The coronavirus pandemic has transformed life in the United States, forcing millions of workers to stay home instead of traveling to their offices and mixing with coworkers. But the reduction in commuting has not led to a decline in car accidents that caused serious injuries, according to a new study.

Researchers studied data on 2,292 vehicle accidents between January 1 and May 15. They found that while there was a noticeable reduction in accidents that caused minor or no injuries, there was no similar drop in the number of accidents that led to serious injuries or deaths. The data indicates that demand for the best car accident attorney will remain high. If you need to file a car accident lawsuit in Southern California, consult a car accident lawyer Los Angeles.

Risks on the road

Experts suggest that with fewer vehicles on the road, more drivers may be speeding or taking risks. According to the National Safety Council, the number of fatal crashes per mile driven increased by 14% in March 2020, when many regions went into lockdown because of the pandemic. Another study suggested that the pandemic may have caused an increase in the consumption of alcohol and drugs and created more opportunities for “stunt” driving.

Staying safe

Drivers can take steps to avoid accidents. Staying safe involves obeying the speed limit and keeping both hands on the steering wheel. Checking blind spots and remaining a safe distance from other vehicles is always a good idea. Pulling over to rest is necessary if a driver begins to feel drowsy. But sometimes even the most careful driver is caught up in an accident caused by someone else. If you have been injured in Southern California, consulting a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles could help.

If disaster strikes

If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a car accident, try to stay calm. First, call the police and ensure that an officer is dispatched to the scene. If you are able, take photographs of any damage and try to obtain the contact details of any witnesses. You may need to reconstruct what happened later on, and recalling details of stressful events can be difficult. You may also need to exchange insurance information with any other drivers involved in the accident. When you get home, you should consider contacting a car accident lawyer Los Angeles to help you navigate the difficult path ahead.

Next steps

Once you are safe, it may be time to call a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles to discuss a car accident lawsuit. Injuries sustained during a vehicle accident can force victims to take time off work. The treatment of injuries can lead to expensive medical bills. Accidents can also be traumatic, forcing victims to seek counseling. If the accident was not your fault, you should not have to pay. To ensure you reach the best car accident attorney in the region, contact the law offices of Oscar H. Gutierrez today.