Car Accidents in California

Car accidents occur anywhere, especially in states where population is large, such as in California. These accidents generally happen due to the fault or negligent conduct of others.

Statistics on Car Accidents in California

The number of fatal car accidents in California has dropped 2% from 4,225 to 4,120 fatalities, from 2003 to 2004. Based on a research, it shows that California has the majority of deaths due to motor vehicle accidents out of any state. However, it is also the state with the highest population of about 35 million people in 2004, meaning it still cannot be considered that California has the most number of fatalities due to car accidents as population has to be taken into account.

Most accidents, which involve motor vehicles, account for most of fatal accidents. Here are some statistics and other information concerning car accidents in California in 2004:

• There are 1,336 deaths caused by collisions with other motor vehicles, accounting for around 35% of all fatal car crashes throughout California.

• Another 1,072 motor vehicle accident deaths are caused by street signs, palm trees, telephone poles, and other objects that are stationary.

• 412 SUV rollover and car rollover deaths occurred due to SUV hype and all highways that permit high speed transportation, such as Highway 395.

• There are some various vehicle classes that are involved in fatal car accidents, including the following:

1. Cars

2. Light trucks

3. Large trucks

4. Buses

5. Motorcycles

• Motorcycles are essentially less safe compared to trucks and cars as there is no protection from any potential crash or impact, except for a helmet, which may be the only thing between the rider and the concrete.

• Accidents involving motorcycles accounted for 432 fatalities.

• Cars, such as sedans, sport cars, and station wagons have the highest number of deaths, with more than 1,730.

• There are 1,048 fatalities due to accidents involving light trucks, such as minivans and SUVs.

• Large truck, such as tractor-trailers, 18 wheelers, and big rigs accounted for 50 fatalities.

Car Accidents Due to Negligence

Most car accidents are caused by someone's negligent or careless act and many motor vehicle lawsuits are based on the legal theory, negligence.

Negligence is a behavior or conduct that is thoughtless or careless that resulted in the injury of another person. An individual is regarded as negligent if he/she acted or behaved in a manner that is inconsiderate or careless resulting in someone else's injury. A person can also be considered as negligent if he/she did something that should not have been done such as running a red light or speeding. In addition, if an individual did not do something that he/she must have done in order to prevent any accident from happening, such as turning on lights when driving in the dark or at night, failing to yield, or stopping for a pedestrian.

Generally, negligence is used as a basis on such motor vehicle accident cases. For this reason, if a driver is unable to drive with reasonable care and that conduct of his/hers resulted in the injury of pedestrians, other motorists, or passengers, then that certain driver is liable for injuring his victims.