Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer

Getting in a car accident can be traumatic. You need to deal with healing, getting your car replaced or repaired, and missing time from work. If the injuries are severe, the healing process is even more complicated and can impact your entire family. Having a Bakersfield car accident lawyer help you through the process can give you the time and space to concentrate on healing without giving up your claim.

The process begins with a consultation. Our personal injury attorneys will review the circumstances of your accident, who is at fault, and the extent of the damages. If you need access to medical specialists for a diagnosis, we may be able to help you find doctors in the right field. An appropriate diagnosis is the first step to helping your lawyers understand the extent of your injuries so they can assess potential damages.

The Role of an Attorney in Car Crash Claims

Ideally, all drivers involved in a car accident will have auto insurance. Theoretically, the insurance companies would fairly and fully evaluate claims and promptly pay damages to the victims. Reality often varies dramatically from this ideal situation. Insurance companies are not in business to pay claims—they are in business to make money. The less they can pay on claims, the more money they make.

Our attorney works for the injured person, not for insurance companies. They can fairly evaluate a claim and help an injured person have a reasonable idea about the costs associated with an accident. They will help a person understand the costs of medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more. One of the most essential things a Bakersfield attorney can do is help a person look at the long-term costs of a car collision because—for some injuries—those costs can quickly become exorbitant.

Available Compensation After a Car Accident

After a car accident, compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and potentially pain and suffering. The amount and degree of available compensation will depend on numerous factors, including the severity of the accident and injuries, along with the at-fault party’s insurance coverage.

Compensation for medical bills can cover a wide range of the costs of treating injuries, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation. If you miss work due to injuries, you can seek compensation for lost income, including regular pay, bonuses, and potential career advancement opportunities.

If your injuries require ongoing or future treatment, you can seek compensation for those anticipated costs. Should your injuries permanently affect your ability to earn a living, you can seek compensation for the loss of future earning potential.

A Bakersfield attorney could also explore whether you can claim compensation for pain and suffering, which would cover the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the car accident and injuries. Your financial recovery could also include compensation for the diminished quality of life and inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed, as well as the mental and emotional trauma resulting from the accident.

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Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney?

While you are not legally required to hire an attorney after a car accident in Bakersfield, having experienced legal representation can significantly benefit your case, especially if you have sustained serious injuries. Car accident claims can be complex, involving insurance companies, paperwork, and legal procedures. An attorney can guide you through each step.

An attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and determine who is at fault. An attorney could negotiate on your behalf and ensure you receive fair compensation.

An attorney could protect your rights and ensure you do not make statements or take actions that could harm your case. A lawyer could help you understand all the potential damages you may be entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. If your case cannot be settled, an attorney could prepare your case for trial and represent you in court.

Steps to Take After a Serious Auto Accident

After a car crash, ensure everyone involved is safe and check for any injuries, including your own. If there are injuries or property damage, call 911 to report the accident and request emergency services. If you are able, exchange names, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information with the other drivers.

When a police report is filed, this could serve as crucial evidence in an injury case. Photograph the scene, including damage to vehicles, any property damage, and any injuries. If you are injured, seek immediate medical attention and follow any medical advice and treatment plans provided by healthcare professionals.

Next, consider consulting with an auto accident injury attorney in Bakersfield to discuss your rights and options. Adjusters aim to close claims quickly and at the lowest cost possible, which often means giving you less than what your case may truly be worth.

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Liability in Car Collisions

California operates under an at-fault system, meaning the driver who is found responsible for causing the accident is liable for damages. Even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation, but it will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.

In a car accident case, liability hinges on demonstrating that the driver had a duty of care, breached that duty, and the breach caused the accident and resulted in damages. A Bakersfield attorney could gather information from the accident scene, review police reports, collect witness statements, and obtain other relevant evidence to build a strong case.

Settlements Versus Trials

Coming to a favorable settlement means an injured person gets their funds more quickly and with less stress. However, insurance companies may take advantage by offering lowball settlements. Our attorneys are not scared to go to trial, which means insurers know we will never advise our clients to take an unfavorable settlement offer.

Still, many cases will be settled out of court. Through tough negotiation and proving damages, our Bakersfield lawyers are usually able to negotiate a favorable settlement after a vehicle crash. The faster we can get a successful resolution, the less stress and worry for our clients.

Complications of Car Accident Claims

While defensive driving and other careful practices can help people reduce the risk, anytime someone gets on the road, they are at risk from other drivers. In many car accidents, both drivers share responsibility for the accident, making a determination of fault more complicated. Our car wreck attorneys in Bakersfield can tackle these complexities by finding the evidence to prove fault. They will look for photos or videos of the scene, witnesses, the police report, and more to help determine the cause. They may also employ experts to help recreate the scene, which can help prove fault.

California is a comparative fault state. Under this doctrine, an injured person can recover from the other parties as long as the other party has any share of the negligence. While the ability to recover is substantial, it is crucial to understand that the court will reduce damages proportionate to fault.

Talk to a Bakersfield Car Accident Attorney

The aftermath of a car crash can be complicated, painful, and traumatic. You need to concentrate on healing, but you also have a ticking clock in terms of filing a claim. Additionally, you need damages in order to pay for continuing medical treatment and lost wages.

A Bakersfield car accident lawyer can help. They can assess your claim and help you understand all your potential remedies. Schedule a consultation with our team to learn more.