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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 [...]

“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 [...]

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 [...]

When your car stalls on a highway, quickly but carefully move right to the shoulder if safe, engage hazard lights to warn other drivers, and remain in the vehicle if stuck in traffic or exit through the passenger door if on the shoulder. Call 911 if stranded in active traffic lanes or contact a towing service if safely positioned on the shoulder, and avoid attempting repairs unless knowledgeable about the issue. 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 [...]

In California backing-up accidents, the reversing driver is typically at fault because California state law maintains that the driver occupying a lane of traffic has the right of way when a reversing accident occurs. However, the other driver can bear partial or complete fault in certain situations under California's pure comparative negligence law, which allows plaintiffs to recover compensation regardless of their fault percentage, with awards reduced proportionally to their assigned fault. 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 [...]

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 [...]

California drivers must report car accidents to their insurance companies within 24 hours according to most insurers, though specific time limits vary by individual insurance policy terms. Drivers must also notify the at-fault driver's insurance company as soon as possible to preserve their right to file a claim. Failure to report accidents to your own insurer may result in dropped coverage, while missing notification deadlines for the other driver's carrier could eliminate claim filing opportunities. 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 [...]

Car accident claims in California typically take several weeks to several months to settle, depending on whether they involve insurance claims or civil litigation. Insurance companies must settle claims within 85 days of filing under California state law, though securing the actual settlement check may take additional weeks. Civil claims that exceed insurance coverage limits can take several weeks to several months, with swift settlement preferred when liability is clear and undisputed. 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 [...]

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. [...]

In California, when someone else drives your car and has an accident, your auto insurance policy applies because insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver. Under California's fault rule, the driver who causes an accident is liable for all resulting damages. If the borrower of your vehicle causes an accident, victims can file claims against your insurance policy, potentially causing premium increases. 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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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, [...]