Bakersfield intersections require drivers to pay close attention in multiple directions, especially as they make right or left turns.
When they make turns while distracted or in a rush, they can easily make mistakes. They can end up directly in front of your vehicle. Without room to swerve or time to stop, you can end up in a devastating T-Bone accident.
Car insurance companies can question any accident, so you are wise to start collecting evidence from that first moment onward.
When Do I Need a Lawyer for My Accident Claim?
The easiest way to gauge your need for a lawyer is by your injuries. If they are serious, like a broken bone or a neck or brain injury, and a turning driver was to blame, you should speak to a lawyer.
Your medical bills will be higher, and that means car insurance companies will be extra stingy with their support. They’ll even look for ways to blame you so they can dismiss your claim outright. Your lawyer helps you collect the evidence needed to keep the truth from being covered up. Then, your lawyer is often able to secure much more for your recovery than you could by handling the case yourself.
Dangerous Left-Turn Accidents in Bakersfield
Busy intersections in Bakersfield can be the scenes for dangerous collisions. And motorists are especially at risk when they have unfocused drivers turning in front of them.
A distracted driver can make a right turn at a big intersection like the one at California Avenue and Mount Vernon Avenue. With the many directions to keep an eye on, they can forget to check every angle and pull out in front of an approaching car.
It’s an even bigger problem for drivers attempting a longer, left-hand turn. They can get nervous and jump the gun, taking a slow, wide turn in front of oncoming traffic when the coast isn’t clear.
Drivers can rear-end vehicles that are turning right, making it look like they caused the accident. Drivers may be unable to avoid a T-Bone accident when a motorist making a left turn has put the entire length of their car in front of approaching traffic.
The First Steps to Take After a Bakersfield Accident
With the at-fault driver’s insurers doing their best to discount your injuries and change the narrative of what happened, you’ll want to back your claim with strong evidence.
You’ll want to be able to show, without a doubt, what happened, who caused it, and the injuries the accident caused.
You can start at the scene of the accident. If you feel strong enough and the scene is secure, it’s a good time to complete these steps:
- Assess injuries
- Dial 911
- Request an ambulance if anyone is hurt
- Get checked out by paramedics and go to the hospital if necessary
- Give Bakersfield Police or the CHP a full account of what you observed (e.g., a driver on a cellphone, a driver never looking in your direction before turning)
- Use your own 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 and surveillance cameras on nearby homes or businesses
- Note if any other drivers had dash cams
- Report the accident to your car insurance agent, 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 evidence will be combined with your lawyer’s investigation. Your lawyer can also make official requests for surveillance video and dashcam footage. The traffic light logs the City of Bakersfield keeps may be able to prove that you had a green light at the time of the collision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until it’s too late to file an injury claim over a Bakersfield accident?
You are granted two years to file a personal injury claim in the State of California.
Will I have to go to court to get support for my car accident?
Not in most cases. Most claims are settled by the car insurance company before a trial is necessary. With a lawyer, you’ll more easily be able to file a lawsuit and threaten court action. This usually makes insurers try harder to work out an acceptable settlement with you. They want to avoid the cost of court and the potential hit to their company’s reputation.
What can I ask for in a car accident claim?
Victims hurt by a driver’s reckless turn should get all medical bills paid off and money to pay for care they may need in the future. They should receive the full replacement for every paycheck the victims have missed out on. The intense pain they must live with and the emotional trauma caused by a frightening accident should also be compensated. Victims should never be held accountable for their car repair bills or replacement costs.
Contact a Bakersfield Car Accident Attorney
Maison Law wants to stand with all injured Kern County accident victims.
If you’ve been injured by a careless driver, please take advantage of a free case review and find out more about your options. These are options and benefits that car insurance companies insurers probably won’t mention.
Anyone can afford a lawyer. You don’t have to worry about how you’ll find the money to hire a lawyer. Maison Law doesn’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement check that a car insurance company must write.
