Helping Central Valley Car Accident Victims Recover Compensation
At the law firm of McKnight and McKnight Law, APC, in Bakersfield, we are committed to helping victims of car accidents rebuild their lives. Experienced and aggressive, we work tenaciously to help our clients get the medical care and compensation they need.
If you have been injured, we can help you obtain monetary compensation and connect you to medical resources in the community. If you lost your loved one to a fatal accident, we will work to seek justice and hold the perpetrator accountable.
Call us today at 661-578-5669 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our lawyers handle car accident injury and wrongful death cases throughout California’s Central Valley.
Preserving Evidence Of Liability In Car Accidents
Within 48 hours after an accident occurs, most of the evidence about how the accident happened may have been removed, destroyed or lost. It’s important to find out if the police made a report and what was in that report. It’s also important to take pictures of the wrecked vehicles, skid marks and other evidence at the scene. Our lawyers often hire private investigators and use accident reconstruction experts who can testify how an accident happened in case liability is later contested. We can also guide you through what to do following a motor vehicle injury.
Getting Medical Care And Rehabilitation Services
Working with your doctor and other experts, we will identify all of the medical care and rehabilitation services you need. We will then provide results-oriented representation in settlement negotiations or in court, seeking the financial resources that can pay for that care.
The Risks Of Communicating With Insurance Companies
Communicating with the insurance company adjuster on the other side is risky. Most people have no prior experience dealing with the medical and legal consequences of a serious personal injury or with the loss that accompanies the wrongful death of a loved one. But insurance companies are sophisticated machines whose sole objective is to minimize the amount that they have to pay on injury or death claims or to prevent them from being paid at all. Without an attorney to protect your interests, you could say or do something that the insurance company might attempt to use to deny or limit your claim.
FAQ
Do I really need a lawyer after a car accident?
Yes. Even though a car accident case may seem straightforward, a lawyer can see what types of problems may arise as the case progresses. Many times, there are issues of fault for the accident. California law in relation to car accidents follows pure comparative negligence, which allows people to get some compensation even though they share some measure of fault for the accident. This a complex matter that an attorney needs to handle.
A lawyer will also be able to determine how much compensation you need for your injuries, including all past, current and future losses from the accident. When valuing a case, we often work with medical experts and economists to calculate the damages our clients need. A layperson likely will not know how to value their claim on their own.
Should I see a doctor even though I don’t seem to be injured?
It is important to get medical care after an accident, even if you think you are okay. There are some injuries such as neck injuries, soft-tissue injuries and concussions/traumatic brain injuries that often do not present immediately after the accident. It might be days or months before you realize that you did suffer an injury. Having a doctor examine you can show proof that the injuries were caused by the accident, even if they were not immediately apparent. It also allows you to get treatment right away and watch for any symptoms that occur.
What if I was injured while driving for work?
If you are a professional driver or someone who must drive in the course of their work such as a salesperson or real estate agent, you may have two claims: your workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury suit. The personal injury suit is against the negligent third party who caused the accident. If you recover damages from this suit, it is in addition to your workers’ compensation benefits. Unlike workers’ compensation, a third-party personal injury suit provides compensation for pain and suffering, and may also provide other types of compensation. You may need this additional compensation if your injuries were severe.
Get A Free Consultation To Answer Your Questions
The first step to protecting your rights and obtaining compensation for your damages is to contact a lawyer. There are often important deadlines to meet, so time is of the essence. At McKnight and McKnight Law, APC, we will help you act quickly. To discuss your case with our car accident lawyers, call 661-578-5669 or fill out the contact form on this website.