Maison Law represents car accident victims in Bakersfield. Every car accident brings its share of damage, but there’s always the chance that a car accident can leave you or your family facing the loss of someone you care about. Fatal car accidents, while similar in cause and type, are much different in terms of the outcome. Underlying data shows how much of an issue these accidents are in Bakersfield. If you or someone you care about has lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in Bakersfield, contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your options.
How Many Car Accidents Are There in Bakersfield On Average?
Any understanding of how troubling fatal car accidents are in Bakersfield has to start with looking at the total number of them in a typical year. While no two car accidents are alike, the reality is that any car accident can be fatal.
According to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), Bakersfield has seen an average of:
- 1,460.4 car accidents over the past five years.
Broken down by year, this equals out to:
- 2019 – 1,611
- 2020 – 1,470
- 2021 – 1,412
- 2022 – 1,313
- 2023 – 1,496
Obviously, being in a car accident is pretty scary–even more so when there’s fatal injuries. But for as difficult as it is, you have to remember to do certain things to protect yourself and a potential claim:
- Move away from traffic and call 911 for an ambulance, even if you feel fine, and let EMTs check you for hidden injuries.
- Have the 911 dispatcher call local law enforcement, like Bakersfield Police, CHP, or the sheriff’s office, to respond.
- Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and gather witness contact info if possible.
- Track all medical visits, insurance communications, and expenses for your claim.
- Stick to the facts with insurance reps, avoid social media posts, and be mindful of your words.
By following these steps, you’ll strengthen your claim–even with a fatal accident. But it’s not easy, especially when you consider the number of fatal car accidents that happen in the city.
How Common Are Fatal Car Accidents in Bakersfield?
A fatal car accident is by far the worst outcome that can happen, but given the overall number of them in Bakersfield, coupled with the fact that any single one of them has the chance to be fatal, it’s not surprising that the statistics on fatal car accidents show how prevalent they are.
Between 2019 and 2023, SWITRS data showed that fatal car accidents in Bakersfield averaged out to:
- 53.2 fatal accidents per year.
Diving deeper, you can see that the number of fatal car accidents per year in that span has fluctuated:
- 2019 – 35
- 2020 – 50
- 2021 – 63
- 2022 – 68
- 2023 – 50
These numbers are obviously pretty concerning, and even though you can never really tell when a car accident will turn fatal, there’s certain kinds of accidents that are more likely to lead to fatalities.
What Kinds of Car Accidents Are Fatal in Bakersfield?
When you think about all of the different kinds of car accidents there are, it’s not all that difficult to see how some of them can turn fatal. Even if you do everything you’re supposed to do, you’re still pretty vulnerable in a collision. Still, certain kinds of car accidents are more likely to cause fatal injuries.
Of the 266 fatal car accidents in Bakersfield between 2019 and 2023, the CHP’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) data found that the following were the most common types of accidents that caused fatal injuries:
- Head-on collisions – 12
- Sideswipes – 8
- Rear-end collisions – 25
- Broadside collisions – 47
- Hitting a stationary object – 48
- Rollovers – 8
In looking at these types, they’re pretty evenly spaced when it comes to collisions with other cars. Given that the most common type of fatal accident happened via hitting a stationary object–usually things like a tree or a telephone pole–it underlies the importance of always being careful and staying alert. But at the same time, a car accident can turn fatal at any point, thanks to injuries like:
- Brain injuries
- Neck and spinal injuries
- Chest trauma
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Burns
It’s tough to think about, but being ready is important in these cases. Our team knows what you’re going through and wants to make things easier for you, including helping you figure out who’s responsible.
What Causes Fatal Car Accidents in Bakersfield?
In a fatal car accident, figuring out who pays for damages works the same as in any other accident: showing negligence. This is the main way that fatal accidents happen, and also happens to give you the person or group that is legally responsible–or liable–for the accident itself.
But negligence can account for a variety of different kinds of accidents. According to TIMS, between 2019 and 2023, the leading causes of fatal car accidents in Bakersfield were:
- Driving while impaired – 50
- Speeding – 34
- Improper turning – 23
- Running red lights – 19
- Wrong way driving – 11
- Failing to yield – 11
Any of these causes amounts to negligence on the part of another driver, but when it results in a fatal car accident, it’s even more important to have the right legal support and guidance. Our team at Maison Law will be there to provide that for you.
Dedicated Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyers Will Help You
A fatal car accident in Bakersfield can be overwhelming. While you don’t have to hire a lawyer, handling the legal process during such a difficult time is incredibly challenging. That’s where our dedicated Bakersfield car accident lawyers at Maison Law can be a huge help by:
- Investigating the accident
- Identifying who’s responsible
- Guiding your family through the legal steps
Whether it’s dealing with insurance or filing wrongful death claims, we’re here to support you right from the start. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
