Los Angeles Freeway Accident Attorney
Southern California's freeways are among the busiest in the nation. Bustling with commuters, visitors, and commercial vehicles, these vital roadways are a lifeline for millions—but they can also be treacherous.
Accidents are all too common, often leaving victims hurt, overwhelmed, and unsure of their next steps. In fact, three of the state's deadliest freeways (I-5, I-10, and I-15) run right through SoCal.
What makes Southern California freeways particularly risky? The sheer volume of drivers, the intricate web of on-and-off ramps, and frequent construction zones can create hazardous conditions. Add reckless or negligent drivers into the mix, and the chances of a crash multiply.
If you've experienced the devastating impact of a freeway accident, it's important to understand your rights and what options are available to you under the law.
At Injury Justice Law Firm, our attorneys, with their abundant experience, are here to help you navigate the complex court processes and secure the compensation you need and deserve.
Our car accident lawyers handle personal injury and wrongful death cases for negligence victims throughout Southern California. We have a record of success in recovering financial compensation for our clients.
We are dedicated to our client's needs and always strive for the best possible outcome in their cases. Driving is a major part of life in California, which has over 27 million registered vehicles.
This makes California one of the most populated places to drive nationwide. Unfortunately, with all those drivers and cars on the road daily, the risks of motor vehicle accidents and fatalities are high. Certain California freeways have dangerous roadway conditions, increasing the risks of car crashes.
Our freeway accident attorneys can provide the help you need in the aftermath of any collision, including a rideshare accident. Perhaps it was a multi-vehicle car accident.
Every day, Los Angeles freeways are flooded with traffic and extremely busy. A collision on the freeway is more likely to result in serious injury or even death. If your spinal cord sustained a serious injury, you could be paralyzed.
Deadliest California Highways
A recent study ranked the 50 deadliest highways in the United States using five years of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA"). It's no surprise that four of California's most popular freeways made the top 15 list. Those freeways are:
- State Route 99. The study named California State Route 99 ("SR-99") the deadliest highway in America. Over five years, SR-99 had more fatal accidents per 100 miles than any other roadway in the United States. It also had the second-highest frequency of drunk driving-related fatal accidents and was ranked the darkest highway because of its inadequate lighting.
- Interstate 10. I-10 is a major east-west interstate highway that travels from Santa Monica, California, to Jacksonville, Florida. It is also the principal truck route connecting Los Angeles ports with the rest of the nation. Listed as the fourth deadliest freeway in the US, the I-10 had 1,342 fatal accidents over the past five years.
- Interstate 5. I-5 has the nickname "fatal corridor" for a reason. Its most dangerous section falls within Los Angeles County, where the traffic density increases significantly. It is also known for drivers operating their vehicles at excessive speeds.
- Interstate 15. I-15 connects Los Angeles to Las Vegas. This roadway is well known for drivers testing the limits of speed without wearing seatbelts. A federal study found that 50% of the fatalities on the I-15 were the result of drivers not wearing a seatbelt.
State law protects the rights of accident victims who were injured through no fault of their own because of the severe personal and financial fallout that can result. We regularly handle freeway-related car accident cases and are here to assist you.
What are the Common Causes of Freeway Accidents?
While each freeway crash has its unique circumstances, it's important to note that many of them are preventable and stem from another driver's failure to act responsibly. Here are some of the most common causes of freeway accidents in Southern California:
- Speeding: Driving above the speed limit reduces reaction time and increases the likelihood of catastrophic injuries in collisions.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or using in-car entertainment systems can lead drivers to take their eyes off the road even for a few crucial seconds.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Alcohol or drug impairment remains a significant factor in serious freeway crashes.
- Tailgating: Following another vehicle too closely increases the risk of rear-end collisions, especially during sudden stops.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Failing to check blind spots or signals while weaving between lanes can spur dangerous crashes.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) compiled a list of factors that play leading roles in freeway collisions. Those factors include the following:
- Driver inattention,
- Drowsiness or falling asleep at the wheel,
- Speeding and other traffic code violations,
- Poor vehicle maintenance,
- Aggressive driving,
- Texting or talking on the phone,
- Rubbernecking to look at something outside of the car,
- In-car noise or loud music,
- Eating, picking up a dropped item, or putting on makeup.
What are Common Injuries Sustained in Freeway Accidents?
Due to the high speeds at which vehicles travel on freeways, accidents are often severe, resulting in significant injuries. While the specifics of each case vary, certain injuries appear frequently among victims of freeway collisions, including the following:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden stops or impacts can strain the muscles and ligaments in your neck, causing pain and reduced mobility.
- Spinal Cord and Back Injuries: High-impact crashes can lead to herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or even lifelong paralysis.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Concussions and other brain-related injuries may occur from hitting a hard surface or violent jerking motions. These injuries often have long-term physical and cognitive effects.
- Broken Bones: Collisions frequently result in fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis, which may require surgery and long recovery periods.
- Lacerations and Burns: Shattered glass, jagged metal, or contact with hot engine parts can cause serious cuts or burns, leaving lasting scars or disfigurement.
- Internal Injuries: Vital organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen may be damaged, necessitating immediate and often intensive medical intervention.
After a freeway accident, the most important thing you can do is seek medical attention if you or someone around you has been injured or is in pain. After attending to those medical needs, Vehicle Code 20008 requires that you report your accident to the police within 24 hours and the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days.
Though no specific state law requires this, you should also report the accident to your insurance company and obtain the insurance and contact information for the other parties involved in the crash. It's also important to get the contact information for any witnesses who may have been on the scene.
What Factors Determine Fault?
Establishing fault in a freeway accident can sometimes be straightforward, especially in cases of clear negligence like DUI. However, in many instances, multiple factors must be considered to identify who is legally responsible. Some common elements that play into determining fault include:
- Traffic Law Violations: Drivers who disregard traffic laws, such as speeding or failing to yield, are likely at fault.
- Physical Evidence: Skid marks, vehicle damage, and accident debris often provide insights into how the crash occurred.
- Witness Statements: Accounts from those who saw the collision can be critical in piecing together the events.
- Police Reports: Law enforcement officers often assess the scene and document their findings, which can be crucial in determining fault.
- Surveillance Footage: Cameras from traffic lights, nearby businesses, or even dash cams can offer video evidence of the moments leading up to the crash.
Because California is a pure comparative negligence state, determining fault isn't always clear-cut.
For instance, in some cases, multiple drivers could share the blame. In contrast, in others, liability may extend to parties like vehicle manufacturers (in cases of mechanical failure) or government agencies (if highway conditions are unsafe).
If investigators determine that you played a role in the crash that caused your injuries, your compensation could be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
That's why it's so crucial when you've been injured in a crash to have experienced legal support to ensure that fault is properly assigned.
Simply put, a person injured in an auto accident can recover damages for their injuries even if they are partially to blame for the crash. If the court finds the injured party partially responsible for the accident, it will reduce that party's damages by their percentage of responsibility.
Conversely, this also means that an injured party can still recover damages even if they are 99% responsible for the accident. In that case, they will be eligible to receive damages in accordance with the 1% of the accident for which they were not to blame.
When fighting to recover compensation for the injuries incurred in an auto accident, remember that the other party's insurance company is not on your side. That insurer will do everything possible to limit your recovery, and its responsibility to pay for your losses. Having a car accident attorney by your side will make all the difference.
How We Can Help You
Our Los Angeles freeway accident attorneys represent clients who have sustained injuries from accidents on freeways, at intersections, and every place in between. We know what it takes to help you recover after incurring losses from medical bills, property damage, and lost income.
If you've been in a crash, do not wait to call and discuss what happened with one of our freeway accident attorneys. We will present your personal injury claim with no fee unless you recover. No recovery, no fee.
The Injury Justice Law Firm has a long track record of success in helping California freeway accident victims receive fair and just compensation for their injuries.
From conducting forensic examinations to gathering witness testimony to employing skilled negotiation and strong litigation, when needed, we will work to ensure you receive the compensation you need to become whole again after your accident.
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