Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced a Vision Zero program in which he intended to reduce the number of traffic-related deaths in Los Angeles by 20%. Instead, the first year saw a 43% increase in the number of fatal accidents. This is because car accidents, in general, are on the rise in Los Angeles. If you have been involved in an accident in Los Angeles, you’ll want to speak to a car wreck lawyer Los Angeles so you can prove the negligence of the other party and receive the compensation you deserve.
Determining Who Was At Fault
A car injury attorney will know exactly which laws a motorist would need to be following to avoid being held responsible for an accident. For example, if the other driver drifted into your lane while making a turn, the car accident lawyer would use this to prove that he or she was responsible for the accident. However, the defendant may dispute your Los Angeles injury lawyer version of the events.
Gathering Evidence
If you are able to do so safely, take photographs of the accident. A car accident lawyer can use photographs to support your version of the events. Also, take photographs of your injuries and visit a doctor promptly so your car injury attorney can calculate your damages.
There are aspects of the accident that may affect liability such as:
- Whether the other driver was speeding
- Whether there was a DUI
- Whether the other driver was drunk
Speeding is a Top Cause of Accidents
About 108,554 car accidents were caused by speeding between 2006-2015. If you suspect that the other driver was speeding, contact an auto accident lawyer in Los Angeles so you can gather evidence necessary to prove that the motorist was speeding.
About 20% of high school students have reported that they were riding with someone who was under the influence of alcohol in the previous month. Drinking and driving is a widespread problem and if you believe that the motorist was under the influence of alcohol when he or she hit you, a car wreck lawyer Los Angeles will use this information to craft your case.
Using a Cell Phone
About 16% of accidents result from a motorist using a cell phone. An auto accident lawyer in Los Angeles may be able to subpoena phone records to allow you to prove that the motorist was on his or her phone.
Not Wearing a Seatbelt
If you were not wearing a seatbelt, this may be used as evidence that you were partially at fault for your injuries since you may not have suffered such severe injuries if you were wearing one. For example, seat belts reduce deaths by 45%. You will need help from a Los Angeles injury lawyer to strengthen other aspects of your case so that you can avoid being held partially at fault and receiving less compensation.
Personal injury attorneys with