Articles Posted in Motor Vehicle Accidents

A car accident is often a disorienting, frightening, and overwhelming experience. In the moments, hours, and days after a crash, your decisions and actions can have a major impact — not just on your health and recovery, but also on your legal rights and ability to pursue compensation. This guide walks you through what to do immediately after a collision, how to protect your legal rights in California, and how to navigate the road ahead.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a California car crash, you can also contact the experienced auto accident attorneys at Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC for a free consultation. (Steven M. Sweat)

Table of Contents

Los Angeles is a driving city — and that sometimes means dangerous places to cross, turn, or merge. Over the past several years independent reporters and City datasets have identified which corners of LA see the worst crashes. In this article I’ll walk through the intersections that repeatedly show up on those lists, explain the common accident scenarios that happen there, show the California Vehicle Code provisions that commonly govern liability, link to practical resources on victimslawyer.com, and explain steps injured people should take (including how we can help at Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC).

Quick summary — the data & the hotspots

Recent analyses that compile LAPD collision reports and City datasets show clear clusters of severe crashes in South LA and along freeway ramps in the Valley. Independent trackers (like Crosstown LA) and local outlets collating LAPD data have published lists of the 50 most dangerous intersections; many of the intersections with the worst crash counts are near freeway exits and on major arterials such as Vermont, Florence, Slauson, Sepulveda, Roscoe, and portions of the 405/110 corridors. Crosstown+2ABC7 Los Angeles+2

In today’s world, cameras are everywhere. From smartphones to surveillance systems, it has become increasingly difficult for accidents to go entirely unwitnessed. One of the most valuable tools for proving fault in a motor vehicle accident is dashcam footage. More and more California drivers are installing dashcams to protect themselves from disputes about liability, fraudulent claims, and insurance company denials. For personal injury victims, dashcam evidence can often make the difference between a denied claim and a successful recovery.

In this article, we will explore how dashcam footage can be used in California personal injury cases, its admissibility in court, what limitations may apply, and practical steps for preserving and presenting this powerful form of evidence.

Why Dashcams Matter in Personal Injury Cases

Motor vehicle accidents rank among the leading causes of cervical spine injuries in California. Even seemingly minor crashes—on L.A. freeways, local boulevards, or surface streets—can result in significant trauma to the neck. The cervical spine is vital but vulnerable: it supports the head, protects the spinal cord, and enables head mobility. Injuries like strains, sprains, or fractures can cause chronic pain, restricted motion, or debilitating disability.

For Californians who’ve suffered such injuries, understanding both the medical and legal landscape is essential. This article covers cervical spine anatomy, how car accidents cause injuries, differences between strains, sprains, and fractures, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, long-term effects, and legal remedies under California law. Plus, a new section lays out typical settlement and verdict ranges for neck injury cases—helpful for those searching “what is my neck injury case worth?”

Anatomy of the Cervical Spine

Motor vehicle accidents often cause serious and life-altering injuries. Among the most common and debilitating are lower back injuries, including herniated discs, spinal fractures, and nerve damage. For many victims, the accident does not create a brand-new injury but instead worsens a pre-existing spinal condition. California law recognizes the right of injured persons to recover compensation when a negligent driver exacerbates or aggravates a prior injury. This principle is vital in cases involving lower back injuries, as many people already suffer from degenerative disc disease or prior back problems before a crash.

In this article, we’ll explore how California law treats the recovery of damages for exacerbation of lower back spinal injuries, highlight the relevant California Civil Jury Instructions (CACI), and discuss strategies for proving and maximizing recovery in these complex cases.

The Legal Principle: “Take the Plaintiff as You Find Them”

Ridesharing has reshaped transportation in California, but when a crash happens while you’re a paying passenger, the aftermath can be confusing. “Who pays for my medical bills?” “Do I sue the driver, the other motorist, or the rideshare company?” “What about lost wages, pain and suffering, or long-term care?”

Here’s the short answer: as a passenger, you’re almost never at fault—but getting the full compensation you deserve still isn’t automatic. An experienced California rideshare injury attorney can turn a messy, multi-insurer puzzle into a clear, strategic claim.

Below is a practical guide to why hiring counsel matters, how rideshare insurance actually works in California, and what a lawyer does behind the scenes to protect your recovery.

Introduction

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident in California can be a daunting journey filled with complex legal, medical, and insurance challenges. With the bustling highways and streets across cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, the state sees a significant number of vehicular accidents each year. These incidents range from minor fender benders to catastrophic collisions, leaving many to deal with severe injuries, financial burdens, and emotional trauma. This post aims to underscore the importance of securing a skilled accident attorney to guide victims through these challenging times, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Understanding California’s Traffic Laws and Legal System

California’s vast roadways are guided by the California Vehicle Code (CVC), which sets the standards for how drivers should behave on the road. Let’s dive deeper into some essential sections of the CVC to better understand California’s traffic laws.

1. Cell Phones and Distracted Driving

• Hands-free Only: Per CVC §23123, drivers are prohibited from holding and using a cell phone unless it’s set up for hands-free use. This includes activities like texting and calling.