California Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney.

According to the National Highway Safety and Traffic Administration ("NHTSA") people drove less in 2020 but an "...estimated 38,680 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes—the largest projected number of fatalities since 2007." The 2020 estimated number of crashes increased by 7.2 percent compared to 2019.

California Motor Vehicle Fatalities.

In 2019 California experienced a five (5) percent decrease in fatalities according to the NHTSA. However, 3,606 motor vehicle crash deaths occurred in California for the year 2019 according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ("IIHS"). The type of road users involved in California traffic fatalities are as follows:

• 33% - Car Occupants
• 27% - Pedestrians
• 19% - Pickup and SUV Occupants
• 13% - Motorcyclists
• 4% - Bicyclists
• 1% - Large Truck Occupants

However, the above-mentioned number does not truly reflect the full impact that motor vehicle accidents have on the communities of California.

Southern California Motor Vehicle Statistics.

The most recent statistical year for Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County as reported by the California Office of Traffic Safety estimates the following number of victims suffered injuries or died as a result of a collision:

• Los Angeles County - 92,020
• San Bernardino County - 15,104

The total for each county includes vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and accidents involving bicycles.

If you or your family where injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact Arellanez Legal.  We have the experience to handle difficult motor vehicle accident cases. We are a compassionate and caring law firm that helps survivors and families who have lost loved ones.

What Should You Do After A Motor Vehicle Accident?

Vehicle accidents can cause significant damage to your physical health, finances, and your families well-being.  Significant complications can develop following an accident such as Traumatic Brain Injuries.

What should you do if you're involved in a motor vehicle accident? The State of California requires that you stop and remain at the scene.  If your accident involves a parked car or other property you must leave a note with your information if the owner cannot be contacted.  We recommend the following steps be taken after a motor vehicle accident has occurred:

1. 1. Remain at the Scene;
   2. Ask For Medical Help;
   3. Contact the local police, local sheriffs department, or highway patrol (depending on location of the accident) and report the accident to create a record;
   4. Avoid stating you are not hurt or injured;
   5. Avoid admitting fault or apologizing;
   6. Ask the other driver(s) for their information (e.g. name, phone number, drivers license number, insurance policy information (including coverage limits), and license plate number).
   7. Ask all witnesses or bystanders for their contact information including email address. First hand accounts can help strengthen your case and can be used to refute claims that the accident was your fault.
   8. Gather evidence of the accident by taking photos of the entire accident scene and damaged property.  The photos should depict the vehicles, the position of the vehicles, road signage, debris on the street, the weather conditions, and visible injuries (e.g. cuts, bruises, head gashes, etc.)

In addition, we recommend that you also read our article regarding what to do following a car accident.  The article contains other useful information and recommendations to follow.

Common Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries.

Dignity Health reports the most common injuries of a motor vehicle accident include:

• Sprains and strains of the neck and back;
• Bruises;
• Spine Injuries;
• Sprain and strains other than of the neck and back;
• Fractures of the leg, pelvis, ribs or arms; and
• Open wounds.

Motor vehicle accidents are serious and can cause impact injuries and penetrating injuries.

Impact Injuries

Impact injuries can occur when an individuals body hits the interior portion of the vehicle.  Head injuries like whiplash or a knee slamming into the dashboard are types of impact injuries.

Penetrating Injuries

Penetrating injuries can occur when an individual experiences cuts, scrapes, and other serious injuries.

Compensation For Your Injuries.

If you've been injured in a car accident or have lost a family member you may be entitled to compensation. A family member could bring a wrongful death lawsuit against a negligent party if certain requirements are met. To determine if a wrongful death lawsuit should be filed talk to a qualified attorney. At Arellanez Legal we have the experience to help families seek compensation for the wrongful death of a family member.  The type of damages available could include the following:

• Medical and rehabilitation costs;
• Past and future medical expenses;
• Lost income;
• Pain and suffering;
• Lost companionship or intimacy;
• Punitive damages (for certain egregious cases); and
• Property damages

As such, an injured party should speak with a qualified attorney to determine the type of damages available.

Contact A Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney.

It's very important to discuss your case with a qualified attorney. At Arellanez Legal our nurse-paralegals work with Michael Arellanez to review your medical records to obtain favorable outcomes.  Do not hesitate to contact Arellanez Legal by calling (951)888-2464 for a free consultation or by providing a date and time that will work for you via our easy-to-use contact page..