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Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyers
You’ve just been in a car crash in Bakersfield and you’re unsure where to turn. You’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, angry, or frustrated by what happened. Even if it’s just a fender bender, it’s enough to ruin your week.
From vehicle repair bills to medical expenses, you now have various legal issues to deal with. But you don’t need to handle them alone. If you’re injured or suffer losses after a car crash, the May Firm can help. And assisting auto crash victims is something we excel at.
If you need a car accident attorney in Bakersfield, CA, contact the May Firm. Our experienced attorneys know what it takes to manage the claims process. We can seek a fair amount of compensation for victims. Call now to discuss if you have a car accident claim and what legal rights you may have.
The May Firm Fights for —Car Accident Victims
The compassionate legal team at The May Firm has done settlements, negotiations, and litigation of personal injury claims, including those involving car accident injuries. The firm’s commitment to client service and advocacy has led to millions of dollars in settlements and court-awarded damages for clients.
Examples of recent case results in car accident injury cases include:
- $2.3 million recovery for clients who suffered injuries after a rear-end collision involving a utility vehicle.
- $1.5 million settlement for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident.
- $1.475 million recovery for a client who suffered a lower back injury during a rear-end collision.
- $1 million recovery for a client who suffered neck and lower back injuries in a car accident.
- $950,000 recovery for a client who suffered injuries when a speeder crashed into their parked vehicle.
These are examples of potential financial outcomes for Bakersfield car accident claims, but they do not guarantee results for your case. Each car accident has underlying facts and circ*mstances that impact the value of a claim. However, the Bakersfield car accident lawyers at The May Firm have the knowledge, resources, and dedication to diligently pursue the best outcome possible for you.
Negligent Drivers Cause Most Car Accidents
According to California’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), close to 1,000 traffic accidents occur in Bakersfield each year, resulting in close to 2,000 injuries and fatalities. Weather, traffic conditions, and mechanical problems often contribute to the occurrence of car accidents. However, drivers are ultimately responsible for how they drive in certain conditions and maintain their vehicles.
Our auto accident attorneys in Bakersfield know that most car accidents are avoidable. They’re usually caused by a careless or negligent driver. Here are some common driving behaviors which the law considers negligent.
Drunk Driving
The dangers of drinking and driving are well-known. Alcohol makes it difficult for drivers to judge time and distance, significantly increasing the likelihood of losing control of their vehicle and causing a dangerous car accident. Yet, some drivers still choose to make the tragic choice to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. The OTC estimates more than 10 percent of injuries and fatalities occur in alcohol-related Bakersfield car accidents.
Distracted Driving
In a survey conducted by the OTC, more than 70 percent of respondents indicated that distracted driving is the number one problem on California’s roads and highways. Cell phones play a large part in distracted driving.
Drivers take calls, text, and use apps while driving. Regardless of the exact activity, using a cell phone takes a person’s eyes away from the road, mind away from driving, and/or hands off the wheel. California prohibits all drivers from using cell phones while driving unless they use hands-free technology, such as voice dialing, to make calls.
Cell phones have brought the issue of distracted driving to the forefront of public consciousness. However, drivers face several other distractions that can lead to dangerous car accidents in Bakersfield and throughout the state.
Some examples include:
- Eating snacks and drinking
- Combing hair, applying makeup, and other personal grooming habits
- Reaching for a dropped item on the floor or in the backseat
- Tending to backseat occupants, especially young children
- Heavy discussions or arguments with occupants
- Daydreaming
- Watching an event outside the car
- Adjusting the radio or entering information in a GPS
- Adjusting the A/C, heat, mirror, seats, or another feature
Don’t let negligent drivers away with hurting you. If you’re hurt by a careless driver, call the Bakersfield car accident attorneys at the May Firm for help.
Speeding
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that speeding plays into more than 25 percent of traffic accidents. Most think of speeding as traveling over the posted speed limit, but it also refers to traveling too fast for weather, road, or traffic conditions. Bakersfield drivers who are rushed because they are running behind schedule or do not have patience behind the wheel often choose to speed, putting others at risk for accidents and injuries.
Speeding directly causes car crashes because it makes it more difficult for drivers to control their vehicles. Additionally, it is more challenging to take swift action to avoid road hazards and other dangerous situations.
However, even when speeding is not the direct cause of an accident, car crashes are more dangerous. Excessive speed increases the force of a car accident, leading to greater property damage, more severe injuries, and a higher chance of fatalities when a car accident occurs.
Drowsy Driving
Many people have demanding schedules that keep them going all day long. Whether working long days, driving many hours, or simply dealing with the stresses of everyday life, not getting adequate rest and getting behind the wheel puts others who share the road at risk for a car accident and injuries. Truck drivers, shift workers, rideshare drivers, and those who regularly work two jobs are vulnerable to drowsy driving.
However, sleep disorders, poor physical health, and some medicines can also cause drowsiness. Fatigued drivers suffer from impairment the same way that a drunk or drugged driver suffers impairment. In fact, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) warns that drivers who go without sleep for 18 hours suffer the same impairment as drivers who are legally intoxicated with a 0.08 breath or blood alcohol level.
Have you been injured by a drowsy or fatigued driver? Call our Bakersfield car accident lawyers to discuss how we can help.
California Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
You only have a limited amount of time to seek compensation for a car accident injury. This time limit is known as the “statute of limitations”.
In CA, you typically have two years from the accident date to seek compensation. After this point, your claim may be deemed “time-barred”. You’ll lose the right to claim damages. We don’t want this to happen!
Call the May Firm sooner rather than later for advice.
You don’t need a complete diagnosis to start your claim. Even if your injuries are very complex, we can start your case and reassess its value once we have a full diagnosis.
Here is an overview of the most common car accident liability claims that victims file to recover damages.
- Claims Against Another Driver. This is the most common type of lawsuit after a car accident. Victims seek damages from another driver who struck their vehicle or caused an accident in another way because of negligent driving.
- Third-Party Liability Claims. Sometimes additional parties share liability after a car accident. Third-party liability claims are not as frequent as other claims, but some situations warrant action against other parties. For example, suppose a drunk driver hit your vehicle, or a driver in a company car hit your vehicle and caused an accident. In that case, your lawyer might advise you to sue a bar or restaurant that served the driver alcohol, or the driver’s employer, to recover damages.
- Product Liability Claims. Auto and auto part manufacturers have a legal duty to bring safe products to the market. If you suffered accident injuries because of a defective car or car parts, such as tires or brakes, you could have grounds for a product liability lawsuit against the applicable company.
- Claims Against a Government Entity. Although it is rare, you might have a claim against the City of Bakersfield or the State of California if their failure to maintain roads caused your car accident. Unrepaired potholes, sinkholes, and other road issues can cause dangerous car accidents. The same is true when signs are removed or stop lights malfunction.
- Wrongful Death Claims. If you have lost a loved one in a Bakersfield car accident, you could be eligible to file a lawsuit within the two-year statute of limitations period to recover damages related to the accident and your losses. Your lawyer can advise you on the best path for you and your family during this difficult time.
“My number one goal is to help others. When you step foot into our firm, you’ll be treated like family, period.”
Robert May, Attorney | Founder
Severe Car Accident Injuries Lead to Personal Injury Claims
Minor car accident injuries typically do not lead to personal injury lawsuits, and in some cases, you might not even file an insurance claim. However, once injuries cause major physical harm and lead to financial loss, making a claim is the only way to recover some or all damages related to the accident. Severe car accident injuries can cause permanent damage, permanent functional loss, and leave emotional and physical scars.
It is easy to know the proper steps to take when you have minor or major injuries, but those that fall in between might leave you wondering whether you should contact a lawyer. It is always best to consult with an attorney to let them evaluate the viability of your claim during a free consultation. However, here are some examples of car accident injuries that typically lead to personal injury claims:
- Head injuries, skull fractures, and brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones, especially those that require surgery
- Internal organ injuries
- Dislocations
- Crushed limbs/amputations
- Severe burns
Severe injuries have challenging and unpredictable outcomes. They are often life changing. This means that no amount of money can make up for what lies ahead. But nevertheless, the law allows you to pursue damages that go some way to supporting you now and in the future.
Given how complex severe injuries can be, don’t attempt to handle the matter alone. Ensure you pursue the maximum compensation by hiring our Bakersfield car accident lawyers.
Seeking Compensation After a Bakersfield Car Accident
The goal behind a civil lawsuit is to get compensation for your financial and non-financial losses. Financial losses include medical bills and lost income. Non-financial losses include ongoing mental anguish, suffering, and psychological issues.
The damages you can claim depend on what happened. You must be able to prove that the losses you have are a direct result of the accident. This usually involves providing evidence such as medical records, proof of lost earnings, and vehicle repair costs.
Our auto accident attorneys in Bakersfield will ensure we sue for every possible loss you may have. Specifically, the type of compensation we can seek includes:
- Medical expenses, including ambulance and emergency room services, surgery, hospitalization, diagnostic imaging, lab tests, follow-up doctor visits, medication, and transportation costs to and from the doctor/hospital.
- Estimated future medical treatment costs when car accident injuries cause permanent damage that requires ongoing treatment, additional surgeries, or around-the-clock care in a long-term nursing care facility.
- Costs for rehabilitation with various specialists that help car accident victims face the physical and emotional aftermath of their injuries, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and mental health professionals.
- Costs for assistive devices, such as crutches, wheelchairs, artificial limbs, and canes.
- Lost wages due to missing work from the treatment and recovery from injuries.
- Estimated future lost wages when a car accident causes injuries that make it impossible to return to work.
- Physical pain and suffering.
- Mental anguish.
- Loss of consortium.
- Reduced quality of life.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
Car Accident Fatalities: The Legal Rights of Those Left Behind
Have you lost a loved one in a Bakersfield car accident? Our lawyers want to know about it.
It may be possible to file a lawsuit on your loved one’s behalf. This is known as a “wrongful death” lawsuit. California law allows eligible survivors – such as spouses – to claim certain damages to recompense them for the tragedy. Eligible survivors can claim losses including:
- Loss of consortium
- Burial and funeral expenses
- Medical expenses
- Lost earnings
- Loss of guidance and support
If you contact our car accident lawyers in Bakersfield, we’ll treat you with the compassion you deserve. We know how much your loved ones mean to you. And we’ll fight to get justice for what happened.
Auto Accident Attorneys in Bakersfield Who Care About Your Future
Remember, to our attorneys, you are more than just a personal injury plaintiff. You’re part of our family. It’s our privilege to serve and reassure you during this challenging time.
No matter what happened to you in an auto crash, we’re here to help. There’s no case too small – or too complex – for us to consider. If you’re injured, we want to know about it. And we want to fight to get you the damages and justice you deserve.
The May Firm car accident attorneys are known for successfully holding negligent drivers accountable. Let us evaluate your claim and explain how we might assist. Call or contact us online and we’ll schedule a free meeting with our Bakersfield car accident injury lawyers.
FAQs Answered by Experienced Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyers
When your everyday commute turns into terror on the road in a Bakersfield motor vehicle accident, you may wonder what steps you need to take to keep your rights protected. Car accidents in Bakersfield can result in destructive consequences for your property and, more importantly, for your overall health.
Everyone should know how to respond to protect their financial and health interests after a car accident. Our auto accident attorneys in Bakersfield explain the basics below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers provided by a Bakersfield Car Accident Attorney courtesy of The May Firm
to some frequently asked questions we receive from clients.
Bakersfield motor vehicle collisions are a concern for all drivers and their passengers. A quick commute or road trip can turn into a nightmare when a negligent driver causes a collision with another vehicle. Many situations can cause a car crash, each posing its unique risk to the occupants involved as well as other vehicles on the road.Examples of different car accidents that commonly occur in Bakersfield include:
- Rear-end crash – People will often refer to this type of accident as a fender bender. But the impacts of a rear-end collision, even one that appears to be minor, can be far-reaching for the victims. Head trauma, back and neck problems, and dislocations are not uncommon in this type of motor vehicle accident.
- Hit-and-run collision – An accident is a jolting experience in any case. But when a negligent driver hits your vehicle and flees the scene, victims can be left in desperation, wondering how they can hold the at-fault party responsible for the expenses they will incur. Fortunately, there are ways you may be able to track down the culprit, and you can also often file an insurance claim with your own insurer.
- Sideswipe accident – This accident can be a catalyst for secondary destructive accidents, especially on interstates and highways. When vehicles are traveling at high speeds, a sideswipe can cause a chain reaction that can cause motorists to lose control of their vehicles and put many people at risk of injury.
- Rollover – With bigger vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, there comes a higher risk of rollover accidents. Rollover crashes are violent accidents that can cause catastrophic injuries and fatalities for those in the vehicle that flips. Vehicle occupants may be ejected, or tossed around inside the vehicle, slamming against hard surfaces.
- Head-on collision – A common type of vehicle accident, often caused by distracted, drunk, or drowsy drivers. A head-on crash is a forceful impact that often ends in the fatality of some or all of the occupants of the vehicles involved.
- Multi-vehicle crash – The fault for this complicated type of accident is rarely clear. The many involved parties will fight to protect their own interests.
It may not come as a surprise to learn that most accidents are not accidental at all, but rather caused by the negligence of an individual or party. More often than not, an accident could have been avoided had proper care and precautions been taken by another driver. The law allows the recovery of compensation for losses in a Bakersfield car accident if you can attribute the accident to the wrongdoing of another party. This wrongdoing typically falls under the umbrella of negligence. If a driver or other party acted in a negligent manner that caused the accident and your injuries, you could be entitled to compensation for the losses you have suffered.
To establish negligence in a car accident, you must show:
- That a party owed a duty of care to you
- The party violated their duty of care in their actions or omissions
- You sustained an injury or other damages
- Your damages or losses were caused by the party’s violation
Motor vehicle accidents caused by negligence occur every day. Drivers may be negligent in many different ways, leading them to interfere with other motorists on the road and put the public at risk of death or severe injury.
Common negligent behaviors in car accident cases include:
- Driver Distraction
- DUI
- Speeding
- Reckless Driving
- Aggressive Driving
- New or Inexperienced Driving
Bakersfield car accident injuries can range from minor bumps and bruises to catastrophic or even fatal harm to the victim. Each accident is unique, and the totality of the circ*mstances determines how severe injuries may be. Within the overall circ*mstances of the accident, many factors can influence the extent of the injuries suffered after a collision.An individual’s age, overall health, and seat in the vehicle can all affect how severely the accident injures them or if it injures them at all. Under the law, a person’s greater susceptibility to injury does not bar compensation. A negligent party is liable for your injuries that were caused in any way by the accident.Injuries arising from a motor vehicle collision will typically have some kind of impact on your health and overall well-being, whether temporary or permanent. The injuries can affect your quality of life, your ability to work, your personal relationships, and your future expectations. Injuries are painful, uncomfortable and can require a long recovery and ongoing treatments. Not all car accident victims will fully recover from their injuries. Prolonged effects of an injury can require additional medical care, expenses, and adaptations to a new way of life.Common injuries in a motor vehicle accident include:
- Brain damage
- Head, neck, and back injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Broken bones
Damages, or compensation, in a car accident can go far beyond just the property damage to your vehicle and medical expenses for your injuries. While an insurer may want you to think your losses are limited to those economic costs, there are many other damages you may be entitled to under the law. Bakersfield car accident damages are not limited to economic impacts but can also include compensation for any non-economic damages you may have sustained.A car accident lawyer will take the time to calculate the damage you have suffered and consider the current impacts as well as the impacts these injuries can cause on your future.Damages in a Bakersfield car accident may include:
- Medical expenses
- Income losses
- Future expenses for medical care
- Future impacts to potential income
- Property damage
- Compensation for pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
It is a common concern and question for individuals involved in a motor vehicle accident, is a lawyer really necessary after an accident?
Yes. In most cases, and absolutely in any accident that involves serious injuries, you need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. Injury accidents are serious and have high stakes. A successful claim typically requires the knowledge and experience of an attorney to properly protect your rights and interests.
It can be difficult for a victim to gauge the extent of the impacts of an injury on their life. Many victims believe they will fully recover and may underestimate how much their injuries will cost them in the long run. However, car accident injuries often leave victims with at least some less minor health issues and effects for years down the road, and possibly even for a lifetime. In Bakersfield, you are entitled to have these effects considered and calculated as part of your damages in a car accident claim.
An insurer wants to pay out as little as possible. Insurance companies will generally do anything they can to reduce their liability to you for your damages. If they can deny your claim on any grounds they will do so. If they make a quick settlement offer soon after the accident, it’s likely to be woefully insufficient to cover your expenses and impacts.
It is impossible to know the real impacts of an injury so soon after an accident. Seek the assistance of a Bakersfield car accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident happens. A lawyer can ensure your rights and interest are protected throughout the claim process.
A Bakersfield car accident attorney will evaluate your case and determine the likelihood of a successful recovery and your options to proceed. Once you hire an attorney to represent you, they will use their resources to gather all the necessary evidence in your case to prove fault and the extent of your injuries and any other damages you may have suffered. Your lawyer will calculate your damages so that you may have an understanding of the losses in your case and the potential compensation you should demand.
An attorney will work with you to negotiate with insurers or other at-fault parties to try to resolve through a settlement. The services an experienced Bakersfield car accident attorney can provide throughout the claims process may ultimately result in getting you many thousands of dollars more than you could have secured on your own.
The goal of an attorney is to help their client have a positive resolution in their case and recover fair and reasonable compensation for their losses as soon as possible. In most cases, a car accident claim is settled out of court and a lawsuit is not required. However, a lawsuit is sometimes warranted, and it may be in your best interest to file one.
A defendant and their insurer may fiercely contest fault and/or the amount of compensation they owe. If they refuse to reasonably negotiate with you, you may need to file a lawsuit to get a court to compel them to pay a fair amount. A settlement may still be reached even after you file a lawsuit. Your attorney will consult with you as to the best course of action for your interests and case.
If you are in a Bakersfield car accident:
- Contact the Authorities. After a Bakersfield car accident, especially a serious one involving injuries, you should call the police. In fact, if the accident causes any injury, the law requires that authorities be contacted. As many people may not realize they are injured at the scene of the accident, it is a good idea to contact authorities regardless of whether you perceive any serious injuries immediately; complications could arise later, and you want to have established a record by having had police at the scene. The police will provide a report of the accident, including the identifying information of everyone involved, and they may issue a citation to the party they find to be responsible for causing the accident. Their report and any other indication of another party’s fault can support your claim
- Get Medical Help. Whether at the scene or in the days that follow, you should seek medical attention. Do so even if you don’t feel any pain—but at any moment that you feel unwell or discover an injury, get checked out. It is not only important that you receive a medical evaluation, but also that you follow through with any treatment that is prescribed to you to better your chances of recovery. By doing so, you protect your health and legal rights.
- Gather Evidence. From photos of the crash scene to medical records and notes about your injuries, gather all the evidence about the accident and your injuries for your attorney.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer at the May Firm. Once you have had a chance to receive appropriate medical treatment and deal with the initial chaos of the accident, you should contact a Bakersfield car accident attorney as soon as possible. A personal injury claim should begin shortly after an accident; the sooner you can obtain legal representation, the better your chances at reaching a positive resolution in your case.
FREE CONSULTATION WITH A CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY IN BAKERSFIELD
No matter whether it’s a fender bender or serious crash, you need legal advice after a car accident. Any collision can have long-term consequences, and the sooner you seek help, the better.
At the May Firm, our car accident team wants to ensure you get a fair settlement for the harm that you’ve suffered. While no amount of money can make up for an accident, you deserve to pursue every dollar you’re entitled to. And although we can’t guarantee a successful outcome, we will strive to get you a favorable result.
Are you worried about the cost of hiring a Bakersfield car accident lawyer? Don’t be! We don’t charge anything unless we win your case. You will then pay a pre-agreed amount from your award for our services.
But if we’re unsuccessful, you owe us nothing.
In the meantime, every initial consultation is completely free. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by calling the May Firm. Our experienced lawyers will listen to what happened and explain if you have a case. We’ll discuss your legal rights and help you fully pursue them.
Don’t hesitate to call our car accident lawyers in Bakersfield. Get the help you deserve by joining the May Firm family. Call now or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
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