Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyers

Compensation Available for Bakersfield Car Accident Victims

Victims may be able to recover damages in two main categories:

Financial Losses (Economic Damages)

This typically includes the following:

• Medical costs:  The days you stayed in the hospital, visits to the doctor, surgeries, medications, therapy, and ongoing care.
• Vehicle repair or replacement:  Typically includes costs needed to fix or replace your damaged car.
• Personal property damage:  Compensation for any belongings damaged in the crash.
• Household and personal services:  If your injuries prevent you from completing daily tasks, costs for services like home cleaning or childcare may be included.
• Lost income:  Due to missed work and any future earnings impacted by your injuries.

Because these losses have direct costs, they are typically calculated using bills, receipts, and pay stubs. Our Bakersfield car accident lawyers can help gather the necessary records to determine the full amount you are owed.

Personal and Emotional Losses (Non-Economic Damages)

Some damages go beyond financial costs, such as:

• Compensation for physical discomfort and emotional distress.
• If your injuries prevent you from moving and enjoying things you used to do.
• Long-term injuries.
• Damages for the emotional and personal loss of a loved one.

These don’t really come with a fixed price, so insurance companies will often base calculations on jury verdicts from similar cases.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are meant to penalize the at-fault driver and discourage similar actions in the future.

Pursuing a claim can help cover your financial losses and bring a sense of justice. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Bakersfield, contact our legal team today for a FREE CONSULTATION.

How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge in Bakersfield?

Hiring a car accident lawyer in Bakersfield usually doesn’t require any upfront payment.

Here’s how our system works:

• If we don’t secure compensation through a settlement or trial, you owe us absolutely NOTHING.
• If you receive a settlement or court award, the lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the total amount.
• Many attorneys cover initial costs such as filing fees, expert witnesses, and investigations. These will then be deducted from the final settlement.

This payment structure ensures that attorneys are invested in achieving the best results for their clients. If you’d like to know more about legal fees or discuss your case, contact our Bakersfield car accident lawyers for a FREE CONSULTATION today.

Bakersfield Car Accident Statistics

In 2022 alone, Bakersfield had 1,715 victims killed and injured in vehicle crashes—with 214 accidents caused by speeding, 199 by nighttime driving, and 226 being hit and run incidents.

This is according to the Crash Rankings of the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).

Alcohol-related crashes also add to the risk on Bakersfield roads, with 282 victims injured or killed in DUI-related incidents.

Add to that, younger drivers, particularly those between 21 and 34 years old, were responsible for a significant number of these accidents. There were also 132 DUI crashes reported in that age group alone.

Bakersfield’s Most Dangerous Intersections

Certain intersections in Bakersfield have seen a high number of accidents over the years, making them some of the most hazardous spots for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

It has been observed that Southwest Bakersfield has the highest concentration of dangerous intersections, while Downtown and Northeast Bakersfield also experience frequent crashes.

Ming Avenue and New Stine Road are also intersections to look out for, in addition to these:

• Gosford Road & Ming Avenue
• Real Road & Wilson Road
• 34th Street & Q Street
• Brundage Lane & P Street
• H Street & Ming Avenue
• H Street & Planz Road
• Baker Street & Niles Street
• H Street & Wilson Road
• 4th Street & Union Avenue

If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash at one of these intersections, contact our Bakersfield car accident lawyers for a FREE CASE REVIEW and discuss your legal options.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

As one of the best personal injury law firms in the area, Thompson Law has a team of experienced and dedicated personal injury attorneys who are ready to fight for your legal rights.

At Thompson Law, we understand the emotional distress that comes with serious injuries, and we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation possible. Our trial lawyers are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary and have successfully secured billions of dollars in compensatory and punitive damages for our clients.

We have extensive experience working with insurance companies, large corporations, and medical professionals, and we know how to get you the results you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay anything until we win your case.

Don’t let a personal injury case ruin your life. Contact Thompson Law‘s Bakersfield personal injury lawyers today and schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your legal options. Our team of dedicated injury attorneys will provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the compensation you deserve.

Bakersfield Local Laws Regarding Car Accidents

Bakersfield follows California state traffic laws. Let’s take a look at some of them:

Right-of-Way and Intersection Laws

• Drivers must yield to pedestrians, especially those in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Running a red light or stop sign may lead to fines and increased liability in an accident.
• Left turns must be made only when it is safe, and drivers must yield to oncoming traffic.

Speed Limits and Reckless Driving

• Speed limit in residential and school zones is typically 25 mph. Unless posted otherwise.
• This can result in criminal charges and liability for any injuries or damages caused.

DUI and Distracted Driving Laws

• Drivers under 21 cannot have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.01% or higher.
• Texting or using a handheld phone while driving is illegal, except when using hands-free technology.

Car Insurance Requirements

• All drivers in Bakersfield must carry minimum liability insurance (from California Insurance Code §11580.1b):
  • $30,000: Injury or death to one person.
  • $60,000:  Injury or death to multiple people.
  • $15,000:  For property damage.

Hit-and-Run and Reporting Accidents

• Drivers involved in an accident must:
  • 1) Stop at the scene
  • 2) Provide their information, and
  • 3) Assist anyone injured.
• If an accident causes injury, death, or property damage over $1,000, it must be reported to the California DMV within 10 days.

Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Bakersfield

Below are some of the most common reasons crashes occur:

• Looking at a phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or any activity that takes attention away from the road.
• Tailgating, weaving through traffic, running red lights, and ignoring right-of-way rules create dangerous situations that often lead to collisions.
• When drivers don’t yield at intersections, crosswalks, or when merging onto roads.
• Alcohol and drugs since they affect reaction time and judgment.
• Driving too fast, either above the speed limit or in unsafe conditions like rain or heavy traffic, increases the likelihood of losing control and crashing.
• Rain, fog, and slick road.
• Poorly maintained roads, missing or unclear signs, and defective vehicle parts.

Types of Car Accidents Our Bakersfield Lawyers Handle

Our Bakersfield car accident lawyers have experience handling various cases, like:

Rear-End Collisions

These happen all the time, especially in stop-and-go traffic or when drivers aren’t paying attention.

T-Bone (Side-Impact) Accidents

These are those scary crashes where the front end of one car hits the side of another, usually at intersections. Unfortunately, since the sides of cars aren’t built as sturdy, injuries can be pretty severe.

Head-On Collisions

These typically occur on highways, country roads, or places where barriers aren’t available.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Happens when drivers leave the scene without taking responsibility, leaving victims stuck.

Speed-Related Crashes

The higher the speed, the more serious the damage tends to be.

Intersection Accidents

These are accident hotspots.

Weather-Related Accidents

Unfortunately, some don’t adjust their driving to these conditions and cause avoidable crashes.

Rideshare Accidents

Uber and Lyft accidents can get complicated legally, bringing their own unique set of challenges.

Accidents Involving Elderly Drivers

These cases need special attention and compassion to ensure fairness for everyone involved.

Autonomous Vehicle Accidents

As self-driving cars become more common, we’ve started seeing accidents involving these vehicles. These situations often mean taking a closer look at software glitches, human monitoring errors, or manufacturer responsibility.

Proving Negligence in a Bakersfield Car Accident Case

To establish negligence in a car accident claim, these four factors must be proven:

• Duty of Care:  The responsible driver was legally obligated to operate their vehicle safely.
• Breach of Duty:  The driver violated this duty by engaging in reckless or careless behavior.
• Causation:  The breach of duty directly led to the accident and the resulting injuries.
• Damages:  You suffered losses from the accident.

Proving negligence often requires strong evidence, including:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Photos and videos
• Medical records

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, so this means that fault can be shared between multiple parties.

If you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation is reduced based on your percentage of responsibility.

For instance, if you are found 20% at fault in an accident with $10,000 in damages, you can still recover $8,000 in compensation.

If you’re unsure how negligence laws apply to your case, speaking with an experienced Bakersfield car accident lawyer can help. Contact our team today for a FREE CASE REVIEW.

FAQs About Car Accidents in Bakersfield

How long does it take to settle a car accident case?

Some cases are resolved within a few months, while others take longer if a lawsuit is necessary. Our attorneys work to secure fair compensation as quickly as possible while ensuring that all damages are properly accounted for.

Can I receive compensation for emotional distress?

Yes, emotional distress is part of non-economic damages that you may be eligible to claim.

This includes conditions like anxiety, PTSD, sleep disturbances, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident. Emotional distress can have long-term effects, and it’s important to document any psychological symptoms with a medical professional.

What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance?

If the other driver is uninsured, you may still be able to recover damages through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or other insurance policies. Depending on your policy, you may also have underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage that can help if the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover your damages. Our Bakersfield car accident lawyers can review your options and help you file a claim.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?

Yes, California follows a pure comparative negligence rule so you can still recover compensation. And yes, even if you were partially responsible for the accident. However, the amount you receive will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you were 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%.

Can I sue a minor for causing a car accident?

Minors under 18 years old typically cannot be sued directly, but their parents or guardians may be held responsible under certain circumstances, including:

• Parental Responsibility:  If a parent allowed an unlicensed or reckless teen driver to use their vehicle.
• Minor’s Negligence:  Teenage drivers must follow the same road rules as adults, and their inexperience can be a factor in determining fault.
• Willful Misconduct:  If a minor intentionally causes an accident, such as by street racing or reckless driving, their parents may be financially responsible.