Each year, thousands of Californians are injured in traffic accidents. California’s demographics and population can increase the risk of traffic collisions. If you want to learn more about what is the leading cause of injuries in traffic collisions in California or what is the leading cause of traffic fatalities in California you have come to the right place. In this blog, we discuss the common causes of traffic accidents and resulting injuries and ways to be vigilant behind the wheel and mitigate your risk of injuries while driving.
What Is the Leading Cause of Injuries in Traffic Collisions in California?
There are infinite causes of traffic collisions. However, we routinely see the following several leading causes.
Distracted Driving
By far, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic accident-related injuries. Distracted driving can encompass many types of behavior. Examples include:
- Driving while texting,
- Talking on the phone while driving,
- Applying makeup,
- Eating while driving,
- Looking for something in the car, or
- Any conduct or behavior pulls the driver’s attention away from the road, even for a split second.
Unfortunately, even a momentary distraction can lead to a devastating crash and injuries. Any conduct that takes a driver’s eyes, hands, or focus away from safely operating the car is distracted driving.
Driving Under the Influence
In 2021, 1,370 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes, a 16% increase from the prior year, accounting for nearly a third of all traffic deaths in the state. Driving while intoxicated is both illegal and extremely dangerous for not only the driver but everyone else on the road or in their path. Alcohol or drugs impair a person’s judgment and ability to operate a vehicle safely. If someone intoxicated causes an accident, they may face criminal and civil liability.
Speeding
California’s multilane freeways and winding scenic roads make speeding an attractive temptation. Speed limits exist because they keep drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe. Failing to adhere to posted speed limits poses a substantial risk of injury. Traffic accidents that occur at high rates of speed can end in catastrophic injuries and even death.
Other common causes of traffic accidents are:
- Failure to obey traffic signals (e.g., running a red light),
- Driving on the wrong side of the road,
- Improper turns,
- Violation of the right-of-way rules, and
- Failing to yield.
No matter the cause of the accident, it can result in significant injuries and damages.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Injuries from car accidents can vary drastically. The nature and severity of injuries will depend on many factors, including speed, passenger location, point of impact, number of vehicles involved, and the type of vehicles involved. For example, a head-on crash between a tractor-trailer and a sports car at a high rate of speed is likely to end in severe injuries or death, but a low-speed rear-end collision should result in minor bumps and bruises. However, the extent of injuries is primarily unpredictable.
Depending on the circumstances, even a minor fender bender can result in devastating injuries. On the other hand, it is possible to be involved in a horrific car crash and walk away mostly unscathed.
There are a handful of injuries we often see in traffic accident cases, including:
- Lacerations and scrapes,
- Seatbelt and airbag burns,
- Fractured bones,
- Bumps and bruises,
- Whiplash and other neck injuries,
- Back and spinal cord injuries,
- Soft tissue injuries,
- Traumatic brain injuries,
- Concussions,
- Paralysis,
- Burns, and
- Death.
Many traffic accidents necessitate immediate medical treatment. However, even if you believe you are initially uninjured or do not require emergency medical care, you should always see a doctor for a thorough exam, diagnosis, and treatment, if necessary. The shock and surge of adrenaline that you may feel in the moments after a crash can mask pain and underlying injuries. Always see a doctor to avoid worsening or manifesting injuries.
Tips for Mitigating Risks While Driving
Driving always carries risks of accidents and injuries, but there are steps you can take to mitigate those risks and keep yourself and your loved ones safe. To reduce your risk of being injured in a traffic accident, you should:
- Avoid distractions like using your cell phone while driving,
- Do not drink and drive;
- Do not drive high;
- Use caution and slow down;
- Practice safe driving habits;
- Use defensive driving tactics when warranted;
- Obey traffic laws, signs, and signals; and
- Ensure you have adequate rest and sleep before getting behind the wheel.
Accidents can happen no matter how careful you are. Still, you can lessen your chance of being involved in a wreck and sustaining injuries by being vigilant and exercising reasonable caution.
Do You Need A California Car Accident Attorney?
If you or a loved one is injured in a car crash, you may be contemplating legal action. At Frederick Law Firm, we are here to assist you in any way we can. We have 40 years of experience advocating for accident victims throughout the state. Contact us today to schedule a compassionate and free case consultation.
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