Car Accidents Can Happen During Holiday Travel

The fall and winter holidays generally conjure thoughts of friends, family, and festivities. When preparing for the holidays, most people plan menus, make gift lists, and fill their calendars with parties and gatherings. People usually do not automatically associate the holidays with auto accidents. Unfortunately, the number of motor vehicle accidents in the United States tend to increase during the holidays, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).¹ Specifically, some of the deadliest holidays include Thanksgiving and New Years. If you are injured in a holiday car accident, you should contact an attorney who knows how to handle Los Angeles car accident cases as soon as possible.

The following are some of the most common reasons for the increased risk of collisions during the holidays:

Traffic congestion – There tend to simply be more vehicles out on the roads during the holiday season. Whether motorists are taking road trips to visit relatives or friends or simply going on multiple shopping trips, the highways, roads, and even parking lots in and around Los Angeles are generally congested. Whenever such congestion occurs—combined with drivers who are often in a hurry—there are bound to be accidents.

Unfamiliar roads – When a driver is not familiar with a road or an area, the risk of mistakes behind the wheel often increases. Drivers may not know where to turn, may miss traffic signals, or may not be familiar with potential hazards on the highways, including curves, on and off ramps, and more. This increased potential for driver error contributes to the increase in collisions.

Drinking and driving –  Holidays mean parties and parties often mean champagne and other alcoholic beverages. While there is no harm in relaxing with a bottle of wine with friends, the risk of accidents occurs when these revelers then get behind the wheel of a car. Not only is driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) against California law,² but it can also result in serious accidents and injuries.

If you have sustained any type of injury due to a negligent party, call an attorney to discuss your Los Angeles car accident case today.

Steven M. Sweat, APC

5757 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 450

Los Angeles, CA  90036

For more information about car accidents in the Palmdale area, please visit: http://antelopevalleyaccidentattorneys.blogspot.com

References:

¹http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/809718.pdf

²http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=veh&group=23001-24000&file=23152-23229.1

What Is The Value of My Car Accident Case?

When you sit down to consult with an attorney about a potential car accident case in Los Angeles, one of your first questions is naturally: what is my case worth? The value of your case is based on the amount of compensation to which you are entitled under the law from negligent parties who caused your accident. This compensation is based on the “damages”¹ that you suffered as a result of your accident-related injuries. There are many different types of damages and the value in car accident cases can vary widely from one victim to another. The following are types of damages that an LA car accident attorney will calculate to estimate the value of your case.

Medical expenses – This category of losses includes many different types of expenses, including costs of emergency care, hospitalization, medications, medical equipment, surgeries, home health care, physical and rehabilitative therapy, assisted living, and more. Damages can be calculated for both past expenses incurred as well as the estimated cost of future medical treatments you require for your injuries.

Lost wages and benefits – Many car accident victims sustain serious injuries that take a while to recover. During their recovery, they likely will not be able to work, which means they will lose income and may struggle to cover their expenses. Fortunately, victims can seek damages for lost wages and other work benefits. In addition to income lost in the past, you can seek compensation for future earning power that you have lost due to long-term challenges or disabilities.

Non-economic losses – In addition to financial losses, you can seek damages for intangible sufferings. This type of damages often applies to cases involving serious or catastrophic injuries and it is important to have a Los Angeles car accident lawyer who knows how to calculate this type of damages. Non-economic losses can include mental trauma, physical pain and suffering, permanent disfigurement or disability, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.

Because injuries can vary from one LA car accident case to another, every victim should contact an attorney to discuss the possible value of a personal injury claim.

Steven M. Sweat, APC

5757 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 450

Los Angeles, CA  90036

References:

¹https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/damages

Do You Have a Car Accident Case?

Following any type of motor vehicle accident, everyone involved is understandably shaken and unsure of what to do. If you suffered injury and believe that the accident was caused by another party, your first call should be to an attorney who understands Los Angeles car accident law. Many accident victims believe they do not need an attorney or that they would not be able to recover for their losses. However, an attorney can review your case, advise you of your legal rights, and represent you throughout the entire legal process.

Can I Recover in my Case?

Whether or not you can recover depends on whether another party acted negligently to cause or contribute to your accident. There are many different negligent acts that can lead to car accidents, including:

·         Texting and driving or other acts of distracted driving

·         Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

·         Fatigued driving

·         Speeding, running red lights, or violating other traffic laws

·         Not properly yielding

·         Allowing road hazards or defective road conditions to exist

·         Selling vehicles with defective parts that malfunction

You may recover even if you were partially at fault

Many people hesitate to discuss their case with an attorney because they believe they may have been partially at fault for the accident. For example, perhaps the other driver violated a red light but, because you were looking at your phone, you did not notice and proceeded through your rightful green light in their path. The other party will often argue that you were also to blame though California luckily has a law to protect drivers like you. In such situations, you still have the legal right to recover. Even if you believe you may be partially at fault, you should always call a skilled accident and injury attorney for a case review.

An experienced Los Angeles car accident attorney will be able to evaluate your case and advise you of your rights to recover for your losses in your specific situation. Every situation is different, so it is imperative that you consult with an attorney who will advocate for your victim's rights.

For more information, please visit:

Steven M. Sweat, APC
5757 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 450
Los Angeles, CA  90036

http://www.victimslawyer.com/car-accidents/