If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck collision on a Bakersfield highway or local road, you need a skilled truck accident attorney in Bakersfield who understands California law and the immense pressure these cases carry. At Colvin Accident Lawyers, we have spent more than 15 years representing injury victims across Kern County — and we know exactly what it takes to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.
Bakersfield sits at a major crossroads for California’s freight industry. Highway 99, Interstate 5, and State Route 58 carry thousands of commercial trucks every single day. This heavy traffic volume puts drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians at serious risk.
Truck accidents are not ordinary collisions. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds — roughly 20 times heavier than the average passenger vehicle. When a truck strikes a car at highway speed, the results are often catastrophic.
Common causes of truck accidents in Bakersfield include:
Bakersfield and Kern County have a well-documented history of serious truck collisions.
In one notable incident, a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 99 near Bakersfield resulted in serious injuries after a commercial semi-truck rear-ended slower-moving traffic during congested evening hours. First responders reported major injuries to multiple occupants of the smaller vehicles involved.
A separate collision on Interstate 5 south of Bakersfield involved a truck carrying agricultural freight that lost control and struck two passenger vehicles, causing significant injuries and major lane closures for several hours.
These incidents reflect a broader reality: Kern County consistently ranks among California’s most dangerous counties for fatal and injury-causing collisions involving large trucks, according to data from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS).
If an accident like this has touched your family, you deserve an attorney who understands the local roads, local courts, and the tactics that trucking companies use to minimize their liability.
One of the most complex aspects of a truck accident claim is identifying every liable party. Unlike a standard car accident, multiple parties may share responsibility in a commercial trucking crash:
The truck driver — for negligent or reckless driving, fatigue, or impairment.
The trucking company — for negligent hiring, inadequate training, pressuring drivers to skip rest breaks, or failing to maintain vehicles.
The cargo loading company — if improperly secured cargo contributed to the crash.
The truck manufacturer — if a mechanical defect caused or worsened the collision.
A maintenance contractor — if poor service left brakes or tires in a dangerous condition.
Trucking companies carry large insurance policies and deploy experienced legal teams quickly after a crash. Our firm moves just as fast. We gather evidence, preserve black box data, and secure witness statements before anything disappears.
California law allows truck accident victims to seek compensation for a wide range of damages:
California operates under a pure comparative fault system, which means you may still recover compensation even if you carried some responsibility for the accident. Our attorneys work to establish the clearest possible picture of fault so your recovery reflects the full extent of what you have lost.
For more than 15 years, Colvin Accident Lawyers has served injured individuals and families throughout Bakersfield and Kern County. Our firm does not represent insurance companies — we represent people. Professionals, parents, and community members who deserve serious legal support after a life-changing injury are exactly who we fight for.
Our team brings deep familiarity with Kern County Superior Court, local insurance adjusters, and the specific routes and conditions that make Bakersfield’s roads uniquely hazardous. Every truck accident case we accept is handled on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win.
Each client receives the respect and attention their situation deserves. Our attorneys listen carefully, communicate clearly, and fight aggressively — because that is what this work requires.
Q: How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in California? Under California’s statute of limitations, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident date. If a government entity is involved — for example, a municipal vehicle — you may have as little as six months to file a government claim. Do not wait to speak with an attorney.
Q: What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Bakersfield? Seek medical attention first, even if your injuries feel minor. Call 911 so a CHP or Bakersfield Police Department report gets filed. Photograph the scene, the vehicles, and your injuries if you are able. Collect the truck driver’s information, including their employer and insurance details. Avoid giving recorded statements to any insurance company before consulting a lawyer.
Q: Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault? Yes. California follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means your compensation reduces in proportion to your share of fault — but you can still recover even if you were partially responsible. Our attorneys work to minimize any fault attributed to you.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a truck accident attorney at Colvin Accident Lawyers? Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront fees and no legal costs unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is completely free.
Q: What makes truck accident cases more complicated than regular car accident claims? Truck accident cases involve federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, corporate defendants with experienced legal teams, and complex evidence like electronic logging device (ELD) data, black box records, and driver qualification files. These cases require a lawyer with specific experience — not just any personal injury attorney.
Q: What if the trucking company denies responsibility right away? This is common. Trucking companies and their insurers act quickly to protect their interests. Our firm responds with equal speed — securing accident reconstruction experts, subpoenaing records, and building a case that stands up under scrutiny.
Q: Do truck accident cases go to trial in California? Most cases settle before trial. However, we prepare every case as though it will go before a judge and jury. That preparation is precisely what motivates fair settlement offers from opposing counsel.
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