Santa Rosa Fatal/Deadly Car Accident

Fatal car accidents are a real problem in California, as the numbers continue to climb. In 2014 there were 3,084 deadly car accidents and that total increased to 3,564 in 2017. These accidents occur throughout the state on a regular basis, including Santa Rosa fatal/deadly car accidents.

These accidents don’t just take lives. They leave behind mourning family members that are unsure of how to move on with their own. Any time one of these tragedies occurs on the road, loved ones should speak to a Santa Rosa fatal/deadly car accident lawyer that can help them file a lawsuit to claim compensation.

While a fatal car accident can occur at any time, there are some causes that are more commonly seen on Santa Rosa’s roads than others.

Although it’s been illegal for Californians to text and drive since 2009, distracted driving remains a huge problem on the roads. Texting and driving isn’t the only form of distraction that leads to fatal car accidents, though. Eating, putting on makeup, and even having friends or crying children in the vehicle are all considered distractions. When a driver is distracted, they typically don’t have enough time to react, stop, or slow down. This is a main cause of Santa Rosa fatal/deadly car accidents.

Like distracted driving, impaired driving is still a major problem in California. Impaired drivers have a slower reaction time and often can’t control a vehicle on the road. This leads to weaving in and out lanes or driving at high speeds, usually resulting in a fatal car accident.

High speed and reckless driving are two causes of deadly car accidents that often go hand in hand. These are not always caused by impaired or distracted drivers. Sometimes people just drive aggressively, or they are in a hurry and don’t understand the danger involved with driving in this manner. Reckless driving and speeding are two other main causes of deadly accidents on the roads.

These common causes of fatal car accidents are different, but they all have one similarity. Legally speaking, they are considered negligence, meaning the driver can be held liable for their actions. A Santa Rosa fatal/deadly car accident attorney can help loved ones that have lost a family member due to someone else’s negligent actions.

Any injury has the potential to turn deadly after a car accident. Even a minor burn could lead to a fatal infection. In Santa Rosa fatal/deadly car accidents though, there are some fatal injuries that are very commonly seen.

Head and brain injuries contribute to far too many deadly car accidents. Skull fractures can expose or puncture the brain, and the brain can easily become crushed when it hits the steering wheel, dashboard, or anything else inside a vehicle. These injuries are often fatal for the accident victim at the scene, but they can result in delayed fatalities as well.

The neck is very vulnerable in any car accident, which is the reason whiplash is so common after a car crash. However, when an impact causes the neck to sustain a great amount of force or turn at an awkward angle, it can break the neck or spinal cord, which are both fatal injuries.

Even when wearing a seatbelt, the chest has little protection in a car accident. If the chest becomes crushed, it can cause internal bleeding and severe damage to internal organs. The chest can also become crushed against any part of the vehicle during an accident. These are all considered fatal injuries.

These injuries are not always fatal at the scene of an accident, although often they are. When someone has sustained these injuries and it turns fatal at any time after the accident, family members of the deceased should speak to a Santa Rosa fatal/deadly car accident attorney that can help.

When someone dies due to a fatal car accident, the case is no longer considered a car accident case, but a wrongful death case. These are some of the most difficult and complex lawsuits to pursue. For this reason, not just any attorney will do. Family members need to speak to the right Santa Rosa fatal/deadly car accident attorney who has the experience necessary to successfully pursue these cases in court.

If you have lost a loved one due to a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact the Brod Law Firm at (800) 427-7020 for your free consultation. We understand the devastation these car accidents leave behind, and we want to help your family get the compensation to which you are entitled.