In 2021, nearly 1,400 car accidents resulted in car driver or passenger injuries on Bakersfield roads. Car accidents are common types of accidents. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of unintentional injury deaths in America.
If you have fallen victim to a car accident in Kern County, it is crucial that you first understand the important details of your accident, such as the most common types of car accidents and the most common causes.
Understanding the how’s and why’s of your accident is the first step toward recovery and a successful accident claim.
Type of Car Accident in Bakersfield
The National Security Council (NSC) predicts over 25,000 motor vehicle-related fatalities by the end of 2022. The NSC also reports that in 2020, 45.7% of car accident fatalities were caused by angle collisions.
Some of the most common types of car accidents are the following:
T-Bone Collisions
A T-bone collision is a type of car accident that occurs when a moving car collides with the side of another vehicle. These are especially dangerous to passengers seated where the car was struck. As previously mentioned, this type of accident was the leading cause of motor vehicle accident death in 2020.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end car accidents are often caused by tailgating or the lack of space between the front and the rear of two vehicles. A lack of ample space may reduce the amount of reaction time one has to avoid an accident.
Chain Reaction Accidents
This type of accident is usually the result of rear-end collisions. Most often more complicated than other car accidents due to the involvement of more than one injured party. These types of cases may often be quite complicated in nature.
Do not hesitate to contact Ayuda California if you are the victim of a chain reaction accident. Our auto accident attorneys in Kern County are ready to represent you and recover the maximum financial compensation possible for your injuries and damages.
Head-On Collisions
A head-on collision may be one of the most dangerous types of car accidents due to the injuries accident victims may sustain. Facial injuries, burns from airbag deployment, and traumatic brain injuries are some of the most common types of injuries one may sustain in this type of accident.
Sideswipes
Sideswipes happen when two cars traveling side by side collide with one another. This is a common occurrence when one driver tries to overtake the other but fails to properly merge within the lane.
Low-Speed Accidents
In low-speed car accidents, drivers may often only sustain minor injuries or property damage. These usually occur when a driver is trying to navigate through a small space. Accidents of this nature typically take place at speeds of 10 miles per hour or less.
Rollover Accidents
Many different factors result in rollover accidents. This type of accident may be dangerous as it could cause fires due to spilled fuel.
It is common for most accident victims to seek property repair options after an accident. The type of property damage repair and extent of expenses required for the vehicle will be dependent on the type of accident that occurred. Some accidents may only result in minimal property damage, such as low-speed accidents. Other accidents, such as head-on collisions or rollover accidents, will most likely result in a total loss.
In such cases, it is always ideal to file a car accident claim to recover compensation for your damages. It is also in your best interest to hire a personal injury lawyer to help guide you through the claims process.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Bakersfield
There are many factors that could lead to a car accident in Bakersfield. These factors may range anywhere from reckless drivers to unforeseen hazards. Some of the most common reasons for car accidents may include:
- Speeding – Going over the speed limit was a significant factor in all traffic collisions in 2020, killing about 30 people every day. Over 10,000 fatal car accidents were caused by speeding.
- Drunk Driving – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 11,654 people died from alcohol-involved traffic accidents. The National Security Council (NSC) shares that 26% of drivers from the age of 25 to 34 that were involved in fatal crashes were intoxicated drivers. Drunk drivers may have a harder time reacting quickly or seeing clearly, leading to traffic accidents.
- Fatigue – A driver that is tired may not see or be able to react to things on the road as well, which can lead to accidents. It can be more difficult to focus when you are exhausted, so it is important to take breaks and get rest if you are feeling fatigued while driving.
- Distracted driving – Distracted driving is a dangerous behavior that can lead to car accidents. Dangerous driver distractions may include texting, eating, or talking on the cell phone while behind the wheel. Although it may seem like we can handle doing multiple things at once, it’s not worth the risk when driving.
- Bad weather – The Federal Highway Administration shares that approximately 21% of all motor vehicle accidents that happen yearly are weather-related. The weather can have a consequential effect on traction, which can cause cars to slide on the road, hitting other objects. Rain may also affect visibility and make traveling on the road hazardous.
- Manufacturing defects – Car accidents may also be caused by manufacturing defects, such as faulty brakes or steering. If your car accident was caused by a faulty car part, you may have a claim against the manufacturer of that part.
- Poor road conditions – Another common cause of road accidents is poorly maintained roads. These dangerous road conditions may include potholes, uneven road surfaces, sinkholes, and cracks on the road that are hazardous to drivers.
- Running a red light or stop sign – Running a red light or a stop sign is in some way related to speeding, doing so can cause catastrophic car accidents. All motorists have a duty of care to ensure they follow the rules of the road to safeguard everyone’s safety.
What Should You Do If You Are the Victim of a Car Accident in Bakersfield?
With all of this in mind, now it is important to be aware of the important steps one must take after a car accident. To preserve both the integrity of your case and your rights, here are some things you can do:
- Move to safety – If it is safe to do so, move to a safer location and call the appropriate authorities.
- Call the police – You must contact the police immediately after an accident and ensure that the attending police officer files a police report on the accident. Remember to procure the number of the official accident report.
- Obtain necessary information – Collect information such as name, address, contact number, driver’s license number, license plate number, and vehicle identification numbers from the at-fault driver. Collect information on any other passengers or witnesses as well.
- Document the accident scene – Remember to take pictures of the scene or any property damage that may have occurred. It is also crucial to photograph any other details that may be relevant to the accident such as road signs, traffic lights, road conditions, and more.
- Contact a Bakersfield car accident lawyer – To ensure your rights are not being exploited, you must have an experienced attorney by your side to help you through the legal process on the way to healing and financial recovery.
How to Ensure the Best Outcome For Your Personal Injury Claim
An important thing you must not miss out on following a vehicle collision is ensuring you receive the right medical treatment. Depending on the injuries you sustain, you may be advised by your healthcare professional to undergo physical therapy as part of your treatment plan.
In some cases, injuries may only manifest a few days after a car accident. Therefore, victims must still be vigilant and observant of the symptoms they may be feeling days after. Broken bones, spinal cord injuries, whiplash, head injuries, and internal bleeding are some common car accident injuries.
Another thing to keep in mind following a car accident is to be cautious of insurance companies. They may be working against your favor. There are cases wherein an insurance provider may trick you into lowering the value of your claim to avoid offering a fair settlement.
Remember that as the accident victim, you may be eligible for compensatory damages such as:
- Medical bills
- Property damage repair
- Loss of enjoyment
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death
- Other damages and expenses incurred from the accident
Injured in a Car Accident in Bakersfield? Ayuda California Is Here For You
If you or a loved one have sustained an injury in a car accident due to the reckless actions of a negligent driver, you may be eligible to file an accident injury claim.
At Ayuda California, our car accident lawyers are well-versed in cases and claims such as these. Our law firm will fight to ensure that your rights are preserved and that you recover the fair compensation you deserve. We will also ensure that we have filed your claim before the time expires. Contact us at (844) 865-0721 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
