Norwalk Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Norwalk, seek the assistance of an experienced attorney. At Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, we understand the challenges you face and are committed to helping you recover compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Contact us today for a free case evaluation with a Norwalk car accident attorney.

Norwalk Car Accident Statistics

Thousands of people in Norwalk enjoy the convenience of cars for daily commuting and leisurely drives. But driving also comes with risks, especially in crowded areas. Car accidents can happen anytime and anywhere, and they can cause serious injuries or even death. According to the latest data, Norwalk had 5 fatal car crashes in 2021, involving 10 vehicles and 2 pedestrians. The fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in the US was 1.34 in 2020, the highest since 2007. These numbers show how important it is to drive safely and responsibly in Norwalk and everywhere else.

Total Injuries & Fatalities

• 2019: 314
• 2020: 208
• 2021: 216
• 2022: 260
• 2023: 271

Statistics on Fatal and Injury Causing Collisions in Norwalk

Statistics on Fatal and Injury Causing Collisions in Norwalk reveal a fluctuating trend over the past five years. Our analysis shows that from 2019 to 2023, accidents involving injuries and fatalities decreased by 14%. Specifically, in 2019, there were 314 reported incidents, whereas in 2023, this number reduced to 271. Despite this overall decline, the figures demonstrate the ongoing need for continued efforts to enhance road safety measures in our community.

Primary Collision Factor

• Right-of-Way: 73
• Traffic Signals and Signs: 55
• Improper Turning: 55
• Unsafe Speed: 32
• Unsafe Starting/Backing: 10
• All Other: 46

Statistics on Common Causes of Collisions in Norwalk

Further examination of the data highlights a concerning trend regarding the primary collision factor in Norwalk. In the most recent year analyzed, drivers failing to yield the right of way emerged as the predominant cause of accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities. This underscores the critical importance of addressing driver awareness and adherence to traffic regulations to mitigate such incidents in the future.

Which Roads and Intersections in Norwalk Are the Most Dangerous?

Car accidents in Norwalk can happen in any location, but certain areas are more prone to accidents:

Norwalk Boulevard

Norwalk Boulevard is known for its commercial presence, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and local businesses. You can find everything from Outback Steakhouse to So Cal Pizza to The Dilly Duck Shop along this street. This street sees a lot of activity throughout the day, drawing both local traffic and visitors. This traffic flow, combined with the street’s intersections and stoplights, often leads to congestion, especially during peak hours. As a result, Norwalk Boulevard can be a spot for vehicle collisions. Drivers are advised to exercise caution, particularly during busy times, and be mindful of pedestrians and parked vehicles entering and exiting the roadway.

Interstate 605

Interstate 605, commonly referred to as the San Gabriel River Freeway, is a major transportation route connecting Norwalk to several other cities in Southern California. This freeway experiences significant traffic volume daily, serving as a connector for commuters and commercial transportation. According to the 2017 Traffic Volumes report by Caltrans, Interstate 605 had an average daily traffic of 257,000 to 370,000 vehicles per day, depending on the location. The highest traffic volume was recorded at the interchange with I-5 in Downey, where 370,000 vehicles per day passed through. The lowest traffic volume was recorded at the south end of I-605 in Seal Beach, where 257,000 vehicles per day entered or exited the freeway. The high-speed nature of I-605, coupled with its heavy traffic flow, increases the risk of high-speed accidents. Areas near interchanges, such as the junction with the Santa Ana Freeway (I-5) in Norwalk, are particularly prone to congestion and collisions. Motorists traveling on I-605 are encouraged to remain alert, maintain safe speeds, and be prepared for sudden traffic changes or congestions, especially during rush hours and weekends.

Firestone Boulevard

Firestone Boulevard is a busy street in Norwalk that runs through different kinds of businesses. You can see a lot of people and cars on this street, whether they are going to work, school, or shopping. Some of the places you can find on Firestone Boulevard are Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Chick-fil-A, Firestone & Studebaker Center, and 7-Eleven. But because this street is so crowded, it can also be dangerous. There are many intersections where accidents can happen, especially when there is a lot of traffic.

Alondra Boulevard

Alondra Boulevard in Norwalk is a busy roadway known for Alondra Hot Wings and the Alondra Library. Many people drive or walk on this street every day, so it can get very busy. The interactions between vehicles and pedestrians, combined with vehicles making turns at intersections, significantly raise the risk of accidents on this road. Areas around major public destinations, such as Alondra Park and Cerritos College, witness increased traffic and require additional attention from drivers.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Norwalk?

Following a car accident, the actions you take can significantly impact your legal case:

Document the Accident

Documenting the accident involves collecting as much information as possible from the accident scene. This includes noting the exact time and location of the accident, the weather conditions, and any relevant road signs or signals. If safe to do so, take photographs or videos of the scene, including the positions of vehicles, any visible damages, skid marks, and road conditions. Also, gather contact information from all parties involved, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details, as well as from any witnesses. This information is used for insurance claims and any legal proceedings, as it provides a factual basis for what happened.

Keep Records

Keep thorough records following a car accident. This includes collecting and organizing all documents related to the accident and your subsequent medical treatment. Make sure you have copies of the police report, your medical records detailing your injuries, receipts for any expenses related to the accident (like medical bills, medication costs, and transportation fees to medical appointments), and documentation of lost wages if you’ve had to miss work. These records form the backbone of your insurance claim and any legal action, providing evidence of the accident’s impact on your life.

Follow Medical Advice

Following your doctor’s instructions after a car accident is not only important for your physical recovery but also impacts any potential legal case. Attend all medical appointments, follow treatment plans, take prescribed medications, and attend recommended therapy sessions or rehabilitation. Adherence to medical advice demonstrates the seriousness of your injuries and your commitment to recovery, which is important in legal and insurance contexts. Ignoring medical advice or missing appointments can negatively affect your insurance claim and any potential compensation.

Notify Your Insurance

After a car accident, inform your insurance company. However, be cautious in your communication. Stick to the facts of the accident without speculating about fault or giving detailed statements about your injuries. Be aware that insurance adjusters may use your statements against you to minimize your claim. It’s often advisable to consult with a lawyer before giving a detailed statement to your insurance company. Your attorney can provide guidance on what information to share to protect your interests.

Preserve Evidence

Preserving evidence after a car accident includes not repairing your vehicle until it has been assessed for damage by an insurance adjuster, as repairs can erase evidence of the accident’s severity. Keep any damaged personal items from the accident, such as clothing, and document any injuries with photographs. This physical evidence can be compelling in proving the extent of the accident and correlating it with your injuries, which is essential in insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.

Call a Lawyer

Consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer is the next step. A Norwalk car accident lawyer can provide guidance through the insurance claims and legal processes. They will protect your rights, help negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. A lawyer can also advise on the strength of your case, the likelihood of success, and the best course of action, whether that be settlement negotiations or proceeding to court. You’ll especially want a lawyer if there are disputes about fault or if the insurance company challenges your claim.

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Car Accident Injuries

Injuries from car accidents in Norwalk can range from minor to life-changing:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash and neck injuries are some of the most common consequences of rear-end car collisions. These injuries occur when the force of a crash causes the head to snap rapidly back and forth, straining the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Symptoms of whiplash can include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes blurred vision or fatigue. While some people recover within a few weeks, others may experience chronic neck pain and other long-lasting complications. It’s best to seek medical attention after a car accident, even if symptoms seem minor initially, as whiplash can worsen over time if not properly treated. Treatment often involves pain management, physical therapy, and, in some cases, wearing a cervical collar to support the neck during healing.

Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries

Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result from both high-impact and low-impact car accidents. These injuries happen when the brain is jolted or shaken inside the skull, which can occur even without a direct blow to the head. Symptoms can vary widely, from headaches, confusion, and amnesia to more severe issues like unconsciousness, seizures, or persistent cognitive difficulties. The effects of a concussion or TBI can be temporary or may lead to long-term impairments affecting memory, concentration, and even personality. Seek medical evaluation as soon as possible, as these injuries are not always immediately apparent. Treatment can include rest, medication, and rehabilitation therapies. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to alleviate pressure or bleeding in the brain.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Car accidents often cause broken bones and fractures due to the sudden, forceful impact. Arms, legs, and ribs are particularly vulnerable. Such injuries can range from simple fractures, where the bone cracks but does not break through the skin, to more severe compound fractures, where the bone breaks into pieces or protrudes through the skin. Symptoms typically include immediate pain, swelling, and an inability to move the affected limb. Treatment depends on the severity and location of the fracture and may involve casting, splinting, or surgery to realign and stabilize the broken bones. Recovery times vary, with some fractures healing within weeks, while others may take months or even require physical therapy to regain full functionality.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe outcomes of a car accident, with the potential to cause lifelong disability. These injuries occur when a part of the spine is damaged, often leading to a loss of function or sensation below the injury site. The impact of a car crash can fracture or dislocate vertebrae, which can bruise, compress, or tear the spinal cord. Symptoms can range from pain, weakness, or loss of coordination to paralysis, which can be either partial or complete. The extent and location of the injury determine the level of impairment. Treatment for spinal cord injuries usually involves stabilization of the spine, medication to reduce inflammation, and intensive rehabilitation. While some recovery is possible, many spinal cord injuries result in permanent disability, necessitating adaptations in lifestyle and long-term care.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

You may be wondering how much it will cost to hire a car accident attorney in Norwalk after an accident. It’s understandable to be concerned, as car accidents often leave victims with significant losses. You may be dealing with significant repair bills, lost income from being unable to work, and medical expenses. Fortunately, at Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, we take all of our cases on a contingency fee basis. That means that you can retain an attorney without paying anything upfront, and we will only collect legal fees if we win your case. If we do not get a settlement or award for you, you won’t owe us anything.

Can I Recover Compensation if I Share Some of the Blame for a Car Accident in Norwalk?

Many people wonder whether they can recover compensation if they were partially at fault for their accident. This situation occurs more often than you may think. For example, if you were hit by a driver driving on the wrong side of the road but failed to have your headlights on at night, you may partially share in the liability for the accident. Under California law, if you are partially responsible for your accident, you can still recover compensation. That said, the amount you recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 2 percent responsible for your accident, you would be able to recover 98 percent of your total damages.

Further Reading

• What Happens if You Have No Insurance but the Other Driver Was at Fault?

What Causes Car Accidents in Norwalk, CA?

California law allows those injured in car accidents due to another’s negligence to seek compensation. Negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care, such as through distracted driving, speeding, or failure to yield.

Distracted Driving

In California, distracted driving is a significant concern and a common form of negligence leading to car accidents. Distracted driving includes any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system. California law specifically addresses this issue through several statutes. For instance, California Vehicle Code Section 23123 prohibits all drivers from using handheld cell phones while driving. This includes texting, which is covered under California Vehicle Code Section 23123.5. These laws reflect the recognized dangers associated with divided attention while driving. If an accident occurs because a driver violates these laws, that driver may be considered negligent and, therefore, liable for damages caused by the accident.

Speeding

Speeding is a leading cause of car accidents in California and is a clear example of negligent driving. Under California Vehicle Code Section 22350, no person should drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent and in no event at a speed that endangers the safety of persons or property. This law implies that even driving at the speed limit could be considered too fast under certain conditions, such as heavy traffic, bad weather, or in a construction zone. When a driver exceeds the speed limit or drives too fast for conditions and causes an accident, they can be held liable for any resulting damages. This is because they failed to exercise the standard of care required by law, putting others at risk.

Failure to Yield

Failure to yield the right of way is another common form of negligent driving in California. California Vehicle Code Section 21801 states that drivers must yield the right of way to all vehicles that have entered the intersection or are so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. This applies to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction when making left turns, as well as to pedestrians within crosswalks. Accidents often occur when drivers ignore these rules and proceed without yielding, especially at intersections, leading to collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. In such instances, the driver who failed to yield is typically found at fault for the accident and may be responsible for compensating any victims for their injuries and losses. This is based on the legal premise that the driver neglected to follow traffic laws designed to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.

Norwalk Car Accident FAQs

Contact Our Norwalk Car Accident Attorneys Today for Legal Help

If you’ve been in a car crash in Norwalk, don’t hesitate to contact Text Kevin Accident Attorneys. With our proven track record of securing millions of dollars in compensation for accident victims, we’re prepared to review your case at no cost. We work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case. To schedule a free case evaluation with a Norwalk car accident lawyer, call our office today or reach out to us online.

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