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When negligence results in a deadly accident, surviving family members deserve to be compensated for their devastating loss. Over 40,000 wrongful death lawsuits were filed between 2022 and 2023, each claim representing another grieving family left behind. Filing a wrongful death claim can help the decedent’s surviving heirs receive compensation for the damages they…

For over two decades, Rodriguez & Associates has built a reputation for providing compassionate legal care to individuals and families facing some of the most difficult experiences of their lives, including the loss of a loved one due to another’s negligence. Wrongful death lawsuits require a high degree of sensitivity, with each client facing…

Modern commercial trucks are made of many sophisticated components. One of the most crucial is the engine control module (ECM), a device that records thousands of data points about speed, braking, engine performance, and driver behavior. This technology has transformed how truck accident cases are investigated, offering objective evidence that can contradict false narratives,…

A fully loaded semi-truck becomes a weapon when critical components fail due to neglected maintenance or substandard repairs. Brake systems, tires, steering mechanisms, and even lighting systems that malfunction due to inadequate service can all lead to serious collisions in Bakersfield. Federal regulations mandate strict maintenance schedules and detailed inspection protocols, but some trucking…

Rodriguez & Associates remains committed to being community-minded both in and out of the courtroom. During this back-to-school season, we were proud to continue our sponsorship of two Bakersfield fundraisers close to our hearts: Dreams and Hope for the Children Back 2 School and Hot 94.1 Romeo’s Backpack Giveaway. Hot 94.1 Romeo’s Backpack Giveaway…

Chantal Trujillo and Joseph Whittington have been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. Both attorneys have received the distinction in the Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs category, highlighting their commitment to defending the rights of those seriously harmed by others’ negligence. A senior partner at Rodriguez &…

For the second year in a row, Chantal Trujillo, senior partner at Rodriguez & Associates, has been selected for membership to The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40. This exclusive organization consists of the top young trial attorneys nationwide. It is limited to civil plaintiff and criminal defense lawyers under 40 who show…

When traffic lights malfunction or go dark, intersections that were once orderly can quickly become chaotic and dangerous. Serious accidents can happen as drivers struggle to navigate without clear traffic control. The question of fault in these situations isn’t always straightforward; liability may rest with individual drivers, government entities responsible for signal maintenance, or…

Rodriguez & Associates partners Danay Gonzalez and Chantal A. Trujillo, along with their dogs Zola and Beau, invite you to Clear The Shelters on August 23, 2025. NBCUniversal Local is teaming up with hundreds of animal shelters across the country for Clear The Shelters, a nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign. From August 1 –…

In a single moment of careless driving, large commercial trucks can easily overcome most cars and cause catastrophic injury. In 2020, California had the second-highest truck accident rate in the country, with 364 fatal collisions. There is a way to help reduce these statistics: If you witness reckless truck driving, you can file a…