3 Determining Causes of Car Accidents in California

Car accidents happen every day across the United States, and these incidents are a leading cause of accidental injuries, deaths, and substantial property losses each year. Car accidents also disrupt traffic and commerce, and victims may not be able to work, resulting in lost productivity. Various agencies collect accident data at the state and federal levels, publishing their findings, so drivers are consistently aware of the biggest threats they face on the road.

There are three main categories of potential causes of car accidents. First, the underlying cause of your recent car accident will inform your options for legal recourse regarding securing compensation for your damages. If you are unsure how to proceed after a car accident in California, it’s best to consult an experienced attorney to provide the legal guidance you need in this situation.

One: Vehicle-Related Causes

Every vehicle requires consistent maintenance and care, from regular refueling to replacing oil and swapping worn parts for new ones. When a vehicle maintenance issue causes an accident, one or more parties can bear fault for the incident. For example, if a defective vehicle part causes a crash, the part manufacturer could face product liability claims from affected drivers.

“Vehicle-related” causes include anything involving vehicle performance that causes an accident. For example, a driver could face liability for such an accident if they neglected to address a known mechanical problem with their vehicle before it caused an accident. It’s also possible for a mechanic to absorb fault if they fail to perform necessary service and repairs correctly in a manner causing the accident.

Two: Driver-Related Causes

Driver-related causes of motor vehicle accidents are most likely to generate personal injury claims for damages. When one driver’s actions cause an accident with another driver, the injured driver can seek compensation for their losses from the at-fault driver. Some of the most commonly reported driver-related causes of car accidents in California include:

• Distracted driving.
• Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs.
• Moving violations.
• Speeding.
• Reckless driving.

When one driver’s negligence or intentional misconduct results in injuries to another driver, the injured driver has the right to seek accountability for their damages. The first step is typically filing an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver, and their policy will determine the level of coverage the injured driver can expect if they succeed with their claim.

If the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy does not provide enough coverage to fully compensate the damages the policyholder caused, they become liable for any remaining losses the injured driver sustained. The injured driver could then file a personal injury claim to recover damages that insurance can’t cover.

Three: Environmental Causes

Driving conditions can also contribute to accidents. The third general category of all motor vehicle accidents includes those that happen because of dangerous environmental conditions. Poor visibility of any kind, driving at night, and driving during severe weather are all examples of commonly cited environmental causes of car accidents. Poor road conditions, damage to road surfaces, and hazards that are difficult to visually identify are a few other commonly reported environmental causes of car accidents in California.

When these accidents occur, there may not be any one party to blame for the resulting damages. For example, if you experienced a vehicle accident because you lost control of your vehicle due to forces beyond your control, you might be able to refer to your own insurance policy for coverage. However, the insurance company will need to verify that you were not negligent in any way that contributed to causing the collision.

Can I Take Legal Action After a Car Accident?

You could have more options for recovering your losses from a car accident than you initially realize. If you are unsure whether another party is responsible for causing the crash, or if you do not know whether you have any grounds to seek compensation for your losses, it’s vital to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Recovery from a serious car accident will be much easier when you have legal advice readily available from a trusted attorney. Your legal team can provide several valuable legal services that can greatly improve the quality of your recovery after a serious car accident.

An attorney can help improve the outcome of an auto insurance claim and help their client pursue further legal recourse when insurance can’t fully cover their losses. The sooner the victim of a car accident secures legal counsel, the better prepared they are to face the potentially difficult proceedings ahead of them as they seek compensation for their losses. Perry Personal Injury Lawyers can help California drivers file their auto insurance claims and compile personal injury suits against the drivers responsible for their accidents.

Benefits of Legal Counsel After a Car Accident

Regardless of how your recent car accident happened, it’s understandable to have many legal questions, and you may not know the best options for recovery available to you in this situation. Connecting with an experienced car accident lawyer enables you to approach an auto insurance claim and related personal injury claim with greater confidence. Your attorney can help you gather the evidence you may need to establish fault for the accident. They will also assist you in proving the full range of damages you can seek from the at-fault driver’s insurance or a personal injury claim.

Ultimately, attempting to handle the aftermath of a car accident and the legal issues you face while managing painful injuries would be extremely challenging. However, hiring an experienced attorney to represent you can pay off tremendously in several ways, especially when maximizing the compensation you receive through insurance and a subsequent personal injury claim.

Perry Personal Injury Lawyers has extensive professional experience representing California clients in a wide range of car accident claims, and we can leverage this experience for you in your claim. Contact us today to learn more about the legal services we can offer after you’ve been injured in an accident someone else caused.