Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents in Bakersfield, California, can result in severe injuries, significant medical costs, and life-altering consequences. The reality is that these motor vehicle accidents affect millions of people annually, creating burdens that extend far beyond the initial crash.

If you’ve been injured in a wreck 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.

Our goal is to provide the guidance and professional support you need during this difficult time. Contact our office today for a free consultation to start rebuilding your life.

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. Among personal injury law firms, we strive to deliver in terms of results and client satisfaction.
• 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. These statistics demonstrate our commitment to maximizing compensation for our clients.
• 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. Our professional team understands that each client’s path to recovery is unique.

Client Testimonial

Client review: ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐

“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

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. We don’t require advance payments or burden you with upfront costs.

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 complications or problems. Insurance companies will look for ways to take advantage of you and reasons to deny or minimize your payout.

The truth is that insurers often employ strategies designed to limit their financial exposure, regardless of the extent of your injuries.

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.

This becomes especially important when dealing with insurance adjusters who may not have your best interests at heart.

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, including truck drivers, other motorists, or even government entities responsible for highway maintenance.

How Jacoby & Meyers 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. Our role extends beyond simple legal representation, we become your advocates throughout the entire process.

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 footage and pictures
• Witness testimony
• Copies of police reports
• Hospital records from treating professionals

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 insurance companies for fair settlements
• Ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process
• Explaining your legal options and strategies
• Going to court to argue your car accident claim, if necessary
• Retaining accident reconstructionists and medical professionals
• Interviewing eyewitnesses to the accident
• Valuating all of your losses, including future medical procedures
• Supporting you during this difficult time
• Keeping you informed with regular updates throughout your case
• Handling communications through our contact system

Treating car accident injuries can add up quickly. You might face surgeries, rehabilitation services, hospital stays, and specialized procedures. This is just considering medical costs.

Patients often require extensive care at multiple hospitals, and the severity of injuries can vary dramatically. If you have serious injuries and costly damages, including spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, or severe burns, you might need professional help getting back on your feet.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Car Accident in Bakersfield?

Recovering from an accident can be a long and expensive process involving extensive medical procedures and ongoing care. Your car accident attorney can help you seek compensation for past medical bills and future care needs, as well as vehicle and property damages.

The extent of recoverable damages depends on the severity of your injuries and their long-term impact on your life.

You may also be eligible for pain and suffering damages if your accident led to:

• Scarring and permanent disfigurement
• Loss of a limb or bodily function
• Loss of mobility and independence
• Depression and emotional trauma
• Sleep disorders and chronic pain
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Anxiety and psychological distress
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Spinal cord injuries requiring ongoing care
• Brain injuries affecting cognitive function
• Burns requiring extensive treatment

Pain and suffering damages go beyond physical accident 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. The goal is to provide comprehensive compensation that addresses all aspects of your suffering.

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 through a wrongful death claim.

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 and companionship.

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 or leave the workforce entirely. You could pursue the difference between the amount you used to earn and the amount you now earn, or your total loss of earning capacity.

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, but truck drivers operating commercial vehicles face additional regulations and responsibilities. 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 on highways or city streets, contributed to your crash, the city or state government could face liability for failing to maintain safe roadway properties.

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, especially on busy highways and city streets.

Car accident causes may include:

• Reckless driving and poor decisions behind the wheel
• Defective brakes and mechanical problems
• Excessive speeding beyond posted limits
• Driving drowsy or sleeping at the wheel
• Hand-held cell phone use (despite seatbelt and distraction laws)
• Faulty tires and vehicle maintenance issues
• Inadequate road maintenance and highway conditions
• Vehicle defects and manufacturing problems
• Intoxicated driving and impaired judgment
• Traffic law violations and failure to follow regulations
• Hit and run accidents involving fleeing drivers

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 highly qualified crash experts and reconstruction professionals, as necessary.

We can rely on expert analysis and accident reconstruction to identify the liable parties and prove your case, providing plaintiffs with the strongest possible representation.

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 and handle cases involving various types of accident injuries and circumstances.

We can help if you’ve been injured in any type of car accident, including:

• Rear-end collisions on highways and city streets
• T-bone accidents at intersections
• Head-on collisions with devastating consequences
• Speeding-related accidents and high-impact crashes
• Drunk driving crashes involving impaired drivers
• Rollover accidents with severe injuries
• Hit-and-run accidents with fleeing drivers
• Commercial truck accidents involving professional truck drivers and delivery drivers
• Motorcycle accidents with catastrophic injuries
• Bicycle or pedestrian accidents in urban areas
• Bus accidents involving public transportation
• Uber or Lyft accidents with rideshare companies

Don’t hesitate to contact us after you get injured in any kind of wreck in or around Bakersfield. We will dedicate individualized care to your case and tailor our legal services to your specific needs, ensuring you receive the professional guidance necessary for your situation.

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 crash, you or your attorney may need to prove negligence. This takes evidence of four main elements:

1. 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.
2. Breach of duty: the defendant committed an act or omission that did not meet the duty of care, such as careless or reckless driving.
3. Causation: the defendant’s negligence or breach of duty caused or greatly contributed to your automobile accident in Bakersfield.
4. 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 professionals to strengthen your claim, as needed.

Our team of legal professionals understands the complexities involved in proving negligence in various accident scenarios.

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. Making the wrong decisions at the scene can significantly impact your case outcome.

If you are allocated a percentage of fault, this will not automatically bar you from recovering financial compensation from the other party. However, it may affect the extent of your recovery under California’s comparative negligence laws.

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).

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 minimum limits 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. These companies often employ various strategies to reduce payments, regardless of the severity of injuries or the extent of property damage.

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, ensuring fair compensation for all patients affected by the accident.

Understanding California’s Seat Belt & Prop 213 Laws

In California, seatbelts are legally required for all drivers and vehicle passengers, including children who must be properly secured. If a passenger is a child, the child must be properly secured in the appropriate child safety seat or booster seat.

A seatbelt violation in California is punishable with fines of $162. Failing to properly restrain children under the age of 16 comes with fines of $490. Failing to wear a seatbelt during a car accident could negatively affect the claim, as it may be considered an indication of contributory negligence.

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 wrongful death 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 213. 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 through litigation strategies designed to maximize your recovery. Once you file your case, you can still settle at any time before going to trial.

Filing a lawsuit against the at-fault 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 complex legal procedures and ensure your case is presented effectively.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?

Any type of personal injury legal action in California comes with strict filing limits under a law called the statute of limitations. Understanding these time restrictions is crucial for protecting your legal rights.

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 limits. 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, regardless of the strength of your evidence or the severity of your injuries.

Acting quickly after an accident is crucial for protecting your legal rights. Preserve evidence like pictures, medical bills, receipts, and police reports to strengthen your claim.

Your lawyer can provide guidance in gathering these documents effectively. An attorney can take action before critical evidence is lost, destroyed or becomes unreliable, ensuring the best possible outcome for your case.

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 and making good decisions, you can build a strong foundation for an insurance claim or injury lawsuit. The path to recovery begins with proper documentation and professional guidance.

If safe and possible, follow these steps:

1. Seek Medical Care: Check for injuries and get immediate treatment at hospitals or medical facilities. Delaying care can harm your health and weaken your claim. Medical professionals can properly assess the severity of your condition.
2. Report to Police: Call 911 to report the accident. Avoid admitting fault or apologizing, and note the police report number for your records and receipts.
3. Exchange Information: Collect names, contact details, and insurance information from other drivers, plus contact info for witnesses and passengers. This includes truck drivers and any commercial vehicle operators.
4. Document the Scene: Take pictures of the crash site, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant highway or street signage. Look for nearby traffic or surveillance cameras that may have captured the incident.
5. Notify Your Insurer: Inform your insurance company about the crash with minimal details. Avoid giving a recorded statement without legal guidance.

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.

Our professional team will provide the answers and support you need during this challenging time. 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, insurance adjusters 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 these professionals is crucial to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

The experienced Bakersfield car accident lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers can provide guidance throughout this process and ensure you’re not taken advantage of by insurance companies.

Important Guidelines:

• Be Cautious: Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not you. Be polite but avoid sharing unnecessary details or making statements that could be used against you.
• Stick to Facts: Don’t admit fault or speculate about the accident. Provide only basic, factual information and avoid discussing the extent of your injuries without medical documentation.
• Avoid Recorded Statements: Politely decline to give a recorded statement, as it could be used against you in settlement negotiations or court proceedings.
• Don’t Rush Settlement Decisions: Initial offers are often low and don’t account for the full extent of your damages. Consult a lawyer before accepting any settlement offer.

Contact our Bakersfield office today for a free consultation to learn how we can negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

Our experienced team of partners and legal professionals will handle all communications and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

The Most Dangerous Intersections in Bakersfield 

Based on traffic statistics and accident data, automobile accidents are more likely to occur at certain intersections in Bakersfield.

These include busy and congested intersections, particularly those in downtown areas and along major highways where traffic volume and complexity increase accident risks.

The most dangerous intersections in Bakersfield based on annual collision statistics 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

Exercise extra caution when driving through these intersections in Bakersfield, especially during peak traffic hours. If you get hurt in an intersection accident at any of these locations, don’t hesitate to contact our professional legal team for help navigating the complexities of your case.

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 using our simple contact form or by calling our office directly.

If you choose our services, you pay us nothing upfront or out of pocket – we work on a contingency basis that removes financial burdens from your recovery process.

Don’t wait to get the professional help you need. Every day you delay could harm your case and limit your legal options. Our experienced attorneys and legal partners are ready to provide personalized support and fight for the compensation you deserve.

We understand the reality of your situation and will provide honest answers about your case prospects.We work on contingency, which means you owe us nothing if we do not win your case.

To learn more about our strategies and approach, call us today at (661) 402-8934. Our team of dedicated professionals is here to guide you through this difficult time and help you get the justice you deserve.

Our Bakersfield Office

Jacoby & Meyers Accident & Injury Lawyers – Bakersfield
2020 Eye St,
Bakersfield, CA 93301
24/7 Hotline: (661) 402-8934