Bakersfield Auto Accident Lawyer
A Bakersfield auto accident lawyer knows, in 2006, there were 3 car accident fatalities in Bakersfield and 1,256 car accident related injuries. So says California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Traffic Reporting System. Alcohol accounted for 21 deaths and 134 injuries. Bakersfield roads and drivers also killed five motorcyclists and injured 66.
The good news is that in 2008, the total number of Bakersfield auto accidents dropped by 14 percent. Some people say the drop was due to higher gas prices and people simply drove less. Fewer trips meant fewer car accidents. Others attribute the decline to more aggressive law enforcement efforts, with tougher ticketing and penalties for speeders and drunk drivers. This might explain why drunk-driving car accidents also fell by 13 percent, according to the CHP.
A good Bakersfield auto accident lawyer knows that car accident victims understand economic damages – these being your typical medical expenses and car damages. But most people appear to have a difficult time substantiating non-economic damages. These are actual losses most often called “pain and suffering.”
The problem is, non-economic damages have no actual guidelines, which is one reason why these types of awards are sometimes “all over the map.” The car accident victim has the burden of proof. He or she must present a convincing argument, substantiated with written records that document the person’s pain and suffering. Better Bakersfield auto accident lawyer know that car accident victims can be affected in a personal and subjective manner. A devastating car crash can forever change an individual’s quality of life. It can result in emotional pain due to scarring or disfigurement. These damages may include embarrassment, humiliation, loss of companionship or friendship, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of romantic affection, and loss of guidance, tutelage and moral upbringing (in the case of a lost parent).
There are particular actions you can take immediately following a Bakersfield car accident in order to positively impact your insurance claim and the outcome of any personal injury suit related to the accident (although these may vary if you are seriously injured and require immediate hospitalization):
- Remain at the scene.
- Call 911 to report the accident.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
- If possible, get the contact information of any witnesses.
- If possible, take pictures of the scene, damage to your vehicle, injuries you sustained, and anything else you believe may be important.
- Seek medical attention as soon as you can. Even if you feel you are not seriously injured, you may have sustained a neck or back injury that may not present itself immediately.
- Contact your insurance company to report the accident.
- Contact a Bakersfield auto accident lawyer.
Locating a good Bakersfield auto accident lawyer who will provide a no charge, no pressure consultation can be very beneficial. There are just too many things most car accident victims may not know. Consulting a skilled Bakersfield auto accident lawyer can be crucial if one hopes to be justly and fully compensated for the pain and suffering of a car accident.
