Every year, many motor vehicle accidents happen in the Costa Mesa, CA, area for a number of reasons. Various agencies at the state and federal levels collect and analyze accident data from across the country. This data is then, in turn, used to inform the makers of public policy about the biggest traffic safety risks facing the public. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the California Department of Transportation (DOT) shows that Costa Mesa drivers and all other drivers face several risks every time they drive. It’s vital to know the greatest risks you face when [...]

All California drivers should know the term “right of way” and understand what this means in traffic. Simply put, having the “right of way” means a driver is legally able to continue on their intended path through traffic. Right of way fluctuates in various situations, and all drivers are expected to maintain situational awareness so they can respect the right of way at all times. Failure to yield the right of way can easily result in an accident. When this occurs, the driver who failed to yield is liable for the resulting damages to others. If you or a loved [...]

“Reckless driving” is a relatively broad term that can apply to many different behaviors. When drivers are reckless behind the wheel they put themselves and all other drivers around them at serious risk. When reckless drivers cause accidents, they are not only likely to face civil claims for damages from the victims they injure, but also criminal prosecution. Reckless driving is a criminal offense in California, and the term is intentionally nonspecific so that it can apply to any situation in which a driver demonstrates intentional disregard for the safety of others. Reckless driving accidents can cause devastating injuries and [...]

Rear-end collisions are some of the most commonly reported vehicle accidents in California. These accidents happen in many different places for various reasons. In most rear-end collisions, the trailing driver is responsible for the incident. All drivers have a duty of care to prevent collisions with vehicles in front of them. If a driver is not paying attention, speeding, or tailgating closely to a leading driver, they can easily cause a rear-end collision. While many drivers assume that a trailing driver is always liable for a rear-end collision, this is not necessarily true, and there are several possible scenarios in [...]

When a car suddenly stalls while driving, this can easily startle the driver and potentially cause an accident. “Stalling” refers to the engine of a vehicle suddenly stopping while the vehicle is in motion. Various mechanical issues can cause a car’s engine to stall, and it is not always immediately apparent exactly why a vehicle stalled. If you are driving on the highway at moderately high speeds and your vehicle stalls, this can be a terrifying experience. It’s vital to have an idea of what you can do to minimize your risk of having an accident in this situation and [...]

Car accidents can happen in many different ways, and not all accidents occur in active traffic. Many accidents happen when drivers least expect them, such as when they are pulling out of a parking space or backing out of their driveway. When you back up your vehicle in any situation, it is vital to check carefully to ensure the way behind you is clear of oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and others that might be in the way. When back-up accidents happen, drivers involved are likely to wonder who is at fault. California state law maintains that the driver occupying a lane [...]

Car accidents happen every day throughout California, and tragically some of them result in fatalities. California has a reputation for dangerous traffic and a high rate of uninsured drivers, but what are the odds of dying in a car crash in California? When you review available statistics, the chances of dying in a fatal vehicle accident are relatively low. According to available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the California Department of Transportation, and other federal and state agencies, California reports an annual average fatal vehicle accident rate of about 9.1 per 100,000 people. However, while this [...]

Every California driver must carry auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements. California uses a fault system to determine liability for car accident damages. Every auto insurance policy must offer bodily injury liability coverage for a single person, bodily injury liability coverage for a total accident, and property damage liability coverage. The minimum coverage amounts are $15,000, $30,000, and $5,000, respectively. Drivers are also encouraged to purchase under insured/uninsured driver coverage in addition to their basic coverage requirements. When an accident occurs, the at-fault driver is liable for the resulting damages. The injured driver has the right to [...]

Car accidents happen every day throughout California, sometimes resulting in devastating injuries and substantial economic losses for those involved. It’s natural to feel uncertain and frustrated after an accident, especially one that someone else caused. Depending on the details of the situation, you could face a long and arduous road to recovery when it comes to securing compensation for your damages. If you anticipate a car accident claim in the near future after another driver has caused an accident with your vehicle, it’s essential to know how insurance works after a car accident in California and when you may need [...]

Safe driving requires a driver’s careful operation of their vehicle and close attention to surroundings. All drivers develop habits over time that help them anticipate the actions of other drivers and navigate traffic safely. Every driver must cultivate healthy driving habits to limit their risk of causing accidents. A general rule that helps many drivers maintain safe following distances is the “three-second rule.” It requires leaving three seconds of space between your vehicle and the vehicle driving in front of you. If you are interested in forming safer driving habits, you need to understand and implement the three-second rule. However, [...]

Many people living in California allow their family and friends to use their vehicles. Unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents can happen with little to no warning. It can be incredibly problematic and frustrating to discover that someone you let borrow your car got into an accident. In addition, navigating the legal issues that follow most car accidents can be very difficult. Finally, the added factor of someone else driving your vehicle can make an already challenging situation more complex. California Car Accident Lawyer At a basic level, when someone else borrows your car, they are effectively borrowing your insurance [...]

Every year, thousands of California residents experience car accidents. Some of these incidents occur due to completely unpredictable hazards, while others happen because of negligence. When a car accident happens, and another driver is clearly at fault, it’s natural to feel frustrated and uncertain when it comes to recovering your losses. However, California upholds a fault-based system to determine liability for accidents. Therefore, it is essential to know how this rule works and what to do after a car accident that was not your fault in California. How Does the Fault System Work? Every driver in California must have auto [...]

Every year, thousands of California drivers experience traffic accidents. While many of these incidents only result in minor injuries and vehicle damage, severe crashes are potentially fatal. Therefore, it’s crucial for all drivers to acknowledge the risks they face on the road and to know the most common causes of fatal accidents. When drivers are aware of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents, they are better prepared to avoid them. Top-Cited Causes of Fatal Car Accidents Various agencies across the country collect accident statistics at the state and national levels. For example, according to the most recent accident data [...]

Every day, thousands of drivers throughout California experience car accidents due to many causes. In Santa Ana, CA, drivers face many of the same risks as drivers in other parts of the country. As a result, the accident trends seen throughout the United States are reflected in accident statistics from Santa Ana. In addition, various agencies at the state and federal levels collect and analyze accident data from all across the country, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). As a result, these agencies publish reports that can help drivers [...]

A “personal injury” is a legal term used to describe any situation in which one person’s negligent action (or inaction, in some cases) directly causes an injury or economic loss to another person. Personal injuries can happen in many different places from many different circumstances. If you are wondering where most personal injuries happen in Irvine, the answer is the road. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of personal injury claims throughout the United States. Every year, thousands of people suffer injuries and many die in car accidents, leading to astronomical financial costs across the country. If you want [...]

Despite our best efforts to prevent them, car accidents still happen from time to time. When they do, their damage can range anywhere from a small fender bender to fatalities. Because so much is at stake, communities and their governments do everything possible to keep their roads safe and free of collisions. Irvine is no exception. With a population of over 300,000, Irvine is one of the most populous cities in Orange County. Though this means a thriving community with endless things to do and see, it also means that car accidents do occur. Irvine Car Accident Statistics The number [...]

California is one of the most heavily populated states in the country, meaning there are more drivers in California than in most other states. As a result, each year, thousands of people experience car accidents in California. Examining the number of accidents and the most common causes of these accidents is a good way for residents to understand the risks of driving and determine the best ways to limit their own risk of experiencing car accidents. Each year, tens of thousands of car accidents happen in California, resulting in deaths and injuries. While injuries are far more common than fatalities, [...]