The most common types of car accidents in Los Angeles include those caused by traffic violations and other forms of driver negligence. According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the most common traffic violations that result in car accidents include:
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Not stopping at red traffic lights
- Driving while intoxicated
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Failure to safely navigate a left turn
Car accidents can also be caused by driver negligence, such as distracted or drowsy driving, or a failure to maintain their vehicle.
If you were injured in a car accident caused by one of these factors, a personal injury lawyer might be able to help you fight for compensation in an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Common Traffic Violations that Can Cause Accidents
Getting to the bottom of what caused your car accident is an important step in a personal injury claim. In many cases, the party who caused an accident by violating a traffic law may be considered at fault.
Per the LAPD, common traffic law violations that cause accidents in Los Angeles include:
Tailgating or Following Too Closely
Drivers must leave a safe distance between their vehicle and the vehicle they are following. Many car accidents in Los Angeles happen because this safe distance is not maintained. The rear vehicle might not have enough stopping distance and cause a rear-end collision when the traffic stops or slows.
Not Stopping at Red Traffic Lights
When a vehicle drives through a red light without stopping, the other vehicles in the intersection may be in danger of a collision. Running a stop sign may also establish the responsible party’s liability for a car accident.
Driving While Intoxicated
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), impaired drivers may increase the risk of car accidents because they might experience loss of judgment, decreased visual acuity, lack of focus and small-muscle control, and diminished alertness. Drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol might also have difficulty steering and lack the coordination necessary for safe driving.
Speeding or Driving Too Fast for Conditions
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that speeding played a role in 26% of all fatal car accidents in 2017. Speeding can cause vehicle control loss and an increased force of impact.
Failure to Safely Navigate a Left Turn
Drivers can cause a left-turn accident if they fail to yield to oncoming traffic. Also, attempting an illegal left turn can cause an accident, depending on time and location.
Share Your Car Accident Report with Your Legal Team
If you work with a lawyer on your case, your legal team may rely on various types of evidence to attempt to establish the responsible party’s liability for the accident.
One important piece of evidence may be your car accident report. This document may contain important details about your accident, such as:
- Information about where the accident occurred
- Contact information for all parties involved
- Primary collision factors
- Any traffic citations issued at the scene
Your car accident report can also contain information about road and weather conditions. This can include lighting, traffic control devices, and other details that may help point to the cause of the accident.
Meeting the Statute of Limitations in Your Case
California’s Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1 generally requires the injured to file a personal injury lawsuit no later than two years from the accident’s date. You can lose your right to sue if this deadline expires because of the statute of limitations.
A personal injury law firm can give you information on what specific deadlines pertain to your case. Being aware of these can help you file your lawsuit on time.
Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices May Be Able to Represent You
If you were hurt in a car accident in Los Angeles, the responsible party might owe you compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices represents victims of car accidents in Los Angeles. We assist people injured in the most common types of car accidents as well as people hurt in uncommon or complex accident types. Challenging cases don’t intimidate us.
To learn more about our services in a free case review with a member of our car accident team, call Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices today at (866) 559-7223.