Auto Accident Injury Attorney

Weather

When the weather is poor, it’s important to understand the impact that has on the roads and what it means for drivers. When it starts raining, the oils on the road are brought to the surface, making the roads slippery. The rain itself makes it more difficult for vehicles to gain traction, especially if there is a significant amount of water on the roads. During adverse weather, if driving is necessary, drivers must slow down and drive more carefully; otherwise, an accident is possible.

Running Lights or Stop Signs

When the light turns green, most people start driving. Someone who runs a red light, especially after it has been red for a while, significantly increases the potential of running into those who have the green light. When this happens, the accident can be devastating. Running stop signs can lead to accidents as well, as most people don’t expect someone to drive through the stop sign without stopping and looking for oncoming traffic.

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Night Driving

Visibility is reduced at night, which makes it harder to see potential obstacles in the road. This increases the potential for accidents for a wide variety of reasons, from hitting wildlife or something left in the road to hitting vehicles that do not have their lights on and are difficult to see before it’s too late. Add rain onto the night view and the potential for an accident increases further.

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Improper Turns

There are plenty of turn signal jokes, but the reality is, they are installed on vehicles for a reason. It is easier to drive safely when drivers are predictable. Using a turn signal lets other drivers know the vehicle is going to be switching lanes or turning, so there aren’t any surprises. Failing to use the turn signal to turn or to get into another lane could end up causing an accident, as the other drivers simply expect the vehicle to continue going straight when there is no indication otherwise.

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Tailgating

Vehicles need time to stop. The faster a vehicle is going, the more time it needs to stop. When a driver is too close to the driver in front of them and the driver in front slams on their brakes, the driver in the back is likely not going to be able to stop in time to avoid an accident. Tailgating is a leading cause of car accidents and in the majority of cases, the vehicle in the back will be liable for the accident since they did not leave sufficient room to stop.

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Tire Blowouts

When a tire goes flat, it feels bumpy to drive and it’s necessary to pull over immediately to replace it with the spare or call for help. When a tire blows, however, there may be little to no warning, and control over the vehicle can be far more difficult, especially if this happens at high speeds. After a tire blowout, the loss of control or the act of getting across multiple lanes to pull off the road can cause an accident.

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Animals

Wildlife as well as dogs and cats will cross the road when they need to, and this can end up causing an accident. Drivers may hit the brakes or swerve to avoid the animal, which can cause them to hit another vehicle or drive off the road. If an animal is hit, especially a larger animal, the driver could end up causing an accident because they can’t see in front of them as they try to pull off the road. Always drive carefully in areas where wildlife may cross the road to reduce the chance of hitting something and damaging the vehicle or causing an accident.

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Road Rage

Road rage is another common reason for car accidents to occur. When someone is driving aggressively, it’s better to simply pull over and let them pass. Otherwise, drivers may use their vehicle as a weapon to force other drivers off the road or take it a step further and attack other drivers who do pull over. If there is an accident due to road rage, stay in the vehicle with the doors and windows locked and call for help.

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Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

Injuries in car accidents vary based on the severity of the accident. Minor accidents can result in cuts and bruises, but they can lead to burns, back and neck injuries, broken bones, and more. Severe car accidents can lead to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, permanent disabilities, severe lacerations, and death. Though newer cars are designed to handle impacts better, it does depend on how the vehicle is hit and severe accidents can still lead to serious or permanent injuries to the driver and any passengers.

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Car accidents happen unexpectedly, so anyone can be in an accident. When one does happen, severe injuries can result, some of which may be permanent. If you’ve been in a car accident, speaking with a lawyer provides you the opportunity to receive compensation for the injuries sustained in the crash. Our law firm represents those who were injured in a car accident that was not their fault. Contact us now to learn more about how we can help you financially recover from the crash.

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FAQs for Car Accidents in Los Angeles

Though car accidents do happen with an alarming frequency, many drivers will have questions about the accident and what to expect in the aftermath. Read below to learn more about the frequently asked questions about car accidents in Los Angeles.

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What is the Most Common Injury for Car Accidents?

A variety of injuries are common after car accidents, including bruising, neck and back pain, and broken bones. Injuries can range from minor to severe or permanent, depending on the severity of the accident.

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Can Severe Accidents Happen at Lower Speeds?

Speed does often impact the severity of car accidents, but vehicles that are stopped or going at a slow rate of speed can still end up in a serious accident depending on the circumstances. If the car is flipped when it’s pushed off the road, if the occupants aren’t wearing seatbelts, or there are other extenuating circumstances, even low-speed accidents can lead to serious injuries.

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What is the Top Cause for Car Accidents Today?

The most common reason for car accidents to occur is distracted driving. Even if the driver’s attention is only away from the road for a second, an accident can happen.

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What Can be Done to Avoid Accidents?

Driving cautiously and predictably can help reduce the potential for an accident. Drivers must pay attention at all times so they are prepared to handle anything that may change in the road ahead, as well as to deal with what other drivers are doing on the road. Not all accidents are unavoidable, but cautious driving can reduce the potential to be in an accident.

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What Should I do After an Accident?

After an accident, call for emergency services, especially if there are severe injuries. Then, seek medical attention for any potential injuries. After this, it’s a good idea to speak with a lawyer about the case to learn more about receiving compensation if the accident was not your fault.

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How Can a Lawyer Help After a Car Accident?

Insurance companies strive to pay out the lowest amount possible after a car accident. A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on behalf of the client, helping the client receive the highest amount of compensation possible for the accident. This can prevent the victim of the accident from having to pay anything out of pocket.

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Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer?

It is a good idea to hire a lawyer if there were significant damages to the vehicles or you suffered severe injuries as a result of the accident. The lawyer will work hard to make sure medical bills and other expenses are covered by the liable driver or their insurance.

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How Much is My Case Worth?

The answer to this varies as every accident claim is different. The settlement is typically determined by adding up all accident-related expenses but can include non-quantifiable damages, as well. It’s a good idea to speak with a lawyer to determine how much your case might be worth.

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What Types of Compensation Can I Receive?

Compensation for car accidents typically includes funds to cover any accident-related expenses. These can include medical bills, future medical costs, vehicle repair or replacement costs, lost wages, loss of future income, and other expenses. Other types of compensation may be available depending on the severity of your injuries.

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How Long Will it Take to Settle?

Most cases will settle within one to two years after the accident. In some cases, the settlement will be quick because there are no disputes over what happened. In other cases, there may be a dispute as to who was at fault or how the accident occurred, so it can take longer to settle.

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Will My Case Go to Trial?

Very few car accident cases go to trial, but it does happen. A trial is more likely if there are any disputes about what happened or if the insurance company refuses to negotiate a settlement. A lawyer can discuss the potential for a case to go to trial and what that will mean if it happens.

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Should I Talk to the Insurance Company?

It is not a good idea to talk to the other driver’s insurance company. It is all too easy to end up saying something that can be used to reduce the potential settlement offer or to deny it completely. Instead, it’s better to have a lawyer speak with the insurance company to answer any questions and start negotiating a higher settlement.

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These questions and answers should help you understand the situation a little bit better. If you have been in a car accident, get in touch with our law firm and schedule a consultation. That way, we can answer any questions specific to your case and provide guidance on the next steps you should take.

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