Electric scooters have become a permanent feature of the Los Angeles streetscape. Tourists unlock them along Venice Beach, commuters ride them to Metro stops, and students zip across campus on them. They are affordable, convenient, and easy on the environment — but they also put riders, who have almost no protection, directly into traffic. When something goes wrong, the consequences are rarely minor.

The shared-scooter landscape has also changed. Bird — once one of the biggest names in Los Angeles — filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December 2023, and providers such as Lime and Lyft now operate much of the city’s permitted dockless fleet under the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) program. Whichever brand you ride, the legal questions after a crash are the same: who was at fault, and who pays for your injuries?

How dangerous are e-scooters in Los Angeles, really?

The injury numbers have climbed sharply as micromobility has gone mainstream. According to data drawn from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, emergency-room visits for e-scooter injuries jumped roughly 80% from 2023 to 2024 alone, and have risen nearly fourfold since 2020 — to an estimated 115,700 in 2024. Around 18% of those injuries involved the head.

Researchers have flagged the same trend. A 2024 UC San Francisco study found e-scooter injuries climbed from about 8,600 in 2017 to nearly 56,800 in 2022, with riders far less likely to wear helmets and more likely to ride after drinking than people on conventional bikes. Separate UCLA research found that the cost of e-scooter and bicycle hospitalizations rose roughly fivefold between 2016 and 2024, and that e-scooter injuries were more likely than bicycle injuries to involve fractures, paralysis, or major surgery.

Most e-scooter injuries come from simple falls. But the most catastrophic ones — the cases that lead to surgery, hospitalization, and permanent disability — disproportionately involve collisions with cars. That is the difference between a scraped knee and a life-changing injury, and it is exactly where a strong legal claim usually lies.

California e-scooter laws every rider should know (2026)

California regulates electric scooters under Vehicle Code § 407.5 (which defines them) and § 21235 (which sets the operating rules). The core requirements:

• Minimum age 16. You must be at least 16 years old to ride on public roads.
• Driver’s license or permit required. Riders must hold a valid California driver’s license or learner’s permit.
• 15 mph speed cap. E-scooters may not exceed 15 mph on level ground (Vehicle Code § 22411). Most rental units are electronically limited to comply.
• Helmets for riders under 18. A properly fitted helmet is mandatory for anyone under 18. Adults are not required to wear one but absolutely should.
• No sidewalk riding. Sidewalk riding is banned statewide, with fines that commonly run $197–$238. Ride in bike lanes, or on roads posted at 25 mph or less when no bike lane exists.
• No passengers. E-scooters are built for one rider — carrying a passenger is prohibited.
• Lights at night. After dark, your scooter needs a front light visible from 300 feet plus reflectors.
• DUI laws apply. Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in a DUI, just as it would in a car.

These rules matter for more than avoiding a ticket. After a crash, an insurance company will scrutinize whether you were following the law — and use any violation to argue you share the blame. That does not necessarily end your claim (see comparative fault, below), but it makes experienced representation more important.

How e-scooter accidents happen in Los Angeles

Because riders are exposed and small, the same hazards that threaten cyclists threaten scooter riders — often with worse outcomes. The most common patterns we see:

• Getting struck by a car. Intersection collisions are the single most common serious scenario — drivers run lights, turn left across a rider’s path, or turn right without checking for a scooter in the bike lane. Many drivers simply never see the rider.
• Dooring. A driver or passenger opens a parked car’s door into a rider’s path, leaving no time to stop or swerve safely.
• Road hazards. Potholes, broken asphalt, uneven pavement, and debris can throw a rider over the handlebars. When the defect is on a public street, a government entity may be responsible.
• Forced swerving and visibility. Riders pushed out of a bike lane, or cut off by a turning vehicle, can be forced into traffic; drivers also drift into scooters traveling beside them.
• Rider vs. pedestrian. Scooters ridden illegally on sidewalks collide with pedestrians, who can suffer serious injuries of their own.
• Device defects. Sudden brake failure, a stuck throttle, or a battery malfunction can cause a crash that was not the rider’s fault at all — potentially a product-liability case.

Common e-scooter injuries

With nothing between the rider and the pavement — or the vehicle — e-scooter crashes produce injuries that are frequently severe:

• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions (especially without a helmet)
• Facial and dental fractures, lacerations, and “road rash”
• Broken wrists, arms, collarbones, ankles, and legs
• Internal bleeding and organ injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and, in the most serious cases, paralysis

Who can be held liable for an e-scooter accident?

Identifying every responsible party is the heart of a strong claim. Depending on how your crash happened, one or more of the following may owe you compensation:

• A negligent motorist — the most common defendant when a rider is struck in traffic.
• A government entity — the City of Los Angeles, the County, or Caltrans may be liable for a dangerous road condition such as a pothole or defective bike lane. These claims are governed by the California Government Claims Act and carry a strict six-month deadline to file a tort claim — far shorter than the usual two-year window. (For how this deadline works in a closely related context, see our guide on how long you have to file a California claim.)
• A scooter operator or manufacturer — if a brake, throttle, or battery defect contributed to the crash, the company that made or maintained the scooter may share liability under California product-liability law.
• The scooter rider — if you are a pedestrian struck by a rider, that rider (and sometimes the operator) may be responsible for your injuries.

What to do after an e-scooter accident in Los Angeles

1. Get medical attention immediately — even if you feel “okay.” Adrenaline masks injuries, and gaps in treatment are used against you.
2. Call the police and make sure a report is created.
3. Photograph everything: the scene, the vehicle, the scooter, road hazards, and your injuries.
4. Get names and numbers for every witness and the at-fault driver.
5. Document the ride in the scooter app — screenshots of your trip, the device, and any error messages.
6. Do not give a recorded statement to the other side’s insurer, and do not sign anything, before speaking with an attorney.

Does no helmet or riding location hurt my claim?

Not necessarily. California follows pure comparative negligence under Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804. That means even if you were partly at fault — you were not wearing a helmet as an adult, or you were briefly outside a bike lane — you can still recover compensation. Your award is simply reduced by your share of fault. Insurers know this and will try to inflate your percentage; part of our job is to push back with evidence and keep your recovery as whole as possible.

What is an e-scooter accident claim worth?

There is no single “average.” Value depends on the severity of your injuries, the medical treatment required, lost income and earning capacity, the strength of liability, and the available insurance. Recoverable damages typically include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages such as pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. For a deeper explanation of how these figures are built and how insurers try to undervalue them, see our guide on how California accident settlement values are calculated.

Representative case results

The following are verified results our firm has obtained in related vulnerable-road-user and motor-vehicle collision cases. They are not e-scooter-specific, and they are provided only to illustrate the kinds of outcomes possible when a motorist seriously injures an exposed rider or pedestrian. Past results do not guarantee or predict the outcome of any future case.

Frequently Asked Questions

In 2019, Amazon.com Inc. surpassed Walmart Inc. to become the world’s largest retailer. During the fiscal year 2020, the behemoth grossed more than $386 billion in sales. A driver of the company’s success is how it simplifies online purchases by streamlining delivery logistics. Amazon’s customers return again and again because of their easy access to countless products and fast delivery services.

Based in Seattle, Washington, Amazon has warehouses stationed throughout the U.S. and the world. The company uses multiple carriers to transport and deliver packages to its customers. Amazon has multiple distribution centers throughout California with more centers planned. In cities throughout the state, local delivery companies are contracted to pick up and deliver goods to people at commercial and residential addresses. By using third-party delivery companies, Amazon has been able to offer fast turnaround times on its customers’ orders.

The Amazon Flex delivery program also allows independent drivers in the greater Los Angeles area and other cities across California to pick up and deliver Amazon Prime orders to customers. Each driver must wear uniforms, use on-road technology, complete safety training courses, and follow other company policies. However, drivers who drive through the Flex program are independent contractors instead of employees, so they do not receive benefits.

Amazon delivery workers who are injured while working might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits and could also have grounds to file third-party personal injury lawsuits. The laws for Amazon delivery workers are complex, and it is critical to work with an experienced personal injury attorney to help you recover all of the compensation you deserve. The attorneys at the Steven M. Sweat Personal Injury Lawyers are prepared to help you pursue compensation in your case.

Work injury risks for Amazon delivery workers

Each day, Amazon delivery services workers face multiple risks. Some of the risks faced by delivery workers include motor vehicle accidents, dog bites, slip-and-fall accidents, robberies, and others. Delivery workers can also suffer work-related injuries caused by repetitive movements, lifting heavy boxes, and others that can result in chronic back injuries, sprains, and strains.

People who work through the Amazon Flex app have to drive to a large variety of different addresses and often have to park in congested areas to deliver packages. Since the drivers spend a substantial amount of time on the road, their chances of being involved in accidents are higher. Delivery drivers also face time pressures and might rush from delivery location to location to try to meet their deadlines. Since Amazon prioritizes productivity, this can lead to driver fatigue and an increased risk of accidents and injuries.

Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation

Delivery workers who are directly employed by Amazon and are not independent contractors are covered under California’s workers’ compensation laws. Employers in the state, including Amazon, must carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover their employees’ work-related injuries and occupational illnesses. Amazon delivery employees who are injured on the job may file claims for benefits with their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance coverage. If you are employed by Amazon and are injured, you will not have to prove that the company was negligent to recover workers’ compensation benefits. This type of coverage can provide benefits to pay for your medical expenses, medications, surgery, rehabilitation expenses, and a portion of your income losses if you are temporarily or permanently unable to return to your work because of your injuries.

If you are an Amazon Flex driver who is injured at work, you are not considered to be an employee. As an independent contractor, you cannot receive workers’ compensation benefits for your injuries. However, voters in California passed Proposition 22 on Nov. 3, 2020, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2021. Under this law, driver app companies, including Uber, Door Dash, Lyft, Amazon Flex, and others must provide occupational insurance for their drivers while they are driving with their apps on that provides up to $1 million in coverage for accident-related injuries. This insurance also pays for up to 66% of the average wages earned by the drivers over the past month across all of the driving apps the worker uses. If you are injured in an accident while driving for Amazon Flex, an experienced injury attorney can help you to file your claim to recover the benefits you deserve.

Third-party personal injury lawsuits for Amazon delivery accidents

Amazon delivery drivers who are injured in accidents while working may also have the ability to pursue compensation through third-party personal injury lawsuits. When another driver or other third party negligently causes an accident, the delivery driver can file a lawsuit against the third party or driver to recover compensation for his or her losses.

If you are an Amazon employee who works in a fulfillment center, you can also file a workers’ compensation claim through Amazon’s workers’ compensation coverage. For example, if you are injured in a slip-and-fall accident while gathering packages to fulfill an order within the distribution center, you can file a workers’ compensation claim with Amazon. If you are a Flex driver who is injured in an accident while delivering packages, you could also file a claim with the company’s occupational liability insurance required by Proposition 22 while filing a third-party claim against the person or company responsible for causing your accident.

For example, if another driver hits your car while you are fulfilling orders for Amazon, you might be entitled to pursue compensation against the negligent driver by filing a personal injury claim against him or her. The benefit of being able to file a third-party personal injury claim in addition to a worker’s compensation or occupational liability claim through Amazon is that you can seek to recover damages for your non-economic losses through a personal injury lawsuit. These types of damages are not available through a workers’ compensation or occupational liability insurance claim through Amazon itself.

Damages for your non-economic losses include compensation for the pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, and other losses you might have suffered because of your accident. While a workers’ comp claim might replace a percentage of your lost wages, a personal injury claim might pay for all of the income you have lost as well as the income you will likely lose in the future because of your injuries.

Third-party personal injury claims frequently involve complex liability issues. Various factors may complicate the process of determining fault, including the available insurance coverage, the circumstances surrounding the accident, what happened in the moments leading up to the collision, the status of the worker, and others. An experienced injury attorney can help to explain the legal options available to you for recovering compensation for your losses following your work-related accident.

Steps to take following an Amazon delivery worker accident

Whether you were injured while working in an Amazon fulfillment center or while delivering packages as an Amazon Flex driver, you should follow specific steps to protect your rights to recover compensation. These steps include the following:

• If you are in a vehicle accident, call 911 to report it and get help.
• If you were injured in a slip-and-fall or equipment accident, report what happened to your supervisor immediately.
• Submit a detailed accident report stating exactly what occurred.
• Gather important documents about your accident and injuries, including medical records and police reports.
• If you had a vehicle accident, take photographs of the damage to both vehicles and the accident scene.
• Get the other driver’s contact, insurance, and registration information.
• Get the names and contact information of anyone who saw your accident.
• Get immediate medical attention.
• Schedule a consultation with an experienced Amazon worker injury lawyer.

Get help from the law firm of Steven M. Sweat Personal Injury Lawyers today

If you have been injured while working as an Amazon delivery worker in Los Angeles, you should contact the law firm of Steven M. Sweat Personal Injury Lawyers as soon as possible. Trying to deal with a vast corporation like Amazon without legal help can be difficult. Our attorneys can help you to identify all of the potential sources of recovery to help you maximize the amount of compensation you might recover. Call us today for a free consultation at 866.966.5240.

As an unsafe lane change accident attorney in Los Angeles, I know that, despite Mayor Garcetti’s Drive to Zero initiative, traffic accidents in Los Angeles have been increasing. In 2016, for example, 260 people were killed in Los Angeles accidents. The city also experienced an overall increase of 7 percent in the total number of vehicle collisions from 2015 to 2016 with a total of 55,350 collisions happening in 2016. Across the state, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 3,623 people were killed in 2016, which was a significant increase over the number of people who died in 2015.

Part of the increase can be attributed to an increased number of vehicles on the roads. Because of the traffic congestion in and around Los Angeles, some drivers make unsafe lane changes. When a driver suddenly changes lanes with little warning, they may collide with other motorists or cause the motorists who are present in the lanes to swerve into traffic in order to avoid being hit. Unsafe lane change accidents can cause serious injuries or fatalities, and they are especially dangerous for motorcyclists.

Causes of unsafe lane change accidents

An unsafe lane change occurs when a motorist enters into a lane abruptly and either collides with another vehicle that is already present in the lane or creates dangerous situations for motorists in that lane. Some of these incidents happen when a vehicle is trying to enter into a lane next to them or when they are merging onto a highway from an entrance ramp. Unsafe lane change accidents may be caused by several different negligent driving behaviors, including the following:

• Failing to use a turn signal when changing lanes or when turning
• Failing to see a vehicle in the adjacent lane
• Misjudging the speed of a fast-approaching vehicle in an adjacent lane
• Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes
• Attempting to change lanes at intersections
• Distracted driving
• Aggressive driving
• Falling asleep behind the wheel
• Two vehicles attempting to merge into a middle lane between them simultaneously

In some cases, a motorist who is present in a lane when another vehicle suddenly moves into it may be forced to swerve left, causing him or her to have a collision with a third vehicle.

Unsafe lane change motorcycle accidents

Unsafe lane change accidents involving motorcyclists may be especially serious. Motorcyclists have little to protect them from the forces of collisions. In many cases involving motorcyclists, the drivers fail to notice the motorcyclists that are present and change lanes, striking them. Drivers are supposed to check their blind spots and use their turn signals when they are changing lanes. Unfortunately, many drivers simply fail to drive with reasonable caution and switch lanes unsafely, endangering motorcyclists who are present in the lanes. Some of these accidents also happen when motorcyclists are lane-splitting, which is legal to do in California. In these types of accidents, the drivers do not check their blind spots and attempt to change lanes, colliding with the motorcyclists who are riding next to them.

Liability issues in unsafe lane change accidents

Under California Vehicle Code § 22107, motorists are not supposed to change lanes or to turn until it is reasonably safe for them to do so. They are also mandated to use their turn signals so that other drivers are alerted to their intention to change lanes. When a motorist changes lanes unsafely, there may be complex liability issues. There may be multiple vehicles involved such as when a motorist swerves to avoid the vehicle entering his or her lane and collides with traffic to the motorist’s left. Many unsafe lane change accidents also occur at high rates of speed, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. When these accidents happen, it may be necessary to hire an accident reconstruction expert in order to prove the liability of the motorist who suddenly changed lanes when it was unsafe for him or her to do so.

Unsafe lane change consequences

Unsafe lane changes may cause other vehicles to lose control, roll over or collide with other vehicles. These accidents may also cause serious injuries, including the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Crushing injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Head injuries
• Fractures
• Disfigurement
• Paralysis
• Death

It is possible to hold the responsible motorist liable to pay damages when their negligence has resulted in your injuries and losses. Some of the damages that might be available to you include your medical expenses, income losses, future losses in your ability to earn a living, pain and suffering, emotional trauma and others.

Contact an experienced Los Angeles unsafe lane change accident lawyer

Being injured in an accident that was caused by a motorist who changed lanes unsafely can be life-changing. Because of the complexities of these types of accident cases, it may be best for you to seek help from an experienced accident lawyer in Los Angeles. Your attorney may work with accident reconstruction experts, investigators and others to build a case for you that clearly demonstrates the liability of the motorist who caused your accident. This may help you to recover the maximum damages so that you are fairly compensated for the losses that you have suffered. Contact our law firm today to schedule your consultation so that you can learn more about the rights that you might have.

Sources

https://cdan.nhtsa.gov/SASStoredProcess/guest

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-2016-traffic-deaths-20170403-story.html

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=22107

As a Los Angeles traffic accident attorney, I know that traffic collisions are prevalent in L.A., and the city experiences higher auto accident fatality rates than do other similar cities around the U.S. In 2016, 260 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents in Los Angeles. When the city is compared to others, Los Angeles had a fatality rate of 6.27 deaths per 100,000 people in 2012. Chicago, by contrast, had a fatality rate of 5.34 deaths per 100,000 people, and New York City had a fatality rate of 3.21 deaths per 100,000 people. It is clear that Los Angeles has a serious problem with motor vehicle crashes. In an effort to reduce the number of traffic injuries and fatalities, the city has adopted an initiative to reach zero traffic fatalities in the city by 2025.

Common types of Los Angeles traffic accidents

Pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists in Los Angeles have much higher risks of dying in accidents than do other types of travelers. Pedestrians and bicyclists are involved in 14 percent of accidents in the city but account for more than half of all of the fatalities that occur. Motorcyclists are involved in 3 percent of Los Angeles accidents but comprise 15 percent of the fatalities that happen. Many of the accidents with pedestrians and bicyclists happen at intersections when vehicles are turning. Motorcyclists may be involved in accidents when motorists turn, pull out into traffic or change lanes while failing to see the motorcycles.

Speed is a major factor in numerous accidents in the city. Other common types of accidents in the city are caused by distracted driving when drivers are texting or talking on their cell phones, changing their radios, eating or doing other distracting things while they drive. With the stop-and-go traffic that frequently happens on the city’s main arteries, rear-end often occur. A large percentage of accidents are also caused by people who fail to obey traffic signals and stop signs. Some motorists speed up when the traffic lights turn yellow in an effort to make it through intersections, but they then hit cars in the intersections because the lights have turned red by the time they reach the intersections. Drunk driving remains a big problem despite the availability of alternate means of transportation in Los Angeles, including public transportation, taxis and ride-share services. Finally, many accidents happen at night when visibility is poor.

Campaign to reduce accidents and injuries

Mayor Eric Garcetti issued an executive directive in Aug. 2015 in order to launch Los Angeles’s Vision Zero Initiative. The aim of the initiative is to use data-driven research in order to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities over 10 years. The city believes that it can reach its goal of having zero traffic fatalities by 2025.

The initiative is focused on improvements through engineering to make roadways safer to use for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and motorists who are sharing them. Los Angeles believes gathering data and thoroughly evaluating it is key to understanding where the most problematic areas lie. The city has identified a number of streets that it calls the high-injury network. While these streets make up just 6 percent of the roadways in the city, 65 percent of the fatal pedestrian and bicycle accidents happen on them. Los Angeles is focusing on installing improvements on these streets in order to meet its initial goal of reducing traffic fatalities by 20 percent during 2017.

Stepped-up enforcement of traffic laws is another component of the Vision Zero Initiative. Law enforcement agencies will work together to focus on high-risk driving behaviors, including speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving and others. The city is also focused on education as an important factor in reaching the goal of zero deaths by 2025.

Problems with accident-reduction plans

Traffic accidents are largely preventable, and the city’s efforts may help to reduce the number of deaths that occur through its combination of approaches. Unfortunately, however, it is impossible to force all drivers to drive with reasonable care, and there will always be some drivers who drive negligently and cause accidents as a result. Even if Los Angeles and other cities around the country are unable to reach their goals of zero traffic deaths, any reduction in the number of fatalities would be welcome.

Los Angeles and other cities with drive to zero initiatives are following in the footsteps of Sweden. In 1997, the Swedish Government wrote a law called the Vision Zero plan. The country’s fatality rate has halved since 2000 as a result of its initiative. Sweden has focused on infrastructure changes with separate pedestrian zones and barriers to separate cyclists from other vehicles. It has also focused on increased policing to help it get where it is today. Its fatality rate has fallen to fewer than 3 deaths per 100,000 people across the country. If Los Angeles can mirror the success of Sweden’s efforts, it will be a victory even if some deaths still do occur.

Contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney

Los Angeles’s initiative to reach zero traffic deaths within 10 years is laudable. It is important that people drive with caution and avoid violating traffic laws. If people are seriously injured by negligent motorists, they might want to file personal injury lawsuits in order to hold the motorists accountable and to recover damages for their losses. An experienced personal injury attorney might help to recover the maximum monetary amounts for his or her injured clients through skilled negotiation and the correct identification of all available claims and recovery sources. Contact a personal injury attorney today to learn more about the rights that you might have in your own accident case.

Sources: http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2014/02/economist-explains-16 https://www.joomag.com/magazine/vision-zero-action-plan-2017/0893807001485436685?short

As a Pacific Coast Highway accident attorney for over 20 years, I have seen both the beauty and danger of this great coastal roadway. The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), which spans 1700 miles along the coast of three states, is one of the most popular scenic drives in the U. S. Throughout the drive, there are a number of natural and man-made sights to see, but there are also a number of areas that have become so popular that driving has become heavily congested and even hazardous at times.

A recent study, funded by the Orange County Transportation Authority and the California Department of Transportation, evaluated the 37 mile stretch between Seal Beach and San Clemente in Orange County in order to determine ways that travel along the PCH can be made safer and more efficient.

The study was undertaken at the request of several of the cities located along that stretch of road, and the results have yielded some ideas for managing traffic and improving safety in a number of ways. One of the major drawbacks for these plans, however, is the exorbitant cost associated with making the needed changes.

In Newport Beach, California, there were 11 areas identified as needing improvement, but the major problems are heavy pedestrian traffic, narrow roadways combined with on-street parking and lots of bicyclists. Corona del Mar experiences many of these same issues as well.

In Huntington Beach, one of the major issues is the lack of coordination in the timing of traffic signals. This is causing significant back up at peak travel times that delay motorists. Traffic delays are further complicated by the large volumes of pedestrian traffic that are attempting to cross the road safely. Bicycles in that area are being forced to travel between parked cars, causing safety issues for the cyclists and for pedestrians alike.

In Laguna Beach, motorists and pedestrians are experiencing the same delays and congestion, and have the additional complication of narrow or missing sidewalks, putting pedestrians at even greater risk.

There have been a number of well-publicized accidents and fatalities along the PCH over the years, and the residents have been demanding upgrades for a long time. Though this study identifies the risks, it will up to the individual cities to implement the needed changes.

The proposed changes include widening roadways, installing fiber optic cable to coordinate traffic signals, installing bike lanes and eliminating parking spaces. Some county officials are concerned that some of these proposed changes, such as eliminating street parking, will cause even more problems with traffic flow. Additionally, there is only so much space to widen the roads, and in some areas it will be impossible.

For now, some of the most problematic areas are receiving grant funding to help get their projects underway. Approximately 2.25 million dollars is being granted by Orange County, and the city of Newport Beach has promised to contribute almost a half a million.

Despite these future improvements, traveling the PCH can pose risks for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists alike. The increase in summer-time vacation traffic can only increase these risks. Vacationers may not be aware of the potential hazards and may not exercise proper caution.

If you are injured in an accident on the Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach or other Orange County locale, it may be advisable to consult an attorney who is familiar with personal injury claims. Accident claims are intended to help injured victims offset the costs related to any injuries, and the poor road conditions, along with other factors, may need to be evaluated in order to ensure that you are fairly compensated. A local attorney will have the most up-to-date and accurate information about the road conditions that may vitally impact your case.

Sources: http://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/tn-dpt-me-0428-pch-20160427-story.html http://www.visittheusa.com/usa/road-trips/road-trips/pch.aspx

The City of Los Angeles has the highest rate of vehicle related accidents in the United States. With a population of over 18.5 million people in the greater Los Angeles area, and an influx of business visitors and tourists, it is very easy to understand how so many accidents can occur in this area.

Add to this fact that LA has some of the most diverse traffic and complicated road systems in the country and each accommodate vehicle, bicycle and foot traffic. LA never sleeps, and this traffic can be experienced at any time of the day or night.

Recent statistics show that over 29,000 accidents occurred in Los Angeles that involved a death or injury in 2013. While a majority of these accidents involved two or more vehicles, there were a significant amount of events that occurred outside of this parameter. Understanding what types of accidents occur in this area will help people stay safer when traveling through LA.

Accident Statistics For Los Angeles

According to the most recent study (2013), the rate of accidents in Los Angeles for events outside of vehicular accidents involving two or more vehicles show:

• Pedestrians were at the highest risk in LA. Almost 2,900 serious accidents occurred in 2013 that involved and injury or death with a vehicle and a pedestrian. • Bicyclists came in second place for highest risk with over 2,300 serious accidents registered during this time. • Motorcycle drivers came in third with a little over 1,200 accidents occurring in LA during 2013

Of these three accident types, almost 2,400 of these accidents involved one of the parties under the influence of alcohol.

In vehicle related accidents involving two or more cars or trucks, the following statistics are quite startling.

• 3,600 accidents occurred between two or more vehicles due to excessive speed. • Over 2,800 accidents happened between the hours of 9:00pm and 3:00am • Over 3,100 accidents resulting in death or injury were caused by a Hit-and-Run driver

When You Have Been Involved In A Vehicle Related Accident In Los Angeles

When you are involved in any type of vehicular accident in LA, it is important that you take the following steps.

• Notify emergency services. You need to make sure that the accident has been reported to the police. The police report will contain key information about the event and will be relevant to your case if you seek compensation. • Get immediate medical treatment. Regardless of how minor your injuries may seem, you should be medically evaluated at the time of the event. A headache may not be from the stress of the accident, it may be a concussion or a sign of another injury. Being medically evaluated will protect your health. • Speak to an attorney. Once your health and injuries have been stabilized, it is important to contact an attorney. Dealing with insurance companies can be quite complicated. Protect your rights as the injured party and talk to an attorney about your case.

If you have been injured, or you have lost a loved one, due to any type of vehicular accident in Los Angeles, you are encouraged to speak with an attorney about your rights to seek compensation. California law provides certain rights to accident victims that will allow them to seek compensation for their injuries and losses.

Importance of Hiring A Quality Los Angeles Accident Lawyer

By working with an attorney, you will avoid the mishaps that are often experienced when dealing with an insurance company during the claim process. Your lawyer will make sure that the insurer complies with state law and the terms of their insurance policy to provide you with a fair and complete form of compensation for your losses.

Sources:

California Office of Traffic Safety (2013), OTS Collision Rankings

Si usted o alguien que usted conoce está herido o muerto como consecuencia de un conductor distraído en California, es importante consultar con un abogado de lesiones personales familiarizado con este tipo de reclamos. El abogado puede ayudar a encontrar pruebas de que el conductor estaba usando un teléfono celular en el momento del incidente. El abogado puede asistir a las víctimas heridas o la familia de la víctima de un homicidio culposo obtener dinero para gastos médicos, gastos funerarios y otros daños causados ​​por el accidente.

Llame sin costo en California | 866-966-5240

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGYC9pEBgZo

Related Resources:

Abogados de Accidentes de Carro de Los Angeles, CA

California law on serving an obviously intoxicated minor provides an exception to the so-called “dram shop” immunity. What does this mean? It means that if a bar, hotel, restaurant or other similar establishment serves a minor who is clearly under the influence at the time of service, they can be held liable for any injury or death that is caused by that alcohol service.

Legal Background of Dram Shop Laws in CA

The word “dram” is an old British unit of measurement that equals 1/16th of an ounce of alcohol. Many states in the U.S. enacted “dram shop” laws that held alcohol serving establishments liable if drunken patrons injured or killed someone. California, on the other hand, enacted specific legislation exempting bars and restaurants and other commercial purveyors of alcohol from any civil liability for personal injury or wrongful death claims arising from the provision of drinks to customers. This is set forth in California Business and Professions Code 25602 which makes it a misdemeanor to serve underage drinkers but, exempts operators from being civilly liable. A major exception to this rule was carved out if it can be shown that alcohol was being served to underage drinkers who were obviously inebriated at the time of service. This provision of law is set forth in California Business and Professions Code 25602.1 which states as follows:

“… a cause of action may be brought by or on behalf of any person who has suffered injury or death against any person licensed, or required to be licensed, pursuant to Section 23300, or any person authorized by the federal government to sell alcoholic beverages on a military base or other federal enclave, who sells, furnishes, gives or causes to be sold, furnished or given away any alcoholic beverage, and any other person who sells, or causes to be sold, any alcoholic beverage, to any obviously intoxicated minor where the furnishing, sale or giving of that beverage to the minor is the proximate cause of the personal injury or death sustained by that person.”

Although the statute uses the term “minor”, this term has been interpreted to mean any person under the legal drinking age of 21 (See: Rogers v. Alvas 160 Cal.App.3d 997). Therefore, if any bar, restaurant, night club, hotel, country club, lounge, concert venues, stadiums or any other establishment that has a liquor license issued by the State of California serves anyone under 21 who shows signs of intoxication at the time they are given a drink, they can be held responsible for a civil action for personal injury or wrongful death if that drunken individual later maims or kills another person.

IMPORTANCE OF HIRING A QUALIFIED INJURY LAWYER EXPERIENCED WITH ALCOHOL RELATED ACCIDENTS INVOLVING UNDERAGE DRINKING IN CALIFORNIA :

Whether the service of alcohol or a drunken minor results in a drunk driving car crash or a bar room brawl, it is critically important to consult with a California attorney familiar with these laws promptly following a resulting injury or death. Early investigation and retention of experts to analyze the facts leading up to the incident can mean the difference between only being able to recover from the drinker or his auto insurance policy and being able to hold the bar or restaurant on the hook through their commercial insurance policy, which usually has a much higher policy limit. Proving an individual was “under age” is not difficult but, proving they were “obviously intoxicated” at the time they were served is much more difficult. Experts such as forensic toxicologists can analyze the blood alcohol content of the drunk driver in connection with the time of alcohol service to extrapolate findings that would show that intoxication was likely at a given point in time when they were given beer or liquor by the bartender. Likewise, there are professional experts who can provide opinions on the signs of “obvious intoxication” and what the standard should be for a bartender to cut that person off. Analysis like this requires cold hard facts that can only come from sources such as eyewitness accounts of how a person appeared and was acting at the time they were being served up. This type of evidence must be locked down by taking depositions of the bar hop, waiters, waitresses, managers and other patrons and be interviewing other witnesses. Likewise, subpoenas can be issued to require a turn over of criminal records such as toxicology reports related to any DUI arrests. This type of detailed leg work can only be performed by a quality personal injury law firm with the resources and wherewithal to execute prompt and thorough discovery.

For more information or a free consultation on any accident or injury claim involving a person under 21 who was served alcohol in California call us statewide at 866-966-5240.