If you or someone you love was hurt by a drunk driver in Bakersfield, you are not alone — and you deserve answers. Choosing the right drunk driving accident attorney in Bakersfield can be the single most important decision you make after a crash. At Colvin Accident Lawyers, we have spent more than 15 years fighting for injured victims throughout Kern County, and we are here to guide you through every step of this process.
Bakersfield consistently ranks among California’s most dangerous cities for DUI-related crashes. According to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), Kern County records hundreds of alcohol-involved injury collisions every year. High-risk corridors include Highway 99, Stockdale Highway, Ming Avenue, and the stretch of Interstate 5 running through the south end of the city.
One well-known example is the type of crash that occurs on weekend nights along the Highway 178 corridor near downtown Bakersfield — a route where law enforcement regularly conducts DUI checkpoints because of the high volume of alcohol-related incidents. Collisions involving impaired drivers on these roads have caused broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and wrongful deaths that have devastated Bakersfield families.
These are not statistics. These are real people — professionals, parents, students — whose lives changed in an instant because another driver chose to drink and drive.
Drunk driving accidents are not ordinary personal injury cases. When a driver is impaired, you may be entitled to more than just compensation for your medical bills and lost income. California law allows injured victims to pursue punitive damages in DUI cases — additional financial penalties designed to punish the at-fault driver for reckless conduct.
This distinction matters enormously to your case. A skilled drunk driving accident attorney in Bakersfield will know how to:
After a drunk driving crash, you may assume the at-fault driver’s insurance company will do the right thing. That is rarely how it works. Insurers are businesses, and their goal is to pay out as little as possible. They may contact you early, before you fully understand the extent of your injuries, and offer a fast settlement. Accepting that offer could cost you tens of thousands of dollars in future medical care, rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity.
At Colvin Accident Lawyers, we have handled these negotiations for over 15 years. We know the tactics insurers use, and we know how to push back effectively on your behalf.
Every case is different, but drunk driving victims in California commonly recover damages that include:
California operates under a pure comparative fault system, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault — your award is simply reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
The steps you take immediately after a crash can significantly affect the strength of your claim:
We are not a large, impersonal firm where your file gets passed between assistants. At Colvin Accident Lawyers, we have served injured Bakersfield families for more than 15 years with the kind of personal attention your case demands. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial pressure you are under right now — and we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Our team handles every aspect of your claim: gathering evidence, communicating with insurers, consulting medical experts, and if necessary, taking your case to trial. You focus on healing. We focus on the fight.
Call us today at 661-616-1177 for a free consultation. There is no obligation, and speaking with us costs you nothing.
How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident claim in California? In most personal injury cases in California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If a government entity is involved, that window shrinks to six months. We strongly recommend contacting an attorney as early as possible so that evidence is preserved and your rights are protected.
What if the drunk driver was not charged or convicted? A criminal conviction is not required for you to win a civil personal injury claim. The burden of proof in civil court is lower than in criminal court. We can still build a strong case on your behalf using police reports, witness statements, BAC evidence, and other documentation.
Can I sue a bar or restaurant that served the drunk driver? Possibly. California’s Dram Shop laws allow certain claims against businesses that served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person who then caused injury. This is a complex area of law, and whether it applies to your case depends on specific facts. Our team can assess this during your free consultation.
How much is my drunk driving accident case worth? Every case is unique. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical costs, your lost income, the impact on your daily life, and the evidence available. Cases involving DUI drivers often carry higher value because punitive damages may apply. We will give you an honest assessment during your consultation.
What does “no win, no fee” mean? It means we work on contingency. You pay no legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs and no financial risk to you for seeking legal help.
What should I say to the insurance company after the accident? As little as possible. Politely decline to give a recorded statement or accept any settlement offer until you have spoken with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that can reduce your claim. Let us handle all communications on your behalf.
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