Sep 2, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes in daily life for everyone in Los Angeles and throughout California including unprecedented shutdowns and quarantines. The pandemic has also been a great disrupter of statistics and trends, especially related to driving, commuting, and traveling. For many of us, how we get to work or school and whether or not we choose to travel for business or leisure have all been impacted by COVID-19.
At the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, California’s accompanying stay-at-home orders significantly affected driver behaviors. If you were driving to get groceries or to your essential job in the last week of March/first week of April 2020, you may remember being the only one on the road, or at least significantly lighter traffic. In Los Angeles, there were about half as many traffic collisions from March 15-21st than were typically reported in recent years. However, a closer look revealed a jump in speed-related crashes and a higher fatality rate per mile traveled. The National Safety Council (NSC) has closely monitored traffic accident trends during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of their findings include:
By August 2020, both the number of cars on the road and traffic accidents had largely returned to pre-pandemic levels. As people began returning to work in Southern California, many who previously took public transportation chose to take their own vehicles or an Uber/Lyft, as solo travel offered greater social distancing.
While many Americans have suffered financially during the pandemic, insurance companies have actually fared quite well, even after California Insurance Commissioner, Ricardo Lara, ordered auto insurers to return premiums to consumers. Allstate reported a net income of $1.2 billion for Q2 2020, an increase of 49% compared to Q1. Progressive also reported a strong Q2, with a net income of $2.3 billion, up 83%. These earnings reports tell us that insurance companies are thriving, and have no excuse to not pay out fair compensation for car accidents.
Dordulian Law Group (DLG) is one of Southern California’s most reputable personal injury law firms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all legal services are available via phone, video, or email. We handle all types of traffic accident, personal injury, and wrongful death claims including:
DLG’s attorneys have a proven track record of extensive courtroom experience and are not afraid to take on big corporations and big insurance companies. Our trial success rate is over 98%, with more than $100 million recovered in verdicts and settlements for our clients (see our case results). We are successful because we hire the best investigators, reconstructionists, and experts to demonstrate how injuries will affect a person’s life going forward. We have a reputation among our peers and within our industry of out-preparing our opposing counsel. When an insurance company sees a demand or claim is from DLG, they know we are serious about a case.
We invite all prospective clients to view our client testimonials section for sense of what to expect when working with our firm.
Even though people are spending less time on the road, traffic accidents are still happening. And if you are involved in a collision during COVID-19, it is essential that you take steps to protect your legal rights.
DLG is always available to review a personal injury insurance company settlement offer. We always recommend calling us as soon as possible following an accident via 800-880-7777.
We closely follow all local media outlets covering the latest news in Southern California, including car accidents and law enforcement reports in the time of COVID-19. Below are some articles from the Los Angeles Times about Los Angeles traffic accidents this year:
In Mid-march, when lockdowns took effect across the country, most people stayed home. But others took advantage of empty roads. A new coast-to-coast speed record was set for three men who drove from New York to Los Angeles, a distance of 2,814 miles, in 26 hours and 38 minutes. That record meant they were traveling at an average of more than 100 MPH.
In the last few months, Southern California traffic has mostly returned to pre-pandemic levels. According to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the three worst areas for gridlock are:
The roads are no longer empty, and accidents are unfortunately occurring daily in Southern California. Below are some of the more significant accidents from August 2020 that have made recent news headlines in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties:
It is never too soon to contact a lawyer about a personal injury case. Once you hire an experienced DLG personal injury attorney, we can handle communications with your insurance company and medical providers. If you wait too long to contact a lawyer, it is possible that the value of your case may be reduced, or even ineligible to file. Every case is subject to a statute of limitations, or time limit, in which a person has to file a civil claim (typically two years for personal injury accidents). The sooner you contact a DLG lawyer, the sooner we can contact witnesses, preserve evidence, and negotiate the maximum compensation you are entitled to receive. Damages may include compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
At DLG, we handle all cases on a contingency basis, or “no win, no fee” agreement. For the plaintiff (injured victim), this means that you do not have to pay if we do not win your case. Our lawyers are paid a percentage of any settlement or verdict. This means that if we accept your case, we believe we can win it. Additionally, if we accept your case, we are willing to invest our energy and resources into recovering you the maximum compensation available. With DLG on your side, you can focus on your recovery and healing.
It costs nothing to speak to one of our experienced attorneys about your case. All consultations are confidential, with no obligation. A DLG lawyer will review the facts of your accident, answer your questions, and explain your legal rights and options. If you would like a free consultation for your car accident or personal injury case, call us at 800-880-7777 or request a case evaluation online.
Do you have a case? Let's find out.