Kern County Accident Attorneys

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Table of Contents

Automobile Accidents
Automobile Collision Statistics by Type of Accident
Motor Vehicle Accidents by Accident Cause
Establishing Negligence
Accidents Caused by Distracted Drivers
Recovering Damages for Your Injuries

The majority of people we interact with every day try to avoid harming us; we also try to avoid injuring others. The law mandates that people living together in a society exercise reasonable care while interacting with people and property. Individuals traveling on roadways must follow traffic signals, drive in a reasonable manner, and try to avoid injuring other motorists. Our Kern County accident attorneys are here to help you and your family.

However, accidents still happen despite the best efforts of the safest drivers. Under the principles of negligence law, individuals who suffer injuries during motor vehicle accidents may recover financial compensation for their economic and non-economic damages. Typically, the liable party was negligent or intentionally reckless, and this behavior caused the victim’s injuries. The injured party begins a civil lawsuit by drafting a complaint.

Our Kern County accident attorneys can help you and your loved ones recover the monetary compensation you deserve. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to learn more about our legal services.

If you are a resident of Kern County, you may not know where to turn for help after suffering injuries during a traffic collision. You should not let anxiety regarding the evidence related to your case stop you from speaking to a personal injury attorney. Also, clients usually do not pay any legal expenses when retaining a personal injury attorney; the fees for legal services are deducted after the attorney resolves your case.

If you or a loved one suffered personal injuries due to the negligent acts of another party, you should contact our legal team today. Our personal injury attorneys can help you understand how civil lawsuits work. A personal injury attorney zealously represents you and will protect your legal rights. Located in Central California, Kern County is home to approximately 900,000 individuals.

Bakersfield is a major city in this area of California, and approximately 400,000 people reside in the city. As one of the ten largest metropolitan areas in California, Bakersfield is growing every year as transshipping companies, and other businesses see Central California as a strategic location offering access to Los Angeles and San Francisco. Although Bakersfield is experiencing economic expansion, the rise of car accidents is a sign of increasing congestion and motor vehicle traffic.

Contact our award-winning law firm if you need an accident attorney in Kern County. The experienced legal professionals at Arash Law led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. can help you with every aspect of your personal injury case. You may receive financial compensation commensurate with the nature and extent of your injuries. Also, you can recover non-economic damages for the pain and suffering you endured due to your injuries.

If you had to miss work due to your injuries, you can claim damages for lost wages and lost future earnings. The at-fault party will usually pay through their insurance company for these damages. Having a personal injury attorney on your side can help you understand the at-fault party’s automobile insurance policy. Insurance companies will attempt to offer you the least amount of money possible. No insurance company wants to pay high settlement amounts.

Retaining a personal injury attorney will help you gather evidence to prove your damages and demand the financial compensation you deserve. The experienced attorneys at our personal injury firm work hard for their clients. We have recovered over $400 million for our clients throughout California. Our dedicated attorneys have decades of experience representing clients in personal injury cases.

Car Accident

$6,000,000.00

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

Automobile Accidents in Kern County

Motor vehicle accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury in Kern County. Approximately 3,400 individuals died in car accidents in California in 2015. 250,000 people suffered personal injuries during automobile accidents in 2015 in California. The type of car accident that occurs can affect the kinds of injuries suffered by drivers and passengers.

The most common automobile accidents that occur in Kern County include:

Underride accidents – These accidents happen when a compact automobile strikes a tractor-trailer and slides beneath the trailer.
Sideswipe accidents – A sideswipe accident occurs when the side of a vehicle scrapes the side of a car.
Rear-end collisions – These accidents often occur when a distracted driver collides with a vehicle from behind.
Rollover accidents – Large trucks and SUVs are more likely to roll over and cause serious injuries to drivers and passengers.
T-bone accidents – One car collides directly into the side of another vehicle in these accidents.
Head-on collisions – Two vehicles strike each head-on during these accidents.

An individual’s negligent or reckless conduct typically causes traffic collisions. Some of the negligent acts that cause accidents include:

Sleeping while driving
Aggressive driving
Neglecting to keep an automobile in good working order
Distracted driving

Faulty vehicle repairs
Defective vehicle manufacturing
Not following traffic laws or signals
Intoxicated driving

The legal professionals at our Kern County injury firm have experience representing clients who have suffered injuries in the followings types of accidents:

Freeway collisions
Motor vehicle accidents
Pedestrian accidents
Driving while intoxicated accidents

Bicycle accidents
Motorcycle crashes
Trucking accidents

The accidents listed here may cause spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and severe lacerations. You need to seek medical attention and meet with an automobile accident attorney in Kern County if you have suffered injuries during an accident. Injuries may not produce immediately noticeable symptoms.

Minor injuries may intensify over subsequent weeks and months. It is, therefore, in your best interest to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. You want to produce a documentary record of your injuries soon after the accident. By producing this record, you will substantiate your claims.

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My husband had an accident 2 years ago, a 85 years old man hit him, the Arash law group works very well on my husband case that took 9 month and he won the case and my husband was happy with the results. A year later I got into an accident as well and I’m still waiting in my case is almost resolving and it’s 9 months already. This people knows the law and they do their job right to help you out in getting the most for you to fight on your behalf. I strongly recommend the Arash Law firm they do things right in a efficient and professional manner.

Had a great experience with all the people at Arash law. Long story short was in a bad car accident. It was overwhelming and the whole process was a lot, but they kept me in the loop. They answered all my questions and gave me great advice. Couldn't be any happier. Would definitely recommend anyone looking for a personal injury lawyer. They'll guide you through the whole process!

Having Arash Law handle my auto accident was the best decision I could have made. Everyone I interacted with was kind, professional and detail oriented. I am extremely happy with the outcome and would recommend them highly.

From start to finish, Arash Law firm is there every step of the way with close, constant, personal contact and attention. I never knew a Law firm could actually care so much for me as a person and what I was personally going through as well as the settlement I was going to recieve once my case was finally completed. Thank you to everyone at Arash Law for your ongoing support and communication. You are the ONLY firm I will ever recommend to someone who is need of a great attorny.

I had an excellent experience with Arash Law. I will definitely recommend to my family and friends. I interviewed a few firms before deciding to work with Arash Law. What made my experience excellent was (i.e. head attorney being accessible to talk to and he answered all my questions and concerns, sensitive and thorough personel who completed in home intake & follow up process, being connected immediately to quality Physicians who addressed my injuries and recovery process, clear contract-read throughly to ensure its something you can commit to). Being in a car accident is a traumatic experience and I had a sense of peace knowing Arash Firm was walking with me throughout the whole process. Thank you Arash Firm for all your hard work and help. I am so grateful and appreciative for you all! 🙏 With Gratitude, Monica Parra

Automobile Collision Statistics in Bakersfield by Type of Accident

Approximately 3,200 motor vehicle accidents occurred in Bakersfield in 2017. 53 fatalities and 1,300 severe injuries occurred in 2017 in Bakersfield. Nearly 50 percent of the motor vehicle collisions in Bakersfield caused painful injuries to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Type of Collision	Total Number of Collisions	Fatal Accidents	Accidents with Injuries	People Killed	People Injured	Severe Injuries	Other Visible Injuries	Injuries Causing Pain
Two Cars Collide	2,048	18	958	18	1,649	29	294	1,326
Car in Motion Hits Parked Vehicle	351	1	58	2	71	1	28	42
Car Hits Pedestrian	120	23	92	23	101	13	45	43
Car Hits Bicycle	88	2	81	2	81	7	37	37
Car Hits Animal	4	0	1	0	1	0	1	0
Car Hits Fixed Object	515	5	121	5	145	8	58	79
Car Hits Another Object	51	1	7	1	9	0	2	7
Collision with Motor Vehicle on Other Roadway	19	1	10	1	15	0	3	12
Non-Collision Accident	63	2	40	2	45	6	24	15
TOTAL	3,259	53	1,368	54	2,117	64	492	1,561

Type of Collision

Two Cars Collide

Car in Motion Hits Parked Vehicle

Car Hits Pedestrian

Car Hits Bicycle

Car Hits Animal

Car Hits Fixed Object

Car Hits Another Object

Collision with Motor Vehicle on Other Roadway

Non-Collision Accident

TOTAL

Motor Vehicle Accidents in Bakersfield by Accident Cause

Negligent drivers are the leading cause of motor vehicle collisions. The traffic accidents in Bakersfield are also caused by negligent drivers.

Primary Cause of Accident	Total Number of Collisions	Fatal Accidents	Accidents with Injuries	People Killed	People Injured	Severe Injuries	Other Visible Injuries	Injuries Causing Pain
Speeding	959	5	386	5	589	10	87	492
Improper Turns	720	7	174	7	238	5	70	163
Alcohol / Drugs	429	6	154	7	229	14	80	135
Running Red Lights / Stop Signs	320	4	242	4	432	9	80	343
Vehicle Violating Right-of-Way	292	6	207	6	389	9	93	287
Car Hits Fixed Object	515	5	121	5	145	8	58	79
Unsafe Lane Changes	142	0	36	0	48	0	7	41
Pedestrian Violation / Violating Right-of-Way	96	19	72	19	72	9	37	26
Unsafe Starting or Backing	95	0	13	0	15	0	0	15
Wrong Side of Road	74	2	49	2	51	3	22	26
Other Hazardous Violation	47	1	13	1	24	2	7	15
Cause Other than Driver / Victim	31	0	6	0	6	0	3	3
Improper Passing	19	2	2	2	2	1	0	1
Unknown Cause / Not Stated	16	0	7	0	10	0	4	6
Lights, Brakes, or Other Equipment	12	1	4	1	9	2	1	6
Following Too Closely	4	0	2	0	2	0	0	2
Hazardous Parking	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Impeding Traffic	1	0	1	0	1	0	1	0
TOTAL	3,259	53	1,368	54	2,117	64	492	1,561

Primary Cause of Accident

Speeding

Improper Turns

Alcohol / Drugs

Running Red Lights / Stop Signs

Vehicle Violating Right-of-Way

Car Hits Fixed Object

Unsafe Lane Changes

Pedestrian Violation / Violating Right-of-Way

Unsafe Starting or Backing

Wrong Side of Road

Other Hazardous Violation

Cause Other than Driver / Victim

Improper Passing

Unknown Cause / Not Stated

Lights, Brakes, or Other Equipment

Following Too Closely

Hazardous Parking

Impeding Traffic

TOTAL

The majority of automobile accidents in Bakersfield are caused by negligent actions by a driver or pedestrian. Also, the majority of pedestrian accidents are caused by driver negligence. The negligence of a driver or pedestrian is the number one cause of auto collisions in Bakersfield. Defective automobile equipment is also a major contributing factor to automobile accidents in Bakersfield.

One important point must be considered in light of the data listed above. In the first table, we noted approximately 350 motor vehicle collisions during which a motorist struck a parked vehicle. Yet the second table shows negligent parking caused two motor vehicle collisions in Bakersfield. It is possible that in the majority of these accidents, the motorist was responsible for the incident.

Two individuals died during parked car collisions in Bakersfield. The statistics listed above demonstrate how important it is for all drivers to be cautious and alert when driving in parking lots or anywhere near parked vehicles. California was home to the second-highest amount of deadly automobile accidents in the United States in 2017. Approximately 3,300 fatal traffic accidents occurred in California in 2017.

Texas had the highest number of fatal car accidents in the United States in 2017. The population density in California accounts for the high number of deadly car accidents throughout the state. Most automobile accidents occur on Saturdays and Sundays. Also, more vehicle crashes occur in the evening than in the daytime.

The California Office of Traffic Safety reported an increase in the total amount of fatalities caused by intoxicated drivers. From 2015 to 2016, the total number of these crashes rose from 911 to 1,059. In 2016 approximately one and a half percent of motorists killed in accidents had legal or illegal drugs in their system at the time of the crash. Alcohol-related traffic accidents have occurred in Bakersfield during the last three to four years.

The California Office of Traffic Safety noted that deaths during motorcycle accidents rose 11 percent in the year 2016. Also, fatalities caused by motorcyclists not wearing helmets rose 9 percent in 2016. All motorcyclists must wear a helmet while operating motorcycles in California. Distracted driving causes 80 percent of collisions, as documented by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Also, distracted drivers caused 65 percent of near-collisions. Distracted driving comes in many different forms, but some of the most common include texting while driving, eating while driving, and applying makeup while driving. Distracted drivers do not look at the road and cause serious accidents that can cause serious bodily injury or death. California forbids drivers from using electronic gadgets while driving, yet drivers still text and drive.

Severe Injuries in Kern County

It is important for anyone who has suffered injuries during an accident to know that they are entitled to seek financial compensation for their damages. It is essential to seek damages in cases involving motorcycles, buses, and trucks. Traffic collisions involving these kinds of vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries and fractured bones.

The types of injuries suffered by the victims are unique to each accident. The most common injuries that individuals suffer during automobile accidents include:

Emotional trauma
Damaged nerve endings
Whiplash
Soft tissue injuries
Contusions

Severe lacerations
Amputations
Fractured bones
Third-degree burns
Traumatic brain injuries

Injured drivers and passengers are often forced to pay for medical treatment. Some of the common procedures include surgeries, CAT scans, and X-rays. Diagnostic tests are also necessary and expensive. Patients may have to undergo physical therapy. Nearly all patients will have spent time in the hospital to recover from the most severe injuries.

Medical expenses can cause serious financial problems and even bankruptcy. Oftentimes, the injured victim cannot work due to their injuries. These lost wages can be claimed as damages in a civil lawsuit. Speaking with our personal injury attorneys can help you understand what you can do now to preserve evidence and have the best chance of recovering monetary compensation for your injuries.

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Patricia R.

$1,150,000

Truck Accident Settlement

A top rated and large delivery truck company rear ended our client on the freeway. Our client was a middle aged woman who suffered neck and back injuries. The defense tried to blame it on her weight and pre-existing conditions. Eventually, we were able to resolve the matter at mediation, before going to trial.

Truck Accident Settlement

Sacramento County Number 1 Settement - Personal Injury 2021

Tulare County Number 1 Settlement - Personal Injury 2021

San Diego County Number 1 Settlement - Premises Liability 2021

Los Angeles Number 2 Settlement - Bicycle Accidents 2021

Santa Clara County Number 2 Settlement - Personal Injury 2021

California Top 10 Settlements - Truck Accidents 2021

Orange County Top 10 Settlements - Pedestrian Accidents 2021

Los Angeles Top 20 Settlements - Personal Injury 2021

Establishing Negligence in Kern County

The following elements are the core of negligence law. These elements must be proved to establish liability and recover financial compensation:

The responsible party had a duty to act with reasonable care.
The responsible party breached this duty of care.
The responsible party’s breach caused the victim’s injuries.

Injured victims must demonstrate and prove each element of negligence. Those who can prove these elements may recover damages for their injuries. In cases involving specific circumstances, an injured victim does not have to prove each element of negligence.

Negligence per se is a form of negligence that only requires the violation of a statute and that the injured victim belonged to the class of people the statute was designed to protect. The type of harm suffered by the injured victim must also be the harm the statute was designed to prevent. Under California Civil Code 3342, if a resident suffered a bite by a dog that belonged to another person while on private or public property, then the injured victim can recover damages from the dog owner.

California’s dog bite statute is an example of strict liability. Strict liability implies that the act itself proves fault. Simply doing the act establishes the actor’s liability. California has a large number of animal attacks that occur every year. Many attorneys at our Kern County law firm have represented dog bite victims in California.

Victims injured by dogs often suffer severe injuries. Lacerations, fractured bones, and contusions may all occur in dog bite cases. Injured victims often receive stitches for lacerations. Also, surgery may be necessary to repair tendons and other injured areas of the body. If a dog bite gets infected, it can prolong the recovery period.

Many dog bite victims must undergo extensive physical therapy to recover from their injuries. Psychological suffering and emotional trauma may also be claimed as damages in dog bite cases. If a child or young adult suffers a dog bite, it can affect their perception of both domesticated and undomesticated animals for a long period of time.

Traumatic Brain Injury

$14,000,000.00

April 2019: $14M settlement in a traumatic brain injury case involving a defective piece of equipment at a factory.

– BRIAN BEECHER

Accidents Caused by Distracted Drivers

Approximately 80 percent of motor vehicle accidents in California are caused by distracted drivers. Texting while driving is the most common form of distracted driving in California. However, many other behaviors are associated with distracted driving. The following acts can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road and other vehicles:

Changing radio stations
Speaking with passengers
Grabbing items inside the vehicle
Reading

Applying makeup
Brushing hair
Eating
Using a mobile phone

Distracted driving is any action that causes a driver to not pay attention to the road or the act of operating a vehicle. A driver who texts while driving does not focus on the road or the act of driving.

Most drivers who text while driving take their eyes off the road for approximately five seconds. Not looking at the road for five seconds is especially dangerous on a busy highway. Texting while driving is statistically more likely to cause accidents than drunk driving.

California has many laws designed to prevent drivers from texting and driving. California and 14 other U.S. states forbid cell phone use while operating a motor vehicle. Despite implementing this law and enforcing it, California still reports a rising number of distracted driving cases.

Many law enforcement officers working in California are issuing more tickets for texting while driving. Approximately 6 percent of all drivers in Kern County were seen using mobile phones while driving.

This same number only amounted to approximately 3 percent of drivers a few years ago. The general fine for using a cell phone while driving in California is 20 dollars. Some critics argue that this amount is not severe enough to get people to change their behavior.

Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers in California

Driving while intoxicated is not as prevalent as it was two decades ago. Rideshare applications have made transportation more affordable and accessible. However, drunk driving is still a major cause of motor vehicle accidents in California and throughout the United States. Drunk driving accidents are on the rise in Bakersfield.

Residents of Bakersfield may notice more cameras at stoplights and intersections. These cameras document all activity on roadways and can help provide evidence of negligent drivers operating their vehicles in a reckless manner.

Fatal traffic accidents increased by 33 percent in Bakersfield during 2020. These fatal accidents occurred despite fewer drivers using the roads due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Most drivers who are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol have a blood alcohol content of .08 or more.

Approximately 29 percent of all fatalities during traffic accidents were caused by intoxicated drivers. In the city of Bakersfield, drivers younger than 20 years of age made up approximately 10 percent of 235 injuries and deadly accidents involving alcohol.

Vehicle Make and Bakersfield Traffic Collisions

Many researchers investigate accident statistics and study which vehicle models are involved in the most traffic accidents. Chevrolet and Ford are the two types of vehicles that are involved in the most traffic accidents.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Kern County

Many victims succumb to their injuries and die in hospital rooms. California statutes permit a decedent’s surviving family members to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the decedent. Wrongful death cases are more restrictive than other personal injury cases because only specific family members can file a wrongful death claim. The statute of limitations period for wrongful death claims in California is two years from the date of the injury.

Section 377.60 of the California Code of Civil Procedure states that a victim’s family members only have two years from the date of their loved one’s death to file a wrongful death claim in Kern County. If a party does not file a wrongful death claim within the statute of limitations period, then the claim will be forever barred.

Being forever barred means the party will not collect financial compensation for expenses related to the decedent’s medical bills or funeral expenses. Speaking with a personal injury attorney can help you avoid problems with the statute of limitations.

Recovering Damages for Your Injuries in Kern County

Accident victims in Kern County may recover financial compensation for the following damages:

Funeral expenses
Burial fees
Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma
Disability

Disfigurement
Property damage
Lost future earnings
Lost wages
Past and future medical bills

Cyclists and pedestrians can also collect compensation for these types of damages. The types of damages listed are not restricted to automobile accident cases. Many pedestrians suffer injuries caused by motorists, and pedestrians are entitled to seek monetary compensation for their injuries. Many pedestrians and cyclists suffer serious bodily injuries when they are struck by moving vehicles.

The team at Arash Law headed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. has decades of experience representing injured clients throughout California. We have recovered over $400 million for our clients. If you have suffered injuries during an accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Contact Our Kern County Accident Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation

Seeking the advice of a personal injury attorney is one of the best things you can do after an accident. The sooner a Kern County accident attorney at Arash Law assesses the facts of your case, the quicker it will be for the legal professionals led by Arash Khorsandi to gather the evidence necessary to prove your claims.

A personal injury needs to take down witness statements and make sure that all necessary procedures have been followed. Doing the important work associated with your case early on can help you recover financial compensation sooner.

You may feel helpless and vulnerable after a motor vehicle accident. A personal injury attorney can help you preserve your legal rights. You should know which options are available to you under the law. If you suffered personal injuries during an automobile accident, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to learn more about the legal services we offer.