You’ve already been through a lot as the victim of a car accident in Selma. Now, as you face the car insurance claims process, you may be wondering what your rights are and how to protect them. At Jacoby & Meyers, we have the answers.
For over 50 years, our attorneys have been advocating for the rights of car accident victims and their families in California. We will fight for the justice you deserve while you focus on your physical and emotional recoveries. Contact us today to begin your case with a free consultation.
No Fees Unless We Win
Injured in Car Accident – We’ll Fight While You Recover
Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers
- A passion for justice. Jacoby & Meyers believes everyone deserves justice. As your car accident attorneys in Selma, we will fight for a positive case outcome in and out of the courtroom.
- Experienced litigators. We’ve been representing clients in California since 1972. Our team has collected over $2 billion in settlements for our clients over the years.
- Reputation of excellence. Jacoby & Meyers has been voted #1 Personal Injury Law Firm six years in a row. We take pride in the level of care we deliver to each individual case and client.
- No fees unless we win. We work for you. This means if the insurance companies denies coverage, our law firm won’t collect a fee. We only get paid if you win.
Why Do Car Accidents Happen in Selma?
California is consistently at the top of the list of states when it comes to number of car accidents. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 4,539 people lost their lives in California automobile accidents in 2022. There were 5,314 victims killed and injured in Fresno County, and 86 in Selma.
Most car accidents involve driver errors and negligence, or a lack of proper care behind the wheel. Examples include:
- Driving while distracted
- Texting and driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Speeding or driving recklessly
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued
- Running traffic signals
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Breaking traffic laws
In addition to driver mistakes, other common crash causes include dangerous roads in Selma, motor vehicle defects and adverse weather conditions. Determining the cause of your car accident is one of the first steps toward seeking justice. Our lawyers can conduct a comprehensive crash investigation on your behalf.
Determining Liability in Your Car Accident Case
Liability, or legal and financial responsibility, for an automobile accident can be assigned to the at-fault driver under California’s fault-based law. This rule holds drivers accountable for their role in causing car accidents by allowing victims to file third-party claims. If you get hurt in a car crash in Selma, you can file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance provider.
Most car accident claims are brought against the driver who was in violation of a traffic law at the time of the crash. A broken roadway rule is proof of negligence. Some cases involve comparative negligence, or partial fault assigned to the injured victim. In cases where two or more parties share liability, the victim’s settlement can be reduced by his or her share of fault.
To receive compensation from another driver’s insurer, you or your car accident attorney will need to prove fault as more likely to be true than not true using evidence. This may include police reports and traffic citations, eyewitness testimonies, photographs and surveillance footage, accident reconstruction expert testimony, and other pertinent evidence.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Selma
If you get injured in a Selma car crash, try to stay calm and take the following steps to protect yourself and build an insurance claim:
- Pull over in a safe location and check yourself for injuries.
- Call 911 to immediately report the accident to the police.
- Get medical treatment for your injuries without delay.
- Exchange information with the other driver and do not admit fault.
- Take pictures at the scene of the accident.
- Write down your police report number.
- Keep copies of your medical records and hospital bills.
- Call your insurance company to report the accident.
- If you are contacted by the other driver’s insurer, don’t give a recorded statement.
- Contact Jacoby & Meyers before accepting a fast insurance settlement.
Our attorneys can give you tailored advice as to what to do – and what not to do – to strengthen your case as much as possible. Unlike an insurance company, we work for you.
How Much Is a Selma Car Accident Case Worth?
The value of a car accident claim depends on the individual circumstances, such as the severity of the victim’s injuries and how much medical care is required. Every car accident settlement is unique, with no “average” amount and no guarantees. You can start understanding what your claim might be worth by making a list of your compensable losses.
Common damages include:
- Past and future medical costs
- Pain, suffering, emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage repairs or vehicle replacement
- Lost wages
- Lost capacity to earn in the future
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Wrongful death damages
Jacoby & Meyers has aggressive litigators and skilled negotiators who are prepared to fight to recover maximum compensation for all of your current and future foreseeable losses. Discuss the potential value of your claim with us before accepting a settlement from an insurance provider to avoid settling for less than you deserve.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Car Accident Claim in Selma?
In California, Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 sets a two-year time limit on an injured accident victim’s right to file a personal injury claim. Under this law, you have a maximum of two years from the date of your car accident (or the date that you discover your injuries, if delayed) to file a related lawsuit. You may have just six months, however, if your claim is against a government agency. Reach out to an attorney as soon as possible to file within your window.
Contact Our Selma Car Accident Lawyers Today
This may be your first experience getting injured in a car accident in Selma, but the California car accident lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers have helped thousands of clients just like you. We know exactly how to maximize our clients’ recoveries and help them rebuild their lives. You can be confident that you are in good hands when you choose us to represent you.
Learn more about how we can help you during a free initial case review with our local team of attorneys. We have an office conveniently located at 516 W Shaw Ave #200, Fresno, CA 93704. You can reach this office directly at (559) 545-0730 24/7 to schedule your consultation.