The Best Car Accident Lawyers In Fresno, California

In the 1850s, California experienced an influx of migrants seeking the opportunities of the Gold Rush, and in 1856, these new arrivals formed Fresno County. Fresno, which means ash tree in Spanish, is named for the ash groves by the San Joaquin River. Despite Fresno’s proximity to this major waterway, settlers struggled to cultivate the dry prairie. The 1870s brought the development of advanced irrigation systems and the Central Pacific Railroad, which contributed to Fresno’s agricultural prominence that has defined the region ever since.

Today, Fresno County is ranked among the highest in the nation for agricultural production, with yearly sales exceeding $7.5 billion. Major crops include almonds, peaches, grapes, nectarines, and cotton. In addition to farming, Fresno offers top-notch recreation and culture to locals and visitors alike.

Living In Fresno

Fresno is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. At the 300-acre Woodward Park, enjoy five miles of trails, three playgrounds, and the Shinzen Japanese Gardens, which include bonsai trees, koi ponds, and a tea house. Fresno is also just an hour’s drive from rugged mountains, vast canyons, and the world’s largest trees at Sierra National Forest and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park.

The arts are alive in Fresno, especially at Fresno Art Museum, which highlights Mexican-American art, Pre-Columbian sculptures, and contemporary art. For a glimpse into the Victorian era, stop by the century-old Meux Home Museum with its gothic-style furnishings. Experience truly unforgettable architecture at Forestiere Underground Gardens–a maze of hand-dug tunnels and courtyards that span 10-plus acres and took one man 40 years to complete.

Looking for some family fun? At Island Waterpark and Storyland Fresno, enjoy exciting rides and attractions for all ages. Also, don’t miss The Big Fresno Fair–this once-a-year event features live music, tasty food, unique exhibits, and carnival rides.

The cost of living in Fresno is an added perk. With median home prices of $316,400, housing in this city is 132 percent lower than the California average.

Intro To Car Accident Issues In California

Motor vehicle accidents, more commonly called car accidents, happen every day. In 2020, there were 35,766 car crashes in the United States, 38,824 of them resulting in deaths. Car accidents can be minor, like a fender bender at a stop sign; or major, like a multi-car pileup on a foggy interstate. It seems we Americans are always in our cars, and sometimes, mistakes get the better of us and our vehicles.

If you are in a serious car accident, you may want to consider contacting an experienced lawyer in your area who can help you through the legal process and look after your interests. Lawyers who practice in this area often specialize in certain types of accidents (like truck accidents), or in related areas like product liability (faulty car design/manufacture), or DUI/DWI in California.

Do I Need A Lawyer For Car Accident Issues? Are There DIY Options?

Sometimes a car accident won’t require the help of an attorney. There are lots of DIY options you can use to help you navigate this legal issue. In the case of a car accident, you can probably handle your accident case on your own if:

• Damage to cars, property, or other vehicles was minor
• You were not at fault and your insurance company agrees to cover your losses
• There were no injuries caused by the accident

There are resources are available to help you settle a car accident claim on your own. Resources might include options like damages calculators, getting multiple repair estimates to show insurance adjusters, using Kelley Blue Book or other online sources to establish the pre-accident value of your car, and more. If the coverage doesn’t add up, or the other driver’s insurance company offers a settlement that is too low, you might want to consider getting legal help.

How Do I Know If An Attorney Is Licensed In California?

A great place to start your Fresno car accident attorney research is the State Bar of California website. You’ll find information about whether your attorney has an active license and when they were licensed, as well as whether that attorney has ever been disciplined or had their bar membership temporarily revoked.

How Do I Interview Car Accident Attorneys In Fresno?

If your accident was costly, complicated, or you or others were seriously injured, it might be a good idea to get an attorney to represent you. However, not all attorneys are the right fit for you and your case. You’ll want to consider whether the attorney is familiar with the driving conditions in your area, experienced in your type of accident, has a good track record, good reviews (either personal to you or from online sources you trust), and has a payment system you understand and can afford. There are some key questions you should make sure you know the answers to before you hire an attorney including:

• What’s their experience with motor vehicle accidents? What settlements or verdicts have they won recently?
• How do they communicate with clients? Do they answer questions themselves, or is it an associate or paralegal you will be communicating with? Phone, letter, email, text?
• Who else in the firm will work on your case? How will it be billed? What is the bill rate for the various team members like paralegals, junior attorneys, clerks, and others?
• What is the fee structure? Is this a contingency fee, hourly billable, or flat fee?

Then, make sure you feel comfortable. Can you talk openly to the person representing you? Your accident attorney will be involved in your life for a while, so make sure you can communicate constructively and honestly with them.

Driving And Transportation In Fresno

By far, the best drive in Fresno is the Blossom Trail, which will lead you through 70 miles of fluttering flower tree petals if you go between February and March. Each year, the county holds festivals and special events to celebrate the blossom season, but frankly, this scenic route is a must-see any time of year.

With its arid climate and proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains, Fresno can experience extreme flooding during the summer months due to storm runoff. This can result in closed roads and challenging driving conditions. The Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District is working to improve stormwater management to prevent road damage.

More Fresno Resources

If you need legal support in Fresno, refer to the Superior Court of Fresno County. Different courts handle criminal, civil, and traffic cases. Contact the court relevant to your case during normal business hours.

Traffic Court
2317 Tuolumne St
Fresno, CA 93721
559-457-1700

Civil Court
1130 O St
Fresno, CA 93724
559-457-1900

Criminal Court
1100 Van Ness Ave
Fresno, CA 93724
559-457-1801

Fresno County Public Defender
2135 Fresno St Ste 100
Fresno, CA 93721
559-600-3546