A rear-end collision on a busy street like Ming Avenue can leave you in shock and with neck pain, and even broken bones.
You’ll want to see to your safety first. Then you have to think about the battle ahead with the car insurance adjusters representing the at-fault driver. Secure all evidence. Start planning the claim you’ll file against the motorist who struck you from behind.
A skilled Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer can help you build your case and go after the car insurance company that may do their best to avoid helping you. Contact Maison Law for a free accident consultation to get started.
How Many Rear-End Accidents Are There in Bakersfield?
According to California’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), there were 1,435 accidents involving injuries in Bakersfield in 2025. 323 of those accidents involved a rear-end impact, or around 22% of all collisions.
The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that the U.S. saw 2,701 fatal rear-end accidents in 2023. That made up around 7% of all fatal accidents.
Why Do Rear-End Accidents Occur?
Rear-End accidents often occur due to a mix of driver carelessness and roadway conditions.
A driver on Highway 99 may not see a construction slowdown ahead and not brake in time to ram stopped traffic. A driver typing on a phone may not see a traffic light turn red along Niles Avenue and fail to stop before ramming a motorcycle from behind.
Truck drivers or delivery drivers may take their focus on the road. By the time they see a stopped car ahead, they may not have enough time and space to slow their big loads to avoid an impact.
Stretches where drivers can drift from lane to lane or where motorists are trying to merge can also be bad spots for rear-end collisions.
What to Do If You Are Struck from Behind
Being hit from behind is usually a good sign that you weren’t to blame for an accident. But you should still grab some evidence at the scene if possible.
Car insurance companies will dispute any accident, even on the flimsiest of arguments. Take action to collect details that prove what happened. Don’t rely on a Bakersfield Police accident report to back you up.
Call 911 first. Request an ambulance if you or anyone else is hurt. Then, when it’s safe, take action and secure all evidence:
- Tell responding officers everything you remember from the moments before the crash.
- Allow EMTs to check out your injuries and go to the emergency room if they advise it.
- Take pictures. Show damage to the rear end of your vehicle and the front end of the other vehicle. Show the surroundings, street signs, debris, and lane markings. Take pictures of any of your injuries that are visible.
- Find out what witnesses observed. Get their contact information.
- Exchange information with the driver if an officer doesn’t provide it to you.
- Don’t make any statements about fault in the accident or how badly you are hurt. These statements can be used against you later.
- Contact your insurance agent, even if you weren’t at fault.
- Schedule a doctor’s appointment. Do everything your physician recommends, including visiting specialists. Keep your medical receipts.
- Schedule a free consultation with a Bakersfield Lawyer.
If you suffer only very minor injuries, or just a smashed fender and truck, you may not need a lawyer’s help. But if your injuries are more serious, the medical bills go up, and the degree of difficulty in fighting reluctant insurance companies skyrockets.
A lawyer’s protection is a good idea, so adjusters can’t use any excuse to throw your case out. Your lawyer also has a great chance to earn you much more in a settlement than you could usually win on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file an injury claim after a rear-end crash?
In California, injured victims have up to two years to file a claim.
What if I can’t afford to pay a Bakersfield car accident attorney?
We’ll help you determine if you need our help to earn more, but if you do, there’s no worry about hiring us. We don’t collect any money unless we win your case for you. Then, our lawyer’s fee comes out of a settlement check the car insurance company must write.
What types of documents should I turn over to my lawyer?
If you have witness contact information and information from the at-fault driver, bring that with you. If you’ve already requested the accident report, bring that too. (If not, your lawyer will obtain it for you.) Bring all of the photos you took at the scene. Bring old pay stubs so you can show how much income you’ve had to say goodbye to while you’ve been too hurt to work.
Contact a Bakersfield Car Accident Attorney
Maison Law offers free case reviews to all injured Kern County car accident victims and their families. It’s a chance to figure out what your injuries are worth and how to hold a car insurance company fully liable for all of your hardships.
We want to help you through this difficult time and make sure you get what you need to return your life to normal.
