Award-Winning Truck Accident Lawyer — Bakersfield, CA

Were You Seriously Injured in a Truck Accident in Bakersfield?

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim is Southern California’s leading personal injury law firm, specializing in auto accidents, including cases against negligent truck drivers and trucking companies. If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident in Bakersfield, our law firm is here to help. At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we are dedicated to serving clients in Bakersfield and the surrounding areas in Kern County. 

Our experienced legal team understands the challenges you may be facing after a severe truck accident and is committed to fighting for your rights. We offer a free consultation, and you don’t pay any fees until we secure a fair settlement for you. Car Accident Lawyer Daniel Kim has the resources and experience to get you maximum compensation. To learn more, schedule a free and confidential consultation.

No Win. No Fee. Guaranteed.

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim operates on a “no win, no fee” contingency fee arrangement. We understand that the financial burden of legal fees can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident. With our firm, you won’t have to worry about upfront legal costs. If the case does not result in a win, you will not pay us anything.

Why Hire Daniel Kim as Your Bakersfield Truck Accident Lawyer?

Unfortunately, most victims of truck accidents suffer from life-threatening injuries. Choosing the right attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your truck accident case. At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we maintain a 99% success rate and have a proven track record in handling complex truck accident claims. Daniel Kim has also been awarded by The National Trial Lawyers as a Top 10 selection of Trucking Trial Lawyers. Since opening his practice, he has helped his clients recover over $300 million in settlements.

At The Law Offices of Daniel Kim, our commitment to providing personalized attention to each client sets our firm apart. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and will guide you through the entire personal injury claim. Bakersfield Truck Accident Lawyer Daniel Kim and his team will ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me?

After a truck accident, victims often face substantial challenges. Our truck accident lawyer can guide you through the options for financial recovery and explain why seeking legal representation is crucial. Here’s how a truck accident lawyer can help you:

• Bakersfield truck accident lawyers have the resources and expertise to meticulously investigate the incident, gather evidence, and determine liability.
• If the truck accident liability is disputed, a personal injury lawyer can prove liability and hold the other parties accountable.
• Truck accident attorneys can help you calculate the true value of your damages and build a compelling claim on your behalf.
• An experienced truck accident lawyer is well-prepared to represent you in court, if necessary, to recover maximum compensation.

Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, but our Bakersfield personal injury law firm knows how to handle them to ensure you are not settling for less than you deserve.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Truck Accident?

After a truck accident, you may be able to pursue financial compensation for your damages in a personal injury claim. A truck accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for damages including the following:

Medical expenses: Injuries from truck accidents often result in substantial medical bills. A personal injury lawyer can help you recover costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any other necessary medical treatments.

Lost wages: If you missed work due to your recovery, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income.

Pain and suffering: Truck accidents can cause significant physical and emotional distress. Pain and suffering damages can include compensation for physical pain, trauma, and emotional anguish suffered due to the accident.

Property damage: a truck accident attorney can help you assess the full extent of property damage and pursue adequate compensation.

Disability and disfigurement: If the accident results in a permanent disability or disfigurement, you may be eligible for compensation. 

Wrongful death:

If you lost a loved one in a trucking accident, an experienced truck accident attorney can help you recover compensation for damages including lost income, burial and funeral expenses, and pain and suffering in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Our Bakersfield personal injury law firm is dedicated to thoroughly assessing these factors to pursue the maximum compensation possible for our clients.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

Most Bakersfield truck accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that they only get paid if they win your case. Their fee is typically a percentage of the final settlement or court award. This arrangement ensures that legal representation is accessible to individuals without the financial burden of upfront costs.

At the Law Offices of Daniel Kim, we operate on a “no win, no fee” contingency fee arrangement, so there are no upfront legal fees. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate your case, and our fees are based on a percentage of the total settlement or award amount.

What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

Large trucks like tractor-trailers (big rigs) can weigh up to 30 times more than a passenger vehicle. Smaller vehicles will see exponentially much more damage due to the size and weight difference.

There are special laws and regulations put in place to ensure public safety, but truck accidents do happen. There are even specific regulations in California that deal with the size and weight limits of trucks and the cargo they ship. 

Some common trucking accident causes include:

Driver fatigue: When truck drivers work long hours on the road, it can lead to driver fatigue. Drowsy driving impairs reaction times and decision-making. California State laws do impose hourly driving limits, but truck drivers travel long distances and may have unrealistic delivery deadlines imposed on them.

Distracted driving: When drivers engage in activities such as texting, answering phone calls, or adjusting the navigation system behind the wheel, it can potentially lead to a dangerous accident.

Poor maintenance: Neglected maintenance of trucks, including issues with brakes, tires, and other essential components, can lead to malfunctions and car accidents.

Speeding: Driving over the speed limit or too fast for road conditions is a significant factor in many truck accidents. The sheer size and weight of trucks make high-speed collisions particularly dangerous.

Improper loading: Incorrectly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, leading to loss of control and trucking accidents.

Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?

Proving negligence is essential in a truck accident case. A truck accident attorney can help you identify the responsible parties. The following parties may be held liable for a trucking accident.

Truck Driver

If the driver’s actions, such as negligence, fatigue, or recklessness, directly caused the accident, they may be held liable.

Trucking Company

The company employing the truck driver can be held responsible for accidents caused by inadequate training, negligent hiring practices, or failure to properly maintain their fleet.

Truck Maintenance Providers

Entities responsible for maintaining the truck may be liable if poor maintenance or faulty repairs contributed to the the commercial truck accident.

Cargo Loaders

If the cargo was improperly loaded, leading to the accident, those responsible for loading the cargo may share liability.

Truck Manufacturers

In truck accident cases where a defective truck part or component contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of that part may be held liable.

Identifying the responsible parties is a complex process that requires legal expertise. An experienced truck accident lawyer can thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine liability and build a strong case on your behalf.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

Driving on the Bakersfield freeways can be extremely dangerous, especially when you mix in large semi-trucks that share our freeways. Because commercial trucks are so large and often carry heavy loads the damage left behind in an accident can be utterly devastating.

Accidents with semi-trucks can not only take place on major freeways but also on surface streets where motorists in smaller vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, and bicycles as well as pedestrians can come in contact with these trucks making for highly dangerous and often fatal situations.

In the aftermath of a truck accident, it’s best to take the following steps to protect your rights. 

1. Get Medical Attention

Seek medical attention for yourself and others involved in the accident, even if injuries seem minor. It’s important to get a medical evaluation and ensure all your truck accident injuries are documented.

2. Call the Police

Call the police and wait at the scene of the accident. Obtain a police report as it can provide essential details for your case.

3. Exchange Information

Exchange contact information with the truck driver and any witnesses.

4. Do Not Admit Fault

Avoid admitting fault or making statements that may be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts when discussing the accident with law enforcement, insurance, and other parties.

5. Collect Evidence

Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any relevant road signs or signals.

6. Contact a Qualified Truck Accident Lawyer

It’s best to consult with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Truck accident attorneys can guide you through your case, protect your rights, and pursue maximum compensation.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents can lead to severe injuries, including fractures, spinal cord injuries, head trauma, traumatic brain injuries, amputation, and wrongful death. If you get into an accident with a commercial truck then be sure to get yourself immediate medical treatment. Below is a list of common injuries from truck accidents:

• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Spinal cord
• Lacerations
• Shoulder and joints
• Internal injuries
• Leg and knee
• Amputation
• Wrongful death

Understanding the potential injuries is crucial for assessing the impact on your life and determining the compensation you deserve. Insurance adjusters may pressure you to settle quickly. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and negotiate for fair compensation, taking into account the full extent of your damages.

Bakersfield Truck Accident Statistics

Bakersfield sees many commercial truck and vehicle traffic compared to the surrounding communities, with the National Bridge Inventory department reporting that just under half a million trucks are coming into and out of Bakersfield.

With these many trucks driving around Bakersfield you’re bound to see quite a few accidents. In 2020, there were 5,391 auto accident injuries and fatalities in Kern County.

Injuries and Fatalities

There were 1,958 victims killed and injured in Bakersfield auto accidents in 2020. Notably, there were 246 speed-relate crashes and 743 DUI arrests that year. 

Dangerous Roads and Intersections

According to the Bakersfield Police Department, the following streets/intersections are the most dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists:

• California Ave. at Baker St.
• Union Ave. at California Ave.
• 4th St. at Union Ave.
• Columbus St. at Mount Vernon Ave.
• Golden State Avenue at F St.
• H St. at Brundage Ln.
• H St. at Planz Rd.
• Hageman Rd. at Riverlakes Dr.
• Ming Ave. at Akers Rd.
• Oak St. at California Ave.
• Stockdale Hgwy. at Village Ln.
• Union Ave. at 17th St.
• Union Ave. at 18th St.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Should I Speak to the Insurance Company After a Truck Accident?

It’s advisable to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney before engaging with the insurance company to ensure you don’t jeopardize your case. Insurance companies may request recorded or written statements. An experienced truck accident attorney can advise you on what to say and ensure that your rights are protected.

• How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Truck Accident?

In California, the statute of limitations to file a truck accident claim is typically 2 years from the date of the accident. It’s essential to consult with a personal injury lawyer promptly so they can help you gather evidence and ensure it is properly preserved. 

If you don’t file your claim within the allotted timeframe, you may lose your right to seek fair compensation. Seeking legal representation as soon as possible ensures that you meet these deadlines and gives you the best chance of building a strong case.

• What Evidence Do I Need to Support My Truck Accident Claim?

A Bakersfield truck accident attorney can conduct a thorough investigation of the trucking accident on your behalf. Truck accident attorneys can help you obtain crucial evidence including police reports, CCTV footage, black box data, medical records, and witness statements.

• Can I Sue the Trucking Company After a Truck Accident?

You may be able to pursue a lawsuit against the trucking company if their misconduct or negligence was a contributing factor in the accident. For example, if the trucking company failed to properly vet or train the driver, resulting in negligence, they may be held liable for the accident.

Negligence in maintaining and inspecting the truck can also lead to the trucking company’s liability if it contributed to the accident. Consulting with a truck accident lawyer can help assess liability and determine the appropriate parties to include in your legal action.

• What if the Truck Driver Was Not an Employee of the Trucking Company?

Even if the driver was not an employee, the trucking company may still be liable for negligence in certain situations. For example, some trucking companies lease drivers or vehicles from third-party entities. In these kinds of cases, liability may extend to both the leasing company and the trucking company, depending on the terms of the agreement.

Determine the insurance coverage of both the driver and the trucking company. While the driver may carry primary responsibility, the trucking company’s insurance may still be applicable under certain circumstances.

• How Long Does a Truck Accident Lawsuit Take to Resolve?

Truck accident cases involving multiple parties, extensive damages, or intricate legal issues may take longer to resolve. If the parties involved can reach a personal injury settlement through negotiation, the process may conclude more quickly. An experienced personal injury lawyer will work to recover a fair settlement and resolve your case in a timely manner.

• Can I File a Claim if the Truck Had a Mechanical Failure?

Yes, if mechanical failure contributed to the accident, you may have grounds for a claim against the trucking company or manufacturer.

If the trucking company did not properly maintain and inspect the vehicle, resulting in mechanical failure, they may be held liable for negligence.

While the primary responsibility often lies with the trucking company, the driver is also expected to perform pre-trip inspections and report any mechanical issues. Negligence on the part of the driver may contribute to liability.

• Will My Truck Accident Case Go to Trial?

If the evidence supporting your case is strong and liability is clear, the insurance companies may be more inclined to settle to avoid the uncertainties and costs of a trial. While many cases are settled out of court, our firm is prepared to go to trial if necessary to ensure our clients receive fair compensation.

• What Should I Do if the Insurance Company Denies My Truck Accident Claim?

A Bakersfield truck accident attorney can review the denial, inform you of your legal options, and advise on the best course of action.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyer Near You

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a truck accident can take. Our experienced truck accident lawyer, Daniel Kim, is dedicated to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. We understand the challenges you face, and our commitment is to provide unwavering support throughout the legal process. Contact us for a free consultation, and let us fight for you.

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Directions to Our Bakersfield Office

Our law firm is located across the street from the Kern County Superior Court.

Car Accident Lawyer Daniel Kim – Bakersfield
Address: 930 Truxtun Ave., Suite 210, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: (661) 846-8116