Comprehensive Legal Counsel When You Need It
Being injured in a car accident can be jarring and make it difficult to get back on your feet. If you are dealing with expensive medical bills and property repairs after an accident, you don’t have to suffer in silence. The BD&J Bakersfield car accident attorneys can help you get the justice and compensation you need to get back to daily life. Call BD&J today to discuss your case with a legal expert and find out how much compensation you could be owed after your accident.
What to Do if You Are in a Car Accident in Bakersfield
If you’re involved in a car accident in Bakersfield, you may feel overwhelmed by the to-do list. Are you blocking traffic? Is the other driver hurt? What even happened? Luckily, you can respond calmly and pragmatically by following these steps:
- Seek medical attention. Even if you have minor injuries, prioritize proper medical treatment. Oftentimes in car accident cases, injury symptoms are masked by shock and adrenaline, and a medical evaluation can help catch these symptoms before they get worse. In addition, medical records are often a key piece of evidence used to support a case, so having an evaluation following the accident helps create evidence of your injuries.
- Contact the authorities to report the accident. California law requires any accident that results in death or damages over $1,000 to be reported to authorities. A police report is another piece of evidence that can be used to defend your case and prove the other driver’s negligence. When giving your statement to the police, be sure to stick to the facts and avoid speculation.
- Collect evidence from the scene of the accident. Gather contact information for the other driver and any witnesses of the accident. Take photos, videos, and notes at the scene of the accident. If your injuries prevent you from doing this, you can ask a family member or car accident lawyer near you to help.
- Contact a Bakersfield car accident attorney. As soon as possible after an accident, call a car accident attorney, like the team at BD&J, to evaluate your case. Calling a lawyer early will improve your chances of winning maximum compensation and help you avoid mistakes that lead to low settlement offers.
- File a claim with insurance. With the help of an accident attorney, you can be sure you have all the requirements of a strong claim that will not be denied or devalued by insurers. Your car accident attorney will file your claim with the insurance company on your behalf. This demonstrates that you are serious about your claim and seeking justice.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Car Accidents?
Finding liability in car accidents can be tricky, but with the help of a reputable car accident lawyer you can rest assured that a thorough investigation is conducted and every party involved is evaluated for responsibility in the accident. Car accident cases become more complex when multiple parties are found at fault for the accident. California is a state with a comparative negligence system, so all liable parties can be held responsible for financial compensation for victims. The BD&J team of Bakersfield car accident lawyers have filed claims against:
- Other drivers
- Municipalities responsible for the care of roadways and signage
- Car manufacturers, if a car defect caused the accident
- Mechanics that failed to fix a problem correctly
When to Hire a Car Accident Attorney
A car accident attorney can be invaluable in many cases, but do all car accident cases require a lawyer to manage the claim? The simple answer is no; there are many cases where the claim can easily be managed by the drivers involved and their insurance companies. The top reasons to hire an attorney to help you with your claim include severe injuries resulting in extensive medical treatment, death of an injured party, or contested liability. In these cases, a Bakersfield car accident lawyer can help bring in full compensation and protect you from intimidating insurers attempting to minimize your settlement. Less often there are cases with multiple drivers or parties that benefit from legal support; additionally, if the other driver hires a lawyer, you may feel more comfortable working with a lawyer yourself. No matter the situation, if you have questions about your legal options and rights after a car accident, a member of our Bakersfield attorney team can help you navigate the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much to expect from car accident settlement in Bakersfield?
The amount of compensation won for car accident victims in Bakersfield ranges from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. This broad range includes everything from mild to severe and even fatal car accidents. Compensation is intended to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more, so incidents that result in severe injuries will seek greater compensation to cover more extensive medical bills than an accident that results in minor injuries.
How long do most car accident settlements take in Bakersfield?
Car accident cases can be resolved in a little as six months or up to three years. There are many factors that can delay settlements, like the severity of the accident and the number of parties involved in the accident. Lack of substantial evidence can also lead to delays as insurance companies may deny or undervalue the claim. Hiring an experienced car accident attorney in Bakersfield will help ensure your case runs as smoothly and as quickly as possible.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Bakersfield?
Generally, for car accidents in California, victims have two years from the time of the accident to file a lawsuit against the other driver. The only exception is if the car accident involved a municipal or government vehicle or was caused by poor road infrastructure. This is because lawsuits involving government entities have a statute of limitations of as little as six months in California. Nevertheless, car accident lawyers in Bakersfield recommend filing a claim and speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.
Should I consult a lawyer before filing a claim?
Yes, speaking with a lawyer before filing your claim can be an important step in maximizing your potential compensation. A skilled Bakersfield car accident attorney can ensure you seek full compensation and avoid being discredited by insurance companies. Common mistakes that victims make are forgetting vital pieces of compensation and saying something to insurance companies that can be construed as admitting fault in the accident. Speaking with a lawyer first will help to avoid these errors and ensure a successful claim.
What if the other driver is uninsured or under insured?
If you are in a car accident and the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you still have options to seek justice and compensation for your injuries and damages. In this instance, we turn to your insurance policy to see what coverage may be applicable. If you have uninsured motorists or underinsured motorists (UM/UIM) coverage, you are in luck. This type of coverage covers medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. If you do not have UM/UIM coverage, you may still have other insurance coverage that can provide partial compensation.
Ready to Speak with a Trusted Bakersfield Car Accident Attorney? Call Today!
The BD&J team of car accident lawyers in Bakersfield have served thousands of car accident victims in our 20+ years of service. We offer free consultations so clients can get started by discussing their case with an attorney. If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lawyer for help. Victims that work with car accident lawyers usually receive greater compensation than those who go it alone. Call BD&J 24/7 to speak with a legal expert about your case.
