Car accidents are still quite common in California, though there has been a slight drop in fatalities. In the first half of 2023, approximately 19,515 people died in traffic crashes, marking a 3.3% decrease from the same period in 2022. 

Despite this improvement, the number of fatalities remains higher than the 17,025 recorded in 2019. While some progress has been made, car accidents remain a serious issue.

Most accidents result from human error rather than vehicle malfunction, and even if you drive safely, you can’t always avoid the actions of others.

Here are the most common causes of car accidents in California:

• Distracted Driving: Using a phone, eating, or engaging in any activity that distracts you from the road can cause serious accidents.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Drunk driving, including impairment from drugs, leads to thousands of deaths every year.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or running red lights makes it harder to avoid collisions.
• Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, potholes, and unclear signage can lead to accidents.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, or snow can reduce visibility and road traction, making driving hazardous.
• Vehicle Problems: Lack of proper maintenance, like failing brakes or tires, can contribute to crashes.

Getting injured in a car accident can be life-changing, and the cost of medical treatment can add to the stress. Our experienced car accident lawyers will fight to hold the responsible party accountable so you can focus on your recovery and get the compensation you need to recover.

These are the most common injuries in car accidents:

• Whiplash: Caused by the sudden jolt of your neck during impact, damaging muscles and tendons. Severe cases may result in long-term issues.
• Head and Brain Injuries: Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from head impacts can cause lasting effects on your health and daily life.
• Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the back or spine are common and may not show symptoms immediately, so a medical check-up is crucial.
• Bone Fractures: Broken bones are frequent in accidents, ranging from minor fractures to severe breaks requiring surgery.
• Internal Injuries: The force of a crash or flying debris can damage internal organs, causing dangerous internal bleeding that needs urgent care.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Cuts, bruises, and muscle strains may seem minor but can lead to lasting pain and complications.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in California, taking the proper steps to protect yourself and your claim is essential. Here’s what you should do:

1. Ensure Safety: If possible, check for injuries and move to a safe location to avoid further harm.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Get examined by a doctor, even if you don’t feel pain immediately. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, might not show symptoms immediately.
3. Document the Scene: Take pictures of the vehicles, damage, and any visible injuries. These photos can serve as crucial evidence.
4. Exchange Information: Share contact and insurance details with the other driver. Also, contact information must be collected from any witnesses.
5. File a Police Report: Record the details of the accident, and if officers are present, obtain a copy of their report.
6. Report the Accident to the California DMV: If there are injuries or significant property damage, you must report the accident to the DMV.
7. Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurer about the accident, but avoid admitting fault.
8. Hire a Car Accident Lawyer: An experienced lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure you receive proper compensation. Also, continue following all medical advice and treatment plans. 

Taking these steps will help you protect your health and your legal rights.

In California, acting quickly when filing an accident claim is essential. You generally have a limited time to file due to the statute of limitations, which sets deadlines for legal actions. Gather all relevant accident reports and insurance coverage details to ensure a fair settlement.

Consulting a lawyer can help you navigate the process and meet all deadlines. They will also help you pursue economic damages, which cover medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. 

Additionally, they will assist in seeking non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment of life. A legal expert will guide you through filing your claim and securing the compensation you deserve.

Yes, seeking legal advice after an SUV rollover accident is crucial. A lawyer can help you navigate your accident claim and ensure you receive compensation for property damages and injuries. Their expertise will be invaluable in securing the best outcome for your case.

When seeking compensation, two key terms to understand are liability and negligence. Liability refers to who is responsible for the accident. It’s essential to determine fault, as this is the first step toward getting compensation.

Negligence involves the failure to act responsibly, like not following traffic signals or ignoring safe driving practices. In California, even if you’re partly to blame for an accident, you can still receive compensation under comparative negligence laws. 

Your compensation will be adjusted based on your share of fault. For instance, if you’re 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of the damages.

Yes, you should report a hit-and-run incident to the authorities immediately. Car accident lawyers often advise this to document details like unsafe speed or distracted driving, which can be crucial for your case. Prompt reporting helps ensure you can pursue maximum compensation and hold the responsible party accountable.

It’s also important to be aware of the statute of limitations in California, which sets a time limit for filing claims. Generally, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. You may lose your right to seek compensation if you miss this deadline. Reporting the incident quickly helps you stay within this timeframe.

If you’re in an accident at an intersection or a rear-end collision, start by calling 911 and reporting the incident to the police. Ensure you get medical treatment for injuries and check your insurance policy to understand your coverage. An experienced team of personal injury lawyers can help you identify the liable parties and pursue fair compensation.

Following a head-on collision, you have rights that need to be safeguarded:

• You can pursue damages for accident injuries, including economic and non-economic damages.
• Non-economic damages may cover emotional distress and other non-financial impacts of the collision.
• Working with a lawyer to ensure you receive adequate compensation for all aspects of your injury and suffering is important.