The Best Car Accident Lawyers In Visalia, California

Visalia’s history is an integral part of the city’s well-established identity. After the city’s first incorporation in 1853, the area cemented itself as an important facet of California’s agricultural foundation. Visalia then experienced the influx of Gold Rush pioneers and, later, Civil War unrest before its second incorporation in 1874.

Ultimately, the city transitioned into an idyllic settlement for those looking for a nature-oriented alternative to metropolitan cities. Despite a growing population of 142,798, Visalia has retained a small-town atmosphere, evidenced by its thriving local business sector and plenitude of community-organized events.

Living In Visalia

As the bustling counterpart to the city’s wide stretches of parkland, the arbored streets of Downtown Visalia are peppered with sidewalk cafes and cozy boutiques. Cuisine in Visalia is inspired by the city’s agricultural heritage, and restaurants often adhere to a farm-to-fork philosophy.

Quiet, welcoming neighborhoods surround the Downtown district, fanning out into more rural communities. The median listing price for houses in Visalia is around $390,000–an increase of 17.5 percent from the previous year.

Visalia’s strong connection to the great outdoors is undeniable. Each year, the Sequoia Parks Conservatory hosts a Dark Sky Festival. The free celebration is held within the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and is recognized as the largest astronomy event in central California. Collectively, the mixed trails at Sequoia National Park span 3,350 miles and can accommodate hikers, equestrians, and off-road vehicles.

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 Visalia 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 Visalia?

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 Visalia

Surrounded by jaw-dropping vistas and national parks, it isn’t hard to understand why scenic drives are among the most popular recreational activities in Visalia. The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway follows along a 50-mile section of Highway 180, taking drivers through an inspiring terrain of monolithic trees, deep ravines, waterfalls, and rugged cliffs. Alternatively, the Majestic Mountain Loop provides an in-depth look at all three nearby national parks over a three-day period.

Positioned between Fresno and Bakersfield, Visalia is also bisected by California State Route 98. The popular highway carries eastbound travelers into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Westbound travelers can follow the route to California’s revered Pacific Coast Highway and visit the state’s magnificent beaches.

The city of Visalia has been working with California’s Department of Transportation to facilitate the rehabilitation of its major streets. In addition to bringing road technologies up to date and addressing pavement deterioration, these projects–such as the operational improvements taking place on Lovers Lane and Highway 198–also aim to reduce traffic congestion.

More Visalia Resources

Should the need for legal resources arise, refer to the Tulare County Superior Court for information–including any questions on court jurisdictions, pretrial facilities, traffic citations, civil cases, and juvenile cases. The addresses for the city’s courts and the county’s public defender are as follows:

County Civic Center – Visalia
221 S Mooney Blvd
Visalia, CA 93291
559-730-5000

Family Law Facilitator
3400 W Mineral King Ave Ste C
Visalia, CA 93291
559-737-5500

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