Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer
Representing Injured Drivers Throughout Kern County
No matter how carefully you drive, other motorists can put your safety at risk. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation by filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. The experienced Bakersfield car accident lawyers at Klein DeNatale Goldner will help you navigate every step of your case.
Common Injuries Suffered in Car Accidents
Injuries sustained in car accidents may require both immediate medical care and extended physical therapy, which should be financially covered by the responsible party's insurer or by your own uninsured motorist coverage. Our team of Bakersfield car accident attorneys fights to help you obtain the maximum compensation available under the law.
Some of the most common injuries stemming from car accidents include:
Sadly, the high-speed impact of some car accidents can also result in fatalities. If you are a surviving family member of a loved one who died in a collision, you may be able to seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim.
Are you suffering from injuries caused by a car accident? Call Klein DeNatale Goldner today (661) 485-2100 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with a Bakersfield car accident lawyer!
What Is Comparative Negligence in California?
California follows a pure comparative negligence law, which means that no matter how at fault for an accident, you are eligible to pursue compensation; however, your total compensation amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Unlike some states, California allows individuals partially at fault for the accident that led to their injuries to recover compensation from the other party involved. In this situation, the court would determine the percentage of fault you are responsible for and the compensation amount you are entitled to. In the end, the damages awarded to you will be reduced.
For example, if you are involved in a car accident, and the court determines you are 10% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 10%.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Bakersfield & Kern County
Car accidents in Bakersfield often occur due to a mix of high-speed traffic, congested intersections, and distracted driving. Busy thoroughfares such as Stockdale Highway, California Avenue, and major junctions by Highway 58 frequently see collisions, especially during peak traffic hours and busy agricultural seasons. Local law enforcement, including the Bakersfield Police Department and California Highway Patrol, routinely cite speeding, running red lights, impaired driving, and failure to yield as major causes of crashes. In addition, dense fog and sudden dust storms—conditions unique to the Central Valley—can create hazardous driving scenarios, increasing the risk of multi-vehicle pileups and reduced visibility accidents.
Understanding the primary causes of auto accidents is essential for prevention and for establishing a strong legal claim if you are injured in a collision. At Klein DeNatale Goldner, our Bakersfield auto accident lawyers conduct thorough investigations into every accident—analyzing factors such as roadway design, traffic signal operation, and recent patterns of crashes at specific intersections throughout Kern County. Our attorneys also monitor local ordinances and city safety initiatives to ensure your case strategy incorporates the most current developments in traffic safety. With our local insight and resources, we develop effective strategies for car accident cases across Bakersfield and Kern County.
How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Claim in California?
California has a two-year statute of limitations on car accident claims. This means you have two years from the date of your injury to file a claim, or you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation—regardless of the severity of your injuries.
It's especially important for Bakersfield residents to remember that this two-year window can pass quickly, particularly when you're focused on medical recovery or vehicle repairs after a collision. In Kern County, certain types of accident claims—such as those involving government vehicles or agencies—may have even shorter notice and filing requirements, which makes timely legal support critical. Our Bakersfield car accident attorneys review the details of your circumstances and ensure all paperwork is filed according to both state and local deadlines, preserving your right to seek damages. If you have questions about whether time limits apply to your claim, or if you need assistance obtaining records from Bakersfield medical providers or police agencies, our team is here to help at every stage.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident?
There are three main types of damages a claimant may pursue after a car accident in Bakersfield: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate for financial losses associated with an injury such as:
- Missed workdays
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for more abstract losses such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Typically, economic damages are easily quantifiable, while non-economic damages are challenging to quantify, as such non-economic damages are also called general damages.
Punitive Damages
The last type of damages, punitive damages, are unique in that their primary purpose is to punish the negligent party rather than compensate the injured party for a specific loss.
Usually, it must be proved that the negligent party knew their actions would cause harm but proceeded with them anyway, such as a drunk driver getting behind the wheel of a car. As such punitive damages are not often awarded.
Should You Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
After being injured in a car accident, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced car accident lawyer who will act as an advocate for you. Working with our dedicated team of Bakersfield car accident lawyers is beneficial because we can review the details of the incident, guide you through the complexities of filing insurance claims and liability issues, and make sure that you receive fair compensation for any damages sustained.
We have knowledge and experience of the auto accident process and can help protect your rights, maximize your compensation and navigate your potential car accident lawsuit more effectively. Working with our Bakersfield car accident law firm will ensure that all legal options are explored and taken advantage of in pursuit of justice.
How Our Car Accident Attorney in Bakersfield Can Help You
A car accident attorney will not only help to maximize your compensation amount but will be there to support and guide you tremendously during this challenging time that you are facing. If you or someone you care about recently got into a car accident, don't wait - you must get the legal help and guidance you need.
Our Bakersfield car accident attorney will help:
- File your paperwork correctly, and ensure that all deadlines are met
- Grant you important legal advice that will help protect your rights and your future
- Maximize your compensation amount so that you receive what you truly deserve
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf for a favorable settlement
- Support you emotionally, and connect you to valuable support groups
- Save you time and prevent you from making costly mistakes
- Put together a file of evidence that will defend your case
- Advise you as to whether your case should be taken to court, and will be there to represent you in the courtroom
Although we have helped several individuals struggling after an injury, we understand that no two situations are alike. Our car accident attorneys make sure to give each case the individual attention it truly needs. When you hire our attorney in Bakersfield, you are not only going to be working with a legal expert but with someone who will genuinely take the time to get to know you and care about your unique case. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do to help you.
Compassionate & Relentless Legal Representation
At Klein DeNatale Goldner, we have successfully represented thousands of personal injury victims for nearly 75 years in practice. We are confident in our abilities to help you too. With many settlements won and satisfied clients, we have the resources and skills to stand up to insurance companies in defense of your rights.
We can help you present an effective car accident claim tailored to your specific needs. We are determined to do our part in helping you obtain the compensation due to you as a result of another's negligence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bakersfield Car Accidents
What Should I Do If the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured in Bakersfield?
If you are involved in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver in Bakersfield, it's essential to understand your legal options and take the right steps immediately. You should promptly notify your own insurance company and document all details of the incident, including photographs and police reports from the responding local agency. California law enables you to seek compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, provided your policy includes these protections. At Klein DeNatale Goldner, our Bakersfield car accident attorneys help you understand your policy and will negotiate with your insurer to help you recover what you are entitled to. We are well-versed in the Bakersfield claims process, ensuring all necessary documentation is handled promptly to protect your rights—even when the other driver is not fully insured.
How Does Weather Impact Car Accident Claims in Kern County?
Kern County witnesses diverse weather patterns, including foggy winter mornings and summer heat waves, both of which can create dangerous road conditions for drivers. Climate factors like tule fog regularly cause multi-vehicle accidents on Highway 99 and other primary routes in Bakersfield. These environmental hazards may complicate your claim, as insurance companies sometimes argue that weather—not negligence—was the key factor in the crash. At Klein DeNatale Goldner, we understand how the local climate impacts collisions and collect vital evidence—from police reports to meteorological data—to clarify liability. Because we are familiar with the risks unique to Bakersfield, our auto accident lawyers can anticipate and counter insurer arguments, helping you present a compelling claim for a fair outcome.
Will My Bakersfield Car Accident Case Go to Court?
Most car accident cases in Bakersfield are resolved through negotiation and settlement, with only a small portion proceeding to trial. However, each scenario is unique, and certain factors—such as disputed liability or serious injury—may increase the chance of litigation. Our Bakersfield car accident lawyers evaluate every claim and set clear expectations about the process. If your case requires a court appearance, our legal team is prepared to represent you skillfully in both state and federal courts throughout Kern County. Leveraging decades of local experience, Klein DeNatale Goldner ensures your claim is presented effectively and you are supported throughout settlement negotiations or in trial.
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Contact Klein DeNatale Goldner by calling (661) 485-2100 today to schedule a FREE case evaluation with our Car Accident Lawyer in Bakersfield, CA!
