Rear-end car accidents in Bakersfield can lead to long-term injuries or even fatal outcomes, placing a heavy financial and emotional burden on victims and their families. Medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing pain can quickly overwhelm anyone involved in a serious collision. If you were injured in a rear-end crash, a skilled Car Accident Lawyer at Colvin Accident Lawyers can help you pursue compensation and protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1714, a person is legally responsible for injuries they cause through intentional actions or a failure to use reasonable care. Although many rear-end accident cases are resolved through insurance claims, some victims must pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover the full value of their losses.
To prove negligence, the injured party must demonstrate:
The defendant owed a duty of care.
All California drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely.
The defendant breached that duty.
Evidence such as speeding, intoxicated driving, distracted driving, or following too closely—prohibited under Cal. Veh. Code § 21703—can prove a breach.
The breach caused the accident and resulting injuries.
Most rear-end collisions are attributed to the trailing driver failing to maintain a safe following distance. A Bakersfield attorney can help gather key evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to establish liability.
California law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury cases. Under Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 335.1, an injured person generally has two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
Exceptions may apply when:
The injury was not immediately discovered
The victim is a minor (statute tolls until age 18)
The victim has a legal disability
Working with a Bakersfield lawyer ensures your claim is filed correctly and on time.
Rear-end accident victims may still recover damages even if they contributed to the collision. California follows the doctrine of pure comparative negligence, which reduces compensation based on the injured party’s percentage of fault.
Examples:
If you are 30% at fault, you can still recover 70% of your damages.
Even if you are 99% at fault, you may still recover 1% of the damages.
A knowledgeable attorney can help determine how comparative negligence may impact your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rear-end accident in Bakersfield, it’s essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Delaying your claim could lead to dismissal, even if it is valid. At Colvin Accident Lawyers, we provide personal attention, legal guidance, and a strong strategy aimed at winning your case.
Call Colvin Accident Lawyers today to discuss your rights and begin your path to recovery.
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