Every year, thousands of car accidents take place in California. As a driver, bicyclist or pedestrian in Bakersfield, it’s important to know what to do in the event of a car accident so that you can adequately protect your physical health and legal rights. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact the Bakersfield car accident lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers for assistance.
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Injured in a Bakersfield Car Accident?
Ensure Safety First at the Scene
Always put your safety first in the aftermath of a car accident. Move to a safe location out of oncoming traffic, if possible. Check yourself and others in your car for injuries. Call 911 immediately if someone is in need of paramedic assistance.
Notify Local Authorities and File a Police Report
Use your cell phone to notify local Bakersfield law enforcement of the car accident right away. In California, the law requires you to report a car accident that results in injuries, deaths or more than $1,000 in property damage. Reporting even a minor accident, however, could help your claim.
Why a Police Report Matters in Bakersfield Claims
Getting a police report can strengthen your car insurance claim, as it provides clear and unbiased information about the crash for the insurance company’s investigation. It could have information that proves that the other driver is at fault, such as a citation for a violated traffic law.
Gather Crucial Information and Evidence
If you are able, do your best to collect evidence while you are still at the scene of the car accident. This includes:
- Photos and video footage of the scene
- Copies of traffic or surveillance tapes
- The other driver’s contact information and insurance details
- Eyewitness information
- Your police report number
Remember not to admit fault while you are speaking to the other driver or the police after the car crash.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
It is crucial to always get medical attention after being involved in a car accident. This will ensure that any injuries are diagnosed and treated in a prompt manner. It also shows a car insurance company that you did what you could to mitigate your damages and that your injuries are connected to the crash.
Don’t Delay – Even for Minor Symptoms
Minor symptoms after a car crash often lead to a more severe injury, especially since your adrenaline can mask pain in the first few hours after the accident. Get prompt medical care even if you initially feel fine.
Local Bakersfield Clinics and Hospitals
- Adventist Health Bakersfield: 2615 Chester Ave.
- Dignity Health – Memorial Hospital: 420 34th St.
- Bakersfield Family Medical Center: 4580 California Ave.
- Kern Medical Hospital: 1700 Mount Vernon Ave.
- Good Samaritan Hospital: 901 Olive Dr.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Call your own car insurance company to report the car accident. Do not admit fault or give them a recorded statement about the crash or your injuries. Let them know that you are still gathering information and that you will be speaking to an attorney before giving any official statements.
Contact a Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer
Before continuing with the insurance claims process, contact our Bakersfield lawyers for a free consultation about your case. An insurance company may not be treating you fairly or correctly evaluating your losses.
How an Attorney Can Protect Your Rights
An attorney is someone you can trust, as they will work for you and no one else. Your lawyer can investigate the crash, determine fault, collect evidence and take over communications with an insurance claims adjuster to prevent them from taking advantage of you. You can rely on your attorney to negotiate for maximum compensation, even if this means going to trial.
Free Consultations and No Upfront Fees
Jacoby & Meyers of Bakersfield, California offer free car accident case reviews at our local law office: 2020 Eye St., Bakersfield, CA 93301. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay us anything to take your case unless we win. Call our 24/7 hotline at (661) 402-8934 today to schedule your free consultation.