The rate of automobile crashes in California, and the rest of the nation has been rising steadily. To avoid or lessen the escalating number of automobile accidents, it is necessary to investigate their most prevalent causes. In California, driving under the influence, speeding, and distraction are the leading causes of automobile accidents. Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of traffic accidents occur yearly in California.
The California Highway Patrol claimed that over 150,000 car wrecks resulted in injuries in a single year, and 2,800 accidents resulted in fatalities.
California Auto Accident Data
Close to 80% of drivers report being involved in a vehicle accident at some time in their life, and the likelihood of dying in a car accident in the United States is slightly more than 1 in 100. Still, your driving frequency and distance strongly affect your probability of being involved in an accident. For every 1,000 miles traveled, there is a 1 in 366 chance of being involved in an automobile collision.
But it goes without saying that California has a high accident rate, mostly as a result of the number and size of its main cities. Every year, roughly 200,000 automotive accidents in California result in injuries. If small accidents in which no injuries are recorded are included, the estimated total number of documented and unreported incidents will grow to almost 500,000.
Massachusetts ranks number one among the top five states for the total number of car accidents in New England. However, along with Texas and Florida, California has the highest number of fatal accidents in the United States. Each of these states has around 3,000 road fatalities each year.
Common Causes of California Car Wrecks
In addition, the California Highway Patrol has recently published data showing California’s leading causes of vehicle accidents. If you are aware of the most prevalent causes of accidents, your likelihood of getting involved in one may reduce.
However, if the unthinkable occurs and you are involved in an accident, do not delay in contacting your automobile accident lawyers for aid in settling your claim. Lawyers that specialize in representing those injured in vehicle accidents will work to ensure that you get adequate compensation for your injuries.
According to authorities, the majority of these serious vehicle accidents are the result of reckless or negligent driving.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident, you’re probably aware that even minor rear-end crashes, or fender benders, are difficult and sometimes downright terrifying to navigate. After a collision, various questions could arise:
- Is anybody wounded?
- Should I inform the authorities?
- Is my automobile insurance current?
- Will the rates for my car insurance skyrocket?
Regardless of the seriousness of these accidents, the California Department of Insurance outlines certain actions that motorists must do following an accident. Following these steps will ensure that your rights are safeguarded.
First, assess all victim injuries. The first priority after a serious vehicle accident is determining if anybody is injured. Consequently, it is vital to remember that many vehicle accident injuries, such as whiplash or even concussions, may not be apparent immediately.
Contacting Police For a Vehicle Wreck
For immediately apparent injuries, the first step is obvious: contact 911 right away. As first responders arrive, make every attempt to assist any injured victims. However, unless absolutely essential, do not try to transfer an injured person after an automobile accident.
After evaluating any injuries, call 911 so that officers will report to the scene. After a car accident, it is typically advisable to contact the police. California law does not require drivers to notify the police if there are no injuries; nevertheless, injuries are not often immediately apparent. Notifying the police creates a record, which might be crucial evidence in a personal injury lawsuit. When describing the incident to the authorities, remember to supply as many details about the crash as possible.
Getting a Driver’s Contact Details After a Crash
Collect information on those involved. After any car accident, you must gather the motorists’ names, addresses, phone numbers, and driver’s licenses. Even in the case of a collision involving many vehicles, each driver must provide a few key bits of information.
In a multi-vehicle incident, failing to get even one driver’s information could hinder your chances of bringing a successful personal injury claim in the future. You’ll need all details surrounding the wreck so that you can get monetary compensation for damages such as medical expenses, physical vehicle damage, and lost income.
Next, obtain the license plate, registration, and vehicle identification numbers (VIN) for each car involved in the accident. Request physical copies of the driver’s registration and VIN numbers to verify their correctness. VIN numbers are often visible from the outside of a vehicle. The VIN is typically located in the dashboard’s lower-left section on most automotive models. The VIN should be visible through the windscreen on the driver’s side of the automobile.
Moreover, collecting witness evidence may be vital for establishing liability in a lawsuit. Secure the basic contact information, like names and addresses, as well as phone numbers of any more passengers and witnesses. The simplest way to get a witness’s contact information is to photograph their driver’s license using your smartphone. Of course, it’s important to ensure that their license details are correct before you leave the scene.
Contact Beckerman Anderson Today
Needless to say, motor vehicle accidents that end in severe injuries are potentially catastrophic. Victims are often concerned about who will pay for their medical expenses and how their families will be supported throughout their recuperation.
Fortunately, a legal firm specializing in personal injury with an Orange County automobile accident attorney may be able to provide you with crucial assistance in the preservation of evidence and the preparation of your case. Automobile crash claims are our courts’ most prevalent kind of personal injury lawsuit today, and at Beckerman Anderson, our team is well-versed in these suits.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, do not hesitate to seek legal advice from lawyers specializing in auto accident cases to protect your interests to the greatest extent possible. You may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, property damage, salary loss, and pain and suffering. Don’t wait to get the justice you deserve; contact our Orange County car accident lawyers at Beckerman Anderson today at 949-409-4242.
