Personal Injury Lawyer in Fresno, CA


We are a personal injury law firm in Fresno, CA, and our personal injury attorney team serves injured clients across the Central Valley. Our partners, Craig A. Davis and Scott A. VanWagenen, bring more than 40 years of combined experience fighting to help victims pursue full and fair compensation. If someone else's negligence hurt you, call (559) 438-1030 for a free consultation. You owe nothing unless we recover for you.

What Types of Cases Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Handle in Fresno?


As a Fresno injury lawyer, we represent injured clients in the following practice areas:

  • Motor vehicle accidents, including collisions on Highway 99 and local Fresno roadways.
  • Motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents, which often cause serious harm.
  • Catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.
  • Slip, trip, and fall incidents at commercial, private, and public properties.
  • Dog bites and attacks causing physical and emotional harm.
  • Workers' compensation claims for those injured in the agricultural and industrial sectors common to the Central Valley.
  • Product defect injuries where a manufacturer or seller bears liability.
  • Wrongful death cases when a loved one has died due to another party's actions.

How Does a Personal Injury Claim Work in California?


  1. Seek Medical Care. Get treatment immediately and keep all records. Fresno's Community Regional Medical Center is the Central Valley's only Level I Trauma Center.
  2. Consult a personal injury lawyer. Contact us for a free case evaluation.
  3. Investigate and Build Your Claim. We gather evidence, document damages, and identify all liable parties.
  4. Negotiate with the Insurance Company. Insurers work to minimize payouts. We negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement.
  5. Litigate if Necessary. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial in Fresno County Superior Court.

What Is Pure Comparative Negligence in California?


California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. You may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault — your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Insurance companies often try to inflate your share of fault to lower their payout, making an experienced personal injury attorney important.

Why Local Knowledge Matters in Fresno Personal Injury Cases


Fresno County has its own legal landscape. Cases in Fresno County Superior Court go before a local jury pool that may assess non-economic damages differently than jurors in coastal counties. The Central Valley also sees heavy agricultural and industrial traffic, high truck volume on Highway 99 and Interstate 5, and an elevated rate of uninsured motorists -- all factors that can complicate a claim. As your Fresno personal injury lawyer, we have practiced in this region for decades and apply that local knowledge on behalf of every client. We serve Fresno, CA, and surrounding communities including Clovis, Madera, Tulare, Visalia, and the broader San Joaquin Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions — Personal Injury 

  • Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in California?

    A: California generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Claims against a government entity may require action within six months. Missing the deadline can permanently bar your right to recover, so contact our Fresno personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

  • Q: What Compensation Can I Recover After an Injury in Fresno?

    A: You may be entitled to economic damages including medical bills, future care costs, and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. The value of your claim depends on the facts, severity of injury, and quality of documentation. As your personal injury lawyer, we can evaluate what your case may be worth.

  • Q: What if the Other Driver Was Uninsured?

    A: Fresno and the Central Valley have some of the highest uninsured motorist rates in California. If the at-fault driver had no insurance, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may provide a path to compensation. As your injury lawyer, we can review your policy and identify all available sources of recovery.n.

  • Q: Can I Still File a Claim if I Was Partly at Fault?

    A: Yes. California's pure comparative negligence system allows recovery even if you shared some responsibility. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. Do not assume partial fault means no case — speak with our personal injury lawyer first.

Contact the Law Offices of Davis & VanWagenen Today

Injured Fresno residents deserve an experienced, dedicated injury lawyer. With over 40 years of combined experience, the Law Offices of Davis & VanWagenen serves clients throughout Fresno, CA, and the surrounding Central Valley. Find our Google Business Profile for directions and reviews. Call (559) 438-1030 or contact us online to get started today.