[profileleft]
[/profileleft]The mention of Palm Springs can evoke the thought of certain iconic images. We visualize long, straight roads lined with majestic palm trees; world-class golf resorts; and high-end sports cars cruising down El Paseo. These are all scenes associated with this relatively small city of under 50,000 permanent residents. The place is typically a destination for vacationers and retirees to relax and enjoy the sun. However, its beauty can lead to complacency about the possibility of danger. Rarely do we consider the probability of being involved in a Palm Springs car accident. Unfortunately, based on recent data, there is cause for concern. The risk of being involved in a Palm Springs car accident is rising.
Palm Springs Car Accident Data – A Troubling Trend
TIMS, or Transportation Injury Mapping System, is a database available to the public. The University of California-Berkeley built and maintains this database. TIMS provides different types of information regarding car accidents across California. When one looks at the recent Palm Springs car accident data, a trend identifies itself immediately:
2013:
259 total car accidents
383 people either killed or injured
2014:
294 total car accidents
440 people either killed or injured
2015:
331 total car accidents
492 people either killed or injured
A link to this database can be found here. It should be noted that these statistics concern only Palm Springs car accidents that occurred within the city limits including those on Interstate 10.
A look at the Palm Springs car accident statistics reveals the following information:
- Between 2013 and 2015, the number of crashes increased by nearly 28 percent.
- Between 2013 and 2015, the number of people injured or killed increased by more than 28 percent.
- Broadside collisions were the most common types of crashes during each of the three years.
- Approximately two-thirds of all car accidents during this timeframe took place during the day.
The chance that someone will be involved in a Palm Springs car accident is rising every year.
Suggestions for Those Involved in a Palm Springs Car Accident
If you are involved in a Palm Springs car accident that you believe was caused by someone else, there are certain thoughts you should keep in mind. Below is a brief overview of them:
- Contact First Responders – Especially if someone is injured, contact emergency services including the police as soon as possible.
- Do Not Debate – Do not debate what happened with the other driver. Simply exchange information politely, ask if everyone is OK and wait for the police to arrive.
- File a Police Report – Explain as clearly as you can what happened. The police officer will make a record of the incident.
- Obtain Medical Attention – Even if you do not feel that you are seriously injured, seek medical attention. There are dangerous injuries that can occur that don’t seem that way at first.
- File Insurance Claims – File the appropriate insurance claims as soon as possible, as this process can take time.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly seek legal advice. Before you speak to anyone from an insurance company or to the other party, seek legal advice to make sure you are protecting your legal rights. If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, contact the Palm Springs car accident lawyers at Gomez Trial Attorneys as soon as possible to schedule a free initial consultation.
