Suffering a car accident injury is a life-altering experience, especially when you’re left dealing with medical bills, property damage, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies. In Bakersfield, where traffic accidents are unfortunately common, knowing your rights and the steps to take after an accident is crucial.
California law provides essential protections for accident victims, but the claim process can be complex. Under California’s comparative negligence rule (California Civil Code § 1714), you may still recover damages even if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, insurance companies often attempt to minimize or deny claims. This is why having skilled legal representation is critical.
Delayed actions or mistakes in handling your personal injury claims can significantly impact your ability to receive fair compensation. At Farahi Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys in Bakersfield are here to guide you through the legal process and ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident Injury?
After a car accident, your actions can make or break your personal injury claim. Here’s what you need to do:
- Seek Medical Care Immediately: Even if you feel fine, some injuries, like traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injuries, may not show symptoms right away. Visit medical professionals to document your condition.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident, your injuries, and any property damage. Collect contact information from witnesses and the fault party.
- File an Accident Report: Contact the police to file a police report. This is crucial physical evidence for your claim. Also, having official reports on what happened at the scene can strengthen your case.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: Before speaking to an insurance adjuster, consult a personal injury attorney in Bakersfield to protect your rights.
Why Delayed Injury Reports Can Hurt Your Claim
California follows a strict statute of limitations for personal injury claims (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1), which means you generally have only two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, if you delay medical treatment, insurance companies may argue that your injuries are not severe or were caused by something other than the accident.
Seeking immediate medical attention protects your health and strengthens your claim by providing documented evidence linking your injuries to the crash. To avoid this, you must seek medical records and legal advice immediately.
At Farahi Law Firm, we work with top medical professionals to help our clients ensure their injuries are properly diagnosed and documented, including medical bills, repair estimates, and police reports, maximizing their chances of securing full compensation.
For more tips, check out our blog on The Importance of Demonstrative Evidence in Personal Injury Cases
What Evidence is Needed for a Personal Injury Claim?
Building a strong personal injury claim requires compelling evidence to prove the fault party’s negligence and secure maximum compensation. Here’s what you need:
- Medical Records: Document all treatments, including physical therapy, traumatic brain injury assessments, or spinal cord injuries diagnoses.
- Police Reports: Official accident reports provide a neutral account of the incident and are critical for accident claims.
- Property Damage Documentation: Photos of vehicle damage, repair estimates from a trusted repair shop, and proof of collision coverage.
- Witness Statements: Testimonies from bystanders or medical professionals who can corroborate your injuries.
- Proof of Financial Loss: Medical bills, lost wages, and costs related to emotional distress (e.g., therapy sessions).
Insurance companies often downplay soft tissue injuries or neck pain, claiming they’re not severe, but we know these injuries can create a significant disruption in your life. Farahi Law Firm expert personal injury legal team in Bakersfield can help you gather and present this evidence effectively.
How a Personal Injury Attorney in Bakersfield Can Help You
Navigating personal injury claims alone can leave you at the mercy of insurance adjusters who will prioritize their profits over your fair compensation. At Farahi Law Firm, we:
- Investigate Thoroughly: We collect physical evidence, interview responsible parties, and analyze police reports to build a rock-solid case.
- Handle Insurance Negotiations: We counter lowball offers and fight for financial compensation covering medical care, property damage, and emotional distress.
- Prepare for Litigation: If insurance companies refuse to settle, we will take your case to court.
Whether you’ve suffered common injuries like neck pain or severe motorcycle accident-related harm, Farahi Law Firm enforces your right to full compensation. Discover how we apply Bakersfield-specific precedent to maximize your recovery—call today for a FREE consultation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident Injury
Under California Civil Jury Instruction (CACI) 3927, plaintiffs must mitigate damages—delayed treatment lets insurers dispute causation, arguing your injuries are “unrelated” to the accident you’re presenting a claim. Here is why:
- Delaying Medical Care: Even minor soft tissue injuries need immediate attention. Medical records are key to linking injuries to the accident.
- Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Alone: They may twist your words to reduce payouts. Always consult to dispute causation to dispute causation
- Settling Too Quickly: Accepting an early offer might exclude future costs like physical therapy or traumatic brain injury treatments.
- Ignoring Property Damage: Save repair estimates and photos of your vehicle’s damage to prove the accident’s severity.
At Farahi Law Firm, we recognize that accident victims face immense physical, emotional, and financial strain long before confronting the complexities of California’s legal system. From preserving critical evidence to countering comparative negligence arguments, we are here to fight for you.
You Don’t Have To Face It Alone – We Are Here to Help You
A car accident injury can disrupt your life, but you don’t have to face the legal process by yourself. From gathering medical records to battling insurance companies, Farahi Law Firm fights for maximum compensation for accident victims in Bakersfield.
Don’t wait—California’s statute of limitations gives you limited time to act. Contact our personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation, and let us handle the heavy lifting. Our Bakersfield legal team is ready to help you get the medical treatment you need and the money you deserve.
