What Is the Likelihood I Will Experience a Car Accident in Los Angeles, CA?

Common Reasons that Los Angeles Car Accidents Happen

Each traffic accident involves a distinct set of elements. No two crashes are exactly the same.  

However, there are some common reasons that car accidents take place. Some of the most typical causes of motor vehicle crashes include:

Distracted Driving

The leading cause of accidents nationwide is driving while distracted. Many factors can lead a motorist to take their attention off the road. 

The ubiquity of digital devices has led to many instances of distracted driving. 

Some of the factors that can cause a driver to become distracted include: 

• Texting or using digital tablet devices
• Eating or drinking
• Talking on the phone
• Adjusting the vehicle’s stereo

No matter what causes the distraction, it is dangerous for motorists to focus on anything other than driving. When driving, all of your attention should be on operating the vehicle.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a common cause of car crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over half of the drivers involved in fatal or serious injury collisions tested positive for at least one controlled substance.  

You should never get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you are in any way impaired. Drunk driving accidents dramatically increase the risks of severe or fatal injuries.

Driving While Tired or Fatigued

When you are tired, your reaction times are slower, and your concentration can be impaired. Long workdays and extended commute times leave motorists driving while they are fatigued. 

This is one of the primary reasons that traffic accidents occur. Many fatal collisions happen every year because one or more involved drivers are overly tired. 

Drowsy driving is also a common cause of commercial trucking accidents. Long-haul truckers are often required to drive for many hours at once. This can cause them to become tired and less able to respond to road and weather conditions.

Inclement Weather

Rain, snow, hail, and high-speed winds can also contribute to motor vehicle collisions. Although you cannot control the weather, it is important to drive carefully in inclement weather conditions.  

When the roads are wet or icy, drivers face an increased risk of hydroplaning. Hydroplaning causes vehicles to slide forward uncontrollably. 

If your vehicle hydroplanes at an intersection, it may cause you to collide with another vehicle. If any of these factors has caused you to become involved in a Los Angeles car accident, it is critical to speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

How Likely Am I to Be Involved in a Los Angeles Collision?

Even if you do your best to prepare for the elements discussed above, accidents can happen. Many motorists wonder about the likelihood that they will be involved in a collision in the city of Los Angeles. 

According to many general estimates, the average motorist will file a car accident claim once every 18 years. In other words, most drivers will experience several accidents over the course of their lives. However, many factors will affect your exact likelihood, including your driving style, frequency, and the length of your average journey.   

While severe and fatal accidents are rarer, any car crash can result in significant costs and losses. To pursue compensation for damages after a traffic collision, speak with a knowledgeable car accident attorney.