Highway Car Accidents

The California freeways are famously dangerous, and nowhere is that more evident than the highways and roadways connecting Los Angeles County with the rest of the state and country. If you end up in a highway accident, the chances are very high that you will be injured. There were a little over 3700 car accident deaths in California in 2020, and many of those occurred on the highways. If someone injured you in a highway accident in Southern California, particularly around Los Angeles County, call Kirakosian Law for a free consultation. You may be eligible for damages for your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering, so call today.

Why California Highway Accidents are so Dangerous

The highest speed limit on LA County highways is 65 mph, but many drivers go higher when traffic allows. Even if excessive speed isn’t involved in your accident, 65 mph is an extremely high speed for an impact. If you’re also moving at that speed, your vehicle may do unpredictable things. Our freeways are also known for gridlock traffic, which means that rear-end collisions are common. If you’re struck in the rear, even at a relatively low speed, like 15 to 20 mph, you may experience whiplash. This results from your head snapping backward and forward. It’s an extremely common and painful injury associated with this type of highway accident.

Types of California Freeway Accidents

You can experience any type of accident on the freeway that you can around the city, but some accidents are much more common on the highways.

Side-swipe Accident

We’ve all experienced drivers encroaching into our lanes of travel without noticing our vehicle. When this results in an impact, it can send both cars spinning out of control, sometimes even hitting other vehicles.

Rear-End Collisions

Because of the start-and-stop traffic on LA highways, drivers may not hit their brakes in time to avoid a rear-end collision. Distracted driving due to cellphones and in-car computer consoles are often to blame for the slower reaction times.

Roll-Over Crashes

Higher speeds create unpredictable outcomes. For example, when you get struck at an angle, your car may overturn one or more times. These accidents invariably result in injuries and often fatalities.

Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks have several times the mass of regular cars and personal trucks. If you are struck by one of these enormous vehicles, your car will sustain most of the impact, which means that you are more likely to be hurt than the truck driver. If you’ve been involved in any crash resulting in injuries, call Kirakosian Law for a free consultation.

What To Do if You’re in a Highway Accident in California

When you get into an accident while on the highway, there are some things you can do to protect your safety and health and to help you recover damages.

• Drive to a safe spot. If your vehicle is driveable, pull off to the shoulder.
• Stay in your vehicle until it’s safe to exit.
• Call 911 and report your location, injuries, vehicle descriptions, and damage to the vehicles.
• Do not walk into the lanes of travel.
• Take photos or videos of the scene from a safe vantage point. Include the vehicle positions, damage, and geographical information.
• Gather the names and contact information of witnesses.
• Allow rescue personnel to examine you. Then, if necessary, go to the emergency room.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer who is well versed in California personal injury and accident law.

Highway/Freeway Accident Attorney in Los Angeles County, CA

If you contact Kirakosian Law from the scene of your accident, you can receive free legal advice from a professional lawyer. Unlike other types of law firms, Kirakosian law works on a contingency basis, which means that they only collect fees when they win your case. If you accept a settlement from the insurance company, they will require you to sign a waiver of liability that prevents you from seeking further damages. Don’t accept a settlement without first speaking to a professional lawyer. Call Kirakosian Law today!