Founder
Southern California roads are always busy—freeways packed with commuters, tourists in rental cars, and delivery trucks zipping through side streets. With so much activity, car accidents happen every day. Understanding the most common causes of crashes can help you stay safer on the road—and help you take the right steps if you’ve already been injured in a collision. Below, we break down some of the top causes of car crashes in our region and what you should know moving forward.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving continues to be one of the biggest problems on Southern California roads. Whether someone is texting, checking a GPS, changing a playlist, or eating behind the wheel, distractions are dangerous. It only takes a second of looking away from the road to cause a serious crash. Unfortunately, we’ve seen too many clients suffer because another driver wasn’t paying attention.
A few ways to stay focused behind the wheel include:
- Putting your phone on “Do Not Disturb” while driving
- Programming your GPS before you leave
- Avoiding multitasking, even at stoplights
If you were injured by a distracted driver, we can help gather the evidence needed to support your personal injury claim.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Speeding is more than just a ticket—it’s a leading cause of serious and fatal accidents. When drivers go too fast, they don’t have enough time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic. Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, weaving between lanes, or honking excessively only add to the risk. Unfortunately, some drivers treat the freeway like a racetrack. These choices can lead to rear-end collisions, rollover accidents, and chain-reaction crashes. When speeding or aggressive driving causes your injuries, we can work to show how the other driver’s behavior contributed to the crash—and to your damages.
Driving Under the Influence
Despite years of public awareness, DUI crashes still happen far too often in Southern California. Whether someone is under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription medication, impaired driving is dangerous.
Drunk or drugged drivers have slower reaction times, poor judgment, and reduced awareness of their surroundings. That’s a recipe for disaster, especially on crowded roads. If you ever find yourself questioning whether you’re okay to drive, play it safe:
- Call a rideshare
- Ask a friend for a ride
- Wait until you’re completely sober
DUI crashes often involve both criminal charges and civil lawsuits. We’ll handle the civil side and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Dangerous Road Conditions and Weather
Not all crashes are caused by drivers. Sometimes, the road itself plays a role. In Southern California, we occasionally see rainstorms that cause slick highways and poor visibility. Fog can roll in unexpectedly, especially near the coast or in the early morning.
There are also times when road conditions contribute to a crash, such as:
- Potholes or uneven pavement
- Missing or broken traffic signals
- Poor lighting or signage
- Dangerous road design
In these cases, we investigate whether a city, county, or contractor may be partly responsible. You shouldn’t have to carry the financial burden when poor maintenance played a role.
Inexperienced or Reckless Drivers
Every driver starts somewhere, but inexperience behind the wheel can lead to risky decisions. Newer drivers may not know how to handle fast-moving traffic, change lanes safely, or react to unexpected situations.
We’ve also seen an increase in reckless driving behaviors—people speeding through red lights, ignoring stop signs, or trying to “beat” the yellow light. These choices often lead to serious crashes.
If a reckless or inexperienced driver caused your injuries, we’ll work to uncover traffic camera footage, witness statements, or police reports to help prove your case.
What You Can Do After a Crash
If you’ve been in a car accident, here are a few things you should do right away:
- Get medical care, even if you feel okay
- Take photos or videos of the scene if you’re able
- Exchange contact and insurance info with the other driver
- Call us before speaking to the insurance company
We know how overwhelming the aftermath of a crash can feel. Let us step in and deal with the legal side while you focus on your recovery.
Contact Our Experienced Southern California Car Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one was injured in a car crash in Southern California, don’t wait to get legal help. At Ardalan & Associates, we’ve helped many people recover the money they need for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. We offer free consultations, and you won’t pay us anything unless we win your case. Contact us today—we’re ready to help you move forward.