Office in Bakersfield, CA
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Car Accident Lawyers Serving All of California

Hurt in a Car Accident?
Talk to a Lawyer for Free.

The insurance company’s first offer is rarely its best. One client was offered $410,000 — we recovered $4.4 million. Free case review.

No Fee Unless We Win

Serving All of CA

5.0 on Google

“Valero Law has the most knowledgeable and supportive staff that helped me through my accident journey. I cannot say enough about Attorney Kyle Valero and Eric Sapir! Would give a 10/10 if I could!”

Melissa A. Google Review
Our Bakersfield office: 5100 California Ave, STE 104 — stop by, or we’ll come to you

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Free Consultations
No Fee Unless We Win
Serving All of California
100% Confidential Fast Response No Obligation

$500M+

Recovered for clients

20+ Yrs

Fighting for the injured

$6.25M

Largest settlement in Kern County

No Fee

Unless we win

After the crash, the clock starts

The Insurance Company Is Not on Your Side

After a crash on Highway 99, Ming Avenue, or Rosedale Highway, the at-fault driver’s insurer has one goal: pay you as little as possible. They may seem friendly on the phone — but every question is designed to shrink your settlement. Sign their quick offer, and there is no going back for the surgery you didn’t know you needed or the months of work you ended up missing.

Valero Law Group levels the playing field — from a real office right here on California Avenue in Bakersfield, where you can sit down with your legal team face to face. We deal with the adjusters, build your case, and fight for every dollar — your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and the pain this crash has caused. Before you accept anything from the insurance company, find out what your case is really worth. Your consultation is free, and we don’t get paid unless you do.

Get your free case review
First responders working a car accident scene at a California intersection

Don’t face the insurance company alone.

Results that speak

Real Recoveries for Injured Drivers

Over $500 million recovered in verdicts and settlements — including these car accident results for clients just like you.

$4.4M

Car Crash — Neck Injury

The insurer’s best offer was $410,000. We didn’t settle.

$5M

Auto Accident

Brachial plexus injury in a motor-vehicle collision.

$3M

Auto Accident

Back and neck injury settlement.

$1M

Auto Accident

Joel & Maria’s settlement — see their story below.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different.

Why the first offer is not the final word

$410,000 Offer. $4.4 Million Recovery.

A client came to us after the insurance company offered $410,000 for a car crash neck injury. Most people would have taken it. We didn’t. We took the case all the way — and recovered more than ten times the insurer’s offer.

The insurer’s best offer

$410,000

What Valero recovered

$4.4M

Find Out What Your Case Is Worth

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different.

Crash injuries

Common Car Accident Injuries We Handle

Car accidents are one of California’s leading causes of death and disability. In Bakersfield, the most serious collisions tend to happen on high-speed corridors like Highway 99 and Highway 58 — but even a low-speed crash in a parking lot can cause lasting harm.

Head & Brain Trauma

Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries can occur even in moderate crashes — and often lead to long-term cognitive challenges.

Neck & Back Injuries

Whiplash, herniated discs, and soft-tissue strains are common in rear-end collisions and can require months of ongoing treatment.

Broken Bones

Almost any bone can fracture on impact. Serious breaks may require surgery and extended rehabilitation.

Internal Injuries

Damage to internal organs is not always obvious right away, but it can become life-threatening if left untreated.

Spinal Cord Damage

High-impact crashes can injure the spinal cord, sometimes causing partial or permanent loss of mobility.

Lacerations & Scarring

Cuts and muscle tears from shattered glass and debris range widely in severity and can leave permanent scars.

Real Clients. Real Results.

Recent Valero Law Group clients — in their own words.

Valero Law Group client Samir G. holding a $415,000 auto accident settlement check $415,000
“Can't say enough good things about Kyle and his team. They were professional and always kept me informed about my case. They are the best car accident lawyers — they helped me get a great result and I always had 24-hour access to them.”

Samir G.

Auto Accident · Verified Valero Law Group client

Valero Law Group client Elizabeth M. holding a $460,000 auto accident settlement check $460,000
“Valero Law Group was very supportive in dealing with my car accident. Kyle Valero had open communication every time I had questions. I would highly recommend them. Thank you, Kyle, for guiding me through this!”

Elizabeth M.

Auto Accident · Verified Valero Law Group client

Valero Law Group client Karina C. holding a $625,000 auto accident settlement check $625,000
“Excellent service!! They over communicate, thorough, and great with follow ups. Did all the heavy lifting and contacted all parties and scheduled appointments while I was recovering. Kyle Valero did an amazing job. Highly recommended!”

Karina C.

Auto Accident · Verified Valero Law Group client

Valero Law Group client Samuel M. holding a $881,000 auto accident settlement check $881,000
“Valero Law Group was the perfect fit for me. They were on top of everything from day one. My case manager provided detailed updates throughout the process. When I spoke with the attorneys, they assured me they would work to get the top settlement — and they did not disappoint.”

Samuel M.

Auto Accident · Verified Valero Law Group client

Valero Law Group client Victoria M. holding a $625,000 auto accident settlement check $625,000
“Choosing to go with Valero Law Group was a great decision. After my car accident I was nervous and hurt pretty badly. The team handled all the problems and helped me get all the treatment I needed to get my life back on track. I feel great again — they’re very good at what they do, and I’ll definitely be recommending them.”

Victoria M.

Auto Accident · Verified Valero Law Group client

Valero Law Group client Javier P. holding a $375,000 auto accident settlement check $375,000
“These guys really made it easy for me. Thank you Valero Law Group for making one of the most stressful times in my life seem like a breeze. You guys helped me get my life back!”

Javier P.

Auto Accident · Verified Valero Law Group client

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future case. Settlement figures reflect amounts recovered by Valero Law Group for injury clients. Testimonials reflect individual client experiences.

Fault & insurance

Who Pays — and How Much

California is an at-fault state, so the driver who caused the crash (and their insurer) is responsible for your damages. Under California Vehicle Code §16056, drivers must carry at least $30,000 / $60,000 in injury liability and $15,000 in property damage (as of January 1, 2025) — but serious injuries routinely cost far more than those minimums.

California also follows pure comparative negligence: you can recover damages even if you were partly at fault, with your award reduced by your share of the blame. We make sure the insurer doesn’t pin more of the blame on you than you deserve.

Crashes involving an Uber or Lyft work differently — the rideshare company’s coverage can range from $50,000 up to $1 million depending on the driver’s app status. If a rideshare vehicle was involved, see our Bakersfield Uber & Lyft accident page.

Were you hit from behind? Fault in those crashes has its own rules — and its own defenses. See our dedicated Bakersfield rear-end car accident page.

Uninsured / Underinsured?

Roughly one in six California drivers carries no insurance. If you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your own UM/UIM coverage may pay for your injuries. We review every policy that could apply to your crash so no coverage is left on the table.

Uninsured motorist claims Hit-and-run crashes Multi-car pileups Rideshare accidents
Proving negligence

How Fault Is Determined in a California Crash

California uses a fault-based system: the driver who caused the crash must pay for the injured party’s losses. Fault comes down to negligence — when a driver fails to use the reasonable care every motorist owes others on the road.

If police cited the at-fault driver, that ticket can establish negligence per se — meaning the violation itself is evidence of careless driving. We dig into the police report, witness statements, and physical evidence to prove exactly who was responsible.

Common Ways Drivers Cause Crashes

  • Distracted driving — texting, phone calls, or eating behind the wheel
  • Speeding or driving too fast for road and weather conditions
  • Running red lights, stop signs, or other traffic violations
  • Failing to watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists
  • Reckless or aggressive driving
  • Neglected vehicle maintenance — worn brakes or bald tires

More than one party can share the blame — another driver, an employer (if the driver was working), or a vehicle owner who let an unlicensed or unfit driver use their car under California Vehicle Code §14606. Each at-fault party is responsible for its share, and we pursue every one of them.

What you can recover

Compensation After a Car Accident

A serious crash brings bills that don’t stop just because you can’t work. California law lets injured drivers and passengers recover two kinds of damages.

Economic Damages

Calculable, out-of-pocket losses you can prove with bills and records.

  • Emergency care, surgery, and hospital bills
  • Ongoing physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages and lost earning capacity
  • Vehicle repair or replacement

Non-Economic Damages

The human cost of your injuries — subjective, but very real.

  • Pain and physical suffering
  • Disfigurement and permanent scarring
  • Loss of consortium and companionship
  • Lost future enjoyment of life

Why Choose Valero Law Group?

Personal Attention. Big Results.

Valero Law Group Team

We Speak Spanish

Native Spanish speakers. No confusion. No delays. Just a team that understands you.

No Fee Unless We Win

Zero upfront cost. We only get paid when you get paid.

Available 24/7

Day or night, we're always here when you need us.

Not a Volume Firm

We don't assign your case to an inexperienced lawyer. You get our full attention and our best attorneys.

We Come to You

Can't travel? We'll meet you at your home or hospital — wherever is easiest for you.

Free & Confidential Case Review

Get an honest evaluation of your case at no cost and with complete privacy.

Joel and Maria with their $1 Million settlement check

Settlement Amount

$1,000,000

“Valero Law Group, thank you from the bottom of our hearts! You helped achieve a VERY HIGH settlement for me and my husband. Choosing you to represent us has been the best decision for our lives! 100% recommending them to all my family and friends! Valero Law Group will fight for you!”

JOEL & MARIA

Auto Accident — $1,000,000 Settlement

Our Easy 3-Step Case Review Process

We Make Getting Legal Help Simple

Free Consultation

Call us 24/7 or fill out our form. We'll review your case at no cost.

Review Your Case

Our experienced attorneys investigate and evaluate your case to build the strongest claim possible.

Injury Litigation

We fight for maximum compensation — in negotiation or in court.

Call now for a free consultation. Don't wait — there are legal deadlines.

Available 24/7 Hablamos Español No Fee Unless We Win

See What Our Clients Are Saying...

400+ Reviews • 5 Stars on Google

“The first time I came into the office they welcomed me like I was family, and made sure to go over the whole process slowly and with great detail. My experience with this law firm was truly incredible and I can guarantee any client who decides to hire them will see exactly what I experienced.”

Jacob D.

Auto Accident

“Valero injury law firm made me feel comfortable like family and answered my questions no matter how small. They are completely committed to making sure you are taken care of. They are honest, they communicate with you, and they treat you like family.”

Elizabeth M.

Auto Accident

“After searching for an attorney, they truly were the only ones that looked at me as a person not just an easy case. Any question, no matter how small was answered. Any missed call was quickly returned. Even though they have many clients I never felt like I was not a priority.”

Nathan J.

Personal Injury

Come see us on California Avenue

Our Office Is Right Here in Bakersfield

We live and work here. From the 99 Freeway to Ming Avenue, Stockdale Highway, and Rosedale Highway, we know Bakersfield’s busiest — and most dangerous — roads. Walk into our office on California Avenue and talk to a real legal team — and if your injuries keep you home, we’ll come to you, anywhere in Kern and Tulare Counties — and anywhere in California.

Hablamos Español Free Consultations No Fee Unless We Win
Common questions

Car Accident FAQ

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in California?
Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. A few exceptions can change that deadline: if the injured person is a minor, the clock is paused until they turn 18 (giving them until their 20th birthday to file); if the at-fault driver leaves the state, the time they are gone may not count against you; and if you were left temporarily incapacitated, the deadline can be paused until you recover. Claims against a government entity — such as a city vehicle or a dangerously designed road — can have a deadline as short as six months, so it is important to talk to a lawyer quickly.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
You may still be covered. If you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, it can pay for your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough. We review every available policy to find the coverage that applies to your crash.
Can I still recover if the accident was partly my fault?
Yes. California follows pure comparative negligence, which means you can recover damages even if you were partly — or mostly — at fault. Your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. Don’t let an insurer talk you out of a valid claim.
How much is my Bakersfield car accident case worth?
It depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical bills, lost income, and the long-term impact on your life. The insurance company’s first offer is almost always low. We had a client offered $410,000 — we recovered $4.4 million. A free case review is the best way to understand what your claim is really worth.
What is the minimum car insurance required in California?
As of January 1, 2025, California drivers must carry at least $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage (California Vehicle Code §16056). Many serious injuries cost far more than these minimums, which is why uninsured/underinsured coverage matters.
What does a car accident lawyer cost?
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we win money for you. Your first consultation is always free and confidential.

Sources: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §335.1 (2-year personal-injury deadline) · Cal. Veh. Code §16056 (minimum insurance) · Cal. Veh. Code §14606 (owner liability).

Injured in a Crash? Let’s Talk Today.

California generally gives you just two years to file a claim — and the evidence that proves your case can disappear within weeks. Valero Law Group will negotiate with the insurance company, and go to court if that’s what it takes to pursue full value. Your first consultation is free.

Call 24/7: (877) 639-8888
Available 24/7| Hablamos Español| No Fee Unless We Win| Office on California Ave

Get a Free Case Evaluation

Free Consultations
No Fee Unless We Win
Serving All of California
100% Confidential Fast Response No Obligation

This page provides general information about California car accident law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. For advice about your specific situation, speak with a licensed attorney.