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Do Minor Injuries from a Car Accident Require a Lawyer?

Bakersfield, California

August 8, 2017 By

Minor Injuries After Car Accident Need Lawyer

Many people associate personal injury lawsuits with auto accidents that cause major injuries. Auto accidents that result in only minor injuries may not seem like a big deal, but minor injuries from a car accident require a lawyer.

For example, a suspect was arrested for driving under the influence and felony hit and run after causing a crash in February of 2017, according to Taft Midway Driller. A driver from Taft caused a three-car collision on Highway 119 around 9 a.m.

He was driving a Honda sedan westbound on Highway 119 south of Tubman Road when he made an unsafe lane change and collided with a Mazda sedan. After the first crash, he traveled across the eastbound lane and crashed into the dirt shoulder.

He veered back into traffic and struck a Subaru SUV. The 74-year-old driver of the Subaru was traveling eastbound at the time. The impact caused the Subaru to overturn. It landed upside down on the east shoulder of the highway. The 74-year-old driver was transported to Kern Medical with minor injuries.

The status of the criminal case against the driver of the Mazda is unknown. There was no information about whether the victim of the car accident would file a civil suit for injuries he sustained in the crash.

Disputes for an Accident with Minor Injuries

Liability in car accidents is generally disputed. The drivers who cause the accidents often claim the victim or someone else actually caused them. Liability disputes prevent auto accident victims from getting the money they need to pay their bills.

Insurance Settlements for Car Accidents

An auto accident victim may be able to settle with an insurance company for minor injuries sustained in an accident. Settlements are sometimes preferred by victims rather than going to trial because they take less time. Legal counsel is vital anytime insurance settlement talks are initiated.

Insurance adjusters tend to offer a less than fair settlement for car repair, medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses. Many victims accept these settlements only to find out later that the money does not cover all the past, current, and future accident-related expenses. A settlement prohibits the victim from going to court for the rest of the needed money.

Hiring a lawyer when negotiating an insurance settlement or any other type of settlement will help avoid receiving an unfair settlement.

Minor Injuries from an Accident can Produce Major Health Problems

Minor injuries may lead to unforeseeable consequences for the auto accident victim. For instance, he or she may not be able to return to work doing the same tasks or may be unable to participate in a favorite sport because of his or her injuries. The victim may need to depend on family members for help with daily tasks until he or she recuperates from the injuries. This may cause stress for the victim and his or her family.

Minor injuries may become complicated later on. The victim could develop another condition because of the injuries suffered in the accident. For example, a victim who suffers a broken foot in an auto accident may not heal properly, causing him or her to undergo surgery. That surgery is then a side-effect of the minor injury suffered in the accident.

Have You Been Injured in an Accident in Bakersfield? Contact The Offices of Mickey Fine

At The Law Offices of Mickey Fine, we are committed to getting you the money you deserve for your minor auto accident injuries. Contact us for help. We will work vigorously to try and get you the compensation that you rightfully deserve.

Filed Under: Blog, Car Accident

Understanding Truck Accident Claims

Bakersfield, California

August 3, 2017 By

Truck Accident Claims

Truck accidents can be deadly for everyone involved. A reason for this is due to the size of a truck. A 3,700-pound vehicle is often no match for an 80,000-pound truck. An accident can lead to more severe injuries or even death for the driver and their passengers. Being involved in such an accident may require the help of an experienced attorney who can navigate a complex truck accident claim.

A scary truck accident happened close to Bakersfield not too long ago:

A semi-truck hit a passenger vehicle after it jackknifed on Southbound Interstate 5 in Frazier Mountain Park, California in February of 2017, according to 23ABC News. California Highway Patrol said the truck was traveling at a high rate of speed before the accident. One of the tires separated from the truck and flew into the northbound lane. At the time, there were heavy rains and high winds.

The passenger vehicle involved in the accident was a white BMW. After the impact, the vehicle spun out of control until it hit a wall. It then caught fire. Kern County Environmental Health was called to clean up a small diesel spill, which was mixing with rain.

The driver of the BMW sustained head injuries. The report did not elaborate on the driver’s current medical status. Whether the driver will face criminal charges or if the injured man would sue in civil court was not known.

Are Truck Accidents Claims More Complex than Auto Accident Claims in Court?

Truck accident claims are more complicated to litigate than auto accident claims because of the additional rules and regulations involved with the trucking industry. Drivers of passenger vehicles must obey traffic laws such as not speeding, stopping at red lights, and yielding to pedestrians.

Truck drivers must obey these same traffic laws. They also have to follow the rules and regulations established by the state of California and The Federal Motor Safety Regulation Act. These rules and regulations require trucking companies to:

  • Conduct background checks
  • Conduct drug and alcohol testing
  • Regulate the hours a truck driver operates a truck per day

Any time these regulations are violated, the driver and trucking company may be liable for a truck accident. California truck accident lawyers understand these regulations and what to look for in truck driver log books and other documentation to prove liability.

If the Truck Driver Isn’t at Fault, Can I Still Sue?

One of the most complicated elements of a truck accident claim is determining who is at fault. The truck driver is almost always assumed to be at fault for the accident. However, many factors can come into play and cause a truck accident. For instance, the cargo company may load too much cargo on the truck. Federal regulations prohibit a truck from being overloaded because it may cause an accident.

Large trucks need constant maintenance because of all the intricate parts they contain and the heavy use they undergo. Defective truck parts and lack of maintenance can complicate a personal injury case. A California truck accident attorney investigates those responsible for maintaining the truck to determine if they should be added as defendants.

Truck Accident Attorney Mickey Fine Will Fight for You

Our Bakersfield truck accident attorneys understand the complicated nature of semi truck accidents. If you or someone you know has been involved in a semi truck accident, Contact us today. At the Law Offices of Mickey Fine, we are here to fight for you in your case.

Filed Under: Car Accident, Truck Accident

Driver in Bakersfield Car Accident Dies from Injuries

Bakersfield, California

July 25, 2017 By

Car Accident - Wrongful Death

A driver involved in an accident in Northwest Bakersfield died from injuries in early February. In this accident, the driver of a Nissan Frontier drove into oncoming traffic and crashed head-on into a Ford Explorer near Meacham Road and Starside Drive.

News story here: http://www.turnto23.com/news/local-news/driver-in-northwest-bakersfield-accident-dies-from-injuries

The criminal outcome in both traffic accidents is unknown. What is also unknown is whether the victims of these accidents will file personal injury claims against the drivers who caused their injuries. What is known is that Bakersfield has seen a higher number of traffic accidents than other California cities. Unfortunately, many of these traffic accidents are fatal.

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, or COTS, the number of fatal traffic accidents or traffic accidents with injuries in 2014 was 1,735. Bakersfield was ranked eighth out of 14 California cities of similar size for traffic accidents caused by drunk drivers 21 to 34 years old.

Bakersfield Traffic Accidents can Lead to Wrongful Death Claims

A wrongful death claim is the result of someone negligently causing the death of another person. The individual at fault acted in such a way as to cause an accident. For instance, a driver who does not stop for a bicyclist and hits him or her failed to obey a traffic law. If the bicyclist dies, his or her family can sue for wrongful death. If the person is injured but does not die, he or she can file a personal injury claim.

No amount of money can replace a loved one. The goal of a wrongful death claim is to alleviate the economic hardship caused by the victim’s untimely death. No family should have the burden of paying for the victims funeral costs or any other costs associated with their death.

A wrongful death claim seeks to recover those damages from the person at fault. The family can also seek compensation for lost income and loss of companionship.

Calculating Damages in a Wrongful Death Case

The complexity involved with calculating compensation in a wrongful death case makes them extremely difficult to navigate.  For this reason, it is imperative that you seek out a wrongful death lawyer in Bakersfield to recover the compensation your case deserves.  Some damages, such as pain and suffering and lost wages require careful navigation and presentation in court to receive the full amount your case warrants.

Calculation of damages in a California wrongful death case includes an examination of the following:

  • Financial Dependence (was the deceased married, have kids, was the household dependent on them financially?)
  • Based on the answers to these questions, the family would have a claim based on their dependence upon the person who passed.
  • Relationships (spousal relationships, separated/married)
  • A spouse who is currently married to the deceased would be entitled to more damages than one who is separated.
  • Comparative Fault
  • If the deceased, or any party other than the deceased, were in any way at fault in the incident, a “fault percentage” is determined and based on that percentage, subtractions will be made from compensation.

The Offices of Mickey Fine will Fight for You

Did you know that Bakersfield averages more fatal road traffic accidents than California as a whole? If your loved one has died because someone negligently caused an accident, contact us. We will fight on behalf of your family.

Filed Under: Car Accident, Wrongful Death

One Person Pronounced Dead on Southbound Lanes of Highway 99 in Bakersfield

Bakersfield, California

July 21, 2017 By

Wrongful Death Bakersfield

In January of 2017, a 20-year-old man who was a passenger in a white Cadillac died of multiple blunt injuries, according to 23ABC News. The Cadillac was hit by a semi-truck on Highway 99 at Rosedale Highway about 1 p.m. The accident happened just north of Rosedale. The truck collided with the passenger side of the vehicle.

The truck accident blocked two lanes of the highway, causing traffic to become congested. Large amounts of oil covered the lanes in that area and caused lane closures. The roadways reopened approximately four hours later.

California Highway Patrol said the truck accident resulted from a combination of wet roadways and high speed. The driver, a 19-year-old male, was taken to the hospital after the crash. His injuries were unknown at the time. Later, California Highway Patrol ruled the truck-car crash an accident.

In December of 2016, the California Highway Patrol confirmed that two people died and three were injured in a truck accident northbound I-5 close to SR-166. According to an initial investigation by police, a semi-truck collided with the back of a Jeep SUV. The driver, a father, and his 3-year-old son were instantly killed in the truck accident. His wife along with their two children, one approximately 4 and other 9, were transported to the hospital. Their injuries, at the time, were not known.

Police later confirmed that the driver of the Jeep SUV had stopped on the right shoulder of I-5. The truck driver involved in the accident moved from the second lane to the right shoulder. The truck driver attempted to swerve left and stop after seeing the Jeep but was unable to do so in time. The impact caused the Jeep to overturn and burst into flames.

It is unknown whether the truck drivers in both truck accidents will face criminal charges. No one knows if the family members of the individuals will file wrongful death lawsuits. What is known is that more accidents are occurring in the California area because of trucks on the roadways.

California has Seen an Increase in Accidents Caused by Commercial Trucks

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, or DMV, 70 fatal accidents were caused by trucks in 2013. The number of fatal accidents involving trucks during that year was 256. In 2014, the rate of accidents involving trucks increased by 9%.

California Truck Accidents can lead to a Wrongful Death

A truck accident caused by another driver may kill an innocent victim. The victim’s family may be allowed to sue for wrongful death. Wrongful death occurs when a person negligently causes an accident that results in death. A surviving family member such as a spouse or child can sue for money related to the victim’s death such as:

  • Funeral costs
  • Future Earnings
  • We will work with professionals to attempt to…
    • Prove loss of salaries, earnings and prove future earnings potential
    • Medical bills sustained from the injury
    • Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased prior to death. This also includes psychological pain
    • The loss of companionship that the deceased provided to a spouse or family members

Contact Mickey Fine for Legal Representation in Your Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Hundreds of people die in crashes involving large trucks in California. Unfortunately, truck accident in California can be deadly. If your loved one died in a Bakersfield truck accident, contact the wrongful death attorneys at the Law Offices of Mickey Fine so we can discuss providing you legal representation.

Filed Under: Blog, Car Accident, Wrongful Death

Bakersfield Auto Accident Deaths Can Lead to Wrongful Death Lawsuits

Bakersfield, California

July 11, 2017 By

Airbag After Car Accident in Bakersfield CA

According to Bakersfield Now, a driver was killed in January of 2017 in an accident involving multiple vehicles, in multiple crashes. The crashes briefly closed the eastbound Highway 58 in the Towerline Road area.

California Highway Patrol said traffic had stopped because of two crashes. One crash involved two pickup trucks and the other involved a jackknifed big rig truck. The driver of a Mazda, who died in the third accident, crashed into the rear of the big rig truck. At the time, the truck had stopped because of the prior auto accident.

Besides the driver, three passengers were also in the Mazda. The California Highway Patrol reported that two of the passengers were minors, but did not disclose their ages. One juvenile suffered major injuries.

Another driver operating a Volvo also crashed during the series of auto accidents. The driver was not injured. In total, the accidents impacted 19 vehicles. The highway was shut down for more than three hours.

In 2014, the number of traffic-related deaths increased. That year, 35 people died in auto accidents, which was the highest number since 2006. Approximately 11 of those deaths were caused by drunk driving accidents.

A Fatal Bakersfield Auto Accident Can lead to a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

A wrongful death occurs in California when a person dies because of someone’s negligence. Negligence refers to an individual not acting or acting in a way that prevents a person’s death. For instance, a driver may have failed to stop at a red light or drank alcohol prior to driving.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Bakersfield

Individuals who can file a wrongful death claim in California are those in the victim’s immediate family, such as a:

  • Spouse
  • Domestic partner
  • Children
  • Financially dependent individual like a stepchild or parent

Compensation in a Bakersfield Wrongful Death Lawsuit

A family member can receive compensation or money damages by settlement or trial award. A settlement occurs out of court. The wrongful party pays the victim’s family in a lump sum or a series of payments. In exchange for the settlement, the family gives up all rights sue the wrongful party for their loved one’s death.

A trial award depends on a favorable verdict from the jury or judge. If the family wins this award, the amount of money they will receive depends on the expenses related to the victim’s death, such as:

  • Funeral expenses
  • Burial expenses
  • Lost income
  • Medical and hospital bills

Let Us Help You Get Financial Justice for Your Loved One

Bakersfield has seen a high number of auto accident fatalities in recent years. If you have lost someone you love in an auto accident Bakersfield, contact the Law Offices of Mickey Fine. No amount of money can replace your loved one, but you should not have to financially suffer because of someone’s negligence. We are dedicated to getting you the compensation for your loved one’s wrongful death. Contact us immediately.

Filed Under: Blog, Car Accident

Man Hit by Garbage Truck Twice in East Bakersfield

Bakersfield, California

July 6, 2017 By

Garbage Truck Bakersfield CA

According to ABC23 Bakersfield, A man was taken to the hospital on Wednesday morning, July 5th, after being hit by a garbage truck twice in East Bakersfield. 

Police say the man was in an alley while riding a bicycle on Jefferson Street near Union and Bernard.

The man then reportedly fell over on his bicycle and was run over by the truck.

Police say the truck then accidentally backed over him, hitting him a second time. The man was taken to the hospital with major injuries.

It is unknown whether the man will file a personal injury claim against the driver of the truck.

Bakersfield Personal Injury Lawyers Are Your Personal Advocate

No personal injury lawyer can soothe the pain and suffering, traumatic memories, or expenses associated with being injured because of another person’s negligence. Negligence is the foundation of a personal injury case and is used to acquire compensation. However, it is a personal injury lawyer’s duty to be a true legal advocate for their client.

Bakersfield Lawyers Protect a Client’s Legal Rights

A lot of people know they have Constitutional rights such as free speech. Many people do not know that they have the legal right to expect other individuals to act as a reasonable person would in the same and/or similar circumstances. This is called a legal duty. This legal duty protects them from sustaining an injury.

For instance, a pedestrian has the right to expect a Bakersfield driver to protect him or her from harm while operating a motor vehicle. When an accident does occur and a driver is at fault, a personal injury lawyer is the victim’s legal advocate and will work to enforce those rights in order to get their client appropriate compensation.

Bakersfield Lawyers Protect Clients from Wrongful Party

The party at fault in a Bakersfield accident that causes an injury is typically called the wrongful party. The wrongful party sometimes employs dishonest tactics during the course of a personal injury case in order to win or avoid paying out any money.

One of these tactics is getting an injured victim without a lawyer to agree to a less-than-fair settlement. This type of settlement, whether it be a lump-sum payment or series of payments, will not cover all the injured party’s damages. Once the case is settled, the injured victim cannot sue. In exchange for the money, the victim gives up all rights to future lawsuits. A personal injury lawyer will work hard to get the highest possible settlement and avoid this type of situation.

Another tactic is to continuously delay settlement talks with an injured victim who does not have a lawyer. The wrongful party knows the victim most likely has not filed a lawsuit. California law gives anyone injured in a personal injury case two years from the date of the accident to sue. If they do not file, they lose the right receive compensation.

Contact Our Law Office for any Bakersfield Personal Injury Claim

As personal injury lawyers, it is our job to fight for you and get you the financial compensation you need and deserve. Whether you were injured an auto accident, suffered a traumatic injury, or your loved one died because of someone’s negligence, you can count on the Law Offices of Mickey Fine to fight for your legal rights. Contact us for a free consultation.

Filed Under: Blog, Car Accident, Wrongful Death

Bakersfield Distracted Driving

Bakersfield, California

June 21, 2017 By

Distracted Driving Bakersfield California

The Growing Problem of Distracted Driving in Bakersfield, CA: Know Your Rights

Car crashes have been around for as long as cars themselves. And for nearly three centuries, the dangers of driving have been the same: vehicle defects, reckless driving, speeding, and so on.

As vehicles became more sophisticated and powerful, the degree of danger multiplied, but at the same time, so did our efforts to crack down on violations.

Today, however, we are facing a new kind of threat on the highways, something no one could have imagined even two decades ago. Texting while driving is an epidemic out of control. Distracted driving is claiming thousands of lives every year and ruining even more. And yet despite our best efforts, we’ve been unable to curb the trend.

This isn’t the first time you’ve heard about the problem. In fact, the death toll associated with texting and driving is so staggering that it has dominated headlines for years.

That’s part of the problem. Everyone knows texting while driving is both common and deadly. But that knowledge isn’t enough to keep millions of people from engaging in a clear and present danger.

More often than not, we talk about the problem in state-wide or national terms. Today, though, we want to impress upon you the very local nature of this threat.

Texting and driving is pervasive in Bakersfield, California. We know that personally. As Bakersfield distracted driving lawyers, we’ve met with one family after another whose lives have been directly impacted by “intextication.” In many cases, we’ve even represented those victims and their families in litigation, successfully recovering the financial compensation they’re owed after a crash.

But you don’t have to be an attorney to have witnessed the distracted driving threat for yourself. Take a ride down any busy Bakersfield highway of your choice. While you’re in the passenger seat, take a glance at the drivers around you. In the span of ten minutes, count how many people you see using their smartphones (or engaging in some other form of distraction).

The frequency is terrifying. And it’s time for that to change.

What Qualifies as Distracted Driving Under California Law?

Distracted driving is a broad term. Texting while driving is, by far, the most common and most dangerous distraction on 21st-century roadways. But many other kinds of distractions can lead to collision too, and the law offers protection in a wide range of scenarios.

Other common examples of distracted driving in Bakersfield include:

  • Adjusting the radio
  • Using a GPS
  • Reading a map
  • Reading a book
  • Students doing homework while on their way to class
  • Looking at one’s appearance in the mirror
  • Applying makeup
  • Eating while driving
  • Looking at billboards instead of paying attention to the road
  • Horseplay with passengers
  • Turning around to look at babies, children, or passengers
  • Spending too much time looking in the rear-view mirror
  • Trying to retrieve items from the backseat while driving

We should also address the many kinds of cell phone-related distractions that have become so common in Bakersfield. Texting isn’t the only bad behavior we’ve seen. Other dangerous smartphone vices include:

  • Browsing the web
  • Talking on the phone
  • Reading or composing emails
  • Using an iPod feature or music/podcast app
  • Using navigation apps
  • Using talk-to-text features (though designed as safe alternatives to texting, these can still be extremely distracting)
  • Tweeting, updating Facebook, and other social media activity
  • Watching or recording videos (including live stream apps)
  • Online shopping
  • Checking the weather or traffic
  • Playing digital games
  • Online banking

All of these activities are dangerous. However tempting they may be, there is simply no excuse for endangering others in the name of entertainment or convenience.

How Common is Distracted Driving in Bakersfield, CA?

A few years ago, Bakersfield.com asked local doctors to study local traffic fatality data to identify the biggest threats to drivers in our community.

Examining 523 deaths in Kern County between 2009 and 2012, they found the top three causes of death to be drunk driving, speeding, and texting while driving. Together, these three causes accounted for nearly all the immediate traffic fatalities in our county.

If national data has any local bearing, it’s likely the distracted driving problem has only grown in the years since that study was conducted.

Know Your Rights After a Bakersfield Distracted Driving Accident

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a car crash involving texting, a cell phone, or some other form of distracted driving, you may be entitled to substantial financial relief.

Distracted driving is considered negligence in California, and state law entitles victims of negligence to comprehensive financial compensation for their damages and suffering. Unfortunately, insurance companies almost always offer less than they should until an experienced law firm steps in.

At The Law Offices of Mickey Fine, we offer contingency fee representation to auto accident victims. That means you don’t have to pay us one penny for our services unless (and until) we recover financial justice on your behalf.

If you need legal advice, please contact our Bakersfield car accident attorneys right away. The sooner we get involved, the better we can fight for your financial rights. Give us a call, text us, or use our online form right away.

Filed Under: Distracted Driving

Oil Field Injury

Bakersfield, California

June 15, 2017 By

Oil Field Injury Attorney Bakersfield California

Hurt on the Job While Working in a California Oil Field? You Aren’t Alone.

You can’t talk about the Bakersfield, California economy without mentioning oil fields. And you can’t talk about oil fields without mentioning employee injuries.

Not counting federally owned lands in the Gulf of Mexico, California is the third-largest oil-producing state in the country. Much of that oil activity is based right here in Kern County.

Oil production is important work. The United States as we know it couldn’t function without the oil industry. But unfortunately, it’s also very dangerous work. Serious, life-changing injuries aren’t uncommon. Neither are fatalities.

To help protect workers, state and federal law impose tight regulations on the oil industry. Among other things, employers in the industry must exercise great care to ensure the safety of their workers.

Sadly, these companies frequently skirt the law’s strict requirements. In the name of efficiency, expediency, and the almighty dollar, employers too often expose their laborers to unreasonable and unnecessary danger.

When that happens, the workers and their families may be entitled to economic compensation for their suffering.

Because the injuries in these cases tend to be rather severe — and sometimes fatal — the claimants are often looking at large sums of money. Accordingly, the employers and their insurance companies take a tough stance on compensation (even in the face of a legitimate claim) in the hopes of saving every dollar they can.

As Bakersfield oil field accident lawyers, it is our job to hold oil fields and other oil facilities accountable to state and federal law. That means fighting back against these companies when they try to unfairly drag out and delay claims. It also means insisting that insurance companies appraise these claims in good faith and pay victims the full value of what they’re owed.

Common Oil Field Injuries in Kern County, California

Few careers are as dangerous as work in an oil field. While some of the dangers are inherent to the occupation, workers are nevertheless entitled to a reasonable expectation of safety.

Stated differently: when you or your loved one goes to work in an oil field — performing difficult but imperative job tasks — you deserve to know that your employer is doing everything required of it to keep you safe from harm.

When oil facilities fail to hold up their end of the bargain, the consequences can be devastating. Typical oilfield accidents include:

  • Falling off rigs
  • Falls from heights
  • Falling tools or equipment
  • Slip and falls
  • Defective equipment or machinery
  • Electrocution
  • Fires, explosions, or blast injuries
  • Well blowouts
  • Chemical spills
  • Toxic fumes inhalation / toxic exposure
  • Job-related transportation accidents

The injuries stemming from these accidents can be moderate, catastrophic, or even fatal. They might include:

  • Broken bones
  • Amputation
  • Hearing or vision loss
  • Disfigurement
  • Partial or total paralysis
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Severe pain
  • Amputation
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Wrongful death

In many cases, those who survive an oil field injury in California are still too badly hurt to return to work.

Filing an Oil Field Injury Lawsuit in CA: How Much Can You Recover in Kern County?

After an unexpected accident, your employer might tell you that your only recourse is through the California Workers’ Comp system. But that might not be true.

Neither your employer nor the insurance companies have your best interest at heart. You may be entitled to considerable compensation outside of Workers’ Comp.

In fact, your ultimate recovery might include reimbursement for:

• Medical expenses
• Physical therapy
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages since the accident
• Lost wages in the future due to disability inability to return to work
• Loss of love and support (in wrongful death cases)
• Additional damages related to the injury

The precise value of your claim will depend on the facts of your case, and no one can guarantee a specific outcome. It is, however, in your best interest to consult with an experienced team of Bakersfield oil field accident lawyers before you talk with the insurance company or accept any offers from your employer.

At The Law Offices of Mickey Fine, we can help you understand your rights under the law and arrive at a ballpark estimate of how much your claim might be worth.

Experienced Legal Representation for California Oil Field Injury Victims

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in connection with the California oil industry, you could be entitled to more money than you realize.

At The Law Offices of Mickey Fine, we are committed to maximizing the value of victims’ compensation in these cases.

We offer years of specific, hands-on experience in oil field accident litigation. We know how to counter these companies and their insurers so that your best interests are heard.

Let us fight for your rights. You’ll only pay for our services if we’re successful in recovering money for your claim.

To set up a free, no-obligation consultation with our Bakersfield oil field accident lawyers, please call us, text us, or use our online form right away.

Additionally, our services are available to oil field victims in any other part of the state. Please contact us as early as possible.

Filed Under: Blog

Bakersfield Trucking Accident Attorney: Why Experience Matters

Bakersfield, California

June 6, 2017 By

Bakersfield Truck Accident Attorney

In January of 2017, Bakersfield Police announced that one man died when a motorcycle and truck collided near the intersection of Lily Drive and White Lane. According to 23ABC News, the crash happened at approximately 3 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon. The motorcycle driver was transported to a hospital. He sustained major injuries and later died.

The condition of the truck driver was not known at the time of the report. However, the news report indicated that the truck driver was cooperating with police investigation into how the accident transpired. Speed, drugs and alcohol were not believed to be factors in the crash. It is not known whether the victim’s family will file a personal injury lawsuit regarding his death.

When choosing an attorney in any type of personal injury case, experience matters. A client should always look for an experienced truck accident attorney with:

  • Instinct: Every case involving a personal injury is unique. Getting clients the maximum amount of money for their claims goes beyond knowing California law. It is about being proactive, and investigating each issue for the best possible outcome.
  • Ability to fight for the client: A personal injury case is messy. Rarely will the at-fault party claim they are liable for the accident and write a blank check for damages sustained by the victim. That is why it is important to have an attorney fighting for to get clients the best trial verdict or settlement possible.
  • Experience in the particular area of personal injury law: Personal injury is a broad term that includes various accidents from dog bites to a slip and fall and vehicle accidents. Each accident requires a different type of legal knowledge and expertise.

Bakersfield Trucking Accidents Require Experienced Attorneys

Although cars and trucks share the same roadways, the accidents they are involved in are not the same. Trucking accidents are more complicated. Trucks and trucking companies follow different regulations than passenger vehicle drivers.

For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, oversees interstate trucking operations. California also has its own rules and regulations for truck drivers and trucking companies. Many of the laws are similar, but an attorney must know how to navigate them to best help his or her client. A great car accident lawyer may not have the depth of understanding of trucking laws to adequately represent a trucking accident victim.

Bakersfield Trucking Accidents Have Many Potential Defendants

Many truck accident victims assume that they are going to sue the truck driver or trucking company for their injuries. They are right in many cases. However, an attorney experienced in trucking accidents knows that there are many potential defendants besides the truck driver and trucking company. For example, a truck accident attorney will investigate the accident to determine if the following parties were at fault:

  • Truck repair facility
  • Owner of the cargo being transported
  • Government agency
  • Truck’s manufacturer

Contact the Law Offices of Mickey Fine

Have you been injured in a truck accident in Bakersfield. Maybe your loved one died in a truck accident. You have the legal right to sue the wrongful party. Contact the truck accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Mickey Fine. We serve clients throughout California. Contact us today.

Filed Under: Truck Accident

Heavy Equipment Accidents

Bakersfield, California

June 1, 2017 By

Heavy Machinery Accidents Bakersfield

Here in Kern County and the surrounding area, we’re no strangers to accidents at construction sites, on oil fields, and in public works projects.

If you work in the California construction industry or a related field, you have a hard job — and a dangerous one. Big machines make your daily tasks a little easier, but they come with dangers all their own.

Unfortunately, innocent laborers suffer unanticipated injuries all the time, often involving heavy equipment. Whether the tools or machines malfunction, or whether the employer simply creates an unsafe working environment through negligence, these accidents usually aren’t the employee’s fault.

Legally, employers and equipment manufacturers owe a duty of care to construction workers in California. If you (or someone you love) have suffered an injury in the course of your duties, you may be entitled to a financial recovery by law.

In most cases, financial responsibility falls on the insurance companies that represent your employer or the equipment manufacturer. But insurers are notorious for mistreating injured victims in these cases.

Because the insurance provider’s first concern is its own wallet, the first offer they make you will likely be unfair. As Bakersfield construction accident lawyers, our law firm has helped countless injured workers who’ve been offered far less than they deserve.

Below, we explain how these accidents happen, what you’re entitled to under California personal injury law, and how a Bakersfield heavy equipment accident attorney in our office can help.

How Do Heavy Equipment Accidents Happen?

Almost all heavy equipment injuries happen by accident. No one intends for anyone to get hurt. Rather, these accidents happen because the responsible parties dropped the ball. In an effort to save time or money — or simply out of carelessness — they violated strict safety rules and left you in danger.

Please understand, though, that even if your injury happened purely by accident, you may still be entitled to substantial monetary relief. California law provides great protection to injured construction workers, oil field employees, and other laborers.

While it is impossible to guarantee specific outcomes for a given case in advance, you should know that victims are frequently entitled to more money than they realize. That’s why it’s always a good idea to talk with a Bakersfield personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an injury or wrongful death.

Most Common Kinds of Heavy Equipment Accidents

In California, heavy equipment accidents tend to involve vehicles, tools, or machines like these:

  • Aerial lifts
  • Backhoes
  • Bulldozers
  • Cement trucks
  • Company vehicles
  • Cranes
  • Dozers
  • Dump trucks
  • Electrical equipment
  • Excavators
  • Falling tools or equipment
  • Farming equipment
  • Forklifts
  • Front-end loaders
  • Scaffolding
  • Skid-steer loaders
  • Tractors
  • Other dangerous or defective equipment

A Bakersfield heavy equipment accident attorney at The Law Offices of Mickey Fine can help with these or other workplace accidents.

Machinery Accidents May Result in Catastrophic Injuries

No two accidents are quite alike. You may be entitled to compensation whether your injuries are moderate or catastrophic. Some of the most severe injuries in these cases include:

  • Amputation
  • Brain damage
  • Crushing injuries
  • Death
  • Disability
  • Disfigurement
  • Heart damage
  • Paralysis (partial or total)
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Stroke
  • Third-degree burns

Please never assume that your injuries are too great or too small. The law provides relief in many different scenarios. A representative in our office will be happy to learn more about your situation and help you determine the potential value of an impending claim.

Your Legal Rights After a Heavy Equipment Accident in Bakersfield, CA

Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against multiple parties. These might include:

  • Your employer
  • The equipment’s manufacturer
  • The retailer that sold the equipment
  • Co-workers or other drivers involved in the injury
  • Governmental entities
  • Insurance companies representing any of these parties

Do not assume that your recovery is limited to the Worker’s Comp system (even if your employer or insurance company tells you that). Talk to a Bakersfield heavy equipment accident attorney to make sure.

Talk with our Experienced and Aggressive Legal Team Today

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed while working with heavy machinery or dangerous equipment, please contact The Law Offices of Mickey Fine right away.

Our seasoned attorneys have the experience it takes to pressure insurance companies into negotiating fairly. We have a years-long track record of improving our clients’ financial outcomes. In most cases, we’re able to secure a successful out-of-court settlement. If we can’t, we are willing and ready to take the defendants to court.

Let us fight for your rights. You’ll only pay for our services if we’re successful in recovering money for your claim.

To set up a free, no-obligation consultation with our Bakersfield heavy equipment accident lawyers, please call us, text us, or use our online form right away. We’re here to help you.

Filed Under: Blog, Construction Accidents
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