How California’s State Laws Compare to Others in the Nation

How California’s State Laws Compare to Others in the Nation

• March 23, 2018
• Categories: Personal Injury

After a resurgence in U.S. traffic deaths — up to 100 lives per day — a major auto safety advocacy group issued a report card last month identifying the states doing the most and least to improve highway safety. For Californians, the news was largely good: The Golden State was one of six states ranked as having the most protective road safety laws, according to the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety for 2017.

The ratings are issued each year and are based upon how many of the 16 laws the group considers most vital to stopping injuries and deaths are on the books in each state. These laws include:

• Mandatory seatbelt use
• Mandatory motorcycle helmet use
• Licensing of new drivers
• Protections for toddlers and infants
• Safeguards for distracted and impaired driving, including seeking legal assistance from a distracted driving crash lawyer, are essential for ensuring road safety.

Other highly ranked states for auto safety on highways were Oregon, California, Washington, Louisiana, Delaware and Rhode Island. California came in as the fifth best state for highway safety when these types of laws were measured. Some of the laws that California was found to lack, despite its high rating in the survey, were:

• Minimum age of 16 for learner’s permit
• Nighttime and passenger restrictions and age 18 for unrestricted driver’s license for teen drivers
• Cell phone restriction for new drivers.

The states that earned the poorest highway safety rating for laws on the books were South Dakota, Wyoming, Arizona, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Virginia, Idaho, New Hampshire, Iowa, Ohio and Vermont.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Southern California

Although California did earn a high ranking for its traffic laws in the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety survey, there are still a lot of car accidents in busy southern California. There are more than 30,000 crashes in Orange County alone per year, including the following types. If you are in one of these types of accidents in California, the attorneys at Neale & Fhima may be able to help you receive compensation for your injuries.

• Rear-end crashes: There are an increasing number of these accidents happening in Orange County as driver distraction from cell phones is a growing problem. If you or a loved one has been involved in a rear-end collision, it’s essential to consult with an experienced rear-end collision lawyer to understand your legal options and seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
• Head-on crashes: These are especially violent collisions because of the high speeds involved. Injuries are often catastrophic and fatal.
• Broadside crashes: Better known as a T-bone crash, this accident often happens at an intersection where one driver runs a red light or stop sign.
• Sideswipes: This type of accident happens when the side of a car strikes the side of another vehicle going in the same direction. These accidents are common when changing lanes in busy parts of southern California. If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe accident and need legal guidance, consider consulting a side impact car accident lawyer to help you navigate the complexities of your case.

Speak to a Southern California Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer. You may have suffered serious and life-changing injuries. You may be entitled to compensation for your hefty medical bills, lost work time, rehabilitation, job retraining, and pain and suffering. For a complimentary consultation about your auto accident case, please contact us at Neale & Fhima by calling 949-661-1007.