California’s coastal highways, including the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Route 101, are breathtaking, offering beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. While these views can make your drive scenic and peaceful, these roads have hidden dangers that increase the risk of serious accidents and injuries. Drivers may get distracted looking out at the water, fog can impair visibility, and speeding often occurs down these open roads.
If you suffer injuries in an accident on one of California’s coastal highways due to another party’s negligence, you have the right to file a claim and pursue compensation with the help of the trusted lawyers at Younglove Law Group. With over 20 years of experience and a proven track record of success, you can rely on us to fight for your rights and the justice you deserve. We proudly provide unmatched comprehensive legal services, handling every aspect of your claim so you can focus on recovery with the peace of mind that your claim is in the right hands.
What Makes California’s Coastal Highways Dangerous?
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, counties and cities with coastal highways saw a high number of fatal and injury crashes in 2021. Los Angeles County had 59,603, San Diego County had 18,159, Orange County had 17,400, and San Francisco had 3,435. These accidents can happen for many reasons, but most involve human error and negligence.
The following forms of negligence make these coastal highways dangerous for drivers:
- Distracted Driving: California coastal highways have beautifully picturesque views that often distract drivers and take their attention away from the road. This can cause delayed reactions and missed signage, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Weather Conditions: Because coastal highways are so close to the ocean, the weather can change unexpectedly, with fog banks, rain showers, and intense winds. If drivers are not cautious of these conditions, they may lose control of their vehicles and cause an accident.
- Speeding: Drivers tend to speed on the open roads of California’s coastal highways. However, these roads have winding turns that can make speeding incredibly hazardous.
- Impaired Driving: There are many bars and restaurants along coastal highways, so some drivers may be under the influence on these roads. This severely hinders their judgment and reflexes, putting themselves and other drivers in danger.
If you suffer injuries in a collision on one of California’s coastal highways due to another party’s negligence, we are here to help you fight for your rights and hold the liable party accountable. Our dedicated lawyers conduct a thorough investigation, collect crucial evidence, and negotiate with insurance adjusters to give you the best chance of securing maximum compensation.
How to Uphold Your Duty of Care on California Roads
All drivers on California roads have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly. Taking the following actions can help you uphold this duty and drive safely on coastal highways:
- Follow Speed Limits: Speed limits can change frequently on coastal highways, so looking for and obeying speed limit signs can help you stay in control and safe while driving.
- Avoid Distractions: While it can be tempting, do not use your phone, mess with controls, or engage in other distracting activities while driving. If you want to take in the scenery of the coastal highways, pull over and take a photo instead of doing so while driving.
- Stay Alert: With California coastal highways’ unexpected turns and curves, it is essential to stay alert and pay attention to warning signs to anticipate these turns.
- Use Headlights: In foggy or rainy conditions, use your headlights to make the road more visible to you and other drivers.
Following these precautions and following all traffic laws can help you avoid breaching your duty of care. However, if another motorist drives recklessly or negligently, we can help prove they owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and directly caused the accident and your injuries.
Injured in a California Car Accident? Contact the Experienced Lawyers at Younglove Law Group Today
At Younglove Law Group, we are dedicated to supporting you through the aftermath of an accident on California’s scenic coastal highways. With a proven record of recovering over $50 million for our clients, we offer unparalleled comprehensive legal services. Our team meticulously handles every detail of your claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
We understand the unique dangers these highways present and are equipped to advocate for your rights effectively. Whether it involves investigating the negligence of distracted, speeding, or impaired drivers, our skilled attorneys are here to pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Reach out to us today at (949) 691-3660 or fill out our contact form.
