Orange County Freeway Accident Attorney

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.