Bakersfield
Car Accident Lawyer Bakersfield
A car accident can be a life-altering event. Sadly, many car accident victims spend months or even years trying to fully recover from the incident. If you’re a victim, you should contact a car accident lawyer in Bakersfield.
One dangerous intersection in Bakersfield was the site of five car accident deaths in a period of three weeks. In other areas of town, dangerous drivers are to blame. If someone is responsible for your accident, you deserve compensation.
Here at Bauman Law APLC, we want to assist car accident victims with their recovery. Our firm works to get you compensation for your accident. With our help, you could receive money for your medical bills, car repairs, and other expenses.
What Does a Car Accident Lawyer in Bakersfield Do?
After your accident, you need to go through certain steps to receive compensation. Typically, people go through the insurance company. If the other driver is responsible for the accident, their insurer could pay for your medical bills and repairs.
However, the other insurance company doesn’t always give you the money you deserve. A lawyer can help you negotiate with the insurance company. Instead of taking time away from your recovery to argue with them, you can let a lawyer do all the work for you.
If necessary, an attorney can file a personal injury claim on your behalf. A personal injury claim is a civil lawsuit against the offending driver. If they were responsible for the accident and you experienced injuries, you could file a lawsuit against them. As a result, you could receive compensation for all of the following:
Missed wages
Loss of future earnings
Pain and suffering
Medical expenses
But receiving compensation isn’t easy. An experienced lawyer can help you successfully file a claim. They can walk you through the process and ensure that you avoid making any case-threatening mistakes.
In some situations, you might not need to go to court. It’s possible that you and your lawyer could work with the opposing party to end your claim with a settlement. However, other situations do require a court appearance. If your case goes to court, it’s in the hands of judge and jury
Bakersfield Car Accident Laws
There are several laws that directly relate to car accidents in California. For one, there’s a statute of limitations on filing a claim against the other driver. If you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit, you only have two years to do so. The two years begins on the day of the accident, or on the day on which you discover your injuries.
For those who have property claims against the other driver, there is a three year deadline to file. But the law changes when the accident involves a government employee or vehicle. In these situations, claimants only have six months to start the claim process. There are unique rules regarding government claims, so you could benefit from working with a professional. For instance, you need to send the government written notification of your intent to file.
Comparative Fault
Another law regarding car accidents is comparative fault. Because California uses comparative fault law, a driver can recover damage if they are partially at-fault. Your compensation decreases as your percentage of fault increases.
By working with a lawyer, you can get the evidence you need to prove that the other party is responsible for the accident. This involves gathering witness testimony, obtaining the police report, and collecting photo documentation.
Common Car Accident Injuries
In Bakersfield, there were 52 fatal accidents in 2017. Many of the accidents that were not fatal had serious consequences. The force of a car accident could be enough to cause permanent injuries. Here are a few common injuries from car accidents:
Broken Bones
The impact of an accident can lead to broken bones that take months to heal. These injuries are particularly painful and tend to keep people out of work for some time.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Although there are many types of spinal cord injuries, they all tend to be serious. In some cases, the injury can result in paralysis. Unfortunately, there is no way to reverse spinal cord damage.
Head and Brain Injuries
During a collision, an object could hit your head. This causes your brain to rattle around, which can cause brain swelling or bleeding. You could experience a concussion, coma, or obtain a permanent disability.
Working with Us
If you suffer from a serious accident-related injury, contact us at Bauman Law APLC. Our lawyers have the resources and skills to get you a favorable outcome. Give us a call today.