Injured in a Crash? Our Firm Can Help!
More than 230,000 people were injured in California car accidents in 2014, and precisely 3,126 lost their lives, according to the California Highway Patrol. This means that thousands of crashes occur each day throughout our state, many of which leave drivers and passengers with severe injuries and costly bills. After an accident, it can be very difficult to handle insurance claims, medical appointments and expenses, missed time at work, and all of the other issues that often follow a crash. If you were injured in an accident, consider reaching out to our Fresno car accident lawyers at BD&J.
At BD&J, we have successfully worked with thousands of clients and have recovered over $2 Billion on their behalf. Our knowledgeable lawyers strive to use their applicable legal skills to fight for justice following your injury while also seeking fair compensation for damages.
Driver Liability
Drivers have the responsibility of driving with a reasonable amount of care. This means that any person who gets behind the wheel should be sober, abide traffic laws, yield to pedestrians, avoid dangerous distractions, and otherwise exhibit safe driving practices. When a driver fails to exercise care and causes a crash, he or she should be held responsible for the consequences.
Holding Negligent Parties Responsible
Motor vehicle crashes can be caused by more than just driver error. Car manufacturers, property owners, or various other parties may also be responsible for causing a crash. If a car manufacturer produces and sells a defective or otherwise dangerous vehicle, they may be liable for any injuries or damages caused by that defect. Likewise, inadequately maintained roads can lead to dangerous crashes, leaving negligent construction crews or careless property owners liable for the resulting damages. If you were involved in a crash, our firm can use our vast resources to investigate the circumstances of the accident in order to determine who was at fault. At BD&J, we believe in holding the responsible party accountable for their actions for the sake of your safety and well-being.
Types of car accident cases we handle include:
- DUI accidents
- Distracted driving accidents
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Multiple vehicle collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Pedestrian accidents
Car Accident Injuries
Any type of incident involving a motor vehicle can be extremely dangerous and possibly life-threatening. Simple distractions, serious car malfunctions, or any number of other issues can quickly change a simple drive into a terrible disaster. Car accidents commonly cause whiplash injuries, broken bones, contusions, abrasions, concussions, and other serious damages. These injuries can lead to hefty medical bills and lost wages, while more detrimental injuries may require ongoing medical care and could cause drastic changes in your daily life.
Damages You Could Recover in Car Accident Injuries
A car accident attorney from BD&J Injury Lawyers can help you collect a variety of damages, such as compensation for physical and emotional harm, if you have car accident injuries. These demands cover the financial losses you experience due to physical and mental injury. We can help you recover damages for the following:
- Medical expenses: You can receive reimbursement for medical expenses you’ve already incurred and compensation for future medical care costs. This includes hospital bills, medication, therapy, medical devices, and other treatments related to your accident injury.
- Lost wages: A severe car accident injury may keep you from working, perhaps for an extended period. Your auto accident attorney helps you determine your current lost wages and the potential for future lost wages to ensure you get fair compensation.
- Pain and suffering: If your injuries lead to emotional distress or a decrease in your quality of life, you might receive damages for the resulting pain and suffering.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, the judge will award you additional punitive damages if the defendant’s actions show excessive negligence, recklessness, and malice.
- Property damage: Auto accidents often cause severe property damage in addition to injuries. Part of your settlement might include compensation for property damage caused to your vehicle or belongings inside the vehicle.
Your lawyer helps you determine what you qualify for and how much you should ask for in each category.
California Car Insurance Laws
In California, all vehicles must be insured, and drivers must carry proof of insurance coverage with them. The state sets minimum liability coverage, which includes:
- $15,000 per person for bodily injury coverage
- $30,000 per accident for bodily injury coverage
- $5,000 per accident for property damage
Beginning in January 2025, California motorists will be required to increase their insurance coverage to the following:
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury or death coverage
- $60,000 per accident for bodily injury or death coverage
- $15,000 per accident for property damage
This is the minimum amount required by law, but many drivers have higher coverage levels. If the person at fault has low limits that don’t cover your damages, you may need to sue the responsible party to recover the additional funds.
What to Do if You’re in a Car Accident in Fresno
Accidents often leave you stunned, and you might not be sure what to do next. Immediately following an accident, focus on your safety before you worry about calling your insurance company or contacting an attorney. Follow these steps:
- Assess yourself and your passengers for injuries.
- Move to a safer location if possible. Staying in the middle of the road could cause more accidents or injuries.
- Call the police. If the injuries are severe, call 911 to summon emergency help. With minor injuries, it’s still important to wait for the police and file a report.
- Collect evidence if you’re able to do so. This might include contact and insurance information from other involved drivers, photos of the scene, and contact info for witnesses.
- Seek medical attention if your injuries don’t require an ambulance ride to the hospital.
- Contact your insurance company to report the accident.
- Seek assistance from an accident attorney.
When working with a lawyer, it’s important to provide as much information as possible. Communicate with your attorney frequently and respond to them quickly to avoid delays with the lawsuit.
How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help
When you hire a car accident attorney from BD&J Injury Lawyers, you receive assistance throughout the process. Our lawyers evaluate your situation to determine if you have a case. We help you collect evidence and calculate how much you should ask for in damages.
Your attorneys also help you collect your money, starting with filing an insurance claim. We negotiate a settlement on your behalf, using our expertise in dealing with insurance companies to maximize your compensation. If the case goes to court, you can count on your attorney to represent you in front of the judge.
Trust Our Team at BD&J
The damages resulting from a car accident can be extremely costly, emotionally exhausting, and time-consuming. Our Fresno legal team understands what you’re going through, and we want to help you acquire the compensation you deserve after an accident. Depending on the circumstances of your crash and the types of injuries you suffered, we may be able to secure reparation for pain and suffering, future medical expenses, and more.
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident, make sure you understand your legal rights. Our experienced lawyers can review your case and help you determine the right course of action for you and your family. From handling insurance claims to negotiating settlements, our team will stand beside you every step of the way.
