There is an increased risk of getting into a car accident while driving at night. It could be more difficult for drivers to see what is going on in dimly lit parking lots and in the dark. Additionally, nighttime drivers are more likely to be tired or drunk, which increases the risk of having an accident.
If you or a loved one suffered personal injuries while night driving, you more than likely have a lot on your mind. You may have mounting medical expenses, fear of driving, and potential legal battles. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 for assistance navigating the legal system. You do not need to undergo the legal process alone.
Common Causes for Accidents That Occur at Night
Many driving accidents at night fall into the same common accident categories as others. The most common reasons for night accidents are:
- Mobile device use: Using smartphones while driving can distract a driver, even for just a few seconds. It is enough time to cause an accident.
- Fatigue: Drivers are more likely to be drowsy at night when they naturally get tired. Not surprisingly, a greater number of drowsy driving accidents occur at night.
- Drinking: People are more likely to drink and drive in the evening when bars and restaurants are open. This can lead to an increased occurrence of DUIs and intoxication-related fatalities.
- Distractions: Driving distracted is a major challenge for drivers throughout the day. However, with limited lighting, some drivers are more distracted at night by high beams, animals scurrying across the road, and other movement.
These are just some of the causes of nighttime wrecks. However, a car accident that can occur in the daytime can also occur at night. Drivers maintain the same level of responsibility for driving safely no matter what time of day it is. While there are certain challenges that are inherent with driving at night, there is no excuse for driving aggressively, driving while drunk or exhausted.
Steps You Can Take After a Night Driving Accident
Just like with any other car accident, it is important to stay with your vehicle and call the police to document the accident scene. No matter how minor the collision seems, it is imperative that the accident scene is thoroughly documented. Be sure to take your own photos with your smartphone if you can safely move.
At night, it can be more difficult for other drivers to see you. If your accident occurred in an intersection or on a poorly lit road, you may want to move the vehicles, if possible, to the side of the road to be safe from others. It is common that multi-car pileups occur at existing accident scenes.
If you feel you are injured, go to the hospital right away to assess your injuries. Many injuries are not obvious to the untrained eye. You may think that you are fine only to find out later that you suffered more serious injuries. It is always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical treatment. If your personal injuries are more serious than you initially believed, you will have the medical records you need to support your legal claims.
After seeking medical attention, you may decide that you want to pursue legal action against the driver responsible. In the state of California, you have two years to file a lawsuit against the other driver for your personal injuries. However, should you choose to seek legal recourse, you should try to start the process as soon as possible. Often, it is easier to recover evidence of the more recent injuries compared to 18 months to two years later.
For a free legal consultation with a Night Driving Accidents Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
A Night Driving Attorney Can Help You Understand Your Rights
According to the Insurance Information Institute, drowsy driving contributes to the most car crashes at night. If you or a loved one were injured in a traffic accident with a drowsy driver, irresponsible teen driver, or someone under the influence of alcohol, pursue legal action against them and help to ensure that unsafe drivers are off of the road. You have two years to file a lawsuit against them personally under the state of California’s statute of limitations. However, for property damage that occurred because of the auto accident, you may have three years. If you have questions about the statute of limitations in the state of California or other legal issues, be sure to contact a Los Angeles night driving lawyer that is familiar with this type of case.
Los Angeles Night Driving Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Common Car Accident Expenses
The aftermath of a car wreck is an expensive time. Some common expenses include the replacement of your car, medical expenses, hospital bills, therapy visits, and lost wages if you are unable to work because of your accident injuries. Depending on the nature of your wreck, you could be entitled to pain and suffering damages too. Your accident attorney can walk you through possible compensation that you may be entitled to based on the details of your accident and the amounts given in other cases similar to yours. While this is not any guarantee of what amount of money you may end up with in a personal injury settlement, they can give you an idea about what to expect.
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Contact a Los Angeles Night Driving Lawyer for Help Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an auto accident that took place at night, you could file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party to recover compensation for your personal injuries. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 to learn more about the legal process and your possible options for recourse. A member of our team will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. There is no cost for the consultation. Our personal injury law firm only gets paid when we help to secure your compensation.
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