In California, car accidents have become the most common type of personal injury case. This is largely due to a number of factors. Having an understanding of these factors can help you better understand the complexities of filing a personal injury claim and the potential obstacles that you might face.
What Makes Car Accident Cases The Most Common Type Of Personal Injury Case In California
First, the sheer volume of vehicles driving on California's highways and roads contributes to an increased rate of car accidents compared to other states. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, there were more than 33 million registered vehicles in California in 2020, the highest amount of any state in the U.S.
Second, California’s roads are congested and densely populated, making for dangerous driving conditions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 3,000 fatalities related to traffic accidents in California in 2018 alone.
Third, California’s laws and regulations are more favorable for accident victims than those of other states. California is one of only a few states that has adopted pure comparative negligence, which means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover damages from the other driver or parties involved.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents In California
The following are the most common causes of car accidents in California.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of auto accidents in California, accounting for over 25% of all collisions.
Speeding
Excessive speed is another major cause of car accidents in California. On average, speeding is a factor in about one-third of all fatal auto accidents nationwide.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
The legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) for adults in California is .08%, and for drivers under 21, it is .01%. Driving while intoxicated can impair reaction time and judgment, leading to serious accidents and fatalities.
Unsafe lane changes or turns
Improperly changing lanes or making unsafe turns are common causes of car accidents in California. Drivers must always make sure to look for other vehicles before switching lanes and should never make a turn without first properly signaling their intentions.
Weather
Bad weather is another factor that can lead to car accidents in California. Rain, snow, or icy road conditions can make it difficult for drivers to see or control their vehicles properly, leading to serious collisions.
What To Do If You Are Involved In A Car Accident In California
Being involved in a car accident can be an incredibly stressful and scary experience. Here are some steps you should take if you ever find yourself in a car accident in California.
Check for injuries
The first thing you should do, regardless of the severity of the accident, is to check and make sure that everyone involved is okay. If anyone needs medical attention, call 911 immediately and wait for help to arrive.
Exchange information
Once you have ensured that everyone involved in the accident is safe and secure, you should exchange information with the other drivers. Make sure you get their names, contact information, insurance details, and driver’s license numbers.
File a police report
Even if the accident is minor, it is important to file a police report. This will help ensure that all parties involved receive proper compensation for any damages or injuries suffered as a result of the accident.
Take pictures
Before you leave the scene of the accident, be sure to take pictures of any damages or injuries. This will help prove your claim if you need to file an insurance claim later down the road.
Get a copy of your police report
Make sure that you get a copy of the police report to use as evidence if you need to go to court or file a lawsuit.
Contact a lawyer
If you are ever involved in a serious accident, it is important to contact a qualified attorney. They can provide you with legal advice and representation if necessary.
Why You Should Hire A Car Accident Lawyer To Represent You
When you find yourself involved in a car accident, the last thing on your mind is filing a lawsuit. However, if you have sustained serious injuries or damages as a result of the accident, it is important to consider hiring an experienced car accident lawyer. Here are some benefits of hiring a car accident lawyer to represent you.
They know the law
A car accident lawyer will be knowledgeable about the laws that pertain to your case and can provide invaluable guidance on what steps to take. Without legal representation, you may be at a disadvantage and not receive the full compensation that you are entitled to.
They can negotiate on your behalf
Negotiating with insurance companies can be complicated and intimidating. Having an experienced attorney on your side will give you peace of mind, as they know how to effectively advocate for your best interests.
They will take care of all the paperwork
Insurance companies, medical bills, and legal forms can be overwhelming when dealing with a car accident. An experienced lawyer understands these complex documents and processes, so they can handle them on your behalf.
They have experience in court
If your case goes to court, it is important to have an attorney who has experience in trial law. The lawyer will be well-versed in courtroom procedures and will know the best strategies for presenting your case in court.
Overall, hiring an experienced car accident lawyer like the ones at Big Ben Lawyers can be invaluable when you are dealing with the aftermath of a serious accident. With their knowledge and expertise, they can help you through the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
How To Find A Car Accident Lawyer In California That You Can Trust
The first step in finding an experienced car accident lawyer is to ask for referrals from friends and family. If someone you know has already worked with a lawyer in the past, they can provide you with valuable insight into the experience they had and what they can expect from their lawyer.
You should also research different car accident lawyers online to get an idea of who is available in your area. There are many different websites that provide reviews and testimonials from past clients, allowing you to make an educated decision about which lawyer to hire.
When meeting with potential car accident lawyers, it is important that you ask plenty of questions. Make sure you understand the different fees and costs associated with each firm and ensure that they are transparent about what is included in their fees. It is also important to understand their experience and track record with similar cases.
Finally, make sure that you feel comfortable with the lawyer you choose by having an initial consultation. This can help ensure that your case will be handled efficiently and properly.
How To Work With Your Car Accident Lawyer To Get The Best Possible Results For Your Case
Working closely with an experienced car accident lawyer is key to getting the best possible results for your case. Here are some tips on how to work with your car accident lawyer to ensure a successful outcome.
Ask questions
Don’t be afraid to ask your car accident lawyer any and all questions you have regarding your case. Your lawyer is there to help guide you through the process and give you the best advice possible, so make sure that you feel comfortable and confident in the advice that you are receiving.
Be honest
Honesty is key when it comes to working with your car accident lawyer. Make sure you provide them with accurate and truthful information about the circumstances of the accident, as this will help them better represent you and your interests in court.
Follow their advice
It's essential to follow the advice of your car accident lawyer. They possess the knowledge and experience necessary to get you the best possible result for your case, so it’s important to trust their judgment and follow their advice when it comes to legal strategies and decisions.
Contact A Car Accident Lawyer In California
Car accidents are one of the most common types of personal injury cases in California. And if you're involved in a car accident, it's important that you take the steps necessary to protect your legal rights.
If you're in California and have been injured in a car accident, contact Big Ben Lawyers. They specialize in handling car accident cases, and their experienced team of lawyers will work with you to get the best possible results for your case. Contact them today to learn more and get started on your case.