Car accidents are a leading cause of accidental injuries and deaths each year. While there are risks on the road no matter where you travel, Los Angeles is statistically one of the biggest hotbeds of traffic collisions in the entire country. Each year, more accidents happen in Los Angeles than in any other part of California. The most recently available accident statistics show the leading causes of accidents in Los Angeles, and knowing the risks you face on the road can potentially help reduce your risk of experiencing a car accident.

While it’s impossible to always accurately predict how other drivers might behave on the road, you can limit your own risk of causing an accident by driving defensively and maintaining situational awareness at all times behind the wheel. If an accident does occur, it’s vital to know the steps you must take to prove fault and secure compensation for your damages.

Most Common Causes of Vehicle Accidents in Los Angeles

Many organizations and government agencies collect traffic accident data and regularly release reports that show the most recent accident-related trends in the state. The State Department of Motor Vehicles, the California Highway Patrol, and the US Department of Transportation are just a few of the agencies that collect accident data and publish reports of their findings. According to the most recently available accident data in Los Angeles, the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents and fatal injuries in the area include:

  • Speeding is not only a leading contributing factor to the total number of accidents in Los Angeles each year but also a major contributing factor to the number of fatal accidents.
  • Distracted driving. Whenever a driver isn’t paying attention to the road, they are essentially driving blind, putting themselves and others at risk. Despite the state’s ban on cell phone use behind the wheel, this continues to be the most common type of distracted driving responsible for accidents in the state each year.
  • Moving violations. Traffic signs and signals exist to help drivers anticipate the flow of traffic and move safely through intersections. When drivers fail to yield the right-of-way, perform illegal turns, or run through stop signs or red lights, these behaviors can easily cause serious accidents.
  • Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol. DUI is illegal, and any driver who causes an accident due to intoxication behind the wheel faces fines, driver’s license suspension, and jail time. These penalties will increase significantly, and they may face felony charges if they cause a fatal accident.

These are just a few of the most common causes of car accidents, according to the most recently available traffic accident statistics in Los Angeles. Driving in the LA area is notoriously difficult, even for seasoned drivers. It’s imperative for every driver to do what they can to limit their risk of causing accidents and to know what to do when other drivers cause accidents with them.

Kenneth M. Sigelman & Associates can provide the comprehensive legal representation you will need in the aftermath of a serious accident in Los Angeles. Our firm has confronted all the major auto insurance carriers on behalf of our clients, and we know how to maximize your insurance claim settlement; if insurance alone cannot compensate you for your losses, we can build a personal injury claim on your behalf to seek repayment of any outstanding damages the defendant caused.

FAQs

Q: What County Has the Highest Car Accident Rate?

A: By a wide margin, Los Angeles County has the highest countywide vehicle accident rate in the state. The Los Angeles metropolitan area is notoriously difficult and dangerous for drivers, especially those visiting the area who are unfamiliar with local traffic patterns. If you experience a car accident in Los Angeles, it will be essential to prove fault for the incident before you can recover any compensation for your losses.

Q: What Is the Leading Cause of Car Accidents?

A: According to the most recently available accident data, speeding is the top contributing factor to the number of motor vehicle accidents in the state each year. Whenever a driver exceeds the speed limit, they reduce the time and space they would have to slow down or stop to avoid a collision. If a driver excessively speeds, they are likely to face a reckless driving charge in addition to liability for any damages they inflict on others.

Q: How Many Fatal Car Accidents Are There in Los Angeles Each Year?

A: In 2022, more than 320 people died in fatal car accidents in Los Angeles during the year, marking one of the deadliest years on record in terms of traffic fatalities for the city. Fatal accidents can happen very suddenly, and surviving loved ones of a deceased victim may have grounds to file a wrongful death suit if another party is directly responsible for the fatal accident.

Q: How Many Accidents Happen Each Day in Los Angeles?

A: Throughout 2022, more than 52,000 car accidents occurred in Los Angeles. This works out to roughly 1,000 per week and more than 140 per day. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Los Angeles include speeding, distracted driving, reckless driving, and traffic violations like illegal turns and failure to yield the right-of-way.

Q: Do I Need to Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident in Los Angeles?

A: Technically, no, there is no legal requirement to hire an attorney after a car accident in Los Angeles, and you can attempt your recovery efforts yourself. However, hiring legal counsel that you can trust will not only make your recovery efforts easier to manage but also more likely to generate maximum compensation for your damages. Your attorney can handle your legal affairs while you focus on recovering from your injuries.

The team at Kenneth M. Sigelman & Associates has extensive professional experience handling all types of personal injury claims for our clients in Los Angeles, including those arising from car accidents. We can assist you with every aspect of the recovery process following a car accident, from gathering the evidence you need to prove liability for the accident and secure compensation for your damages. Contact us today to learn more about the legal services we provide and schedule a consultation with our team.