Drunk driving collisions can happen anywhere in Bakersfield—from the busy intersections near Downtown Bakersfield, to major corridors like Rosedale Highway, or residential areas around Seven Oaks. These crashes often occur at high speeds and may involve catastrophic injuries that disrupt every part of the accident victim’s life.
If you were injured in a crash with an impaired driver, a dedicated Bakersfield drunk driving injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation to cover your losses. In Kern County, drunk driving crashes often leave victims with severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and a long recovery process. When someone else’s reckless decision causes you harm, you should not be left to deal with the consequences alone.
At the Law Offices of Mickey Fine, attorney Mickey Fine has spent more than 30 years representing injured people throughout Kern County. As a former insurance defense lawyer and volunteer prosecutor, he understands how these cases are investigated and defended. When you hire our firm, Mickey Fine personally handles your case from start to finish.
If you or a loved one were hurt by a drunk driver in Bakersfield, call (661) 333-3333 today for a free consultation.
Why You Should Choose the Law Offices of Mickey Fine for Your Drunk Driving Injury Case
After a serious crash caused by a drunk driver, the lawyer you choose can influence how your case is handled and how insurance companies respond. At the Law Offices of Mickey Fine, you will receive personal attention and determined legal representation focused on holding the negligent driver and possibly others accountable for the harm you suffered.
You Work Directly With Attorney Mickey Fine
Many law firms pass cases to associates or staff after the initial consultation. That is not how our firm operates.
When you hire the Law Offices of Mickey Fine:
- Attorney Mickey Fine personally handles your case
- Your claim is never handed off to another lawyer
- You have direct access to the attorney representing you
This hands-on approach allows Mickey Fine to understand every detail of your situation and advocate for you at every stage of the case.
Over 30 Years of Personal Injury Experience
Mickey Fine has represented injured people across Bakersfield and Kern County for more than three decades. His legal background includes valuable experience that benefits current clients.
Unlike many other personal injury attorneys, Mickey Fine is a:
- Former insurance defense lawyer
- Volunteer prosecutor
- Longtime advocate for injured individuals and families
Because he once represented insurance companies in accident cases, he understands the strategies insurers use to limit payouts and dispute injury claims.
Prepared to Stand Up to Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize the financial impact of drunk driving crashes. They may question the severity of your injuries, dispute liability, or pressure you to accept an early settlement.
When the Law Offices of Mickey Fine accepts a case, we are prepared to push back against these tactics. We build strong claims supported by evidence, medical documentation, and careful investigation.
Support When You Need It Most
A serious injury can affect every part of your life. Medical treatment, missed work, and financial stress can quickly become overwhelming. We are here to help you by:
- Answering questions throughout the legal process
- Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Helping you connect with medical providers when needed
- Pursuing compensation for the full impact of your injuries
From the first consultation to the resolution of your claim, our goal is to provide guidance and determined representation during this difficult time.
No Win – No Fee Representation
Injury victims should not have to worry about paying legal fees while recovering from a crash. At the Law Offices of Mickey Fine, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay no upfront legal fees
- We offer a free initial consultation
- You pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf
This allows injured people throughout Kern County to seek legal help without financial risk. If you were injured by a drunk driver in Bakersfield, we are ready to help you explore your legal options.
What Is a Bakersfield Drunk Driving Injury Claim?
A drunk driving injury claim allows someone who is harmed by an impaired driver to pursue compensation for the damages they suffered. These cases typically arise when a driver violates California’s drunk driving laws and causes a crash that results in injury.
In California, drivers may be considered legally impaired if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. However, a driver may still be considered impaired at lower levels if alcohol affects their ability to operate a vehicle safely.
How Alcohol Impairs Driving
Alcohol affects the brain and body in ways that make driving dangerous. Impaired drivers may experience:
- Slower reaction times
- Poor judgment
- Reduced coordination
- Difficulty maintaining lane position
- Delayed braking or failure to recognize hazards
These impairments often lead to devastating crashes and financial losses for the accident victim.
Common Types of Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving crashes around Bakersfield may involve:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end crashes
- Intersection accidents
- Single-vehicle crashes involving pedestrians or bicyclists
- High-speed highway collisions
In Bakersfield, these incidents frequently occur on heavily traveled roads such as Highway 99, Ming Avenue, and California Avenue.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Crashes
Because drunk drivers often operate vehicles recklessly or at high speeds, victims may suffer serious injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations
- Burns
- Long-term mobility limitations
Many victims also experience emotional distress connected to their physical injuries, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress after a violent crash.
Do I Have a Drunk Driving Injury Case?
If you were injured in a crash involving an intoxicated driver, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. Each case is different, but several factors typically determine whether a claim may be viable.
Evidence of Impaired Driving
Evidence that a driver was intoxicated may include:
- Police reports
- DUI arrests or citations
- Breathalyzer or blood test results
- Witness statements
- Field sobriety test results
Proof of Negligence
In most personal injury cases, the injured person must show that another party’s negligence caused their injuries. Proof of driving under the influence of alcohol often satisfies this requirement.
Documented Injuries and Damages
Medical records and other documentation may demonstrate the harm caused by the crash. Examples include:
- Emergency room visits
- Surgical procedures
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Lost income due to missed work
- Long-term medical needs
If you are unsure whether you have a case, speaking with our legal team can help you better understand your options.
If you've been hurt by a reckless driver, discover how a dedicated Bakersfield drunk driving injury lawyer can help you pursue punitive damages to ensure those responsible are held fully accountable for the harm they caused.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Kern County Drunk Driving Injury Claim?
In many cases, the intoxicated driver is the primary party responsible for the crash. However, other individuals or entities may also share liability depending on the circumstances. Potentially responsible parties may include:
The Intoxicated Driver
Drivers who operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol may be held liable for the harm they cause.
Vehicle Owners
If the impaired driver was operating someone else’s vehicle, the vehicle owner may share responsibility in some cases.
Employers
If a driver was operating a vehicle for work-related purposes when the crash occurred, their employer may potentially be involved in the claim.
Bars or Establishments in Limited Circumstances
California law generally limits claims against bars or restaurants for serving alcohol to adults. However, liability may arise if alcohol was provided to someone under 21 who then caused an accident.
We can help determine who may be liable by performing a careful investigation into how your crash occurred.
What Damages Are Available in a Bakersfield Drunk Driving Injury Lawsuit?
A drunk driving crash can leave victims facing serious financial and personal losses. A personal injury claim may allow you to pursue the following compensation for the harm caused by an impaired driver’s actions.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the measurable financial costs that often result from a serious crash. In drunk driving accident cases, these losses can be substantial. Examples may include:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital bills
- Surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
- Ongoing medical care for long-term injuries
- Lost wages while recovering from your injuries
- Reduced ability to earn income in the future
- Property damage to your vehicle
Serious collisions involving intoxicated drivers often require months or even years of medical care, making these damages an important part of many claims.
Non-Economic Damages
Some consequences of a crash cannot be measured with receipts or bills, but still have a profound effect on your life. California law allows injured people to pursue compensation for losses such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress connected to physical injuries
- Reduced enjoyment of daily activities
- Lasting physical limitations or disability
For many victims, the emotional effects of a violent crash—such as anxiety or sleep disturbances—occur alongside the physical injuries they are recovering from.
Wrongful Death Damages
If a drunk driving crash results in the loss of a loved one, certain family members may pursue a wrongful death claim under California law. These claims may include compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and guidance
A wrongful death claim cannot undo the loss, but it can help provide financial stability for surviving family members.
What If I’m Partly to Blame for My Accident Injuries?
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that more than one party can share responsibility for an accident.
If you were partially responsible for the crash, you may still recover compensation. However, your recovery may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. Determining fault can be complex, and insurance companies may attempt to shift blame to reduce payouts.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Drunk Driving Injury Lawsuit in California?
California’s statute of limitations generally provides a two-year filing deadline for personal injury claims. This means a lawsuit must typically be filed within 2 years of the accident. If the deadline passes, the injured person may lose the ability to pursue compensation.
However, some situations may involve different deadlines, including cases involving government entities. Speaking with our legal team sooner rather than later can help protect your rights.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Drunk Driving Injury Attorney in Bakersfield?
The Law Offices of Mickey Fine handles personal injury cases using a contingency fee arrangement. This means:
- You pay no upfront legal fees
- Your consultation is free
- We are paid only if compensation is recovered
This structure allows injured people to seek legal representation without worrying about hourly legal costs or out-of-pocket expenses.
How the Law Offices of Mickey Fine Can Help You Now
Drunk driving accident cases often involve complex investigations, insurance negotiations, and legal procedures. A lawyer can help guide the process and advocate for your interests. At the Law Offices of Mickey Fine, we may assist with:
Investigating the Crash
A thorough investigation may involve:
- Reviewing police reports
- Gathering witness statements
- Analyzing accident scene evidence
- Reviewing DUI test results
- Consulting accident reconstruction professionals when needed
Documenting Damages
Our legal team may gather documentation showing the full impact of the crash, including medical records, financial losses, and future care needs.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize claim values. Our lawyers can handle negotiations while you focus on your recovery.
Preparing the Case for Trial if Necessary
While many cases resolve through settlement discussions, some claims require litigation. Since we are prepared to take your case to court, we can strengthen your negotiating position before a trial is necessary.
FAQs About Bakersfield Drunk Driving Accidents
Can I still file a claim if the drunk driver was arrested?
Yes. A criminal DUI case and a civil personal injury claim are separate legal matters. Even if the driver faces criminal charges, you may still pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
What if the drunk driver did not have insurance?
If the impaired driver lacks insurance, other options may still exist. For example, your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply depending on your policy.
Will my case go to court?
Many personal injury cases resolve through negotiated settlements. However, some claims proceed to trial if fair compensation cannot be reached through negotiations. We can provide a better explanation of your claim’s probable course during your free consultation.
Contact the Trusted Bakersfield Drunk Driving Injury Lawyers at The Law Offices of Mickey Fine Today
Being injured by a drunk driver can change your life in an instant. Medical treatment, time away from work, and emotional stress can create significant challenges for you and your family.
You do not have to face these challenges alone.
Attorney Mickey Fine personally handles every case we accept, providing dedicated representation for injured people throughout Bakersfield and Kern County. With more than 30 years of experience and a background representing insurance companies, he understands how to build strong claims for people harmed by negligent drivers.If you were injured in a drunk driving accident in Bakersfield, help is available. Call the Law Offices of Mickey Fine at (661) 333-3333 today for a free, confidential consultation. Mickey Fine will personally review your case and explain your legal options. You pay nothing unless compensation is recovered.