Car accidents in Bakersfield, California, can result in severe injuries, significant medical costs, and life-altering consequences. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The experienced Bakersfield car accident lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers are here to help you pursue damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact our office today for a free consultation to start rebuilding your life.
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Injured in Bakersfield Car Accident?
Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers?
- We have more than 50 years of experience handling automobile accident cases in Bakersfield and throughout California. Our Experienced Bakersfield injury attorneys have in-depth knowledge of this practice area, and have secured billions of dollars on behalf of our clients.
- We know how to get real results. Our past auto accident case results include $19 million for a rideshare passenger vs. auto case, $17.5 million for a bicycle vs. truck case and $11.9 million for a wrongful death truck accident case.
- We will guide you through your car accident claim and get you the justice you deserve, so that you can get back to the life you love. We take pride in handling every case with the same level of care – big or small.
How Much Does a Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
At Jacoby & Meyers, we make hiring a Bakersfield car accident lawyer affordable with our contingency fee model. You pay nothing upfront, and there are no out-of-pocket costs, whether we win or lose. Our fees are only collected if we secure compensation for your injuries, taken as a percentage of your settlement or court award.
The fee percentage varies based on case complexity, such as whether litigation is required. We provide transparent, upfront fee explanations to ensure your peace of mind. Contact our Bakersfield office today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you pursue compensation without financial risk.
Do I Need a Bakersfield Car Accident Attorney?
You should strongly consider hiring a car accident attorney in Bakersfield if your case has any issues or complications. A car insurance company will look for ways to take advantage of you and reasons to deny or minimize your payout. If an insurer attempts to reject a valid claim or refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, hire an attorney for negotiation assistance. An attorney will be able to take on an insurance corporation at trial, if necessary.
If you were significantly injured or a loved one died, liability is disputed or unclear, or there are other challenges involved in your claim, an attorney can help you overcome them. Your lawyer will conduct a comprehensive crash investigation to determine the cause and identify the liable parties. Then, your lawyer will gather evidence to support your claim and take over filing processes on your behalf.
How Your Lawyer Can Help You after a Bakersfield Car Accident
Your Bakersfield car accident lawyer can help you with an insurance claim against the party who caused your crash.
They can help you gather evidence to prove another party’s negligence caused your injuries. This may include:
- Medical bills and records
- Accident reports
- Video and photographs
- Witness testimony
Your lawyer will actively gather and analyze critical evidence, such as accident reports, video footage, and medical records, to build a compelling case proving the other party’s negligence.
Other ways your auto accident attorney can help you include:
- Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement
- Ensuring your rights are protected
- Explaining your options
- Going to court to argue your car accident claim, if necessary
- Retaining the help of accident reconstructionists and medical experts
- Interviewing eyewitnesses to the accident
- Valuating all of your losses
- Supporting you in this difficult time
- Keeping you in the loop throughout your case
Treating car accident injuries can add up. You might face surgeries, rehabilitation services, hospital stays, and more—and this is just considering medical costs. If you have serious injuries and costly damages (in addition to other, various losses), you might want help getting back on your feet.
What Is Negligence?
Negligence is the foundation of most car accident cases in Bakersfield. Negligence means someone has not used the proper amount of care for a situation, such as a motor vehicle driver who breaks traffic laws or drives while distracted.
To qualify for financial compensation after a car crash, you or your attorney may need to prove negligence. This takes evidence of four main things:
- Duty of care: the defendant owed you a duty of reasonable care, meaning an obligation to act in a way that a reasonable person would in the same circumstances.
- Breach of duty: the defendant committed an act or omission that did not meet the duty of care, such as careless or reckless driving.
- Causation: the defendant’s negligence or breach of duty caused or greatly contributed to your automobile accident in Bakersfield.
- Damages: because of the car accident, you suffered compensable losses, such as medical bills and property damage.
A lawyer from Jacoby & Meyers can help you establish negligence to prove your car accident case using clear and convincing evidence. We can hire qualified crash reconstruction experts and medical experts to strengthen your claim, as needed.
What Happens If You’re Partly at Fault in a California Car Accident?
If you believe you bear some of the blame for an automobile accident in Bakersfield, do not admit fault or apologize to the other driver. Instead, wait for an official investigation to identify the at-fault party. If you are allocated a percentage of fault, this will not automatically bar you from recovering financial compensation from the other party.
According to California Civil Code §1714, “Everyone is responsible, not only for the result of his or her willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by his or her want of ordinary care or skill in the management of his or her property or person, except so far as the latter has, willfully or by want of ordinary care, brought the injury upon himself or herself.”
Under this law, a car accident victim’s financial recovery can be diminished by his or her proportion of fault. Being assigned 15 percent of the blame, for instance, would reduce a $100,000 settlement to $85,000. Since California uses a pure comparative negligence law, there is no limit to the amount of fault that can be allocated to the victim (short of 100 percent).
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I want to thank you for helping me out with my accident. I appreciate you getting back to me in a couple of days. You were honest, kind, and respectful. Highly appreciated.
- Phillip
We Will Establish Liability for Your Car Accident
In California, determining fault for a car accident is necessary before you can file a claim, as the state abides by a fault-based car insurance law. You or your attorney will have to determine who is liable, or legally responsible, for your crash based on the cause of the accident.
Depending on your crash circumstances, liable parties could include another driver, the entity responsible for the roadway, or a car or vehicle parts manufacturer. Most car accidents are caused by driver negligence. This would point to the driver being held liable through his or her car insurance provider.
If an investigation finds that a road hazard, such as a pothole, contributed to your crash, the city or state government could face liability for failing to maintain a safe street. Another possibility is a manufacturer for a crash or injury caused by a defective car part. Finally, a driver’s employer could be held vicariously liable if the driver was working at the time of the crash.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Bakersfield
Establishing liability typically takes proving negligence. Negligence means that the accused party owed you a duty of reasonable care, breached or violated this duty, and caused your crash. All motor vehicle drivers in California have a duty to drive with care and reasonable prudence. Unfortunately, many drivers behave carelessly and recklessly.
Car accident causes may include:
- Reckless driving
- Defective brakes
- Excessive speeding
- Driving drowsy or sleeping at the wheel
- Hand-held cell phone usage
- Faulty tires
- Inadequate road maintenance
- Vehicle defects
- Intoxicated driving
- Traffic law violations, and more
- Hit and run accidents
Our attorneys will carefully investigate your crash to identify the liable parties and help you establish fault. We will collect evidence to support your claim, including hiring a highly qualified crash expert, as necessary. We can rely on expert analysis and accident reconstruction to identify the liable parties and prove your case.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in Bakersfield
At Jacoby & Meyers, our attorneys have the resources and experience to take all types of motor vehicle accident cases in Bakersfield. We are experts in automotive accident law.
We can help if you’ve been injured in any type of car accident, including:
- Rear-end collision
- T-bone accident
- Head-on collision
- Speeding-related accident
- Drunk driving crash
- Rollover accident
- Hit-and-run accident
- Commercial truck accident
- Motorcycle accident
- Bicycle or pedestrian accident
- Bus accident
- Uber or Lyft accident
Don’t hesitate to contact us after you get injured in any kind of car crash in or around Bakersfield. We will dedicate individualized care to your case and tailor our legal services to your specific needs.
About California Insurance Laws
The law requires that California drivers carry liability insurance to pay for injuries and property damages they cause. According to the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), motorists must have a minimum of $30,000 in coverage for injuries to one person, $60,000 for injuries to two or more people, and $15,000 in property damage liability.
In the interest of increasing profits, insurance companies try to minimize the amount they pay in car accident claims. To that end, the insurer you are dealing with may try to offer you a settlement that is lower than you need or deserve. Your auto accident lawyer will work to negotiate the best settlement possible for your case.
Understanding California’s Seat Belt & Prop 213 Laws
In California, seat belts are legally required for all drivers and vehicle passengers. If a passenger is a child, the child must be properly secured in the appropriate child safety seat or booster seat. A seat belt violation in California is punishable with a fine of $162. Failing to properly restrain a child under the age of 16 comes with a fine of $490. Failing to wear a seat belt during a car accident could negatively affect the claim.
California Proposition 213, also called the Personal Responsibility Act, restricts the ability of an uninsured motor vehicle driver to sue or file a lawsuit for noneconomic damages after a car accident. If a crash takes place while a driver is not actively insured, he or she will be unable to file a claim for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and other general damages – even if the driver is not at fault.
There are certain exemptions to Prop 13. If the at-fault driver is convicted of a felony crime or driving under the influence in connection to the car accident, pain and suffering damages can still be sought by the uninsured driver. There’s also an exception for workers involved in accidents while driving an employer’s uninsured automobile.
You Can Take Action in Court
In some cases, an insurance settlement is not possible. It could be that the insurance company refuses to agree to a satisfactory settlement or outright denies your car accident claims. When this happens, you can pursue compensation in civil court. Once you file your case, you can still settle at any time before going to trial.
Filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver or party could result in greater financial compensation than an insurance claim. Hire an attorney to represent you in court for your best chances of success. You will have to go through the discovery phase, pretrial motions and jury selection, and the trial itself, where you will be expected to present evidence and witness testimony. An attorney can help you with these processes.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
Any type of personal injury legal action in California comes with a tight filing deadline under a law called the statute of limitations.
You have two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death case, according to CCP §335.1. Your time limit starts when your injuries occur or at the time of your loved one’s passing.
Some exceptions to this rule may shorten or extend your time limit. If the injured victim is a minor under the age of 18, for example, he or she will have two years from the date of his or her 18th birthday to file. A claim against the government, on the other hand, must be filed within just six months under California Government Code §911.2.
If you do not take action before the statute of limitations expires, the court will likely throw out your case.
Acting quickly after an accident is crucial. Preserve evidence like photographs, medical bills, and police reports to strengthen your claim. Your lawyer can guide you in gathering these documents effectively. An attorney can take action before critical evidence is lost, destroyed or becomes unreliable.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Car Accident in Bakersfield?
Recovering from an accident can be a long and expensive process. Your car accident attorney can help you seek awards for past medical bills and future care needs, as well as vehicle damages. You may also be eligible for pain and suffering damages if your accident led to:
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Loss of a limb or bodily function
- Loss of mobility
- Depression
- Sleep disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Anxiety
- Mental anguish
Pain and suffering damages go beyond physical injuries, compensating you for emotional and psychological impacts that alter your quality of life. These include anxiety, depression, and even strained relationships with loved ones.
Wrongful Death and Loss of a Loved One
If your loved one died because of injuries sustained in a car accident, you could seek compensation on their behalf. This can include outstanding medical bills, lost wages and inheritance, mental anguish and grief, funeral and burial expenses, and the victim’s pain and suffering. Depending on your relationship, you may also be eligible for damages for loss of consortium.
Additionally, you could seek damages for any lost wages, benefits, tips, or bonuses that you should have earned in the time that you were out of work due to your injuries. Sometimes, accident-related injuries can cause victims to seek out lower-paying jobs. You could pursue the difference between the amount you used to earn and the amount you now earn.
What Our Clients Say About Us
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The law firm was very helpful. Did their best to get me the best outcome. Very satisfied with their help. I already recommended my family member.
– Jenny
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Bakersfield, CA
A car accident in Bakersfield or Kern County can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can protect your health, rights, and potential compensation. By acting promptly, you can build a strong foundation for an insurance claim or injury lawsuit. If safe and possible, follow these steps:
- Seek Medical Care: Check for injuries and get immediate treatment. Delaying care can harm your health and weaken your claim.
- Report to Police: Call 911 to report the accident. Avoid admitting fault or apologizing, and note the police report number.
- Exchange Information: Collect names, contact details, and insurance information from other drivers, plus contact info for witnesses and passengers.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the crash site, vehicle damage, and road conditions. Look for nearby traffic or surveillance cameras.
- Notify Your Insurer: Inform your insurance company about the crash with minimal details. Avoid giving a recorded statement.
When ready to pursue compensation, contact the experienced Bakersfield car accident lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and guide you toward justice. Call our Bakersfield office today for a free consultation.
How to Handle Auto Insurance Claims Adjusters in Bakersfield, CA
After a car accident in Bakersfield, an insurance claims adjuster will review your case, assess the facts, and recommend whether the insurer should pay your claim and for how much. Knowing how to interact with adjusters is crucial to protect your rights and maximize your compensation. The experienced Bakersfield car accident lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers can guide you through this process.
- Be Cautious: Adjusters work for the insurance company, not you. Be polite but avoid sharing unnecessary details.
- Stick to Facts: Don’t admit fault or speculate about the accident. Provide only basic, factual information.
- Avoid Recorded Statements: Politely decline to give a recorded statement, as it could be used against you.
- Don’t Rush Settlements: Initial offers are often low. Consult a lawyer before accepting any settlement.
Contact our Bakersfield office today for a free consultation to learn how we can negotiate with adjusters on your behalf and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
The Most Dangerous Intersections in Bakersfield
Statistically, automobile accidents are more likely to occur at certain intersections in Bakersfield. These include busy and congested intersections, such as those in downtown.
The most dangerous intersections in Bakersfield based on the number of annual fatal collisions are:
- Ming Avenue and New Stine Road
- Gosford Road and Ming Avenue
- Real Road and Wilson Road
- 34th Street and Q Street
- Brundage Lane and P Street
Avoid these intersections or exercise extra caution when driving through them in Bakersfield. If you get hurt in an intersection accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for help.
Call the Attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices Today
Our team of Bakersfield car accident attorneys can get you started with a no-obligation consultation. If you choose our services, you pay us nothing upfront or out of pocket.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. Every day you delay could harm your case. Our experienced attorneys are ready to provide personalized support and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We work on contingency, which means you owe us nothing if we do not win your case. To learn more, call us today at (661) 402-8934.
Our Bakersfield Office
Jacoby & Meyers Accident & Injury Lawyers – Bakersfield
2020 Eye St,
Bakersfield, CA 93301
24/7 Hotline: (661) 402-8934