At Rodriguez & Associates, we understand how a serious injury or losing a loved one in a crash can and will impact your life. Our Bakersfield motor vehicle accident attorneys have 100 years of combined experience helping people on their journey to try to put their lives back together again. At our Bakersfield personal injury firm, we make sure that the person or company responsible for harming you is held accountable for all of their bad choices that led to their negligence and carelessness. Contact us if you have suffered an injury or lost a loved one in any type of motor vehicle accident in Bakersfield, California, or nearby areas.
Car Accident Attorneys in Bakersfield
Why Choose Rodriguez & Associates as Your Bakersfield Car Accident Attorneys?
At Rodriguez & Associates, we understand just how stressful it can be to experience a significant motor vehicle accident in Bakersfield. Whether your car was struck by a drunk driver or you were involved in a collision while riding your bicycle, a crash can cause emotional trauma, property damage, and permanent injuries. Our team diligently fights to maximize your settlement and protect your best interests.
As your trustworthy Bakersfield motor vehicle accident attorneys, we painstakingly review every aspect of your claim. You can count on us to discover the party or parties responsible for your situation. We’ll determine the extent of your damages, leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to break down your case.
Meet Bakersfield Wrongful Death Attorney Daniel Rodriguez
Daniel Rodriguez, a lawyer with a distinctive upbringing, emerged from a migrant farm-worker family, navigating through various occupations to finance his college and law school education. Diverging from the typical plaintiff’s attorneys, Daniel boasts extensive trial experience, conducting his inaugural jury trial shortly after earning his license. His specialization in personal injury law, fortified by his tenure as an instructor at the prestigious Gerry Spence Method, has earned him acclaim nationwide, notably being the inaugural recipient of the Gerry Spence Trial Warrior of the Year accolade. With a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts, Daniel’s expertise benefits clients seeking optimal settlements, as evidenced by his consistent inclusion in the California Super Lawyers roster and affiliation with The National Trial Lawyers. Whether requiring representation in accidents or workplace injury claims, clients can rely on Daniel Rodriguez to effectively advocate for their cases and achieve the highest possible outcomes.
Notable Case Results:
Rodriguez and Associates have earned recognition for their outstanding history of achieving favorable outcomes in cases, demonstrating their expertise in delivering successful results for clients across a wide spectrum of legal issues.
- $116.4 Million: Largest personal injury settlement in Kern County History
- $73.6 Million: Largest verdict in Kern County History
- $70.5 Million: Second largest verdict in Kern County History
- $31.6 Million: Third largest verdict in Kern County History
- $12.07 Million: Drunk big rig driver kills young girl
- $12 Million: Forklift operator kills truck driver
- $11.5 Million: Teacher aide sexually assaults student
Client Testimonials:
“Mr. Daniel Rodriguez is an impressive person and attorney. It is apparent that he listens carefully.”
“Mr. Daniel Rodriguez is an impressive person and attorney. It is apparent that he listens carefully, understands people and if he wanted to, he could do most cases with his eyes closed. But he keeps his eyes and ears open for his clients and is the best lawyer a client could hope to retain. I wholeheartedly endorse this attorney!”
Bakersfield Car Accident Quick Links
- Types of Car Accidents We Handle
- Compensation Recoverable After a Car Accident
- How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Attorney?
- Is it Worth it to Get an Attorney?
- What to do After a Car Accident in Bakersfield
Types of Bakersfield Motor Vehicle Accidents Our Attorneys Handle
We have considerable experience working through many types of motor vehicle accidents. Give our firm a call if you’ve experienced any of the following:
- Car accident
- Drunk driver accident
- Truck accident
- Motorcycle accident
- Bus or public transportation accident
- Bicycle and pedestrian accident
- Rideshare accident
- Accident caused by dangerous road conditions
- Accident caused by uninsured or underinsured motorists
Types of Compensation You Can Receive After a Car Accident
Our Bakersfield car accident lawyers are dedicated to helping car accident victims recover fair compensation for their injuries and losses. There are three main categories of damages that you can claim: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic damages cover financial losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages. Non-economic damages address more intangible losses like pain and suffering. Punitive damages, distinct from the first two, are designed to punish the at-fault party for particularly egregious behavior.
Medical Expenses
If you are injured in a car accident, your medical expenses will likely form a significant part of your compensation. This includes not only current medical bills but also your projected future medical costs.
Past medical expenses cover everything from ambulance fees, hospital stays, and diagnostic tests, to surgeries, physical therapy, and any other procedures required to stabilize your condition. If the injuries lead to long-term or permanent disabilities, you may also ongoing treatments, rehabilitation, or surgeries.
Lost Wages
You can also recover compensation for any lost wages that you incur during the accident. This encompasses the income lost during your recovery period, whether you were resting at home or attending medical appointments.
In addition, you can recover compensation for the loss of future earnings if your injuries prevent you from returning to work. You can claim these damages if the injury reduces your ability to work, requires you to take a lower-paying job, or keeps you from pursuing career advancements that you would have likely obtained otherwise.
Property Damage
Your vehicle will likely bear the brunt of the damage in a car accident, and you can recover compensation to help repair or replace it. However, compensation for property damage also covers any personal belongings that were broken in the accident. This might include electronics, clothing, or other valuable items in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages encompass the physical discomfort and emotional distress resulting from the accident. You can recover compensation for immediate physical injuries but also long-term effects like chronic pain, scarring, and permanent disability. Psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, or loss of enjoyment of life also fall under this category.
Punitive Damages
In California, punitive damages are awarded under specific circumstances, as outlined in Civil Code section 3294. Unlike other damages that aim to compensate the victim, they are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
According to the Civil Code, you can recover punitive damages if clear and convincing evidence shows the defendant acted with oppression, fraud, or malice. Your attorney can help determine whether you qualify for this compensation.
How Much Will It Cost to Hire an Attorney?
Most car accident attorneys—including the lawyers at Rodriguez & Associates—take cases on a contingency fee basis. Under this model, the attorney’s fees are contingent upon winning the case. The fee is a percentage of the settlement or court award, meaning you only pay if you receive compensation.
This arrangement allows access to legal representation without upfront costs. The specific percentage varies, and your car accident attorney in Bakersfield will discuss the terms of the agreement with you before proceeding with your claim.
Is It Worth Getting an Attorney for a Car Accident?
Yes, it’s always beneficial to hire an attorney for a car accident, especially when they operate on a contingency fee structure. Hiring an Bakersfield car accident attorney from Rodriguez & Associates can offer several advantages that can strengthen your case and improve your chances of recovering maximum compensation.
Your lawyer can:
- Negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- Investigate your accident and gather evidence to prove your case
- Enlist the help of experts who can help prove liability, damages, and more
- Guide you through each step of the legal system so that you know what to expect
- Prepare and file all paperwork to ensure that it is free of errors
- Present your case effectively in court, should your case go to trial
- Protect your rights against tactics that may undervalue your claim
- Provide advice on legal decisions, such as accepting settlement offers
- Handle all communications and administrative tasks on your behalf, reducing your stress
If you are injured in a car accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Trust Rodriguez & Associates to protect your right to compensation and help you seek justice following the collision. With our support, you can present a stronger case to the insurer or the court, maximizing your odds of a fair recovery.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Bakersfield
The aftermath of a car accident can be chaotic and confusing. Knowing the right steps to take immediately can significantly impact the outcome of your claim and your recovery.
Go to the Hospital
Always go to the hospital after a car accident. This is crucial not only to treat visible injuries but also to uncover and address any hidden ones. Your healthcare providers will also create medical records that serve as valuable evidence in your claim, documenting the extent and impact of your injuries.
Call the Police
In California, the law requires you to report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. By calling the police, you not only ensure compliance with the law but also create an official record of the accident, which can be vital for your claim. The police report will contain important information, such as the names of the involved parties, the details of the accident, and, in some cases, a preliminary determination of fault.
Collect Evidence
If you’re able, collect evidence at the scene. Take photos and videos of the accident, gather contact information from any witnesses who saw it happen, and exchange your license, contact, and insurance details with the other driver. After the accident, start a daily journal to document your recovery and save all accident-related documents.
Speak to a Lawyer
Once you have received medical care, contact a Bakersfield car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Do not speak to the other driver or their insurance company before talking to an attorney first. The car accident lawyers at Rodriguez & Associates can protect your rights during your claim and prevent you from being undervalued or misled by insurers.
Contact Our Bakersfield Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys
Rodriguez & Associates is conveniently located in downtown Bakersfield. We are available for weekend and evening appointments, charge no fee for consultations, and speak both English and Spanish. To contact us, please call (661) 777-7575 or 800-585-9262 Toll Free.