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Motor Vehicle Accidents- An Overview

The loss of time, property, health and even one’s life can be the potential outcome of an auto accident. Many times motor vehicle accidents are the result of negligent drivers, driver error, manufacturing defects as well as severe weather conditions. An auto accident can transform your typical day into one fraught with pain and continued struggles. Consulting with a Los Angeles car accident attorney allows you the benefit of reviewing your rights and legal options when you are the victim of an auto accident. Contact our experienced personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of George Gallegos for more information.

Negligent, Aggressive Drivers and At-Fault Drivers

Often times it is difficult to determine who is at fault when an auto accident has just occurred. Applicable laws and actions specific to the accident must be clearly reviewed when determining fault. When determining negligence, the burden of proof may fall on the driver to ascertain if there was a breach of duty to you whereby the breach resulted in your damages. It is critical during this time, especially when dealing with insurance companies, that you rely on the expertise of an attorney to seek appropriate compensation for your injuries and protect your rights.

It is important to gather vital information regarding the auto accident. Examples include police reports, witnesses and the condition of the vehicles involved in the accident. Information from these sources can reveal pertinent details vital to your case.

Listed below are possible negligent actions of the driver:

  • Failure to take into account dangerous weather conditions
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Failure to stop at a red light or stop sign
  • Reckless driving, i.e. driving above or below the posted speed limits
  • Blatant disregard of traffic laws with respect to turn signals, right-of-way and other rules
  • Cell phone, passenger, or radio caused distraction to the driver

With regards to at-fault drivers there are circumstances when negligence can progress to reckless and even intentional behavior. Essentially when a driver shows intentional disregard for their consequences their behavior can be considered reckless. A prime example of this is road rage where reckless behavior can escalate into intentional misconduct. Typically accidents from road rage leading to severe injuries and potential criminal charges. Street Racing and other forms of aggressive driving behavior also pose serious threats of safety to the driving community. These reckless driving behaviors are the leading causes of auto accidents and fatalities on our highways.

Mind the below tips when encountering an aggressive or road rage driver:

Steer clear from the other driver
Do not make or return obscene gestures
Avoid eye contact
Do not get intimidated. Ignore any challenges from the other driver.
If possible stop in a safe spot to use your cell phone to report the aggressive driving to the authorities

Drunk Driving

Statistics reveal that there is a drunk driving related death every 30 minutes and non-fatal injuries every couple minutes. Criminal charges as well as civil lawsuits are the result of drunk driving accidents. There are scenarios where the establishment that served the alcohol to the drunk driver may be held responsible. Of course the responsibility of the driver is not relinquished. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a drunk driving accident contact the Law Offices of Reuben J. Donig immediately to guide you through your various legal options.

Auto Accidents Not Caused by the Drivers

There are times when avoiding a car accident are out of your control. It has been shown in several cases that the vehicle’s manufacturing or defect implicit to its design is the primary cause or severity of the accident. When brakes fail to stop the car or an airbag doesn’t deploy are examples of product liability or manufacturing defects. Consumers are protected from products that create an unreasonable risk of harm under the law of products liability. If you were in an auto accident due to the defect of the vehicle you may have an action against the designer, manufacturer or distributor of the vehicle.

When determining all responsible parties involved, you must all take into account the work performed by the mechanic of the vehicle. If it is found that the mechanic improperly repaired the vehicle involved in the accident, both the mechanic and the mechanic’s employer could be held responsible.

Special circumstances may exist where government entities may be held responsible for the improper maintenance of roads and highways. This liability could be established if there are road design flaws, unclear signage, as well as accidents caused by highway construction. It is imperative that you reach out to an attorney as there are special rules that apply to these situations.

Contact our Firm Today

When involved in a motor vehicle accident it is important to take immediate action. The preservation of your rights and compensation due to you is at risk if you delay in consulting an attorney. Call our firm today for expert legal help.