Nestled amidst the region’s picturesque landscapes, Madera benefits from its proximity to renowned historical sites and natural wonders. With its central location, residents and visitors can conveniently access the majestic Yosemite National Park, a true gem of the American wilderness. Additionally, Madera is surrounded by other captivating outdoor regions, providing ample opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Despite its relatively small size, Madera does experience traffic accidents, reminding us of the importance of staying vigilant on the roads. Unfortunately, accidents can occur even in such peaceful surroundings, and it is crucial to be prepared if the unexpected happens.

If you or a loved one have suffered an injury in an accident, whether in Madera or elsewhere in Madera County, do not hesitate to seek legal assistance. At AutoAccident.com, our dedicated and experienced legal team is here to help. We understand the challenges and complexities that arise after an accident and are committed to providing support and guidance throughout the legal process. You can schedule a free consultation with our compassionate team by calling our offices at (559) 377-7676. 

The number of serious car accidents resulting in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death continues to rise in California. The National Safety Council reported that over 40,000 people were killed in car crashes in 2017. 

Nationally, the numbers are not much better. In 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 36,750 people were killed in car accidents. The NHTSA stated that fatal accidents decreased for drivers and motorcyclists but increased for accidents involving large trucks, bicyclists, and pedestrians. 

A spokesman for the California Office of Traffic Safety indicated that the jump in fatal auto accidents was primarily caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs such as prescription medications and drivers getting distracted by cell phone use.

Whatever caused your Madera car accident, your injuries are your biggest concern. As a Madera auto accident attorney, some of the most common traumatic injuries our clients suffer in highway accidents include the following:

• Broken bones
• Cuts and lacerations
• Head, neck, and spinal injuries
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Paralysis and nerve damage
• Traumatic Brain Injuries

If you or a loved one was involved in a severe wreck caused by another driver’s carelessness and you suffered injuries, first and foremost, get medical treatment. If an ambulance arrives at the scene, take it and get treatment at the ER. Do not put off getting examined by a trained medical professional, even if you think your injuries “aren’t that serious.” You may have an injury that is not visible, such as a concussion.

When able, try to obtain copies of the accident report filed by state police, the name and contact information of the negligent driver, their auto insurance information, and any photographs taken of the accident scene. If there were any eyewitnesses to the accident, you should also obtain their contact information. If this sounds like a lot of work, it is a big reason you should contact a Madera personal injury lawyer.

The car accident injury claims process can be complex and tеdiоuѕ. You must collect various documents and invoices, speak to witnesses, contact insurance companies, etc. An experienced Madera personal injury attorney can take the pressure off you, handle this evidence collection process, and file a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company. Your accident attorney will also negotiate and seek maximum compensation on your behalf.

Once an auto insurance company is notified of an accident, a claims representative will likely call you and ask for a recorded statement. It is best to decline and refer them to your lawyer (if you have already hired an attorney). Why? Because clear statements could be manipulated to make it look like the accident was your fault or that you were not injured in the collision.

The claim adjuster may also try to pressure you into agreeing to a lowball settlement that is far less than you deserve based on your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Some реорlе wоndеr if they really need a personal injury lawyer to handle their саѕе. Statistics support the claim that you should hire a personal injury attorney to obtain a sizable recovery through settlement or jury verdict. According to the Insurance Research Council, injured claimants represented by an attorney received 3.5 times more in a settlement than unrepresented claimants. Here are some other reasons why you should hire a personal injury lawyer if you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident:

• Injury lawyers work to resolve claims day in and day out. They are specialists with extensive experience practicing in this area of law. This experience and exposure to the inner workings of the injury claims process can prove invaluable when negotiating with an insurance adjuster and pursuing maximum compensation for your claim.
• Injury attorneys have a better understanding of all available insurance coverage. This is critically important because the amount you can reasonably expect to recover through a personal injury claim depends mainly on the auto insurance coverage you can access. If, for example, the negligent driver has bare-bones auto insurance coverage or, even worse, no auto insurance, you’ll need to file an uninsured (UI) or underinsured motorist (UIM) claim through your auto insurance policy.
• Injury lawyers can give you a rough estimate of what you can reasonably expect to recover through an injury claim, especially once they have reviewed your medical records, lost wages, and other related damages stemming from the accident.
• Injury attorneys can also ensure you don’t miss out on essential filing deadlines. For example, a car accident injury lawsuit needs to be filed within two years from the accident date. After two years, your case will likely get thrown out of court.

The video below explains what to expect in the first consultation with a personal injury lawyer.

Another key reason you should contact an attorney about your car accident is that it is low risk and high reward. It is low risk because most injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means they get paid contingent upon reaching a settlement or winning a jury verdict for you. You do not owe them any legal fees if they do not obtain a financial recovery.

If you are looking for a Madera auto accident attorney for help concerning the injuries you suffered in a car wreck, we are here to help. You may be frustrated by discussions with the other driver’s insurance company and maybe even your own insurance company.

If you or someone you hold dear has suffered an injury or wrongful death due to a negligent motorist, call our experienced Madera personal injury lawyers today at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice. When you call, we will review your accident case’s details and decide how best to move forward to recover compensation for your losses from the at-fault party.

We’ve been helping residents in Northern California and their family members since 1982. We handle accident cases involving wrongful death or severe personal injury.

We are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

See a list of past cases on our verdicts and settlements page and our client reviews on Avvo, Yelp, and Google.

^{Editor’s Note: updated [cha 5.25.23] Photo by Skitterphoto from Pexels sb [cs 1290]}

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