Bakersfield
Car Accident Attorneys

Let Oaks Law Firm Handle Your Car Accident Case in Bakersfield, CA

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is always reporting crashes and fatalities in and around Bakersfield, CA. Hundreds of car accidents occur every day in Bakersfield. While many of these are minor car crashes, others result in catastrophic injuries that impact accident victims for many years to come.

Car accident injuries can leave victims in great physical and emotional pain, but they also impose a financial burden. A car wreck victim can struggle to pay for their medical bills, usually at a time when they are unable to return to work. 

At Oaks Law Firm, our Bakersfield car accident attorneys are skilled, experienced, and reliable advocates for injured victims and their families. We have what it takes to hold negligent drivers and large insurance companies accountable. If you have been injured in an auto accident, you may be able to recover compensation that can help you pay for your medical costs and other expenses. Bakersfield car accident lawyers can advise on your case and the damages you are entitled to. Call our personal injury law firm today to receive a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer.

What to Do After a Car Crash in Bakersfield, California

A car crash can be a traumatic, disorienting experience. When you know what to do, it can help to make the process a lot less challenging. If you find yourself involved in a car crash in Kern County, California, a systematic approach is key. Here is a guide to what to do after a crash in Bakersfield: 

• Stop Your Vehicle and Exchange Information: California law requires all parties involved in a crash to stop their vehicle and exchange information. Of course, if there is a medical emergency, that takes priority. 
• Call the Police and Report the Crash: Even for minor accidents, it is a best practice to have a police report. It provides an objective third-party record of the incident. Injury crashes must be reported. You can report a crash to the Bakersfield Police Department. 
• Document the Scene: Using your phone, take pictures of the vehicles, damages, injuries, road conditions, and any traffic signals or signs. These can be invaluable for insurance claims or legal disputes. The more information you have, the better. 
• Seek Medical Help: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. It is wise to visit a doctor after an accident to ensure you haven’t sustained any hidden injuries. You need to see a doctor to bring a personal injury claim to Bakersfield. 

• Consult with a Car Accident Attorney Before an Insurer: You cannot trust an insurance company to protect your interests after an accident. You should always consult with an experienced Bakersfield auto accident lawyer after a crash.

Types of Car Accidents In Bakersfield

Most auto accidents involve one vehicle striking another, but an auto accident can happen in a number of ways. The most common types of multi-vehicle car accidents in Bakersfield are as follows: 

Regardless of the type of car accident you were in, the insurance company of the negligent party will likely try to deny your claim OR make a very insulting and nominal settlement offer to you. Guaranteed, any offer to you, without a Bakersfield car accident lawyer, will not cover your damages. A Bakersfield car accident lawyer can advise on the facts of your case, and the damages for your car accident claim.

Types of Injuries Sustained in a Car Accident

Automobile accidents can result in a variety of wounds, from small scrapes and bruises to fractured bones. Car accident victims can experience several injuries. These injuries can include some of the following:

Even if you don’t feel hurt at the moment, it’s crucial to get medical help right away if you’re in a vehicle accident. Early care can help avoid problems and accelerate healing in car accident cases when injuries don’t show up for days or even weeks after the accident.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Bakersfield

Car accidents are usually the cause of one driver’s negligence, which can take many forms. The most common acts of negligence that cause car accidents in Bakersfield are as follows: 

Speeding:
Speeding is common, but many drivers do not consider it all that careless. However, speeding decreases a driver’s reaction time and increases the amount of time it takes for them to stop their vehicle. Speeding also increases the force of impact, resulting in more serious injuries. 

Aggressive driving:
Drivers often become impatient when behind the wheel, and that can result in aggressive driving. A motorist may follow another too closely, weaving in and out lanes, or cut off other vehicles when driving aggressively. 

Failure to yield:
Motorists often ignore the rules of the road with respect to the right of way. Someone might make an illegal left-hand turn, run a red light, or refuse to stop at an intersection. Many drivers are in a hurry and will not even tap the brakes.

Impaired driving:
Despite the many campaigns run over the past several years highlighting the dangers of drunk driving accidents, too many motorists still get behind the wheel after having too much to drink. Driving under the influence of drugs is just as dangerous as drunk driving, which causes a serious car accident.

Distracted driving:
Texting and driving is a form of distracted driving most people first think of, but there are other distractions drivers face, too. Distracted driving is defined as any activity that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, or their attention away from driving safely. Eating, drinking, listening to loud music, and rowdy passengers are just a few distractions that can cause a crash.  

Fatigued driving:
Fatigued driving, also sometimes called drowsy driving, has been said to be just as dangerous as drunk driving. When a driver is tired, their reaction times are slowed and they exercise poor judgment. In the worst-case scenario, a tired driver may fall asleep behind the wheel, causing a catastrophic accident. 

Determining what or who caused a crash is not always easy. For example, it may seem impossible to prove a driver was tired. However, a Bakersfield car accident attorney will know what evidence to collect to prove your case.

Wrongful Death in a Serious Car Accident 

A wrongful death occurs when someone dies in a car wreck as a result of the carelessness or misconduct of another person. In order to recover damages for their losses, the victim’s family members may be entitled to bring a wrongful death case.

Motor vehicle accidents can be caused by a variety of things, such as speeding, inattentive driving, drunk drivers, or otherwise impaired, and disobeying traffic regulations. In certain instances, the collision can have been brought on by a road that was not properly maintained or a flaw in the car.

The effects of a car accident can be disastrous no matter what causes it. When a loved one dies in an auto accident, families frequently experience emotional devastation, financial difficulty, and other difficulties. Holding accountable at-fault drivers for their conduct and pursuing justice through a car accident lawsuit is crucial.

It’s crucial to speak with an experienced Bakersfield car accident attorney who can guide you through the legal procedure if you lose a loved one in a Bakersfield auto accident. Car accident lawyers can assist you in determining if you have a persuasive case for wrongful death and try to get you the full and fair compensation you need. Call our law offices today to receive a free consultation.

An Overview of Car Accident Liability in California

Hurt in a motor vehicle collision in Bakersfield or elsewhere in Kern County? Your car accident injury claim falls under California law. There are some important differences in car accident cases from state to state. It is crucial that you understand the law in California. Here are three key points:

1. Liability for a Crash is Based on Fault: In California, the driver (or other party) who is determined to be at fault in a car accident is generally responsible for the damages sustained by the other party. Fault can be established in various ways, such as by eyewitness testimonies, police reports, or through evidence like skid marks or video recordings. Every serious crash in Kern County should be investigated by an experienced Bakersfield attorney. 
2. Comparative Negligence System: California follows the “pure comparative negligence” system. Even if a car accident victim is partly at fault for the crash, they can still recover damages. However, their financial compensation will be reduced by the percentage they are found to be at fault. For instance, if someone is determined to be 20 percent at fault and has $60,000 in losses, they would be responsible for $12,000 of their own damages.
3.  Two Years to Bring a Car Accident Injury Claim: California has a statute of limitations in place for car accident claims. Under state law, injured victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a claim is not filed within this timeframe, victims may lose their right to legal recourse and compensation. Do not delay: Consult with a Bakersfield, CA car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a serious crash.

Car Accident Compensation

In California, car accident victims can seek compensation for economic losses and non-economic damages. However, insurance companies do not make things easy on people. Our law firm focuses on making sure that our car accident victims receive fair compensation from the driver who is responsible for the collision. You should receive money for out-of-pocket losses, like:

1. Medical care, including ambulance transportation, diagnostic tests, surgery, overnights in the hospital, doctor’s visits, rehabilitation, and prescription medication.
2. Lost income, including lost self-employed or part-time “gig” income. If you can’t work, you shouldn’t suffer a dramatic drop in income.
3. Damage to your car and other property. Your car probably needs repairs, at a minimum.
4. Pain and suffering, which includes depression, pain, loss of enjoyment of life, and similar losses. These types of losses are subjective, but our attorneys know how to maximize the amount an insurer pays.

Several factors go into deciding how much your claim is worth. One issue is a fault. In California, both drivers could be negligent. If so, your compensation is reduced proportionally by your degree of fault. Someone who is 50% to blame with $60,000 in damages will only receive $30,000. If you are 80% to blame, you will only receive $12,000.

Our experienced legal team will gather evidence to minimize your share of responsibility. We always strive to put the blame where it truly belongs—on the shoulders of the careless driver who struck you.

Uninsured Motorist Accidents

California has one of the highest uninsured rates in the nation. According to one estimate, about 16.6% of all drivers lack the necessary liability coverage. This means that if you are hit by an uninsured motorist, you might not be able to receive any compensation.

Helpfully, you might have uninsured motorist coverage. This type of insurance kicks in when a negligent driver strikes you but lacks liability insurance. You can also use this insurance for a hit-and-run.

Although you pay the premiums for this coverage, many insurers like to reject claims. They might allege that you weren’t hurt in a car accident or that you are solely responsible. For example, you might have fallen asleep and slid off the road, which would make you 100% liable. You can’t recover compensation in that situation.

We can negotiate with your uninsured motorist insurer for fair compensation. The good news is that this coverage will pay for medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Were You Uninsured?

California’s “no pay, no play” law could limit your financial recovery. If you don’t have required liability insurance, you will not be able to sue for pain and suffering and similar non-economic damages. You can still seek compensation from the at-fault driver for things like medical expenses or income loss. You should also seek money to repair your vehicle. However, you are barred from receiving money for the physical pain and emotional distress you endure.

Our Car Accident Attorney In Bakersfield Can Prove Your Case

You may be eligible for compensation after a car accident, but claiming it is not always easy. At Oaks Law Firm, our Bakersfield car accident lawyers can determine your Bakersfield car accident lawsuit, so you know which party to hold liable for paying the full damages you deserve. Contact us today to set up your free, no obligation consultation with a top Bakersfield auto accident lawyer. We fight for the rights of injured victims in Kern County and throughout the surrounding region.

Call our Bakersfield car accident lawyers today at 877-539-5366 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers.

CALL TODAY! (877) 539-5366

Recovering the Damages You Deserve

If someone else is to blame for your injuries, you have the right to seek compensation for the full amount of damages you've suffered. These damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, as well as pain and suffering. You must bring forth your claim within one year of the accident date. Not filing your case within one year will bar you from recovery.