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When you hire us, you’re adding unmatched experience to your team, ensuring you get the best possible outcome.
Our firm maintains an impressive 99% win rate, even while accepting difficult cases other law firms have turned away.
We are not afraid of trial, and insurance companies know this. If it’s in your best interest, we are always trial ready.
Fresno is known for its beauty, walking trails, and a climate that is perfect for year-round outdoor activities. For these reasons, it is no surprise that Fresno’s streets are filled with thousands of pedestrians every day.
Yet, even though walking is a great stress reliever and an environmentally friendly way to get around, it is not without its share of dangers and risks; especially in Fresno, where 64 percent of fatal crashes involve a pedestrian.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, we know you are going through a lot. We know you are not only dealing with debilitating injuries and skyrocketing medical expenses, but you most likely have numerous questions that need answering. That is why our Fresno pedestrian accident lawyers at The May Firm are ready to fight for you, and provide you the legal support you need.
Founded by attorney Robert May, the May Firm’s legal staff and attorneys that extra mile to fight on your behalf, going after the compensation you and your family need after a Fresno pedestrian injury accident.
Not only do we ensure that each client gets the respect and the personal attention they need, but with our experience, dedication, and resources, we also get our clients results.
We have obtained millions in settlement awards and jury verdicts for our clients. Of course, past results are no guarantee of future outcomes, as every case is unique; nonetheless, The May Firm is proud of our track record of success, and apply the same talent and attention to every case we pursue.
At The May Firm we strive to be involved and connected to our local community. For example, this past holiday season we organized bicycle and Christmas tree giveaways for individuals in our community. Our goal is to be a positive force for good in the local community and give back in some small measure to those we can serve. We receive satisfaction and joy from serving our clients and will continue to look for ways to be of assistance to the community as a whole. We receive positive energy from the community when we are involved.
We have listed a few of the local organizations we support and look forward to growing our outreach in the future. If you have any suggestions for ways we can be of service or support, please reach out to us.
We take pride in working hard for each of our valued clients and will help you recover from your injuries and losses, including lost wages, mental anguish, future earning potential, disability or continued health care needs and lost or damaged property.
Our Fresno injury lawyers stay well-informed and up-to-date on all applicable legal changes, so you can be confident that you will always receive relevant, current legal advice.
If you have suffered a personal injury or are a victim of an accident that is not your at fault for, contact our award winning Fresno attorneys 24/7 to schedule your free case consultation. You can also call our Fresno office at 1-(559)-385-2090. Let us be your personal injury and accident advocate.
“My number one goal is to help others. When you step foot into our firm, you’ll be treated like family, period.”
Robert May, Attorney | Founder
According to the CDC’s data, approximately 5,977 pedestrian deaths took place in one recent year in the United States. That is about one death every 88 minutes. In addition, 137,000 pedestrians were treated in the emergency room for nonfatal injuries due to their accident.
Unfortunately, data from the California Department of Public Health indicates that California does not fare any better in these pedestrian accidents, and Fresno is no exception. In fact, pedestrian accidents and fatalities continue to increase.
Statistics show that:
In California, to be classified as a pedestrian, you need to be:
Individuals who use the following devices to move around are still considered to be pedestrians under the law:
However, if an individual is riding one of the following devices to get around, they are no longer considered a pedestrian:
In Fresno, there are pedestrian right-of-way laws. However, for them to be effective, people still need to follow them. For example, the California Vehicle Code indicates that a motorist needs to yield to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. However, this does not mean that pedestrians always have the right away. Pedestrians are not allowed to walk into the street without a crosswalk. They also must yield to vehicle traffic on the road that is not within a marked or unmarked intersection crosswalk.
These pedestrian right-of-way rules also indicate:
There are numerous ways that a pedestrian can get injured in a pedestrian accident, whether it is due to a motor vehicle, a scooter, a bicycle, or even because of another pedestrian. However, just like any other accident, if a pedestrian is injured, they need to prove that another individual was liable for their injuries to recover for the harm they endured.
These elements include:
Every person on the road owes a duty to be not only aware of everyone around them, but also to be careful and safe as they travel down these streets. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident because of someone’s negligence, you need to contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Fresno as soon as possible. These lawyers can quickly get to work investigating the scene and gathering the necessary evidence to show the other party was at fault for your injuries.
If a motorist is determined responsible for a pedestrian accident in Fresno, it is often due to negligence.
Negligence can include:
Discussing your case with an experienced Fresno pedestrian accident lawyer can help you determine the cause of your accident and go after all those liable for your injuries.
Typically, pedestrian accidents result from motor vehicle crashes or other types of transportation issues. However, sometimes these accidents occur because a pedestrian simply trips and falls.
For instance, if you were walking on a sidewalk and you tripped because of a hazardous condition or because the sidewalk was broken. under California’s premises liability laws, you may pursue compensation for your injuries.
However, before you can collect these damages, you need to prove the following:
Consequently, if you trip and fall on private property and you can show that the property owner is responsible for the harm you endured, you may pursue the property owner for your damages. In comparison, if you fell on a city or county sidewalk or even in a public parking lot, you may bring a claim against the governmental agency responsible for maintaining this area and keeping it safe.
However, pursuing a legal suit against a governmental agency is significantly more complicated. That is why you need to speak to a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer in Fresno as quickly as possible. Once retained, these attorneys can determine who was at fault for your accident and what you need to do to bring a claim against them.
It is important to remember that pedestrian injuries can vary depending on the seriousness of the accident. Some of these accidents can result in minor injuries, while others can result in catastrophic and debilitating harm.
However, typically the most common types of pedestrian accident injuries include:
Following an accident, the crash scene is often quite chaotic, and everyone is feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what they need to do next. However, it is crucial to understand that the actions you take following a pedestrian accident can not only help keep you safe, but they can end up protecting your legal rights as well. That is why if you are ever involved in a pedestrian accident, you need to:
The first thing you need to do after your pedestrian accident is contact 911. These police officers can quickly provide you with any emergency medical help you need, especially if you feel unsteady or dizzy following your accident. In addition, these officers can investigate the accident and write down their findings in their police report. This report can help preserve your legal rights if you end up needing to file a claim or a lawsuit.
As soon as you contact 911, you need to take a personal inventory of your injuries. This includes figuring out what area of your body is in pain and whether there are any visible injuries. Make sure to take a look at your clothes and see if any of them are torn or if there is any blood on anything. This can help you determine if a part of your body is injured even if you do not feel the accompanying pain because you are in shock.
Even if you think your injuries are minor, you still need to get checked out by a medical professional. Just because you do not have any symptoms right after your accident, it does not mean that they will not appear later or that they are not serious. In fact, if you suffer a head or brain injury, it can often take a few days for symptoms to appear. That is why even if you do not require emergency medical services, you still need to visit a doctor and get evaluated. Plus, these medical professionals can also document your physical condition in their medical report, which can provide you with valuable evidence if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
If it is safe for you to do so, make sure you take pictures or videos of the accident scene. Get photographs of your visible injuries, the vehicles involved in the collision, skid marks on the road, any dangerous conditions, the weather at the time of the accident, and any other evidence that can help you show what happened.
If you are not seriously hurt, try to gather information from the people in the accident. This can include the driver’s name, contact information, insurance information, and driver’s license number. Additionally, if any people were present at the scene and saw what happened, make sure to get their name and contact information. These witness statements can provide you with valuable evidence when trying to prove liability.
Following a pedestrian accident, you need to make sure you do not admit fault or apologize for any part of the accident. These types of statements can end up hurting your claim and reducing the amount of compensation you can receive.
Following a pedestrian accident, you may suffer significant injuries. These injuries can not only lead to intense emotional and physical pain, but they can also result in numerous medical bills that can impact your financial stability and your future. That is why following a Fresno pedestrian accident, you need to contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney. These personal injury lawyers can quickly begin gathering critical evidence you need to prove fault and fighting for damages you deserve.
Nobody expects to be hit by a car while crossing the road or walking down a sidewalk in Fresno. However, accidents like this happen regularly, and victims are often left trying to pick up the pieces and figure out what they are supposed to do next.
While every case is different, and each accident has unique facts and circumstances, many common issues arise time and time again following a pedestrian accident. That is why we have prepared the following frequently asked questions many of our clients have proposed following their pedestrian accident. With these answers, we hope to provide you the information you need and show you how our firm can get you the legal assistance you require.
If you or a loved one were hurt in a Fresno pedestrian accident, do not wait any longer. Contact The May Firm or call us at (559) 385-2090 today and let our Fresno attorneys pursue the damages and justice you deserve.
As each case is unique, the amount of financial compensation you can recover depends on the facts of your case. However, in general, the following damages are typically awarded in a pedestrian accident:
Economic damages: These damages involve verifiable losses that a victim suffers as a result of their accident.
They include:
Non-economic damages: These damages include losses that are rather subjective and are not easily quantifiable.
They include:
Punitive damages: Unlike compensatory damages, which are designed to compensate the victims for their losses, punitive damages were created to punish the liable party for their egregious actions and to deter them from committing the act again in the future. While uncommon, punitive damages may be awarded in certain pedestrian accident cases.
Even though you were not in a designated crosswalk at the time of your pedestrian accident, you still may have a case, as motorists have a duty of care to watch out for pedestrians even outside the crosswalk. Additionally, there may have been other factors at play that contributed to the accident, such as the motorist driving while distracted or intoxicated. Working with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in Fresno can help you determine what caused the crash and who was responsible for your accident.
Technically, if you are harmed in a pedestrian accident involving a vehicle and suffer medical injuries, the liable party’s car insurance should pay for your medical bills. Unfortunately, it can take a significant amount of time to resolve these insurance claims and get the money you need to pay for your medical expenses.
If you do not have any insurance that can pay for your medical treatments, a medical lien may cover you. This lien is between your attorney and your doctor provides you the medical treatment you need upfront. However, once your case settles or your attorney secures a judgment for damages, you must pay your medical provider.
When you work with an experienced Fresno pedestrian accident lawyer, they can go over all of these options with you and help you obtain the medical services you require.
Unfortunately, several factors can impact how long your case will take to settle. These factors include the circumstances of your case, the extent of your injuries, and how willing the insurance company is to work with you during settlement negotiations. In some cases, it is best not to start the negotiation process until you have completed all of your medical treatments. That way, you can have a full understanding of what your future medical costs will look like.
If the other side is willing to negotiate and come to a fair settlement, this process can take a few months. However, if the defense or the insurance company is unwilling to negotiate and the case heads to trial, some cases may take up to a year or more to resolve.
When you work with The May Firm, not only can we ensure that we present the most robust case on your behalf and make sure we pursue the maximum compensation, but if we cannot settle your case fairly, we can prepare your claim for trial and ensure you are ready for every step of the process.
If you are injured in a pedestrian accident in Fresno, you have two years from the accident date to file a claim. If you miss this deadline and do not file your lawsuit within this allotted time, then you may be barred from recovering compensation for your injuries. However, one critical aspect to remember with the statute of limitations is that there are numerous exceptions to this rule that can either extend or shorten the length of time you have to file.
For instance, if your pedestrian accident involves any governmental agency, you need to file it within six months of the incident. Discussing your case with a knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney can help you not only figure out if you have a viable claim but determine how much time you actually have to file your case.
It is best not to wait too long to file a claim. The longer you wait to file, the higher the likelihood that evidence gets lost or disappears, witnesses can no longer testify, or memories of the accident fade.
Following your pedestrian accident, the best way to determine if your case has merit is to contact a Fresno pedestrian accident law firm and talk to an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. At The May Firm, not only do we offer you a free consultation to go over your case, but you can also start this process online, making it easy for you to get the legal help that you need.
There are many ways a pedestrian accident can occur.
However, some of the more common types of pedestrian accidents include:
Speaking with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney can help you figure out the cause of your accident and who was at fault for your injuries. When you figure out who was liable, you can pursue the compensation you need.
In California, motorists owe a greater duty of care to pedestrians than pedestrians owe motor vehicle drivers. This is mainly because drivers are more capable of inflicting serious bodily injury to a pedestrian. However, even though motor vehicle drivers must remain vigilant while on the road, pedestrians are still required to exercise ordinary care while walking.
This is one of the most common questions that our firm receives following a pedestrian accident. However, we cannot provide you with an exact answer. Truthfully, no attorney can tell you precisely the amount of compensation you can receive after an accident. Why? Because many factors can affect the total amount of your damages.
Some of these factors include:
If you were involved in a pedestrian accident, the insurance company may be calling. Yet, even though you may believe that the insurance company will want to help you, especially if the accident was not your fault, you should not be too quick to trust them. The insurance company is a business that wants to make a profit. When they have to pay out claims for your injuries, they lose out on making money.
Consequently, the insurance company will try to do everything they can to reduce the amount of your compensation or try to deny your claim altogether. That is why if the insurance company is calling, it is in your best interest to only provide the insurance company with basic information about the accident and let them know that any further communications will be through your attorney. Once you have an experienced pedestrian attorney handling these discussions, they can ensure your case is treated fairly, and with the respect it deserves.
Victims of a pedestrian accident often believe that their accident is an “open and shut” case. After all, motorists need to watch out for pedestrians. However, this is not always the case. Following an accident, not only are insurance adjusters trying to deny your claim, but these types of cases also require extensive evidence to help prove liability and damages. Consequently, pedestrian accidents are often complicated, tedious, and extremely detail-oriented.
However, you do not have to go through this challenging ordeal alone.
Our attorneys at The May Firm are ready to provide you the legal assistance you need.
Contact us to get started. It is important to have the proper legal representation on your side if you’re involved in a motorcycle crash. Often wrongful blame is placed on the rider in a multi-vehicle collision due to the increased risk that comes with riding a motorcycle. Insurance companies are reluctant to side with the motorcyclist and oftentimes will attempt to place the full or partial blame on them. Don’t accept that blame and the legal repercussions that come with it.
Call (866) 619-6679 to schedule a free consultation with our award-winning motorcycle accident lawyers. We’ll help determine the viability of your case based on your testimony and help you determine the best way to proceed. Working on a contingency fee means our lawyers are only compensated when your case or settlement is won, and our extensive experience and case history allow us to settle most claims out of court, giving you a faster resolution to your case and allowing you to focus on your recovery process. We factor in every possible expense when building your settlement: Medical bills, wage loss, property damage, and emotional suffering are all considered. Our goal is to help you put your life back in order to the best of our ability.
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