Bakersfield Personal Injury Lawyer

Did You Suffer a Personal Injury in Bakersfield?

If you sustained a serious injury after an auto accident in Bakersfield, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. Dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of an injury can be challenging. However, you don’t have to face it alone. Our Bakersfield law firm is committed to helping individuals who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of others.

Our experienced Bakersfield personal injury lawyer have the knowledge and expertise to help you file a personal injury lawsuit. Whether you were injured in a car accident, motorcycle accident, or any other type of auto accident, we can provide compassionate and skilled legal guidance so you walk away with the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate the complexities of personal injury law and seek the justice you deserve.

No Win. No Fee. Guaranteed.

We understand that you may be dealing with financial burdens due to your injuries. That’s why we offer a contingency fee arrangement, where clients don’t have to worry about paying any upfront legal fees out of pocket. Our contingency fee arrangement means that we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation. This allows our clients to access high-quality legal representation without any financial barriers, ensuring that they can focus on their recovery and obtaining the compensation they deserve.

Why Hire Daniel Kim as Your Bakersfield Personal Injury Attorney?

With several years’ of experience representing auto accident victims, Daniel Kim is a leading personal injury attorney in Bakersfield and Southern California. A compassionate defender of justice, he works day and night to obtain fair settlements for his clients who have been wronged on the road. Since opening his own practice, Daniel has awarded over $250 million in settlements for his clients injured by someone else’s negligence.

Daniel has been recognized by numerous prestigious law organizations including The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, Best Attorneys in America, and Martindale-Hubbell. He has a strong and personal connection with his clients and maintains a 99% success rate across all of the cases that he undertakes.

To speak with Daniel in a confidential free consultation, call our Bakersfield law office at (661) 846-8116 or send us a message online.

Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Bakersfield?

If you have suffered a serious injury like a brain injury in an auto accident, you need a personal injury lawyer to help guide you through the claims process. We will help you navigate insurance negotiations, speak with expert witnesses, and represent you in court if needed. With our expertise in assessing the true value of a claim, our legal team will ensure that all relevant damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma are taken into account in seeking maximum compensation. Our negotiation skills can greatly increase the chances of obtaining a fair and just settlement.

Moreover, if your case needs to go to trial, our experienced personal injury lawyers can provide strong representation and fight for your rights in the litigation process. Speak to an attorney in a no-obligation free case evaluation at your convenience.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Given the large number of cars on roads and highways, car accidents are the most common cause of personal injury claims. In 2020, there were nearly 2,000 auto-related injuries and fatalities in Kern County. Some of the most common causes of car accidents are driving under the influence and distracted driving. If you have been a victim of a car accident, our Bakersfield car accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your emotional and physical injuries.

Motorcycle accidents occur frequently in Bakersfield, resulting in severe and fatal injuries to riders and their passengers. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle crash, our motorcycle accident in Bakersfield will hold the negligent driver accountable. We are experienced in fighting these cases and will help you secure the maximum compensation.

Due to their size, truck drivers have a responsibility to drive extra cautiously. Despite the risks, large vehicles like big rigs, 18-wheelers, and tractor-trailers are regularly found at fault in serious accidents involving a passenger vehicle. If you were involved in a truck accident, our Bakersfield truck accident lawyer can investigate the crash and determine the right course of action. Truck companies usually have their own legal teams, so hiring an attorney is crucial in these types of accidents.

Riding a bike is a great way to see the sights of Bakersfield while getting exercise. Yet the benefits of bicycle riding can be outweighed by the risks. Bicyclists are at considerable risk of getting hit by a speeding or distracted driver. Since they lack the protection of a car, they often suffer serious injuries. Call our Bakersfield bicycle accident lawyer if you sustained injuries in a bicycle accident in Kern County.

Bakersfield ranks as one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. for pedestrians. In a report conducted by Nonprofit Smart Growth America, there were 152 pedestrian deaths from 2016 to 2020. Pedestrians are especially at risk away from intersections where vehicles are often speeding. Our Bakersfield pedestrian accident lawyer can help you recover compensation if you were hit by a car.

With the overwhelming popularity of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, more accidents are occurring on Bakersfield’s streets. In an Uber or Lyft accident, there can be several possible parties liable – the Uber or Lyft driver, the rideshare company, or another driver. Call our Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in Bakersfield to discuss your options.

Losing a loved one due to the wrongful actions or negligence of another party is an emotionally and mentally exhausting experience. While it may not bring back the person you lost, filing a wrongful death claim can help bring some sense of closure and justice to the situation. A Bakersfield wrongful death lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities of the process and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your loss. With their knowledge and expertise, a wrongful death lawyer can provide the support and guidance you need during this difficult time, allowing you to focus on grieving and healing.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Case?

Accident victims are typically able to recover two types of compensatory damages: economic damages and non-economic damages. These damages are meant to compensate victims for the losses they have suffered as a result of the accident or injury caused by another person’s negligence. In California, there is no cap on the amount of damages victims can recover.

Economic damages

Economic damages are actual financial losses that are designed to make the victim financially “whole.”

• Current and future medical expenses: A personal injury claim generally covers medical expenses related to an injury. This can include hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation costs, and any other necessary medical treatments.

• Lost wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work or resulted in a decrease in your earning capacity, you may be able to recover damages for lost wages or loss of earning capacity. This can include wages you would have earned if you had not been injured, as well as potential future earnings.

• Property damage: You may be entitled to compensation for the repair or replacement if your personal property was damaged.

• Wrongful death: If your loved one passed away, surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover funeral and burial expenses and more.

Non-economic damages

Non-economic damages are intangible losses that can be harder to quantify.

• Pain and suffering: You may be eligible to seek compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by your injury. This can include both the immediate impact of the injury as well as ongoing pain and suffering resulting from the injury.

• Disfigurement and scarring: Auto accident survivors may suffer from permanent physical injuries, causing them hardship.

• Loss of enjoyment of life: California law allows injured victims to recover damages if they are unable to enjoy hobbies or other activities stemming from the accident.

• Loss of companionship: If your injury has affected your relationship with your spouse or partner, you may be able to recover damages for loss of consortium, which compensates for the loss of companionship, support, and services of a loved one.

In some rare cases, victims may be able to recover punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the defendant for egregious or intentional acts.

Personal Injury Due to Negligence

Negligence is the basis for most personal injury claims. The legal term for carelessness, negligence is failure to act with reasonable care to avoid injury or harm to another person.

Proving negligence in a California personal injury accident consists of four key elements: duty of care, breach of duty of care, causation, and damages.

1. Duty of care refers to the legal obligation that individuals have to act with reasonable care to prevent harm to others.

2. Breach of duty of care occurs when an individual fails to meet this obligation, either through action or inaction.

3. Causation means that the breach of duty of care was the direct cause of the plaintiff’s injuries.

4. Damages refer to the losses suffered by the plaintiff as a result of the accident.

It’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can investigate the accident, establish liability, and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

What if I Was Partially At Fault for the Accident?

Even if you are partially at fault, you can still recover damages in a personal injury claim. California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which states that you can still recover damages even if you are 99% at fault. However, keep in mind that the amount of damages awarded to you will be reduced by the percentage of fault. So, in a case where the plaintiff (the injured victim) is found 30% at fault, he or she would be able to recover 70% in damages.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Like most personal injury law firms, our law firm maintains a 100% “no win, no fee” contingency fee basis, regardless of the case or the client. This means that we only get paid if you win your case. If we don’t win, you pay nothing. With our contingency fee arrangement, clients can have peace of mind knowing that they won’t face additional financial stress while seeking justice for their injuries.

After clients are awarded a settlement, our personal injury attorney will receive a percentage of the settlement or verdict obtained. Contingency fees typically range from 33% of the total amount recovered. We are happy to discuss our contingency fee arrangement in a free no-obligation consultation, either by phone or in person.

What Should I Do If I’m Injured in an Accident?

Auto accidents often leave victims with physical and emotional scars. If you find yourself in this distressing situation, it’s important to take action to safeguard your health and legal rights. Follow these steps immediately after an accident to ensure you get the help and support you need.

1. Call the Police

If you are involved in a serious accident with injuries, the first thing you need to do is call the police and request medical assistance. Make sure the responding officer creates a police report, which serves as crucial evidence in a personal injury claim.

2. Seek Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time. It is also important to document any injuries for future claims.

3. Exchange Information

Gather information about the accident and parties involved. This includes the names, contact information, and insurance details of any other parties involved in the accident. Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and any visible injuries. If there were witnesses, get their contact information as well.

4. Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company and notify them of the accident. On the contrary, do not discuss fault or details of the accident, as this can hurt your claim. Avoid posting anything about the accident on social media. Insurance companies may use this information to deny or reduce your claim.

5. Document All Expenses

Keep a record of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills and car repair bills. This information will be useful when making a claim with the other driver’s insurance policy.

6. Contact a Bakersfield Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been injured in the accident, consult with a knowledgeable attorney. A team of experienced Bakersfield personal injury lawyers can advise you on your legal rights and options for seeking compensation for damages and injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Personal Injury Case?

To determine if you have a valid case, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, you must have suffered an injury or harm due to someone else’s negligence. Secondly, you must have quality evidence to support your claim, such as witness testimony, medical records, or other related documentation. Thirdly, you must have incurred damages as a result of the injury, such as medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering.

• If I Hire You, What Happens Next?

After hiring Daniel Kim as your lawyer, you will be connected with our medical management team to get you the right medical treatment for your injuries. We will simultaneously investigate the details of your accident and prove the other party was at fault.

Then, we send a demand letter to the defendant’s insurance company, thus starting the process of negotiation. If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we will file a complaint with the court. We will work diligently to negotiate the highest possible outcome for your case.

• How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Bakersfield?

Under California’s statute of limitations, personal injury victims have two (2) years from the date of their accident to file a claim. Missing this deadline means you will lose the right to pursue compensation. This is why it is very important to contact an accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. 

• How Long Will It Take to Settle My Case?

Generally speaking, personal injury cases take one to three years to settle. Nevertheless, this time can be shorter depending on the claim. More complex cases involving serious injuries will take longer to settle. Cases will clear liability and less severe injuries may only take a few months to settle. Every case is different, so it’s best to speak with an attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What if The Other Party is Uninsured or Underinsured?

Unfortunately, millions of drivers in California drive without insurance or with expired insurance. This raises several questions when you have been involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

If the other party is uninsured, you may be able to pursue a claim against your own insurance company under your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. UM coverage is designed to protect you in the event that you are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver.

If the other party is underinsured, meaning that their insurance coverage is insufficient to cover the full cost of your damages, you may be able to file a claim against their insurance policy and also seek compensation using your underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage.

• What if I Can’t Afford My Medical Bills?

If you’re faced with high medical bills, our medical management team can help you negotiate down your bills. We will also help you receive a medical lien for your treatment so you are not forced to pay anything out-of-pocket. Once your case is settled, a portion of your settlement will cover hospital visits, ambulance fees, surgery costs, and more.

• How Often Do Cases Go to Trial?

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, only about 3 to 4% of personal injury cases go to trial. The majority of cases are settled out of court, but only after filing a lawsuit. Most insurance companies will view a trial as too risky, and therefore they prefer to settle out of court. However, in the unlikely event that your case makes it to trial, our personal injury attorneys will represent you in court.

• What if The Insurance Company Offers Me a Settlement?

Our lawyers always advise clients to be wary of initial settlements offered by insurance adjusters. This is because it is in the insurance company’s best interest to settle your claim for as quickly and cheaply as possible. If you are unsure about your settlement offer, consult with an experienced attorney.

Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers Near You

Our Bakersfield personal injury attorneys can help you get back to normal after an auto accident. We take great pride in helping accident victims recover financially, physically, and mentally. If you have questions or want to know more about your legal options, call our law offices at (661) 846-8116 or fill out this quick form for a free case evaluation.

We proudly serve the city of Bakersfield and the surrounding cities in Kern County including Arvin, California City, Delano, Maricopa, McFarland, Ridegecrest, Shafter, Taft, Techachapi, and Wasco.

Driving Directions to Our Bakersfield Office

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

About Bakersfield, CA

Nicknamed “Nashville West” for its contributions to country music, Bakersfield is the largest city in Kern County. Known for its agriculture and industrial production, the county produces the most oil of any other county in California. Surrounded by natural beauty, this growing city is located on the southern end of San Joaquin Valley, neighboring the Sequoia National Forest. Notable tourist attractions include the California Living Museum, Bakersfield Museum of Art, and Kern County Museum.