A sudden sideswipe collision can smash cars and send drivers out of control on busy Bakersfield highways.
Victims hurt in these crashes will want to make sure the right driver is held liable and that they receive everything they need to heal and rebound from massive hospital bills.
That means gathering the right evidence to force a car insurance company to accept blame. Victims can help by grabbing photos at the scene, collecting information from witnesses and other drivers, and by getting their injuries documented.
How Many Sideswipe Accidents Occur in Bakersfield Each Year?
According to California’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), there were 1,435 accidents involving injuries in Bakersfield in 2025. 114 of those accidents were classified as sideswipe impacts, or around 7% of all collisions for the year.
The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that the U.S. documented 967 tragic fatal sideswipe crashes in 2023. That made up around 2% of all fatal accidents in the U.S. for the year.
Sideswipe Accident Risks in Bakersfield
Sideswipe accidents are common on busy, multi-lane roads, like many around Bakersfield. They may catch a driver by surprise along one of the six lanes along Truxtun Avenue. It may be a motorist switching multiple lanes on Highway 58.
They might occur in these situations and others:
- Changing lanes. Bakersfield drivers can ignore their mirrors and blind spots and make a fast lane switch that results in a frightening side impact.
- Veering out of lanes. Careless drivers can drift out of their lanes and scrape the driver in the lane next to them. They can also float across a yellow line and swipe an oncoming car.
- Merging. Motorists trying to hop on Highway 99 might make an unsafe merge when there isn’t room, knocking another vehicle across the lanes.
- Aggressive drivers. Drivers sailing across multiple lanes at higher speeds raise the chances of losing control and slamming into another car.
- Distracted drivers. Motorists trying to fire off a text rather than keeping their cars in their own lanes.
These accidents can lead to very serious injuries, and victims can require a week of hospital care and months of occupational therapy. It’s why victims must earn everything they can in support for the present and the future. They could accept a “lowball” offer and then be unable to go back and ask for more support when a surprise surgery is needed a year later.
The Steps to Building a Strong Car Accident Claim
The driver at fault may be obvious to you, but that doesn’t mean a CHP officer will be able to clearly determine what happened. It’s why you need all the evidence you can preserve when going up against reluctant car insurance companies.
You’ll want to start on day one and minute one collecting the evidence to stop a car insurer from raising questions about your crash.
At the scene, first assess yourself and others. Call 911 and request an ambulance response if anyone has been hurt in any way. Then, once the scene is secure, if you’re strong enough, start combing the area for details.
- Let paramedics check you out and go to a Bakersfield emergency room if necessary. If you won’t be able to remain on the scene, ask someone with you or a helpful witness to take photos for you.
- Take photos and video. Show the damage to all vehicles. Show debris and tire markings on the pavement. Take pictures of any of your visible injuries.
- Find out what witnesses observed. Get contact information so your attorney can reach them for testimony.
- Exchange information with the drivers involved, but don’t make any statements about fault in your accident or the severity of your injuries. Insurance companies will twist these comments and use them against you later.
- Make an appointment to see your family doctor. Follow the doctor’s instructions on treatment and see any recommended specialists.
- Contact an experienced Bakersfield car accident attorney.
A skilled lawyer also investigates your case and collects further evidence to back your claim. That can be supplemented with witness testimony and data from accident reconstruction teams. It’s all part of the goal to earn you the maximum compensation.
Contact a Bakersfield Car Accident Attorney
Maison Law stands beside all injured Kern County accident victims. We sit down with victims and their families for free case reviews. There’s no obligation, and it’s always a confidential meeting.
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.
No Upfront Costs: If you feel we can help you earn more, you don’t have to go into debt to pay Maison Law. We don’t ask for any money unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement check a car insurance company must write for you.
