Category Archives: Car Accidents

How to File a Car Accident Claim with Progressive

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Being involved in a car accident is always a difficult experience. In addition to dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of the accident, you also have to navigate the process of filing an insurance claim. This process can be daunting and sometimes, it is necessary to work with a personal injury lawyer. If the at-fault driver has Progressive auto insurance, you will need to follow a series of careful steps to file a claim.

Submit Your Claim to Progressive

The first step in filing a car accident claim with Progressive is to report the accident to the company. You can do this online, through the Progressive app, or by calling the company’s claims department. When you report the accident, be prepared to provide as much information as possible, including the date, time, and location of the collision, the names and contact information of any other drivers involved, and the names and contact information of any witnesses.

Assess Your Inspection and Repair Options

Once you have reported the accident to Progressive, the company will assign an adjuster to your claim. The adjuster will contact you to discuss the next steps in the claims process, which may include an inspection of your vehicle to assess the damage. Depending on the severity of the damage, the adjuster may recommend that you take your car to a repair shop.

Schedule and Receive Your Repairs

The adjuster may recommend that you take your car to a repair shop that is part of the Progressive network. If you choose to have your car repaired at a shop that is not part of the Progressive network, you will need to provide the adjuster with an estimate for the cost of the repairs.

Once the adjuster approves the estimate, you can schedule your repairs with the repair shop of your choice. When the repairs are complete, you will need to provide Progressive with an invoice for the work that was done. If you have rental car coverage as part of your policy, you may be able to rent a car while your car is being repaired.

Should You Provide a Statement to Progressive?

After an accident, the insurance company may ask you to provide a statement about what happened. While this process may seem routine and straightforward, it is important to proceed with caution. Insurance companies often use statements as evidence to minimize their liability and reduce the amount of compensation that they need to pay. That’s why it is essential to seek the advice of a lawyer before providing a statement.

Insurance companies have teams of adjusters whose job is to protect the company’s interests. Without legal representation, you may not know your rights or be able to negotiate effectively with insurance companies.

On the other hand, a car accident attorney is dedicated to protecting your interests and advocating for the highest possible settlement. Your lawyer can help you understand your legal options, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and escalate your claim to a lawsuit if necessary.

Injured in a California Car Accident? Speak with an Attorney

After a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention and gather as much evidence as possible. Then, contact a California car accident lawyer who can represent your case and fight for your right to compensation. Schedule a free consultation immediately after the collision to discuss your case and take your first steps toward filing an insurance claim.

Posted by highrank at 5:07 pm

Can You Sue For Emotional Distress After a Car Accident?

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Car accidents are common occurrences that can happen to anyone at any time. While most people focus on the physical injuries that can result from a car accident, it’s important to remember that emotional distress can also arise from such incidents. Emotional distress can severely impact an individual’s mental health and overall well-being, leading to long-lasting psychological issues.

If you have been in a car accident and are experiencing emotional distress, you may be wondering if you can sue for compensation. Under California law, you have the right to pursue an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit against the driver responsible for your collision.

What Is Emotional Distress?

Emotional distress is a psychological condition that can arise from a traumatic event, such as a car accident. This level of distress can manifest itself in different ways, including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disturbances, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach pain.

The impact of emotional distress can vary from person to person, and it can be challenging to deal with. For instance, some individuals may feel a deep sense of fear and apprehension every time they get into a car, while others may experience flashbacks or nightmares related to the accident.

How to Prove Emotional Distress in a Car Accident Claim

California is a fault car accident state. Under state law, victims have the right to pursue insurance claims or lawsuits against negligent drivers who cause motor vehicle collisions. In addition to economic losses like medical expenses and property damage, victims also have the right to claim damages for non-economic pain and suffering, which includes emotional distress.

To prove emotional distress, you must provide evidence that the car accident caused your emotional distress. This can be challenging, as emotional distress is not a visible injury, like a broken bone or a cut. Working with a car accident lawyer can help you prove emotional distress.

You can leverage several pieces of evidence to prove emotional distress, such as the following:

Medical Records: If you sought medical attention for your emotional distress, your medical records could help prove the severity of your symptoms. These documents can also establish a link between your trauma and the collision.
Witness Statements: Eyewitnesses to the accident may be able to provide statements to help establish critical facts about the accident. People in your life, such as your friends and family members, may also be able to testify about your emotional state.
Expert Testimony: A mental health expert may be able to testify on your behalf and show how the accident affected you. Your lawyer can connect you with an expert who can support your case.
Journal Entries: After the accident, you may want to keep a journal where you detail how the collision has impacted you and affected your mental health. You can use these entries as evidence in your claim against the negligent driver.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer for Your Emotional Distress Claim

Emotional distress is a valid condition that can arise from a car accident. If you’re experiencing emotional trauma after a car accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention and speak to a personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process.

With the right evidence and legal representation, you may be able to receive compensation for your emotional distress and the impact it has had on your life. Schedule a free consultation as soon as possible to discuss your case and plan your next steps.

Posted by highrank at 4:37 pm

Daniel Rodriguez Represents Family of Police-Involved Auto Accident Victim Mario Lares

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Daniel Rodriguez is conducting a private investigation of the circumstances that caused this incident and is pursuing justice for Mario Lares.

Daniel Rodriguez, president and founder of Rodriguez & Associates, is representing the family of Mr. Mario Lares, who was killed after being struck by a Bakersfield Police Department patrol vehicle when he was driving home from work. The renowned Bakersfield personal injury attorney is conducting an independent investigation of the incident to determine liability and seek justice for Mario.

According to reports made by the Bakersfield Police Department, the crash occurred as officers were in pursuit of a stolen vehicle in the early hours of January 19, 2023. Lares was traveling West into the intersection of South Vineland and Muller roads in Bakersfield, while the patrol vehicle was traveling South. Most of the roadways in that area are poorly lit and only stop signs are used to control traffic flow. The California Highway Patrol noted a stop sign for vehicles traveling North and South.

In an interview with KGET Channel 17 local news Rodriguez asked the City of Bakersfield to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. He says the actions of the officers must be addressed. “Just because someone is wearing a badge does not excuse them from the same standards that apply to all of us,” Rodriguez stated.

Rodriguez plans to investigate if the officers failed to stop at the stop sign or failed to follow Code 3 policy – the appropriate use of lights and sirens to clear an intersection before proceeding. “If all of those things turn out to be correct or some of them turn out to be correct, that means that the officer violated laws and he is not above the law,” Rodriguez said.

“We trust the Police to properly use their power and authority to protect the public. When police misconduct causes death, the responsible parties and organizations must be held responsible.”
-Daniel Rodriguez, Founder and President, Rodriguez & Associates

About Rodriguez & Associates
Rodriguez & Associates has decades of experience representing victims of serious personal injury and wrongful death claims resulting from the negligence and careless actions of individuals, large companies, and organizations who disregard basic safety precautions. Rodriguez & Associates has obtained the top 3 highest personal injury verdicts in Kern County history and has more multi-million dollar verdicts than any other law firm in the Southern San Joaquin Valley. Learn more about Rodriguez & Associates here: https://www.rodriguezlaw.net/.

A Spanish version of this press release is available here.

Posted by Lorrie Ross at 2:26 pm

Daniel Rodriguez Representa a La Familia de Mario Lares, Víctima De Un Accidente Automovilístico Involucrado Con La Policía

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Daniel Rodriguez está realizando una investigación privada sobre las circunstancias que provocaron este incidente y está buscando justicia para Mario Lares.

Daniel Rodriguez, presidente y fundador de Rodriguez y Asociados esta representando a la familia del Sr. Mario Lares, quien murió después de ser chocado por una patrulla del Departamento de Policía de Bakersfield cuando conducía a casa desde el trabajo. El renombrado abogado de lesiones personales de Bakersfield está realizando una investigación independiente del incidente para determinar la responsabilidad y buscar justicia para Mario.

Segun los informes hechos por el Departamento de Policía de Bakersfield, el accidente ocurrió cuando los oficiales perseguían un vehículo robado la madrugada del 19 de enero del 2023. El Sr. Lares viajaba al oeste hacia la intersección de las calles South Vineland y Muller en Bakersfield, mientras que la patrulla viajaba hacia el sur. La mayoría de las carreteras en esa área están mal iluminadas y solo se utilizan señales de alto para controlar el flujo de tráfico. La Patrulla de Caminos de California notó una señal de alto para los vehículos que viajan del norte al sur.

En una entrevista con las noticias locales del canal 17 de KGET, Rodriguez pidió a la ciudad de Bakersfield que responsabilice a los responsables por sus acciones. Él dice que las acciones de los oficiales deben ser abordadas. “El hecho de que alguien lleve una insignia no los excusa de los mismos estándares que se aplican a todos nosotros,” afirmó Rodriguez.

Rodriguez planea investigar si los oficiales no se detuvieron en la señal de alto o si no siguieron la política del Código 3 – el uso apropiado de luces y sirenas para despejar una intersección antes de continuar. “Si todas esas cosas resultan ser correctas o algunas de ellas resultan ser correctas, eso significa que el oficial violó las leyes y no está por encima de la ley”, dijo Rodriguez.

“Confiamos en que la policía utilizará su poder y autoridad de manera apropiada para proteger al público. Cuando la mala conducta de la policía causa la muerte, las partes y organizaciones responsables deben rendir cuentas”.
-Daniel Rodriguez, Fundador y Presidente, Rodriguez y Asociados

Acerca de Rodriguez y Asociados

Rodriguez y Asociados tiene décadas de experiencia representando víctimas de lesiones personales graves y reclamos por muerte injusta como resultado de la negligencia y las acciones descuidadas de individuos, grandes empresas y organizaciones que ignoran las precauciones básicas de seguridad. Rodriguez y Asociados ha obtenido los 3 veredictos por lesiones personales más altos en la historia del condado de Kern y tiene más veredictos multimillonarios que cualquier otra firma de abogados en el sur del Valle de San Joaquín. Aprenda mas sobre Rodriguez y Asociados aquí: https://www.rodriguezlaw.net/.

Posted by Lorrie Ross at 12:53 am

Rodriguez & Associates Named to Expertise.com 2023 Best Car Accident Lawyers List

Friday, January 13, 2023

Expertise.com has included Rodriguez & Associates in their 2023 Best Car Accident Lawyers in Bakersfield list.

Best Car Accident Lawyers in Bakersfield

In addition, Rodriguez & Associates made the following Expertise.com lists:

Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Bakersfield
Best Litigation Attorneys in Bakersfield

Our Bakersfield, CA car accident attorneys were chosen by Expertise based on 25 variables across the following five criteria: Reputation, Credibility, Experience, Availability, and Professionalism.

To learn more about our California personal injury law firm click here.

Posted by Lorrie Ross at 2:10 pm

Can My License Be Suspended for a Car Accident?

Friday, December 30, 2022

After a car accident, several thoughts may run through your mind. Are you hurt? Do you need medical care? How will you pay for damage to your vehicle? Will the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) suspend your license?

A license suspension can significantly impact your day-to-day life, affecting your ability to get to work, run errands, and perform other daily activities. However, the DMV will only suspend your license under certain circumstances; generally, if you were not at fault for the collision and were driving legally, your license will not be suspended after a car accident.

Does an Accident Automatically Result in a License Suspension?

Getting into a car accident does not mean that the DMV will automatically suspend your license, regardless of whether it was a minor rear-end collision or a major multi-vehicle crash. However, certain situations may happen before, during, or after a crash that will lead to a license suspension.

The DMV may suspend a license if it determines that you were not driving safely or that you should not be allowed to operate a car for a certain amount of time. In serious cases, the DMV may revoke your license—meaning that you will lose all driving privileges until you prove your competence at a later time.

When Will the DMV Suspend a Driver’s License?

After an accident, a driver’s license may be suspended if any of the following circumstances apply:

You were driving without car insurance as required by California law. The suspension will remain in effect for four years or until you submit proof of insurance to the DMV.
You were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the collision. Depending on the number of previous offenses, your license may be suspended for two to four years.
You failed to report the accident as required by California law. You must report any collision to the DMV if someone is injured or killed, or if property damage exceeds $1,000.
You refused to take a drug or alcohol test when requested by a law enforcement officer. According to California’s implied consent laws, you must submit to a drug or alcohol test or your license will be suspended, even if you were not under the influence or did not cause the accident.
You were driving recklessly at the time of the accident. The DMV will suspend your license if your recklessness was found to have caused the crash, especially if you broke traffic laws or injured another person.

If your license was suspended by the DMV, it is important to contact a lawyer right away. An attorney can help you fight the suspension and prove that you were not responsible for the collision.

What Else Should You Know About Car Accidents in California?

California is a fault-based accident state. If you were involved in a crash and believed that someone else was responsible, you have the right to pursue a lawsuit or insurance claim against the at-fault driver. Through your claim, you can recover financial compensation to pay for medical care, lost wages, property damage, and other losses.

If you were involved in a car accident in California, contacting a personal injury attorney is important. An attorney can help you prove your right to compensation and hold the at-fault party accountable.

Posted by highrank at 5:11 pm

Serious Injuries From Car Accidents

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Accidents from the impact of cars crashing often result in serious injuries that have a lasting impact on the lives of the victims. Since the average American car weighs over 2 tons when an accident occurs between two cars over 8,000 pounds of metal and steel collide at great force. The damage and potential injuries can be astounding depending on the circumstances of the accident.

If you are involved in a serious car accident that was caused by the negligence of another driver, you are entitled to seek compensation for a number of damages including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of wages. Working with an experienced serious car accident attorney will help you prioritize your needs, identify potential damages, and seek justice on your behalf while you heal.

Rodriguez & Associates has decades of experience recovering damages for victims of severe car accidents including a $4.6 million dollar case resulting in a head-on collision caused by a drug-impaired driver and a $5.5 million dollar recovery on behalf of a two-year-old paralyzed in a high-speed police chase.

What Qualifies as a Serious Car Accident?

Generally, the severity of an accident is determined by the injuries obtained by drivers and passengers. A number of factors may influence the seriousness of injuries including the speed of the vehicles at the time of the collision, the type of impact or collision that took place, and the number of cars involved.

A serious injury is determined by a high risk of death, serious disfigurement, prolonged impairment of health, or prolonged loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ.

Serious Car Accident Injuries

A number of life-changing injuries can be acquired in a car accident

Spinal Cord Injuries
Accidents that cause damage to the neck or spinal cord are common and detrimental to the livelihood of the victim. Spinal trauma from a high-impact collision can sever the spinal cord or dislocate vertebrae causing a combination of serious medical issues including paralysis and lost feeling in parts of the body, the loss of function or control of parts of the body, as well as difficulty breathing.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury or TBI is usually a result of a severe impact to the head or the result of an object penetrating brain tissue. Depending upon the severity of the injury, victims may face cognitive or emotional issues as well as struggling with ordinary tasks, such as brushing their teeth or feeding themselves, that require motor control.
Amputation or Limb Loss
If a person’s limb is injured beyond repair or keeping it would put them at further medical risk, amputation can be the best life-saving solution. Losing the use of one or multiple limbs due to a serious car accident can drastically affect a person’s quality of life. Effects of amputation include extensive medical procedures and therapies, prosthetic limbs, continuing pain, and emotional trauma.

Why do Serious Car Accidents Occur?

Negligence plays a large role in the number of serious car accidents that occur nationally. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identifies distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and aggressive driving were all leading causes of serious or fatal car accidents in 2020. California is among the states that have developed a Strategic Highway Safety Plan to address negligent motorists and enforce safety regulations in an effort to minimize fatalities and serious car accidents.

How We Can Help

The award-winning car accident attorneys at Rodriguez & Associates have over one hundred years of combined experience working closely with seriously injured car accident victims in the Bakersfield area, and throughout California. For years, we have been named to Expertise.com’s list of Best Car Accident Lawyers in Bakersfield.

Our team understands the extreme difficulties families can face in the aftermath of an accident and comprehensively examines all details of your incident to build a strong case that will help you reach justice and reclaim your life. Contact our Bakersfield personal injury law office today to schedule a free consultation of your case.

Posted by Lorrie Ross at 9:59 pm

5 Types of Brain Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

When a car accident happens, it is common for the vehicle occupants to suffer forceful blows, jolts, or bumps to the head. This trauma can cause serious damage to the brain and lead to painful, sometimes life-altering effects like persistent headaches, loss of function, or even a coma.

Brain damage can range in severity and can lead to significant financial, physical, and emotional hardships. There are many types of brain injuries that a person could sustain in a car accident, including concussions, skull fractures, and contusions.

#1: Concussion

Concussions are one of the most common types of brain injuries in traumatic accidents. This injury is typically caused by a blow to the head and results in symptoms like nausea, headache, vomiting, blurred vision, and ringing in the ears.

Concussions are relatively mild, but some injuries can lead to dangerous complications and long-lasting effects. Some patients experience a temporary change in mental function and could suffer compounded symptoms if they have another concussion before the first one is healed.

#2: Skull Fracture

During a car accident, the skull surrounding your brain can fracture or crack. Because they can happen any time that you hit your head, skull fractures usually occur in addition to other injuries like concussions. Symptoms of this condition include bruising, swelling, severe head pain, and bleeding from the ears or nose.

#3: Coup-Contrecoup Injury

A coup-contrecoup injury occurs when your brain is injured in two places. During a car accident, you could suffer a blow to the head that severely injures the brain at the site of impact. However, the force can be so great that it causes your brain to slide to the other side of your skull and suffer an injury on the opposite end. Coup-contrecoup injuries can be very painful and lead to bleeding, swelling, and bruising.

#4: Brain Contusion

Contusion is another word for bruise. When the brain suffers a violent jolt or blow during a car accident, it is very common for contusions to develop. In some cases, brain contusions heal without major medical intervention. However, these injuries can lead to extremely dangerous complications like blood clots and bleeding.

#5: Diffuse Axonal Injuries

Axons are cables that connect different neurons in the brain together, allowing electrical impulses to travel from cell to cell. Extreme forces exerted during a car accident can cause the axons to tear or shear, leading to a diffuse axonal injury. This type of brain injury is extremely severe and often results in devastating injuries, comas, or death.

Contact a California Brain Injury Attorney

If your brain was damaged in a motor vehicle collision, you deserve fair compensation for the harm that you suffered. By filing a brain injury lawsuit or car insurance claim, you could secure a settlement to help pay for medical care, property damage, disability accommodations, and other losses.

If you have suffered a brain injury in California, you should retain the services of an attorney who will fight for the full value of your compensation. Your brain injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and work to protect your rights and best interests.

Get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible after your car accident to initiate an insurance claim or lawsuit. Your lawyer will evaluate your case and help you begin the process of obtaining the settlement you deserve.

Posted by highrank at 8:53 pm

Determining Liability in Your Truck Accident Case

Thursday, September 8, 2022

Walking away from a truck accident as an uninjured driver or passenger of a standard-sized vehicle is rare simply due to the sheer size and force of a moving truck. The injuries that occur in a truck accident are generally severe, often including head trauma, internal bleeding, and back and neck injuries.

Yet, seeking compensation for medical bills, ongoing treatment, wages, and even wrongful death in a truck accident is extremely challenging and tedious. Large trucking companies are prepared with legal teams and massive insurance policies that have the goal of protecting their company, their manufacturers, and their drivers from a large payout.

Working with a truck accident attorney who has experience handling claims against trucking companies, drivers, and manufacturers, as well as aggressive insurance companies, is crucial to the success of your case and your peace of mind while you heal.

Crash Investigation

Attorneys can determine the cause of an accident through an extensive and in-depth investigation that will involve visits to the crash site, a review of the driver’s black box, driver log, and other factors including police reports, weather conditions, and eyewitness reports. Attorneys will address the potential for multiple parties involved by reviewing the trucking company’s history of accidents, manufacturing issues, or other logistical concerns. A detailed investigation can take months to review critical evidence in a truck accident.

Multiple Parties

Layers of trucking laws, specific investigative procedures, and multiple involved parties can make a successful truck accident lawsuit seem out of reach. Unlike a typical car accident, truck accidents can possibly involve multiple negligent parties in addition to the driver. It is crucial for you and your attorney to understand the connection between various parties including the trucking company, manufacturer, and even cargo loaders. Determining which parties were negligent and should be held liable for injuries and damages is an essential part of your truck accident claim.

Who Can be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?

The trucking industry has so many interconnected roles that negligence, as early in the process as manufacturing, can create potential harm for anyone on the road. Truck drivers, manufacturing companies, truck owners, and trucking companies, among others, can potentially hold responsibility for an accident.

Truck Drivers

The most common defendant in a trucking accident, the negligent behaviors of a truck driver can have tremendous consequences for others on the road. Common negligent actions among truck drivers include:

Distracted driving
Driving impaired
Failing to follow state or federal laws
Drowsy driving
Failing to maintain driver’s log

Truck Companies/Truck Owners

The truck’s owner, whether an individual, a company, or a leasing firm, is responsible for ensuring the truck is completely safe and roadworthy. If the truck’s owner fails to properly maintain the truck, and that lack of maintenance causes an accident, the owner can be held liable for any damages. In addition, companies are responsible for hiring fully licensed and experienced drivers and ensuring those drivers comply with trucking laws. Common negligence among truck companies and owners includes:

Poor truck maintenance
Hiring unqualified drivers
Insufficient training of employees
Encouraging their drivers to violate hour and sleep restrictions

Truck Manufacturer

Manufacturing errors are significant factors in truck accidents. Recorded data from 2021 showed that about 30% of all truck-related accidents are caused by tire defects. Even when warnings and recalls are in place, the truck manufacturer can still potentially be held liable for damages.

Cargo Loaders

The companies that hire trucking companies to transport their materials and products can potentially be held liable if their materials are not securely fastened and come loose. Over-loading, improper balance or the use of unsafe straps, levers, or other securing devices are all common factors in trucking hazards.

How We Can Help

California remains among the top states with the highest fatal trucking accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Patrol’s 2019 statistics, 7.7% of California truck drivers were involved in fatal crashes during that year.

Truck accidents are complex and require an experienced eye. Our Bakersfield trucking accident attorneys of Rodriguez & Associates have handled hundreds of truck accidents. Founder and senior attorney Daniel Rodriguez, along with attorneys Chantal Trujillo and Danay Gonzalez, obtained the highest personal injury verdict in Kern County history of over $70 million for a truck vs SUV case. Our firm is familiar with truck engineering, truckers’ fatigue, and other issues that lead to catastrophic accidents.

If you or someone you love has been the victim of a truck accident, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and possible legal options.

Posted by Lorrie Ross at 8:54 pm

How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Truck Accident Case?

Friday, July 1, 2022

An accident involving a massive truck can leave a wake of devastation for the victim and their family, not to mention mounting medical bills, the uncertainty of the future, as well as pain and suffering. While negligent parties can be held responsible financially, those payments are not issued until the case is resolved. Clients are often left wondering when their case will reach a resolution.

While it can be difficult to enter into a process with no specific defined outcome or end date, the truck accident attorneys at Rodriguez & Associates aim to make your lawsuit process as transparent and informative as possible while you heal.

Truck Accident Claims Process

Due to the nature of the trucking industry, a truck accident claim takes time. Each truck accident presents a unique set of challenges dependent on a multitude of variables including the extent of medical treatment needed by the victim, insurance company coverage, and the availability of evidence or witnesses. In many instances, trucking accidents can have more than one party held liable including the driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, or even the truck broker.

While your attorney may have control over some aspects of your case, there is a specific process that your legal team will follow in order to handle your case:

Collecting Evidence

A thorough truck accident attorney will review every piece of evidence that may indicate negligence. Attorneys will review the scene of the crash as well as inspect the following types of materials for evidence:

Surveillance footage
Documents
Photographs
Eyewitness statements
Police reports
Event data recorders
Truck log and maintenance records

Medical Treatment Information

Depending on the severity of the victim’s injuries, an accurate representation of damages may not be available immediately. Before deciding what may be a fair and reasonable claim, your attorney will need to receive complete medical documentation that outlines past, current, and future medical needs that resulted from the accident. That can mean waiting for extensive surgeries and therapies to be completed.

Injury Demand Letter

In order to move forward with your case, your legal team must submit a letter of demand to the defendant’s insurance company specifying how the claimant has been physically and emotionally affected by the accident and the damages required due to their negligence.

Settlement Negotiations

The negotiation process can be extensive as attorneys and the trucking company will go back and forth to assign fault and determine damages. Each party will scrutinize the evidence in order to reach a settlement. While most truck accident claims tend to be resolved in mediation, the lack of a settlement agreement, especially in a high-stakes case involving large, known organizations, means the case may go to trial.

Trial

Cases that proceed to trial can be drawn out by the process of the court. Cases can typically last a few days to several weeks depending on the amount of evidence to be reviewed, the number of witnesses testifying, and how long the jury takes to deliberate, among other factors.

How We Can Help

Truck accident cases involve a lot of moving parts that are necessary to proceed toward a resolution. It is challenging to identify a time frame in substantial cases, but starting as soon as possible is key. If you or a family member has been injured or killed in a truck accident, it is important to reach out to an experienced truck accident attorney immediately to assess and begin to build your case.

Rodriguez & Associates has decades of experience handling truck accident cases covering not only the engineering and legal issues but also the day-to-day details for truckers that can lead to accidents. Our Bakersfield personal injury attorneys are skilled at identifying and acquiring crucial pieces of evidence, including driver logs and trucking company records.

Please reach out to us today to discuss your case and receive support by filling out our online form or calling (661) 323-1400.

Posted by Lorrie Ross at 7:18 pm