Bakersfield Injury and Accident Lawyers

From the 99 Freeway to Downtown Bakersfield – We’ve Got Your Back

Bakersfield is no stranger to serious accidents. With heavy traffic along the 99 and 58 Freeways and busy city streets like California Avenue and Union Avenue, collisions and other injury incidents are far too common.

Whether you were hurt in a crash, a fall, or another type of accident caused by someone else’s negligence, DK Law is ready to help.

How Much Do Lawyers Cost?

We understand that you may be dealing with financial burdens due to your injuries. We work on a contingency fee basis, so clients don’t have to worry about paying any upfront legal fees out of pocket. 

Our contingency fee arrangement means we only get paid if we successfully obtain a settlement or verdict. You focus on your family and recovery, while we work to recover the compensation you deserve.

When to Hire an Accident Lawyer

After an accident, certain signs can indicate it’s time to hire a personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and ensure you’re treated fairly. You may need a personal injury lawyer if:

• The injuries are serious or require ongoing medical care
• Liability is unclear
• The other party is disputing liability
• The insurance company is undervaluing or denying your claim

At DK Law, our accident attorneys will thoroughly investigate the accident and build a strong case to prove the other party’s liability. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

In California, the timeframe you have to file a claim, known as the statute of limitations, is typically two years from the date of the accident. 

However, there are exceptions. For example, if the injury was not discovered right away, the “discovery rule” may apply. In this case, the time limit to file a claim could begin on the date you became aware of the injury or when you should have reasonably discovered it.

Missing these deadlines could prevent you from being able to recover compensation. If you’re unsure whether you still have time to file, it’s best to speak with a lawyer right away. 

At DK Law, we will ensure all deadlines are met and that your case is resolved in a timely manner.

Bakersfield Accident Statistics

Located on the Kern River, Bakersfield is a growing city in Southern California, easily accessible by State Route 99 (SR 99), State Route 58 (SR 58), and Interstate 5 (I-5). 

Due to the constant influx of cars, large commercial vehicles, and motorcycles, the Southern California city experiences daily car accidents on its highways, roads, and intersections. In 2020, 54 fatal traffic accidents were reported in Bakersfield.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections

What Are Common Injuries?

Here are some of the most common injuries people sustain in accidents:

• Back and neck injuries: Injuries, such as whiplash or herniated discs, are often caused by sudden impacts or unnatural movements. They can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility.
• Broken bones: Fractures may require extensive treatment, including surgery and physical therapy. Recovery can take weeks or even months, depending on the severity.
• Burns and lacerations: Serious burns and deep cuts can result from various traumatic incidents. Without immediate medical care, they may lead to infection, scarring, or permanent skin damage.
• Traumatic brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can range from minor to severe. Brain injuries may not be immediately apparent, but can cause serious and permanent damage.
• Leg and knee injuries: Torn ACL and meniscus injuries may put a victim out of work due to limited mobility.
• Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can range from strains and sprains to more severe injuries and even paralysis.
• Amputation: Amputation is a catastrophic injury that involves the loss of a limb. According to Johns Hopkins University, traumatic injury accounts for about 45% of all amputations.
• Wrongful death: In the most tragic cases, serious injuries can lead to loss of life. When negligence causes someone’s death, surviving loved ones may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice and compensation.

Our Bakersfield accident attorneys have helped clients recover fair compensation for serious injuries and related expenses, including hospital bills, treatment, medication, and physical therapy.

How Fault Is Determined in Accident Cases

The legal term for carelessness, negligence, is failure to act with reasonable care to avoid injury or harm to another person. Proving negligence in a California personal injury accident consists of four key elements: duty of care, breach of duty of care, causation, and damages.

Duty of Care

The duty of care refers to the legal obligation of individuals to act reasonably to prevent harm to others.

Breach of Duty of Care

The breach of duty of care occurs when an individual fails to meet this obligation, either through action or inaction.

Causation

This means that the breach of duty of care was the direct cause of the plaintiff’s injuries.

Damages

The accident must have resulted in actual losses, including economic damages (like medical bills or lost income) and/or non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering).

What if I Was Partially At Fault for the Accident?

Even if you are partially at fault, you can still recover damages in a personal injury claim. California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which states that you can still recover damages even if you are 99% at fault.

However, keep in mind that the amount of damages awarded to you will be reduced by the percentage of fault. So, in a case where the plaintiff (the injured victim) is found 30% at fault, he or she would be able to recover 70% in damages.

How Much Is My Personal Injury Claim Worth?

The value of your claim will depend on several factors, including the severity of the accident, the amount of damages involved, and the insurance policies of both parties.

When working with experienced attorneys, they can give you an estimated value of your claim after gathering all the details. DK Law has helped many personal injury victims recover from financial and non-financial losses, including:

• Medical bills: Expenses for all past and future medical costs, including hospital visits, medication, surgery, ongoing treatment, physical therapy, and pain management.
• Pain and suffering: Considered non-economic damages, this includes physical pain and emotional distress as a result of the accident.
• Emotional trauma: Psychological trauma, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, or PTSD.
• Lost wages: Injuries often prevent victims from working during their recovery, leading to a significant loss of income.
• Property damage: This applies to the vehicle that was hit or other personal items that were damaged in the collision.
• Permanent physical injuries: If you suffered permanent physical injuries or a disability, you may be eligible to recover compensation.
• Wrongful death: If you lost a loved one in an auto accident, you may be able to seek damages, including funeral and burial expenses.

The value of your personal injury claim can depend on the severity of your injuries and the full scope of your losses. To get a quick estimate of what your case might be worth, call our legal team at DK Law today.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Most accident lawyers will tell you to be very careful when speaking with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This is because the insurance adjuster will try to settle your claim as quickly and cheaply as possible. They will want to get your statement, but be very cautious about what you say without a lawyer present.

Our lawyers always advise clients to be wary of initial settlements offered by insurance adjusters. This is because it is in the insurance company’s best interest to settle your claim for as quickly and cheaply as possible. If you are unsure about your settlement offer, consult with an experienced attorney.

What To Do Immediately After an Accident

Unexpected injuries can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial impacts. If you find yourself in this difficult situation, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what to do immediately after an accident or injury-related incident:

Call Emergency Services

If the incident results in injuries, call 911 to request medical help and law enforcement. Under California law, you must call the police after a car accident if it results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. The police officer who responds to the accident scene will create an official accident report, which will serve as a record of the accident.

Seek Prompt Medical Care

Even if your injuries appear minor, get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, but can become serious later.

Collect Information

Gather details about the incident and those involved. This includes names, contact info, and insurance details (if applicable). Take photos of the scene, any hazards, your injuries, and anything else relevant. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information too.

Report the Incident

Depending on the nature of the injury (such as a workplace or premises liability incident), you may need to report it to a supervisor, property manager, or relevant authority. Be factual but cautious with your statements, and avoid admitting fault.

Track All Related Expenses

Keep detailed records of medical bills, lost wages, transportation costs, and any other expenses tied to the injury. This documentation is essential for accurately valuing your claim.

Speak with a Personal Injury Attorney

If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, consult a personal injury lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney can explain your rights, help you build a strong case, and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.

The DK Law Difference

At DK Law, we don’t just work in Bakersfield — we know it inside and out. From the busy stretches of Union Avenue to the complicated intersections near California Avenue, our team understands how local traffic patterns often contribute to serious accidents. We’re also well-versed in how cases move through Kern County courts and how local insurance adjusters handle claims.

When you hire DK Law, you’re working with a firm that knows how to win in Bakersfield. Our legal team goes above and beyond to make sure every client gets the personalized support they need. That includes:

• 24/7 support whenever you need us
• No upfront costs—we only get paid if you win
• Dedicated case managers who guide you through every step
• A free case evaluation

To schedule your free consultation, call our law office at (661) 846-7744 or send us a message online. Our Bakersfield personal injury lawyer is proud to serve the nearby neighborhoods and surrounding cities of Kern County, including Ridgecrest, Tehachapi, Delano, California City, Shafter, Wasco, Arvin, Taft, McFarland, Rosamond, Frazier Park, Lebec, Lamont, and Mojave.