The Leading Causes of Traffic Accidents in Los Angeles
Traffic accidents cause fear, anxiety, and many challenges for victims and their loved ones. In a matter of seconds, an individual’s life can change completely. Many individuals involved in vehicle collisions are left wondering what to do next. Understanding the leading causes of traffic accidents in Los Angeles and how legal liability is determined can help victims deal with the consequences of an accident safely.
Distracted Driving
One of the most common causes of vehicle collisions in Los Angeles is distracted driving. A distraction can occur anytime a driver’s attention is removed from the road and directed to something else. This can appear in many different forms, including the following:
- Using a cellular device (texting, calling)
- Using GPS
- Eating or drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Roadside advertisements
Traffic conditions may change drastically, especially when the driver is distracted. Vehicles may slow down, pedestrians may enter crosswalks, or another driver may merge into the lane. When drivers are distracted, these short but significant moments may change the entire course of one’s life.
Speeding
Speeding on the road increases an individual’s chances of vehicle collisions and increases the severity of an accident. When individuals drive at higher speeds, they reduce their control over the wheel and their surroundings. It also decreases their ability to make sudden stops when hazards occur. Even careful drivers cannot safely respond to dangers if they are driving too fast. Speeding is a common occurrence, especially in Los Angeles. Oftentimes, vehicle collisions occur on major freeways and late at night when traffic is lighter, and drivers are speeding. These accidents result in serious or sometimes life-threatening injuries, including the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal bleeding
Driving Under the Influence
When individuals drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they are putting themselves and others around them in harm's way. Driving under the influence is a major cause of severe car accidents, as they impair drivers' ability to see and understand the world clearly. Impaired drivers experience the following effects:
- Reduced coordination
- Blurred vision
- Slowed reflexes
- Poor judgement
This causes them to drift between lanes, fail to notice other vehicles around them, and fail to detect or follow road signs. Driving under the influence is not limited to alcohol. Prescription medications and marijuana are also ways that drivers can become impaired while on the road.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is a common way to experience vehicle collisions. Reckless driving happens when a driver intentionally operates a vehicle in an unsafe manner. This includes but is not limited to the following:
- Sudden or aggressive lane changes
- Weaving through traffic
- Street racing
- Road rage
- Intentionally ignoring the rules and regulations of the road
Reckless driving can occur from an individual’s frustration or impatience. Individuals often try to beat traffic by cutting off vehicles, causing major collisions and unsafe driving environments for themselves and others on the road.
Failure to Obey Traffic Signals
Traffic signals and signs are available to maintain the flow of vehicles and protect drivers and pedestrians. When drivers disregard red lights, stop signs, or yield signs, serious accidents often follow. Crashes in intersections are especially dangerous due to “T-bone” impacts. “T-bone” impacts include a vehicle striking the side of another. Since the sides of vehicles provide less safety and security than the front or rear, these collisions usually result in significant injuries. Drivers who run red lights or fail to yield to traffic are another common factor in vehicle collisions and can lead to serious injuries and harm.
Tailgating
Tailgaiting is another common cause of car accidents. Tailgating is when an individual follows another vehicle too closely. Drivers should leave space between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them to decrease the chances of rear-ending others. Los Angeles traffic conditions vary, especially during rush hour. When drivers tailgate, they are unable respond in time to avoid a collision. Even at low speeds, rear-end car accidents can cause whiplash, neck injuries, and long-term pain conditions.
Road and Weather Conditions
Road and environmental conditions are major causes of car accidents. After a dry period, the first rainfall is especially dangerous as oil residue rises to the surface, making roads slippery. Poor lighting, potholes, construction zones, and faded lane markings also increase accident risk.
Drivers are required to adjust their speed and behaviour based on road conditions to ensure they are keeping themselves and others around them safe. Even when the weather is mild, failure to drive cautiously in hazardous conditions may still be deemed negligent under California law.
How Legal Liability is Determined Under California Law
Determining responsibility after a vehicle collision is important to ensure the safety and security of victims. California determines accountability using the legal concept of negligence. All drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road, meaning they must operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws.
The following must be proven to establish liability:
- The driver had a duty to drive safely
- The driver violated that duty (speeding or texting)
- The violation caused the accident
- The accident resulted in damages such as injuries or financial loss
The following can be used as evidence to determine fault:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Photographs
- Surveillance footage
- Vehicle damage analysis
A pure comparative negligence rule is also followed in California, allowing multiple drivers to be held accountable for an accident. Each party is assigned a portion of fault, and compensation is reduced by that percentage. Because insurance companies frequently try to decrease their financial responsibility, fault determinations can be argued. Understanding your rights and seeking legal protection is crucial to receiving justice and compensation.
How KAASS LAW Can Help
After an accident, victims are often overwhelmed by medical treatment, insurance calls, lost income, and uncertainty about their rights. Having legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of a claim. The right legal representation can allow individuals to receive justice and focus on recovering from their injuries after an accident.
KAASS LAW assists injured individuals by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation of the accident
- Gathering critical evidence and witness testimony
- Determining all liable parties
- Handling communication with insurance companies
- Calculating the full extent of damages, including future medical costs
- Negotiating for fair compensation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Los Angeles traffic accident, understanding your legal options and rights is crucial to maintaining your health and safety. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through every step of the legal process to ensure that you feel supported and protected through this challenging time. Call KAASS LAW today to understand your rights and receive justice.