Common Causes of Car Accidents in Los Angeles: Why Knowing Matters

Let’s face it, Los Angeles is a bustling metropolis. While it’s a city of dreams, it’s also a city of traffic – and with traffic comes motor vehicle accidents. Understanding the common causes isn’t just about pointing fingers; it’s about empowering yourself with knowledge.

Why does this matter to you?

• Prevention: Knowing the risks helps you become a more defensive driver.

• Liability: Determining fault is crucial for insurance claims and potential lawsuits.

• Compensation: Understanding the cause can affect the compensation you’re entitled to.

Let’s break down the usual suspects:

• Distracted Driving: We’re talking texting, phone calls, eating, adjusting the radio, even grooming! In the blink of an eye, your attention is diverted, and disaster strikes.

  • Texting and emailing: These are some of the most dangerous distractions, taking your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel.

  • Talking on the phone (handheld or hands-free): Even hands-free devices can distract you from the road.

  • Eating and drinking: Take care of these tasks before you get behind the wheel.

  • Using GPS devices: Program your destination before you start driving.

  • Daydreaming or drowsy driving: If your mind is wandering, pull over and take a break.

• Impaired Driving: Alcohol, drugs, and even some medications can impair your judgment, reaction time, and coordination – a recipe for disaster on the road.

  • Alcohol impairment: Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your driving ability.

  • Drug impairment: Illegal drugs and some prescription medications can slow your reaction time and impair your judgment.

  • Driving under the influence of marijuana: Marijuana can impair your coordination and reaction time.

• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit (or driving too fast for conditions) reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of an impact.

  • Speeding in bad weather: Rain, fog, and snow all require slower speeds.

  • Speeding in construction zones: Be aware of workers and reduced lanes.

• Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, weaving in and out of lanes, running red lights – these behaviors put everyone on the road at risk.

  • Tailgating: Give yourself plenty of following distance to react to sudden stops.

  • Reckless lane changes: Signal your intentions well in advance and check your blind spots.

  • Ignoring traffic signals: Red lights and stop signs are there for a reason.

  • Road rage: Don’t let anger cloud your judgment.

• Drowsy Driving: Fatigue can be just as dangerous as alcohol. If you’re tired, pull over.

  • Signs of drowsy driving: Frequent yawning, difficulty keeping your eyes open, drifting out of your lane.

• Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, snow, or even blinding sun can significantly reduce visibility and make roads slippery, leading to hydroplaning, spin-outs, and other hazards.

  • Driving in the rain: Reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and use your headlights.

  • Driving in fog: Slow down, use your low beams, and be prepared for sudden stops.

  • Driving in snow: Drive slowly, accelerate and decelerate gradually, and avoid sudden stops or turns.

• Vehicle Malfunctions: A sudden tire blowout, brake failure, or steering problem can cause a driver to lose control.

  • Tire blowouts: Maintain proper tire pressure and inspect your tires regularly for wear and tear.

  • Brake failure: Have your brakes inspected regularly and be aware of the signs of brake problems, such as squealing or grinding noises.

  • Steering problems: If your vehicle pulls to one side or feels loose, have it checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.

• Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, uneven pavement, and poorly designed intersections can all contribute to accidents.

  • Potholes: Avoid them if possible, and if you can’t, slow down before you hit them.

  • Debris: Be aware of objects in the road, such as fallen branches, rocks, or litter.

  • Uneven pavement: Be cautious when driving on rough or uneven roads.

  • Poorly designed intersections: Be extra careful when approaching intersections with limited visibility or confusing traffic patterns.

• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Drivers who disregard traffic signals are a major cause of accidents, especially T-bone collisions at intersections.

  • The dangers of running red lights: Red light runners often cause serious accidents, resulting in injuries and fatalities.

  • The importance of stopping at stop signs: Stop signs help regulate traffic flow and prevent accidents.

  • The consequences of running traffic signals: You could face fines, license suspension, and even jail time.

Remember, accidents aren’t always black and white. Multiple factors can contribute, and sometimes, the fault isn’t clear. That’s where we come in.

We recently represented a client who was rear-ended by a distracted driver. The other driver’s insurance company tried to blame our client for “stopping suddenly.” We investigated, gathered evidence, and proved the other driver was at fault. Result? Our client received the compensation they deserved.

If you’re involved in an accident, even a minor one, gather as much information as possible at the scene. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, take photos of the damage, and get contact information for any witnesses.