California Local Accident Resources

Local Resources Available to You

California Local Accident Resources

If you or someone close to you has recently been in a terrible motor vehicle accident (MVA) in California, moving on can be incredibly difficult. You may have sustained life-altering injuries, need the legal representation of a car accident lawyer because you can no longer work and are seeking recovery, are emotionally or mentally scarred, or suffering from crushing financial burdens like hospital bills. No matter what issue you're currently facing, there are community resources and professionals to help you meet the monumental challenges of recovery.

If Your Recent Accident Took Away Your Ability to Work

If this is the case, there are a number of resources to help you receive the monetary support you are entitled to.
● Social Security disability benefits - For people who can’t work because of a medical condition that’s expected to last one year or result in death.
● Supplemental Security Income - For adults and children with low income and limited resources
● Wage Loss and Car Accidents - if you get into a car accident and it’s not your fault, here’s a set of guidelines on how to apply for money from your car insurance company.
● If you need auto or collision repair services in the San Diego area: Automobile Repair Shop San Diego

Need help with requesting an official copy of the incident police report?

Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience for those who sustain injuries. Many victims will want to file a personal injury lawsuit and will need a copy of the police report to do so. In the state of California, anyone involved in the accident can request a copy of the California Highway Patrol Traffic Accident Report from any California Highway Patrol office. They can submit the request in person or by mail, but they must provide detailed information regarding the accident and a copy of a California Driver’s License or some other form of identification. Depending on the length of the report, fees can range between ten to forty dollars.

Our local personal injury lawyer can get you a copy of your accident report at no cost to you. If you or someone you love was hurt in car accident and still need a copy of the police report, we can help you get a copy.

Emotional Support

Sometimes, even after the body heals from an accident, there remains a deep wound. If you're seeking help coping with the mental trauma after a catastrophic car accident, check out the link below.
● Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc - A national nonprofit organization that’s been around since 1985. It has 14 affiliates serving 250 cities across the nation with specially trained volunteers ready to respond and support to victims in the first few hours after a traumatic accident.
● Therapists - No matter the issues you face, if you're looking to talk to someone, this site allows you to search by geographic area, by specialty, by insurance coverage, and by name to find the ideal therapist for you.
● Psychologists - Search the national register to find the help you need in a wide range of health issues and subject matters.
● Transportation Disaster Assistance (TDA) - The TDA provides information and assistance for the family members and friends of accident victims and survivors in the immediate aftermath of an accident and the months and years following.
● Spinal Cord Support Group – Don’t let the name fool you. This site has a comprehensive list of support groups for those suffering from a catastrophic injury in California ranging from spinal cord injuries to head trauma.

Financial Hardship Assistance

With the weight of legal fees, medical fees or both bearing down on you and your family, it may be in your interest to seek out additional help.
● CAL VCB - The California Victim Compensation Fund does just that - help pay for violent crime-related expenses. Fill out an application here!

Car Insurance Information

The California DMV requires certain coverages in comparison to other states. The minimum amount of liability insurance you must have is
● $15,000 for injury/death to one person.
● $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person.
● $5,000 for damage to property.
The California Department of Insurance is a tremendous resource to help you get insured. California is the largest insurance market in the Country and the 4th largest in the world with annual direct premiums of $310 billion. Contact them today for more information.

Motor vehicle accidents are a devastating part of life. Every year thousands of people are affected by MVAs. Be sure you don’t deal with it alone. And if you’re interested in a free accident report of your incident, click here to request one!

Accidents Due to Drunk Driving

Drunk driving incidents are devastating in the amount of damage they can cause you or your family. According to the California DMV, the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) legal limit is .08% for operating a regular vehicle or .04% if you're operating a commercial vehicle and 01% if you're operating a regular vehicle and under 21 years of age. Unlike with alcohol, there is no BAC for driving under the influence of drugs (DUID). If an officer suspects drugs involved, a blood test is typically given, and a drug recognition expert is brought in to observe the individual. Currently, California ranks 32nd among states that have the worst DUI problems. Below are links to help you find the support you need.

● MADD - Standing for mothers against drunk driving, this nonprofit seeks to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. They have a 24-hour victim helpline at 877.MADD.HELP.

Accidents in California by the Numbers

Below you’ll find a plethora of information related to traffic accidents in California. Keep in mind, a state’s population has a major impact on the number of motor vehicle deaths. California has (as of 2016) a registered population of 39,250,017. Of that number, according to 2017 statistics provided by the California DMV, 26,957,875 hold a drivers license. Here's the 30,000-foot view of accidents in California as reported by the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the HLDI (Highway Loss Data Institute). The numbers here are the most recent available from 2016. Current numbers will be different, but you'll get an idea of California’s general traffic situation and what to expect if you plan on visiting or if you’re generally interested in statistics.

Vehicle Miles Traveled

● California is 1st in the nation with 366,402 miles (millions) traveled.

Fatal Crash Totals

● 3,357 fatal crashes resulting in 3,623 total deaths.
● 9.2 deaths per 100,000 population.
● .99 deaths per one hundred million miles traveled.

Types of Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths

● Car occupant deaths = 1,330 (37%)
● Pickup and SUV occupants deaths = 586 (16%)
● Large Truck occupant deaths = 47 (1%)
● Motorcyclist occupant deaths = 535 (15%)
● Pedestrian deaths = 867 (24%)
● Bicyclist deaths = 146 (4%)

Crash Types

● Single vehicle = 2,063 (57%)
● Multiple vehicle = 1,560 (43%)

Alcohol Involvement

● Total drivers killed = 1,401
● Drivers killed with known BAC results = 470 (34%)
● Estimated drivers killed with BACs ≥ 0.08 = data unknown

Restraint Use

● Total fatally injured passenger vehicle occupants = 1,947
● Unrestrained fatally injured occupants = 587 (30%)
● Restrained fatally injured occupants = 1,212 (62%)
● Unknown restraint status of fatally injured occupants = 148 (8%)

Rural vs Urban

● Urban = 1,988 (55%)
● Rural = 1,519 (42%)
● Unknown = 116 (3%)

Revoked/Suspended and Unlicensed Drivers in California

● According to the CA DMV, revoked/suspended and unlicensed drivers are 2.6 and 2.73 times more likely to cause an accident respectively.
● The largest age range of those drivers is 20-29 years old.
● For drivers aged 19 or younger in two-vehicle fatal crashes, the percentage who were unlicensed drivers was almost four times higher than the percentage who were suspended or revoked.