Modesto Car Accident Lawyers

Injured in a Car Accident in Modesto?

Getting into a car accident in Modesto can feel like your world has been turned upside down. From physical injuries and vehicle damage to the stress of dealing with insurance companies, the aftermath is overwhelming. That’s why Thompson Law is here to guide you every step of the way. Our Modesto car accident attorneys are committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

Car accidents in Modesto happen more often than you think, especially near major intersections and busy highways like SR-99 and SR-132. Even a seemingly minor crash can lead to long-term medical issues or financial strain. You shouldn’t have to navigate this alone.

With Thompson Law, you’re gaining a team that will advocate aggressively on your behalf. Our firm works on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Call us now for a FREE CONSULTATION.

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How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Car Wreck in Modesto?

Delay can drain the strength from a Modesto crash claim. Tire marks vanish after street sweepers roll through, security cameras overwrite old footage, and bystanders forget key details. California also puts a firm clock on every injury lawsuit, so quick action preserves evidence and bargaining power. The timing rules you must follow are outlined below.

The Statute of Limitations on Auto Accident Injury Claims in Modesto

In California, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation. Acting fast helps us build the strongest possible case.

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations for Modesto Injury Claims

Minors have until their 20th birthday to file a claim. If an injury isn’t immediately discovered, the clock may start from the date it’s found. Claims involving government vehicles require a special claim within six months.

 

Modesto Car Accident Lawyers

How Our Car Accident Attorneys in Modesto Can Help

Modesto sits at the heart of the Central Valley, where crop haulers, commuter traffic, and weekend travelers crowd the same lanes. A crash here often triggers a tangle of hospital bills, repair quotes, and persistent calls from insurance adjusters. Our car-accident team steps into that confusion, builds a clear strategy, and lets you concentrate on getting healthy.

We can help with:

  • Gathering eyewitness statements
  • Taking your account of events
  • Helping you find medical care
  • Obtaining your Modesto car accident report
  • Collecting photos of property damage and the crash site
  • Alerting the defendant’s insurance company of your legal representation
  • Obtaining past and present medical records
  • Writing a demand letter to the insurance company
  • Negotiating with the insurance company
  • Representing you at trial, if necessary

Paperwork and phone negotiations should not drain the energy you need for recovery. Our lawyers know Stanislaus County procedures, the tactics insurers use, and the evidence local juries find persuasive. A free consultation starts the process, and you pay nothing unless we win. Call us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

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(844) 308-8180

Why Choose Thompson Law?

Proven Results

We’ve recovered over $1.9 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Whether your case involves serious injuries, lost wages, or wrongful death, we’re known for delivering exceptional outcomes. Our experience and resources give us the upper hand when negotiating with insurance companies or arguing in court.

Personalized Attention

No two accidents are the same. That’s why we offer a tailored approach to every case. We listen to your story, gather every detail, and build a legal strategy specific to your situation. When you choose us, you’re not just another case number.

5-Star Reputation

Our clients consistently rate us as one of the most trusted and responsive law firms in California. We take pride in offering clear communication, fast response times, and a compassionate team that keeps you informed.

No Fees Unless We Win

You won’t pay anything upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. That way, you can focus on your recovery without worrying about legal fees.

Fast Action and Availability

Accident scenes change fast, and crucial evidence can disappear. We’re available 24/7 and start investigating your case immediately. Whether it’s gathering crash data or speaking with witnesses, we act quickly to preserve your claim.

Call us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

Common Types of Injuries

Crash forces can tear muscle, shatter bone, and jar the brain in a single heartbeat. Here are the common injuries we saw in car accident cases:

  • Head injuries:  Includes concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
  • Spinal column injuries:  Such as herniated discs and spinal cord trauma.
  • Joint injuries:  Involving the shoulders, hips, or knees.
  • Internal injuries:  Damage to organs, internal bleeding, or soft tissue trauma.
  • Skin injuries:  Lacerations, abrasions, and burns.
  • Fractured bones:  Breaks in the arms, legs, ribs, or facial bones.
  • Amputation injuries:  Loss of limbs or digits due to impact or surgical removal.
  • Wrongful death:  When a loved one loses their life due to negligent driving.

Early treatment speeds healing and secures solid medical proof for your claim. If you or a loved one suffered any of these injuries, Thompson Law attorneys are ready to pursue full compensation for you.

Call today for a FREE CASE REVIEW!

At Thompson Law

We provide car accident victims with dedicated and tenacious legal representation, ensuring you get fair value for your claim. Our Modesto car accident injury lawyers will build a strong case with supporting evidence for injured victims so that you recover the money that you deserve.

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Types of Auto Accidents We Handle in Modesto

Traffic on Highway 99, farm rigs on Route 132, and weekend shoppers near Vintage Faire Mall all share the same network of lanes. Each setting produces its own style of crash and its own legal challenges. Thompson Law matches the investigation to the circumstances, so liability is clear before negotiations even begin.

Our team has decades of experience handling complex personal injury cases, including:

Swift scene work, medical-record review, and expert testimony let us build a solid damages picture early in the case. If you were hurt on any Modesto road, reach out to us and learn how we can press the insurer for full compensation.

Call us today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

What Compensation Can I Get for My Auto Accident Injuries?

Money cannot undo a collision, yet it can keep you and your household afloat while injuries mend. California law recognizes several types of compensation, each aimed at a different slice of loss. Knowing the categories now helps you gather the proof that turns paperwork into dollars.

What are Special Damages?

Special damages include medical bills, lost wages, future income loss, and other out-of-pocket costs. These are actual financial losses you can document with receipts or statements.

What are General Damages?

These refer to non-economic losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. General damages are often harder to quantify but just as important to your case.

What are Punitive Damages?

In rare cases involving reckless or malicious behavior, the court may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the at-fault party and discourage similar conduct.

DOs and DON'Ts After a Car Accident in Modesto

A Modesto collision can turn calm streets into chaos within seconds. Clear steps taken in the first hour protect both your health and any future claim. Use the checklist below to stay organized and preserve the proof that wins cases.

What to Do:

  • Call 911 or local police and ask for an official report
  • Seek medical care right away, even when pain feels mild
  • Photograph or film the scene, visible injuries, and property damage
  • Collect contact, insurance, and witness information
  • Preserve physical evidence such as damaged clothing and equipment
  • Keep a written log of symptoms, appointments, and missed work days
  • Talk with a lawyer before speaking to insurers

What NOT to Do:

  • Do not admit fault or apologize at the scene
  • Do not delay treatment or ignore follow-up instructions
  • Do not give a recorded statement or sign papers for any insurance company without legal guidance
  • Do not post details, photos, or opinions about the incident on social media
  • Do not repair, discard, or wash away evidence until your attorney reviews it
  • Do not accept a settlement offer until you understand the full cost of your injuries

Follow these guidelines, store every document, and let Thompson Law handle the phone calls and paperwork that pile up afterward. A free case review costs nothing and puts experienced advocates in your corner.

Call us now for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Modesto

Modesto’s roads carry orchard trucks at dawn, school traffic after sunrise, and weekend shoppers through the afternoon. Each setting invites its own driving shortcuts, and those shortcuts often trigger the collisions listed below. Once you recognize the patterns, you can steer clear of danger and pinpoint the fault if a crash still occurs. Common reasons for car crashes include:

  • Excessive speeding
  • Distracted driving, especially phone use
  • Failure to yield right of way
  • Red-light or stop-sign violations
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Tailgating and unsafe following distance
  • Dangerous lane changes and blind-spot mistakes
  • Fatigued or drowsy driving
  • Poor vehicle maintenance that leads to brake or tire failure
  • Adverse weather and low visibility conditions

When any of these behaviors leads to injury, fast detective work proves liability before evidence fades. Thompson Law secures witness statements, downloads vehicle data, and builds a claim that reflects every dollar you have lost. Schedule a FREE CASE REVIEW today and put experienced advocates on your side.

Modesto Car Crash Laws & Rules to Remember

Insurance adjusters base every offer on a short list of California statutes. Know those rules first and you control the conversation. The points below explain how fault is assigned, how blame is shared when both drivers slip up, and what paperwork the DMV expects after a serious collision.

Fault-Based Insurance System

California operates under a fault-based system. The person responsible for the accident is also responsible for the costs.

Comparative Negligence Rule

If both drivers share fault, compensation is divided based on each party’s level of responsibility.

Accident Reporting & Information Requirements

If someone is injured or property damage exceeds $1,000, you must report the crash to the DMV within 10 days.

A missed deadline or a casual remark about blame can slash the value of your claim. Follow each requirement precisely, gather solid proof, and let Thompson Law translate these statutes into maximum compensation. Call for a FREE CONSULTATION and put the rules to work in your favor.

Auto Accident Statistics in Modesto

Hard numbers strip away guesswork. State crash-ranking data for Stanislaus County show how often Modesto drivers trade fenders for hospital bracelets, and why vigilance matters every time you are on the road.

  • Over 1,200 crashes occurred in Modesto last year.
  • About one-third of those resulted in injuries.
  • Speeding and DUI were major contributing factors.

Trend lines guide public policy, but individual cases hinge on evidence gathered quickly and presented well. If your wreck is hidden inside these figures, let our car accident lawyers uncover the details and pursue the recovery you are entitled to.

Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Modesto

Traffic counts spike wherever Highway 99 pours cars onto city streets, and farm trucks share lanes with shoppers near Vintage Faire Mall. Collision data from local police and the California Office of Traffic Safety show the following corridors record the city’s highest crash totals.

High-Risk Highways Serving Modesto

  • State Route 99
  • State Route 132 (Needham Street corridor)
  • State Route 108 (McHenry Avenue extension)

Streets That See Frequent Wrecks inside the City

  • McHenry Avenue
  • Briggsmore Avenue
  • Pelandale Avenue
  • Crows Landing Road

Intersections with Repeated Injury Crashes

  • McHenry Avenue & Briggsmore Avenue
  • Oakdale Road & Floyd Avenue
  • Carpenter Road & Kansas Avenue
  • Crows Landing Road & Hatch Road
  • Pelandale Avenue & Sisk Road

Slow down as you approach these spots, leave extra space, and stay alert for sudden lane shifts. If a collision still occurs, seek medical care right away, gather as much evidence as possible, and connect with our team for a FREE CONSULTATION. Prompt action helps protect both your health and your claim.

Local Police Information in Modesto for Car Accident Reports

A collision report is the first puzzle piece an insurer asks for, so order it as soon as the case number is available. You can request a certified copy online, by mail, or in person through the Modesto Police Department:

When the report arrives, scan it, file the original in a safe place, and share copies with your lawyer and adjuster. Pair it with medical bills, pay-stub proof of lost wages, and repair estimates to create a tight, well-documented claim package.

Where to Get Medical Treatment & Reports After a Car Accident in Modesto

Getting checked by a doctor right after a crash links every injury to the impact and prevents insurers from claiming you were hurt elsewhere. Emergency departments equipped to handle trauma include:

Ask for copies of discharge notes, imaging results, and follow-up orders before you leave. Keep those papers with your police report; together they prove the scope and cost of your injuries.

 

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FAQs About Car Accident Cases in Modesto

What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can connect you with Modesto physicians who treat on a medical lien. You receive care right away, the provider waits for payment until the case settles, and the bill is paid from the final recovery, not out of your pocket.

How do I repair or replace my car after the crash?

If liability is clear, the at-fault driver’s insurer must cover either repair costs or the vehicle’s actual cash value. While fault is under review, you may use your own collision coverage, then your carrier seeks reimbursement. We file the property-damage claim, track the estimate, and push adjusters to release payment quickly.

What if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured?

Your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage steps in. A UM claim pays when the other driver carries no insurance; a UIM claim fills any gap between the at-fault policy limit and your losses. We handle the notice, document the shortfall, and challenge any low offer from your own carrier.

How much auto insurance should I carry in Modesto?

California’s bare minimum limits— $15,000 per injured person, $30,000 per crash, and $5,000 for property damage, rarely cover hospital stays or modern repair costs. We recommend higher liability limits plus UM/UIM, medical-payments, and collision coverage to shield your assets and avoid out-of-pocket bills.

What is the average Modesto car accident settlement?

No two claims are alike, but settlements for soft-tissue injuries often land in the tens of thousands, while cases involving fractures, surgery, or long-term disability can exceed six figures. A reliable estimate comes only after medical review, wage documentation, and confirmation of all policy limits.

Is there a cap on personal injury damages in California?

For most auto-accident claims, no. Economic damages, pain and suffering, and even punitive awards have no statutory ceiling. The primary limit is the amount of available insurance or collectible assets.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?

Yes. Under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, you may collect damages reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 30 percent responsible and your losses total $100,000, you could still receive $70,000.

Should I hire a lawyer for a minor crash with no obvious injuries?

Even low-speed impacts can cause delayed pain or reveal hidden vehicle damage. An early consultation costs nothing and prevents you from signing a quick release that blocks future claims. If medical issues never surface, you owe no fee; if they do, legal help is already in place.

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law charges NO FEE unless we obtain a settlement for your case. We’ve put over $1.9 billion in cash settlements in our clients’ pockets. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get your questions answered, and understand your legal options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.