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.
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.
