Salinas Car Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you know has been affected by a car accident in Salinas, you are entitled to seek the compensation you need and deserve. Car accidents can cause extensive physical, emotional, and financial strain. At Crockett Law Group, we provide complimentary consultations to evaluate your case and guide you on the most appropriate course of action. We stand with you during these challenging times, offering our support and representation.

Salinas Car Accident Statistics

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality, and Salinas is no stranger to this issue. Like the rest of California, Salinas experiences its share of road incidents, leading to physical, emotional, and financial challenges for those involved. In 2021, California witnessed an average of 156,355 car accidents, resulting in 3,786 deaths and 277,160 injuries. These numbers underline the serious impact of car accidents on individuals and communities.

Total Injuries & Fatalities

• 2019: 507
• 2020: 348
• 2021: 464
• 2022: 397
• 2023: 352

Statistics on Fatal and Injury Causing Collisions in Salinas

In examining the trends of collisions leading to injuries and fatalities in Salinas over the past five years, we discovered a noteworthy pattern. From 2019 to 2023, there was a notable decrease of 31% in such accidents. Despite minor fluctuations in intervening years, the overall trend points towards a positive outcome in terms of road safety in Salinas. This downward trajectory suggests that efforts aimed at enhancing traffic safety measures and public awareness campaigns might be yielding promising results in reducing the risk of accidents in the area.

Primary Collision Factor

• Right-of-Way: 111
• Unsafe Speed: 62
• Traffic Signals/Signs: 39
• DUI: 37
• Improper Turning: 31
• All Other Factors: 72

Statistics on Common Causes of Collisions in Salinas

Further analysis reveals that a significant contributing factor to collisions in Salinas last year was drivers failing to yield the right of way. Understanding the specific circumstances surrounding these incidents can inform targeted interventions, such as improved signage, enhanced driver education programs, and increased enforcement measures. By addressing this primary collision factor, local authorities can continue to work towards improving road safety and reducing the occurrence of accidents in Salinas.

Which Roads and Intersections in Salinas Are the Most Dangerous?

Car accidents in Salinas can happen in any location, but certain areas are more prone to these incidents, such as:

Major Highways

• S. Route 101 near the John Street exit: This exit is one of the busiest in Salinas, as it leads to the downtown area and several shopping centers. The traffic volume and the merging lanes create a high-risk situation for collisions. According to the CHP, a driver died after crashing into a guardrail on this exit in October 2022.
• State Route 68 at the Blanco Road intersection: This intersection is notorious for its poor visibility and lack of traffic signals. Drivers often have to make left turns across the fast-moving traffic on State Route 68, which can result in fatal head-on crashes. In August 2023, six people, including four children, were injured in a head-on collision at this intersection.

Residential Zones

• Blanco Road near Salinas High School: This road is a popular route for students and parents who commute to and from the school. The speed limit is 25 mph, but many drivers ignore it and speed through the residential area. The road also has several crosswalks and stop signs, which require drivers to be alert and attentive. In October 2021, a driver was killed after crashing into a tree on Blanco Road near the school.
• Laurel Drive and North Main Street: This is a busy intersection that connects two major roads in Salinas. The traffic lights and the turn lanes often cause confusion and frustration for drivers, especially during rush hour. The intersection also has a lot of pedestrian and bicycle traffic, which increases the chances of accidents. In June 2020, a bicyclist was hit and killed by a car at this intersection.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Salinas?

A car accident in Salinas can be a scary and stressful experience. You need to act quickly after the crash to protect your health and legal rights. Here are the important steps to take if you’re in a car accident in Salinas:

Keep Records

After the accident, you should collect all the documents related to the incident. This includes medical bills, prescriptions, and any reports from the police or your doctor. These documents show how serious your injuries are and how much they cost you. They are essential for getting the compensation you deserve for your losses and damages.

Follow Medical Advice

Your health is your priority after a car accident in Salinas. You should follow your doctor’s instructions and stick to your treatment plan. Missing appointments or medication can make your injuries worse and hurt your compensation claim. Insurance companies or courts may think that your injuries are not that bad or that you don’t care about your recovery.

Notify Your Insurance

You should tell your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. If you wait too long, you may lose your coverage or rights. But be careful with what you say. You should talk to a lawyer before you make any statements or agreements with your insurance company, as they may try to reduce your compensation or blame you for the accident. Don’t sign any papers or admit anything without legal advice.

Preserve Evidence

Collecting and keeping evidence is important after a car accident in Salinas. This evidence helps your case and helps you get fair compensation. Before you fix your car or throw away any damaged items, make sure you take pictures of the accident scene, your car, and your injuries. Also, get the contact information of any witnesses. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.

Call a Lawyer

Getting legal help is one of the most important steps after a car accident in Salinas. The Crockett Law Group, known for its legal skills and achievements, such as membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, and the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award, can handle your case. We will negotiate with insurance companies and be ready to go to court if needed. With Crockett Law Group, you can be sure that your case will be handled with attention and quality.

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

Car accidents in Salinas can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. If you’re involved in a car accident, seek both medical and legal assistance immediately.

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

When you are in a car accident in Salinas, you may suffer from whiplash and neck injuries. These are caused by the sudden and forceful movement of your head and neck due to the impact of the crash. You may feel pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes dizziness or vision problems. These symptoms may not show up right away, but they may get worse over time. You should see a doctor as soon as possible if you have these symptoms. You may need painkillers and physical therapy to recover from these injuries, but the recovery time depends on how severe the injury is.

Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Another common injury in car accidents in Salinas is a concussion and more severe TBIs. These happen when your brain hits the inside of your skull because of the force of the collision. You may experience headaches, confusion, and memory loss, but also more serious problems like unconsciousness or brain damage. You need to get medical help as soon as possible if you have these symptoms, as they may indicate a serious condition. You may need to rest and take medication for mild concussions, but more severe brain injuries may require surgery and rehabilitation.

Broken Bones and Fractures

You may also break or fracture a bone in a car accident in Salinas. These injuries can affect any part of your body, but especially your arms, legs, ribs, and hips. You may feel pain, swelling, and difficulty moving. You may need a cast or a splint for simple breaks, but more complicated fractures may need surgery and recovery time.

Further Reading

• Average Settlement for Broken Arm in Car Accident

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are very serious injuries that can happen in car accidents in Salinas. These injuries can affect your ability to move or feel below the level of the injury. They are caused by damage to your spinal cord due to the crash. They can result in paralysis or other disabilities. You may need surgery and rehabilitation to treat these injuries, but the outcome may depend on how severe the damage is.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are hidden injuries that can happen in car accidents in Salinas. These injuries can damage your internal organs due to the crash. They can cause bleeding, infection, or organ failure. They can be very dangerous, as you may not notice them right away. You should get medical attention immediately if you have symptoms like abdominal pain or trouble breathing. You may need surgery or other treatments to fix these injuries, but the prognosis may vary depending on the severity of the damage.

Psychological Trauma

Car accidents in Salinas can also cause psychological trauma. You may suffer from mental health issues, such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, and fear of driving. These issues can affect your mood, behavior, and well-being after the crash. You should seek professional help if you have these issues, as they may need counseling or medication to cope.

Further Reading

• Average Payout for PTSD

Burn Injuries

In severe collisions, particularly those resulting in fires or explosions, you may get burn injuries in car accidents in Salinas. These injuries can affect your skin and tissues due to the fire or heat. They can cause pain, infection, and scarring. They can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the burn. You should get medical care right away if you have these injuries, as they may need pain management, skin grafts, and rehabilitation. If you suffer from any of these injuries, you should not only get medical help but also legal help. At Crockett Law Group, we know how to handle car accident cases in Salinas and how to get you the compensation and care you deserve.

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

If you’re pondering the cost of hiring a car accident lawyer in Salinas following an accident, such concern is completely justified, given that car accidents can inflict substantial financial burdens. Victims often face daunting repair costs, lost wages from being unable to work, and hefty medical bills. Thankfully, at Text Kevin Accident Attorneys, we offer our legal expertise on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement means you can engage our services without any upfront payment, and our fees are contingent upon winning your case. Should we fail to secure a settlement or award on your behalf, you will not be required to pay any legal fees.

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

It’s a common inquiry for individuals to question their eligibility for compensation following a car accident, especially if they had some role in causing the incident. Such circumstances are more common than might be assumed. For instance, being involved in an accident with a driver on the incorrect side of the road when your headlights weren’t on could mean you share some of the blame. According to the statutes in California, holding partial responsibility in an accident doesn’t exclude you from seeking compensation. However, the total compensation you’re entitled to will be adjusted based on your share of the fault. So, if you were deemed 2 percent at fault for the accident, you could still claim 98 percent of the assessed damages.

What Causes Car Accidents in Salinas, CA?

In Salinas, as in all of California, individuals injured in car accidents due to others’ negligence can pursue compensation. This includes seeking damages for injuries resulting from various types of negligent behavior:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a major concern in Salinas, mirroring a common issue across California. Activities that divert a driver’s focus from the road are considered distracted driving. This includes illegal practices such as talking or texting on a cell phone while driving, prohibited under California Vehicle Code Section 23123. Additionally, texting while driving is specifically banned under California Vehicle Code Section 23123.5. These laws aim to decrease accidents caused by drivers not fully concentrating on the road.

Speeding

Speeding is a frequent cause of traffic accidents in Salinas. As per California Vehicle Code Section 22350, it’s illegal to drive at a speed considered unsafe for current conditions, which might be lower than the posted speed limit. Drivers causing accidents due to speeding or driving too fast for conditions can be held liable for the consequent injuries and damages, as such behavior violates the standard of care expected from drivers.

Failure to Yield

Failure to yield the right of way is a common form of negligence on the roads of Salinas, particularly in congested intersections and pedestrian-heavy areas. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21801, drivers must yield when making left turns or when pedestrians are present in crosswalks. Collisions often occur in Salinas when drivers ignore these rules, leading to accidents with other vehicles or pedestrians. In such situations, the driver failing to yield is typically considered responsible and may be liable for resulting injuries and damages.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

DUI is a significant factor in car accidents in Salinas, in line with trends across the state. California Vehicle Code Section 23152 forbids operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both. This includes impairment from prescription and over-the-counter medications that affect driving capabilities. DUI offenses are taken seriously due to their high potential for causing accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Drivers involved in DUI-related accidents in Salinas may face serious legal consequences and liability for any damages and injuries caused.

Hit and Run Accidents

Hit-and-run incidents, where a driver flees an accident scene without providing necessary information or aid, are serious offenses in Salinas. Under California Vehicle Code Section 20001, drivers involved in accidents causing injuries or fatalities must stop and fulfill certain obligations. Neglecting to do so can result in felony charges. Victims of hit-and-run accidents in Salinas might face challenges in obtaining compensation, but there are legal options available, and the culpable party can face severe penalties.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

In line with California law, drivers in Salinas are required to have minimum liability insurance as mandated by California Vehicle Code Section 16029. However, some drivers may not comply with this requirement, leading to complications in accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists. In such cases, victims might rely on their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to secure compensation.

Salinas Accident FAQs

Contact Our Salinas Car Accident Attorneys Today for Legal Help

If you’re involved in a car accident in Salinas, reach out to Crockett Law Group for a free consultation. Our impressive track record of multimillion-dollar recoveries and national awards positions us uniquely to secure the compensation and justice you deserve. Remember, we only charge fees when you win, providing top-tier legal representation without upfront costs.

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