Busy cities like Los Angeles often have relatively high motor vehicle accident rates. When there is more traffic congestion, there are more opportunities for accidents to occur. However, research indicates that our city’s roadways are becoming even more dangerous for motorists and pedestrians than they already were.
According to city officials, in 2021, traffic collisions claimed the lives of 294 people in Los Angeles. This represents a 24% increase from 2020.
Various factors are likely to blame for this alarming trend. Los Angeles city officials have argued that motorists are probably more distracted by their phones when driving than they would have been in the pre-smartphone age. This can yield an increase in accidents resulting from distracted driving.
Officials also believe that the choices drivers make behind the wheel are not the only factors contributing to a rise in traffic accident fatalities. They cite popular automotive design trends as another major factor. In recent years, many automotive companies have prioritized designing heavier vehicles. Unfortunately, the heavier a vehicle is, the greater chance it has of causing serious harm to those involved in a collision with such a car.
It’s worth noting that leaders in our city have taken steps in an attempt to reduce the rate of fatal traffic accidents. For example, the program Vision Zero was launched with the goal of ending traffic deaths in Los Angeles by 2025.
The effectiveness of this program has not been particularly noteworthy. Before the pandemic, the rate of Los Angeles traffic accidents resulting in death had remained fairly consistent. As has been the case across the nation, after the pandemic, accidents are becoming increasingly common.
This doesn’t mean there is no reason for optimism. Los Angeles city officials have stated they believe the effectiveness of their local programs may be improved if road safety becomes a higher priority at the federal level.
Individual motorists must also do their part to help combat this unfortunate trend. When driving in Los Angeles (or anywhere else), be sure to obey all traffic laws, focus on your surroundings instead of your phone, and pay attention to signs indicating a motorist with whom you are sharing the road may be driving recklessly. Keeping your distance from such drivers can reduce your chances of being harmed.
That said, even if you make smart choices behind the wheel, it’s still possible you have been injured in an accident resulting from another driver’s negligence. In California, you can file a claim to collect from the negligent driver’s insurance if this happens. Doing so may help you recover compensation for your medical bills and other losses associated with your accident.
Your odds of recovering the compensation you deserve will also be greater if you have proper legal representation. If you’ve been injured because another driver was careless, a Los Angeles car accident attorney at the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg can help you pursue what you are owed. Get started today by contacting us online or calling us at 310-997-0904.
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