Accidents happen so fast. You are on your way to work or wherever, and something goes wrong, and before you know it, you crash into the car in front of you. Also, accidents, no matter how big or small, can completely alter a person’s life. They can cause lasting impairments, agony, and a loss of earnings, hence the importance of learning freeway accident prevention.
Driver decisions cause more accidents on the freeway than their lack of driving skill. Reports have shown that human error accounts for around 94% of all road accidents.
A video of a truck crashing into a Sedan on the freeway was making rounds on the internet. Many individuals debated who caused the accident and who was responsible.
The Truck vs Sedan: Who Is at Fault?
The freeway accident prevention video shows the Silver Sedan slowing down. Attorney Ugo Lord claims that Sedan’s action is illegal. He stated that unlawful actions result in liability for accidents. If someone rear-ends another vehicle during an emergency, they are at fault.
He asserted that drivers who engage in unlawful actions and cause a car accident are liable for damages. On the other hand, if a driver rear-ends a vehicle that stops for an emergency, they are responsible for the damages.
However, in this case, the silver Sedan made an illegal left-hand turn and did not stop for an emergency. Therefore, the Sedan is at fault and should bear the cost of any damages related to freeway accident prevention.
What Is the California Law on Freeway Accident Prevention
California uses a comparative fault theory to determine who should be responsible for a freeway accident. The principles of the comparative theory are as follows:
- Several parties must bear financial responsibility for accident injuries.
- Victims who contribute to the accident are still eligible to get compensation.
Under comparative fault law, individuals injured in an accident are eligible for compensation, provided they are not entirely to blame for their injuries. This law ensures that all accident victims can receive compensation for their losses, even with measures in place for freeway accident prevention.
The California law also states that those who have suffered personal injuries in freeway accidents are entitled to economic and non-economic damages. In California Civil Code §1431.2(b)(1), economic damages are any “objectively verifiable monetary losses” incurred by the victim. These may consist of:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Losing a job or commercial opportunities
- Loss of property usage
- Expenses related to burial and property replacement or repair.
The non-economic damages in the Civil Code §1431.2(b)(2) are defined as “subjective, non-monetary losses” incurred by a victim of the freeway accident prevention. These may consist of:
- Anguish and suffering
- Psychological distress
- Loss of friendship and cooperation
- Inconvenience
- Reputational harm as well as humiliation.
One important thing you should know about freeway accident prevention if you plan to sue in a freeway accident case is the statute of limitations. In California, the statute of limitations is two years for personal injury claims and three years for property damage. Once the statute of limitations has passed, a person loses the ability to take legal action to recover damages or injuries.
What Can You Do for Freeway Accident Prevention?
Accidents may happen unexpectedly, but prevention is possible. Measures for freeway accident prevention include:
- Stay focused. Reports have shown that distracted driving is the most common cause of car accidents. Anything that diverts your focus from the road is considered distracted driving, such as making phone calls or switching music.
- Avoid speeding and drunk driving: Speed limiting signs are there to tell you the safest speed limit for that specific route. Driving at a high speed will make it harder to stop your car quickly enough to avoid an accident.
On the other hand, It’s common knowledge that drinking impairs one’s capacity for concentration and proper functioning. So always employ a ride service or a designated driver if you intend to drink before heading out for freeway accident prevention.
Other things include making proper lane changes and turns and not driving in weather conditions such as heavy rain, ice, snow, etc. Always try to stay safe and avoid anything that can endanger you.
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