Kern CountyCar Accident Lawyers
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Professional Legal Assistance From Our Kern County Car Accident Lawyers
Were you injured in a vehicle collision? Speak with our Kern County car accident lawyers. We can help you pursue the compensation that may be available to you. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation. Our attorneys can assist you in navigating the legal process with professionalism and dedication.
Kern County is the third-largest county in the state, with a vast area covering the scenic Mojave Desert to the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains. Key industries, like oil and agriculture, fuel the county’s economy. Its extensive highway network allows for the efficient transport of goods in and out of the area. Unfortunately, the high volume of traffic on the county’s roads and highways also increases the risk of car accidents.
Accidents disrupting the flow of goods and services can have a ripple effect not just on businesses but also on people’s lives. Car accidents account for billions of dollars in losses annually. Furthermore, injuries may require an extended period of treatment, which can affect victims both physically and financially. That’s why many victims of car accidents seek legal support to deal with the aftermath.
What Are The Benefits Of Hiring Kern County Car Accident Lawyers?
The following are some things you can consider for hiring our Kern County law firm:
Experience In Car Accident Law
Our Kern County attorneys are knowledgeable about the laws concerning personal injury and car accidents. We can represent you and work diligently on your behalf throughout the legal process. Moreover, our team can collect vital evidence and witness statements to assist you in pursuing just compensation for your injuries and other damages.
Advocacy In Legal Disputes
Hiring a lawyer can be beneficial when insurance payouts fall short or there are disputes with liability. Our Kern County car accident attorneys can advocate for your interests, pursuing a settlement that addresses your injuries, suffering, and other losses. Our attorneys can also take the case to court if needed, using their litigation experience to seek fair compensation.
Efficient Documentation And Filing
The insurance company may request access to your employment and medical records, among other documents. Our Kern County car accident attorneys can collect and submit essential documents to the insurance company, so only the necessary information is shared and filed officially.
Pushing For Fair Medical Assessment
Following an accident, your insurer might request a medical examination by their doctors to assess your injuries. These doctors report back to the insurance company. Having Kern County car accident lawyers involved can advocate for a professional and unbiased examination process.
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– ARASH KHORSANDI
What Victims Need To Know About California’s Car Accident Laws
California regulations governing car accidents are intricate, making it vital for victims to be well-informed. A simple oversight could significantly reduce — or eliminate — your compensation. If you or a loved one is injured, our Kern County car accident lawyers can provide clarity and guidance tailored to your situation.
The Statute Of Limitations
A crucial aspect of California law you must know is the statute of limitations. It sets the deadline for filing a claim. Car accident victims typically have two years from the incident date to file injury claims. If it’s a property damage claim, the deadline is three years. There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, the countdown may commence when an injury is discovered if it falls after the accident date.
Our legal team understands these deadlines and how they can apply to your case. In addition, we can gather the necessary evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and navigate the legal system on your behalf. By taking swift action, we can help you preserve the viability of your case.
Fault-Based Car Insurance
California follows fault-based car insurance laws. All drivers must carry adequate insurance in case of traffic accidents. After an accident, injured parties can file claims with the at-fault party’s insurance provider for compensation. Injured victims also have the right to initiate lawsuits.
Liability Laws
In California, a victim can still pursue a settlement even if they are partly to blame for a car accident. The state follows pure comparative negligence rules. Under this system, compensation gets reduced based on how much they are at fault. Our Kern County car accident lawyers can help you address situations where someone unfairly blames you.
Our experience in handling car and personal accident cases has allowed us to represent numerous clients. Our Kern County car accident lawyers stay updated on the latest changes in the law.
Rights Of Car Accident Victims
Car accident victims may go through extensive health treatments. Beyond the challenges of physical healing, they also have to deal with figuring out their legal options. It’s important to remember that injured victims have basic rights protecting their privacy and well-being.
For example, victims have the right to keep their injuries and treatment details private. They can choose to share this sensitive information with their Kern County car accident lawyers and healthcare providers. This protection allows that information shared without permission won’t be used against them in the process.
Here are some other rights that car accident victims may seek:
- Right to Pursue Compensation — In Kern County and the rest of California, if you’re injured in a car accident, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses. This includes costs for medical care, lost earnings, property damage, and even pain and suffering.
- Right to Legal Representation — You can hire a personal injury lawyer to look out for you and deal with insurance companies. With legal help, you have someone who can advocate for your interests.
- Right to Delay Settlement — You don’t have to say yes to the first offer from an insurance company. Wait until you fully understand the extent of your injuries and any future accident-related costs.
- Right to Sue — If you can’t get a fair deal, you can take the person who caused the accident to court. However, pursuing legal action depends on the merits of your case and whether it aligns with your interests.
Common Types Of Car Accidents Our Attorneys Handle
A car accident — be it a two or more-vehicle collision or a single-car crash — happens when a vehicle hits a tree, building, or another vehicle. Car accidents range in severity from minor fender-benders to devastating collisions.
Here are some of the most common types of car accidents our Kern County lawyers handle:
- Rear-End Collisions — These occur when a car strikes the vehicle in front of it, usually due to insufficient distance between the vehicles. Such accidents are frequent during abrupt traffic stops and adverse weather conditions.
- Side-Impact Collisions — These occur when a vehicle’s side is hit by another. Due to the limited protection of a car’s sides, these accidents pose a high risk of serious injury. Intersections are common scenes for these accidents, especially when one driver fails to yield the right of way or runs a red light.
- Head-on Collisions — These involve the front ends of two vehicles colliding. They rank among the most dangerous types of accidents, with a high potential for severe injuries or fatalities. They are often caused by a vehicle drifting into oncoming traffic.
- Lane Change Collisions — These result from improper lane changes or merges, where one vehicle sideswipes another. Such incidents are typically attributed to unnoticed blind spots or a failure to signal. High-speed or crowded traffic conditions also exacerbate the situation.
- Multiple Vehicle Collisions — These complex accidents involve three or more vehicles in a chain reaction of crashes. They occur on busy highways, often combining the risks of rear-end and head-on crashes. Accidents involving multiple vehicles are complicated, both for rescue efforts and any ensuing legal claim.
Hurt in a Car Accident?
Typical Causes Of Car Accidents In Kern County
Car accidents often stem from a driver’s carelessness. Here’s a breakdown of the common contributing factors to car accidents in Kern County:
- Speeding — Exceeding the speed limit reduces reaction times and increases stopping distances, often resulting in severe accidents and catastrophic injuries.
- Reckless Driving — Impatience can lead to dangerous driving behaviors, such as tailgating, lane weaving, and cutting off other cars.
- Failure to Yield — Ignoring right-of-way rules, like making illegal turns or running red lights, is another common mistake that can cause accidents.
- Impaired Driving — Despite awareness campaigns, drunk and drug-impaired driving persists, posing a significant risk on the roads.
- Distracted Driving — Activities like texting, eating, and chatting with passengers divert attention from driving and can easily result in crashes.
- Fatigued Driving — As dangerous as drunk driving, tired drivers have slower reaction times and can even fall asleep, causing major accidents.
Identifying the exact cause of a crash can be complex. For instance, proving driver fatigue seems tough. Unlike intoxication, there’s no simple, on-the-spot test to definitively prove a driver was fatigued at the time of the accident. Our Kern car accident lawyers can collect the necessary evidence to support your case.
Common Injuries Sustained In Car Accidents
Car accidents can lead to different types of injuries, varying in severity from minor cuts to serious, life-altering conditions. Below is a roundup of injuries frequently sustained following a vehicle collision:
- Cuts and Bruises — Minor yet common, these injuries can appear anywhere on the body, especially on the head, face, and arms.
- Broken Bones — The force of a crash can break bones in the arms, legs, ribs, and hips. It’s a painful reminder of the accident’s impact.
- Head Injuries — The range of head trauma is vast, from mild concussions that temporarily affect cognition to severe traumatic brain injuries with lasting consequences.
- Internal Injuries — Damage to internal organs like the liver, spleen, and kidneys can be silent, but these deadly injuries require immediate attention.
- Back Injuries — The spectrum of back injuries spans from sprains and strains to more severe cases like herniated discs and spinal cord damage.
- Whiplash — A sudden jolt to the head and neck can leave victims with pain, stiffness, and a loss of mobility, a very common outcome of rear-end collisions.
Remember, injuries from a car collision might not be apparent at the accident scene. Seeking prompt medical attention is key to diagnosing and treating potential injuries effectively and preventing complications.
Types Of Damages You Can Pursue After A Car Accident
In a car accident claim, you can seek compensation for two main types of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages pay you back for money lost because of the accident, like medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages. Non-economic damages refer to losses that don’t have a set price tag, such as pain and suffering. Knowing about both is important so you can ask for appropriate compensation for your losses.
Economic damages are money-based. These include:
- Medical Bills — Costs for hospital stays, treatments, and medications.
- Lost Wages — Money you didn’t earn because you couldn’t work.
- Car Repair or Replacement — Costs to fix or replace your damaged vehicle.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses — Other costs related to the accident, like travel expenses to doctor’s appointments.
Non-economic damages are not based on money but on the accident’s impact on your life. These include:
- Pain and Suffering — Physical discomfort and stress from injuries.
- Emotional Distress — Feelings of anxiety, depression, or trauma after the accident.
- Disability or Disfigurement — Lasting physical changes that affect your life.
- Loss of Affection or Companionship — Damage to your relationships with loved ones.
If you’ve been in a car accident, you could seek damages for your injuries. But it can be hard to know the extent of your losses. Our Kern County car accident lawyers can help evaluate the types of damages that may apply to your case.
Accident-Related Wrongful Death
Wrongful death occurs when someone loses their life because of another person’s negligence. Some of the most common causes of vehicular deaths are speeding, distraction, drunk driving, disobeying traffic laws, poor road maintenance, and vehicle defects. Eligible family members may file a wrongful death claim for their losses.
Car accidents have emotional and financial impacts on families. If you’ve lost a loved one in a collision, our Kern County car accident lawyers can help you understand your possible legal options.
The Value Of Your Car Accident Injury Claim
The amount of compensation you can pursue in a car accident claim can vary, depending on multiple factors unique to your case. Here’s an overview of the key elements that could impact the amount you can get:
- Lost Wages — Recovering from an injury could mean a lot of time off work. This means lost income, for which you may need reimbursement.
- Driver’s Insurance Limits — The at-fault driver’s insurance coverage is critical. Limited policies might not provide enough coverage.
- Severity of Your Injury — The severity of your injuries can range from broken bones requiring surgery to life-changing disabilities. Severe injuries can lead to more losses due to possible lifelong care or extensive treatments.
- Physical and Emotional Distress — Injuries don’t just affect you physically. The pain, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life all count towards your claim.
- Impact on Your Lifestyle — How has the injury changed your daily life? Adjustments to your lifestyle and any permanent changes are crucial in evaluating your claim’s value.
Additionally, the competence of your Kern County car accident attorneys may play a significant role. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact us. Let us guide you in managing your case.
Who Is Liable In A Car Accident?
Determining liability after a car accident is not always straightforward. It’s not just about the drivers involved. Many different parties could be responsible for the accident. Here are some parties who might be considered at fault.
- Car Owners — Responsibility doesn’t just lie with drivers. When a car owner lends their vehicle to an intoxicated or unskilled driver, they could be deemed negligent. This includes adults who allow minors to drive their cars.
- Employers — If an accident occurs while an employee is driving for work purposes, whether in a company car or their vehicle, the employer may be liable.
- Product Manufacturers — Faulty parts can lead to accidents. If a defect in the vehicle’s manufacturing or design causes an accident, the manufacturer might face liability.
- Car Repair/Maintenance Providers — The service provider could be liable when an accident is caused by poor vehicle maintenance or repair work. Proving the accident resulted from their work is essential.
How Do I Establish Negligence In A Car Accident?
To demonstrate a driver’s negligence in a car accident, our car accident lawyers can help you establish the presence of these four elements:
- Duty of Care — Start by establishing that the other party has a fundamental obligation to operate their vehicle in a reasonable manner. This involves showing that they were expected to follow road rules and exercise caution to avoid harming others.
- Breach of Duty — Next, you must prove that the driver failed to fulfill this obligation. Highlight actions or failures to act that demonstrate negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or ignoring traffic signals.
- Causation — Link the driver’s negligence directly to the accident. It’s crucial to show that the crash directly resulted from their breach of duty and was not caused by unrelated factors.
- Damages — Lastly, show the consequences of the accident on your life. This involves presenting evidence of your injuries and detailing how they were a direct outcome of the crash.
Gathering compelling evidence is key to supporting your case. Include detailed pictures and video footage of the accident scene to provide context. Witness statements can add personal accounts of the event, offering further proof of negligence. Medical records are indispensable, as they document the extent of your injuries.
Accident reconstruction reports can also offer a professional analysis of how the other party’s negligence led to the crash. Finally, police reports provide an official account of the incident, often including crucial details that can substantiate your claim.
If I Contributed To The Accident, Does It Affect My Claim?
California operates under an at-fault system for car accidents. This means the individual who caused the accident is responsible for the damages. However, the Golden State’s approach also includes a principle known as “pure comparative negligence.”
This principle acknowledges that multiple parties can share responsibility for an accident. Each person involved is assigned a certain percentage of fault.
Steps To Follow After A Car Accident In Kern County
Things can get overwhelming after a car accident. Knowing the right steps to take can greatly affect your claim.
- Call 911 — If you or anyone else is injured, call 911. If it’s safe to do so, move your car to an area that won’t impede traffic or cause further accidents.
- Report to the Police — You must report accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage in California. Calling the police ensures you follow the law and provides an official accident record. This report includes vital details, such as who was involved and what happened.
- Gather Evidence — If possible, collect evidence right at the accident scene. Take pictures and videos, get contact details from witnesses, and exchange information with the other driver. Start a journal about your healing process and keep all documents related to the accident.
- Seek Medical Attention — Go to the hospital right after a car accident. This step is important to treat obvious injuries and diagnose hidden ones. Medical records created during your visit are key evidence for your claim, showing how the injuries affect you.
- Consult a Lawyer — After receiving medical attention, consider consulting with a Kern County car accident lawyer. Avoid talking to the opposing party’s insurance company before consulting your lawyer. Legal representation can help protect your interests and promote a fair claims process.
Important Evidence To Collect After A Car Crash
Here are some key pieces of evidence that our legal team can help you collect after a car accident:
Police Report Details
Even though a police report is generally not admissible in court as evidence of liability, it’s still really helpful. Getting a police report gives you an official accident account. These reports provide an official view of the accident, including the scene and any witnesses. Getting this report to check its accuracy and have all the details for yourself is important. This document is crucial for dealing with insurance and any other legal matters.
Photos And Video Clips
Right after a crash, photos and videos constitute strong proof and are hard for anyone to argue against. They help prove what happened and who caused the accident. Remember to take pictures quickly, since things like skid marks and broken signs can change. If you can’t take photos, have someone do it for you, and always make extra copies.
Health Records
Seeing a doctor quickly after an accident is crucial. Your health records show how the accident hurt you. The quicker you get checked, the easier it is to demonstrate your injuries from the crash. If you wait too long, the other side might say your injuries came from something else.
Medicine And Treatment Costs
Keep every bill and receipt related to your medical care. These bills help show the financial impact of the crash. Include every medical cost, like ambulance, ER, doctor visits, and any necessary medications or equipment.
When Is It Time To Call A Car Accident Attorney?
Injured in an auto accident in Kern County? Seek legal advice. Here are some scenarios where reaching out to Kern County car accident attorneys may help your case:
- Commercial Vehicle Accidents — A car crashing into trucks or buses is tricky due to the number of parties involved. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you navigate these types of accidents.
- Insurance Company Challenges — In some cases, claims may get delayed, denied, or disputed. A legal representative can help you address the situation.
- Dealing With Disabilities — Facing long-term or permanent disabilities? An attorney can help you pursue compensation for extensive care and the impact on your quality of life.
- Serious Injuries or Fatalities — Serious injury and fatality cases involve intricate legal issues. A lawyer can guide you through complex medical records, liability determinations, and wrongful death statutes.
- Uncertain Fault — Confused about who’s to blame or if multiple people are at fault? Our car accident lawyers can help you sort out liability with evidence and thorough analysis.
- DUI Victim — You need a DUI accident attorney to tackle your case. Beyond financial compensation, legal representation can help you pursue accountability from the drunk driver. This can help you move forward after this challenging situation.
- Feeling Overwhelmed — It’s okay to feel stressed after an accident. A personal injury attorney can help alleviate stress by handling the legal work and advocating for your rights.
Remember, in California, you typically have two years from the date of injury to file a claim. Acting quickly is crucial. Consult with car accident lawyers to help protect your case and your legal interests.
What initially seemed like a routine rear-end collision, commonly known as a “fender bender,” turned into a significant settlement with high maximum limits for a client who suffered lower back disc injuries. The case was resolved just two weeks before the scheduled trial commencement.– BRIAN BEECHER
Car Accident Statistics In Kern County
According to the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), there were 6,041 traffic collisions in Kern County that resulted in fatalities or injuries. Of these collisions, 869 involved drivers under the influence of alcohol, 925 were speed-related, and 577 were hit-and-run cases.
The statistics emphasize a major concern about road safety in Kern County. This is particularly true on state highways, where a significant number of these accidents occur. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable, highlighting the critical need for enhanced safety initiatives. Every road user plays a vital role in reducing these concerning figures. Call our Kern County lawyers for support and guidance if you’ve been injured in a car accident.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents
Why Is Hiring A Car Accident Attorney A Smart Move?
After a car accident, you might wonder, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” It depends on the specifics of your case. If your accident involves serious injuries and complex liability issues, hiring a lawyer for car accidents can be a beneficial decision. Opting for one of our Kern County car accident lawyers brings multiple benefits.
Our personal injury lawyers can:
- Work to negotiate a settlement with insurers.
- Conduct thorough investigations to support your claim.
- Engage experts to establish liability and quantify damages.
- Help you navigate the legal process, clarifying expectations.
- Manage all documentation meticulously, avoiding errors.
- Represent you in court if necessary.
- Safeguard your rights and interests.
- Offer grounded legal counsel, especially on settlement decisions.
- Oversee communication and administrative matters throughout your case.
Facing a car accident injury alone can be overwhelming. Reach out to our dedicated legal team. We can work diligently to protect your rights. Furthermore, we aim to strengthen your position, whether negotiating with insurers or presenting in court.
What’s The Statute Of Limitations For Car Accidents In California?
If you’ve been injured in a car crash due to someone else’s carelessness, you have legal options available to you. Also, you may be able to pursue compensation for your losses, which could include financial expenses and emotional distress.
Under the California Code of Civil Procedure, the deadline is two years from the accident date. This is your window to seek fair settlements through the courts.
The statute of limitations can be paused or “tolled.” The following are instances when tolling may be applied:
- The defendant is a minor.
- The defendant is not in the state.
- The defendant is in prison.
- The defendant is mentally incapacitated.
Reach out to our Kern County car accident lawyers. We can work to protect your rights and explain how these deadlines may affect your case.
What Are The Costs Of Securing Legal Representation?
The cost of a car accident lawyer varies. At Arash Law, we work on a contingency basis. In other words, clients don’t have to pay attorney’s fees unless a settlement or award is obtained. However, certain case-related expenses may still apply.
This approach lets you get legal help without paying legal costs upfront. The amount differs from case to case. Our Kern car accident lawyers will explain the exact fees we will charge during the onboarding process.
When Should You Speak With An Automobile Accident Attorney?
Time doesn’t stop after an accident. Acting promptly can help avoid missing deadlines. Speak to our Kern County car accident lawyers soon after your accident. We offer dedicated legal support for the injured.
What Are The Common Obstacles To Pursuing A Car Accident Claim?
Here are the key obstacles you might encounter when pursuing a car accident claim:
- Fault Disputes — Deciding who caused the accident can slow down settlements. You need convincing documentation and, sometimes, the help of experts to prove it.
- Uninsured Drivers — Pursuing compensation from drivers without enough insurance is tough, so your insurance coverage for uninsured motorists is important here.
- Insurance Company Issues — They often conduct thorough investigations to verify claims. If there is insufficient evidence, they may try to dispute your case. A well-supported claim is necessary to counter this.
Is It Possible To File A Suit For Emotional Distress After A Car Accident?
Yes. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to seek damages for emotional distress, and gathering substantial evidence is key to reinforcing your claim.
Our team of dedicated Kern County car accident lawyers is here to guide you through this process. Furthermore, our lawyers can help you develop a thorough case on your behalf.
Is It Advisable To Accept An Insurance Company Settlement Offer?
Insurance companies move fast to offer settlements, but their offers may not be sufficient. Our accident attorneys will evaluate any offer you get to determine whether it provides the appropriate compensation for your losses. Furthermore, our team comes with significant experience in negotiation, having handled many cases through various resolution methods.
How Do I Get A Traffic Accident Report In California?
In California, getting a traffic accident report is straightforward. Contact the enforcement agency involved — this could be your city’s police, the county sheriff, or the California Highway Patrol. You can typically request the report via an online portal, by mail, or in person.
Procedures vary among agencies, so it’s advisable to contact the one in question directly for clear instructions. Our experienced Kern County car accident lawyers can help obtain and interpret the document.
How Can I Take Useful Pictures Of A Road Accident?
For thorough documentation following any road accident, it’s essential to capture a comprehensive set of photos. Whether you’re involved in a car accident, a big-rig accident, an Uber accident, or a truck accident, here are some tips on taking pictures:
- Capture wide-angle shots to encompass the entire scene.
- Take detailed close-ups of the vehicle damage.
- Document the final positions of the vehicles, showing how they ended up post-collision.
- If applicable, carefully photograph any visible injuries while respecting the dignity and privacy of those injured.
- Include pictures of skid marks, which can indicate the vehicles’ movements before the crash.
- Pay attention to nearby traffic signs or signals, as they are crucial for understanding the context of the accident.
- Look for other relevant details in the surroundings that may pertain to the accident.
By assembling a comprehensive set of photos, you can help your car accident attorneys in Kern County create a clear and precise record of the event.
How Long Do You Have To Notify Your Insurance Company About An Accident?
It’s important to report a car accident to your insurance company quickly, ideally within 24 hours. However, the exact timeframe can differ based on your insurance policy’s terms. Accidents that cause injuries or property damage over $1,000 must also be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days. We understand this may be a stressful time, so it’s crucial to stay informed about these requirements.
Our Kern County car accident lawyers can provide crucial assistance. They guide you through the legal process and help you meet necessary deadlines and requirements. Moreover, they can handle negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf.
Can An Undocumented Immigrant Get Financial Compensation For A Personal Injury Case In California?
In California, undocumented immigrants are protected in personal injury cases. In 2016, a “sanctuary state” bill was signed into law by then-Governor Jerry Brown. It prevents courts from questioning a plaintiff’s immigration status, allowing for a fair pursuit of financial compensation.
Speak With Experienced Kern County Car Accident Lawyers
If you’re injured because of a car accident in Kern County, Arash Law can provide professional legal guidance. We can look into your case and explore the legal avenues available to pursue appropriate compensation. Reach out to our lawyers for a free initial consultation to discuss your options.
Call us at (888) 488-1391. We can help you seek a fair settlement for your lost wages, medical bills, and other damages.
We serve clients in communities across Kern County and throughout California, including in Porterville, Quartz Hill, Tehachapi, Delano, Santa Clarita, Lamont, Oildale, Wasco, California City, Palmdale, Lancaster, Shafter, Arvin, Taft, and Bakersfield.
