Three People Injured in Fresno Car Accident
Three people were injured in a Fresno car accident on the evening of July 14, 2019. The auto accident occurred shortly after 6:30 p.m. along Peach Avenue in the vicinity of Highway 180. An officer from the Fresno Police Department was reportedly responding to a call for assistance and proceeded through the intersection using his sirens and lights. For unknown reasons, the officer was involved in a collision with another driver. The officer reportedly veered and struck a third car described as a white SUV. The officer, along with the driver and passenger of the SUV, were transported to the hospital for treatment. Updates regarding the conditions of those injured in the car wreck were not immediately available.
What Are the Common Causes of a Fresno Car Accident?
Most people will find themselves involved in at least one auto accident in their lifetime. But the causes of such collisions often vary. For some, driving under the influence or speeding is to blame. For others, road defects, faulty vehicle equipment, or negligence on the part of a government vehicle driver is to blame. For instance, officers who are using their lights and sirens are still required to exercise due care to ensure each traffic lane is clear while passing through an intersection. In such cases, an injury lawyer should be contacted to understand what rights and options you have to bring a claim against those responsible for the crash.
How Do You Prove Who is at Fault in a Fresno Car Accident?
To recover damages in a personal injury claim, a collection of evidence must be gathered to prove liability on the part of another driver or government entity. This includes traffic collision reports, photographs of the crash scene, eyewitness testimony, video surveillance of the incident, and expert witness testimony. Other types of evidence may be relevant to your claim. A Fresno personal injury attorney can analyze the facts and circumstances of the crash and injury to determine which evidence should be collected to strengthen your case. For details on what to look for in a reputable injury attorney, watch the below video.
Recoverable Damages in a Personal Injury Claim
In a Fresno car accident case, compensation may be awarded for the following economic and noneconomic damages:
- Any out of pocket expenses for renovations to the home to accommodate a permanent disability. This may often need to be proven with testimony from a medical expert.
- Costs of past and future projected medical care to treat injuries suffered in the car wreck.
- Disfigurement may be claimed for the embarrassment and humiliation caused by an injury that resulted in scarring. Expenses for cosmetic surgery to repair the scarring may also be considered for reimbursement.
- Loss of future earning potential due to a permanent injury.
- Loss of consortium may be pursued by an injured person’s spouse for damage to the marital relationship.
- Lost wages for time missed from work to recover from an injury or to attend a medical appointment.
- Pain and suffering, for the impact the trauma had on the injured person’s mental or physical health.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury?
In California, a personal injury claim for a car accident has a two-year statute of limitations. This is by California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. If an auto accident involves a government vehicle, the deadline is reduced to six months or 180 days from the date of the crash. This shorter timeframe is intended to notify a government entity of any dangers or defects that need to be addressed. It also allows the government to create a budget for any potential trials and settlements. There are specific criteria and procedures involved in government entity claims. In these situations, it is best to retain an experienced personal injury lawyer in Fresno to ensure all necessary requirements and deadlines are met.
Why Should I Hire an Attorney?
Government immunity is challenging to overcome. The first hurdle in many of these types of cases is filing a claim on time. Knowing what government entity to pursue, what evidence to gather, and what law applies to the case is also critical in receiving a favorable outcome. However, this can prove to be stressful when you are recovering from your injuries. This is where an experienced injury lawyer can help. An experienced attorney can handle all aspects of your claim to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Fresno Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno personal injury lawyer. A car accident can result in catastrophic injury as well as mental and emotional trauma. Recovering from such injuries can take months or even years, which can cause financial hardship for the injured person and their family. If you or a loved one were injured in a car wreck that was not your fault, please call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice.
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I am proud to be a member of several legal organizations, including the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and the Million Dollar Advocates. The first group limits membership to lawyers who practice legal excellence. The other forum is comprised of attorneys who have obtained $1 million for a client through a case verdict or settlement.
Since 1982, I have helped many families from Fresno and surrounding areas in recovering the compensation they deserve for their personal injury and wrongful death claims. To see how we have resolved cases for our prior clients, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image Source: By “ElasticComputeFarm” via Pixabay / Three People Injured in Fresno Car Accident
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