Despite California’s population decline from 2018 to 2022, deaths from car crashes rose in 2022, 17 percent up from pre-pandemic levels in 2018, according to a Consumer Affairs report.
Estimates for 2023 show car crash fatalities declining in California alongside its population, but those fatalities are still above pre-pandemic levels, clocking in at 10.3 deaths per 100,000 people in 2023 compared with 9.6 deaths per 100,000 people in 2018.
What Causes Car Crashes?
Occasionally, poorly designed roads cause car crashes. For example, pedestrian accidents are more common on surface streets with inadequate traffic calming measures, like stop signs. However, driver error causes over 98% of the vehicle collisions in California. This driver error includes:
- Operator Impairment: Among noncommercial drivers, alcohol and/or drug use is the most common form of operator impairment. Substance impairment usually begins with the first drink, puff, or pill. Excessive fatigue is common as well, especially among commercial drivers, such as large trucks and Uber operators.
- Aggressive Driving: A general failure to maintain a proper lookout id the most common kind of aggressive driving. FMPL is usually related to excessive speed. Failure to yield the right-of-way also causes many accidents, especially motorcycle accidents.
As outlined below, a San Diego personal injury lawyer can obtain compensation for crash victims if the tortfeasor (negligent driver) does not live up to their duty of care.
Defective products, mostly defective tires, cause most other car accidents. If a company knowingly makes and/or sells a defective product, that company could be liable for damages as a matter of law.
Negligence Defined
Most, but not all of, the aforementioned driver errors constitute negligence, or a lack of care, meaning that compensation is available.
This compensation usually includes money for economic losses, such as medical bills, and noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering.
Excessive speed is a good example of the not negligence/negligence dividing line. If Tracy was traveling 5 mph above the speed limit, although she was technically speeding, most jurors wouldn’t say she was negligent. If Tracy was traveling 15 mph above the limit, that is different.
Ozols Law Firm is here to help
Injury victims are entitled to substantial compensation. For a confidential consultation with an personal injury lawyer in San Diego, contact the Ozols Law Firm. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we start working for you.