Auto accidents can have serious consequences for those involved. Aside from physical injuries, victims may also suffer from emotional trauma and economic losses. If you have been in vehicular accidents in Bakersfield, California, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the damages incurred. However, the process of filing a car accident injury claim can be complex and confusing.
This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to file a car accident lawsuit in Bakersfield. We will explain the documentation you need and what to expect during the lawsuit. We hope this guide will help you navigate the process and recover the financial damages you are entitled to.
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What to Do After a Car Accident in Bakersfield
Car accidents can cause catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain damage, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, neck injuries, and even wrongful death. It can also cause non-economic damages like psychological injuries and emotional distress from a variety of factors including financial burden, loss of work, and more.
For all these reasons, you must take action right away after an accident. Here are some things you should do before filing a car accident lawsuit in Bakersfield:
Call The Police
If you have been in a car accident, the first thing you should do is call the police. The police will investigate the accident and create a report that you will need later when you file your lawsuit.
Seek Medical Care
Even if you feel fine after the accident, it is important to get checked out by a doctor. Some severe injuries and life-changing injuries may not be immediately apparent, and delayed treatment can make them worse.
Gather Evidence
Take pictures of the accident scene, including the damage to the vehicles and any injuries. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
Contact A Personal Injury Attorney
An experienced accident attorney can help you take legal action and navigate the entire process. They will help you file a claim and may be able to demand a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Bakersfield
Once you have chosen a lawyer that knows Bakersfield personal injury law and can provide the best legal counsel, the next step is to file a lawsuit in Bakersfield.
Complaint
Your lawyer will draft a complaint that outlines the details of the accident and the damages you are claiming. This document will be filed with the court and served on the other parties involved in the accident.
Answer
The other parties will have a chance to respond to your complaint by filing an answer. They may deny the allegations or raise affirmative defenses.
Discovery
Both sides will have the opportunity to gather evidence through the process of discovery. This may involve written questions, depositions, and requests for documents.
Settlement negotiations
Before the case goes to trial, there may be opportunities for settlement negotiations. Your lawyer will work to negotiate the maximum settlement on your behalf and ensure the highest compensation.
Trial
If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will go to trial. Your lawyer will present your case to a judge or jury, and the other parties will have a chance to do the same.
Judgment
If you win your case, the court will enter a judgment in your favor. The other parties will be required to pay the damages awarded by the court.
Filing a car accident lawsuit in Bakersfield can be a complex process, but with the help of an experienced lawyer, you can recover the damages you are entitled to. If you have been in a car accident in Bakersfield, do not hesitate to seek legal advice and protect your rights.
Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer in Bakersfield
Here are some things to look for when choosing a car accident lawyer in Bakersfield:
Experience
Look for a personal injury lawyer who has experience handling car accident cases in Bakersfield. They will be familiar with the local laws and procedures and can give you the best chance of success.
Reputation
Choose an award-winning lawyer with a good reputation in the community. Read reviews and testimonials from past clients to get an idea of their track record.
Communication
Make sure the car accident lawyer you choose is responsive and communicates well. You want someone who will keep you informed throughout the process and answer your questions. A multilingual lawyer can be a plus if English is not your first language. A multilingual attorney can represent your needs, ensure your rights are respected, and explain every part of the process in a manner that you understand.
Fees
Find a lawyer who understands your situation. An attorney who works on a contingency fee basis can be the best option. This means they only get paid if they win your case. Make sure you understand their fee structure before you hire them.
When choosing a car accident lawyer in Bakersfield, it’s important to look for someone who has experience in handling cases similar to yours. They should also have a deep understanding of California’s personal injury laws, as well as the local court system.
You’ll also want to look for a lawyer who has a reputation for being aggressive in pursuing their clients’ interests, yet also compassionate and understanding towards the clients themselves. Communication is key, so find a lawyer who is responsive and communicative, keeping you informed throughout the entire process.
Where Do Car Accidents Occurs in Bakersfield?
Car accidents in Bakersfield can occur in various locations throughout the city, and they can be caused by a multitude of factors, such as distracted driving, drunk and negligent driving, and adverse weather conditions.
Because some locations are more prone to accidents than others, it’s essential to be aware of these areas to minimize your risk of being involved in an accident. Some common areas for accidents include:
Intersections: This is where two or more roads meet, and it’s where many car accidents occur. Drivers may fail to stop at a red light or stop sign, make an illegal turn, or misjudge the speed or distance of other vehicles.
Highways and Freeways: High-speed collisions are more likely to occur on highways and freeways due to the high volume of traffic and higher speeds. In addition, merging and changing lanes can be risky if not done carefully.
Rural Areas: Rural areas can be dangerous due to narrow roads, sharp turns, and limited visibility. Drivers may also encounter wildlife or livestock crossing the road.
Parking Lots: Many fender-benders occur in parking lots due to limited visibility, congested traffic, and distracted drivers.
Residential Areas: Accidents can happen in residential areas due to the presence of children playing, parked vehicles obstructing visibility, and drivers failing to observe speed limits.
Based on data from the Bakersfield Police Department, some of the most common locations for car accidents include intersections such as:
- Ming Avenue and Wible Road
- Ming Avenue and Ashe Road
- Ming Avenue and Real Road
- Coffee Road and Stockdale Highway
- Stockdale Highway and California Avenue
- Panama Lane and Stine Road
- White Lane and Gosford Road
- Rosedale Highway and Calloway Drive
- Olive Drive and Jewetta Avenue
- Ming Avenue and H Street.
It’s important to keep in mind that car accidents can happen anywhere at any time, so it’s crucial to always drive safely and remain vigilant while on the road.
Involved in a car accident in Bakersfield?
We Are Here To Support You and Protect Your Rights
As an award-winning law firm dedicated to protecting our client’s best interests and legal rights, we are committed to taking care of our clients, providing the best medical treatment they need and the money they deserve.
At Ayuda California, we negotiate our client’s hospital and recovery expenses, we work with real people who will do everything to help you win, and we have a wide range of success. We have recovered MILLIONS OF DOLLARS for hundreds of accident victims.
We are a powerhouse team of lawyers, doctors, and specialists to take care of you. Available 24/7. We speak English, Spanish, and Filipino. Call us now to get a free, no-obligation case consultation.
