3 Most Common Car Accidents in San Diego

by Vikas Bajaj

Car accidents are incredibly common in San Diego. In fact, there were an average of 25 accidents in San Diego every day in 2015. That may not be surprising, given that there are 13.5 million daily miles driven on San Diego city roads.

While no two accidents are identical, many crashes share common elements. In fact, certain types of car accidents occur more frequently than others. The type of accident that happens will often dictate the type and extent of any injuries that result.

The following types of accidents are reported most frequently in San Diego. Understanding why these accidents happen can help you to avoid a devastating car accident and injury.

Intersection Accidents

Approximately 40 percent of all car accidents involve an intersection of two roads. While many intersections in San Diego are controlled by traffic signals and/or signs, accidents are still incredibly common here. Why? There are a few possible reasons.

First, San Diego is known for its traffic jams. Drivers, who are often eager to get to their intended destination as quickly as possible, will put safety aside to “beat” a red or yellow light. These drivers do not always make it through the intersection before the light changes. As a result, they collide with oncoming traffic. Aggressive driving is often cited as a primary cause of intersection accidents.

Second, drivers are becoming increasingly distracted. Driver distraction can be incredibly dangerous at intersections. Pedestrians are trying to cross the road, bicyclists are attempting to navigate through the dangerous zone, and other motorists are trying to make difficult turns. When drivers are not paying attention to their surroundings, accidents happen.

Finally, drivers are often unaware of who has the right of way at an intersection. In fact, many drivers may be surprised to learn that California has laws on the books that specifically outlines who has to yield, and when. This lack of knowledge, paired with aggressive behaviors, can be dangerous.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle slams in the back of another vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 40 percent of all car accidents are rear-end collisions. Not surprisingly, many rear-end crashes occur at or near intersections.

Why are rear-end accidents so common? One of the biggest causes of rear-end accidents is driver distraction. Here’s an example. Let’s say Driver A is stopped at a red light and checking his email. Driver B is about 50 yards behind him and approaching the intersection. The light turns green and Driver B does not slow down. Since Driver A isn’t paying attention, he hasn’t noticed that he now has the ability to pass through the intersection. Driver B slams into the rear of Driver A, causing serious damage.

Other causes of rear-end collisions include following too closely or tailgating. rear-end collisions are also incredibly common in congested stop-and-go traffic conditions.

Single Vehicle Accidents

Car accidents do not always have to involve multiple vehicles. Single vehicle accidents are actually quite common in San Diego, often involving teen drivers and drunk drivers. In 2016, 46 percent of all fatal accidents involving teen drivers (16-19) were single car accidents.

Single vehicle accidents can happen for many reasons, including:

• Driver distraction
• Inexperienced driver behind the wheel
• Speeding
• Dangerous or wet road conditions
• Wildlife and animals on the road
• Limited visibility
• Fatigue, and
• Impaired driving ability.

Many single vehicle crashes are fatal, often because drivers run off the road into medians, utility poles, and buildings.

Have You Been Injured in a San Diego Car Accident?

Have you recently been involved in a San Diego car accident? You may be entitled to compensation if someone else is to blame. Contact Injury Trial Lawyers, APC to find out how our San Diego personal injury attorneys can help you maximize the settlement or award you receive.

The money you get from a personal injury claim can help to pay for costly medical bills, replace or repair damaged property, and compensate for the emotional stress of the accident. Our attorneys will fight to make sure that you are fairly compensated for the harm you have suffered. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with our skilled legal team.

Injury Trial Lawyers, APC
1230 Columbia Street Suite 560
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 525-7007
https://getinjuryanswers.com