Car Accidents

Daylight saving time (DST) ends on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, which means that the clocks “fall back” an hour earlier. The time change means that, overnight, the mornings are brighter and the afternoons are dark by 5:00 p.m. While many people look forward to that extra hour of sleep, even a slight disruption in your circadian rhythm can have a negative impact on the body.

A change in your circadian rhythm can affect your mood, cognitive performance, and your ability to stay awake and alert, particularly when driving at night. When your sleep cycle is disrupted, you are also at a greater risk of being involved in a car accident.

According to the opens in a new windowNational Institutes of Health (NIH), the day after the DST change is one of the most dangerous days to drive, as there is a documented increase in car accidents. In addition to the disruption of the sleep cycle, researchers suggest that people may adjust their behavior in anticipation of getting an extra hour of sleep on Sunday morning. For example, individuals may stay out later on Saturday night or have a drink, thinking that they can make up for it with the extra hour of sleep. Unfortunately, that means that there are more motorists driving late at night.

It is more likely that there are motorists on the road who are drowsy or under the influence of alcohol after the end of DST. Drowsy driving and drunk driving are among the top causes of serious accidents in the United States.

What Are the Dangers Associated With the End of DST?

You may think that gaining an hour of sleep is far less dangerous than losing an hour during the “spring ahead” time change. However, there are a number of reasons why the “fall back” time change can be dangerous when it comes to getting behind the wheel of a car.

The disruption on the sleep cycle can affect your cognitive performance and cause you to feel distracted and less focused. This can increase the risk of distracted driving accidents.

Sleep disruptions can also cause you to become irritable and stressed. As a result, you may engage in unsafe or aggressive driving behavior, like tailgating, swerving in and out of your lane, cutting off other drivers, or running through a red light, all of which can result in a serious accident.

The time change causes it to become darker earlier. Considering the fact that many car accidents occur at night, the time change may increase the risk of car accidents due to the number of motorists who are driving when it is dark.

Studies show that people are generally more active and do more driving during the evening hours. Visibility is reduced when it is dark outside, which can increase the risk of a car accident.

While the days have started to gradually get shorter, the time change means that, suddenly, the sun is out at 7:00 a.m., and it is completely dark outside at 5:00 p.m. It takes time for the mind and the body to acclimate to this sudden change. For commuters who are driving home from work at 5:00 p.m., it can feel like it is much later, particularly during the few days immediately following the time change.

The time change combined with shorter days can leave you feeling drowsy. This means that there may be more drowsy drivers on the roads. According to the National Sleep Foundation, drowsy driving is responsible for over 6,400 fatalities each year in the United States. Studies have shown that extreme drowsiness can have the same effect on the body as consuming too much alcohol.

What Can I Do to Avoid an Accident After the Time Change?

For many years, there have been discussions about whether DST should be a thing of the past. However, until that happens, there are proactive steps that you can take to stay safe behind the wheel and avoid getting into a serious car accident, particularly when driving at night.

One of the simplest and most effective things you can do is to consistently get enough sleep. The average adult needs approximately eight hours of sleep each night. If you start to feel drowsy while you are driving, pull over to a safe, well-lit area, and get some fresh air, or take a short nap. Caffeinated drinks like coffee or soda can help, but you should not rely on them on a regular basis.

Follow the speed limit and slow down during inclement weather conditions. Speeding is among the most common causes of car accidents and can increase the severity of injuries due to the extreme force of impact. Speeding on slippery roads is particularly dangerous.

Always maintain a safe following distance when driving at night. A good rule of thumb is to maintain a three-second following distance from the vehicle you are following.

Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination, whether you are driving home from work or to a friend’s house. The weather can be unpredictable.

Drive defensively. According to the opens in a new windowNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorists are more likely to drive drunk at night. In fact, the rate of fatal drunk driving accidents is almost four times higher at night compared to during the day. Pay attention to other motorists on the road and avoid cars that are weaving in and out of lanes, tailgating, or showing other signs of drunk driving or unsafe driving behavior.

Make sure that your windshield is clean and free of any leaves, dirt, or other debris that can affect visibility. You should also make sure that your headlights are clean and working properly.

Avoid two-lane highways if at all possible. They are more likely to be poorly lit and have sharp curves. Oncoming motorists may forget that they have their high-beams turned on, which can temporarily blind you and other motorists that are driving in the same direction. If you are using your high-beams, always turn them off when you are within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

Avoid talking, texting on your phone or engaging in any other distracted behavior while driving, including eating, putting on makeup, programming the navigation system, or reaching for something in the back seat. One moment of distraction can have devastating consequences if you hit another vehicle, motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian.

Use extra caution when approaching an intersection or a crosswalk. Pedestrians and cyclists may cross the street, not realizing that a vehicle is making a turn or trying to beat a red light. Always keep in mind that pedestrians have the right-of-way if there is a crosswalk, and check for pedestrians or cyclists before making a turn at an intersection.

As the seasons change, it is a good idea to have your vehicle serviced to ensure that the vehicle is in good working order. A skilled mechanic should check the vehicle’s tires, brakes, engine, transmission, and headlights and taillights. In addition, they should check all fluid levels and refill those that appear to be low.

Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers at ACTS Law Represent Those Injured in Car Accidents Following the November Time Change

When the clocks “fall back” an hour, you might notice more drowsy and reckless drivers on the road. If you have been seriously injured in a car accident after the end of DST, you are urged to contact our Los Angeles car accident lawyers at ACTS Law to discuss your legal options. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 833-ACTS-LAWopens phone dialer or contact us online. With offices located in Los Angeles and San Diego, we serve clients throughout Southern California.

The costumes, candy, and haunted hayrides are just a few of the reasons why children and adults look forward to Halloween. However, whether you are trick-or-treating with your children, enjoying a workplace Halloween party with your colleagues, or you need to make a last-minute run to the grocery store if you ran out of candy, Halloween is one of the most dangerous nights when it comes to car accidents.

Every year, approximately 41 million children don their costumes and hit the pavement in search of Halloween treats, but trick-or-treaters are at risk and should practice safety precautions. Over half of all car accidents that occur on Halloween involve motorists who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to statistics from opens in a new windowProtect America. Shockingly, children are twice as likely to be fatally injured in a car accident on Halloween than any other night of the year.

You should always obey the speed limit and follow the rules of the road. However, on Halloween, you are strongly urged to use extra caution since there are so many children and other pedestrians out and about. You can reduce the risk of a car accident by keeping the following Halloween safety tips in mind when you are driving.

Use Extra Caution

There are many more people out and about on Halloween, including excited children who may dart across the street without looking. Pay close attention to your surroundings, including at intersections and as you approach driveways, parking lots, or alleys. If you are backing out of your driveway, go very slowly, and make sure there are no children, other pedestrians, bicyclists, or other motorists crossing your path.

Obey the Speed Limit

While you are always expected to follow the posted speed limit, this is particularly important if you are driving through a residential area on Halloween. Trick-or-treaters do not always look both ways before darting across the street to get candy.

Avoid Distractions

Texting, talking on the phone, and other behaviors that distract your attention away from the road is one of the top causes of car accidents. If you are reading a text message, making a phone call, or reaching for something in the back seat, a small child could run across the street, and the consequences could be deadly. Put the phone away, and keep your attention focused on the road ahead.

Be Careful at Drop-Off Areas

If you are dropping your child off at a friend’s, use your signal to alert other motorists that you are going to be stopping, and turn your hazard lights on if you are going to be parked for more than a few minutes. Make sure that the passengers exit the vehicle from the curb side, rather than getting out on the side of oncoming traffic. If you are passing a vehicle that is dropping off passengers, slow down, and get ready to stop in case children start to cross the street or exit the vehicle on the street side.

Do Not Drink and Drive

Children are not the only ones who enjoy Halloween festivities. Adults may consume alcohol at a Halloween party. Getting behind the wheel of a car after having too many alcoholic drinks can have devastating consequences, and the stakes are particularly high on Halloween when there are more motorists on the roads and pedestrians crossing the street. If you plan to drink, either pick a designated driver or arrange for a ride home with a rideshare service, such as Uber or Lyft.

Always Wear a Seat Belt

Even if you take all of the necessary precautions when driving on Halloween, you could still be involved in a car accident if another motorist is distracted, drowsy, speeding, or drunk. Wearing a seat belt is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent or reduce the severity of injuries. Backseat passengers should also buckle up because they can suffer serious injuries in a car accident if they are not safely secured by a seat belt.

What can Pedestrians Do to Stay Safe on Halloween?

While motorists bear most of the responsibility to use extra caution when driving on Halloween, trick-or-treaters and other pedestrians can be proactive about safety as well. Children and adults should keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Young children should be supervised by an adult. A parent or guardian should walk with the child, make sure that they do not wander away or get too far ahead, and remind them not to run out into the street without checking to see if there is a car coming.
• Stay on the sidewalks when trick-or-treating. Do not walk in the streets where cars are driving. If there is no sidewalk, stay as far away from traffic as possible, and walk on the side of the road that is facing traffic. That way, you will be able to see cars coming, and oncoming motorists are more likely to see you.
• Obey the traffic laws. Like motorists, pedestrians are also expected to obey the rules of the road, including crossing only at crosswalks, waiting for pedestrians signals, and looking both ways before crossing the street.
• Avoid talking or texting on the phone while you are trick-or-treating or supervising a group of children. If your attention is distracted by a text or a phone call, you may not notice your child run into the street without looking, or you may walk past a driveway while a car is backing up. Children should also put their phones away while they are trick-or-treating and only use it if they need to call their parents or guardian.
• Ideally, you should stop trick-or-treating before it gets dark. However, if that is not realistic, make sure that you bring a flashlight or a glowstick. In addition, the darker the costume, the more difficult it is for motorists to see. Add reflective material to all costumes so that they are more visible to motorists who are driving through the neighborhood at night.

What Should I Do if I am Injured by a Reckless Driver on Halloween?

Car accidents are a frightening reality, particularly on Halloween when motorists fail to make safety a top priority. If you are involved in a car accident, you should do the following steps:

• Call 911 as soon as possible so police can arrive to the scene.
• File a police report.
• Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, skid marks, or debris on the road.
• Go to the doctor as soon as possible.
• Report the accident to your insurance company.
• Speak to a lawyer.

It is also highly recommended that you contact an experienced car accident lawyer at your earliest convenience so that they can assist you with the claims process.

Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers at ACTS Law Represent Clients Injured in Halloween-Related Collisions

Halloween is a fun holiday for many families. If you plan on participating in Halloween activities, make sure you pay attention while you are on the road. Even with precautions, you can still get injured in a car accident. Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers at ACTS Law can help you if you have injuries because of a negligent driver. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 833-ACTS-LAWopens phone dialer or contact us online. Located in Los Angeles and San Diego, we serve clients throughout Southern California.

When you hear that a car has been totaled in an accident, you may picture a vehicle that is damaged beyond repair, including a mangled steel frame, shattered windows, and blown tires. While this can happen, the vehicle does not need to be wrapped around a tree or in flames on the side of a highway for it to be considered totaled. In fact, when a car is totaled, it simply means that the insurance company believes it is not worth repairing.

When a vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV) is equal to or less than the cost of repairs plus the salvage value, the car is generally considered a total loss in California. The ACV is the amount of money the car was worth before it was damaged in the car accident. To determine the ACV of a vehicle, insurers will usually consider a range of factors, including the age of the car, the mileage and resale value, and the selling price of similar vehicles in your area. The salvage value is what the vehicle is worth after it was damaged. Essentially, it means that the cost to repair the vehicle is greater than the actual worth of the car.

If you totaled your car, you may be unsure about what to do next. The following are some of the options that are available to you.

File an Insurance Claim

Motorists are required to carry at least a minimum amount of insurance, so you can file a personal injury claim with the insurance company to recover the cost of the property damage. If you are leasing your vehicle, or you are still in the process of paying it off, you are still responsible for that debt. However, the insurance company may offer a settlement that will allow you to pay off the car.

The amount of money you will receive from the insurance company will depend on the type of insurance that you and the other motorist have. The insurance company may offer a settlement amount, but there may be no money left over to purchase a new vehicle.

In some cases, the insurance company will pay for the damage as well as the cost of replacing the vehicle. If you do not have insurance, or you only carry the minimal amount, you may be responsible for covering those expenses on your own.

File a Lawsuit

You also have the option of filing a lawsuit against the other driver involved in the accident. There is no limit to the number of damages you can request, although there is a cap on pain and suffering. If you reach a successful outcome, you may be eligible for the following damages:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Cost of renting a car
• Cost of replacing your vehicle
• Balance of the money you still owe on your previous vehicle
• Pain and suffering

Pay for the Losses

This is certainly an option if you have the financial resources to cover the cost of the totaled vehicle or if you can repair the car yourself. You should consider whether the car is fixable, the cost of the repairs based on more than one estimate, how you will pay for the repairs, and how long you plan to drive the vehicle once it is repaired. However, if you are pursuing this option because you are under the assumption that the insurance company is not going to pay for the losses, you should speak to your insurance agent. You may have more coverage than you think.

Additionally, a car dealership may offer you money for a trade-in, even if the vehicle is totaled. Make sure that you get a professional appraisal to confirm that the dealership is offering you a fair-trade amount.

Keep the Car

If the insurance company is unwilling to pay for the repairs, you may be able to use the spare parts if the make and model of the car that was totaled is like another car that you own. Another option is to sell the spare parts if they are still in good working order. Another car owner with the same vehicle may be interested in buying some or all the parts you are selling.

Sell or Donate the Car

Salvage yards often pay car owners cash for their totaled cars. They may even pay to have the car hauled away. This may be a good option if you do not want to deal with the hassle of selling individual parts from your totaled vehicle.

There are several organizations that accept vehicle donations, including totaled vehicles. In addition to helping the charity by donating a car, you may also be able to claim the donation as a tax deduction. If the vehicle sells for over $500, you can claim the amount for which it was sold.

What Steps Do I Take After Totaling My Car?

The most important step to take after an accident is to seek immediate medical attention. This is particularly true if the accident that totaled your car also caused catastrophic injuries. Once you have been examined by a medical professional, you are urged to take the following steps:

• Notify your insurance company. Any time you are involved in a car accident that causes injuries or property damage; you must notify your insurance company. The claims adjuster will inspect your vehicle and determine whether it is totaled. If you want to get a second opinion from your own mechanic, you have every right to do this. However, it is important that you understand that the insurance company may not cover these expenses.
• Arrange for a temporary vehicle. If your car has been totaled, you will need to plan to have a temporary vehicle, or you can use rideshare services to get around. The insurance company may offer you a temporary rental if your policy covers those expenses. If not, you may need to rely on friends or use rideshare services, which can get expensive. Make sure that you keep detailed records of transportation expenses as you can request to have those expenses reimbursed during the claims process.
• Consider your options for your next vehicle. If your car was totaled, you will probably need to start looking for a new car. The type of car you get will likely depend on what you can afford, which may be limited. However, knowing the type of car that you would like to buy is a good starting point.
• Consult with an experienced car accident lawyer. It is highly recommended that you contact a car accident lawyer if your vehicle has been totaled. Whether you pursue a personal injury claim with the insurance company or file a personal injury lawsuit, a lawyer will have your best interests at heart.

Motorists often ask if they can continue driving their car after it has been totaled. The answer to that question depends on the damage to the vehicle. For example, if the accident caused damage to the steering wheel, transmission, or engine, this could be very dangerous if any of these systems failed while you were driving. If only the exterior of the vehicle was damaged, but the car is considered totaled, you could continue to drive it, but you should stay off any major highways. If you do decide to continue driving the car, it is highly recommended that you have the vehicle inspected by an experienced mechanic to ensure that the car is safe to drive.

Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers at ACTS Law Assists Motorists Injured in Catastrophic Accidents

If your vehicle was totaled in a collision, you are urged to contact our Los Angeles car accident lawyers at ACTS Law at your earliest convenience. We will investigate the details of the accident, determine the extent of the damage to your vehicle, and explain your options. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 833-ACTS-LAWopens phone dialer or contact us online. With offices located in Los Angeles and San Diego, we serve clients throughout Southern California.