Southern California Injury Lawyer Blog
Southern California has long been known for some of the worst traffic in the country. In fact, according to most studies, Los Angeles and the surrounding area ranks worst in the entire world for the amount of time spent in traffic. However, according to a recent news report, Southern California roadways are not just among the most congested; they are also among the most dangerous.
According to a local news report discussing the results of the most recent National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, about 10% of all fatal traffic accidents occur in California. What’s more, all five of the California counties with the most accidents are in Southern California: Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County, and Orange County. Los Angeles County saw approximately 800 fatal traffic accidents in 2016, which was about three times as many accidents as Riverside County, which was the second-place county with about 260 fatal accidents.
Motorists and researchers alike place most of the blame for these high numbers on speeding, which accounts for just under a third of all fatal California car accidents. Drunk driving, distracted driving, and aggressive driving also rank high among the causes of fatal traffic accidents.
Recovering After a California Car Accident
All motorists owe those with whom they share the road a duty to safely and responsibly operate their vehicle. Of course, this means that motorists must observe all traffic laws and posted traffic signs, and it also requires motorists to exercise good judgment when the situation requires it.
In many California traffic accidents, the collision is caused not by a driver egregiously flaunting the law but by smaller infractions that most drivers make on a daily basis. For example, it is commonly understood that a motorist will not be pulled over by police for traveling five miles per hour over the speed limit. However, technically, this is against the law, and traveling just a few miles per hour over the posted speed limit could cause an accident and may result in the motorist being held liable for any injuries caused in the accident.
Cell phone use is another common cause of California car accidents. Due to the dangers presented by cell phone use, lawmakers have made cell phone use a primary offense, meaning that a motorist can be stopped based solely on using their cell phone. Not only that, but proof of a motorist’s cell phone use in the moments before an accident can be used in a personal injury lawsuit against that motorist.
Have You Been Involved in a California Car Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The dedicated California personal injury attorneys at Sharifi Firm have extensive experience representing victims and their families in all types of personal injury cases. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated personal injury attorney at Sharifi Firm, call 866-422-7222. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we are able to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
More Blog Posts:
Study Finds that Hit-and-Run Accidents in California Are on the Rise, Southern California Injury Lawyer Blog, May 4, 2018
According to Recent California Appellate Opinion, Landlord Has No Legal Duty to Provide Defibrillator Device, Southern California Injury Lawyer Blog, April 19, 2018