At Maison Law, we offer representation to victims involved in car accidents on Highway 99 and many other major roads throughout Delano. We make sure that individuals move forward with the financial support that they need to get back on their feet after an accident. Contact us at Maison Law to find out how you can hold an insurance company responsible. Our consultation is completely free and confidential to you.
Dangers on Highway 99 Near Delano
Highway 99 regularly makes the list for one of the most dangerous highways in America. In fact, according to a study conducted in 2021 by Value Penguin, Highway 99 was known as the 11th most dangerous road in the U.S. Between 2015 and 2019, it was shown that 350 people were killed in fatal accidents on the highway, with Kern County seeing the highest rates of fatalities.
In 2022, the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) reported that a total of 21 crashes happened on state highways in Kern County. Out of these accidents, one person lost their life and 27 people were injured as a result. As highway accidents continue to happen on Highway 99 and beyond, more precautions must be taken to protect drivers from serious harm.
Common Reasons for Highway 99 Accidents
Even the seemingly smallest road mistake on Highway 99 can lead to a devastating pile-up with serious injuries or a fatality. With vehicles traveling at highway speeds, there is always a chance that a driver will become involved in a high-force accident with adverse consequences. There are many reasons for accidents on Highway 99 in Delano, which include the following:
Distracted Driving: It is not uncommon to see drivers focused on other tasks when they are supposed to be focused on the roads around them. Distracted driving takes many forms, from texting and driving to paying attention to the radio or a GPS. Even just a few seconds of driving distracted can lead to traumatic results.
- Speeding: Even though the posted speed limits are much higher on Highway 99 in Delano than on regular roads, drivers still drive faster than they are supposed to. Speeding can cause a high-force collision that leads to some of the most serious results.
- Tailgating: When traffic is immense or drivers are trying to get to another area quickly, they might follow others too closely. Tailgating is never a good idea and can cause a pile-up within seconds.
- Driving Aggressively: If a driver is stuck in traffic or speeding to their destination, they might participate in aggressive driving. As they switch lanes and weave through traffic, an accident could happen in the blink of an eye.
- Accidents Involving Large Trucks: Tractor-trailers are most prevalent on our highways, including rushing back and forth on Highway 99 throughout the day. When a driver is inexperienced or driving a truck in a negligent fashion, a wreck involving one of these vehicles can occur and have a catastrophic impact on a smaller vehicle.
- Road Hazards: Not all areas of Highway 99 are free of hazards. Some areas need repaving and potholes are present. In other areas, you may see messy construction zones. A road hazard could easily lead to an accident that could have been otherwise prevented.
Receiving Damages After a Delano Highway 99 Accident
If you have been suddenly involved in an injurious accident on Highway 99 near the Delano area, it is important to know that you have options moving forward. As you are focused on your physical recovery, you may be concerned about how you are going to afford to pay the many bills that continue to pile up. A knowledgeable lawyer will be able to help you collect damages for an array of important aspects after an accident:
- Medical bills associated with hospital visits, follow-up care, prescription costs, and more
- Lost income and future lost wages
- Support for physical pain or emotional trauma you have sustained
- Reimbursement for your vehicle and property damages
On top of these damages, you may have also sustained the enormous loss of a loved one in a car accident on Highway 99. If your family has been robbed of a loved one due to a negligent driver’s actions, you have every right to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. You may be able to collect damages for aspects like incurred medical expenses, funeral costs, burial expenses, and more.
Statute of Limitations on Highway 99 Car Accident Claims
It is important to note that, after any type of accident on Highway 99, there is a deadline to abide by for filing a claim. This is known in California as the “statute of limitations” on your case. These laws state that you have two years from the time of your accident or the discovery of your injuries to file a personal injury claim or a wrongful death suit.
You should always comply with the statute of limitations. If you do not file your claim in time, you could be barred from bringing a claim against another party. Your lawsuit could be thrown out, which means that you could miss out on a variety of financial opportunities.
Contact a Delano Car Accident Lawyer
After you have been hurt in a Highway 99 car accident, it can be appealing to speak with the insurance company and attempt to settle your case. However, you could be forfeiting your right to a lawsuit in the future if you accept a low settlement that does not cover all of your damages. You want to make sure that you are treated fairly in your claim.
At Maison Law, we are here to support you or your family after an accident in Delano on Highway 99. We want to help you determine what your case is worth and help you seek full support so that you can get back on your feet. Contact a Delano car accident lawyer today for a free and confidential case consultation.
