Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car accident in Bakersfield, you need to know your rights to get the compensation you deserve. Car accidents can cause physical, emotional, and financial problems. At Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, we offer a free consultation to review your case and guide you on the best way to proceed. We are here to support you in these tough times.

Bakersfield Car Accident Statistics

Car accidents can happen to anyone, and Bakersfield is no different. With its busy streets and highways, the chance of getting into a traffic crash in this California city is always high: in the last three years, California had an average of 156,355 car accidents per year, resulting in 3,786 deaths and 277,160 injuries in 2021 alone. These accidents not only take lives but also hurt many people, affecting their health and well-being.

Total Injuries & Fatalities

• 2019: 1,337
• 2020: 1,261
• 2021: 1,223
• 2022: 1,126
• 2023: 1,285

Statistics on Fatal and Injury Causing Collisions in Bakersfield

In the span of five years, the total number of injuries and fatalities from accidents in Bakersfield has seen fluctuations. Our analysis reveals a slight decrease of 4% in accidents leading to injuries and fatalities from 2019 to 2023. Despite this decline, it’s imperative to prioritize road safety measures to further mitigate these incidents in the future.

• Traffic Signals/Signs: 290
• Right-of-Way: 245
• Unsafe Speed: 197
• DUI: 191
• Improper Turning: 161
• All Other Factors: 201

Statistics on Common Causes of Collisions in Bakersfield

Delving deeper into the data for the last year, it’s evident that traffic signals and signs emerged as the primary collision factor in Bakersfield. This highlights the importance of maintaining and enhancing traffic infrastructure to ensure optimal safety for motorists and pedestrians alike. Addressing issues related to signal visibility, signage clarity, and intersection design could significantly contribute to reducing the incidence of accidents caused by these factors in the future.

Which Roads and Intersections in Bakersfield Are the Most Dangerous?

Car accidents in Bakersfield can happen anywhere, but certain areas are more prone to incidents. These include:

Busy Intersections and Downtown Areas

• In addition to Ming Avenue and New Stine Road, Hageman Road, and Coffee Road, other busy intersections that have high collision rates are Stockdale Highway and California Avenue, White Lane and Wible Road, and Panama Lane and South H Street.
• Downtown areas such as Chester Avenue, Truxtun Avenue, and 24th Street are also prone to accidents due to heavy traffic, narrow lanes, and frequent stops. Drivers should be alert and avoid distractions in these areas.

Major Highways

• State Route 99 and State Route 58 are the main highways that run through Bakersfield, connecting the city to other parts of California. These highways are often congested, especially during peak hours, weekends, and holidays. This increases the risk of accidents involving multiple vehicles, such as the 35-vehicle pile-up that occurred on Interstate 5 west of Bakersfield on January 6, 2024, which killed two people and injured nine others.
• Common causes of accidents on these highways include speeding, distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, tailgating, and driving under the influence. Drivers should follow the speed limit, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and avoid using cell phones or other devices while driving.

Residential Zones

• Neighborhoods around schools, parks, and shopping areas also witness traffic incidents due to a mix of residential and commercial traffic. Drivers in these zones should observe speed limits and be cautious of pedestrians and cyclists, especially near crosswalks and intersections.
• Some of the residential zones that have high accident rates are Oleander-Sunset, Southgate, and Riviera-Westchester. These areas have a high population density, a lot of local businesses, and several schools and parks. Drivers should be aware of their surroundings and respect the rights of other road users in these areas.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Bakersfield?

Experiencing a car accident in Bakersfield can be frightening and overwhelming, but it’s important to take immediate and smart actions to protect yourself and your future. Follow these steps after being involved in a crash:

Keep Records

Don’t lose any document that relates to your car accident in Bakersfield. This means all your medical bills, prescriptions, and reports. Keep them in a safe place because they show how badly you were hurt and how hard you tried to get better. These records are very important when you want to get paid for your losses and damages.

Follow Medical Advice

Your health comes first after a car accident in Bakersfield. Do what your doctor tells you to do. Don’t miss any appointments or skip any treatments. If you don’t take care of your health, the insurance company or the court might think your injuries are not that serious, and that could affect how much money you get.

Notify Your Insurance

Let your insurance company know about the car accident as soon as you can. If you wait too long, you might lose your coverage. But be careful about what you say or agree to before you talk to a lawyer. Insurance companies might try to pay you less or make you say it was your fault.

Preserve Evidence

Saving evidence is key to making your car accident case in Bakersfield stronger. Don’t fix your car or throw away any broken things until you have pictures of them. Take photos of the place where the accident happened, your car, and your injuries. Also, get the names and phone numbers of people who saw what happened. The more evidence you have, the better your case.

Call a Lawyer

After a car accident in Bakersfield, you need a good lawyer on your side. Text Kevin Accident Attorneys is a great choice. We have a history of getting millions of dollars for our clients, and we have won awards like Super Lawyers 2021 and the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award. We know how to deal with insurance companies, and we are not afraid to go to court if they have to. With Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, you can count on us to take care of your car accident case in Bakersfield. These steps will help you protect yourself and your rights after a car accident in Bakersfield. Don’t forget that Text Kevin Accident Attorneys is here to help you and support you during this hard time.

Further Reading

• If Someone is Seriously Injured in a Collision, What Should You Do?
• What Not to Do After a Car Accident

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Car Accident Injuries

If you find yourself involved in a car accident in Bakersfield, the injuries you may sustain can vary greatly depending on the crash’s severity. While some injuries might be minor and heal quickly, others can be serious and have long-lasting effects. Seek appropriate medical and legal help if you or a loved one is injured in a car accident in Bakersfield. Doing so helps ensure you recover fully from your injuries and protect your legal rights.

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash and neck injuries are common in car accidents, especially in rear-end collisions. In Bakersfield, with its heavy traffic, such abrupt impacts can cause the head and neck to jerk violently, leading to whiplash. Symptoms often include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches and may also involve dizziness or blurred vision. Bakersfield residents need to seek medical attention after a car accident, as symptoms can sometimes develop slowly. Treatment typically involves pain relief and physical therapy, and recovery time can vary.

Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

In car accidents in Bakersfield, concussions and more severe TBIs are significant concerns. These injuries happen when the brain is shaken inside the skull due to the force of the collision. Symptoms range from headaches and confusion to more serious effects like prolonged unconsciousness or even permanent brain damage. The treatment for these injuries varies greatly, from rest and medication for mild concussions to intensive rehabilitation for more serious TBIs.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The impact of a car collision in Bakersfield can lead to broken bones and fractures. Commonly affected areas include arms, legs, ribs, and hips. The treatment and severity of these injuries can differ significantly. Some might need just a cast, while others, like complex fractures, may require surgery and extended recovery periods.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Among the most severe outcomes of car accidents in Bakersfield are spinal cord injuries. These injuries can result in a loss of function, such as mobility or sensation, below the site of the injury. Treatment often includes surgery and extensive rehabilitation, and in severe cases, these injuries can result in permanent disabilities like paralysis.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are particularly alarming as they might not be immediately evident. These injuries, which can occur when the force of a collision damages internal organs, can be life-threatening. Symptoms may include abdominal pain and difficulty breathing. Prompt medical evaluation is advised for anyone involved in a Bakersfield car accident. Treatment will vary based on the injury’s severity and may range from monitoring to emergency surgery.

Psychological Trauma

The mental and emotional impact of car accidents in Bakersfield is significant. Victims may experience a range of psychological issues, including anxiety, PTSD, depression, and phobias related to driving or traveling. These conditions can deeply affect daily life and overall mental health.

Burn Injuries

In severe collisions, particularly those that lead to fires or explosions, burn injuries can occur. These injuries vary from minor to severe and need immediate medical care. The risk of infection and the potential for long-term scarring and disfigurement makes these injuries particularly serious. Treatment may include pain management, skin grafts, and extensive rehabilitation.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Concerns about the expense of securing a car accident lawyer in Norwalk following an accident are completely valid. Car accidents can result in considerable financial strain, from hefty repair costs to lost wages due to missed work and accumulating medical bills. At Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, we offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis. This approach allows you to engage our services without any initial financial outlay. We only require payment for our legal services if we achieve a victory in your case. Should we fail to obtain a favorable settlement or court award on your behalf, you will not be responsible for any legal fees.

Can I Recover Compensation if I Share Some of the Blame for a Car Accident in Bakersfield?

It’s common to question if compensation is still attainable if you share some blame in your accident. Such scenarios are more frequent than anticipated. Imagine being involved in a collision with a driver on the wrong side, yet your headlights were off at night, implicating you in the fault. According to California’s legal system, partial fault in an accident doesn’t preclude you from receiving compensation. However, your compensation will be adjusted according to your fair share. For instance, bearing 2 percent of the fault means you’re eligible to claim 98 percent of the awarded damages.

What Causes Car Accidents in Bakersfield, CA?

In Bakersfield, as in the rest of California, individuals injured in car accidents due to another’s negligence have the right to seek compensation. This includes compensation for injuries resulting from various forms of negligent behavior:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a significant concern in Bakersfield, mirroring a broader issue across California. Engaging in any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road is considered distracted driving. This includes the illegal use of a cell phone for talking or texting while driving, as outlined in California Vehicle Code Section 23123. Likewise, texting while driving is prohibited under California Vehicle Code Section 23123.5. These laws are in place to mitigate accidents caused by drivers not fully concentrating on the road.

Speeding

Speeding is a frequent cause of traffic accidents in Bakersfield. Per California Vehicle Code Section 22350, it’s illegal to drive at a speed considered unsafe for the current conditions, which might be lower than the posted speed limit. Drivers who cause accidents by speeding or driving too fast for conditions can be held liable for the resulting damages, as this behavior is a breach of the required standard of care.

Failure to Yield

Failure to yield the right of way is a common form of negligence on Bakersfield’s roads, especially in busy intersections and areas with high pedestrian traffic. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21801, drivers must yield in various situations, such as during left turns or when pedestrians are present in crosswalks. Collisions often occur in Bakersfield when drivers ignore these rules, resulting in accidents with other vehicles or pedestrians. In such cases, the driver who failed to yield is typically found at fault and liable for any injuries and damages caused.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

DUI is a major cause of car accidents in Bakersfield, similar to trends across California. California Vehicle Code Section 23152 prohibits operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both. This includes impairment by prescription and over-the-counter medications that affect driving ability. DUI offenses are taken very seriously because of the high risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Drivers involved in DUI accidents in Bakersfield are likely to face significant legal consequences and liability for damages and injuries caused.

Hit and Run Accidents

Hit-and-run incidents, where a driver flees the scene of an accident without providing contact information or aiding the injured, are a serious legal issue in Bakersfield. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, drivers involved in accidents, especially those resulting in injuries or fatalities, are legally required to stop and fulfill certain duties. Failure to do so can result in felony charges. Victims of hit-and-run accidents in Bakersfield may face challenges in obtaining compensation, but there are legal options available, and the responsible party can face severe penalties.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

In line with California law, drivers in Bakersfield must have minimum liability insurance as mandated by California Vehicle Code Section 16029. However, not all drivers comply with this requirement, leading to complications in accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists. In such cases, victims might rely on their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for compensation.

Bakersfield Car Accident FAQs

Contact Our Bakersfield Car Accident Attorneys Today for Legal Help

If you’re involved in a car accident in Bakersfield, reach out to Text Kevin Accident Attorneys for a free consultation. Our team, with its record of recovering millions for our clients and numerous accolades like the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and National Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, is well-equipped to secure the compensation and justice you deserve. Remember, we only charge fees when you win.

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