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Top 5 Causes For Road Accidents In Orange County
While America’s roads have become safer year-over-year since the turn of the century, the period between 2020-2022 saw a sudden reversal of the trend. These years saw a country-wide social contagion that caused drivers to become far more reckless and seemed to spread just as quickly as the COVID-19 virus flaring up worldwide.
Thankfully, that trend seems to be winding down on the national level, as vehicular deaths in 30 out of 50 states have decreased a full 3.2% year over year. Unfortunately, California is one of the few states where roads are only getting more dangerous, with a 5% increase in road fatalities over that period.
While many factors contribute to this statistic, reckless driving behaviors remain the top cause of road accidents that lead to death or injuries. The injuries that result from these behaviors can be devastating, and recognizing them can help you avoid becoming the victim of a crash or help determine fault if an accident does occur.
Cause #1: Speeding
Speeding consistently ranks among the top three causes of auto accidents, historically contributing to around 30% of crashes. The extra speed limits reaction time and reduces the driver’s control of the vehicle, limiting their ability to respond to an emergency situation.
Speeding also acts as an aggravating factor in the severity of an accident, as the increased forces involved significantly increase damage to vehicles and occupants alike. High-speed collisions tend to result in devastating consequences, including severe injuries that can leave other drivers with significant medical bills and long-term rehabilitation needs.
Cause #2: Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Accidents caused by driving under the influence (DUIs) are yet another rising statistic in California. 2022-2023 saw a 16% increase in fatalities associated with DUIs, and the trend appears to be holding for the 2023-2024 period.
The cause for this increase is up for speculation, but the effects are real and disastrous. Accidents caused by DUIs are among the most deadly and often lead to far more severe and debilitating injuries, causing victims untold suffering as well as long-term financial costs.
Cause #3: Distracted Driving
A largely overlooked second-order consequence of the technological innovations of the past 20 years has been the increased instances of distracted driving. Smartphone usage and the increased complexity of in-vehicle entertainment systems have caused a marked increase in the number of severe crashes caused by distracted drivers.
Distracted drivers are also more likely to engage in other reckless driving behaviors, including running red lights and speeding. Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers, with certain behaviors (like texting) causing a three-fold increase in the likelihood of getting into an accident that causes injury or even death.
Cause #4: Ignoring Traffic Signs
Ignoring traffic signs, including yield and stop signs, is another common cause of car-on-car collisions and accidents involving pedestrians. Failure to adhere to posted signs creates a high risk of T-bone collisions, which can result in severe injuries for both drivers and passengers.
Accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists are another common result of ignoring road signs, and the lack of mechanical protection for these victims means injury is all but assured. The Orange County-Los Angeles portion of California’s Highway 1 alone has seen almost 60 pedestrian deaths over the past 14 years, thanks in part to drivers ignoring road signs.
Cause #5: Tailgating
Tailgating, or following the car in front of you too closely, is another common reckless driving behavior that frequently leads to rear-end collisions. In the congested traffic areas frequently found on Orange County highways, tailgating is one of the most common causes of accidents.
While tailgating-related rear-end collisions are usually less deadly, they do often result in potentially debilitating injuries. Whiplash, spinal damage, and head injuries are all common consequences of rear-end collisions and can have dramatic effects on your day-to-day life.
When and Why You Should Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
With roads in Orange County becoming more dangerous, insurance has become an invaluable hedge against the risks found on the road. Unfortunately, insurance by itself may not guarantee you are fully protected, as payouts from your insurer may not be sufficient to cover the damages to your person and property resulting from the accident.
For Orange County residents experiencing difficulty with a claim after a car accident, it is highly recommended that they enlist the services of an experienced personal injury law firm. Personal injury attorneys like Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie specialize in providing you with the strongest case possible to maximize your chances of getting a fair settlement after your accident.
Law firms like Allen Flatt Ballidis & Lesliehave access to investigative resources and a deep understanding of the insurance industry landscape, which helps them create an airtight claim. Once Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie is on the case, they will:
- Gather Evidence: Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie’s team of trained investigators will collect and organize the necessary evidence to prove fault, such as police reports, witness statements, photos, videos, and, if applicable, phone or driving records.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether, which makes having an advocate a powerful tool in receiving a fair settlement covering medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
- Litigation: If negotiations with the insurance company fail to yield a fair result, your attorney can take the case to court.
Defensive driving and getting properly insured are more essential than ever, but with the rise in reckless driving across Orange County, it may no longer be enough. If you’ve been involved in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, a personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal and insurance landscape to help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
If you, or someone you know, are in an accident due to the negligence of others, contact our experienced injury attorneys at www.allenflatt.com/contact.html or call (949) 752-7474 for a free consultation.
Even if you aren't sure you have a case, give us a call at (888) 752-7474, or fill out our Free Case Review below.
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