A hit-and-run automobile accident in Bakersfield can leave you with many questions about your rights and legal options as an injured victim. Without the at-fault driver to hold responsible, you may not know where to turn for the financial compensation or justice that you deserve. With help from a Bakersfield car accident lawyer at Jacoby & Meyers, you can explore all of your options and make informed decisions about the future of your claim.
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Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents in Bakersfield
Under California law (Vehicle Code § 20002), a hit-and-run is a type of crime where a party directly involved in a motor vehicle accident does not stop at the scene of the collision to fulfill his or her legal responsibilities. If convicted of this crime, an individual may be guilty of a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the extent of the damage and injuries caused.
A Driver’s Legal Obligations in California
All motor vehicle drivers in California have a legal responsibility to stop at the scene of car accidents and fulfill certain obligations before they leave. These include:
- Immediately stopping the vehicle at the nearest location that does not impede traffic or constitute a hazard.
- Exchanging names, addresses and vehicle registration numbers with the other driver and any vehicle passengers.
- Providing identification information to any traffic or police officer at the scene of the accident. This includes a driver’s license, upon request.
- Rendering reasonable aid to any person injured in the accident, such as making arrangements for medical treatment.
If a car crash in Bakersfield appears to have caused injuries, deaths or at least $1,000 in property damage, notifying law enforcement or reporting the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles is a legal requirement.
Common Causes of Hit-and-Run Incidents
Hit-and-run car accidents often involve other reckless or illegal acts by the fleeing driver. Common examples include driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, driving while distracted, texting and driving, and driving without insurance or a valid driver’s license.
In these cases, the driver flees the scene to avoid facing legal consequences not only for causing the accident but for the secondary offense, as well. Nighttime conditions and inadequate lighting in Bakersfield also contribute to hit-and-runs, as drivers cannot see what they have hit until it’s too late. It is not only cars that get hit, sometimes it is unfortunately a cyclist or a pedestrian.
Statistics on Hit-and-Run Accidents in Bakersfield
Hit-and-runs are a significant problem on the streets of Bakersfield. A national study in 2025 found that Kern County, California ranked 14th in the country for the number of deadly hit-and-run crashes. Two other Central Valley counties ranked 15th and 16th: Fresno County and Merced County, respectively.
In 2022 (the most recent year data is available), the City of Bakersfield had 226 hit-and-run accidents that resulted in injuries or deaths. Kern County as a whole had 495 reported hit-and-runs in 2022. There were also 2,837 DUI arrests and 788 alcohol-involved serious accidents in Kern County.
How a Bakersfield Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney Can Help
Drivers who hit-and-run in Bakersfield disrupt California’s fault-based insurance system. Under this rule, the person or party who causes an automobile accident is generally held liable for the damages, meaning financially responsible for a victim’s bills and losses.
When this driver is not available to be held accountable, injured victims may be limited in their options for making a financial recovery. In this delicate situation, a car accident attorney can provide invaluable advice and guidance.
Investigating the Accident
A car accident attorney in Bakersfield will have state-of-the-art legal resources to utilize during accident investigation, such as connections to crash experts and law enforcement officials. This may lead to identifying the fleeing driver.
Navigating Insurance Claims
Whether you have the ability to file a claim against the at-fault driver or have to turn to your own car insurance company, an attorney with experience can help you file your claim, provide supporting evidence, and negotiate with the claims adjuster for a fair and full settlement value.
Pursuing Legal Action for Compensation
If your hit-and-run accident case in Bakersfield has to go to trial for a fair resolution, an attorney can represent you through each phase of the legal process to fight for a positive outcome. Your lawyer can help you file a lawsuit to recover financial damages and advocate on your behalf during legal proceedings.
Legal Challenges in Hit-and-Run Cases
The most obvious challenge presented by a hit-and-run accident case in Bakersfield is difficulty identifying the at-fault driver. Traditionally, this driver is the party made to pay the victim financial compensation for causing the crash. If the identity of this driver remains unknown, the victim’s recovery options become limited.
Dealing With Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage
An opportunity for financial recovery may exist within the victim’s own car insurance provider. In California, uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance are two types of optional coverage. If you opted into this coverage, it can pay for some of your losses after a hit-and-run accident where the other driver remains unidentified.
Potential Criminal Charges Against the Offender
Your hit-and-run car accident case may also involve criminal charges being brought against the at-fault driver if he or she is identified. You can choose to cooperate with law enforcement in a case against the hit-and-run driver, if desired. A conviction could result in penalties such as fines, driver’s license suspension and jail time. The perpetrator may also be ordered to pay the victim restitution.
Types of Compensation Available
A successful insurance claim or lawsuit following a hit-and-run accident in Bakersfield could lead to the financial compensation that you and your family need to move forward. You may qualify for the following types, depending on the case and coverage available:
- Medical expenses: coverage for current and future medical treatments
- Lost wages and earning capacity: compensation for time off work and diminished earning potential
- Pain and suffering: damages for physical pain and emotional distress
- Property damage: costs to repair or replace your vehicle and other property
Work with a hit-and-run accident attorney to maximize your financial payout using proven legal strategies. Whether or not the at-fault driver has been identified, an attorney can search for any available recovery opportunities on your behalf.
Taking the Next Steps Toward Recovery: Contact Jacoby & Meyers for a Free Hit-and-Run Case Review in Bakersfield
If you have recently been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Bakersfield or the surrounding area, seek legal assistance promptly by contacting Jacoby & Meyers. During your free consultation, we will listen to your crash story and give you tailored legal advice for how to move forward.
Call our local Bakersfield law office today at (661) 402-8934 to arrange your free case evaluation.
2020 Eye St
Bakersfield, CA 93301