with the knowledge and resources to take on the largest corporations. If the insurance company doesn’t offer the compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries, we aren’t afraid to go to court. Few other personal injury law firms can do the same.

Can I Afford to Hire The Dominguez Firm?

You can afford to hire us because we work on a contingency basis. This simply means we get paid a percentage of your final compensation. That percentage will be clearly stated in the representation agreement you sign when you become our client. There are no hidden fees or out-of-pocket expenses to worry about.

And in the unlikely event we can’t secure any compensation for you, which rarely happens, you owe us nothing. If there is no recovery, there is no fee!

You don’t have to go it alone or settle for whatever the insurance company offers! Call The Dominguez Firm today for a free consultation at (800) 818-1818.