Southern California roadways are impressive and expansive, even if they experience a high volume of traffic in several areas. The open freeways in Riverside County often invite drivers to travel fast, which can occasionally lead to serious auto accidents. Let’s take a look at some recent data involving auto accidents in the Temecula and Murrieta areas and what steps Southern California drivers can take following an auto accident injury.
Riverside County Auto Accident Data
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, 15,359 victims were killed or injured in auto accidents in 2019 (the most recent data available). Alcohol was a factor in the injury or death of 1,794 of these victims, while 3,592 collisions were speed-related. Approximately 370 bicyclists were injured or killed in a collision with another vehicle, and 564 pedestrians were injured or killed in an auto accident. While Riverside County ranks fairly high (18 out of 58 counties) for the number of motorcycle injuries or deaths and for alcohol-related accidents (16 out of 58), it ranks fairly low for the number of pedestrians injured or killed in auto collisions (55 out of 58).
Collision Data For Temecula and Murrieta
For the most part, Murrieta ranked low in the number of injuries and fatalities caused by auto collisions in 2019. It ranked 58 out of 59 in terms of the number of pedestrian injuries or deaths (9 total), and 53 out of 59 for the number of bicycle injuries and fatalities (11 total). However, Temecula ranked number one in number of motorcycle injuries and fatalities (50 total), and seventh for the number of pedestrians over the age of 65 who were injured or killed in an auto accident.
What to Do Following an Auto Accident in Riverside County
Immediately following an auto accident in the Temecula or Murrieta area, be sure to assess yourself and those around you for injuries. Call for an ambulance if anyone requires medical attention. While you wait, it’s a good idea to contact the police so that the responding officer can compile an accident report using information that will be useful later on, should you decide to pursue compensation for your injuries. Exchange information with the other parties, but refrain from admitting to any guilt or claiming responsibility for the accident.
Contact your insurance company to let them know that an accident occurred. These steps can be confusing, especially as you are coping with physical injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and other sources of stress, so consider contacting a knowledgeable auto accident attorney who can help you recover the compensation you need in order to move forward.
Learn more about your options for securing compensation following an auto accident in Temecula or Murrieta by calling Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation today at (951) 489-3320 today.