Fresno Car and Truck Accident Attorney

Get the Compensation You're Owed

Every year, thousands of people are injured in car and truck accidents across Fresno County and the Central Valley. Highway 99, Highway 41, and local Fresno roads are among the most congested and dangerous in California, and when a serious collision occurs, the consequences can be life-changing. If you or a loved one was hurt in a motor vehicle accident in Fresno, the Law Offices of Davis & VanWagenen is here to fight for you.

Schedule your free initial consultation today. No fees unless we win!

Motor Vehicle Accident Claims in Fresno: What You Need to Know

California is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for damages. However, insurance companies rarely offer fair settlements without a fight. Their goal is to minimize payouts, and they have teams of adjusters and attorneys working against you. Our Fresno car accident attorneys level the playing field.

Common Causes of Car and Truck Accidents in the Central Valley

  • Distracted driving — texting, phone use, or inattention
  • Speeding and aggressive driving on Highway 99 and city streets
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Fatigue — especially among commercial truck drivers
  • Failure to yield at intersections
  • Unsafe lane changes and merging
  • Fog-related reduced visibility — a significant hazard in the San Joaquin Valley
  • Defective vehicle components

Truck Accident Cases: Higher Stakes, Greater Complexity

Collisions involving commercial trucks, semi-trucks, and 18-wheelers present unique legal challenges. Federal trucking regulations (FMCSA rules), commercial insurance policies, and multiple potentially liable parties, including trucking companies, cargo loaders, and vehicle manufacturers, require an attorney with specific experience in this area.

Scott A. VanWagenen has handled complex motor vehicle accident cases for 30 years and knows how to investigate truck accident claims thoroughly, preserve critical evidence, and hold all responsible parties accountable.

Compensation Available After a Fresno Car Accident

Our motor vehicle accident clients may be entitled to recover:

  • Emergency and ongoing medical treatment costs
  • Lost income during recovery
  • Future lost earning capacity if injuries are permanent
  • Vehicle repair or replacement
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium — impact on family relationships

California's statute of limitations for car accident claims is generally two years from the date of the accident (CCP § 335.1). Do not delay — early action protects your claim.

What to Do After a Car or Truck Accident in Fresno

1.

Call 911 and get medical attention immediately — even if you feel fine.

2.

Document the scene with photos and gather witness information.

3.

Do not admit fault at the scene.

4.

Report the accident to your insurance company.

5.

Avoid giving recorded statements to the other driver's insurer.

6.

Contact a Fresno car accident attorney as soon as possible.

Why Choose Davis & VanWagenen for Your Car Accident Case?

With 30 years of experience and dozens of cases taken through trial, our firm has the knowledge and tenacity to go up against large insurance companies and win. We manage your case from start to finish, negotiate aggressively on your behalf, and take your case to trial when insurers refuse to pay what you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions — Car and Truck Accidents

  • Q: What should I do if the other driver's insurance company contacts me after a Fresno car accident?

    A: Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company without first speaking to an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to use your own words against you to reduce or deny your claim. Politely decline to give a statement and refer them to your attorney. The Law Offices of Davis & VanWagenen can immediately take over all communications with insurers on your behalf, protecting your claim from the start.

  • Q: Can I still recover compensation if I wasn't wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident?

    A: Possibly, but your recovery may be reduced. California's comparative fault system allows a jury to reduce your damages if it finds your failure to wear a seatbelt contributed to the severity of your injuries. This is called the "seatbelt defense." However, the other driver's liability for causing the accident remains. Even in cases with complicating factors, an experienced Fresno car accident attorney can work to minimize the impact on your recovery.

  • Q: What makes truck accident claims different from regular car accident cases?

    A: Truck accident claims are significantly more complex. Commercial trucking companies are governed by federal FMCSA regulations covering hours of service, vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, and cargo loading. Multiple parties may share liability — the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, the vehicle manufacturer, or maintenance contractors. Evidence such as electronic logging device (ELD) data, driver logs, and black box data must be preserved quickly before it is overwritten or destroyed. Our firm knows how to pursue all responsible parties in a truck accident case.

  • Q: How is compensation calculated after a serious car accident in California?

    A: Compensation in a California car accident case typically falls into two categories: economic damages (measurable financial losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage) and non-economic damages (harder-to-quantify losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life). In cases of particularly egregious conduct — such as a drunk driver — punitive damages may also be available. Scott A. VanWagenen evaluates every component of your damages to ensure nothing is left on the table.

Injured in a Fresno Car or Truck Accident? Time Is Working Against You

Evidence disappears fast after a collision. Skid marks fade, surveillance footage gets overwritten, and witnesses become harder to locate. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case.

At the Law Offices of Davis & VanWagenen, we move quickly. From the moment you call us, we begin preserving evidence, communicating with insurance companies, and building your claim. You focus on recovering, and we handle everything else.

Call (559) 438-1030 now for your free consultation. Our Fresno car and truck accident attorneys are ready to fight for you. No fees unless we win your case.