The most common types of car accidents in Los Angeles are often associated with traffic violations and other forms of driver negligence. According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), frequent causes include tailgating, running red lights, intoxicated driving, speeding, and unsafe left turns. Car accidents can also happen due to distracted or drowsy driving or failure to properly maintain a vehicle. If you were injured in one of these crashes, a car accident lawyer serving Los Angeles residents can review your situation and discuss options for pursuing compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Common Traffic Violations that Can Cause Accidents
Determining 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 contribute to 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 occur because this distance is not maintained. The rear vehicle may not have enough stopping distance and may cause a rear-end collision when traffic stops or slows.
Not Stopping at Red Traffic Lights
When a vehicle drives through a red light without stopping, other vehicles in the intersection may face an increased risk of collision. Running a stop sign may also be evidence of liability in a car accident claim.
Driving While Intoxicated
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), impaired drivers may increase the risk of car accidents because they can experience loss of judgment, decreased visual acuity, lack of focus, reduced motor control, and diminished alertness. Drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol may also have difficulty steering and maintaining 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 contribute to 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. Attempting an illegal left turn may also result in a collision, depending on the time and location.
Share Your Car Accident Report with Your Legal Team
If you work with a lawyer, your legal team may rely on various types of evidence to help establish liability for the accident.
One important piece of evidence may be your car accident report. This document may contain 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 may also include information about road and weather conditions, including lighting, traffic control devices, and other details that may help clarify the circumstances of the accident.
Meeting the Statute of Limitations in Your Case
California’s Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) § 335.1 generally requires an injured person to file a personal injury lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident. If this deadline expires, you may lose the ability to pursue a lawsuit.
A personal injury law firm can provide information about the deadlines that may apply to your specific case. Understanding these timelines can help you take appropriate action within the time allowed by law.
Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices May Be Able to Represent You
If you were hurt in a car accident in Los Angeles, the responsible party may be financially liable for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses, depending on the circumstances.
Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices represents individuals involved in car accidents in Los Angeles. We assist people injured in common accident types as well as those involving more complex circumstances.
To learn more about our services through a free case review with a member of our car accident team, call Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices at (866) 559-7223.