According to HG Legal Resources, accidents in Orange County are responsible for causing over 20,000 injuries and deaths every year. One-third of those accidents occur on our freeways. Freeway accidents in Orange County aren’t just notable because of how frequently they occur; they’re also notable because they’re responsible for a lion’s share of the severe and catastrophic injuries we see. Orange County freeways are well known for its bumper-to-bumper traffic at all times of the day leaving its drivers distracted and frustrated. Unfortunately, freeway conditions here are ripe for auto accidents to occur.
If you have recently been involved in a freeway accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact an Orange County freeway accident attorney at the Crockett Law Group to learn about how we can help you maximize your settlement. Call (800) 900-9393 for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Orange County.
What Are Common Causes of Freeway Accidents In California?
Freeway accidents in Orange County, California, are commonly caused by one of the following reasons:
Distracted Driving
This is the most common cause of freeway accidents in California. Distractions include using a mobile phone, eating, drinking, talking to passengers, taking care of children, and putting on makeup while driving on the freeway.
Speeding
Driving above what is deemed a safe limit is the second leading offender for causing freeway accidents and a large percentage of fatal freeway accidents. The faster you drive, the more difficult it is for you to slow down or stop in time to avoid an accident. There’s also a greater risk of losing control of your vehicle when you speed. The speed limit on most California freeways is 65 mph and going any faster is potentially a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 22350.
Drunk Driving
Driving while intoxicated is another top cause of freeway accidents, especially on weekends and holidays. California strictly enforces drunk driving laws. In California, it’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 blood or higher. Despite these efforts, many motorists still drive on California freeways after consuming large amounts of alcoholic beverages.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving causes many freeway accidents and is especially prevalent among male drivers under the age of 21. These daredevils and show-offs are responsible for causing a disproportionate share of catastrophic injuries and deaths, both to themselves and to others.
Weather is an important factor in many freeway accidents because rain reduces visibility and wet roads can cause cars to lose traction and skid. This problem is often amplified by poor maintenance, such as driving with “bald” or improperly inflated tires.
Injuries From Freeway Accidents
If you hear a helicopter overhead in Orange County, there’s a good chance it’s a medivac on route to a trauma center with victims of a freeway accident. California law prohibits driving over 65 mph on most roads, but when traffic is light it’s not uncommon for more than a few motorists to drive well above the speed limit.
When vehicles collide at speeds greater than 65 mph, the injuries can be catastrophic. That’s why freeway accidents are more likely to not only cause deaths, but also life-altering injuries like traumatic brain injury (TBI) or quadriplegia. Less life-altering, but still very serious, injuries also occur from freeway accidents.
Some of the more common freeway accident injuries we see here in Orange County include:
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Herniated Disc Injuries
- Lacerations and Bruises
- Whiplash
- Torn Meniscus
- Torn Rotator Cuff
If you’ve been injured in an accident on an Orange County freeway, call the Crockett Law Group today to schedule a free consultation with our skilled legal team. Our goal is to help you get the money you deserve after your Orange County freeway crash.
How Do You Prove Who’s At Fault for a Freeway Accident?
How to prove fault in your car accident depends on what occurred. Common car accident scenarios include:
Single Car Accident
Single car accident passengers can make a claim against the driver of the vehicle. Drivers can sometimes make a claim, even if they lost control of the vehicle if it was caused by another driver “running you off the road,” fallen trees, animals, or other hazards beyond your control.
Rear-Ends
Rear-end collisions are almost always the fault of the car that hits the car in front of them, even if the car in front came to a sudden stop. Drivers have a responsibility to keep a safe enough distance and speed so they can come to a complete stop without hitting the car in front of them. If you fail to do so, you may be cited for following too closely in violation of California Vehicle Code Section 21703.
Side Impacts
Side-impact collisions are where one car hits another car on its side. When this happens on the freeway, it’s usually because a car loses control or is trying to avoid a hazard on the roadway.
Rollovers
Rollover accidents occur when at least one car flips over. Rollover accidents are usually the result of a sharp turn, but they can also occur due to certain types of impact.
What Are The Most Dangerous Freeways In Orange County?
We know that about one-third of traffic accident fatalities in Orange County take place on our freeways. But of all the freeways that run through Orange County, one is more dangerous than the rest.
According to a recent study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration California, these are the top 3 deadliest freeways in all of California:
- I-5 Freeway
- US-101 Freeway
- SR-99 Freeway
You’ll note that the I-5 freeway runs through Orange County whereas the US-101 and SR-99 freeways do not. Therefore, it’s safe to say that you need to be especially cautious while you drive on the I-5 freeway in Orange County. Also take note that the I-5 freeway in Orange County is the deadliest during the summer months, weekends, and after dark.
Contact An Orange County Freeway Accident Attorney at the Crockett Law Group
Orange County is home to the busiest freeways in the nation, literally. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the I-405 Freeway, which runs through Orange County, is the busiest interstate in the state of California. The I-5 freeway, which also runs through Orange County, is the nation’s busiest interstate.
Orange County is also home to what has been dubbed the Orange Crush, which is where the I-5, SR-22, and SR-57 freeways all converge. This interchange is so complicated that it’s been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most complex road interchange in the world. With some of the busiest and most complicated freeways and interchanges that exist anywhere, Orange County is a ripe location for auto accidents to occur.
Our car accident lawyers in Orange County regularly represent the interests of victims who have been treated unfairly by an insurance company. The Crockett Law Group is committed to handling your injury claim from start to finish and will fight to make sure that you receive the money you deserve. If you’ve been injured as a result of a freeway accident, contact the Crockett Law Group to speak with a freeway accident attorney at (800) 900-9393.
