Car Accidents

Most car accident claims are settled out of court—and for good reason. Trials are time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally taxing. But sometimes, settling is not the right move—especially when the insurance company undervalues your injuries or outright denies your claim. At AK Injury Law Firm, we believe in smart strategy over blind aggression. Led by Dr. Azadeh Keshavarz, a former chiropractor turned powerful personal injury attorney, our team evaluates every case not just for what it’s worth—but how it can be won. And sometimes, that means going to trial. So, when should you settle? And when is trial your best path to justice? Let’s break it down. The Settlement Process: Fast, Private, and Common Settlements are negotiated agreements between the injured party and the insurance company (or defendant) to resolve the case without going to court. Most personal injury claims settle because: They’re faster than trials They’re less costly They allow both parties to avoid the unpredictability of a jury However, convenience should never come at the cost of fairness. And that’s where many accident victims make their first mistake—accepting too little, too soon. Why Do So Many Lawyers Push for Settlements? Some law firms settle nearly all of their cases, regardless of merit or strategy. Why? They lack trial experience or courtroom confidence Trials require more time, staff, and preparation Quick settlements mean quicker attorney fees They assume you, the client, don’t want to go to trial But AK Injury Law Firm is different. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Why? Because it gives us leverage in negotiations—and because some cases truly need to go to court to get the compensation our clients deserve. The Insurance Company’s Game: Delay, Deny, Underpay Insurers are not on your side. Their goal is to minimize payouts, and they use a variety of tactics to do just that: Delaying claims to wear you down Denying legitimate injuries Offering lowball settlements, especially early on Blaming you for the accident (even partially) Disputing the extent or cause of your injuries In these scenarios, settlement is not a resolution—it’s a surrender. At AK Injury Law, we don’t play their game. We build strong, fact-driven cases backed by medical knowledge, strategic arguments, and a readiness to fight in court if that’s what it takes. When Should a Car Accident Case Go to Trial? While every case is unique, there are clear indicators that going to trial may be the better path: 1. The Insurance Company Refuses to Offer a Fair Settlement If the insurer is offering a fraction of your case’s worth, trial becomes the smart response. For example: Your medical bills total $60,000 You’ve missed months of work You’re suffering ongoing pain and trauma But the insurer offers $30,000 to settle This is not negotiation—it’s exploitation. And we don’t accept it. By taking the case to trial, we put the decision in the hands of a jury, not an adjuster looking at a spreadsheet. 2. Liability Is Disputed If the other driver denies fault—or worse, tries to blame you—a trial may be necessary to prove what really happened. This is common in: Intersection accidents Multi-vehicle pileups Rear-end collisions where the lead driver stopped suddenly Motorcycle or pedestrian accidents In these situations, we use: Crash reconstruction experts Eyewitness testimony Dashcam or surveillance footage Cell phone data Police reports Our founder, Dr. Keshavarz, combines her medical knowledge and courtroom skill to show why your injuries happened, how they happened, and who is truly responsible. 3. Your Injuries Are Severe or Permanent High-damage cases often require trials because: The insurance company wants to avoid setting high precedents They doubt the extent or permanence of your injuries They suspect you’ll accept less out of desperation But serious cases—like spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or long-term disability—demand serious compensation. At AK Injury Law, we don’t fold under pressure. We bring in: Medical specialists Economists to project future loss Vocational experts Lifecare planners This level of preparation positions us to present a compelling, strategic case to a jury when the insurer refuses to step up. 4. You’re Being Blamed for Your Injuries (Comparative Negligence) In California, your compensation is reduced based on your share of fault. Insurance companies love using this to shrink payouts. They may say: You were speeding You weren’t wearing a seatbelt You were distracted You didn’t seek treatment soon enough When blame is being unfairly placed on you, trial becomes the platform to clear your name and protect your claim. We build counter-narratives using: Expert medical opinions Precise timelines Photo and video evidence Witness corroboration We know how to dismantle insurer narratives—and convince juries to see the real story. 5. Bad Faith by the Insurance Company If the insurance company is acting in bad faith, meaning they: Deny claims without justification Refuse to communicate Alter or hide evidence Lie about coverage terms …then a lawsuit and trial may be necessary—not just to recover your damages, but to hold the insurer accountable for their misconduct. At AK Injury Law, we know the difference between a tough negotiation and a dirty game. We pursue bad faith claims aggressively when insurers cross the line. What to Expect if Your Case Goes to Trial Trial Timeline: Filing the lawsuit: Complaint and response Discovery: Gathering documents, depositions, evidence Motions and hearings: Legal arguments before the judge Trial: Jury selection, opening arguments, witness testimony, closing, and verdict This process can take months or even a year or more, depending on the complexity of the case and court availability. But when the stakes are high, and the other side won’t budge, it’s worth the time to get what you truly deserve. The Strategic Edge: Why AK Injury Law Is Built for Trial Most personal injury firms settle because they can’t—or won’t—go to trial. That’s where we’re different. Dr. Azadeh Keshavarz isn’t just an attorney—she’s a former doctor of chiropractic who understands your injuries from the inside out. Her unique background allows us to: Interpret and present medical records clearly Counter deceptive

Car accidents are rarely simple. In many cases, both drivers may share some level of blame. Maybe one driver was speeding, while the other ran a stop sign. In these gray areas, who pays—and how much—depends on California’s comparative negligence laws. At AK Injury Law Firm, we’ve helped countless clients recover compensation even when insurance companies tried to blame them for their own injuries. Dr. Azadeh Keshavarz, a former chiropractor and now a tenacious personal injury attorney, understands not only how injuries work—but how insurers twist facts to avoid paying what victims deserve. Breaks down how comparative negligence works in California, how it can affect your car accident settlement, and how smart legal strategy can make all the difference in your case. What Is Comparative Negligence? The Legal Concept Comparative negligence is a legal principle that allocates fault between parties in a car accident. Rather than assigning 100% blame to one side, the law acknowledges that multiple people can contribute to a crash—and still recover damages, even if they were partially at fault. California Uses “Pure” Comparative Negligence There are different versions of comparative negligence across the U.S., but California follows what’s called pure comparative negligence. This means: Even if you’re 99% at fault, you can still recover 1% of your damages from the other party. Let’s say your total damages are $100,000 and you were found to be 25% responsible. Under California’s system, your recovery would be reduced by that percentage—meaning you’d still receive $75,000. Why Insurance Companies Love Blaming the Victim Insurance companies are not in the business of fairness. The more fault they can shift to you, the less they have to pay. It’s that simple. We’ve seen insurers: Claim the victim “slammed on the brakes too suddenly” Argue a motorcyclist “should’ve anticipated the hazard” Say a pedestrian “wasn’t in a crosswalk” Suggest the driver “could’ve done more to avoid the crash” And in many cases, they succeed—unless you have someone on your side who knows exactly how to dismantle these arguments. That’s where AK Injury Law Firm comes in. With Dr. Keshavarz’s dual expertise in injury care and legal strategy, we can counter these tactics with fact-based, medically-informed arguments that strip the insurance companies of their leverage. Real-World Example: Comparative Negligence in Action Scenario: You’re driving through an intersection on a green light when another driver runs a red light and crashes into you. However, you were going 10 mph over the speed limit. What Happens: The other driver is clearly at fault for running the red light. But the insurer may argue that your speeding contributed to the severity of the crash. If the case goes to trial (or even in settlement negotiations), you could be found 20% at fault for speeding. If your total damages were $80,000, your award would be reduced by 20%, and you’d receive $64,000. Factors That Affect Comparative Fault in California Several variables come into play when determining comparative fault: 1. Speed Were you driving too fast for the conditions—even if not technically speeding? 2. Distractions Were you using your phone, adjusting the radio, or otherwise distracted? 3. Traffic Violations Did you roll through a stop sign, make an illegal turn, or forget to use a turn signal? 4. Impairment Were drugs, alcohol, or even fatigue involved? 5. Passenger or Pedestrian Behavior In some cases, passengers or pedestrians can be partially at fault if they were acting unsafely. At AK Injury Law, we break down every detail of your accident, gathering evidence, witness statements, dash cam footage, and expert analysis to minimize any attempt to unfairly place blame on you. How Comparative Negligence Impacts Settlements Insurance Adjusters Use It to Reduce Payouts Comparative negligence is one of the insurance industry’s favorite tools. If they can convince you—or a jury—that you share even partial blame, they reduce your compensation accordingly. Often, they’ll make statements like: “We agree their driver was mostly at fault, but you didn’t yield either.” “We’re offering you $15,000 instead of $50,000 because of your speeding.” “Your injuries could’ve been prevented if you were wearing your seatbelt.” Without strong legal representation, you might feel like you have no choice but to accept. But with AK Injury Law, we don’t accept assumptions. We investigate, challenge, and counter every claim—turning their argument on its head using a strategic, evidence-driven approach. Seatbelts and Comparative Fault: A Common Trap One common situation in comparative negligence claims is the failure to wear a seatbelt. California law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts, and not doing so can be used as a partial defense by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Here’s What Happens: You suffer severe injuries in a crash caused entirely by the other driver. But you weren’t wearing your seatbelt. The insurer argues that your injuries were worse because of that choice—and reduces your payout accordingly. How We Defend Against It: We bring in biomechanical experts, accident reconstructionists, and medical specialists to show: Your injuries would have occurred regardless of a seatbelt. The severity wasn’t entirely due to seatbelt non-use. Other factors contributed more significantly to your injuries. This smart, data-backed defense can preserve thousands in compensation that would otherwise be lost to oversimplified blame. Comparative Negligence in Multi-Car Accidents Three-car pileups or chain-reaction collisions can involve multiple levels of fault. For example: Car A rear-ends Car B, pushing it into Car C. Car C sues Car B and A. Car B says Car A is mostly responsible. In such cases, each party’s percentage of fault is analyzed and assigned based on their role in the crash. It’s messy. It’s complicated. And insurance companies use that confusion to stall, shift blame, and minimize payouts. Our advantage at AK Injury Law Firm? We cut through the chaos. We map out liability clearly, push back on misdirection, and keep your claim on track for maximum results. What Evidence Helps Reduce Your Share of Fault? To minimize your assigned fault in a comparative negligence case, we gather and organize critical evidence such

Car accidents are chaotic. One moment you’re commuting or running errands—next, you’re facing pain, property damage, hospital visits, and relentless insurance adjusters. In this swirl of stress, many accident victims unknowingly make critical mistakes that severely damage their legal and financial outcomes. At AK Injury Law Firm, we’ve seen how innocent missteps—like talking too freely with an insurance company or delaying medical care—can cost victims tens of thousands of dollars. Our founder, Dr. Azadeh Keshavarz, brings a powerful dual perspective to personal injury law. As a former doctor of chiropractic, she’s treated accident victims firsthand. As an attorney, she knows exactly how insurance companies exploit your uncertainty. Let’s break down the top mistakes accident victims make—and how to avoid them using smart, strategic legal thinking. 1. Talking to the Insurance Company Without Legal Counsel The Mistake: Many people mistakenly assume the insurance company is there to help. They speak freely during calls, make casual comments like “I’m feeling better,” or provide recorded statements—thinking they’re simply cooperating. Why It’s Dangerous: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Anything you say—no matter how harmless it sounds—can and will be used against you later. Even a small contradiction in your statement can be twisted to devalue your injuries. What to Do Instead: Politely decline to make a recorded statement. Refer all communication to your attorney. Let a strategic legal team like AK Injury Law handle the insurance conversations for you. We don’t just push paperwork—we anticipate their moves and outsmart them at every turn. 2. Delaying Medical Treatment The Mistake: Many accident victims don’t feel pain right away. They might skip the ER or delay seeing a doctor, hoping it’ll pass. Others don’t want to “overreact” or worry about medical bills. Why It’s Dangerous: Insurance companies use delays to question the legitimacy of your injuries. If there’s a gap between the accident and your first medical visit, they’ll argue that your injuries aren’t related or aren’t serious. What to Do Instead: Get checked out immediately—even if you feel okay. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue damage often show symptoms days later. At AK Injury Law, Dr. Keshavarz’s medical background ensures we understand and can fully document these “invisible injuries” that insurers try to ignore. 3. Posting on Social Media The Mistake: In today’s world, it’s instinctual to share life updates. You might post a photo at a party or write, “Feeling better!” to reassure friends and family. Why It’s Dangerous: Insurance investigators monitor your social media. A single photo, check-in, or comment—even taken out of context—can be used to claim you’re not injured or exaggerating your pain. What to Do Instead: Go quiet. Temporarily pause posting or set your profiles to private. Do not accept friend requests from people you don’t know. And most importantly, never discuss your accident or recovery online. 4. Accepting the First Settlement Offer The Mistake: You get a call or letter with a settlement offer. It sounds like decent money, and you’re tempted to “get it over with” so you can move on. Why It’s Dangerous: The first offer is almost always a lowball. It won’t account for long-term medical needs, future therapy, lost earning potential, or pain and suffering. Once you sign, you waive your right to future compensation—even if your condition worsens. What to Do Instead: Never accept an offer without reviewing it with a skilled personal injury attorney. At AK Injury Law, we assess the full scope of damages—both immediate and long-term—and strategically negotiate for what you truly deserve. 5. Not Documenting the Scene or Injuries Properly The Mistake: In the aftermath of a crash, many victims forget to collect evidence. They may leave without taking photos, don’t get the contact info of witnesses, or fail to note road conditions and traffic signs. Why It’s Dangerous: Memories fade and evidence disappears quickly. Without photos, videos, or documentation, it becomes your word against theirs—a position insurers love. What to Do Instead: If you’re able, document everything at the scene: Take photos of all vehicles, damage, road conditions, and injuries. Get names and contact info for any witnesses. Ask for a copy of the police report. If you’re too injured to gather info, contact an attorney immediately. At AK Injury Law, we move fast to secure evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the scene if necessary. 6. Failing to Follow Medical Advice The Mistake: Some victims stop going to physical therapy or skip follow-up appointments—either because they’re feeling better or due to inconvenience or cost. Why It’s Dangerous: When you skip treatment, insurance companies argue that your injuries aren’t serious or that you made them worse by not following your doctor’s recommendations. What to Do Instead: Stick with your treatment plan and keep all medical appointments. Consistency in care strengthens your case. At AK Injury Law, we help clients coordinate ongoing care and ensure their treatment is well documented in ways insurance companies can’t dispute. 7. Thinking You Don’t Need a Lawyer The Mistake: Some people assume they can handle the claim themselves or think lawyers are too expensive. Others feel they don’t have a “big enough” case to warrant representation. Why It’s Dangerous: Personal injury law is complex. Insurance companies bank on the fact that you’re unrepresented—because they know they can settle for less and keep you in the dark about your rights. What to Do Instead: Consult with an attorney right away. At AK Injury Law, we offer free consultations, and you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Our strategic, client-first approach ensures every case—big or small—is treated with the attention and precision it deserves. 8. Underestimating the Long-Term Impact The Mistake: Some victims focus only on today’s bills, failing to consider future issues like: Chronic pain Mobility loss PTSD or emotional trauma Long-term disability Job loss or reduced earning potential Why It’s Dangerous: A rushed or undervalued settlement can’t be reopened. Once you accept it, it’s final—even if you face complications later. What to Do Instead: Think long-term. AK Injury Law

Driving in San Diego presents its own unique set of challenges. The city’s layout and heavy traffic can make navigating intersections a little bit riskier. These junctions often become hotspots for accidents due to various factors, from driver error to complex road designs. Dangerous intersections to look out for Intersections are critical points in traffic flow where multiple roads meet. Past reports concluded that intersections accounted for a significant portion of traffic accidents in San Diego. Here are some of the city’s most dangerous intersections: Palm Avenue & 16th Street Imperial Avenue & 26th Street Market Street and 19th Street University Avenue and 44th Street University and College avenues El Cajon Boulevard and 46th Street El Cajon Boulevard and Altadena Avenue El Cajon Boulevard and 60th Street Clairemont Mesa Boulevard and Doliva Drive Rosecrans and Moore streets University Avenue and Alabama Street Federal Boulevard and Euclid Avenue Mira Mesa Boulevard and Black Mountain Road Mira Mesa Boulevard and Aderman Avenue Westview Parkway and Mira Mesa Blvd The complexity of traffic signals, varied vehicle speeds, and pedestrian crossings contribute to the risk. Drivers must exercise caution and remain aware of their surroundings to navigate these areas safely. Practicing safe driving Staying safe at intersections requires being alert and adhering to traffic rules. Always approach intersections with caution and reduce speed. Make eye contact with other drivers and pedestrians to ensure everyone’s intentions are clear. Keep distractions to a minimum; avoid using your phone or adjusting controls while crossing intersections. Regularly check mirrors and blind spots to stay aware of nearby vehicles. Additionally, practicing defensive driving techniques can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. What to do if you were involved in a car accident? If you find yourself involved in an accident at an intersection, ensure safety first. Move to a safe location and check for injuries. Document the accident with photos and gather information from witnesses. Contact the police to report the incident and seek medical attention if needed. If you were a victim of a car accident caused by negligence, you may reach out to legal professionals. They can help you with insurance claims and provide representation to ensure fair treatment. They can also guide you through the process and help secure compensation if warranted.

Car accidents can be traumatic events that leave lasting effects not only on the body but also on the mind. Even after your physical injuries heal, the emotional and mental scars can still affect how you feel and live your life. Thankfully, the right support can help you emotionally recover. What support can help people deal with the emotional aftermath of a crash? Injured people may turn to a variety of different sources of support after a crash. These include: Support groups: There are groups for people who have survived car accidents. These groups let you meet others who have been through similar experiences, and they can give you support and advice. Professional counseling: Talking to a counselor or psychologist can help you sort through your feelings and find ways to deal with anxiety, depression or PTSD caused by the accident. Medication: Medication can play a significant role in helping people manage the emotional aftermath of a car crash. Medication can also help people manage sleep disturbances associated with PTSD, anxiety or depression. Unfortunately, that support can be costly in many cases. Medication and therapy can add to the already high cost of medical care that many injured people face. How can a lawsuit help? While emotional and psychological support resources are critical, it is also important to recognize the ways that taking legal action can help injured people. A lawsuit can help you get money not just for physical injuries but also for the mental impact of the accident. Taking legal action can provide: Compensation for treatment: A successful lawsuit can provide you with money to help pay for medical care, including therapy needed to deal with the trauma of a crash. Compensation for emotional distress: The emotional impact of a crash can also be a part of compensation for pain and suffering. Reduced financial stress: Financial worries can also worsen the stress experienced by injured people. A lawsuit can ease the stress about the costs of medical care, lost wages, and other expenses from the accident. Closure and justice: Pursuing a lawsuit can also provide a sense of justice and closure for many victims. Holding the responsible party accountable can be an important step towards healing. To understand how a car accident lawsuit could help you address the emotional impact of a crash, consider speaking to an experienced attorney. They can help you assess the full impact of what happened to you and make sure your lawsuit covers all your suffering. Recovering from a car accident involves addressing both physical injuries and emotional wounds. Thankfully, there are avenues available to help injured people recover and move forward after a crash.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, documenting your injuries is an essential step in both your recovery and any potential legal claims. What to document Proper documentation will help you receive the right care and compensation after this traumatic time. Some essential steps to effectively document your injuries after a car accident include: Seeking medical attention as soon as possible. Even if your injuries seem minor, receiving a doctor’s evaluation promptly is critical, as that aids your recovery and creates an official record of your injuries. Ask for and retain a copy of your medical records, treatment plans and any expenses you incur due to the accident. This will help substantiate your injuries and the cost associated with your treatment. If possible, take photos and videos of the injuries, the accident scene, vehicle damage and the road conditions. Keep a daily journal to help you track your recovery and note your progress daily, as well as any issues you encounter during your recovery. If people witnessed the accident, gather their statements and ask for their contact information, as they can corroborate your account of the accident. Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. It is critical to speak with an experienced legal counselor even if you are not sure you have a claim. By following these critical steps, you are one step closer to recovering and seeking compensation for your injuries, if appropriate. Your health and well-being are vital, so take the time to document what happened and keep that information in a safe place.

Driving is a responsibility that demands attention and care. Drivers must stay aware not only of the route they drive but also signals from their car’s systems and hazards outside. Unfortunately, not every driver upholds their responsibilities behind the wheel. Risky driving behaviors are a major cause of road accidents each year. It is important to understand these dangerous habits and their effects on other road users. 1. Distracted driving Distracted driving is a top cause of road accidents. Activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating or using in-car technologies while driving divert attention from the road. That distraction can significantly increase the likelihood of an accident. 2. Speeding Driving over the speed limit or too fast for conditions is a key risk for accidents. The National Safety Council notes that speeding causes the deaths of about 33 people daily. Speeding makes it harder to navigate curves or avoid objects in the road and increases the stopping distance. It also lengthens the reaction time needed in emergencies, making it tough for drivers to quickly avoid dangers. 3. Drunk or drugged driving Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s cognitive abilities and reaction times. Driving under the influence of any impairing substance is not only illegal but also highly dangerous, both to the driver and others on the road. 4. Aggressive driving Actions like tailgating, erratic lane changes, and ignoring traffic signals count as aggressive driving. These behaviors can upset other drivers or create dangerous situations that may lead to accidents. 5. Driving while fatigued or drowsy Driving when tired is nearly as dangerous as drunk driving. Fatigue worsens mental functioning, slows reaction times and can cause brief lapses in consciousness known as micro-sleeps. Drivers should avoid these dangerous behaviors. They should also take steps to understand their options if another driver’s reckless behavior leads to a collision. Understanding the danger of these actions is an important way to protect your safety and your rights.

A motor vehicle collision could cause a variety of different serious injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are some of the most serious medical issues that arise after collisions, and they are also some of the easier issues for people to overlook. Symptom onset is one concern. Oftentimes, people only have minimal symptoms initially, but the severity and extent of their symptoms increase as time passes. The bruising or swelling inside the skull continues unchecked and produces worse symptoms in some cases. It is, therefore, crucial for people to obtain a prompt and accurate diagnosis if they have a brain injury. What are some of the warning signs of a TBI that people need to know after a car crash? Cognitive symptoms Obviously, an injury to the brain can affect how someone thinks and processes information. In some cases, people notice difficulty concentrating or may struggle with their memory. Other times, they may notice a change in their mood or personality. Brain injuries can lead to difficulty sleeping or difficulty staying awake. People may feel confused or may have sudden mood swings. Concerning physical symptoms Sometimes, a brain injury causes a headache that may start small but persists for days. It may even worsen as time elapses. Other times, people notice a persistent sense of nausea or start vomiting after trauma to their heads. They may also experience a sense of dizziness or difficulty maintaining their balance. In more serious cases, people may notice issues with their speech or their motor control. People may experience weakness or numbness in their extremities, seizures or pupil dilation. They may also lose consciousness for anywhere from a few seconds to multiple hours. Common sensory symptoms The brain must analyze incoming sensory information, and an injury can interrupt that process. People may notice a ringing in their ears or blurry vision. They may become more sensitive to light and loud noises. In some cases, people may experience inexplicable bad tastes in their mouths or notice difficulty tasting and smelling things. Any otherwise unexplained changes in sensory perception can be an indicator of an issue with someone’s brain. There are a host of potential TBI symptoms, and a prompt diagnosis is necessary to prevent those symptoms from worsening or becoming permanent. Those who know how to check themselves for signs of a brain injury after a car crash can prioritize getting the medical care they require. Pursuing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit may also be necessary, given how expensive brain injuries can be.

With its vast network of highways and sprawling metropolitan areas, road travel in California presents a unique challenge for drivers. This beautiful state can be fun to drive through, but it also hosts a significant number of car accidents each year. Understanding the leading causes of these accidents is crucial for anyone who gets behind the wheel in the Golden State. Driver behavior: The root of most accidents While factors like vehicle malfunction and poor road conditions can play a role, the majority of car accidents in California stem from driver behavior. For instance, distracted driving consistently ranks as one of the leading causes of car accidents in the Golden State, mirroring a national trend. Using cell phones, eating, adjusting the stereo or even talking to passengers can divert a driver’s attention for a critical moment, leading to disastrous consequences. Additionally, speeding can significantly reduce a driver’s reaction time and control over the vehicle. It also increases the severity of crashes, as the force of impact is greater at higher speeds. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is another leading cause of accidents in the state. Impaired driving slows reaction time, hinders judgment and can lead to erratic behavior. The Golden State has a tough stance on DUIs, and for a good reason – DUI accidents are a leading cause of fatalities on the state’s roads. Beyond the big three: other risky behaviors While distracted driving, speeding, and DUI are the major threats, other driver behaviors may contribute to accidents. A worthy mention is reckless driving, which encompasses aggressive maneuvers like: Tailgating Illegal lane changes Speeding through red lights Such behavior creates unpredictable situations and increases the risk of collisions. Disobeying traffic laws is another cause of accidents on the state’s roads. Failing to yield, ignoring stop signs or not using turn signals can lead to confusion and accidents, especially at intersections. Furthermore, drowsy driving poses a risk that can be comparable to impaired driving. This is because, just like alcohol and drugs, fatigue can impair judgment and reaction time. By understanding the leading causes of car accidents and practicing safe driving habits, road users in the Golden State can all contribute to making the roads safer for everyone. However, as driver behavior is the leading cause of accidents and is likely to continue significantly for the foreseeable future, accident victims should consider seeking compensation for their injuries if they get hit by a negligent driver.