Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyers

A car accident is an unfortunate event in which a motor vehicle collides with another vehicle, object, pedestrian, or animal, resulting in damage to the vehicles involved, injuries to people, or, in the worst cases, wrongful death. Car accidents can vary in severity from minor fender benders to catastrophic wrecks, and they can happen for a variety of reasons.

Here are some common causes of car accidents in Kern County:

• Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of car accidents is distracted driving, which includes activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or using GPS while driving. These distractions divert the driver's attention away from the road.
• Speeding: Driving at speeds significantly above the posted speed limit or too fast for road conditions can lead to accidents. Speed reduces a driver's reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances impairs a driver's judgment, coordination, and reaction times, making accidents more likely.
• Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Behaviors like aggressive tailgating, weaving between lanes, road rage, and excessive speeding can lead to car wrecks. These actions increase the risk of losing control of the vehicle.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Ignoring traffic signals, running red lights, or failing to yield the right of way at stop signs can result in dangerous intersection collisions.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, fog, or heavy winds can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Fatigue: Drowsy or fatigued driving can impair a driver's concentration and reaction times, making them more prone to auto accidents.
• Mechanical Failures: Vehicle malfunctions or defects, such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine problems, can lead to accidents when drivers are unable to control their vehicles.
• Inexperienced Drivers: Novice drivers, especially teenagers, may lack the experience and skills needed to handle complex driving situations and may be more prone to accidents.
• Poor Road Conditions: Roads in disrepair, lack of proper signage, potholes, and debris on the road can contribute to accidents.
• Wildlife or Animal Crossings: Collisions with animals, especially in rural areas, can cause accidents, particularly at night.
• Driver Inattention or Negligence: Sometimes, drivers simply fail to pay attention to their surroundings, fail to check blind spots, or neglect to use turn signals, resulting in accidents.

As a city with more than 410,000 people and a locale that attracts considerable traffic from the neighboring cities in Kern County and central California, Bakersfield sees a significant number of motor vehicle accidents each year. 

In fact, data from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) shows that 1,958 victims were injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents in Bakersfield during a recent year. That number included:

• 103 motorcyclists 
• 129 pedestrians
• 65 bicyclists

The OTS data also provides insight into different types of crashes and a few of the factors behind them. For example:

• 265 injuries and deaths occurred in alcohol-involved crashes (including 13 in crashes where a driver under 21 had been drinking and 90 in crashes where a driver between 21 and 34 had been drinking). 
• 246 crashes resulting in injury or death involved vehicles traveling at excessive speed.
• 225 crashes occurred overnight (9:00 pm – 2:59 am).
• 297 crashes were hit-and-run accidents involving drivers who fled the scene.

These factors have consistently made Bakersfield one of California’s most dangerous places when it comes to traveling by car, foot, or bicycle. Analyses of crash data and insurance quotes by insurance marketplace QuoteWizard have consistently reported that Bakersfield has some of the worst drivers in the country. The company recently ranked Bakersfield as No. 1on its list of Worst Drivers by City. 

Data from the University of California, Berkeley, lists the following roads and intersections as the most dangerous in Bakersfield:

1. Ming Avenue and New Stine Road (40 crashes between 2011 and 2021)
2. Gosford Road and Ming Avenue (37 crashes)
3. Real Road and Wilson Road (35 crashes)
4. H Street and Ming Avenue (34 crashes)
5. Bundage Lane and P Street (34 crashes)
6. 34^th Street and Q Street (34 crashes)
7. H Street and Planz Road (33 crashes)
8. Baker Street and Niles Street (31 crashes)
9. H Street and Wilson Road (31 crashes)
10. 4^th Street and Union Avenue (30 crashes)

At Wisner Baum, our Bakersfield car accident lawyers have extensive experience representing victims across Kern County following all types of motor vehicle accidents, including car accidents that occurred at these and other dangerous intersections, and on major highways such as Highway 99 and Interstate 5 (I-5). Our attorneys know the issues commonly involved in these cases, and how to position our clients for the best possible outcomes. 

The Bakersfield auto accident lawyers at Wisner Baum have litigated numerous cases for clients who sustain a wide variety of injuries. Some of the most common car wreck injuries include:

• Whiplash
• Neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Chest injuries
• Arm and leg injuries
• Cuts and bruises
• Internal injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries
• Death

In addition to the injuries listed above, emotional and psychological trauma is also common after a car crash. While these injuries may not send the victim to a hospital, they are often debilitating and require attention and care. 

In California, you are required to report an accident to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days if the accident results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.

The state follows a fault-based system when it comes to determining liability in car accidents. This means that the at-fault party or their insurance company is generally responsible for compensating the injured party for their losses.

Keep in mind that California also follows a comparative negligence system. In cases where multiple parties share fault for an accident, each party's liability is determined based on their percentage of fault. Even if you are partially at fault, you may still be able to recover damages, but the amount you receive will be reduced by your degree of fault.

In these types of cases, it is best to consult with an attorney to protect your legal rights. We have seen countless instances where insurance companies offer a quick settlement to accident victims. Before you accept any such settlement, it is highly recommended that you talk to a lawyer first. You may be entitled to more financial compensation than the insurance company offers. 

If you've been in a car accident, there are several steps you should take right away. First, you should make sure that you are in a safe place, off the road.  If you are able or can waive down assistance, call the police. As some point when you are able, you should also call the insurance company of the driver who hit you. In many cases, the other driver's insurance company will represent them in court, but you should still tell them what happened. You will also need to get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. You should also take pictures of the accident site and your car.

After you've taken these steps, you should call the Bakersfield car crash lawyers at Wisner Baum for a free consultation. Our law firm can help you move forward with a legal case and help you recover full and fair compensation. 

The statute of limitations in a civil lawsuit is the amount of time within which you must file a lawsuit or legal claim. Once the statute of limitations expires, you lose the right to pursue a legal claim in court. Bakersfield car accidents are governed by California’s statute of limitations, which is generally two years from the date of the accident. 

Some extenuating circumstances may affect the statute of limitations. For example, if the car accident victim was legally incapacitated at the time of the wreck, the statute of limitations may be tolled or paused until the incapacity is lifted.  

The statute of limitations may also be shorter than two years in certain cases. For example, if an accident was caused by a local or state government’s failure to properly maintain a road, a legal claim against the local government must be filed within six months. 

Individuals involved in car accidents need to be aware of the time limit for car accident lawsuits and take prompt action if they wish to pursue a legal claim for damages.

Hiring a local attorney is nice but it is not the most important factor you should consider when researching auto accident lawyers. The things that matter most when researching lawyers are:

Case Results: Any firm you hire should have proven results in cases similar to yours. Research their verdicts and settlements to see if the firm has a solid track record. 

Clear Communication: It may seem obvious, but you should have a good rapport with the attorney and his or her legal staff. In some car accident cases, you may work together to obtain justice and compensation for months or more. The attorney should communicate with you in a way that makes you feel confident and informed. If you don’t get a good feeling in the initial consultation, keep looking. 

Positive Google Reviews: Another important consideration is how previous clients feel about the firm. Does the firm have dozens of positive reviews? That usually means they are doing right by the people who hire them. 

Experience: A good lawyer does not necessarily have to have decades of experience, but it certainly does not hurt. At Wisner Baum, our Bakersfield attorneys vary in age and experience. We have senior partners who have been fighting for clients since the 80s. We also have younger attorneys who were born in the 90s. That mix of experience, skill, and personality is important because no two cases are exactly alike. 

When you get in an accident, you shouldn't have to worry about anything other than regaining your health or healing from loss. We understand that you probably have numerous issues to deal with, like paying for medical bills, missing work, and more. That's why you should rely on a local Bakersfield lawyer to help obtain the justice you deserve so you can focus exclusively on healing. With an office conveniently located in West Park just a few blocks off Highway 99, we are always available when you need us. 

Our legal team will take care of your case from start to finish. We can negotiate a fair car accident settlement with insurance companies, file a lawsuit in civil court, and take your case to trial if needed. 

Call the Bakersfield car accident lawyers at Wisner Baum today at (855) 948-5098 for a free case evaluation!