Los Angeles Auto Accident Information
Due to someone else’s negligence, have you been injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, California? Regardless of whether or not you consider your injuries severe, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to help you through this emotional time. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), someone is involved in a car accident every 10 seconds in the United States.
Throughout the country, it is the law that all drivers must exercise “reasonable care under the circumstances” when driving in any situation. Failure to do so is considered negligence, in which case this person may be required to pay for any damages or injuries that are caused by such negligence. In the case of an automobile accident, the person with injuries (the plaintiff) will be required to prove that the defendant’s negligence was at least part of the cause of the accident which resulted in the injuries. Some examples of a driver’s negligence could be:
- Disobeying traffic signs or signals
- Failing to signal while turning
- Driving above or below the posted speed limit
- Disregarding weather or traffic conditions
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Reckless driving is another common cause of automobile accidents. Reckless driving is defined as intentionally driving unsafely, with clear disregard that such actions could cause an accident. The NHTSA also defines unlawful driving actions such as:
- Speeding, this could be exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast in unsafe conditions
- Improper or excessive lane changing
- Improper passing
There are also cases when the manufacturer of the automobile could be at fault in an auto accident, in which case, they would be responsible for compensation of injuries and property damage that occurred in the collision.
One of the most common types of car crashes is the rear-end collision, and the force of the impact from the rear of the car can cause the driver’s head to snap violently back and forward, causing a cervical sprain, strain, or hyperextension injury, which has also been referred to as whiplash. Although the term “whiplash” has developed a negative connotation throughout the years, this is the most common injury in this type of accident, and it does not require the impact to be at high speed. Another unique aspect of the whiplash injury (and probably why it has gained such a negative perception) is that the injuries are not always immediately recognized. Sometimes it can take days or weeks for the injured person to experience:
- Tightness and stiffness in the neck
- Serious neck pain, which is usually dull and aching, not sharp
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Problems with balance
- Back pain
- Memory problems
- Difficulty with concentration
It is important not to ignore any of these symptoms, should they occur soon after an automobile accident, and your attorney will know the best way for you to get medical help. Many times these types of injuries can heal up quickly, but it is always important to seek proper medical care. Because of the possibility of chronic pain from this type of injury, be sure to ensure your legal rights are protected by taking all necessary steps for healing, and let your attorney know everything you are doing to get better.
Because automobile accidents are all too common in the United States, and Los Angeles in particular, it is important that you get an attorney experienced in car accident compensation recovery to ensure you will be protected legally, and financially, should you need medical care for an extended time, or for life. Find a Los Angeles car accident lawyer who can help you in the Los Angeles Lawyers 360 Directory today.