California is notorious for some of the deadliest roads and worst traffic congestion in the country. And despite efforts to make the roads safer, the state continues to lead the nation in traffic deaths.
According to a recent LA Times news report, more people were killed last year (2022) in Los Angeles by “someone driving a car than by someone wielding a gun.” This has earned LA the title of “traffic violence capital” of the nation.
312 people were killed in car accidents in 2022, making it the highest annual death toll in twenty years. From 2020 to 2022, traffic deaths increased by almost 30%.
Of those who were killed in accidents last year in LA, half were pedestrians, and another significant number of them were cyclists. And the major concern is that all of this is happening despite city leaders enacting previous plans to make the streets of Los Angeles safer.
In 2015, the mayor at the time launched Vision Zero, which was a program intended to reduce and even eliminate traffic deaths in the state by 2025. But with only two more years until the end goal and traffic deaths continuing to rise, it’s evident that the plan isn’t working.
In the seven years since Vision Zero was enacted, traffic deaths have risen by 68% in California, with the total number of pedestrians being killed skyrocketing by 80%.
So, what’s to be done?
For now, there is no news of any new plans being made to make Vision Zero more effective. Our advice, as California car accident legal experts, is to take matters into your own hands and be more mindful when driving or when walking around the streets of Los Angeles.
And if you need help with an accident claim, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers for assistance.
Key Factors In Fatal Traffic Accidents in Los Angeles
From the report mentioned above, key factors listed as contributing to the traffic violence problem in LA include:
- Speeding: Speeding has been an issue in LA for years. Drivers in the city often drive way too fast. But since the pandemic, speeding and other aggressive driving behaviors have increased, likely due to added tension and stress.
- Distracted driving: There also seems to continually be an increase in distractions that pull attention from the road, especially in LA. Los Angeles is a fast-paced city, with people living busy, hectic, on-the-go lives. Unfortunately, this means a lot of drivers try to multitask during their commutes, whether it’s talking or texting on their cell phones or grooming in the mirror while on the way to work or an event.
- Poor intersection and road design: LA, like many other cities, designs its roadways with the intention of keeping traffic moving as quickly as possible to cut down on congestion. However, if road design was focused more on forcing people to slow down, these accidents might not happen as often or be as severe.
- Larger vehicles: The sale of larger vehicles like SUVs has risen sharply in recent years, and while larger vehicles themselves are inherently dangerous, they do cause more damage and more severe injuries when striking a pedestrian or another smaller car.
- Systemic inequities: In LA specifically, traffic violence seems to disproportionately affect black and brown communities. This is likely due to the fact that the neighborhoods where these communities live are not as regulated and less care and attention is put into keeping the streets in these areas safe.
What to Do if You Are Injured in a Car Accident in Los Angeles
If your loved one was a victim of a traffic death in LA or any city in California, the steps you take following the accident can play a crucial role in how your case plays out. If you want to win your case and recover a high-value settlement to compensate you for the damages you have suffered, such as injuries, property damage, and emotional distress, follow these steps:
- Call the police: An official police report is essential when filing a personal injury claim.
- Seek immediate medical attention: If you were injured in the accident, you will need documentation to prove the extent of your injuries to ensure you are compensated for your medical expenses fairly. And the sooner you seek medical attention, the better. Delaying treatment can negatively affect your claim.
- Gather evidence: Things like photos, videos, and witness contact information are crucial pieces of evidence that can help prove what happened and ensure your claim doesn’t get denied.
- Consult with an attorney: Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to deal with, and they will do anything they can to deny a claim or find ways to offer a reduced settlement. But an attorney can advise you on what to say to the insurance company and help you gather evidence to ensure you win your case and get the compensation you deserve.
We Handle Your Accident Claim So You Can Focus On Your Life
Driving safely is the best way to protect yourself and others. However, if you find yourself injured due to an accident in California caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to recover compensation by filing a personal injury claim.
At Sally Morin, we truly care about the people of California. We understand how devastating a severe or even fatal accident can be and are dedicated to helping our clients get the full and fair settlement they deserve.
Call us at 877-380-8852 or contact us online today for a free case evaluation.