Los Angeles is a notoriously congested city, and with its heavy traffic, it’s no surprise that car accidents are a common occurrence. With its dense population and complex road networks, the city poses unique challenges to drivers, including both locals and visitors. While various factors contribute to car wrecks, there are several Los Angeles car accident causes that are more prevalent than others.
In this blog, our Los Angeles car crash lawyers review the three most common Los Angeles car accident causes and offer some tips on how to prevent them.
Most Common Causes of Los Angeles Car Accidents
Speeding
Speeding is the most common cause of Los Angeles car crashes. According to 2021 data from Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), 30% of all car crashes in Los Angeles were attributed to speeding. Exceeding the speed limit, whether due to impatience, a thrill-seeking mentality, or a misjudgment of road conditions, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
Prevent speeding by:
- Always obeying the speed limit
- Using cruise control
- Paying attention to the traffic around you and adjust your speed accordingly
- Avoiding aggressive driving and road rage
Impaired Driving
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), 30% of traffic deaths in California are caused by impaired driving. This includes driving while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, over-the-counter drugs, prescription medications, and illicit drugs. Los Angeles county has the third highest rate of drug-involved car crashes in California. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time, leading to a heightened risk of accidents and fatalities.
Prevent impaired driving by:
- Designating a driver who will not drink alcohol
- Using public transportation, a taxi, or ride-sharing service
- Spending the night at a friend’s house or hotel if you aren’t sober enough to drive home
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become an epidemic on the roads throughout the country, and Los Angeles is no exception. This includes using a cell phone, changing the radio, fiddling with a GPS, eating, or engaging in other activities that take your attention away from the road.
More than half of the respondents to the 2021 California Traffic Safety Survey reported having been hit or nearly hit by a driver who was talking or texting on a cell phone. When you’re distracted, you’re not able to react quickly to changes in traffic, and you’re more likely to make mistakes. Los Angeles county has the highest rate of distracted driving deaths in the state.
Prevent distracted driving by:
- Turning off your phone and putting it away
- Avoiding eating and drinking while driving
- Using hands-free technology
- Notifying your passengers that you are committed to driving distraction free
Other Causes of Los Angeles Car Wrecks
While speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving are the main causes of Los Angeles car accidents, there are several other factors that can contribute to car wrecks in Los Angeles that drivers should be aware of, including:
- Improper turns, such as illegal U-turns and failure to yield the right-of-way
- Defective vehicles
- Construction
- Mechanical failures, such as tire blowouts
- Fatigued driving
- Tailgating
- Aggressive driving
Contact a Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer
Understanding the causes of Los Angeles car accidents is crucial for preventing them and ensuring the safety of everyone on the road. Even if you drive safely, that doesn’t mean others will. No matter what, accidents can happen at any time. If you or a loved one have been injured in a crash due to the negligence or recklessness of another, you might be entitled to compensation.
The Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe have helped numerous clients obtain compensation for their injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. Our team has more than 240 years of combined legal experience, has a track record of recovering billions for our clients nationwide, and we are ready to help you win!
Our staff is available 24/7 to being your free consultation by phone at 310-INJURED and online via LiveChat or encrypted contact form.