The Best Car Accident Lawyers In Tulare, California

Tulare’s early years were challenging, as it burned to the ground and was rebuilt three times since its founding in 1872. It served as a base for the Southern Pacific Railroad until it ceased operation and Tulare’s economy transitioned to rely on agriculture. Today, Tulare county contributes billions of dollars in dairy milk production and attracts annual visitors as host to the World Ag Expo.

One of Tulare’s biggest advantages is its location, nearly equidistant from the coast and the beckoning forests of national parks. Tulare is just 45 minutes from Fresno and an hour from Bakersfield, within perfect reach of big-city events, and offers a number of local attractions for tourists and residents alike.

Living In Tulare

Tulare boasts youthful, up-and-coming energy–the median age of residents is 28, and California State University, Fresno and Bakersfield College both have campuses nearby. The city is also relatively affordable compared to the rest of California–Tulare’s median home value is $323,000. Tulare’s growing population inspired a boost in housing development and revamp of the community with a revitalization project.

Activities in Tulare vary from wine and agricultural tours to learning about its history at the Tulare Historical Museum. Looking to get outside? Tulare lies at the foot of Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park, and is only two hours from Yosemite and the Sierra National Forest. The area surrounding Tulare provides numerous opportunities for wildlife sightings, in addition to scenic hikes and drives.

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.

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 Tulare 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 Tulare?

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 Tulare

Tulare offers plenty of scenic highways and road trips to satisfy the most enthusiastic drivers. A visit to any of the nearby national parks promises picturesque landscapes of deserts, valleys, or towering forest trees. Tulare’s central location also serves as a convenient jump-off point for many central California back roads and the Pacific Coast Highway.

For all its charms, Tulare is not without problems when it comes to its roadways: Distracted driving has been a reported issue throughout the county. But compared to other cities of similar size, Tulare has pretty favorable ratings with the California Office of Traffic Safety.

More Tulare Resources

If your time in Tulare ever calls for legal resources, refer to the Tulare County Superior Court, which has offices based in Visalia that specialize in family law assistance, juvenile justice, and other civil matters. Below are some addresses and contact information that may be helpful:

Family Law Facilitator, Tulare County Superior Court
3400 W Mineral King Ste C
Visalia, CA 93291
559-737-5500

Juvenile Justice Facility
11200 Ave 368 Rm 201
Visalia, CA 93291
559-738-2300

Tulare County Public Defender
221 S Mooney Blvd # G35
Visalia, CA 93291
559-636-4500

Traffic Division, Tulare County Superior Court
221 S Mooney Blvd Rm 124
Visalia, CA 93291
559-730-5000