No matter how safely you drive, getting involved in a mishap on the roads of Bakersfield can be a terrifying experience. For the unversed, California is a tort state for car accidents. This means if the other party was negligent and you can prove that, you can claim compensation for your losses, such as medical bills and vehicle damage, typically through the at-fault party’s insurance. Your best bet is to start looking for Bakersfield personal injury lawyers who can guide you through the process. In this post, we are sharing some quick things about California laws and car accidents.
What should you do after the auto accident?
There are a few standard steps to follow after any on-road mishap, such as –
- Call 911. Even if it is someone else who was injured, call 911 immediately and make sure that you get medical care for your injuries. Injuries related to auto accidents often show up weeks after the crash, and therefore, you should see a doctor.
- Call the police. It is still better to be safe than sorry. Call the police and tell them all you know about the auto accident. Make sure that you don’t admit fault or share false facts.
- Get the details from the scene. You should consider getting as much information from the scene of the mishap as possible and consider taking pictures and videos. Talk to fellow drivers involved in the auto accident and get their insurance and contact details. Check if there were witnesses, and note down the contact details.
Should you hire an attorney?
Even though you may think that you have all that’s required to prove the other party’s fault, get in touch with an attorney. Insurance companies won’t play fair with your claim, and without an attorney, you may end up settling your auto accident claim for a much lower amount. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, which means that you don’t have to pay them immediately.
What happens if you are also at fault?
California is a pure comparative fault state. Even when you are at major fault, your personal injury lawyer may manage to get a settlement, but you will also lose the share of the same based on the fault share. For instance, if you are 60% at fault and receive $50,000 in a settlement, you can still recover $20,000.
Talk to your lawyer and discuss the best approach for the case.
