Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Fresno

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Fresno, California?

  559- 621-7000 is the non-emergency contact number of the Fresno Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Fresno, California?

  You can obtain a copy of a police report related to your case in Fresno by making a public records request at https://fresnoca.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(pwbmks0j0q2qw4i3vtacii0i))/supporthome.aspx. You can also visit the Records and Information Service Bureau at Police Records, 2323 Mariposa Street, Lobby, Fresno, CA 93721. Alternatively, you can call 559-621-2534 for critical needs that cannot wait outside of business hours.

• What are the common personal injury cases in Fresno?

  In Fresno, the most common personal injury cases are motor vehicle accidents, including car collisions, motorcycle crashes, bicycle accidents, truck and 18-wheeler wrecks, and pedestrian accidents. Many of these accidents are due to uninsured or underinsured motorists. Other types of personal injury cases in Fresno include non-motor vehicle accidents such as slip-and-fall accidents, dog bite injuries, and wrongful death.

• What are some ways to cover medical expenses while waiting for Fresno personal injury settlement or trial award?

  There are several options to pay medical bills until a Fresno personal injury settlement or trial award is reached, including personal injury protection, health insurance, and worker's compensation benefits. Additionally, if an injured victim is working with an attorney toward a settlement or trial award, doctors and hospitals might delay collecting payments and reporting to credit bureaus.

• What are some common mistakes to avoid in a Fresno personal injury case?

  Common mistakes to avoid in a Fresno personal injury case include engaging in discussions with insurance adjusters without legal representation, sharing case details on social media, returning to work prematurely, and accepting a settlement offer too quickly. Avoiding these mistakes can increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve and ensure a successful outcome in a personal injury case.

• What factors determine the value of a Fresno personal injury case?

  To determine the worth of your Fresno personal injury case, several case-specific factors must be considered, including the severity of your injury, the cost of medical care, the extent of pain and suffering, and at-fault party insurance coverage. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side can increase the case's value and secure a fair settlement offer. Speak with a lawyer to assess your case and gain insight into expected compensation.

• Will you have to go to trial in your personal injury case in Fresno?

  The likelihood of a personal injury case in Fresno going to trial depends on several factors. These include the degree of agreement on the facts, the compensation amount sought, the willingness of the opposing party to cooperate, and the strength of the available evidence. In most cases, a settlement is reached without going to trial, but in some cases, a trial may be necessary to achieve the desired outcome.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.