The Dos and Donts to Avoid Vehicle Accidents in Los Angeles
Kamille Pagibigan
There has not been a day in Los Angeles without traffic mishaps since September 2000, and vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the area.
According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, there have been 42,642 motor vehicle traffic crashes recorded last 2006 and 3,835 in the state of California.
Some causes of automobile accidents are the following:
" Drunk Driving
The record for fatal crashes involving alcohol is 39% and 75% for accidents that occur from midnight to 3 a.m.
It has been recorded last 2005 that fatal collisions involving alcohol intake have increased by 18.4% within the last five years.
" Speeding
Speeding above the limits is like risking an accident. Speed was indicated as the primary factor of collision, with 29.1% of the fatal and injury traffic accidents.
" Equipment Failure
The most common types of equipment failure are the following:
1. Tire blowouts 2. Break malfunction 3. Suspension/Steering failure 4. Tread separation
Less than 5% of vehicle accidents are reported due to failure of equipment.
" Roadway Maintenance
This may contribute to some motor vehicle accidents but it is rarely the main cause. The following are some examples of shortcomings of roadway maintenance:
1. Faded road signs 2. Potholes 3. Debris on the roadway 4. Roadway construction 5. Salting and sanding
" Weather
Some accidents are caused by the weather. Rain, however light, can be a dangerous condition because it may lead to slick freeways. At some point, a bad weather may also limit the motorists visibility.
" Driver Behavior
Over 95% of vehicle accidents are caused, in some degree, by the imprudent behaviors of drivers. Some take the risks and ignore the dangers of aggressive driving.
These traffic violations can be characterized as aggressive driving:
1. Failure to signal 2. Impaired driving 3. Excessive speed 4. Disregarding traffic controls 5. Frequent or unsafe changing of lanes 6. Failure to yield the right of way 7. Tailgating
Traffic fatalities in the United States has increased by 1.4% from 2004 to 2005 and 26 states showed increases that ranged from less than 1% to as much as 23%.
Accidents happen at such a huge possibility, but it can be prevented. These are some ways:
" Follow traffic rules and regulations " Drive cautiously and safely " Consider other external factors as a possible cause of vehicle accidents
After experiencing a traffic accident, one should immediately seek medical attention, whether the injury is small or grave. If given the chance, one should also record every important details of the incident. These include license numbers, the names and contact information of the persons involved and the witnesses.
To reclaim the actual expenses achieved in property damage, economic compensation, emotional distress and medical bills, it is important to hire an experienced Los Angeles vehicle accident lawyer. These legal experts can assist you in pursuing a lawsuit over an automobile accident.
Through the help of the lawyer, one can understand better the laws that should be abided and the consequences that goes with it and the terms and conditions being presented by the insurance.
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