Experienced Hawthorne car accident lawyers will admit that car crashes in the city are a fact of life. With a population of over 90,000 people, Hawthorne in Los Angeles County, California is situated next to two major freeways–the 105 and the 405. The city has struggled with traffic congestion and motorists commuting to work, and while its car accident statistics are not critically high, much can be done to reduce car collisions.
Running red lights, exceeding posted speed limits, driving under the influence–they all contribute to Hawthorne car crash statistics. Between 2001 and 2003, the city had nine fatal car crashes, according to reports gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This is a rate of 1.1 fatal Hawthorne car crashes per 10,000 people, which was lower than the national norm.
In 2006, Hawthorne car accident statistics reported by the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) revealed that eight people were killed and 352 were personally injured in city car collisions. Those who drove while intoxicated were responsible for three deaths and 49 Hawthorne car accident injuries. Pedestrian accidents in the city resulted in one fatality and 40 personal injuries. The Cities bicycle accidents injured 23. Motorcycle accidents caused three deaths and injured 18. In 2007, there were eight car collisions resulting in eight fatalities.
Hawthorne car collision lawyers say that many of the city’s accidents are caused by red-light runners at or near intersections. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 40 percent of all car collisions are intersection-related. Red-light-runners cause over 180,000 car accidents annually, results in approximately 1,000 deaths and 90,000 injuries each year. Sadly, fatal car accidents at traffic signals are increasing more rapidly than any other type of fatal car collision nationwide.
To reduce the number of car accidents, Hawthorne implemented a citywide red-light camera program. Red-light cameras have been installed at 120th St and La Cienega, El Segundo and Hawthorne Blvd., Hawthorne Blvd. and El Segundo Blvd., Imperial Hwy and Hawthorne Blvd., and Rosecrans and Hindry (near Costco and the 405 Freeway exit). Nationally, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, red-light cameras have been implemented in more than 400 communities, and speed cameras are used in over 40 jurisdictions.
To further reduce car accidents, the city recently changed its posted speed limit to 25 mph along the entire length of Hawthorne Blvd. These and other ongoing measures, including DUI checkpoints conducted regularly throughout the city have helped to make the city safer.
Since their founding in 1978, Bisnar Chase lawyers have represented over four thousand people in car, motorcycle, truck, pedestrian and other personal injury cases. The law firm has an “AV” rating, the highest level of professional excellence, by Martindale-Hubble. John Bisnar, who is the author of this article, and his partner Brian Chase each have a “10” Avvo rating, the highest possible. John was named a “Community Hero” by the United Way, while Brian was named a “Trial Lawyer of the Year” in 2004 and one of the 2007 Top 100 Trial Lawyers. More important than all their top ratings and awards are the testimonials their clients bestow on them. Aren’t these the type of guys you want representing you? For more information on Hawthorne car accident lawyers, visit the Bisnar Chase web site http://www.bestattorney.com or call 1-800-561-4887.Copyright 2009 Bisnar Chase LLP. All Rights Reserved
