The four most common types of vehicle accidents in Los Angeles are rear-end collisions, rollover accidents, hit-and-run accidents, and red light violation accidents. These accidents often lead to serious injuries or even fatalities.
1. Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of accident in Los Angeles. They primarily occur because the driver behind you is either not paying attention or is distracted. This could cause the driver not to maintain a safe distance between your vehicle, leading to an accident. A primary cause of distraction is texting or talking while driving – which has been described to be worse than driving while under the influence.
It is important to be aware of your surroundings and drive defensively to avoid these types of collisions. But unfortunately these accidents can’t be avoided, and when they do occur serious injuries occur, such as whiplash, traumatic brain injury, and broken bones. The severity of these injuries can vary depending on the speed of the cars involved and the severity of the impact. Additionally, rear-end collisions can cause emotional distress and trauma due to the shock of the crash and the long term effect of the injuries.
2. Rollover Accidents
A rollover accident is also common in Los Angeles and usually results from high-speed driving when the driver cannot slow down in time or when he or she hits debris or other objects that cause the vehicle to lose control. The severity of the accident depends on the type of car and the position in which it rolls over, which could result in the roof crushing inward, trapping occupants inside, or multiple side collisions.
Injuries resulting from a rollover accident range from minor scrapes to severe traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal organ damage. In some cases, fatalities have occurred. It is important to remember that even if you have not been seriously injured in a rollover accident, the psychological impact of being involved in a traumatic event such as this can be long lasting.
3. Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run car accidents are also very common in Los Angeles and often happen during late evenings when the streets are not as busy. When a driver leaves the scene of an accident without exchanging insurance information, it is legally considered as hit-and-run – even if there are minor damages. Depending on the extent of injuries sustained, a hit-and-run collision in California can lead to grave consequences including hefty fines and even imprisonment.
Unfortunately, these types of accidents often leave you without the means to pursue legal action against the negligent person since you do not know who caused the accident. As a result, you are left with little options when it comes to recovering damages related to the crash. Additionally, you won’t be able to use uninsured motorist, which requires you to identify the person responsible. However, if you carry collision or comprehensive insurance coverage, you may be able to recover some of your damages, less your deductible.
4. Red Light Accidents
Red light violation accidents are similarly a major source of accidents in Los Angeles, many of which can lead to fatalities or other serious injuries. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), there were over 4,000 reported red light violations in Los Angeles County alone in 2019. Red light accidents are again caused because Los Angeles is very busy, traffic-wise, and everyone is always rushing to get places on time. Additionally, there are a lot of inexperienced, younger drivers on the streets of the city. Unfortunately, the majority of victims were either pedestrians or cyclists. Red light violations may also cause secondary crashes involving multiple cars, resulting in additional injuries and damages. Common injuries during these types of accidents include fractures, lacerations, and traumatic brain injury due to the significant force endured by the victims.
If you have been injured in a car collision, it is important to consult with a Los Angeles car accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you understand your legal rights and options, and will determine if there are any other legal options available in terms of compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses related to the accident.
