Nearly 38,000 people die in car crashes in the United States each year, and more than two million people are injured. California has the dubious distinction of recording more traffic fatalities than any other state except Texas. In a study of traffic problems, it was noted that fatalities dropped everywhere in the United States, except for California, where the number rose.
Los Angeles is high on the list of car accidents, perhaps because no one seems to walk in the city. On any given day, on any given hour in this largest city in the state, it looks like all of the population is on wheels. So much traffic on the roads invariably leads to so many car accidents that require the help of a Los Angeles car accident lawyer.
Traffic accidents in Los Angeles and elsewhere in the country are caused mainly by these three problems:
- Negligence- This is usually listed as the number one cause of car accidents in L.A. and elsewhere. Someone was not paying enough attention to traffic or road conditions.
- Speeding or alcohol is a big contributor to traffic accidents. In either case, the driver is usually aware of the condition but ignores it.
- Product liability- The car itself is the problem here, such as a defective tire that blows. In this case, the manufacturer may be held accountable for the accident even though there was no actual intent to cause harm.
Accidents on the road in Los Angeles often cause these common injuries:
- Whiplash- This most common car accident injury occurs when a car is hit by another vehicle or slams into another car or structure. Very often, the injured party does not even realize the problem at first. It may only become evident when back or neck pain begins.
- Head and neck injuries- If a seatbelt is not fastened correctly or not fastened at all, the driver or passenger may be thrust against the steering wheel or dashboard, causing headaches, blurred vision, and even memory loss.
- Back injuries- A fractured disc may be the problem here.
- Fractures- Hip and leg fractures are common injuries in many car accidents.
Car accidents are common and can happen to anyone.
As expected, you will need to file an insurance claim to receive compensation for personal injuries and damages to the car. This works when someone else is at fault. But if you caused the accident, your insurer is supposed to pay the complainant for the personal injury they may have sustained, as well as other losses. Still, there are specific steps you may want to take to get the insurance process started.
What to Do When You are Involved in a Car Accident
Assess Yourself for Injuries
Sustaining a personal injury is a common occurrence in an auto accident. When this happens, you should call 911 or let someone else do it on your behalf. Avoid moving as this may intensify your injury. If you become involved in an accident in the Los Angeles area, your first call should be for medical help, followed by a call to a car accident attorney in Los Angeles. Be aware that not all medical problems show up in the first few minutes or longer after a car accident. You may think that back pain means only a sprain, but it may be much more serious and should be examined immediately.
Check on Your Passengers
If you had a passenger in the car, you can also seek emergency services or ask someone else to do so. Your second contact after an accident in the area should be to www.personalinjurylawyerslosangeles.com, a Los Angeles car accident lawyer who is well experienced in identifying and weighing all factors that have played a part in your accident. For instance, you are driving in the rain and an approaching car has a blowout and hits you. Who or what is at fault? As your car accident attorney in Los Angeles, we will work to uncover the facts. Is the poorly constructed or bumpy road at fault? Was the other driver drinking? What made the tire blow out?
It is important to uncover responsibility in any accident as this can determine if your insurance policy will cover your losses or the responsibility is on someone else.
Find Somewhere Safe
If you are not seriously hurt, you can drive the car to the roadside, where you are safe from other road users. However, car accident attorneys Los Angeles would advise you to leave it at the scene of the accident to avoid tampering with the evidence.
Call the Police
The police are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the citizens and property. They will fill out the details of the accident detailing how and when it happened. If the accident was a minor one, you can drive to the nearest police station and report the accident. Remember, your insurer may request for a copy of the police report to process your claims.
Exchange Important Information with the Other Driver
Whether you are at fault or someone else caused the accident, exchanging information is crucial. You will probably want the other driver to have your contact information, insurance policy number, model of the car and the license plates. An adjuster will assess the vehicles/ property damaged to facilitate the insurance claim process.
Inform Your Insurer and Start Processing Your Claims
Calling your insurance representative while you are at the scene will facilitate a smoother claim process. The insurance company will tell you exactly what they need to process your claim.
If you are involved in any car accident in the Los Angeles area, do not go through it alone. As your car accident Los Angeles attorney, a fair and honest judgment in your accident case is our top priority. We pride ourselves on being recognized as a leading car accident firm.
We have long experience with car accident laws and requirements in the state, making us familiar with the issues that concern underinsured or non-insured motorists as well. If you have had a car accident in Los Angeles, do not add to your problems by attempting to go through the ordeal without legal aid. We can help to ease the pain.
When to See a Car Accident Attorney in Los Angeles
Like in any other state in the US, Los Angeles drivers may encounter traffic fatalities. The good thing is, you now understand the process and what you need to start the insurance claim process. With a competent insurer, you can get compensation for personal injury and other losses incurred after an accident without having to wait for an extended period.
When it comes to handling personal injury cases caused by auto-accidents, El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers have what it takes to compel your insurer to pay for the damages. The incident may have left you frazzled, but there is still time to recover what you have lost. Our lawyers will follow it up with your insurer to ensure you get what is rightfully yours.
Each year, nearly 38,000 people die, and more than two million get injured in car crashes in the United States. California has the dubious distinction of recording more traffic fatalities than any other state except Texas. In a study of traffic problems, it was noted that accident-related deaths dropped everywhere in the United States, except in Los Angeles, where the number rose.
But, it’s not all doom and gloom. With the help of a Los Angeles car accident lawyer, victims and their families can get compensated for their suffering. The hefty settlement our attorneys can get you will set you on a smooth path to both financial and health recovery.
Car Accident Statistics in Los Angeles
Because of the inevitability of car accidents, it is critical to study their trends and try to avoid them. The following numbers are sourced from statistics recorded by the California Highway Patrol and are specific to Los Angeles.
- Between 2014 and 2018, more than 186,600 car accidents were recorded in LA
- Out of these, more than 6,100 victims incurred severe, life-changing injuries
- Up to 6 of every 10 LA car wrecks result in at least one person getting injured
- More than 170,000 people have suffered injuries in car accidents in LA over the last five years
- On average, 220 LA residents die each year in fatal crashes
Major Car Accident Locations in Los Angeles
Auto accidents can happen anywhere and to anyone. Nonetheless, with LA being the fifth-most congested city in the country, some locations in the state see more crashes than others. This disparity in distribution is mainly caused by variations in traffic volume, population density, and road layouts or conditions.
Sierra Highway is statistically the most hazardous stretch of roadway in LA. Its 3.5 miles have a higher rate of crashes per mile than any other route. Other hotspot routes include the I-5, the I-405, Route 118 and the I-710
In terms of surface streets, the Adams Boulevard, Sherman Way, Victory Boulevard, Sepulveda Boulevard, and Crenshaw Boulevard are the most dangerous.
Main Causes of Accidents in Los Angeles
Auto accidents are all too common in Los Angeles. This is, perhaps, because no one seems to walk in the city. On any given day, in any given hour in California, virtually everyone is on wheels. The excess traffic on the roads inadvertently results in numerous cases of car accidents.
A wide range of factors can cause these traffic accidents. The three major ones are:
- Negligence: Usually listed as the number one cause of car accidents in Los Angeles. It refers to a situation where a driver was not paying enough attention to traffic signs or road conditions. They may also be making a phone call or texting while driving.
- Driving Under the Influence: This is a significant contributor to car crashes. If the driver is drunk or intoxicated on a drug, they may cause an auto accident if they go out on the road. Intoxicated drivers are responsible for their actions, especially when they are aware of their condition but chose to ignore it.
- Product Liability: In this case, the accident is caused by a vehicle fault. It may be a defective tire that blows and leads to a crash. In such a case, a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles wins the case by proving that the manufacturer is accountable for the accident, even if there was no actual intent to cause harm.
Other common causes of car accidents in the state of California include:
- Speeding
- Dangerous road conditions and sudden road hazards
- Disregard for traffic signs
- Rear endings
- Drivers falling asleep at the wheel
- Careless intersection maneuvers
- Road under construction that are unmarked
Regardless of the cause of your accident, a professional Los Angeles car accident lawyer can help you build a claim case.
Common Car Accident Injuries in LA
Depending on the severity of the wreck, accidents on the road in Los Angeles often result in the following common injuries:
- Whiplash: The most common car accident injury, which occurs when a car is hit by another vehicle or slams into a structure. Very often, you may not realize you have whiplash. Symptoms like back and neck pain are likely to manifest days after the accident.
- Head and neck injuries: If a seat belt is not fastened correctly or not fastened at all, the driver or passenger may be thrust against the steering wheel or dashboard. This impact may cause headaches, blurred vision, and even memory loss.
- Back injuries: May be caused by a broken bone or fractured disc.
- Broken or fractured bones: Hip and leg fractures are common injuries in many car accidents.
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Most car accident injuries may not be evident immediately after the accident. However, if treatment is delayed, the repercussions may be traumatic to the victim.
Consequently, you should seek medical attention immediately after a collision.
Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys
Driving is necessary for movement in Los Angeles, which means that you are at high risk of getting an accident. Anything from a serious high-impact collision to a minor fender bender can leave you injured. When this happens, you need the best car accident lawyers in Los Angeles to represent you.
El Dabe Ritter Law Firm is one of the premier car accident firms serving clients over numerous locations in Los Angeles. We have a reputation for holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions and getting our clients their entitled compensation.
Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be difficult, especially in California. However, our experienced attorneys will hold your hand through the entire process. We will collect proof, question witnesses, file essential court documents on your behalf, conduct negotiations, and represent you in court.
We understand the ins and outs of car accident laws in LA. Our track record speaks for itself.
Proving Negligence in California
California is a fault state. After an accident, you will need to file an insurance claim to receive compensation for personal injuries and damages to your car. This works when someone else is at fault.
But if you caused the accident, your insurer is liable to pay the complainant for the personal injury they may have sustained, as well as other losses.
Thus, Los Angeles car accident lawyers need to prove negligence on behalf of their clients. To do this, they have to show that the other driver:
- Had a responsibility to operate their vehicle safely
- Breached that responsibility
- Caused the accident through their actions
- Directly caused your injuries and monetary losses
Our lawyers can also pursue an injury claim against a county, city, or state if the accident was due to a defect in the road, faulty traffic sign, or inoperable street light.
Additionally, we may bring a liability lawsuit against the distributor or automaker of a vehicle with mechanical defects.
Value of a Los Angeles Car Accident Claim
The worth of your car accident claim in Los Angeles depends on the extent and nature of your injuries and damages or losses to your vehicle or property. The more significant the injuries, damages, and losses, the higher the value of your claim.
Overall, accident victims in California are liable for compensation for physical, nonphysical, and punitive damage. Typical items included in a compensation claim include:
- Medical bills
If your accident results in injuries, you will need to get treatment and rehabilitation, which can be costly. Your complaint should cover the cost of emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, medication, medical equipment, and physical or rehabilitative therapy.
- Loss of wages or earning capacity
Your injuries can force you to take some days off work for recovery. This can lead to loss of wages, for which you will need to be compensated. Additionally, if your injuries result in a permanent disability that causes you to lose your source of income, you should set a claim for the loss of future income.
- Non-monetary damages
Accidents cause significant trauma to both victims and their families. Non-monetary claims include damages and losses that cannot be counted in dollars. It covers all nonphysical injuries such as emotional distress, mental anguish, and pain and suffering.
Our auto lawyers will work diligently to get you the maximum possible remuneration for your anguish and suffering.
What to Do When You Are Involved in a Car Accident in Los Angeles
The event after a car accident can be overwhelming. If you are not careful, you may miss the signs of a fatal accident, fail to capture information critical to your claim case, or say something that may get you in trouble. Immediately after a collision:
- Call for Help
Sustaining a personal injury is a common occurrence in an auto accident. When this happens, you should call 911 or let someone else do it on your behalf. Avoid moving as this may intensify any injuries you might have.
Remember, not all medical problems show up in the first few minutes or days following a car accident. You may think that back pain is only a sprain, but it may be a more severe or life-threatening problem. Get examined immediately.
If you had a passenger in your car, you should also seek emergency help for them or ask someone else to do so.
- Contact Your Personal Injury Attorney
Follow up your call for medical assistance with a call to your car accident lawyer in Los Angeles. Our team is well experienced in identifying and weighing the factors surrounding your accident.
We will work to uncover all the facts. Who was at fault? Is the road poorly constructed or bumpy? Was the other driver drunk? Did a mechanical malfunction cause your accident?
It is crucial for us to uncover responsibility in any accident as this can determine if your insurance policy will cover your losses or shift the burden to someone else.
- Find Somewhere Safe
If you are not seriously hurt, you can drive the car to the roadside, where you are safe from other road users. You can also move if the vehicle is leaking or on fire. However, car accident attorneys in Los Angeles advise that you leave the scene of the accident as is to avoid tampering with evidence.
- Call the Police
The police are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the citizens and property. They will fill out the details of the accident, detailing when and how it happened. If the accident was a minor one, you can drive to the nearest police station and report the accident. If not, then let the police come to you.
Remember, your insurer may request for a copy of the police report to process your claims.
- Exchange Important Information with the Other Driver
Whether you are at fault or someone else caused the accident, exchanging contact information is crucial. You should get the other driver’s contact information, insurance policy number, model of the car, and the license plates.
An adjuster will assess the vehicles/ property damaged to facilitate the insurance claim process.
- Get Proper Legal Representation
If you are involved in any car accident in the Los Angeles area, do not go through it alone. We can help to ease the pain. As your car accident Los Angeles attorneys, our top priority is to get you a fair and honest judgment on your accident lawsuit.
Our lawyers have immense experience in dealing with car accidents according to the laws and requirements of the state. We are familiar with the issues surrounding underinsured or non-insured motorists as well.
- Inform Your Insurer and Start Processing Your Claims
Calling your insurance representative while you are at the scene will facilitate a smoother claim process. The insurance company will tell you exactly what they need to process your claim.
However, keep in mind that your insurance adjuster is not your friend. After notifying them of the accident, let our expert lawyers handle all other negotiations.
Why Should You Call a Car Accident Attorney in Los Angeles?
Like in any other state in the United States, when driving in Los Angeles, you run the risk of encountering a traffic accident. The good thing is, you now understand the process and requirements of filing an injury lawsuit.
With a competent lawyer by your side, you can get compensation for personal injury and other losses incurred after an accident immediately.
When it comes to handling personal injury cases caused by auto-accidents, El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers have what it takes to compel your insurer to pay for the damages.
The incident may have left you frazzled, but there is still time to recover what you have lost. Our lawyers will follow it up with your insurer to ensure you get what is rightfully yours.
We are the Leading Law Firm in Los Angeles
At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, our reputation precedes us. Over the years, we have gained recognition as one of the leading car accident law firms in Los Angeles and the country. We are adept with the steps to take in a car accident case, the papers to file, and the evidence to collect so that you can get the best possible outcome.
During our first consultation, which is free, we will discuss the conditions surrounding your case and the best approach to it. We will inform you upfront if you have a strong case and how we can build it.
Once you retain us, you can expect thorough and dedicated representation as well as the best skills and experience on your side.
We will get you enough compensation to cover all of your injuries and those of your loved ones.
Contact Us Today
You are the victim, and we want to make sure that you do not spend your after-accident period in a frenzied fight with insurance companies.
Let our experienced Los Angeles car accident attorneys help you. If it concerns a car accident in the Los Angeles area, let us begin to work for your complete recovery.
Contact us today to get a representative for your case.
We are the Leading Law Firm
We are recognized as a leading Los Angeles car accident law firm. We know the steps to take in a car accident case and the papers to file to obtain the best possible outcome for you. At our first consultation, we will discuss the procedures we can use to obtain the best possible results in your case.
When you accept our services, you can expect thorough and dedicated representation as well as the best skills and experience on your side. Our investigation will be aimed at obtaining just compensation for any and all of your injuries and those of your loved ones. You are the victim in a car accident, and we want to make sure that you do not spend your after-accident period in a fight with insurance companies.
Let our experience help you. If it concerns a car accident in the Los Angeles area, let us begin to work for your complete recovery. Contact us today to get a representative for your case.
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