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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…

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…

When a traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from a catastrophic accident, recovery often involves more than consulting medical experts. At Rodriguez & Associates, our personal injury law firm recognizes that adaptive technology can play a significant role in helping TBI survivors regain independence and enhance their quality of life. These tools are essential, but…

Losing a loved one in any circumstance is devastating, and when caused by the careless actions of another, it opens up another world of confusion, complication, and pain. Between 2022 and 2023, over 40,000 wrongful death lawsuits were filed in California as family members and spouses sought compensation for the negligence that took their…

California’s long stretches of highway and fair weather bring thousands of commercial trucks onto the road every day. Truck drivers work long hours, often facing shipping deadlines that encourage dangerously high speeds. The risk of accidents is great, and with the current shortage of qualified truck drivers, that risk increases every year. In 2020,…

A traumatic brain injury can change a person’s life in an instant, not just physically but emotionally and psychologically. While medical bills and lost income represent clear financial losses, many of the most devastating effects of a TBI are not easily quantifiable, yet they require a monetary valuation. Pain and suffering, trauma, and the…

Each year, some 1.5 million Americans suffer a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Of those victims, 90,000 will experience long-term physical or cognitive disabilities. These injuries can be life-changing, and when caused by the negligence of another, TBI victims often endure long and challenging lawsuits. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic…

At Rodriguez & Associates, the safety and trust of our clients is our top priority. We have been notified that scammers are fraudulently using our name, logo, and even our physical address to deceive individuals into paying upfront legal fees. In late May 2025, a man contacted our office after being charged a $5,000…

Millions of people use California’s highways each day—commuters, travelers, and truck drivers alike. While most reach their destinations safely, accidents are on the rise. With 5,837 fatal accidents reported in 2022, a 49% increase from the previous decade, finding the cause of these accidents is crucial. When a trucking accident does occur, proving liability…

Patrick Benitez has been a driving force behind Rodriguez & Associates for twenty-five years, leaving an indelible mark on its culture and reputation within the Bakersfield community. As Litigation Director, Patrick has been instrumental in shaping our firm’s culture and approach to supporting clients through building meaningful and lasting relationships. In the video below,…