Types of Car Accident Injuries

Have you or a loved one been seriously injured in a car accident? If these questions sound familiar, you need a committed San Diego car accident attorney who can help you effectively prepare a case against the negligent driver. You need a professional law firm that will take your case as seriously as you do.

The Levinson Law Group, a respected San Diego car accident law firm with extensive experience working with clients injured in car accidents. Unlike many other law firms in the area, we only handle car accident claims, which gives us unparalleled knowledge and experience of what goes into these cases. To learn more about your options, give The Levinson Law Group a call. We accept cases on a contingent fee. That means that if there is no recovery in your case, you pay no fee. And in most cases, we even advance the costs.

Car Accident Statistics

National Data:

According to data released by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019 there were 36,096 people killed in vehicle crashes in the United States. In 2019 an estimated 2.74 million people were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes, compared to 2.71 million in 2018

Fatalities decreased in most major traffic safety categories in 2019 compared to 2018, including:

• Passenger vehicle occupant fatalities (630 fewer fatalities, 2.8 percent decrease)
• Pedestrian fatalities (169 fewer fatalities, 2.7 percent decrease)
• Pedal cyclist fatalities (25 fewer fatalities, 2.9 percent decrease)
• Alcohol-impaired driving fatalities (568 fewer fatalities, 5.3 percent decrease)
• Urban fatalities (813 fewer fatalities, 4 percent decrease)

Distracted Driving Crashes

In 2019, 3,142 fatalities occurred in crashes where at least one driver was distracted. This is a 9.9 percent increase from 2018, at 2,858 fatalities.

Alcohol-Impaired Driving Crashes

In 2019, there were 10,142 fatalities in alcohol-impaired crashes. This is a 5.3 percent decrease from 2018, with 10,710 fatalities.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2019 had fewer traffic fatalities. However, initial 2020 data indicate a different trend.

The COVID-19 pandemic played a huge role in automobile accidents across the nation. Due to the stay-at-home orders, less people were out driving. This translated into reckless driving and drivers speeding.

California Data:

• In 2019, California saw 3,606 traffic fatalities. This was a 5.1 percent decrease from 2018.
  • Out of that number, 949 fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired accidents. This was a decrease from 2018.
• In 2018, California had 3,798 traffic fatalities.
  • 1,116 of the fatalities were from alcohol-impaired crashes.

Drug-Impaired Crashes

In 2019, 50 percent of all drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes, who were tested, tested positive for legal and/ or illegal drugs. This is an 8 percent increase from 2018.

Teen Drivers

Teen (16-19) car accident fatalities decreased 25 percent from 219 in 2018 to 164 in 2019.

Teen driver (16-19) fatalities decreased 12.7 percent from 95 in 2018 to 83 in 2019.

Preventing Car Accidents

Almost all car accidents are preventable. To avoid and prevent accidents it is best to learn about the most common causes of car accidents and acting on that knowledge can keep you and your family safe.

• Do Not Drink and Drive

Even a small amount of alcohol can impair someone’s driving capabilities.

• Avoid Drunk Drivers

Never get into a vehicle with some who has been drinking. When you see a vehicle on the road that is swerving in and out of traffic, keep your distance or pull over and call 911.

• Do Not Drive While Distracted

Keep your eyes on the road. Do not use your cellphone, do not eat or drink or groom. Keep children and pets secure.

• Slow Down

California drivers are required by law to drive at or below the speed limit and drive at a speed that is appropriate to the traffic, road, and weather conditions.

If everyone drove defensively there would be fewer car crashes resulting in serious injuries and deaths. However, there is always a risk that a collision can still happen due to someone’s negligent driving.

Car Accident Injuries

There are numerous types of San Diego car accident injuries, and while some are instantly recognizable, others may not be seen or felt until later. The unseen, untreated injuries can turn into life-threatening events if not treated. Always seek prompt medical attention after any car accident.

Below is a list of the most common car accident injuries:

• Cuts
• Bruises
• Scrapes
• Soft tissue injuries – Sprains, strains or tears.
• Dislocation injuries – Hips, ribs or shoulders.
• Herniated or ruptured disc(s)
• Fractures
• Compound fractures
• Broken bones – Open, closed, incomplete, complete, displaced or comminuted fractures.
• Internal bleeding
• Chest injuries – Due to seatbelt trauma or airbag deployment.
• Collapsed lung(s)
• Traumatic cardiac arrest
• Facial injuries – Dislocated jaw, broken nose, broken teeth, fractured eye socket or punctured eardrums.
• Head injuries
• Whiplash
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – Immediate and long-term complications possible.
• Upper back, thoracic spine injuries – Usually involve nerve damage and result from a high-speed accident
• Back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Nerve damage
• Partial paralysis
• Total paralysis
• Amputations
• Psychological injuries – Can involve flashbacks and survivor’s guilt.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – Affects survivors’ ability to work and/or socialize.

If you or a loved one were injured in a San Diego car accident, know that you are entitled to compensation for your injuries from the negligent driver. Our San Diego accident attorneys at The Levinson Law Group are ready to assist you.

Fault in California Car Accidents

While driving safely and defensively would likely reduce the number of auto accidents, no matter how safe a driver may be, there is always a risk that an accident can happen due to someone else’s negligent driving.

In most California auto accidents, at least one party is at fault for the crash. It is crucial to know who caused the accident and why it happened. The at-fault party will be liable for the injuries and damages incurred. Fault and liability go hand-in-hand.

California operates with the comparative negligence standard, adopted in 1975, which means a plaintiff may pursue compensation for injuries and other damages even if they were partially responsible for the crash.

California also follows the doctrine of pure comparative fault. Pure comparative fault is the doctrine that determines the amount of liability that the at-fault party must assume, based on the amount of fault the victim may have contributed.

Insurance companies tend to use the doctrine of comparative fault to save money. The higher the percentage of fault is attributed to the victim, the lower the compensation award. Moreover, insurance companies work to attribute blame, partially or wholly, on the claimant so they can reduce their own financial obligation. Insurance companies only care about their bottom line, which is saving the company money.

Dealing with a San Diego car accident that resulted in serious injuries is not straightforward because each accident is unique. Do not face the insurance companies alone. Reach out to The Levinson Law Firm for immediate assistance.

San Diego Car Accident Attorney

At The Levinson Law Group, our dedicated team of car accident lawyers is ready to help. If you or a loved one were involved in an automobile accident, reach out to The Levinson Law Group attorneys right away. The Levinson Law Group is different from other personal injury law firms because they have years of expertise dealing with car accidents of all kinds. If you have questions about the recovery process, we can answer them. If you are not sure you want to bring a case against the other driver, we will not pressure you. We only want to make sure that you are informed to make the best decision for yourself and your family.

When you decide to work with The Levinson Law Group, you can rest assured that you will have someone in your corner throughout the entire process. Put our experience, expertise, and insider knowledge on your side. We accept cases on a contingent fee. That means that if there is no recovery in your case, you pay no fee. And in most cases, we even advance the costs. To learn more about your options, call The Levinson Law Group at 760-512-8088.