{"id":4197,"date":"2026-10-30T04:35:12","date_gmt":"2026-10-30T04:35:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wrongful-death-lawyer\/how-do-you-win-a-wrongful-death-lawsuit\/"},"modified":"2026-11-07T02:30:43","modified_gmt":"2026-11-07T02:30:43","slug":"how-do-you-win-a-wrongful-death-lawsuit","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wrongful-death-lawyer\/how-do-you-win-a-wrongful-death-lawsuit\/","title":{"rendered":"Wrongful Death Lawyer in Bakersfield: Who Can Sue and Key Deadlines in California"},"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-60 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 class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-4194\" alt=\"An investigator in a high-visibility vest places a numbered marker beside a guardrail on a closed two-lane road at dawn.\" src=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/an-investigator-in-a-high-visibility-vest-places-a-numbered-photo-58.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/an-investigator-in-a-high-visibility-vest-places-a-numbered-photo-58-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/an-investigator-in-a-high-visibility-vest-places-a-numbered-photo-58-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/an-investigator-in-a-high-visibility-vest-places-a-numbered-photo-58-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/an-investigator-in-a-high-visibility-vest-places-a-numbered-photo-58-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/an-investigator-in-a-high-visibility-vest-places-a-numbered-photo-58.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 825px) 825px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\"\/><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)\">Wrongful Death Lawyer | 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)\">Lost a Family Member to Someone Else&#x27;s Negligence? Talk With Us Today.<\/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)\">Colvin Accident Lawyers represents families in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County, Fresno, Visalia, Lancaster, Palmdale, Delano and Tehachapi after fatal car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian and bus accidents. Your first consultation is free, confidential and comes with no obligation to continue.<\/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 a 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 a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/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 30, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n<h2>Wrongful Death Lawyer in Bakersfield: How to Win a Case<\/h2>\n<p><strong>How do you win a wrongful death lawsuit?<\/strong> The family has to prove that another party&#8217;s wrongful act or negligence caused the death. How strong the case is depends on the facts and the law that apply. This page explains who can file, what must be proven, which damages are available, and when the clock starts. Colvin Accident Lawyers is based in Bakersfield, California, and represents families in Kern County and nearby communities.<\/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>Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in California?<\/h2>\n<p>A surviving spouse, domestic partner, or child can bring the claim. So can the children of a deceased child. <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=377.60.\">Code Civ. Proc. \u00a7 377.60<\/a> also lets the personal representative of the estate file on the family&#8217;s behalf.<\/p>\n<p>If the decedent left no surviving issue, the persons who would inherit the decedent&#8217;s property under California intestate succession law may bring the claim (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=377.60.\">Code Civ. Proc. \u00a7 377.60<\/a>). The same statute also covers some dependents. A putative spouse, stepchildren, parents, and the decedent&#8217;s legal guardians (if the parents are deceased) may also be eligible, but only if they were dependent on the decedent. A minor who lived in the decedent&#8217;s household for the previous 180 days and relied on the decedent for half or more of support may also sue.<\/p>\n<p>A separate survival claim belongs to the estate and covers harm the person suffered before death. The two claims are often reviewed together.<\/p>\n<p>Many kinds of accidents can lead to these claims. Families may face one after a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian, bus, or train crash. Dog bites and deadly conditions on someone else&#8217;s property can also lead to claims.<\/p>\n<h2>What Must Be Proven to Win a Wrongful Death Case?<\/h2>\n<p>California makes a person responsible for harm caused by a lack of ordinary care (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=1714.\">Civ. Code \u00a7 1714<\/a>).<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Duty:<\/strong> The defendant owed a duty of care. A driver must yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&amp;sectionNum=21950.\">Veh. Code \u00a7 21950<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li>Examples include speeding, distraction, impairment, poor vehicle upkeep, or an ignored hazard.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Causation:<\/strong> That failure caused the fatal injury.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Damages:<\/strong> The surviving family suffered measurable losses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Two rules often shape these cases. First, a violated safety law can create a presumption of lack of due care. The other side can try to rebut it (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=EVID&amp;sectionNum=669.\">Evid. Code \u00a7 669<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>A share of fault given to the person who died lowers the award. It does not automatically bar recovery.<\/p>\n<p>Dog bite claims follow a different path. An owner is liable for a bite in a public place or lawfully on private property. Past behavior of the dog doesn&#8217;t have to be shown (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=3342.\">Civ. Code \u00a7 3342<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>Police reports, medical records, witness statements, and photos are the proof that carries each element.<\/p>\n<h2>What Damages Can a Family Recover in a Wrongful Death Case?<\/h2>\n<p>Families can seek economic losses and non-economic losses. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=1431.2.\">California Civil Code \u00a7 1431.2<\/a>, for purposes of that section, \u201ceconomic damages\u201d means objectively verifiable monetary losses, including medical expenses, loss of earnings, and burial costs (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=1431.2.\">Civ. Code \u00a7 1431.2<\/a>). These include medical expenses, lost earnings, and burial costs (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=1431.2.\">Civ. Code \u00a7 1431.2<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>Non-economic losses are subjective. They include, but are not limited to, pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental suffering, emotional distress, loss of society and companionship, loss of consortium, injury to reputation and humiliation (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=1431.2.\">Civ. Code \u00a7 1431.2<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>The court can award damages that are just under all the circumstances. These cannot include the survival damages covered by another statute (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=377.61.\">Code Civ. Proc. \u00a7 377.61<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>Survival damages are generally limited to losses the decedent had before death. They generally exclude pain, suffering, and disfigurement, though subdivision (b) allows them where the action was granted a preference before January 1, 2022, or was filed on or after January 1, 2022, and before January 1, 2026 (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=377.34.\">Code Civ. Proc. \u00a7 377.34<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>If more than one party is at fault, each pays its own share of non-economic damages. That share follows its percentage of fault (<a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=1431.2.\">Civ. Code \u00a7 1431.2<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=3294.\">Cal. Civ. Code \u00a7 3294<\/a> reads: &#8220;(b) An employer shall not be liable for damages pursuant to subdivision (a), based upon acts of an employee of the employer, unless the employer had advance knowledge of the unfitness of the employee and employed him or her with a conscious disregard of the rights or safety of others or authorized or ratified the wrongful conduct for which the damages are awarded or was personally guilty of oppression, fraud, or malice.&#8221;<\/p>\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\/detective-in-a-suit-examining-photographic-evidence-at-a-des-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Detective in a suit examining photographic evidence at a desk during an investigation.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>How Does a Wrongful Death Case Move Forward?<\/h2>\n<p>Most cases move through investigation, a claim to insurers, negotiation, and, if needed, a lawsuit. Here is the usual order:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Consultation:<\/strong> The family shares the facts, the losses, and the documents.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Investigation:<\/strong> Crash reports, vehicle data, video, and witness details are gathered early.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Claim presentation:<\/strong> The claim goes to the responsible parties and their insurers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Negotiation:<\/strong> Many cases settle. Payments usually come from liability insurance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lawsuit if needed:<\/strong> If a fair resolution isn&#8217;t reached, the case is filed in court. It then moves through discovery, motions, and possibly trial.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>A lawsuit begins with a complaint. California&#8217;s court guidance explains the process (<a href=\"https:\/\/selfhelp.courts.ca.gov\/civil-lawsuit\/personal-injury\">California Courts Self Help Guide<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>The timeline varies. Liability disputes, the number of parties, insurer responses, and court schedules all matter. No single length fits every case.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Do Deadlines and Evidence Matter?<\/h2>\n<p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&amp;sectionNum=335.1.\">Code Civ. Proc. \u00a7 335.1<\/a>, an action for death caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another is brought within two years, but exceptions such as tolling can change that period, and claims against public entities may require a written claim within a shorter period, such as six months under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&amp;sectionNum=911.2.\">Gov. Code \u00a7 911.2<\/a>. Early review protects the family&#8217;s options.<\/p>\n<p>Evidence fades quickly. Vehicle event data, skid marks, and surveillance video can be overwritten. Hazards can be repaired. Witnesses&#8217; memories change.<\/p>\n<p>Some common mistakes hurt families:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Posting about the crash or the claim on social media.<\/li>\n<li>Giving recorded statements to an insurer before speaking with counsel.<\/li>\n<li>Throwing away bills, pay stubs, or household records.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Keep every record. Send insurer calls to the attorney handling the claim.<\/p>\n<p>Documenting family losses helps. Pay records, tax returns, and records of the decedent&#8217;s care and household duties show the full scope of the losses.<\/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 Families 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 attorney for this page.<\/p>\n<p>The firm handles wrongful death matters along with car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian, bus, dog bite, premises liability, and catastrophic injury cases. It represents families in Kern County, Fresno, Visalia, Lancaster, Palmdale, Delano, and Tehachapi.<\/p>\n<p>Our team works with families on intake and the records a claim needs. The attorney directs the legal strategy.<\/p>\n<p>Each case is reviewed on its own facts. Results depend on those facts and the law that applies.<\/p>\n<h2>Common Questions About Winning a Wrongful Death Lawsuit<\/h2>\n<p>How do you win a wrongful death lawsuit? The answer depends on the proof, the law, and the losses in each case. Here are the questions families ask most.<\/p><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What are the odds of winning?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reliable odds can&#8217;t be given for any case. Each one turns on its own evidence and law.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How long does a settlement take?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Timing depends on liability disputes, the number of parties, insurer response, and whether a lawsuit is needed.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Who pays wrongful death settlements?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Payments usually come from the at-fault party&#8217;s liability insurance. In some cases, the party pays from its own assets.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What if the case does not succeed?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The attorney reviews the realistic options with the family before any decision is made.<\/p><p>If your family is weighing a claim after a loved one&#8217;s death, <a href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">contact Colvin Accident Lawyers<\/a>. You can request a free, confidential first consultation, with no obligation to continue.<\/p>\n<p>Colvin Accident Lawyers, Bakersfield, California &#8212; responsible for this site.<\/p><\/details><\/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 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 Families Contact Colvin Accident Lawyers<\/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--heart\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Compassionate Attention<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We understand that a wrongful death case begins with a loss that no legal process can undo. We take time to listen to your family&#x27;s questions and concerns.<\/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\">Advocacy for Your Family<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We focus on the evidence of who caused the fatal incident and what your family has lost, and we work to pursue fair compensation under California law.<\/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--check\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Free, Confidential Consultation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your first consultation is free, confidential and comes with no obligation to continue, so you can understand your options before you decide anything.<\/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\">Serving Kern County and Nearby Communities<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From our Bakersfield office, we represent families across Kern County and in Fresno, Visalia, Lancaster, Palmdale, Delano and Tehachapi.<\/p><\/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\">Time Matters After a Fatal Accident<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Evidence such as police reports, vehicle data, surveillance video and witness statements can be lost or altered over time. Contact us early so the facts of your loss can be reviewed while they are still fresh.<\/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-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\">Fatal Accidents We Handle<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns 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\">Fatal Car Accidents<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Collisions caused by distracted, impaired or careless drivers that take the life of a family member.<\/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\">Fatal Truck Accidents<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Crashes involving commercial trucks, where driver conduct, vehicle maintenance and company practices may all be part of the investigation.<\/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\">Fatal Motorcycle Accidents<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deadly collisions involving motorcycles and riders, including crashes caused by drivers who failed to see them.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns 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\">Fatal Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tragic incidents in which a walker or cyclist was struck and killed by a vehicle on the road.<\/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\">Fatal Bus Accidents<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deaths caused by bus crashes, where the operator, the vehicle and the company responsible for safety may be examined.<\/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\">Fatal Premises Liability Incidents<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deaths that occur on property where an owner or manager failed to correct a dangerous condition or provide reasonable safety.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\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\">Talk With Colvin Accident Lawyers About Your Family&#x27;s Loss<\/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\">Call Colvin or Request a 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\/\">Call Colvin or Request a Free Consultation<\/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\/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><\/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\/wrongful-death-lawyer\/how-hard-is-it-to-win-a-wrongful-death-lawsuit\/\">How Hard Is It To Win A Wrongful Death Lawsuit?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/wrongful-death-lawyer\/how-hard-is-it-to-win-a-wrongful-death-suit\/\">How hard is it to win a wrongful death suit?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/wrongful-death-lawyer\/how-much-can-you-get-for-emotional-distress-from-a-car-accident\/\">How much can you get for emotional distress from a car accident?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/wrongful-death-lawyer\/how-much-can-you-sue-someone-for-a-hit-and-run\/\">How much can you sue someone for a hit-and-run?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/wrongful-death-lawyer\/how-much-do-wrongful-death-lawyers-charge\/\">How much do wrongful death lawyers charge?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn who can sue for wrongful death in California, what must be proven, which damages may apply, and when key filing deadlines may apply. Free, confidential consultation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":997,"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\"]}, \"about\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Personal injury\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Personal_injury\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Negligence\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Negligence\"}], \"mentions\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Comparative negligence\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Comparative_negligence\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Duty of care\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Duty_of_care\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Damages\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Damages\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Punitive damages\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Punitive_damages\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Wrongful death\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Wrongful_death\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Premises liability\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Premises_liability\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Liability insurance\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Liability_insurance\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Pedestrian\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pedestrian\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Dog bite\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Dog_bite\"}], \"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\"], \"worksFor\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Colvin Accident Lawyers\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/\"}}, \"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\", \"worksFor\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Colvin Accident Lawyers\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/\"}}, \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What are the odds of winning?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Reliable odds can\u2019t be given for any case. 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