Located in the west of the United States, California houses over 39 million residents living across an area of 163,696 square miles which makes it the most populous state in the country. It is popular for tourists due to notable landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Hollywood in Los Angeles, and the Alcatraz Islands. These tourist sports attract millions of visitors yearly, and this constant influx of travelers has made the state prone to car accidents.
California Car Accident Statistics
According to the
Transportation Injury Mapping System report by Berkeley University of California, there were a total of 16,847 fatalities and serious injuries (FSI) caused by car accidents in 2023. Over the last three years, there was an average of 18,646.3 FSIs in California. Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange County had the highest number of FSIs reported.
Speeding remains the main reason why these catastrophic accidents happen, accounting for 4,945 FSIs out of the aforementioned 16,847 cases in 2023. Alcohol-impaired driving was a close second, causing 4,032 FSIs. Driving without seatbelts, drug-impaired driving, and distracted driving were also among the primary causes of these accidents.
Most Dangerous Roadways In California
While car accidents can occur anywhere, certain roads tend to have higher numbers of incidents due to factors such as terrain, high traffic volumes, or long stretches of road that may cause drivers to lose focus and track their speed. Be aware of these roadways so that you can exercise extra caution when traveling through these areas and reduce the risk of accidents.
According to
MoneyGeek, which analyzed data from over 4,452 roads in correlation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, the following are the top 5 deadliest roadways in California:
- I-15 between Exit 138 and 139 in Hesperia
- I-80 between Exit 14A and Exit 8A
- I-80 from Exit 15 to Exit 21
- I-5 from Del Paso Road to Railyard Boulevard
- I-215 from Exit 44B to Exit 39
What Should I Do After A Car Accident?
If you are involved in a car accident in California, remain calm. It might be a good idea to refrain from admitting fault or apologizing for the accident. Let the insurance companies and legal process determine liability.
Call 911 and Assess Injuries
Assess yourself to see if there are any injuries and tend to them as best as you can. Call 911 and request emergency services so that prompt first aid will be given to help minimize long-term injuries. Even if you feel fine, it may be a good idea to get checked out by medical professionals as some injuries such as internal bleeding, whiplash, or even brain damage may not be immediately apparent. Some insurance companies may refuse to cover the costs of treating these delayed onset symptoms by proving that they are unrelated to your accident.
When the police arrive, they will most likely ask you for information so they can file an accident report, which is a document that can help you during a legal proceeding and negotiations with the insurance company. Try to be as accurate as you can with the details that you provide and do not be afraid to say “I don’t know” if you’re uncertain. Avoid making statements that could be misinterpreted or used against you.
Afterward, request a copy of the
police report. This will strengthen your insurance claim and can help any legal action you may seek later on.
Move to a Safe Location
Sometimes, car accidents may result in explosions due to broken fuel tanks, so maintaining distance from the site of the accident is important. If possible, move the vehicles to prevent blocking traffic and turn on hazard lights to notify other drivers of what’s happening in front of them.
Exchange Information
Talk to the other party involved by getting their information, including their name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, and insurance details. Gather information regarding the damaged vehicles because all this data will be used by your insurance provider and your car accident attorney when you file for compensation.
Gather Evidence
Collect information that may support your case including vehicle damage, skid marks, or road conditions, and identify any nearby surveillance cameras while you’re still in the area. Use your phone to take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, location, and any injuries sustained. Also note the time, date, and the weather conditions when the accident happened.
Seek Medical Attention
It may be a good idea to seek immediate medical attention because some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may manifest a few days after the accident, so receiving prompt medical care can help your claim and recovery. Ask for your medical documentation, this will help your attorney with your personal injury claim to the insurance company.
Consult with a Car Accident Attorney
If you sustained injuries during the accident, promptly seek advice from a California
car accident lawyer who can explain your legal rights, guide you through the claims process, and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. They will help coordinate communications with insurance companies and advocate for your best interests, whether negotiating a settlement or representing you in court.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For A Car Accident Claim?
In California, the statute of limitations for initiating a car accident claim is two years from the date of the incident. During this period, you may file your claims and start legal proceedings to seek compensation for injuries or damages suffered. Filing a car accident claim beyond this timeframe will likely lead to your case’s dismissal.
The statute of limitation is imposed to preserve evidence and ensure the reliability and availability of witness statements which are vital in making a strong case. To uphold your legal rights, we recommend promptly seeking representation from a California car accident attorney who can help you file your case before the statute of limitation for your case expires. At Gosuits, our car accident lawyers can help you seek justice and compensation for injuries and damages you may have sustained due to the accident.
How Much Does A California Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a car accident lawyer can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, location, and the lawyer’s experience and reputation. Typically, attorneys representing those injured in a car accident follow a contingency fee arrangement, wherein they do not require upfront payment. Instead, their fee is a percentage of the settlement or court award received. If they do not succeed in securing compensation, they do not collect a fee.
When consulting with a car accident lawyer, discuss fee structures before deciding to hire their services, including the percentage they will deduct from your settlement or court-awarded compensation. Additionally, inquire about any potential additional costs that may arise during the legal process, such as court fees, expenses for expert witnesses, or travel expenses.
