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 Fresno 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 Trust Jacoby & Meyers with Your Fresno 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.
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.
Leading Causes of Fresno Car Accidents
Under the fault law, you will have to determine the cause of your car accident in Fresno before you can file a claim and pursue financial compensation. Auto accidents in this city almost always result from negligence or human error. In personal injury law, someone is negligent if he or she fails to act with proper care, resulting in harm to others.
Common factors that contribute to car accidents include:
- Driver distraction or inattention
- Texting while driving
- Driving under the influence
- Drowsy driving
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Driver inexperience
- Vehicle mechanical failures
- Dangerous road conditions
If someone reasonably should have prevented the motor vehicle collision, that person’s automobile insurance policy can be held responsible or liable for paying for victims’ losses and expenses. The liable party could be a driver, vehicle manufacturer, government agency, employer or other parties.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Fresno
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 Fresno 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 Fresno 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 in Fresno 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.
Potential Compensation for Medical Expenses and Other Losses
Our lawyers can begin assisting you by thoroughly investigating the incident and advocating for your rights as they negotiate for the financial compensation you may be owed. As you can imagine, the medical expenses and other bills that follow a car accident can escalate quickly.
Balancing these financial pressures while trying to recover and manage your everyday life is a major challenge. If you suffered an injury due to a drivers reckless, negligent, or careless actions, you may be eligible to collect compensation for your losses.
Common types of compensation include:
- Medical costs: Past and future medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, therapies, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Disability: Compensation for long-term or permanent disability, including costs for home or vehicle modifications and in-home care.
- Lost wages and future earnings: Recovery for income lost during your recovery and compensation for reduced earning capacity due to lasting injuries.
- Property damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is deemed a total loss.
- Pain and suffering: Intangible losses such as physical pain, emotional distress, trauma, PTSD, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life.
You may also be entitled to recover additional damages, such as out-of-pocket costs, legal expenses, wrongful death damages, and punitive damages in cases of egregious misconduct. Speak with our Fresno car accident attorneys for a full evaluation of your case and a detailed list of the compensation you may be entitled to pursue.
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 Fresno car accident attorneys can help ensure all necessary claims are filed properly and on time.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Fresno
A car accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. Taking the right steps immediately after a crash can make a major difference in protecting your health, your rights, and your ability to recover fair compensation.
At Jacoby & Meyers, we recommend taking the following actions after a collision in Fresno:
- Stay calm and check yourself and others for injuries.
- Call 911 or contact the Fresno Police Department to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
- Seek medical care immediately, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Some serious conditions may not show symptoms right away.
- If you are able, gather important evidence at the scene. This includes exchanging insurance and contact information, taking photographs of the vehicles and accident site, and speaking with any witnesses.
- Cooperate with law enforcement officers and obtain a copy of the police report.
- Contact an experienced Fresno car accident attorney who can advise you on your rights and protect your claim.
After an accident, your focus should be on your recovery—not on battling insurance companies or navigating complicated legal procedures alone. When you call Jacoby & Meyers, our Fresno car accident attorneys will get to work right away, helping you access the care you need and fighting for the full compensation you deserve.
How Are Car Insurance Claims Processed?
When you file a car insurance claim in Fresno, 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 in Fresno Cost?
It’s natural to be concerned about the potential cost of hiring a skilled car accident lawyer in Fresno. 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.
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.
Fresno Office
Jacoby & Meyers Accident & Injury Lawyers – Fresno
516 W Shaw Ave #200,
Fresno, CA 93704