{"id":1180,"date":"2026-10-21T04:26:30","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T04:26:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/34-138-224-95.nip.io\/car-accident-lawyer\/car-accident-lawyer-ridgecrest\/"},"modified":"2026-10-24T08:32:55","modified_gmt":"2026-10-24T08:32:55","slug":"car-accident-lawyer-ridgecrest","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/car-accident-lawyer\/car-accident-lawyer-ridgecrest\/","title":{"rendered":"Colvin Accident Lawyers | Car Accident Claims in Kern County, CA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark chg-hero\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-70 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(32,36,46,1) 0%,rgba(32,36,46,1) 55%,rgba(32,36,46,0.7) 100%)\"><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background\" alt=\"An appraiser in a work apron walks around a dented four-door sedan in a body shop bay, clipboard in hand.\" src=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/an-appraiser-in-a-work-apron-walks-around-a-dented-four-door-photo-10.jpg\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"chg-eyebrow has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Car Accident Lawyer \u00b7 Bakersfield, Kern County<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Hurt in a car accident? Talk with Colvin Accident Lawyers.<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.625), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Your first consultation is free, confidential, and comes with no obligation to continue. We focus on helping car accident victims and their families understand their options after a crash.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+16616161177\">Get Your Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">Get Your Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Why Start Your Case With Colvin<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--info\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Free First Consultation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your initial consultation costs nothing and carries no obligation to continue with us.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Confidential Conversation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Share the details of your crash in a private setting so we can understand what happened.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--location\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Based in Bakersfield<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Colvin Accident Lawyers is located in Bakersfield and serves Kern County and surrounding communities.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--phone\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Call or Reach Out Directly<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contact us by phone or through our online form to start the conversation at your convenience.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">By Donald Norman Colvin \u00b7 Published October 21, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n<h2>Arvin Car Accident Lawyers | Kern County, CA<\/h2>\n<p>Hurt in a car accident in Kern County? A <a href=\"\/resources\/car-accident-lawyer\/\">car accident lawyer<\/a> investigates the crash, finds who may be responsible, and handles the insurance claim. If talks stall, the lawyer can file a lawsuit. Colvin Accident Lawyers is based in Bakersfield, California, and serves Kern County, which includes Arvin. This page explains how these claims work, from fault rules to deadlines.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a crash left you hurt or a family member gone, you may have a claim, and you don&#x27;t have to deal with the insurance calls alone. Contact Colvin Accident Lawyers to talk it through. Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+16616161177\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/black-and-white-photo-of-a-damaged-truck-with-police-tape-ac-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Black-and-white photo of a damaged truck with police tape across it.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>What a Car Accident Lawyer Does for Injured Drivers and Families<\/h2>\n<p>A car accident lawyer represents an injured person, or a family after a fatal crash, in a claim against the people who may be responsible. The work includes investigating the crash, dealing with insurers, and filing a lawsuit when needed.<\/p>\n<p>The firm helps people who were hurt as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Drivers and passengers in a car or truck<\/li>\n<li>Motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians hit by a vehicle<\/li>\n<li>Family members of someone killed in a crash<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Colvin Accident Lawyers is based in Bakersfield, California. Its stated service areas include Kern County, Fresno, Visalia, Lancaster, Palmdale, Delano, and Tehachapi. The firm&#8217;s car accident work sits alongside its truck, motorcycle, bus, and wrongful death practice areas.<\/p>\n<h2>Types of Car Accidents the Firm Handles<\/h2>\n<p>Most car crash claims fall into a few patterns, and each one raises different fault questions.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Rear-end crashes.<\/strong> Sudden stops, distraction, and following too closely cause many of these. Whether that happened depends on the facts.<\/li>\n<li><strong>T-bone (side-impact) crashes.<\/strong> These often happen at intersections. Right-of-way and red-light or stop-sign violations often decide much of the fault.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Head-on crashes.<\/strong> Wrong-way driving, lane departures, and unsafe passing cause these. They often involve serious injuries.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Impaired-driving crashes.<\/strong> It is unlawful to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or with 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in the blood (0.04 percent when driving a commercial motor vehicle, or any motor vehicle carrying a passenger for hire) (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&amp;sectionNum=23152.\">Veh. Code \u00a7 23152<\/a>). Impaired driving can support claims against the driver, as explained below.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hit-and-run crashes.<\/strong> A driver in a crash that causes injury must immediately stop at the scene (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&amp;sectionNum=20001.\">Veh. Code \u00a7 20001<\/a>). Leaving the scene can make the other driver harder to identify, so write down every detail you can.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Who Can Be Responsible in a Car Accident Claim<\/h2>\n<p>The at-fault driver is the starting point. Other parties may share responsibility, depending on the facts.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The at-fault driver and their insurer.<\/strong> Auto liability coverage often pays injury claims, subject to policy limits.<\/li>\n<li><strong>An employer.<\/strong> When a driver was working, the employer may also be responsible. Whether the driver was on the job depends on the facts.<\/li>\n<li><strong>A vehicle owner or social host.<\/strong> California generally does not hold a social host liable for a guest&#8217;s drinking. An adult who knowingly serves alcohol at home to someone the adult knows or should have known is under 21 may be liable (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=1714.\">Civ. Code \u00a7 1714<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Road or vehicle defects.<\/strong> A defective part or a dangerous road condition can add a party. Investigation can reveal these.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Injuries and Damages Recoverable After a Car Crash<\/h2>\n<p>Recoverable damages fall into two groups. Economic losses come with bills and receipts. Non-economic losses cover harm such as pain.<\/p>\n<p>Injuries that often follow crashes include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Whiplash and soft-tissue injuries<\/li>\n<li>Fractures and internal injuries<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.aans.org\/patients\/conditions-treatments\/sports-related-head-injury\/\">Traumatic brain injury<\/a>, an injury from blows or jolts to the head<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/000029.htm\">Spinal cord injury<\/a>, which can cause permanent loss of movement, function, or sensation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Damage rules that apply:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Economic damages:<\/strong> objectively verifiable losses, such as medical expenses, lost earnings, and repair costs (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=1431.2.\">Civ. Code \u00a7 1431.2<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Non-economic damages:<\/strong> pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=1431.2.\">Civ. Code \u00a7 1431.2<\/a>). Each at-fault defendant pays these in proportion to its share of fault.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Wrongful death:<\/strong> Certain family members may bring the claim, including a surviving spouse, domestic partner, and children (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=377.60.\">Code Civ. Proc. \u00a7 377.60<\/a>). Pain and suffering is generally not recoverable in the survival claim, with narrow exceptions (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=377.34.\">Code Civ. Proc. \u00a7 377.34<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>No lawyer can say in advance what a claim is worth. The value depends on the facts of each case, including medical costs, lost income, and fault.<\/p>\n<h2>How a Car Accident Claim Works: Step by Step<\/h2>\n<p>A claim usually moves through medical care, evidence gathering, insurance talks, and then a lawsuit if needed.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Get medical care and keep records.<\/strong> Track every visit, bill, prescription, and missed workday.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Report the crash.<\/strong> A driver in a crash causing injury or death, or property damage to any one person over $1,000, must report it to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. The report can be made personally or through an insurance agent, broker, or legal representative (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&amp;sectionNum=16000.\">Veh. Code \u00a7 16000<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Think before giving recorded statements.<\/strong> Insurers can use early statements to reduce a claim. Talk with a lawyer before giving one.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gather evidence.<\/strong> Photos, witness names, vehicle damage, and medical records build the record.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Demand and negotiate.<\/strong> The claim goes to the insurer for a response.<\/li>\n<li><strong>File suit if needed.<\/strong> If a fair resolution is not reached, a lawsuit may follow.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>California generally gives two years to file a personal injury lawsuit (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=335.1.\">Code Civ. Proc. \u00a7 335.1<\/a>). The same section covers actions for death caused by another&#8217;s wrongful act. A claim against a public entity, such as a city or county, must be presented within six months for injury or death (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&amp;sectionNum=911.2.\">Gov. Code \u00a7 911.2<\/a>). Case length varies with the injuries and how insurers respond.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+16616161177\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Why Work With Colvin Accident Lawyers<\/h2>\n<p>Colvin Accident Lawyers is a personal injury firm based in Bakersfield, California. Donald Norman Colvin is the responsible lawyer for this site.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location:<\/strong> Bakersfield, California, with Kern County among the stated service areas.<\/li>\n<li><strong>People:<\/strong> The firm has assistants and office staff. Our team supports each file alongside the lawyers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Practice areas:<\/strong> Car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian, bus, dog bite, premises liability, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death cases.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Service areas:<\/strong> Kern County, Fresno, Visalia, Lancaster, Palmdale, Delano, and Tehachapi.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Each plan starts with the facts of your crash and your injuries.<\/p>\n<h2>Common Questions About Car Accident Lawyers in Kern County<\/h2>\n<p>Most readers ask about money, insurers, and court. Short answers follow.<\/p><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How much can a lawyer get for a car accident?<\/summary><p>No lawyer can say in advance. Value follows medical costs, lost income, and fault under the rules above.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does this firm handle car accident claims in Kern County?<\/summary><p>Colvin Accident Lawyers is based in Bakersfield and lists Kern County among its service areas. Arvin is a Kern County community.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What should I avoid saying to an insurance adjuster?<\/summary><p>Avoid recorded statements, signing releases, and admitting fault before you understand your injuries.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is an early settlement offer fair?<\/summary><p>An offer made before doctors know the full extent of an injury may not cover later costs. Compare it with your medical bills and lost income first.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Do I need a lawyer for a minor crash?<\/summary><p>Some injuries appear days after a crash. A lawyer can review the facts before you decide.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How much does the first consultation cost?<\/summary><p>The firm offers a free first consultation, confidential and without obligation to continue.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Will I have to go to court?<\/summary><p>Many claims resolve without trial. A lawsuit is one path if a fair resolution is not reached.<\/p><\/details>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/close-up-of-a-yellow-car-s-dented-front-bumper-and-cracked-h-photo-2.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a yellow car&#x27;s dented front bumper and cracked headlight after a collision.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Talk With Colvin Accident Lawyers About Your Crash<\/h2>\n<p>If a crash left you hurt, or a family member gone, and you&#8217;re weighing a claim, start with a conversation about the facts. The talk covers how the crash happened, your medical care, and the insurance information you have. To reach Colvin Accident Lawyers, <a href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">contact the firm<\/a> or call the office.<\/p>\n<p>Donald Norman Colvin, Colvin Accident Lawyers, Bakersfield, California &#8212; responsible for this site.<\/p>\n\n<\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Please consult a licensed attorney regarding your specific legal situation.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Steps to Take After a Car Accident<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get Medical Care<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seeing a doctor promptly protects your health and creates a record of your injuries, even if they seem minor at first.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Document the Scene<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Photos of vehicles, roadway conditions, and visible injuries, plus names and contact details of anyone involved, can help preserve the facts.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keep Your Records<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Save medical bills, repair estimates, pay stubs, and notes about missed work in one place.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Talk With Colvin<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bring these details to a free consultation so our team can review your situation with you.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Be Careful What You Share<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avoid posting about the crash, your injuries, or your activities on social media, and think before giving recorded statements to insurance companies. Speaking with a lawyer first can help you avoid misunderstandings.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+16616161177\">Call Colvin Accident Lawyers<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">Call Colvin Accident Lawyers<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Tell us what happened. Your first consultation is free, confidential, and comes with no obligation.<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+16616161177\">Contact Us Now<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">Contact Us Now<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related practice areas<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"\/resources\/car-accident-lawyer\/bike-accident-lawyer\/\">Bike Accident Lawyer<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/truck-accident-lawyer\/\">Truck Accident Lawyer in California: Who Pays, What to Do, and How Claims Work<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/motorcycle-accident-lawyer\/\">Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Bakersfield and Kern County | Colvin Accident Attorneys<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/car-accident-lawyer\/rideshare-accident-lawyer\/\">Rideshare Accident Lawyer<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/wrongful-death-lawyer\/\">Wrongful Death Lawyer<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/resources\/car-accident-lawyer\/head-on-collision-lawyer-kern-county\/\">Head-On Collision Lawyer in Kern County, CA<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/car-accident-lawyer\/is-california-a-no-fault-state-car-accidents\/\">Is California a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/car-accident-lawyer\/rideshare-accident-lawyer\/\">Rideshare Accident Lawyer<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/car-accident-lawyer\/top-rated-uber-car-accident-lawyers\/\">Top Rated Uber Car Accident Lawyers<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/car-accident-lawyer\/distracted-driving-car-accident-lawyer-california\/\">Distracted Driving Car Accident Lawyer in California | Colvin Accident Lawyers<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Injured in a Kern County car crash? Colvin Accident Lawyers in Bakersfield explains claims, deadlines, and fault rules. Free first consultation. Contact us.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":29,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"[]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Donald Norman Colvin\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/donald-colvin-esq-bakersfield-personal-injury-attorney\", \"jobTitle\": \"Bakersfield Personal Injury Attorney\", \"sameAs\": [\"https:\/\/bakersfield.kernhigh.org\", \"https:\/\/www.calstate.edu\", \"https:\/\/www.wsulaw.edu\", \"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/nZfBxYtQQifX3osw5\"]}, \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Colvin Accident Lawyers\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/\"}, \"reviewedBy\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Regina Absher\", \"jobTitle\": \"Personal Injury Paralegal\"}, \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How much can a lawyer get for a car accident?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No lawyer can say in advance. 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A lawsuit is one path if a fair resolution is not reached.\"}}], \"@id\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/car-accident-lawyer-ridgecrest\/#faq\", \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/car-accident-lawyer-ridgecrest\/\"}, \"@type\": [\"Article\", \"FAQPage\"], \"image\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/an-appraiser-in-a-work-apron-walks-around-a-dented-four-door-photo-10.jpg\"}, {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/car-accident-lawyer-ridgecrest\/#service\", \"name\": \"Car Accident Lawyer Services in Ridgecrest and Eastern Kern County\", \"@type\": \"Service\", \"about\": [{\"name\": \"Car accident personal injury claims\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"California comparative fault\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"California statute of limitations for personal injury\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}], \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Injured drivers and passengers, and families of people killed in vehicle crashes, in Ridgecrest and eastern Kern County\"}, \"provider\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Colvin Accident Lawyers\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/\"}, \"areaServed\": [{\"name\": \"Kern County, California\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}, {\"name\": \"Ridgecrest, California\", \"@type\": \"City\"}], \"description\": \"Personal injury representation for drivers, passengers, and families affected by vehicle crashes. 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Colvin Accident Lawyers in Bakersfield explains claims, deadlines, and fault rules. Free first consultation. 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