“Better Slow Than Sorry” Campaign—Why Los Angeles, Why Now?

Last month, a new anti-speeding campaign was launched in California in an effort to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding. A news conference was held on July 17th at the Los Angeles Regional Transportation Management Center with representatives from The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), California Highway Patrol (CHP), Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA), and Street Racing Kills. The campaign presented messages across various digital platforms in English and Spanish, encouraging drivers to drive like their closest friends and family live in the neighborhood.

Speeding contributes to a significant number of road fatalities each year. The force of impact increases with speed, making high-speed collisions much more likely to result in serious injuries or death. But speeding-related accidents have befallen us since the automobile industry replaced horse and buggies a century ago—so why the strong advocacy now? And why is the spotlight on Los Angeles?

California Car Accident Statistics

With 40 million people living in the Golden State, California has the largest population in the U.S. At the height of a global pandemic, our nation experienced an increase in accident rates, which was a direct reflection of reckless driving. OTS reported a 7.6% increase in overall traffic fatalities in California from 2020 to 2021, with the following breakdown:

   alcohol-impaired driving fatalities: 16% increase
   unrestrained passenger vehicle occupant fatalities (failure to wear a seatbelt): 12.4% increase
   motorcycle fatalities: 3% increase
   motorcycle deaths from not wearing a helmet: 9% increase
   teen-driver fatalities: 14.8% increase
   pedestrian fatalities: 9.4% increase

Speeding can increase the likelihood of accidents in case of a collision. Higher speeds reduce the driver's ability to react quickly to unexpected situations, leading to a greater chance of accidents. In heavily-congested cities, vehicle collisions of any capacity are a major problem.

With a population of almost 10 million, it's no surprise that Los Angeles would have the highest number of car accidents than any other county in California. Since 27% of Californians reside in Los Angeles County, significant efforts must be made to promote safer driving in Southern California.

California Car Accident Laws

If you've been injured in a car accident in California, it's recommended to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney for proper legal advice. Most established personal injury law firms in California will have dedicated car accident attorneys to explain your legal rights and help you make informed decisions.

If you’re partially responsible for your accident, don’t hesitate to file a claim. As a comparative negligence state, California determines the amount of damages based on the percentage of fault. Even if you are 99% responsible for your injuries, you can still file a personal injury claim to receive 1% of the compensation you're owed. However, everything depends on the specifics of your case, as there are various details that can change the nature of your claim.

Another important law to be aware of concerning personal injury laws in California is the statute of limitations. Generally speaking, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a claim. This may seem like a significant amount of time, but considering how long it could take before you receive any compensation, you don't want to delay filing a personal injury claim.

Los Angeles Personal Injury Law Firm

If you were recently involved in an accident, contact Yepremyan Law Firm to speak with a Los Angeles car accident attorney who can help you explore your legal options. Keep in mind that the legal details can vary depending on the circumstances of each accident, the severity of injuries, and other factors. At Yepremyan Law Firm, we have dedicated car accident attorneys who can walk you through the legal system and any specific laws that apply to your situation.

Our firm works on a contingency basis for all personal injury matters. In other words, we don't get paid until you do. Our personal injury attorneys will maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, we serve clients all over Southern California. We offer free case evaluations and provide 24/7 support. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.

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