A car accident can change your life in an instant. You may be dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of facing insurance companies that do not have your best interests in mind. But you don’t have to face this alone.
At Jacoby & Meyers, our Fresno car accident lawyers understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a serious accident can be—and we are here to help.
Most people have never had to navigate the insurance claims process or legal system before. We can guide you through it, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by another driver in a preventable car accident in Fresno or the surrounding Central Valley, contact our Fresno personal injury attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers for a free consultation. We will listen to your story, give you an honest assessment of your case, and, if you choose to hire us, build a strategy focused on maximizing your recovery.
Get your FREE case evaluation, call our law firm at (559) 545-0730 or fill out our contact form to get started today.
Protect Your Rights After a Fresno Car Accident
Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers with Your Car Accident Case?
When you’re recovering from a serious car accident, choosing the right attorney matters. You need a legal team with the experience, process, resources, and commitment to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
At Jacoby & Meyers, we have spent decades standing up for accident victims throughout California, and we are proud to bring that same level of dedication to Fresno.
Here’s why so many clients choose our firm after a crash:
- Over 50 years of experience advocating for the seriously injured
- No fees unless we win your case—our work is 100% contingency-based
- Track record of results, more than $2 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements
- Proven success in major accident cases, including a $19 million rideshare settlement, $17.5 million in a bicycle vs. truck case, and $11.9 million for a fatal truck accident
- Full case management—handling insurance negotiations, medical care coordination, and property damage claims
- Clear, regular communication so you always know where your case stands
At Jacoby & Meyers, our mission is simple: protect your rights, take the legal burden off your shoulders, and help you move forward with confidence.
Outstanding Results for Accident Victims
Below are list of a few of the car accident cases we’ve won. To see more visit our results page.
- Ride Share Passenger vs. Auto / Quadriplegic = $19 million
- Auto vs. Pedestrian / Spinal Cord Injury = $ 9.24 million
- Auto vs. Truck = $ 8 million
- Auto vs. Truck = $ 5.1 million
Jacoby & Meyers Personal Injury Awards
California Car Insurance Laws
Motorists in California are required to maintain certain amounts of liability insurance to ensure that they can pay for other drivers’ medical bills and property repairs. There are also optional types of coverage available, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance.
The required amounts of car insurance are:
- $30,000 for bodily injury or death to one person
- $60,000 for bodily injury or death to more than one person (per accident)
- $15,000 for property damage
California, like most states, uses an at-fault car insurance law. This rule means that when a crash occurs, the driver who caused the accident has to pay. It is the responsibility of the injured victim to prove fault to access these third-party benefits.
Complete Compensation Available After Your Car Accident
When another driver’s negligence causes your injuries, you shouldn’t bear the financial burden of their mistake. At Jacoby & Meyers, we aggressively pursue full compensation for every aspect of your losses, ensuring nothing is overlooked in your recovery.
Medical Care & Treatment Expenses
- Emergency room visits and trauma care
- Hospital stays and surgical procedures
- Diagnostic imaging (MRIs, CT scans, X-rays)
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs
- Ongoing medical care and future treatment requirements
- Prescription medications and medical devices
- Mental health counseling and trauma therapy
- In-home care and nursing services
Income Loss & Economic Impact
- Wages lost during recovery and treatment
- Missed overtime, bonuses, and commission opportunities
- Diminished earning capacity from permanent injuries
- Lost employment benefits and retirement contributions
- Vocational retraining and job accommodation costs
- Self-employment and business income losses
Property Damage & Additional Expenses
- Vehicle repair costs or total loss replacement
- Rental car fees during vehicle repairs
- Personal belongings damaged in the collision
- Towing, storage, and recovery fees
- Transportation expenses for medical care
- Assistance with daily tasks you cannot perform
Pain, Suffering & Quality of Life
- Physical pain and ongoing discomfort
- Emotional trauma and psychological distress
- Loss of life enjoyment and recreational activities
- Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress
- Permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disability
- Impact on family relationships and companionship
Understanding Your Insurance Options
Recovering full compensation often requires navigating multiple insurance policies and coverage types. Our Fresno car accident attorneys help you understand and access all available sources:
Primary Liability Coverage: The at-fault driver’s insurance serves as the main compensation source, though many drivers carry only minimum coverage that may prove insufficient for serious injuries.
Underinsured Motorist Protection: Your own policy’s UM/UIM coverage can bridge gaps when the responsible driver lacks adequate insurance limits.
Medical Payment Coverage: Some policies include immediate medical expense coverage regardless of fault, providing quicker access to treatment funds.
Health Insurance Coordination: While your health insurer may cover initial treatment costs, they often seek reimbursement from settlements. We negotiate these liens to preserve more of your recovery.
Commercial and Umbrella Policies: When accidents involve business vehicles or drivers with substantial assets, additional coverage layers may be available.
At Jacoby & Meyers, we thoroughly investigate all potential compensation sources and handle complex insurance negotiations on your behalf. Our goal is securing maximum recovery while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life after a serious accident.
Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Fresno
Car accidents are almost always preventable, yet they continue to occur due to driver negligence and human error. Understanding these common causes is crucial for determining fault and pursuing compensation after a collision.
Distracted Driving
Modern distractions pose serious risks on Fresno roads. Cell phone use, texting, eating, adjusting GPS systems, or tending to passengers can divert attention for critical seconds. Even a momentary lapse in focus at highway speeds can result in devastating consequences.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drug impairment significantly reduces reaction time, judgment, and coordination. This includes prescription medications that cause drowsiness or confusion. California’s strict DUI laws exist because impaired drivers pose extreme dangers to everyone on the road.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Excessive speed reduces stopping distance and increases crash severity. Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, unsafe lane changes, road rage, and ignoring traffic signals create dangerous situations that often lead to serious collisions.
Drowsy Driving
Fatigued drivers experience slower reaction times and impaired decision-making similar to intoxicated drivers. Commercial drivers, shift workers, and those with untreated sleep disorders pose particular risks during late-night and early-morning hours.
Failure to Yield Right-of-Way
Many intersection accidents occur when drivers fail to yield properly. This includes running red lights, rolling through stop signs, making illegal turns, and not yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Vehicle Defects and Maintenance Issues
Mechanical failures like brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, steering problems, or defective safety systems can cause serious accidents. Poor vehicle maintenance or manufacturing defects may make vehicle manufacturers or maintenance providers liable.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Construction zones, inadequate signage, poor lighting, potholes, and weather-related hazards create additional risks. Government agencies responsible for road maintenance may bear liability when dangerous conditions contribute to accidents.
Driver Inexperience
New drivers, particularly teenagers, lack the experience to handle challenging driving situations. Poor judgment, overconfidence, and unfamiliarity with traffic laws often contribute to accidents involving inexperienced motorists.
Establishing Liability in Your Case
Determining fault requires thorough investigation of the accident circumstances. At Jacoby & Meyers, we examine police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and physical evidence to identify all contributing factors.
Liability may extend beyond drivers to include vehicle manufacturers, government entities, employers, or other parties whose negligence contributed to your accident.
Our experienced car accident attorneys understand how to build strong cases that clearly establish fault and maximize your compensation recovery.
Common Types of Car Accidents
Every car accident is different, and the circumstances surrounding a crash can have a major impact on the injuries, legal challenges, and the amount of compensation available.
At Jacoby & Meyers, we understand that identifying the type of accident is a crucial part of building a strong personal injury claim and helping our clients recover what they deserve.
Some of the most common types of car accidents we see in Fresno include:
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone (side-impact) crashes
- Rollover accidents
- Single-vehicle accidents
- Multi-vehicle collisions
- Head-on crashes
- Sideswipe accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Wrong-way driving accidents
No matter what type of accident caused your injuries, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Insurance companies may try to shift blame or offer low settlements that don’t reflect the true cost of your losses.
Our car accident attorneys know how to investigate crashes thoroughly, prove liability, and fight for full and fair compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Fresno or the Central Valley, contact Jacoby & Meyers today for a free consultation.
Most Common Car Accident Injuries
At Jacoby & Meyers, we understand the immense physical and emotional toll a car accident can take. We are here to support you in your time of need, offering guidance on medical care, legal processes, and how to get back to the life you love. If you have suffered any type of injury in a car crash, we are ready to help.
Some of the most common injuries caused by car accidents include:
- Whiplash and spinal cord injuries
- Disc herniation
- Permanent paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Disfigurement
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Severe lacerations
- Burn injuries
- Airbag and seat belt injuries
- Amputations or loss of limb
- Emotional and psychological injuries
Our team of attorneys can review and organize all medical documentation associated with your case to strengthen your personal injury claim against the defendant. We can also assist you in finding trusted medical providers who are best suited to support your recovery and healing.
★★★★★
I never thought that I would get the help I needed for my accident and injuries but there team made sure I was taking care of and I’m so happy about my recovery.
– Jasmine
What Can You Claim in a Car Accident Lawsuit?
A car accident claim or related personal injury lawsuit could enable you to recover compensation for both economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages refer to the monetary losses you experienced, while noneconomic damages are the intangible effects of the crash, such as physical pain and emotional suffering.
A third, less common type is punitive damages. You could claim punitive damages from the defendant if he or she is guilty of especially negligent or wrongful acts, such as gross negligence, fraud, malice or oppression. If you get injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, for example, the courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendant.
How Our Lawyers Can Help You Meet the Statute of Limitations
Working with a lawyer from our firm after a car accident can help clear up much of the confusion you may be facing. It’s important to understand that state, local, and federal laws place strict limits on your ability to pursue compensation after a car accident resulting in personal injuries.
For example, under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1, individuals who suffer personal injuries have only two years from the date of the accident to file a legal claim. If you try to seek compensation after the statute of limitations has passed, you may find that your options are extremely limited.
Additionally, California Government Code §911.2 places even tighter restrictions when a government entity is involved. If your accident was caused by something like a roadway defect (such as a pothole), you must file a claim against the municipality within six months of the incident—or within six months of when the injury reasonably should have been discovered.
Meeting these strict deadlines is critical to protecting your right to recover compensation. Our car accident attorneys can help ensure all necessary claims are filed properly and on time.
What to Do After a Car Crash
Car accidents are overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately protects your health and preserves your right to compensation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Ensure Safety and Call 911: Move to safety if possible and call 911 to report the accident. When police arrive, stick to the facts and avoid speculating about fault. Get the officer’s name and badge number for the police report. Never admit fault at the scene.
- Get Medical Care Immediately: Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries that may not appear for hours or days. Prompt medical care protects your health and creates crucial documentation for your claim.
- Document Everything: If you’re able, gather this critical information:
- Exchange insurance and contact details with all drivers
- Photograph vehicle damage, the scene, and visible injuries
- Get witness contact information
- Note time, weather, and road conditions
- Handle Insurance Carefully: Report the accident to your insurer, but be cautious with the other driver’s insurance company. Don’t provide recorded statements or accept quick settlements without legal advice. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts before you understand your full injuries.
- Contact a Car Accident Attorney: Speak with an experienced auto accident lawyer immediately to protect your rights and maximize compensation. An attorney can handle insurance communications, preserve evidence, and ensure you meet all critical deadlines.
At Jacoby & Meyers, we take over your case immediately: investigating the collision, coordinating medical care, and fighting for maximum compensation while you focus on recovery. Our team handles everything from evidence collection to final settlement negotiations.
How Are Car Insurance Claims Processed?
When you file a car insurance claim, the insurance company will assign a representative known as the claims adjuster to review and process the case. Investigators will look into your crash to determine fault and decide whether to reject or accept benefits.
A car insurance company investigation may involve:
- Visiting the scene of the accident
- Contacting those involved and eyewitnesses
- Assessing vehicle damage in person
- Asking the client to provide a recorded statement
- Analyzing the evidence and documentation provided
- Utilizing experts to determine who caused the crash
- Evaluating the extent of the damage and injuries caused
If the insurance company accepts liability for the crash, it will offer you a settlement. You have the right to submit counteroffers and negotiate the value of the settlement until it is a fair amount. If it rejects your claim, you will receive a notice with a written reason in the mail. At this point, contact an attorney to help you file an appeal.
How Much Does a Car Accident Attorney Cost?
It’s natural to be concerned about the potential cost of hiring a skilled car accident lawyer. At Jacoby & Meyers, we make high-quality legal representation accessible by handling cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront for us to take your case and begin working toward a resolution.
If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing. If we successfully achieve a settlement or jury verdict on your behalf, our fee will be taken as a percentage of the amount recovered. This payment structure makes it easy to hire an experienced attorney when you need it most—earning the trust of tens of thousands of clients during some of the most difficult times of their lives.
FAQ
Should I hire a car accident lawyer in Fresno after a crash?
The answer to this question depends on your unique situation. If you have a simple case with minor injuries, an insurance company may offer a fair amount without you having to hire a lawyer. If there are any challenges, however, it is in your best interest to consult with an attorney.
You may need to hire a lawyer if there is a liability dispute, severe or catastrophic injuries, a death, the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, or if your claim has been denied.
How much is the average car accident settlement in CA?
There is no such thing as an average car accident settlement. Each case is entirely unique and settlement values can vary wildly from person to person. Some car accident victims are eligible for several thousand dollars for minor losses, while others receive jury verdicts at trial that are in the millions for catastrophic injuries.
Jacoby & Meyers has achieved case results such as $19 million for a rideshare accident case and $17.5 million for a bicycle accident. We regularly achieve settlements over 10 times the initial insurance offer. You can trust our attorneys to accurately evaluate how much your case is worth and pursue maximum compensation in and out of court.
What are the common mistakes to avoid when hiring an accident attorney?
When searching for the right attorney to hire for your car accident case in Fresno, avoid hiring one that does not have many years of experience in car accident law. Don’t choose your attorney on advertising alone.
Take the time to get to know the law firm and lawyer by looking at case reviews, testimonials and past case results. Don’t make the mistake of not asking about legal fees upfront. Make sure you know exactly how much the lawyer is going to cost you.
How long does it take to settle a car accident claim?
The timeline of a car accident case will depend on its complexity. A simple case could achieve an insurance settlement within several months. However, if a case is complicated, with issues such as multiple parties involved, it could take longer. A case that goes to trial in Fresno could take one year or longer from start to finish, depending on the availability of the courthouse.
It’s important not to rush the car accident claims process, even if you are eager to settle your case and move on. Rushing into a settlement could result in accepting less than you deserve. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot reopen your case.
What happens if I was not wearing a seat belt?
Since seat belts are required for all drivers and passengers in California, failing to wear one during a car accident could affect your claim. However, this does not automatically prevent you from receiving compensation. The insurance company will have to prove that your lack of seat belt wearing caused or contributed to your injuries.
Even if this can be proven, it will only reduce your compensation award by a percentage that matches your degree of fault under California’s comparative negligence law. Work with our attorneys to minimize your degree of fault as much as possible.
What if the other driver has no insurance?
If you carry uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy, this can compensate you for injuries and damages. You may also pursue the at-fault driver’s personal assets through a lawsuit, though this depends on their financial situation.
At Jacoby & Meyers, we thoroughly investigate all potential sources of compensation to maximize your recovery, even when dealing with uninsured drivers.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
No, you should avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurance company without legal representation. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may use your statements against you later. T
hey often contact accident victims quickly, hoping to secure recorded statements or low settlement offers before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Let our experienced attorneys handle all insurance communications while you focus on recovery.
How do I pay bills while my case is pending?
Car accident cases can take months to resolve, but you shouldn’t suffer financial hardship while waiting. Options include using your own medical payment coverage or health insurance for immediate treatment costs. Some medical providers accept liens, allowing treatment now with payment from your eventual settlement.
We can also connect you with healthcare providers who work with accident victims and help you understand your coverage options to manage expenses during your case.
What if my accident was in a construction zone?
Construction zone accidents often involve multiple liable parties beyond just the drivers involved. You may have claims against the construction company, contractors, government entities responsible for traffic control, or equipment manufacturers if inadequate signage, poor traffic management, or defective barriers contributed to your crash. These cases require thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties and maximize your compensation.
Will a pre-existing injury hurt my case?
Pre-existing conditions don’t prevent you from recovering compensation, but they can complicate your case. California law allows recovery for aggravation of existing injuries if the accident worsened your condition or caused new symptoms.
The key is proving how the accident specifically impacted your pre-existing condition. Our attorneys work with medical experts to document these changes and ensure you receive fair compensation for both new injuries and aggravation of existing conditions.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation Today
We treat every client with care and respect. If we take on your case, we will fight to protect your legal interests, handle communication with other parties, and negotiate for the full settlement you deserve.
For more information, call our Fresno personal injury lawyers at (559) 545-0730 or send us a message online for a prompt callback. We also have a team of Sanger car accident lawyers, Madera car accidents lawyers and Reedley car accident lawyers to ensure you can get the help you need.
Fresno Office
Jacoby & Meyers Accident & Injury Lawyers – Fresno
516 W Shaw Ave #200,
Fresno, CA 93704