A driver who causes a frightening crash at a Bakersfield intersection should be paying for the damage and harm they cause. But in some cases, at-fault drivers escape liability because the evidence isn’t strong enough against them.
It’s why if you are struck by a red-light runner, you should take the initiative at the scene to grab important details before they disappear. If you feel strong enough, you should take photos, gather contact information, and make sure your side of the story is heard.
Steps to Take After an Accident at an Intersection
Traffic lights at busy intersections, like Ming Avenue and New Stine Road, are supposed to bring several lanes of traffic together and to safely send motorists on their way.
But when drivers ignore red, yellow, and green lights, they can cause frightening chaos and collisions.
Motorists who get caught up in someone’s red-light running need to take action to make sure that driver is held responsible. Drivers who are struck from behind by distracted motorists who weren’t watching when a light turned red must prepare for a battle with car insurance companies.
Victims should take these and other steps to make sure the right driver gets the fault:
- Contact 911
- Request an ambulance if anyone is hurt
- Get checked out by paramedics and go to the ER if necessary
- Give Bakersfield Police or the CHP a full account of what happened
- Use your cellphone to take pictures of vehicle damage, debris, and visible injuries
- Get contact info from witnesses
- Swap information with other drivers unless an officer collects it for you
- Note the presence of traffic cams
- Note if any other drivers had dash cams
- Alert your own car insurance provider about the accident, even if you didn’t cause it
- If you’ve been hurt, go over the details of your case in a free accident consultation with Maison Law
Your lawyer would fully investigate your case and collect all additional evidence. Your lawyer would make legal requests for any traffic cam footage or surveillance footage that showed the accident. Maison Law also works with accident reconstruction teams when further proof of who was at fault is necessary.
When Do I Need a Lawyer’s Help
If your injuries are limited to some scrapes and bruises, or just some smashed metal, you can probably handle your claim yourself. But if your injuries are more serious and another driver was to blame, it’s a smart idea to talk with a legal professional.
More serious injuries bring bigger hospital bills, and these rising costs make car insurance adjusters work harder to find ways to reject your claim. They might try to say their driver had a green light and blame you for the impact. They may use their company doctors to say that your injuries aren’t as bad as you claim, simply to offer you less.
The stakes are much higher, but your Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer fights back.
California allows victims to wait up to two years to file a claim, but you should explore your options with a lawyer soon. Waiting can mean that valuable evidence disappears, or witnesses become harder to find. Give your attorney a head start on building a strong case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my intersection accident injury worth?
Estimating the value of your accident case is tricky until you’ve discussed what happened with your lawyer. Your lawyer would need to investigate and learn more about your injuries to be able to get a better sense of what you could bring home. The size of your medical bills will play a big role in the amount on your settlement check. That must include an estimate of any care you could need in the future. The totals on the income you’ve lost while having to miss work also factor in. The physical pain you endure and the emotional trauma you’ve had to cope with also add to the value of your claim.
Will I have to go to court to receive support for my injuries?
Not usually. The vast majority of claims are settled out of court. Car insurance companies want to avoid the cost of a trial and the bad publicity. So, if you have a lawyer on your team that represents the threat of a trial, insurers often raise their settlement offers, simply to avoid having to appear before a judge.
What if I can’t afford to pay a Bakersfield car accident attorney?
If you need a lawyer’s help to seek justice, you don’t have to worry about finding money to hire one. Maison Law is only paid if we are successful with your case. If we win for you, there’s still no stress about paying us. Our fee actually comes out of the settlement check you receive.
Contact a Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one were hurt because a careless driver blew through a red light, you should speak to a lawyer.
Maison Law offers a free, no-obligation case consultation to all Kern County car accident victims. It’s a chance to sit down and go over your best options. If we can’t help you earn more, we’ll tell you that. In that case, we can point you in the right direction to file your own successful claim.
