Torrance Car Accident Lawyer

How Common Are Car Accidents in Torrance?

Torrance, home to approximately 143,000 residents, sees hundreds of collisions annually. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), there were 620 fatal and injury-related car accidents in Torrance in a single year.

The city lies within the greater Los Angeles metro area and is one of the busiest traffic regions in the country. With major roads like Hawthorne Boulevard, Sepulveda Boulevard, and the 405 Freeway crossing the city, the risk of collisions is high.

Many of these incidents involve unsafe speeds, impaired drivers, or distracted behavior behind the wheel. Whether you’re commuting through Torrance or running errands, it only takes a moment of inattention from another driver to change your life.

Why Do So Many Car Accidents Occur in This Area?

Understanding what causes car wrecks in Torrance can help drivers stay vigilant, but even the most cautious motorists can become victims of another driver’s mistakes. 

Here are the leading factors behind local accidents:

• Distracted driving. Using a phone, adjusting controls, eating, or talking to passengers can divert a driver’s attention away from the road. In a high-traffic city like Torrance, distractions can quickly lead to crashes.
• Speeding. Driving above the posted limit or too fast for road conditions makes it harder to react in time to avoid hazards or stop safely. Speed also increases the force of impact in a collision.
• Impaired driving. Alcohol, drugs, or even prescription medication can affect judgment, coordination, and response time. Impaired drivers are a major risk.
• Failure to yield. Many accidents occur when drivers disregard stop signs, red lights, or the right-of-way of other vehicles. This is dangerous at Torrance’s busy intersections.
• Tailgating. Following too closely leaves little room to react. If the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly, a rear-end crash is often unavoidable.
• Unsafe lane changes. Improper merging, weaving through traffic, or failing to check blind spots can lead to side-impact crashes or scenarios where vehicles are forced off the road.

When any of these behaviors causes an accident, the at-fault driver may be liable for the resulting injuries and damages.

Which Injuries Are Most Common in a Crash?

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, some minor and others life-altering. Even a low-speed crash can result in lasting physical and emotional trauma. 

The following are common injuries seen in Torrance car accident cases:

• Whiplash. The sudden jerking motion of a crash can strain muscles and ligaments in the neck and back. Whiplash may seem mild at first, but it can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.
• Fractures and broken bones. Arm, leg, rib, and facial fractures are common in high-impact crashes. Recovery may involve surgery and physical therapy.
• Spinal injuries. Damage to the spinal column can cause pain, nerve damage, or paralysis.
• Traumatic brain injuries. Head impacts can lead to concussions or more severe brain trauma. TBIs may cause memory loss, confusion, headaches, or long-term cognitive impairment.
• Lacerations and soft tissue damage. Glass, metal, or hard surfaces inside the vehicle can cause deep cuts or bruises. Some may require stitches or plastic surgery to heal properly.
• Internal injuries. Blunt force trauma can injure internal organs like the liver, spleen, or lungs. These injuries may not exhibit symptoms immediately.
• Emotional trauma. Many accident victims develop anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder following a serious crash. These conditions may include nightmares, panic attacks, fear of driving, and difficulty returning to daily life.

The physical, emotional, and financial toll of these injuries can be overwhelming. At The Beliz Law Firm, we understand what you’re going through and are committed to helping you secure the compensation needed for your recovery. If negligence caused your injuries, contact a car accident attorney in Torrance right away to protect your rights.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Accident?

If another party caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. Let’s take a look at the three main types of damages these claims can provide.

Economic Damages

These are measurable financial losses, such as:

• Emergency room bills and medical treatment,
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation,
• Lost wages during recovery,
• Loss of future earning capacity,
• Car repairs or replacement, and
• Transportation to medical appointments.

Receipts, invoices, and other documented records of your financial losses are key to justifying economic damages.  

Noneconomic Damages

These account for personal and emotional losses, including:

• Pain and suffering,
• Emotional distress,
• Loss of enjoyment of life,
• Permanent disfigurement or disability, and
• Loss of companionship (in wrongful death claims).

Since noneconomic damages are intangible, calculating them is a more subjective process that requires a skilled attorney. 

Punitive Damages

In rare situations involving extreme misconduct, such as a drunk driver with a history of DUI convictions, a court may award punitive damages. These are intended to penalize dangerous behavior and discourage similar actions in the future. Punitive damages are not commonly awarded and are reserved for the most egregious cases.

Does It Matter If You Were Partly at Fault?

California applies a pure comparative negligence rule to car accident claims. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault and awarded $150,000, your final recovery would be reduced by 30%, becoming $105,000.

Accounting for shared fault can be complex when insurance companies try to shift blame. Working with a Torrance car accident lawyer can help assess liability accurately and protect you from being unfairly penalized for an accident caused by someone else’s actions.

When Is the Deadline to File a Torrance Car Accident Claim?

State law sets a two-year statute of limitations on most personal injury claims, including those involving car accidents. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit.

If the at-fault party is a government entity, such as a city-operated bus service or a poorly maintained public roadway, the deadline is much shorter. You must file an administrative claim within six months.

Missing the applicable deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation. If you are unsure how much time you have left, speak with a Torrance auto accident attorney as soon as possible.

Contact an Experienced Torrance Car Wreck Lawyer Today

Michael A. Beliz, Esq., brings nearly 20 years of experience to every case he handles. Throughout his career, he has successfully represented hundreds of personal injury clients, including car accident victims throughout Southern California, and has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for those injured by others’ negligence.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Torrance, don’t navigate this difficult time alone. Call The Beliz Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation. During this consultation, a motor vehicle accidents lawyer will review your case, answer your questions, explain your options, and help you understand what compensation you may be entitled to.

Let our experience, knowledge, and dedication work for you.