Fresno Auto Accident Attorneys

Fresno Car Accident Lawyers Representing Auto Injury Victims Since 1992

SSince 1992, the Fresno car accident lawyers at Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian have sought justice for the victims of automobile collisions. Car accident victims are often suddenly faced with costly medical expenses and future lost wages while they are unable to work due to their injuries.

Sadly, in other instances, victims suffer significant injuries that can leave them permanently disabled. Individuals who suffer catastrophic injuries typically require ongoing medical care that can quickly take a financial toll on families, especially if their health insurance does not cover it.

Our personal injury lawyers recognize the numerous issues that injured victims are forced to deal with after a car accident. Our mission is to provide legal representation that ensures they receive a financial recovery sufficient to provide for their needs.

If you have been injured due to another person’s carelessness on the road, you may be able to recover compensation that will pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you have been hurt in a traffic collision caused by another driver’s negligence, it is always best to discuss your case promptly with an experienced Fresno car accident lawyer. Contact our firm immediately to schedule a free initial consultation. We will gladly review your case and determine what legal options suit your needs.

Why Do Traffic Collisions Happen in Fresno?

Car accidents in Fresno County almost always come down to human error. Motorists run stop signs or red lights, fail to yield on left turns, or fail to notice traffic slowing ahead of them, causing rear-end collisions. Several factors show up again and again in the car accident cases our firm handles, and they line up closely with the leading collision causes the CHP identifies statewide.

Distracted driving. Texting, phone calls, eating, adjusting navigation, and roadside distractions all pull a driver’s attention off the road. California’s hands-free driving law bars holding a phone while driving, but enforcement only goes so far. On wide surface arterials like Blackstone Avenue, Shaw Avenue, and Herndon Avenue, where signalized intersections come one after another, a few seconds of inattention is enough to cause a serious intersection collision.

Speeding. Excessive speed reduces reaction time and sharply increases the force of impact. Highway 99 and Highway 41 carry freeway speeds directly through the middle of Fresno, and the difference between a survivable crash and a fatal one is often just the speed at impact.

Impaired driving. Alcohol, drugs, and prescription medication impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes nationwide, and it also opens the door to punitive damages that are not available in an ordinary negligence case.

Tule fog and poor visibility. This is the hazard that makes the Central Valley different from anywhere else in California. Dense winter tule fog can drop visibility on Highway 99 to near zero in seconds, and the corridor through Fresno County has a decades-long history of chain-reaction pileups. In January 2026, a fog-related pileup involving 17 vehicles on Highway 99 killed one driver and injured more than 20 people. Multi-vehicle fog crashes raise complicated questions about which drivers are at fault and how much each one owes, which is where California’s shared fault rules become critical.

Aggressive and reckless driving. Tailgating, weaving between lanes, running red lights, and road rage all fall into this category. Following too closely is the single most common cause of the rear-end collisions we see on congested stretches of Highway 41 and Highway 180 during commute hours.

Fatigued driving. Drowsiness slows reaction time in much the same way alcohol does. Fresno sits on a long-haul freight route, and drowsy commercial drivers finishing extended shifts are a recurring factor in serious Valley crashes. When a big rig is involved, the claim becomes a truck accident case governed by federal carrier regulations as well as state law.

Failure to yield. Ignoring right-of-way rules at intersections, on left turns, and at crosswalks causes a large share of injury collisions, including many involving bicyclists and pedestrians. Left-turn crashes at busy Fresno intersections are among the most frequently disputed cases, because fault often turns on the signal phase and the position of each vehicle at impact.

Unsafe road conditions and vehicle failures. Potholes, faded striping, missing signage, poor lighting, and defective brakes, tires, or steering can all cause a driver to lose control. These cases matter because the responsible party may not be another motorist at all. It may be a government agency, a repair shop, or a parts manufacturer, and a claim against a public entity must be presented within six months under the Government Claims Act rather than the ordinary two-year deadline.

Whatever caused your collision, you need a well-qualified Fresno car accident attorney to review your claim. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

Fresno Auto Accident Lawyers Serving Drivers Across Central California

Whether you call it an auto accident, a car crash, or a motor vehicle collision, the legal process is the same, and so is our approach to it. Our Fresno auto accident attorneys handle claims arising from freeway pileups on Highway 99, intersection collisions on city surface streets, rear-end crashes in stop-and-go traffic, single-vehicle crashes caused by road defects, and multi-vehicle wrecks with several insurance carriers involved. We also represent riders in motorcycle collisions and passengers injured in Uber and Lyft crashes, which follow their own insurance rules.

Auto accident claims in California are rarely as simple as the insurer makes them sound. Liability may be shared among several drivers, more than one policy may apply, and the value of the claim depends heavily on how thoroughly the injuries are documented in the first weeks after the crash. Our auto accident lawyers investigate the collision, identify every available source of coverage, and build the claim to withstand scrutiny from the other side. If you have been injured anywhere in the Central Valley, including Clovis and the surrounding communities, an experienced auto accident attorney from our firm can review your case at no cost.

What Are the Most Common Car Accident Injuries in the Fresno Area?

Car accident injuries can range from very minor, such as scrapes and bruises, to severe trauma such as spinal cord damage. Common injuries we see include:

Whiplash. Sudden jerking of the neck on impact, causing soft tissue damage.
Head injuries. Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or skull fractures from the force of impact.
Back injuries. Sprains, strains, herniated discs, or spinal cord damage leading to chronic pain or paralysis.
Broken bones. Fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis.
Cuts and lacerations. Broken glass, twisted metal, or airbag deployment can cause deep wounds.
Internal injuries. Damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or lungs from blunt-force trauma.
Psychological trauma. Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Soft tissue injuries. Damage to muscles, ligaments, or tendons causing pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility.
Burns. Contact with hot surfaces or flames, especially in crashes involving fire.
Seat belt injuries. Bruising or internal trauma caused by the restraint system.

The most devastating injuries are catastrophic ones: brain injuries, spinal injuries, and lost limbs. Our overview of the most common brain injuries in California explains how widely the long-term costs can vary. These injuries affect victims’ physical health, emotional well-being, and financial stability, and they typically require substantial compensation. Our Fresno personal injury lawyers have extensive experience helping victims recover the maximum available so they can face the future with confidence.

Seeking medical attention and legal guidance after a crash is crucial for both proper treatment and pursuing compensation. If you are still looking for follow-up care, our attorneys maintain a list of chiropractors Fresno crash victims frequently see. Let an experienced attorney handle your claim and advise you on the best course of action.

How Are Car Accident Insurance Claims Processed?

When you have been involved in a collision, it helps to understand how the claim moves. First, the at-fault driver’s insurer is notified that their insured has been in a wreck. After that, it is largely a question of the types and amount of coverage that driver carries. California requires only 15/30/5 in minimum liability coverage, which a serious injury can exhaust almost immediately.

The insurer typically assigns one adjuster to the property damage portion, which is usually resolved quickly. A second adjuster handles the bodily injury side.

A car accident attorney negotiates with the bodily injury adjuster to resolve the matter. If no agreement can be reached, a lawsuit must be filed. Insurers will often try to pay victims as little as possible, and sometimes nothing at all. Our guide to personal injury settlements versus lawsuits walks through how that decision gets made.

One of the most common tactics is the quick settlement offer. Insurance providers know that many injured people cannot work and are under financial pressure, so they offer far less than the claim is worth. A fast offer may seem appealing, but it almost never accounts for your future medical needs. Before you evaluate any offer, it is worth understanding what a Fresno car accident case is actually worth and how long a settlement check normally takes to arrive.

Can You Settle a Fresno Collision Without Insurance?

Victims often ask whether they can resolve a case without involving the insurance companies. No law specifically requires motorists to notify their insurer after a crash, though California does require an SR-1 report to the DMV within 10 days when anyone is injured or killed or property damage exceeds the state threshold.

Settling privately is possible, but it is not recommended. There are real limits on what can be recovered that way, including lost wages, property damage, and necessary medical bills.

Only single-vehicle incidents or crashes involving minor vehicle damage should ever be considered for a private settlement. If you are weighing that option, the steps include:

Obtaining quotes for the cost of vehicle repairs
Working out a settlement between you and the other party
Both parties signing the settlement agreement
Making sure that all payments are traceable so neither party can later claim they did not receive payment

Regardless of the extent of the damage, anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident should be hesitant to settle without insurance. Injuries that need medical attention frequently surface days or weeks later, long after a private settlement has been signed. The same caution applies when someone else was driving your car, since your own policy and your own exposure may both be in play.

If you have been involved in a wreck and need clarification on the advantages of filing an insurance claim, contact our firm today to schedule a meeting with one of our highly experienced attorneys.

When Is a Driver Considered Negligent?

Several legal elements must be present to prove that a driver was negligent and responsible for causing a collision. California law holds that when a driver fails to act with the same care a reasonable person would use under the same circumstances, they can be held liable.

The legal elements of negligence are:

The driver owed a duty of care to others on the road
The driver breached that duty
The breach caused the collision
The victim suffered actual harm as a result

At Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian, we are ready to help you fight for the maximum possible compensation. Drivers may be negligent when they are:

Texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting a GPS device
Exhibiting road rage
Speeding
Disobeying traffic laws
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Driving while fatigued
Operating their vehicle recklessly

To seek compensation, the claimant must have suffered an injury or monetary loss. Establishing each element takes evidence, and our explanation of how liability is proven after a collision covers what that evidence usually looks like. Note also that California generally allows two years from the date of injury to file suit. If you have been hurt by a negligent driver in Fresno, you need an experienced attorney who can prove every required element and protect your rights. Contact us today to schedule a free case review.

What Financial Compensation Can I Seek After a Car Accident?

The most pressing question for anyone hurt in a car accident is what compensation they can recover. California law gives injured motorists the right to seek payment for out-of-pocket expenses and non-monetary losses alike.

You may be compensated for loss of income, medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, pain, suffering, and more.

Families of victims who have died because of another driver’s negligence may also recover damages through a wrongful death claim.

Economic Damages

Economic damages repay victims for out-of-pocket expenses incurred because of the crash. They may include:

Past and future medical bills
Lost wages
Loss of earning potential
Property damage

Where additional medical costs are likely, it pays to have a skilled personal injury attorney evaluate the claim and confirm it accounts for everything. If you suffered severe injuries, you may need compensation covering physical therapy and long-term rehabilitation.

Our attorneys will thoroughly evaluate your case to determine what level of compensation fits your needs.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate victims for intangible losses. These awards are based on the specific facts of the case and should never be compared with other claims, because every settlement varies. Commonly awarded non-economic damages include:

Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Emotional trauma
Permanent disfigurement and scarring

Wrongful Death

If your loved one was killed in a crash, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim in civil court. California Code of Civil Procedure section 377.60 sets out who has standing to bring the claim. Because of the legal intricacies involved, it is always best to consult a knowledgeable attorney to confirm your case qualifies.

Only a qualifying immediate family member or the personal representative of the decedent’s estate may bring the claim.

Families may be able to recover damages that include:

Medical expenses the decedent incurred because of the fatal crash
Lost income
Loss of future wages the victim would have earned
Loss of household services
Loss of companionship and emotional support
Emotional trauma

If you have been injured, contact our Fresno auto accident attorneys so we can review your case and determine what compensation is right for you. No two car accident claims are the same. You need a lawyer who will fight to help you obtain the maximum recovery so you can face the future with confidence.

When Should I Hire a Fresno Car Accident Attorney?

Hiring a Fresno car accident attorney should be at the top of your list after a collision. The insurer will often pressure you into accepting a quick settlement. Never give the at-fault carrier’s adjusters a recorded statement or sign paperwork they send you. Anything you say will likely be used against you when it comes time to resolve the claim.

Speaking with one of our attorneys is free. There is never so much urgency that you must give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer before consulting a lawyer.

Many clients are understandably concerned about the cost of legal fees. Our firm handles these matters on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you. The fee is a percentage of the recovery, and the specific percentage depends on the stage at which your case resolves. We will explain the full fee structure in writing before you sign anything. Fees in cases involving a minor are subject to court approval.

If you have been injured, do not hesitate to hire an advocate who will protect your rights. The insurance company will have attorneys working hard to find ways to pay less than your claim is worth.

Our team has years of experience dealing with insurance providers and knows their tactics. Contact our law offices today and let us help you begin the claims process. Our overview of what to expect when pursuing a claim in Central California explains the steps in order.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer to Help With the Claims Process?

After a collision, one of the best steps you can take is to retain counsel. A qualified lawyer gives you peace of mind as you move through the claims process.

Having an attorney handle the legal details allows you to focus on recovering physically and mentally. At Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian, we work to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve for the harm and distress you have endured.

The top reasons to hire an attorney include:

Legal knowledge. Our lawyers know the relevant laws, regulations, and procedures governing personal injury claims, and can navigate a complex system on your behalf.
Investigation and evidence gathering. We have the resources to investigate the circumstances of the crash thoroughly and gather accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony. Collision reports filed by law enforcement feed into the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, which can also help establish patterns at a dangerous location.
Negotiation with insurers. Insurance companies routinely try to minimize payouts or deny claims outright. Skilled negotiators can handle those discussions and advocate for fair compensation.
Assessment of damages. An experienced attorney can accurately value the full extent of your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and future needs.
Representation in court. If your case goes to trial, you need someone who can present it persuasively to a judge and jury. Civil claims in this county are heard in the Fresno County Superior Court, where our attorneys appear regularly.
Peace of mind. Dealing with the aftermath of a serious wreck is overwhelming, especially while recovering from injuries or facing financial hardship. Knowing a professional is handling your claim makes a real difference.

Having a car accident lawyer levels the playing field against the insurance industry and helps ensure you receive fair treatment and just compensation.

What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer?

There are several questions worth asking during your first meeting with a personal injury attorney. Most experienced lawyers will address these unprompted, but it is still wise to come prepared.

Questions to ask include:

What is your experience handling car accident cases in Fresno? You want someone familiar with local laws, courts, and procedures.
What is your track record of success? Ask about past results, including settlements and verdicts, to gauge the firm’s ability to achieve favorable outcomes.
Will you personally handle my case, or will it be assigned to someone else? Confirm who will actually be working on your file.
What is your fee structure? Understand whether the firm works on contingency or hourly, and clarify any costs or expenses associated with your case.
How will communication be handled? Discuss how often you can expect updates and by what method. Clear communication is essential to a good attorney-client relationship.
What is your approach to resolving cases like mine? Ask about negotiation strategy and willingness to go to trial if necessary.
Can you provide references or testimonials from past clients? Hearing about others’ experiences offers valuable insight, and you can read what our clients say about working with us.
How long do you expect my claim to take? An exact timeline is impossible, but an experienced attorney can estimate based on similar matters.
What steps should I take now to protect my rights? Ask for guidance on preserving evidence and protecting your legal interests.

Also come prepared to discuss how the collision happened, your medical treatment, any witnesses, and the full extent of your injuries. Some less obvious issues worth raising include potential crossover claims involving medical malpractice, workers’ compensation if you were driving for work, or estate and probate matters.

Schedule a Consultation With a Fresno Car Accident Attorney Today

If you were recently hurt in a collision caused by someone else’s negligence, seek guidance from a Fresno auto accident attorney right away. Our personal injury attorneys work hard to help crash victims navigate the legal process and fight for the fair compensation they are owed.

From negotiating with the other driver’s insurer to collecting medical records and police reports, our team manages every step of your claim so you can focus on recovery.

Our Fresno injury lawyers assist victims of automobile, motorcycle, and truck collisions across Central California, providing aggressive representation in cases involving spinal injuries, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death. Whether your case involves mounting medical expenses, lost wages, or property damage, we will pursue every legal avenue to help you recover.

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no legal fees unless we secure compensation for you. Do not let out-of-pocket expenses or pushback from insurance providers stand between you and justice. We are here to protect your rights under California personal injury law and hold negligent drivers accountable.

Contact Our Fresno Car Accident Lawyers

Let our car accident lawyers evaluate your situation, explain your legal options, and guide you toward the most favorable resolution possible for your claim.

Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian represents clients throughout Fresno, Madera, Tulare, and Kings counties, including Kingsburg and Hanford. Our staff is fluent in Spanish and French, so do not let a language barrier keep you from seeking the legal help you deserve. Contact our Fresno car accident lawyers today by calling 559-545-0383, or reach us online to schedule a consultation.