Koreatown Car Accident Lawyers

Common Types of Car Accidents

Car accidents come in many forms, each with its own set of challenges and risks. The most common types of car accidents in Koreatown include:

• Rear-End Collisions: A rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle strikes the back of another vehicle. These accidents are often caused by distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden braking. Even low-speed rear-end accidents can result in injuries such as whiplash and spinal damage.
• T-Bone Accidents: T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another. These accidents often take place at intersections and can result in severe injuries, especially to passengers on the side of the impact.
• Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of car accidents, often leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These accidents typically occur when one driver crosses into oncoming traffic or drives the wrong way on a road.
• Sideswipe Accidents: Sideswipe accidents happen when two vehicles traveling in the same or opposite directions collide along their sides. These accidents often occur during lane changes or when a driver drifts out of their lane.
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Multi-vehicle accidents, also known as pileups, involve three or more vehicles and can be particularly complicated to resolve. Determining liability in these cases can be challenging, as multiple drivers may share responsibility for the accident.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Koreatown

Koreatown is a bustling neighborhood in Los Angeles, known for its heavy traffic and busy streets. Several factors contribute to the high rate of car accidents in this area:

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Koreatown. With drivers often focused on their phones, GPS devices, or other distractions, they may fail to notice changes in traffic, pedestrians, or stop signs.
• Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver’s ability to make safe decisions and respond to road conditions. Drunk driving accidents are especially common in Koreatown due to the area's nightlife scene.
• Speeding: Speeding is another major factor in car accidents. Drivers who exceed the speed limit have less time to react to sudden changes in traffic and are more likely to lose control of their vehicles. Speeding also increases the severity of injuries in an accident.
• Running Red Lights: Intersections in Koreatown are frequently the site of car accidents, especially when drivers run red lights or fail to yield. These actions can lead to devastating T-bone or head-on collisions.
• Poor Road Conditions: Uneven pavement, potholes, and inadequate signage are common issues on Koreatown streets. These road hazards can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, leading to accidents.

California Car Accident Laws

California follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that each driver involved in an accident may be assigned a percentage of fault. Even if you are partially responsible for the accident, you can still recover compensation. However, your award will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file a claim within this period could result in losing your right to pursue compensation.

State law also requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. This includes $15,000 for injury or death to one person, $30,000 for injury or death to multiple people, and $5,000 for property damage. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.