{"id":59,"date":"2026-10-14T08:49:55","date_gmt":"2026-10-14T08:49:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/34-138-224-95.nip.io\/car-accident-compensation-california\/bakersfield-rear-end-collision-injury-lawyer\/"},"modified":"2026-10-24T09:00:54","modified_gmt":"2026-10-24T09:00:54","slug":"bakersfield-rear-end-collision-injury-lawyer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/car-accident-compensation-california\/bakersfield-rear-end-collision-injury-lawyer\/","title":{"rendered":"Rear End Collision Injury Lawyer Bakersfield | Colvin"},"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 investigator in a fleece jacket and gloves photographs a crushed motorcycle front end in a fenced impound lot.\" src=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/an-investigator-in-a-fleece-jacket-and-gloves-photographs-a-photo-1.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)\">Rear End Collision Injury Lawyer \u00b7 Bakersfield, CA<\/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 Rear End Collision? Talk to 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)\">Injured in a rear-end crash in Bakersfield or nearby? Colvin Accident Lawyers offers a free, confidential first consultation 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 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<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">By Donald Norman Colvin \u00b7 Published October 14, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>A rear end collision injury lawyer in Bakersfield can explain how an injury claim works after one vehicle hits the back of another. In California, an injured person may seek money for medical bills, lost income, and other losses, but every claim depends on its facts. This page covers who can bring a claim, common injuries, how fault is proven, what a claim can include, and what happens next. Colvin Accident Lawyers is based in Bakersfield and offers a free first consultation.<\/p>\n<h2>What a Rear End Collision Injury Claim Is and Who It Helps<\/h2>\n<p>A rear end collision injury claim seeks compensation after one driver crashes into the back of another vehicle and someone is hurt. These crashes often happen at stop lights, in slow traffic, or when a driver brakes hard. Even a low-speed impact can cause real injuries, even when the cars look only lightly damaged.<\/p>\n<p>A claim may be brought by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>People in either vehicle, including drivers and passengers, can be hurt in a collision.<\/li>\n<li>Pedestrians and bicyclists can be struck from behind by vehicles.<\/li>\n<li>Family members of someone killed in a crash often have questions about what happens next.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It helps to separate two kinds of claims. A property damage claim covers the vehicle, such as repairs or a rental car. An injury claim covers the people hurt, including medical care and lost income.<\/p>\n<p>Rear end crashes happen on Bakersfield city streets and across Kern County roads. This guide is written for people who were hurt, and for family members acting on someone else&#8217;s behalf.<\/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 you&#x27;re caring for someone hurt in a rear end crash, you don&#x27;t have to work out the claim alone. Our team can talk through your facts in a free, confidential first consultation. 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\/a-motorcycle-lies-on-a-city-road-amid-traffic-showing-the-af-photo.jpg\" alt=\"A motorcycle lies on a city road amid traffic, showing the aftermath of a recent accident.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Common Injuries in Rear End Collisions<\/h2>\n<p>Many rear end injuries are soft-tissue injuries to the neck and back. Symptoms can appear hours or days after the crash, so early care matters.<\/p>\n<p>Common injuries include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Neck and back strains and sprains, including whiplash<\/li>\n<li>Head injuries, such as concussion, where symptoms may show up later<\/li>\n<li>Injuries from airbags, seatbelts, or impact with the steering wheel or dashboard<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The neck holds the cervical spinal nerves, labeled C1 to C7. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/spinal-cord-injury\">NINDS spinal cord injury overview<\/a>, these nerves control signals to the back of the head, the neck and shoulders, the arms and hands, and the diaphragm. The same source notes that an injury to the spinal cord between C1 and C4 can stop breathing.<\/p>\n<p>That is why even a crash that feels minor deserves prompt medical evaluation. Medical records do two jobs. They support your health, and they document how the crash led to your symptoms. Keep every appointment note, prescription receipt, and imaging report.<\/p>\n<h2>Proving Fault in a Rear End Collision in California<\/h2>\n<p>Under California law, a person who fails to use ordinary care and injures someone can be responsible for that injury. <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=1714.\">Civil Code \u00a7 1714(a)<\/a> states this general duty. In a rear end case, the key questions are usually whether the rear driver stopped in time, followed too closely, or was distracted. Fault in a rear-end collision is not always one-sided, and the facts of each crash matter.<\/p>\n<p>If a court found you 30% at fault, your damages would be reduced by 30%.<\/p>\n<p>Situations that can shift or divide fault include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A sudden, unexplained stop or a cut-in<\/li>\n<li>A chain-reaction crash involving several vehicles<\/li>\n<li>Brake or mechanical failure<\/li>\n<li>A staged or intentional impact<\/li>\n<li>Conduct by a commercial truck or bus driver<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Evidence that helps show what happened includes the police report, photos of both vehicles and the scene, damage patterns on each car, dashcam or traffic camera footage, witness statements, and vehicle data.<\/p>\n<h2>What a Rear End Claim Can Include and What Affects Its Value<\/h2>\n<p>A rear end claim can seek economic losses, non-economic losses, and property losses. Economic losses are objectively verifiable monetary losses, such as medical expenses, lost earnings, and loss of use of property, under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=1431.2.\">Civil Code \u00a7 1431.2<\/a>. Non-economic losses are subjective, such as pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship, under the same section.<\/p>\n<p>California law measures damages as the amount that compensates for all detriment proximately caused by the wrong, as stated in <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=3333.\">Civil Code \u00a7 3333<\/a>. Damages can also cover detriment that will certain occur in the future, under <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&amp;sectionNum=3283.\">Civil Code \u00a7 3283<\/a>. Where more than one defendant is at fault, each one&#8217;s share of non-economic damages is limited to its own percentage of fault.<\/p>\n<p>Factors that commonly affect value include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How serious the injuries are and how well they are documented<\/li>\n<li>Gaps in treatment<\/li>\n<li>Prior injuries or pre-existing conditions<\/li>\n<li>Disputed fault<\/li>\n<li>Insurance policy limits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>No lawyer can say what a claim is worth before reviewing the medical records, the crash evidence, and the fault issues. Any average figure is not a promise about your case.<\/p>\n<h2>How a Rear End Injury Claim Typically Works, Step by Step<\/h2>\n<p>A rear end injury claim usually moves from medical care to evidence, insurance talks, and, if needed, a lawsuit. Each claim differs, but most follow this general order.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Get medical care.<\/strong> Keep every record, bill, and appointment note.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Write it down.<\/strong> Log symptoms, missed work, and daily tasks you can&#8217;t do.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Preserve evidence early.<\/strong> Save photos, the vehicle&#8217;s location, and the other driver&#8217;s details. Evidence can be lost over time.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Be careful with insurers.<\/strong> Adjusters may ask for a recorded statement. A free consultation can help you plan what to say.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Investigate and negotiate.<\/strong> The claim is investigated, a demand is made, and the insurer responds. If the claim doesn&#8217;t resolve, a lawsuit may be filed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>One crash can carry two different deadlines, so confirm both dates early.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Injured Bakersfield Residents Contact Colvin Accident Lawyers<\/h2>\n<p>Colvin Accident Lawyers is based in Bakersfield, California. Here is what you can expect from the practice.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The lawyer:<\/strong> Donald Norman Colvin is the California lawyer responsible for this practice.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The team:<\/strong> Our team includes assistants and office staff who support the work of the practice.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Practice areas:<\/strong> Car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian, bus, dog bite, premises liability, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death matters. Rear end collisions are car accident claims.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Where we serve:<\/strong> Kern County and nearby communities, including Fresno, Visalia, Lancaster, Palmdale, Delano, and Tehachapi.<\/li>\n<li><strong>First consultation:<\/strong> Free, confidential, with no obligation to continue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>No lawyer can promise a particular result, and this page does not claim one. What the first consultation offers is a clear look at your facts.<\/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\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/motorcyclist-in-red-gear-stands-beside-a-red-sports-motorcyc-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Motorcyclist in red gear stands beside a red sports motorcycle in a dimly lit parking area at night.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions About Rear End Collision Injury Claims<\/h2><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Should I get a lawyer for a rear end collision?<\/summary><p>Some people handle a small, property-only claim on their own. Injury claims often involve medical records, disputed fault, and talks with an insurance company, so a free consultation can help you weigh your options.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is a typical settlement for a rear end collision?<\/summary><p>No lawyer can say what a claim is worth without reviewing its facts, and this page gives no dollar figures. Value depends on injuries, medical records, lost income, and how fault is divided.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Which car accident lawyer in Bakersfield should I choose?<\/summary><p>We don&#8217;t rank or compare lawyers. Your own facts matter most, and a free, confidential first consultation with Colvin Accident Lawyers is a direct way to start.<\/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 guessing about fault, speed, or how badly you&#8217;re hurt. Stick to facts you know, and say you&#8217;re still getting care if that&#8217;s true.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How long do I have to file a rear end injury claim?<\/summary><p>Contact us to discuss the deadlines that may apply to your case.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re caring for an injured spouse, parent, or friend, you don&#8217;t have to work through this alone. Call Colvin Accident Lawyers or send a message through the <a href=\"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/contact\/\">contact page<\/a> to ask about your rear end collision. The first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue.<\/p>\n<p>Colvin Accident Lawyers, Donald Norman Colvin, 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 Accident Victims Call 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--clock\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Free first consultation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your initial consultation is confidential and comes with no obligation to continue.<\/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 Colvin directly<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speak with the firm about your rear-end collision, your injuries and the options available to you.<\/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--document\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Help gathering key records<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We can help you organize medical records, repair estimates, police reports and insurance correspondence.<\/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\">Focused on accident victims<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our Bakersfield practice represents people injured in car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian and other accidents.<\/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\">Before You Talk to the Insurance Company<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An adjuster may call soon after a crash and ask for a recorded statement. Consider speaking with a lawyer before you give a statement or sign any release.<\/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 for 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\/\">Call Colvin for a Free Consultation<\/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\">After a Rear End Collision: Steps That Help Protect Your Claim<\/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\">See a doctor<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some injuries, such as neck and back strain, may not show symptoms right away. A medical record also documents your injuries.<\/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 the vehicles, the roadway and any visible injuries, plus witness names and contact information, 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, pay stubs showing missed work, repair estimates and every letter you receive from an insurer.<\/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\">Speak with Colvin<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A free, confidential first consultation gives you a chance to ask questions before you make decisions about your claim.<\/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\">Rear-ended in Bakersfield or Kern County? Talk to Colvin Accident Lawyers.<\/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\">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>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related practice areas<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"\/resources\/car-accident-compensation-california\/\">Car Accident Compensation in California: Who Pays, What You Can Recover, and Next Steps | Colvin Accident Lawyers<\/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-compensation-california\/delayed-whiplash-symptoms-car-accident-california\/\">Delayed Whiplash Symptoms After a Car Accident: When to See a Doctor<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/car-accident-compensation-california\/factors-affecting-car-accident-claim-value-california\/\">What Affects the Value of a Car Accident Injury Claim in California?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/car-accident-compensation-california\/uninsured-motorist-car-accident-claim-california\/\">Uninsured Motorist Car Accident Claim in California<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/car-accident-compensation-california\/is-it-bad-to-admit-fault-in-a-car-accident\/\">Is it bad to admit fault in a car accident?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hurt in a rear end crash in Bakersfield? Learn how fault and injuries are evaluated in California. Free, confidential first consultation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":49,"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\": \"Should I get a lawyer for a rear end collision?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Some people handle a small, property-only claim on their own. Injury claims often involve medical records, disputed fault, and talks with an insurance company, so a free consultation can help you weigh your options.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is a typical settlement for a rear end collision?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No lawyer can say what a claim is worth without reviewing its facts, and this page gives no dollar figures. Value depends on injuries, medical records, lost income, and how fault is divided.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Which car accident lawyer in Bakersfield should I choose?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"We don't rank or compare lawyers. Your own facts matter most, and a free, confidential first consultation with Colvin Accident Lawyers is a direct way to start.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What should I avoid saying to an insurance adjuster?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Avoid guessing about fault, speed, or how badly you're hurt. Stick to facts you know, and say you're still getting care if that's true.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How long do I have to file a rear end injury claim?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Contact us to discuss the deadlines that may apply to your case. If you're caring for an injured spouse, parent, or friend, you don't have to work through this alone. Call Colvin Accident Lawyers or send a message through the contact page to ask about your rear end collision. The first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation to continue. Colvin Accident Lawyers, Donald Norman Colvin, Bakersfield, California -- responsible for this site.\"}}], \"image\": \"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/an-investigator-in-a-fleece-jacket-and-gloves-photographs-a-photo-1.jpg\", \"headline\": \"Rear End Collision Injury Lawyer Bakersfield | Colvin\", \"description\": \"Hurt in a rear end crash in Bakersfield? Learn how fault and injuries are evaluated in California. Free, confidential first consultation.\", \"@type\": [\"Article\", \"FAQPage\"]}, {\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"HowTo\", \"name\": \"How a Rear End Injury Claim Typically Works, Step by Step\", \"step\": [{\"@type\": \"HowToStep\", \"position\": 1, \"text\": \"Get medical care. Keep every record, bill, and appointment note.\"}, {\"@type\": \"HowToStep\", \"position\": 2, \"text\": \"Write it down. Log symptoms, missed work, and daily tasks you can\u2019t do.\"}, {\"@type\": \"HowToStep\", \"position\": 3, \"text\": \"Preserve evidence early. Save photos, the vehicle\u2019s location, and the other driver\u2019s details. Evidence can be lost over time.\"}, {\"@type\": \"HowToStep\", \"position\": 4, \"text\": \"Be careful with insurers. Adjusters may ask for a recorded statement. A free consultation can help you plan what to say.\"}, {\"@type\": \"HowToStep\", \"position\": 5, \"text\": \"Investigate and negotiate. The claim is investigated, a demand is made, and the insurer responds. If the claim doesn\u2019t resolve, a lawsuit may be filed.\"}], \"inLanguage\": \"en\"}, {\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\", \"itemListElement\": [{\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/34-138-224-95.nip.io\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Car Accident Compensation California\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/34-138-224-95.nip.io\/car-accident-compensation-california\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"Bakersfield Rear End Collision Injury Lawyer\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/34-138-224-95.nip.io\/car-accident-compensation-california\/bakersfield-rear-end-collision-injury-lawyer\/\"}]}]","chg_meta_description":"Hurt in a rear end crash in Bakersfield? Learn how fault and injuries are evaluated in California. Free, confidential first consultation.","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-59","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/59","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=59"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/59\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2048,"href":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/59\/revisions\/2048"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/49"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}