Oakland, one of the most diverse cities in the United States, is known for its accident-prone roads. According to Safe Oakland Streets, one in four Oaklanders are killed in a car accident yearly. Unfortunately, a car accident might be inevitable with residents ignoring traffic laws, as well as due to Oakland’s poor infrastructure. That’s why it is important to stay protected with an Oakland car accident attorney.
How Many Traffic Accidents Occur Each Year in California
With more than seven million people living in the Bay Area, traffic accidents are not a rare occurrence. This might cause some to wonder, “How bad is San-Francisco traffic?” Residents and travelers spend, on average, 97 hours in traffic, which most often results from an accident on their route. In the Traffic Safety Performance Report conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), California experienced 3,847 traffic fatalities in 2020. It was noted that 30% of these traffic fatalities involved alcohol impairment, and 26% resulted in pedestrian deaths.
Along with car accidents, Oakland experiences a significant number of pedestrian accidents each year. According to the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System Map (SWITRS), Oakland had 199 pedestrian accidents in 2021. These mainly impact minority populations such as African Americans, Asian Oaklanders, residents over 65 and those with disabilities.
Common Causes of an Oakland Car Accident
Car accidents and pedestrian accidents occur for a variety of reasons. Driving while intoxicated remains an ongoing issue in many cities, including Oakland. In 2021, SWIRTS reported 101 DUI-related crashes in Oakland. For pedestrians, improper turning increases the likelihood of an accident. Safe Oakland Streets notes that 35% of traffic accidents in Oakland occur due to failure to yield to pedestrians.
At times, a driver’s failure to yield may result from the damaged roads, which includes broken cement or road damage, and can force drivers to swerve into oncoming traffic or onto the curb to avoid construction. In doing so, a car accident or pedestrian accident can easily occur.
Even if you come out of a car accident or pedestrian accident with minor injuries, the side effects of an Oakland car crash can still follow you for the rest of your life. Some side effects are:
- Headaches
- PTSD
- Insomnia
- Neck or shoulder pain
- Bruising
- Dizziness
Hire an Oakland Car Accident Lawyer to Ease Your Recovery Process
Even though Oakland is experiencing positive changes to their infrastructure and updating their traffic laws, car accidents and pedestrian accidents still occur. With over $1 billion dollars won in more than 45,000 cases, Avrek Law Firm has the best Oakland pedestrian accident attorney team to bring justice to you and your loved ones.
Don’t let your car accident fall through the cracks. Instead, let Avrek Law’s Oakland car accident attorney team handle your claim. With more than 50 years of combined experience, we can help you receive the maximum compensation for your damages. Contact us for a free consultation and receive help today!
