A heartbreaking car crash in Victorville has left two Southern California families mourning the deaths of two teenage girls. According to recent reports, 7-year-old Maddalyn Dailey and her 16-year-old best friend were killed when their car was struck by two other vehicles that were said to be traveling at high speeds at an intersection. When these types of accidents occur, it often leaves families and loved ones in a state of distress and fear about the necessary steps to take to recover. Understanding serious car accidents and what to do afterward is crucial to maintaining your safety and the safety of others.
Understanding the Dangers of Driving
Car accidents can happen for many reasons, but some of the most serious collisions involve conduct that may have been preventable. Speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, unsafe lane changes, following too closely, and ignoring traffic signals can significantly increase the risk of a collision.
Excessive speed is especially dangerous because it can reduce the amount of time a driver has to recognize a hazard and respond. In addition, police investigations, witness statements, video footage, physical evidence, and other information may be necessary to determine how an accident occurred and who may be held legally responsible.
Liability
California drivers usually have a responsibility to operate their vehicles with reasonable care. When a driver fails to exercise appropriate care, and that behavior contributes to an accident, the driver may potentially be held liable for injuries or losses. Determining California car accident liability often requires examining several factors, including but not limited to the following.
- Whether a driver was speeding or violating another traffic law
- Whether distracted or impaired driving was involved
- Traffic signals and right-of-way rules
- Statements from drivers and witnesses
- Police and collision investigation reports
- Surveillance, dashboard camera, or nearby video footage
- Vehicle damage and physical evidence from the accident scene
- Whether more than one driver contributed to the collision
In addition, some accidents involve multiple vehicles, making liability more complicated. More than one person or entity may potentially share responsibility depending on the circumstances.
How many Parties can be Involved?
Multi-vehicle accidents can require a detailed investigation because one driver's actions may initiate a sequence of events involving several vehicles. California follows a pure comparative negligence system. This usually means that an injured person's possible recovery may be reduced according to their percentage of responsibility for the accident. As a result, accident cases often depend heavily on evidence rather than assumptions about what happened.
Preserving Important Records
Evidence can disappear quickly following a traffic accident. Vehicles may be repaired or destroyed, surveillance recordings may be overwritten, and witnesses may become difficult to find. Depending on the circumstances, useful evidence may include but is not limited to the following.
- Photographs and videos of the scene
- Vehicle damage
- Traffic-camera recordings
- Surveillance footage
- Witness information
- Police reports
- Medical records
It is important to note that preserving available evidence as early as possible may help provide a clearer understanding of what happened.
Types of Injuries that may Occur
Motor vehicle collisions can cause injuries ranging from relatively minor conditions to permanent or fatal injuries. Common accident-related injuries may include the following.
- Serious fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burn injuries
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Head injuries
- Shoulder injuries
Injured individuals may face time away from work, rehabilitation expenses, reduced earning ability, and significant changes to their daily lives. When an accident results in death, surviving family members may have questions about whether California's wrongful death laws apply. Depending on the facts and the person's relationship to the deceased, certain surviving family members may potentially pursue a wrongful death claim.
Victims should also understand that no legal claim or outcome is guaranteed. The circumstances of the accident, available evidence, insurance coverage, applicable law, and other factors can affect whether compensation may be available.
Insurance Considerations
Insurance often plays an important role after a collision, but determining available coverage can become complicated when multiple vehicles or serious injuries are involved. Possible sources of coverage may include the at-fault driver's liability insurance and, depending on the circumstances and policy terms, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Insurance companies may do the following after an accident occurs.
- Investigate the collision
- Review medical documentation
- Determine potentially responsible parties
Individuals involved in serious crashes should be cautious about providing unnecessary recorded statements or signing documents they do not fully understand. Understanding the available insurance policies can be especially important when injuries or losses are significant.
Speaking to a Legal Professional
Individuals may benefit from seeking legal guidance after being involved in a severe car accident to better understand their rights and responsibilities moving forward with their personal injury case. It may be important to speak to a legal professional who can help you by reviewing the facts of your case, speaking to insurance companies, and preserving the necessary pieces of evidence needed for the future.
KAASS LAW
KAASS LAW understands the challenges that may come along with a severe car accident. Oftentimes, serious injuries may arise, leaving victims with chronic health conditions in the future. Our legal team at KAASS LAW wants to help victims who have suffered injuries from a car accident better understand the necessary steps to take to work towards recovery. Don't wait, call KAASS LAW today.