Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyers

Practice Areas Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyers

A serious car accident can derail your life. Our team in Bakersfield knows how complicated things can become both mentally and physically after an auto accident. 

And we also know how insurance companies work. It is often the case that the at-fault driver’s insurance refuses to pay claims. Our Bakersfield attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark have the skillset and experience to help you seek full and fair compensation. 

Should I Contact a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

Catastrophic injuries from a car accident often result in large settlements. When both parties act in good faith, and in an honest manner, this type of result happens easily. But unfortunately, in most cases, the at-fault party’s insurance company does not serve the injured party in an appropriate manner. 

Our team knows how to represent all types of car accident cases in and around Bakersfield. Our years of experience with these kinds of cases put us far ahead of the curve when it comes to crash accidents. We can guide you through each step of the process to ensure a final settlement that best serves you and your loved ones.

What to Do After a Car Accident

Every decision you make after an accident in the state of California can make or break the course of your case. Unless your injuries prohibit it, call 911 immediately. 

Here are several other actions you should take directly after an accident, provided your injuries allow:

1. Call the police so there will be an official accident report on file. 
2. Gather evidence at the scene, including information from the other driver(s) as well as any potential witnesses to the accident. You may also want to document the scene with photos/video on your phone. 
3. You should report the accident to your insurance company, but do not admit to any fault. 
4. Remember that an insurance company is a profit-driven business.
5. See a doctor to have any possible injuries examined and to get a medical record on file.
6. Carefully examine the police report. 
7. Don’t take the first (lowball) settlement offered to you.
8. Don’t settle the case without the help of a lawyer. 

As soon as you contact us, our Bakersfield attorneys will be with you every step of the way.

Types of Car Accident Cases

Major types of car accidents include DUIs, reckless driving, and driving while tired. 

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

The statistics for drunk driving accidents in the United States are unsettling. Every day, almost 30 people die in alcohol-related crashes—or one person every 52 minutes. In 2019, almost a quarter of young drivers ages 15 to 20 who died in car crashes had a blood alcohol level of .01 g/dL or higher.

Despite the fact that drunk driving is known to be deadly, intoxicated drivers get behind the wheel every single day. California is an at-fault state, meaning you can pursue damages against a drunk driver to the fullest extent.

Distracted Driving

One of the top forms of distracted driving is texting or talking on a cellphone while operating a vehicle. In California, the use of cellphones behind the wheel is banned. Listed below are other forms of distracted driving:

• Texting
• Tuning the radio
• Adjusting a GPS
• Applying makeup
• Eating
• Drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Rubbernecking
• Reading billboards

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2018, over 2,800 people in the U.S. were killed and almost 400,000 people were injured in auto accidents involving a distracted driver.

Reckless Driving

Driving recklessly in California is deemed a misdemeanor. California state law defines reckless driving as when “a person who drives a vehicle upon a highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” 

You can receive up to 90 days in jail or a fine of up to $1,000 for reckless driving. Here are three main examples of reckless driving:

• Driving above the speed limit: Speeding increases the chances of an accident occurring. It also shortens a driver’s reaction time. 
• In 2019, almost 10,000 people died in speeding related accidents. 
• Weaving through lanes: If you don’t signal, it’s impossible for other drivers to tell where you’re headed. Always use your signal when changing lanes. 
• Tailgating: Impatient drivers may try to challenge the flow of traffic by riding up against the car in front of them. Always leave a proper distance between you and the car ahead of you.

Driving While Tired

Numbers from the NHTSA estimate that, in 2017, over 90,000 police-reported crashes involved a drowsy driver, leading to almost 50,000 injuries and 800 deaths. 

This kind of driving typically occurs during long road trips when people aren’t getting enough sleep. In Bakersfield, we can take charge of your case and uncover all of the necessary details to help you earn full and fair compensation. 

Types of Injuries From Car Accidents

Car accidents can cause both physical and psychological injuries, some of which don’t always appear immediately. After an accident, your adrenaline will be pumping and you may not realize something is wrong. Serious complications can take months to make their way into the forefront of your life, which is why we recommend you always have a full medical exam after any serious car accident. 

Physical Injuries

Car accidents exert great force upon the human body. Here are some of the ways a person can be physically injured following an auto accident:

• Whiplash: This happens when the neck is thrown forward violently as a result of a sudden impact. This can occur in both rear end and T-bone collisions. Pain could remain throughout your body for years to come.
• Broken bones: Our musculoskeletal structure isn’t always strong enough to hold up against the force of a big impact like a car accident. 
• Cuts/abrasions/gashes: Metal and glass have the potential to disperse throughout the car in infinite directions during a collision and they can easily penetrate human skin. 
• Severe bruises: A blunt force can throw occupants around the vehicle, hitting soft tissue and bones and leaving behind severe bruising. 
• Burns: Burns can be the result of heat, fire, or even friction from seatbelts. Scars and blisters can remain for a long time. 
• Organ damage/internal bleeding: Internal organs can be punctured or even erupt as the result of an accident. Broken bones, such as the ribs, can cause internal bleeding when they make contact with the lungs. Go to the hospital to get examined properly. 
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): During a car accident, it is common for the car’s occupants to hit their heads against windows, seats, steering wheels, and dashboards. A TBI can be temporary or longstanding and may include concussions. Some consequences include memory loss, blackouts, and severe headaches. 
• Spinal cord injuries: These kinds of injuries depend upon the severity of the crash. Vertebra can be crushed, discs can be ruptured, and sometimes people can end up paralyzed. Oftentimes, pain management and physical therapy can last for months, years, or even for a lifetime. 

Psychological/Mental Injuries

We have seen our clients’ mental and emotional health deteriorate in various ways following a Bakersfield car accident. If properly evaluated by a medical professional, you could be eligible for financial compensation for the following reasons:

• Depression
• Insomnia
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Fear of driving
• Loss of sexual intimacy
• Loss of enjoyment of life 

It can be difficult to talk about emotional problems, but you shouldn’t be embarrassed about talking to a mental health professional. Especially as it may help you secure compensation that can cover your medical bills.

Let Us Help You With Your Car Accident Settlement

Car accidents can have a huge impact on your life. That’s why you need a personal injury lawyer that will have your back and work on your behalf throughout the entire process. 

Insurance companies will work hard to give you the lowest possible settlement, but we know how to fight for the justice you deserve. We know all about insurance companies’ faulty, aggressive tactics. And, even better, we know how to counter them. 

Chain | Cohn | Clark is the top Bakersfield car accident law firm. It is our mission to serve our clients, and to help them win their cases.

We’re the Bakersfield Car Accident Law Firm for You

You or a loved one may have been paralyzed from a car accident. Or maybe the insurance company is taking forever to resolve your case. Whatever the scenario may be, our Bakersfield team are experts in the field and will help you successfully navigate the process—even if that means taking your case all the way to court.

We Can Help You File Your Car Accident Lawsuit in Bakersfield

As car accident lawyers, we look out for our clients’ best interests. Far too often, people place their trust in the insurance companies. It’s our job to stand up against them and level the playing field. In Bakersfield, we handle every single aspect of your claim, even if that means going to trial. 

Our Results

Reach Out to a Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer at Chain | Cohn | Clark for a Case Consultation Today

Being injured in an accident can leave you feeling powerless and unsure of how to move on with your life. Having a thorough grasp of your legal options can help ease this burden. 

So if you were recently injured in an accident that was not your fault, look no further than Chain | Cohn | Clark for an experienced and knowledgeable Kern County injury lawyer who can assist you. 

Call us today at 661.323.4000 to request a free consultation. Our legal team is here and ready to help.