Founder and Managing Partner
Staggering increases in California car accidents on a stretch of Highway 17 of 34% in just a single year – – from 664 to 983 collisions–have sent local officials scrambling for fast and effective solutions.
For almost 20 years, a “coalition of three dozen traffic officials, police, firefighters and elected officials from Santa Cruz and Santa Clara Counties” –known as the “Safe on 17” Committee– has been pushing for safety upgrades on the famous highway. And it vows to push even harder now.
Many factors may be to blame for the drastic increase in collisions including a reduction of officers patrolling the segment from six CHP officers in 2015 to as few as two now, distracted drivers on cell phones, and increased traffic. But according to CHP, speed enforcement needs to be ramped up because “driving too fast for the conditions is the biggest reason for the high crash rate”.
When a car accident is the result of the negligence or recklessness of a driver, injured victims may be entitled to damages in a personal injury lawsuit. In order to recover, the victim must prove that the defendant acted negligently or recklessly and that the victim suffered an injury as a result of the defendant’s actions. If liability is established, compensatory damages may include such items as current and future medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and more depending on the particular circumstances.
Very often, negligence in car crash crashes results from speeding, distracted or aggressive driving, driving under the influence, improper turning, mechanical defects, and more.
It is never in your best interest to except an insurance company settlement without first consulting an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate the offer to see if it is fair or if a higher settlement may be negotiated or awarded at a trial.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, or any kind of accident, the personal injury attorneys at J&Y Law Firm can help you maximize the damages to which you are entitled. Call us today at 888-806-6722 for a free consultation. With 21 offices throughout California, including our headquarters in Los Angeles, the legal help you need is always close by.