West Covina, a community just a few miles outside of Los Angeles, is no stranger to car accidents. Thanks to large roadways like Interstate 10, Barracana Avenue, and Azusa Avenue, the stark reality is that this community is familiar with severe crashes. From small fender-benders near Cortez Park to serious and even fatal crashes along busy interchanges, these events occur every day. It can be helpful to understand West Covina car accident statistics.

California is one of the most frequented driving destinations in the country. Due to the thousands of cars on the roads every day, California car accident statistics are higher than those of many other states in the nation.

Top Causes of West Covina Car Accidents

In 2022, the state of California saw over 4,000 deaths related to traffic accidents. It is important to be aware of the most common causes of these accidents, as this can help decrease your chances of becoming involved in an accident and suffering injuries or even death. The most common reasons for car accidents in West Covina include the following:

  • Distracted driving. One of the leading causes of car accidents in West Covina is distracted driving. Nationwide, distracted driving accounts for 3,275 accidents. Drivers may be distracted by texting and driving, eating, drinking, grooming, interacting with passengers, reaching for something inside the vehicle, and adjusting the radio or temperature controls.
  • Speeding. Speeding is not only illegal, but it can also cause serious and even fatal car accidents. When a driver surpasses the posted speed limit, they can increase their chances of causing an accident or fatal injuries. Speeding affords them a shorter reaction time to other vehicles on the roadway or nearby obstacles.
  • Reckless driving. When a driver operates their vehicle in a reckless or even aggressive way, they can cause horrific accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Behaviors to avoid can include tailgating, failing to obey yield signs or other traffic signs and signals, cutting people off, or showing signs of road rage.
  • Driving under the influence. In California, not only is it illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but it is also dangerous and can lead to injuries and death. Every day, 34 people in the United States die as a result of a drunk driving accident. Driving impaired means you will have a slower reaction time that will hinder your judgment to make decisions while on the roadway, leading to accidents.

What to Do in the Aftermath of a West Covina Car Accident

If you have suffered a car accident in West Covina, there are several steps you should take, if you are physically capable of doing so, that will help protect your own health and the security of any future claim. These steps include:

  • Remaining calm and moving yourself to a place of safety off the roadway
  • Checking yourself and your passengers for injuries
  • Contacting emergency medical services
  • Contacting the police to report the accident
  • Not admitting to fault
  • Exchanging information with the other drivers involved
  • Documenting the scene through photos and videos
  • Photographing your injuries and the injuries of anyone else in your vehicle
  • Securing the contact information of any eyewitnesses
  • Obtaining a copy of the police report
  • Seeking medical attention in case you are suffering from invisible injuries, such as internal bleeding
  • Speaking with a West Covina car accident lawyer who can help build you a strong personal injury claim

FAQs

Q: What Parties Can Be Held Liable for a Car Accident in California?

A: In California, there are several parties who may be held liable in a car accident, depending on the circumstances. This is why it is essential to work with an attorney who can determine the cause of the accident and establish liability. The most common parties held liable in car accidents include other negligent drivers, the owners of a vehicle, employers, and the manufacturers of defective car parts.

Q: What Injuries Are Common in a California Car Accident?

A: Depending on the exact nature of your car accident in California, there are several injuries you may suffer. The most common injuries include:

  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Cuts, bruises, lacerations
  • Whiplash, internal bleeding
  • Internal organ damage
  • Road rash, severe burns
  • Amputations
  • Nerve damage
  • Paralysis
  • Concussions
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Damage to the spinal cord

More severe injuries often occur if the crash involves a large truck, pedestrians, or multiple vehicles.

Q: What Are My Chances of Dying in a West Covina Car Accident?

A: While the rate of car accident fatalities in California is relatively similar to that of the national average, West Covina can be a dangerous area to drive in, as there are many individuals using the roadways. In recent years, traffic accidents and fatalities alike have increased, leading many to wonder if they have a higher chance of dying in a car accident.

Q: What Damages Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Claim in California?

A: Depending on the nature of your accident and the severity of your injuries, there are several damages you may be able to recover in a personal injury claim in California. The most common forms of compensation available include damages for medical bills, lost wages, your lost ability to earn an income in the future, pain and suffering, punitive damages, and wrongful death damages.

Speak With an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in West Covina Today

If you have been victimized in a car accident in West Covina, you may be able to recover compensation. The team at Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, A Professional Corporation, is here to help.

While you are not legally required to hire counsel after a car accident in West Covina, having an attorney at your side can prove vital in the outcome of a personal injury claim. At Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & O’Connor, A Professional Corporation, we have helped many drivers recover the damages they have suffered at the hands of negligent parties. Contact our offices today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how we can fight for you.