Los Angeles, CA

Common Car Accident Scenarios – Causes & Determining Fault

Los Angeles is a vast city teeming with people. Its roads and multi-lane highways are busy day and night. With millions of people and vehicles on the roads, car accidents happen with great frequency.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, in 2021, there were tens of thousands of car accidents in the city. The data also showed there were 1,479 people severely injured in car accidents in 2021, 30% higher than in 2020

The Big 3 – Common Causes of Car Accidents in Los Angeles, CA

In today’s world, we have screens on our wrists, in our hands, and on the dashboard of our cars. We are often busy multi-tasking throughout the day. It’s no surprise that distracted driving and speeding are two major causes of accidents. Drunk driving is another common cause of Los Angeles car accidents. 

Sadly, accidents can cause severe injuries and, in tragic cases, fatal injuries. Typical injuries after a car accident include broken bones, burns, and brain injuries, among others.

Distracted Driving Accidents – How to Determine Fault 

Anything that diverts a driver’s attention away from the road can be considered distracted driving. A typical example is talking or texting on your phone. Other things like eating, reaching for something, or being deep in thought or conversation with a passenger can also be considered distracted driving.  

Distracted driving can be challenging to prove. It’s wise to hire an experienced lawyer to help you state your case. 

Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident to see if the at-fault driver was distracted or if other factors were at play. They will also look for evidence to prove they were distracted.

In these types of cases, video footage of the accident can be extremely helpful. Your attorney will seek footage from red light cameras and any surveillance cameras from nearby businesses. Smart doorbells that are increasingly common in residential homes can also be helpful.

Proving Fault in a Speeding Accident Case

Speeding can be an especially deadly factor in a car accident. If you are fortunate to survive a high-speed collision, you may be dealing with extremely serious injuries that may affect you for the rest of your life. 

To prove fault, your attorneys will investigate the accident. A thorough review of the relevant evidence, like photos, video, witness statements, and police crash reports can be critical when building a case. 

Driving Under the Influence – How To Determine Fault in a Crash

A driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol that causes an accident may face criminal charges. Ask your attorney about recovering damages through a personal injury lawsuit

You may be able to sue the at-fault driver or their employer. You may also have a cause of action against the owner of the establishment that served them, the bartender, or possibly the drug manufacturer if relevant. 

An experienced personal injury attorney will carefully pore over the police reports and toxicology reports to prove fault. Once fault is proven, they will make sure any lost income and earnings are calculated as well as all your medical expenses and non-economic damages

Your attorney can oversee and conduct the negotiations with the insurance companies involved to ensure you are justly compensated in a fair settlement. If a settlement isn’t achieved, your attorney will represent you at trial. 

Contact a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney If You Need Help Determining Fault in a Collision

If you’ve been involved in a LA car accident, you will likely be dealing with some sort of injury, property damage, and/or missed time from work. You may feel alone as you recover from injuries, correspond with insurance companies, and retrieve bill after bill from your mailbox. 

An experienced auto accident lawyer in Los Angeles can assess your case and make sure you are doing everything possible to get back on your feet physically and financially.

If you were injured in an accident in Los Angeles, CA or you lost a loved one and you need legal assistance, please contact us to schedule a free consultation. One of our Los Angeles car accident lawyers at M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers will get in touch with you soon.

M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers – Los Angeles Office
4929 Wilshire Blvd Suite 960,
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(877) 300-4535