Empowering Kern County Families: Attorney Juan Garza Answers Your Legal Questions on ‘Univision Contigo’

What should you do after an accident? When is it time to call a lawyer? These are some of the questions attorney Juan Garza of the Law Office of Chain | Cohn | Clark answered during his recent appearance on “Univision Contigo” Bakersfield.

Univision Contigo is a community platform by Univision 39 (station KABE-CD), focusing on sharing and publishing topics of interest that affect the daily lives of Hispanic families in Kern County. During his appearance, Garza discussed important legal topics that impact families across Kern County, from what to do after an auto accident, to understanding benefits available to injured workers, and how to make sure you and your family stay protected while on local roads.

As part of our firm’s mission to serve and protect the people of Kern County, Garza’s insights help demystify the legal process and provide valuable resources for those who may be facing challenging circumstances.

“At Chain | Cohn | Clark, we believe knowledge is power,” said Juan Garza, associate attorney at Chain | Cohn | Clark. “By partnering with platforms like Univision Contigo, we can ensure more members of our community have access to the information they need to make informed decisions for themselves and their loved ones.”

To watch all of the segments, visit the Chain | Cohn | Clark YouTube Page by clicking here.

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STEPS IN A CRASH

About 16 million crashes occur annually in the United States, with 1 in 10 Americans are involved in a reported crash each year, according to federal statistics. What are some steps we can take if we’re involved in a crash?

1. Obtain the name, address, insurance information, VIN and driver’s license numbers of all people involved, as well as the names, addresses, and phone numbers of witnesses.
2. Take photos if possible.
3. Make sure that a report is filed with the police, but do not talk to anyone else, especially insurance adjusters, about the accident or sign anything without first consulting an attorney.
4. Seek medical attention immediately and explain to your physician or surgeon all of the symptoms and complaints you have been feeling since the accident occurred.

Lastly, consult an attorney if there are significant injuries or legal complications to guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.

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HAVE A CASE

Here’s a scenario … I’m in an accident, and I think you need an attorney, but I’m not sure. What are some ways to determine if I have a case?

1. Is someone else at fault? If it’s a car accident, was there another driver at fault? We call this liability.
2. Were you hurt? This is called damages and includes medical expenses you’ve incurred, and are likely to incur in the future, as well as loss of earnings. What about pain and suffering? These are called non-economic damages.
3. Third, we look for causation. Was the accident the cause of your injuries?
4. Lastly, is collectability. This typically comes from insurance or a corporate entity. There are times when people see us following very bad accidents with unfortunate injuries, but because the person who caused their injuries has little or no insurance, that person is what we call insolvent, and they can’t pay a claim.

If you have additional questions as to whether you have a case, consult with an attorney. By the way, this consultation should always be free.

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RED FLAGS

There are countless accident and injury law firms out there, but not all of them are reputable. What are some red flag when choosing a lawyer to handle your case.

• You’re not meeting with a lawyer from the first meeting. If you’re not meeting with your attorney from day 1, the likelihood of you actually talking to your lawyer throughout your case is essentially zero.
• You only speak to the lawyer on the phone. Same as the first red flag: it’s not likely you’ll ever meet your lawyer in person, and it may be possible the attorney isn’t actually licensed.
• They’re an out-of-town law firm but advertise themselves to be local. Do you really want to start your relationship with your lawyer based on a misrepresentation or lie?
• They make you a promise that they cannot keep.  No lawyer can guarantee the outcome of the case and if a lawyer guarantees you a certain amount of money, do not trust them.
• They say they “do it all.” If you want a lawyer who is an expert in your type of case, you want an attorney who only handles your type of case (i.e. accident and injury cases, and not family law).

Accident and injury law is serious and complicated. If you’re local and you have been injured, hire a local injury law firm.

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SAFE DRIVING

Bakersfield is ranked the worst city to drive in based on the number of accidents, DUIs, and citations for things like speeding, running red lights, and distracted driving. In fact, Kern County has some of the nation’s highest rates of pedestrian, bicycle, and DUI crashes. What are some steps we can take to make sure we make it home safely?

1. Slow down: Speed limits are there for a reason.
2. Always drive sober. If plan to have drinks, consume drugs, or take prescription medications, get a ride from a friend or ride share service.
3. Focus: Keep your cell phone silent and put it in a place where you won’t be able to access it while driving. Keep your eyes on the road and scanning your surroundings.
4. Share the Road: Whether you’re driving a vehicle, on a bicycle, or walking – we all want to make it home safe. Be aware of your surroundings and what others around you are doing.
5. Don’t take risks: It’s better to stop at the yellow than run the red.

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AUTO INSURANCE

As a driver, you never know when an accident can happen, and it can be lifechanging. What are some ways to make sure you and your family stay protected while on local roads?

Here is one important way … make sure you have uninsured motorist coverage.

This coverage protects you and your family in case you get into an accident with a driver who either doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages. Did you know Kern County has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the California?  Our state’s minimum motorist coverage of $30,000, and too little coverage often leaves crash victims with costly medical bills and other expenses.

Never waive uninsured motorist coverage and instead carry limits of at least $100,000 per person to make certain that you and your family are protected.

Little known fact: This coverage also protects you or a family member if you are the victim of a hit-and-run crash or injured in a bike accident or pedestrian accident.

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WORKERS COMP BENEFITS

California’s workers’ compensation laws help protect workers if they become ill or injured on the job. But many people don’t realize the different benefits available to them. What are the benefits available to injured workers?

1. Temporary disability benefits are payments made to the injured worker if he or she is unable work during their recovery period.
2. Medical treatment to cure or relieve the effects of the injury. This could potentially be a lifetime benefit.
3. Disability payments may be paid on top of wages if the injury affects the worker permanently.
4. Supplemental job displacement vouchers can be used to pay for educational retraining at state-approved school if a person is unable to return to work.
5. Death benefits are payments to a spouse and dependents if an employee dies from a work-related injury or illness, including burial expenses.

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If you or someone you know is injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, or injured on the job no matter whose fault it is, contact the attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark by calling (661) 323-4000, or fill out a free consultation form, text, or chat with us at chainlaw.com.