Freeway Car Accidents in Los AngelesĀ
Los Angeles is home to some of the busiest freeways in the country. Unfortunately, they are also some of the most dangerous, with frequent catastrophes such as truck accidents, multi-car pileups and severe rear-end collisions.
If you get injured or a loved one dies in a freeway accident in Los Angeles, help is available at Rose, Klein & Marias LLP. A Los Angeles car accident lawyer will help you seek justice and fair financial compensation so that you can move forward with confidence.
Most Dangerous Freeways in Los Angeles
Throughout all of Los Angeles County, 58,147 people were injured and killed in traffic accidents in 2022, the most recent year data is available. Many serious and fatal collisions occur on the freeway and highway systems that traverse Los Angeles.
Statistically, some of the most dangerous freeways in the area are:
- I-405
- US-101
- I-5
- I-10
- I-710
- CA-110
Large traffic volumes and the presence of heavy trucks contribute to what makes these highways so dangerous for drivers. I-710 in particular is a major freight corridor with a high volume of truck traffic.
Why Are LAās Freeways So Dangerous?
Los Angelesās freeways are prone to car accidents due to a combination of road conditions and driver behaviors. Many local freeways are old and in need of repair, contributing to collisions. Crash risks such as confusing interchanges and sharp curves can be hazardous, especially when combined with a high volume of merging and diverging traffic.
There’s also a significant risk of driver error. Issues such as speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, drunk driving, following too closely, making unsafe lane changes, and aggressive driver behaviors all increase the odds of accidents on Los Angeles freeways. Many drivers may also become frustrated with traffic conditions, leading to road rage incidents.
Common Types of Freeway Accidents
Many different types of motor vehicle accidents can occur on LA Countyās freeways. These collisions may involve cars, trucks or motorcycles. Common types include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Lane-change accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
- Trucking accidents
- Jackknife accidents
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- SUV and truck rollovers
- Wrong-way accidents
- Tire blowout accidents
- Construction zone crashes
Car accidents that take place on a freeway can be catastrophic due to the speeds of the vehicles involved. This can lead to life-changing injuries such as broken bones, head and brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
What to Do After a Freeway Car Accident in Los Angeles
If you get into a car accident while traveling on one of Los Angelesās busy freeways, try to stay calm. Move your disabled vehicle out of the way of oncoming traffic, if possible. Turn your emergency lights on to prevent additional collisions.
Check yourself and others in your vehicle for injuries. When it is safe to do so, exit your vehicle to see if anyone else has been hurt. Call 911 immediately to notify local police. Remain at the scene until the police arrive. While you wait, exchange contact information with the other driver and take pictures of the crash scene.
If there are any witnesses, gather their information. Get medical care immediately for your injuries and keep copies of your medical records. Contact your car insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim. Before you accept a settlement, consult with a skilled Los Angeles personal injury attorney.
A Los Angeles freeway accident lawyer can build your case using evidence. Your lawyer can take over settlement negotiations with an insurance company for you to seek maximum compensation. While your lawyer handles confusing legal processes, you can focus on healing.