Bakersfield Car Accident Attorneys

Automotive safety technology has advanced rapidly over the past decade, but serious collisions still happen every day. Those who are fortunate enough to survive may have to cope with crippling pain, a loss of life enjoyment, and devastating financial costs. If you want to pursue monetary damages from the party responsible for your crash, contact our car accident attorneys in Bakersfield for a free consultation. You won’t have to pay anything to get personalized advice about your case. If you choose to hire one of our lawyers, there won’t be any attorney’s fees owed unless we win. When you’re ready to discuss your claim, call our 24-hour phone line at 1-800-GO-HARRIS.

Car Accident Cases We Handle in Bakersfield, California

• Collisions caused by drunk or drugged drivers
• Collisions caused by distracted drivers
• Collisions involving commercial trucks
• Multi-vehicle pileup accidents
• Collisions caused by poor road conditions
• Collisions involving tour or public buses
• Collisions involving rideshare service vehicles
• Collisions involving scooters
• Collisions involving Turo rental vehicles
• Collisions caused by defective auto parts
• Collisions involving pedestrians
• Wrongful death auto accidents
• Other auto accident claims

What Terms Should I Know Before Bringing My Car Accident Claim?

Before we answer this question, it is first important to note that you should initiate the proceedings as soon as possible. While you might want to take a conscientious approach and learn about the proceedings and the relevant laws before you bring the claim, this could prove to be a costly mistake since important evidence might be time-sensitive. Also, the insurance company may want a statement from you soon after the crash, and it is wise to let your Bakersfield car accident lawyer handle this correspondence on your behalf. As such, you should seek legal counsel right away. During your first meeting with an attorney, you will have a chance to ask questions about the claims process and the laws pertaining to your case. As a client of Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, you will have a direct line of contact to your attorney, which means you will be able to get prompt answers to your questions throughout the proceedings. If you ever encounter a term or concept that you don’t understand, the advice you seek will be just a phone call away. The list below includes a few important terms you might encounter during the proceedings:

• Economic Damages: There are all sorts of costs a person might incur after a collision including medical bills, lost income, and property damage. Sometimes it is also necessary to invest in domestic help, childcare, and alternative transportation. These direct financial losses are called “economic damages.” Personal injury claimants in California have the right to pursue not only the economic damages they have already incurred but also the economic damages they are reasonably certain to incur in the future.

• Non-Economic Damages: A severe injury can result in devastating pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment in life, and emotional distress. Although these intangible consequences do not have an objective monetary value, they are every bit as real and debilitating as the direct financial costs that stem from an accident. Such damages are called “non-economic damages.” Our attorneys can make sure your claim accounts for any non-economic damages you have incurred. We have an in-depth knowledge of the statutes and case law pertaining to these damages, and we won’t let the insurance company get away with paying less than what you deserve.

• Comparative Negligence: It is sometimes the case that multiple parties share responsibility for a single auto accident. When this happens, fault will be apportioned among the liable parties in accordance with California’s comparative negligence laws. Each party will be assigned a percentage of fault, so if two defendants were each 50 percent responsible for the crash, each would have to pay 50 percent of the claimant’s damages. If you were 20 percent at fault for the crash, you would only be able to recover compensation for up to 80 percent of your damages.

• Statute of Limitations: There are strict deadlines for bringing personal injury cases to court. These deadlines are prescribed in the statutes of limitations. There are many factors that can influence the deadline that applies to your particular case, and valuable evidence might not be available indefinitely, so it is always a good idea to initiate the proceedings as soon as possible.

• Retained Medical Expert: If there is a dispute regarding the kinds of injuries you suffered, their severity, the most appropriate course of treatment, or the cost of your medical care, your Bakersfield car accident attorney might depose retained medical experts to strengthen your case.

Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS to Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer in Bakersfield

The path to a fair settlement after a major auto accident is riddled with legal hurdles. Our attorneys can guide you through the proceedings and aggressively represent your interests. For a free case review, call 1-800-GO-HARRIS or message us using our Contact Form.=