Car accidents happen without warning — and when they do, the moments that follow can feel completely overwhelming. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a Bakersfield crash, knowing your legal rights is one of the most important steps you can take. As a trusted Bakersfield car accident lawyer team with more than 15 years of experience, Colvin Accident Lawyers is here to guide you through every step of the process, so you can focus on what matters most: healing.
Bakersfield ranks among the fastest-growing cities in California — and that growth brings increased traffic and, unfortunately, more collisions. The California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) consistently places Kern County among the highest in the state for traffic fatalities and serious injury crashes.
Some of the most dangerous corridors in Bakersfield include:
In 2023, Kern County recorded over 6,000 injury collisions. Professionals, parents, and everyday community members — people just like you — had their lives changed in an instant. You are not alone, and you should not face the aftermath alone either.
Understanding why accidents happen helps our team establish fault and build a strong claim on your behalf. The causes we see most often include:
The actions you take in the hours following a crash can significantly shape your physical recovery and your legal outcome.
1. Prioritize safety and call 911. Move to safety if possible and call for emergency services. A police report captures the scene and gives your claim a critical foundation.
2. Seek medical attention right away. Even when you feel fine, injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal damage often take hours or days to surface. A same-day medical visit creates a documented record that connects your injuries to the accident.
3. Document everything. Photograph the vehicles, the road, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Collect names and insurance information from every driver involved.
4. Avoid admitting fault. Do not apologize or make statements at the scene. Even a casual “I’m sorry” can work against your claim later.
5. Contact a Bakersfield car accident lawyer before speaking to insurers. Insurance adjusters typically reach accident victims within 24 to 48 hours. Their goal is a fast, low settlement. Speaking with legal counsel first puts you in a much stronger position.
Colvin Accident Lawyers has spent more than 15 years fighting for injured people and their families in Bakersfield and across Kern County. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious accident places on your life — and we commit ourselves to securing every dollar of compensation you deserve.
Our team manages all aspects of your personal injury claim, including:
We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Q: How long do I have to file a car accident claim in California? California gives most injury victims two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. When a government vehicle causes the crash, that window shrinks to six months. Evidence disappears quickly and witnesses’ memories fade — so reach out to us as soon as you can.
Q: What if the other driver does not have insurance? California law requires every driver to carry liability insurance, but many do not. If an uninsured or underinsured driver hits you, your own policy’s uninsured motorist coverage may still provide a path to compensation. Our team reviews your policy and pursues every available option on your behalf.
Q: Can I still make a claim if I was partially at fault? Yes. California’s “pure comparative negligence” rule lets you recover damages even when you share some responsibility for the crash. Your compensation decreases by your percentage of fault — but a partial share of fault does not disqualify your claim.
Q: How much is my car accident case worth? Every case differs. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, your capacity to work, and how the accident affects your daily life. We give you an honest assessment during your free consultation and pursue every dollar you have a right to.
Q: What should I say to the insurance company? Keep it brief. Confirm your name, that the accident happened, and the date — nothing more. Do not give a recorded statement, discuss fault, or accept any offer before speaking with a lawyer. Insurance companies employ experienced negotiators. You deserve someone equally experienced fighting for your side.
Q: How long does a car accident case take to resolve? Some cases settle within a few months; others take longer when injuries are severe or both sides dispute liability. We work as efficiently as possible — but we never rush a settlement at the cost of a fair result for you.
Q: Why should I choose Colvin Accident Lawyers? We know Bakersfield, and we know what our clients go through. For more than 15 years, we have helped injured individuals and families in this community rebuild after accidents that someone else caused. We bring experience, dedication, and genuine care to every case — and we collect no fee unless we win.
A car accident can upend everything — your health, your career, and your family’s sense of security. You do not have to navigate the legal system on your own. Colvin Accident Lawyers stands ready to listen, answer your questions, and fight for the outcome you deserve.
Visit us at www.colvinaccidentlawyers.com to schedule your free consultation today.
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