Fresno Auto Accidents Frequently Asked Questions
If you have been involved in an auto accident in Fresno, the following questions and answers should provide you with basic information you need to know. The Fresno automobile accident attorneys at the Law Office of Rick Berman have helped many injured victims maximize their potential recovery by obtaining full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other expenses. Contact the Law Office of Rick Berman today for a free consultation.
- What steps should I take when I have been injured in an accident?
- How do I determine who was at fault in my accident?
- What is my Fresno personal injury claim worth?
What steps should I take when I have been injured in an accident?
You should seek immediate medical attention for all injured parties if you are suffering because of someone else's negligence. Then, as soon as you are able, contact an experienced auto accident attorney in Fresno. Preserve every piece of information available—you can help protect your rights and provide valuable assistance to your Fresno auto accident attorney by taking the following steps:
- Write down every detail about the accident. You should record contact and insurance information about everyone involved in the accident. Be sure to get contact information for any witnesses. Make sure you obtain a copy if a police report is available and make note of the insurance company name and contact information if the accident is a workers compensation issue. This type of documentation is extremely valuable to a Fresno auto accident lawyer.
- Do not make any written or verbal statements to insurance companies or other claims handlers until you have contacted our auto accident lawyers in Fresno. Doing so protects your rights.
- Obtain all possible evidence that proves your injury is legitimate. Use the digital camera on your cell phone to take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries. Hold onto any clothing, damaged property, or anything that might provide evidence of the circumstances that contributed to the accident and your injuries.
How do I determine who was at fault in my accident?
To collect on injury claims, auto accident attorneys in Fresno must prove one or more individuals were negligent. In California, this can be a complex process, possibly involving determining the percentage of negligence for each person who was at fault. This is why providing seemingly unimportant details can help your attorney identify and prove negligence.
What is my Fresno personal injury claim worth?
California follows joint and several liability rules. This means every person responsible for your injury is liable for your full economic damages, such as:
- All current and future accident-related medical and property expenses
- All lost work time, including the time you must be away for medical care
- All expenses related to caring for you and your home when you are incapacitated
- Any permanent injuries, including disfigurement or disability
- Emotional distress
Noneconomic damages—including pain and suffering and emotional distress—are handled differently. The percentage to which each person is at fault is assessed, and the damages are split between them based on these percentages.
