The COVID-19 pandemic has closed office buildings and schools. Many people are spending more time at home than ever, meaning fewer people are on the roads driving. So what has that meant for auto accidents in California? Well, since the state-wide stay home order was issued back in March, auto accidents have been decreasing. Pre-pandemic, many California roads, especially in big cities, were congested and nearly impossible to drive through in a timely manner. As the pandemic continues to rage on, fewer people have been traveling to and from work, driving to school, visiting parks, beaches, and family, and traveling for vacations. Many drivers on the roads now are essential workers, like doctors and nurses, truck drivers, and delivery personnel.
According to a recent study by the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) analyzing traffic reports in the COVID-19 era, California has seen a sizable reduction in auto accidents, meaning fewer people are getting injured and dying from car crashes in the state. In fact, the study found there has been a 50% drop in accidents causing injuries and fatalities.
That said, it’s important for drivers to remain vigilant and focused on the road. Even though there are fewer drivers out and about, the study found there has been an increase in reckless driving. With less congestion on the roadways, many drivers are speeding, making the roads dangerous.
At the height of the pandemic, many police officers and ambulances responding to accident scenes arrived later and took longer to respond. Now that things have slowed down a bit, first responders are responding to accidents quicker. If you’re involved in a minor accident and there are no injuries to report, you should continue to contact the police to have a report filed. Take pictures and gather driver’s license numbers, names, and insurance information for your insurance company and police report. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 for medical attention and follow any instructions they give you.
One unfortunate side effect of the pandemic is it has made people uneasy and nervous to go to the hospital for care. If you’re ever in an auto accident, you should seek medical attention even if you don’t think you’re injured. Some injuries, like whiplash, may not present themselves right away. It’s important to remember that hospitals have set up separate areas for COVID-19 patients to keep other patients safe. If you put off getting medical care, you could end up making your injuries worse.
While many courthouses are limiting access to the buildings, many personal injury attorneys have been filing motions online. Oftentimes hearings have been held via Zoom and telephone, and some districts have expanded the statute of limitations allowing injured people more time to file lawsuits.
If you’re involved in an auto accident and curious about your legal options, the San Jose personal injury attorneys at Solution Now Law Firm would like to hear from you. We’re passionate about helping clients like you fight for the compensation you deserve. When you schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled attorneys, we’ll examine your case and help file a claim on your behalf. Call our office today.
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