7 Things You Need To Know About A Fresno Car Accident
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Did a reckless or negligent driver cause your car crash in the greater Central California Valley area? Are you trying to recover from a Fresno motorcycle crash? Did a distracted truck driver fail to yield the right of way causing a car accident? If so, there are several important things you need to know about a car accident claim before you begin dealing with an insurance adjuster.
- You have the right to choose your physicians.
The insurance company for the other driver cannot make you go to a specific doctor for medical treatment. When you are injured in a Fresno car accident, you can choose your doctors, physical therapists, surgeons, hospital, and other medical professionals.
- You have the right to choose a Fresno car accident attorney.
You also have the same right to choose a Fresno car accident attorney to represent you in your accident claim. The insurance adjuster may try to convince you that you can do better by representing yourself, but the adjuster does not have your best interest in mind. It is always in your best interest to consult with a Fresno car accident attorney to discuss your legal rights before discussing your claim with an insurance adjuster.
- You have the right to consult with an attorney before providing statements or signing releases.
The insurance adjuster may request a recorded or written statement to “verify the facts” to process your claim. The adjuster may also tell you that he needs a medical release to “verify your injuries” to pay the medical bills. You do NOT have to provide a statement or sign a release until you consult with an attorney. You should always consult with a Fresno car accident attorney before signing any releases or providing any statements.
- You have a limited time to file a car accident lawsuit.
The California statute of limitations sets deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. If you fail to file a lawsuit before the deadline, you lose your right to claim compensation for your injuries. Consult with an attorney as soon as possible after a car crash to protect your right to recover compensation for your injuries.
- You have the right to receive compensation for economic losses.
In a car accident claim, you have the right to receive compensation for out-of-pocket expenses such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Travel expenses
- Property damage
- Personal care
- Medical equipment
You also have the right to recover compensation for future damages such as future lost wages and future medical expenses.
- You have the right to receive compensation for your non-economic losses.
Non-economic losses from a car accident are often referred to as “pain and suffering” damages. Pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate you for your physical pain, mental anguish, emotional suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Hiring an attorney with experience handling car accidents is essential to ensure your pain and suffering damages are calculated correctly.
- You can settle your property damage claim without settling your bodily injury claim.
The insurance company for the other driver can pay to have your vehicle repaired or replaced without requiring you to settle the bodily injury claim. However, you must be careful when signing a release for your property damage claim. Some adjusters may try to include language in the release that could limit your recovery for bodily injury. Consult with a car accident attorney before signing any release.
Call a Fresno Car Accident Attorney Today
If you have been injured in a Fresno traffic accident or motor vehicle accident in the Central California Valley area, call Torem & Associates at (888) 500-5000to schedule a free legal consultation with an experienced car crash lawyer. You may also contact our office using our online contact form.
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