Long Beach Highway Accident Lawyers
Skilled Legal Representation for Long Beach Highway Accident Victims
Long Beach and the greater Los Angeles metro area have more than their share of dangerous highways. For example, the Sierra Highway is well known for its heavy traffic and state of disrepair. Interstate 5, a crowded highway with a high crash rate, is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the area. On Interstate 405, commonly known as “the 405,” Los Angeles saw seven traffic fatalities in a single recent year.
What Are the Risks of Highway Driving?
Highways pose unique challenges and risks for motorists for several different reasons:
- At highway speeds, collisions have greater impact that can cause more serious injuries.
- A single crash on a busy highway can start a chain reaction, resulting in a multi-vehicle pileup.
- Navigating rush hour highway traffic often requires merging and lane changes, which can increase the risk of a crash.
- With more vehicles on the road, motorists run a greater risk of encountering drunk drivers, drug impaired drivers, distracted drivers, drowsy drivers, and poorly maintained vehicles.
How Well Are the Highways Maintained in the Long Beach, Los Angeles Area?
Several major highways in the general area are in serious need of maintenance. The Sierra Highway, with its outdated supporting infrastructure, is in desperate need of repair. Motorists are likely to encounter road damage, potholes, and other obstructions. While State Route 74 is in the process of being maintained, nearly continuous road construction makes it a particularly dangerous highway. State Route 118 suffers from both heavy traffic and an older, damaged infrastructure – not a good combination.
What Challenges Are Associated with Motorcycles on Highways?
Motorcycles are commonly seen on sunny Southern California freeways. They are smaller, less visible, and less stable than four-wheeled passenger vehicles and more likely to be involved in an accident. In California, motorcyclists can legally lane split, a common practice to make their way through heavy traffic. When a driver fails to see a lane-splitting biker, it can result in a deadly crash. Fast moving traffic poses a greater risk for riders. A motorcyclist hit from behind by a passenger vehicle at highway speeds can be thrown from the bike directly into the path of oncoming traffic.
How Is Liability Determined After a Highway Accident?
Liability for car accidents is based on negligence. The party whose negligence caused the crash can be held liable for resulting injuries. California is a comparative negligence state, meaning a percentage of fault for an accident can be assigned to each of the parties involved.
A person who was injured in a crash can still recover damages, even if he or she was partly responsible. However, damages will be reduced by the assigned percentage of responsibility. If you have been hurt in a highway accident, the firm can investigate to determine fault and liability and fight hard to recover the maximum compensation available for your losses.
Do You Need a Lawyer After a Long Beach Highway Accident?
If you have been injured in a highway collision caused by someone else’s negligence, your best chance of recovering full compensation is to have an experienced Long Beach car accident attorney handling your claim. The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV has the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively pursue the recovery you deserve.
Founding attorney Joseph Low is a highly esteemed, seasoned trial lawyer with a history of success for his clients. He is nationally known for his work representing service men and women and has tried and consulted on hundreds of civil and criminal jury trials. After a serious highway accident, contact the firm at (562) 901-0840 or toll-free at (888) 454-5569 to find out how they can help.