Clovis Car Accident Lawyer

Following a car accident in Clovis, choosing the right legal representation is everything. Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, led by Kevin Crockett, exclusively focuses on car accident cases. As a distinguished Personal Injury Law Firm in Southern California, we’re committed to focusing solely on car accidents, ensuring our clients receive unparalleled legal support.

Our Record of Success

Our achievements in the legal field include:

Successfully recovering over $6 million in car accident cases.
Earning more than 30 prestigious awards and honors, such as Lawyers Of Distinction 2020, The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, and Super Lawyers 2021.

Kevin Crockett, a Southern California native and distinguished UC Irvine alumnus, has dedicated his career to personal injury law, providing each client with personalized and vigorous representation.

Clovis Car Accident Statistics

California’s car accident rates are notably higher than the national average. In 2022, the state reported over 216,366 traffic incidents, leading to 3,854 fatalities and 165,978 injuries, equating to approximately 520 people affected by car accidents daily.

Total Injuries & Fatalities

2019: 290
2020: 203
2021: 248
2022: 272
2023: 285

Statistics on Fatal and Injury Causing Collisions in Clovis

Over the past five years, we’ve closely examined the frequency of accidents leading to injuries and fatalities in Clovis. Surprisingly, despite fluctuations, the overall trend shows a marginal decrease of 2% from 2019 to 2023. However, it’s essential to delve deeper into the data to understand the factors contributing to this trend and identify areas where further safety measures might be necessary.

Primary Collision Factor

Right-of-Way: 72
Unsafe Speed: 67
Traffic Signals/Signs: 41
Improper Turning: 21
Wrong Side of Road: 19
All Other Factors: 65

Statistics on Common Causes of Collisions in Clovis

Further analysis of the collision data reveals a concerning trend: the primary collision factor last year was drivers failing to yield the right of way. This finding underscores the importance of addressing driver behavior and ensuring adherence to traffic regulations. Initiatives aimed at educating drivers about the significance of yielding appropriately could potentially mitigate the occurrence of such accidents in the future.

What Are the Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Clovis?

The Clovis Police Department has identified the intersections with the highest number of collisions in 2022. Last year, Clovis experienced a 7.38% increase in collision reports, totaling 902 incidents. This uptick includes both injury-related and non-injury collisions, while notably, the number of fatal collisions saw a significant decrease of over 65%. Below are the intersections in Clovis that recorded the highest number of collisions in 2022, as reported by the Clovis Police Department:

Shaw and Willow – 19 incidents
Shaw and Clovis – 17 incidents
Herndon and Clovis – 11 incidents
5th and Clovis – 8 incidents
Santa Ana and Clovis – 8 incidents
Shaw and Villa – 8 incidents
Barstow and Sunnyside – 7 incidents
Shaw and Cole – 7 incidents
Barstow and Villa – 7 incidents
5th and Woodworth – 7 incidents

Police data also highlighted that Fridays see the most collision reports, followed by Mondays. The peak hour for these incidents is between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., with Friday evenings during this hour being the most common time for collisions to occur.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Clovis?

Document the Accident

Gather as much evidence as possible right after the accident. Record the precise date, time, and location of the crash, including any nearby traffic signals or signs, as well as weather conditions. If possible, photograph or video the scene, focusing on the positions of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, and any skid marks. Get the contact details of everyone involved—drivers, passengers, and witnesses—including names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information. This comprehensive documentation is vital for legal proceedings and insurance claims, as it presents an objective picture of the accident.

Keep Records

Meticulously maintain all records related to your car accident and following medical care. Organize paperwork such as the official police report, complete medical records outlining your injuries, and receipts for any accident-related expenses (medical treatment, prescriptions, transportation to appointments, etc.). If you miss work due to the accident, keep documentation of your lost wages. These records will be crucial evidence as you navigate your insurance claim and any potential legal action.

Follow Medical Advice

Strictly adhering to your doctor’s treatment plan isn’t just vital for your recovery, it also strengthens your legal case. Attend all appointments, take the prescribed medication, and complete any physiotherapy or rehabilitation recommended. Medical compliance reveals both the seriousness of your injuries and your dedication to healing, which will be beneficial when dealing with insurance companies and potential lawsuits. Actions like skipping appointments or disregarding doctors’ advice can undermine your claim and reduce potential compensation.

Notify Your Insurance

Promptly inform your insurance provider following the accident. However, proceed with caution and limit your statement. Confine your description to the indisputable facts of the crash – avoid admitting fault or discussing your injuries in detail. Insurance representatives might twist your words to diminish your claim, making it wise to consult an attorney before providing any comprehensive statements. Your lawyer can offer guidance and make sure you share information in a way that safeguards your best interests.

Preserve Evidence

Safeguard vital evidence after a car accident. Avoid repairing your vehicle until an insurance adjuster has thoroughly inspected the damage, as repairs might conceal the true extent of the impact. If you have damaged possessions from the accident (such as clothing), keep those as well. Photograph any noticeable injuries. This material proof will be instrumental in demonstrating the severity of the accident and its effects, playing a crucial role in insurance proceedings and potential lawsuits.

Call a Lawyer

Contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer specializing in this area can guide you through the intricate insurance and legal processes. They’ll fight for your rights, negotiate expertly with the insurance companies, and work to ensure you receive the maximum compensation to which you’re entitled. An attorney can also help determine the potential success of your case and recommend whether it’s better to pursue a settlement or take it to trial. Engaging a lawyer is particularly important when there’s disagreement on who caused the accident or disputes arise regarding your insurance claim.

Pro Tip

Consider a dash cam. A dash cam can be your best witness, providing video evidence to help determine fault in an accident.

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Car Accident Injuries

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Muscle strains, sprains, and bruises may seem less severe than other injuries, but they can still be painful and debilitating after a car accident. Rapid stretching or tearing of muscles and ligaments can cause these injuries. Symptoms include pain, swelling, decreased range of motion, and sometimes discoloration. Treatment for minor soft tissue injuries often involves the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), along with over-the-counter pain relievers. More severe cases might necessitate physical therapy for proper healing and to regain strength and mobility.

Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries

Car accidents, big or small, can cause concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These occur when the brain is jostled suddenly inside the skull, even without a direct blow to the head. Symptoms vary greatly, ranging from headaches, confusion, and memory loss to more serious issues like unconsciousness, seizures, or long-term cognitive problems. Immediate medical evaluation is key as these injuries may not always be obvious. Treatment might include rest, medication, or rehabilitation, and in serious cases, surgery may be needed to relieve pressure or bleeding in the brain.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The forceful impact of car accidents often results in broken bones and fractures. Limbs like arms and legs, as well as ribs, are especially susceptible. These injuries range from simple fractures, where the bone cracks, to severe compound fractures, where it breaks into pieces or bursts through the skin. Pain, swelling, and inability to move the affected area are common symptoms. Treatment depends on the severity and includes casting, splinting, or surgery to reset the bone. Recovery time varies, with some fractures healing quickly and others requiring months of physical therapy.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Car accidents can tragically lead to spinal cord injuries, potentially causing lifelong disability. Damage to the spine often results in loss of function or feeling below the injury site. The force of the crash can fracture or dislocate vertebrae, bruising, compressing, or even severing the spinal cord. Symptoms range from pain and weakness to paralysis (partial or complete), determined by the injury’s extent and location. Treatment usually focuses on spine stabilization, medication to manage inflammation and intensive rehabilitation. While some recovery is possible, spinal cord injuries often leave permanent disabilities requiring lifestyle changes and long-term care.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

It’s natural to worry about the cost of hiring a car accident attorney in Clovis, especially after the financial strain of an accident. Medical bills, lost wages, and repair costs can quickly add up. At Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, we understand your concerns. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t need to pay any upfront legal fees. Our payment is contingent on winning your case – if we secure a settlement or award for you, our fees come from that. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

Can I Recover Compensation if I Share Some of the Blame for a Car Accident in Clovis?

It’s common to question whether you can still get compensation after an accident if you were partially to blame. This happens more frequently than you might imagine. For instance, if a driver hit you while driving on the wrong side of the road, but you didn’t have your headlights on at night, you might share some responsibility. California law protects your ability to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, your final settlement or award will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault, you could still recover 80% of your total damages.

Why Hire a Clovis Car Accident Attorney at Text Kevin Accident Attorneys?

By choosing our firm, you benefit from:

A thorough investigation of your accident to determine fault and liability.
Skillful negotiations with insurance companies to prevent undervaluation of your claim.
Access to a broad network of accident experts to reinforce your case.
A commitment to securing the compensation you rightfully deserve.

What Causes Car Accidents in Clovis, CA?

Car accidents in California arise from various factors, including distracted driving, speeding, DUI, aggressive driving, drowsy driving, heavy traffic, poor road design, lack of maintenance, adverse weather conditions, and vehicle malfunctions

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving remains a leading cause of accidents not just in California but nationwide. The advent of smartphones has significantly increased the risks, with drivers texting, browsing, or using social media while behind the wheel. However, distractions also include more traditional behaviors like eating, grooming, using GPS devices, or adjusting the radio. These distractions divert attention from the road, reducing reaction times to sudden hazards.

Speeding

Speeding is a perennial problem contributing to accidents across California. Driving over the speed limit or too fast for road or weather conditions diminishes a driver’s ability to navigate safely around curves, stop in an emergency, or react to unexpected obstacles. High-speed impacts are significantly more likely to result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the increased force of the collision.

DUI (Driving Under the Influence)

California has strict laws against DUI, yet alcohol and drugs continue to cause numerous accidents every year. Substances impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times, making it much more difficult to drive safely. Despite ongoing public awareness campaigns and law enforcement efforts, DUI remains a stubbornly persistent issue.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving behaviors, including road rage, speeding, tailgating, weaving through traffic, and ignoring traffic signals, pose significant dangers on the road. Aggressive drivers often provoke other motorists, leading to dangerous interactions and potentially catastrophic accidents.

Drowsy Driving

Fatigue can be just as dangerous as alcohol or drugs when it comes to driving. Drowsy driving affects cognitive ability, slows reaction times, and can even lead to drivers falling asleep at the wheel. Long drives without rest, working irregular hours, and untreated sleep disorders contribute to this risk.

Heavy Traffic

California’s major cities and highways are notorious for heavy traffic congestion, particularly during rush hours. High volumes of vehicles increase the likelihood of collisions as drivers navigate tight spaces and frequently start and stop. Traffic congestion also exacerbates frustration and fatigue, contributing to aggressive driving behaviors.

Poor Road Design

In some cases, the design of the road itself can contribute to accidents. Complicated intersections, poorly marked lanes, inadequate signage, and lack of proper lighting can all lead to confusion and accidents. Roads that are not designed with safety in mind are more likely to be sites of frequent accidents.

Lack of Maintenance

Some accidents are caused by failures to address wear and tear. Potholes, cracked pavement, eroded road markings, and malfunctioning traffic signals can all lead to accidents. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent these conditions from becoming hazards.

Adverse Weather Conditions

While California is known for its sunny weather, rain, fog, and occasionally even snow can create dangerous driving conditions. Wet roads reduce tire traction, fog reduces visibility, and drivers not accustomed to these conditions may not adjust their driving habits accordingly, leading to accidents.

Vehicle Malfunctions

Finally, vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failures, tire blowouts, steering issues, and engine problems, can cause drivers to lose control. Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial, but defects in vehicle design or manufacturing can also lead to accidents, raising questions of liability and responsibility.

Who Is Responsible For My Accident?

Determining responsibility for a car accident in Clovis is a process that hinges on the legal concept of negligence. Negligence occurs when an individual or entity fails to exercise a reasonable standard of care, leading to harm or injury to another person. Below is a detailed exploration of potential contributors to a car accident and how California’s comparative negligence system affects the determination of fault.

Potential Contributors to a Car Accident

Other Drivers: The actions of other drivers are often the immediate cause of car accidents. Behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, and failure to obey traffic laws are common forms of driver negligence.
Pedestrians and Cyclists: Pedestrians and cyclists can also contribute to accidents, particularly if they ignore traffic signals, jaywalk, or enter the roadway unexpectedly. Their negligence can lead to dangerous situations that result in collisions.
Employers: In cases where a driver is operating a vehicle as part of their employment, the employer may be held liable under the doctrine of vicarious liability. This is particularly relevant for commercial vehicles where the employer failed to ensure proper training or enforce safety regulations.
Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers: Manufacturing defects in vehicles or parts (such as faulty brakes, tires, or airbags) can lead to accidents. Manufacturers can be held responsible if it’s proven that the defect caused the accident.
Government Entities: Municipalities and government agencies responsible for road design, construction, and maintenance can be liable if poor road conditions or inadequate signage contributed to the accident.
Property Owners: Property owners may bear responsibility if their actions or inactions create hazardous conditions that lead to an accident. For example, obstructing the view of the roadway with foliage or improper signage.

California’s Comparative Negligence System

California uses a “pure comparative negligence” system, which allows injured parties to recover damages even if they are partly at fault for the accident. Under this system, the compensation awarded to the plaintiff is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a court finds that you are 30% responsible for your accident and your total damages amount to $100,000, you would be entitled to recover 70% of that amount, or $70,000.

What if I Was Hit By an Uninsured Motorist?

Dealing with an uninsured driver in California complicates compensation recovery, but options like Uninsured Motorist Coverage, Collision Coverage, Medical Payments Coverage, personal injury lawsuits, and Underinsured Motorist Coverage are available to protect your financial interests.

What Damages Are Available for Car Accident Victims in Clovis?

Victims of car accidents in Clovis can claim economic damages for quantifiable losses, non-economic damages for intangible losses, and punitive damages in cases of egregious conduct by the at-fault party.

What Is My Case Worth?

The value of your car accident case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your damages, the fault of the other driver, and the strength of your evidence. A qualified personal injury lawyer can provide an accurate assessment and guide you through the claims process.

We Provide Legal Support for All Accident Types in Clovis

Our practice covers all types of car accidents, ensuring we’re prepared to defend your rights and facilitate your recovery, regardless of the nature of the accident.

What Are the Time Limits for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in California?

The statute of limitations in California sets a two-year deadline for filing car accident lawsuits, with certain exceptions potentially extending this period under specific circumstances.

As the Intake Manager, I take great pleasure in assisting individuals in Clovis, California, with their car accident inquiries. Building genuine connections and understanding their unique situations is what drives me. I’m here to provide personalized support and guidance, ensuring each person feels valued and heard as we navigate their legal journey together.

Mike Buhler

Intake Manager at Text Kevin

Clovis Car Accident FAQs

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions that might help you understand the process better:

Using your uninsured motorist coverage in California may or may not result in an increase in your insurance premiums. Generally, if you were not at fault for the accident, your insurance rates should not go up for utilizing this coverage. However, insurance companies assess risk differently, and policies vary, so it’s possible for rates to change based on the insurer’s policies and the specifics of the incident.

Yes, most settlement agreements include a release of future claims related to the accident. This means that once you accept the settlement and sign the agreement, you typically cannot pursue any further compensation from the at-fault party or their insurance company for injuries or damages arising from that particular incident.

A whiplash settlement is calculated based on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment (both current and future), lost wages, and the impact on your quality of life. Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, are also considered. The total amount often reflects the extent to which the whiplash injury affects your daily life and ability to work.

A lowball settlement offer is an intentionally low initial offer made by an insurance company to settle a claim. This tactic is used in the hope that the claimant, possibly facing financial pressure or lacking legal representation, will accept less compensation than what the claim is truly worth.

Settlements for spinal stenosis or any injury resulting from a car accident vary widely based on the severity of the condition, the impact on the individual’s life, medical expenses, and whether the condition leads to long-term disability. Each case is unique, and settlements can range significantly, often depending on the ability to prove that the accident directly caused or significantly worsened the spinal stenosis.

The 3-second rule is a guideline suggesting that drivers should maintain a following distance of at least three seconds from the vehicle in front of them. To gauge this, when the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point, such as a sign or tree, you should not reach the same point for at least three seconds. This rule helps ensure you have enough time to react and stop safely to avoid a rear-end collision, especially at higher speeds or in poor driving conditions.

Contact Our Clovis Car Accident Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Clovis, you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. Contact the Text Kevin Accident Attorneys today for a free consultation, and let us demonstrate how we can assist you. Call (888) 965-3827 for legal help.

Clovis FAQs

Clovis refers to a prehistoric Paleoamerican culture known for their distinctive fluted projectile points (spearheads). This culture existed in North America around 13,000 years ago.

The Clovis people were nomadic hunter-gatherers believed to be among the first inhabitants of North America. They’re known for their advanced stone tool technology and may have contributed to the extinction of megafauna like mammoths.

Clovis, California, is approximately 30 miles southeast of Fresno. The driving distance is slightly longer, around 35-40 miles, depending on the route.

Clovis offers several attractions and activities. You can visit historic Old Town Clovis, explore the Clovis Botanical Garden, enjoy hiking trails, or attend local events like the Clovis Rodeo.

The Clovis Rodeo typically takes place in April each year. Check the official Clovis Rodeo website for specific dates and event schedules.

Big Hat Days is a popular Clovis festival usually held in early April. It features a parade, live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.

Clovis Points of Interest

Explore the stunning landscapes and giant sequoia trees in this nearby national park.

Location: 1050 Shaw Ave, Clovis, CA 93612

Website: sierravistamall.com

An iconic historic theater hosting live performances, concerts, and events.

Location: 11413 E Shaw Ave, Clovis, CA 93619

Website: wildwater.net

A scenic park with a historic museum, gardens, and recreational facilities.

Location: 945 Clovis Ave, Clovis, CA 93611

Website: clovisbotanicalgarden.org

Hosts the annual Clovis Rodeo, a popular event with rodeo competitions and entertainment.

Location: 748 Rodeo Dr, Clovis, CA 93612