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If you’ve recently been in a car accident, you might be dealing with physical injuries, emotional stress, and overwhelming financial burdens. This is challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. An experienced car accident attorney in Bakersfield could help you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries and other losses.

For over 80 years, the personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Young Wooldridge, LLP have advocated for the rights of accident victims in Bakersfield. We help clients like you pursue justice and compensation after significant car accident injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in California?

Speeding

Speeding refers to driving at speeds above the legal limit or too fast for present conditions. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer around curves or objects on the road safely and increases the distance necessary to stop, contributing to preventable accidents.

Tailgating

Tailgating happens when a motorist drives too closely behind another vehicle, which doesn’t leave them enough distance or time to react if the leading vehicle brakes or decelerates suddenly. Tailgating is a dangerous practice that frequently leads to rear-end crashes.

Poor Weather

Inclement weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, fog, or ice significantly increase the risk of accidents. These conditions make roads slippery or reduce visibility, making it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles and see other road users. Accidents can and do happen when drivers fail to adapt their driving to these conditions.

Poor Road Conditions

Whether potholes, loose gravel, poorly marked lanes, or lack of adequate signage, poor road conditions create hazardous driving environments. These conditions can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and make hasty decisions, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Failure to Yield

Failure to yield the right-of-way at intersections or when merging onto highways is another common cause of accidents. When motorists neglect or refuse to yield to other road users, it can force those road users to make sudden, desperate maneuvers to avoid collisions, increasing the risk of other serious accidents.

Failure to Stop

Drivers who disregard stop signs or red traffic lights often collide with other vehicles at intersections. Expecting that everyone will stop as required, other drivers can be caught unprepared when vehicles unexpectedly proceed through intersections. Failure to stop accidents often involves high speeds and results in significant injuries.

Vehicle Defects

Vehicle defects refer to mechanical problems such as faulty brakes, worn-out tires, or malfunctioning lights. A vehicle that isn’t maintained according to safety standards can behave unpredictably on the road. Unexpected mechanical failures can lead to sudden accidents, causing drivers to lose control of their vehicles around other road users.

What Compensation Can I Pursue in a Car Accident Claim?

If you were involved in a car accident due to another party’s wrongful actions, you could seek compensation for a variety of personal and financial losses, including the following:

  • Current and Future Medical Expenses – These include medical expenses such as hospital bills, doctor’s office invoices, prescription co-pays, and therapy costs. If your injuries require future medical care, you could include those anticipated costs in your claim.
  • Lost income and Earning Potential – If you’re unable to work or your capacity to work is diminished due to the accident, you can seek compensation for the income you lost during that period, and in some cases, for projected future income losses.
  • Subjective, Personal Losses – These losses are harder to measure, but they’re equally important. They include the pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life you experience due to the wreck. If an accident leaves you with permanent disabilities, disfigurement, or chronic pain, this type of compensation can be significant.
  • Property Damage – If your car is damaged or totaled, or you lost personal property that was in your car, you could seek compensation to have them repaired or replaced.

You should discuss your situation with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer in Bakersfield to learn more about the potential value of your case.

How Our Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Establish Someone Else’s Fault for a Car Crash

A lawyer can be critical in establishing that another party is at fault for the car accident that injured you. Attorneys are experienced in identifying, gathering, and analyzing evidence such as police reports, healthcare data, witness statements, employment records, and video footage. With this evidence, your lawyer can build a strong case on your behalf and demonstrate the other party’s fault.

Your attorney can also retain accident reconstruction specialists and other experts. They can use their knowledge and experience to determine how the accident occurred, who was at fault, and how your injuries could affect your future. These professionals can provide expert testimony to strengthen your claim and help you seek fair compensation for your current and future losses.

Finally, a skilled lawyer can navigate the complexities of insurance laws, settlement negotiations, and the legal system. They also know how to counter insurance companies’ attempts to deny your claim or reduce your payout. In addition, if the insurance carrier isn’t playing fair, a lawyer can take your case to trial and represent you in court to advocate for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Experienced Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer Today

Don’t let the aftermath of a car accident overwhelm you. Let the experienced personal injury team at The Law Offices of Young Wooldridge, LLP guide you through the legal process with skill and compassion. Contact our experienced Bakersfield car accident lawyer today at 661.327.9661 or online for a free consultation. We’re here to answer your question. Hablamos español.