Santa Monica Car Accident Lawyers

When setting out for a drive on the open roads, the last thing you expect to happen is a car accident. Unfortunately, car accidents do happen, and often. Each year, 32,000 people are killed in car crashes. A staggering two million more are injured, making the likelihood of personal injury resulting from a car crash as likely as the accidents themselves.

Being involved in a car accident is frightening and can bring about both physical and mental injuries to the victims. Because accidents often occur due to careless driving or negligence from another driver, it is crucial to seek out the help of an experienced Santa Monica personal injury law firm to help with your case. The Barnes Firm is proud to offer our services to the Santa Monica area and help you win compensation for the damages you have suffered.

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Common Causes of Car Accidents in Santa Monica

No matter how safe a driver you are, you may still fall victim to another driver’s negligence. Car accidents in Santa Monica are an unfortunately common occurrence. Rating as the third highest in the entire country for pedestrian crashes, this city is very prone to collisions. The following lists some of the most common causes of car accidents in Santa Monica:

  • Distracted driving: Whether texting, changing a song, eating, or drinking, distracted driving can result in a tragic end. Avoid distracted driving at all costs while on the roads.
  • Speeding: It may seem like something everyone does, but speeding is also one of the most common causes of car accidents. Speed limits are posted for the safety of all drivers.
  • Aggressive or reckless driving: Sometimes known as road rage, being aggressive or reckless while driving can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and crash.
  • Driving under the influence: Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal even without causing a car accident. This cause also results in a high number of fatalities in car accidents.
  • Dangerous weather: No matter what city you live in, you will inevitably be caught in some form of bad weather on the roads. Whether it is high winds, ice, or rain, severe weather can be dangerous when driving.
  • Limited visibility: To drive safely on the road, you need to be able to see properly. Limited visibility can easily cause a crash if you cannot see another car, pedestrian, or obstacle.

There are many other reasons a car crash can occur, like faulty brakes or tire blowouts, that may be outside of anyone’s control. While a car crash can happen to anyone, knowing the common causes may be helpful to you in remaining safe on the roads.

person taking a picture of a rear end car accident with their phone

What Are Common Types of Car Accidents?

You are more likely to get into a car accident than an accident involving any other type of motor vehicle accident. With Santa Monica having such a high frequency of car accidents, it is no surprise that several different types of car accidents occur in this area. Here are some of the most common types of car accidents in Santa Monica:

  • Rear-end collisions
  • Side impact collisions
  • Hit-and runs
  • T-bone accidents

Any of the above accident types can cause serious injuries that could disrupt victims’ lives for a long time. Even if you were involved in a low-impact crash, it is wise to seek medical attention and discuss your legal options.

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What Steps Should I Take after a Car Accident?

Being involved in a car accident is nothing short of frightening. It can all be a blur as you try to gather your bearings in the moments after the accident. If you do plan to seek compensation for your personal injury and damages sustained from the car crash, the following steps may be helpful:

  1. First, you need to ensure you and anyone else involved is safe. Your safety is the most critical factor, and you should note any pain or visible injuries.
  2. If no one else has already done so, then you should contact emergency services. There may be people who need an ambulance, and you will want the police to report the incident.
  3. Take your own photos of the crash and your injuries, if any were sustained. This is important as the photos may be used in determining who holds liability for the accident.
  4. Exchange information with the other driver. Get their insurance information along with their name and contact information.

Remembering these steps after your accident may be crucial in how your attorney handles your injury case.

Male Motorist With A Whiplash Injury after a Car Crash Getting Out Of the Vehicle before calling The Barnes Firm Injury Attorneys
Male Motorist With A Whiplash Injury after a Car Crash Getting Out Of the Vehicle before calling The Barnes Firm Injury Attorneys

What Steps Should I Take after a Car Accident?

Being involved in a car accident is nothing short of frightening. It can all be a blur as you try to gather your bearings in the moments after the accident. If you do plan to seek compensation for your personal injury and damages sustained from the car crash, the following steps may be helpful:

  1. First, you need to ensure you and anyone else involved is safe. Your safety is the most critical factor, and you should note any pain or visible injuries.
  2. If no one else has already done so, then you should contact emergency services. There may be people who need an ambulance, and you will want the police to report the incident.
  3. Take your own photos of the crash and your injuries, if any were sustained. This is important as the photos may be used in determining who holds liability for the accident.
  4. Exchange information with the other driver. Get their insurance information along with their name and contact information.

Remembering these steps after your accident may be crucial in how your attorney handles your injury case.

piggy bank with money under it and a wooden car on the table to demonstrate car insurance

How Will I Be Compensated for Car Accident Injuries?

If you have suffered injuries due to another driver’s negligence, then you may be able to get compensation for these losses. It is greatly advised that you seek professional legal help when making a case to recover these damages. Still, until then, the following list should give you an idea of the expenses for which you may receive compensation:

  • Medical expenses
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost wages

While these are broad types of damages, the damages you specifically may receive will depend on several factors your attorney may discuss with you during your first consultation.

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