5 Dangers of Driving Through the Santa Monica Mountains – How to Maintain Your Safety
The Santa Monica Mountains are home to neighborhoods like Hollywood Hills and Bel-Air, as well as world-famous attractions such as the Hollywood sign and Griffith Park.
Traveling through the Santa Monica Mountains is a common choice for drivers trying to avoid the 405 or other busy freeways.
However, even though traffic can sometimes be avoided, the risk for accidents is still prevalent. Drivers in the Santa Monica Mountains often find themselves in unique situations that may cause accidents.
In general, the same accident inducing events as other streets are still a possibility, including:
- Speeding – the speed limit in the Santa Monica Mountains is only 15 miles per hour. Going over the posted speed limit can increase the risk of a crash.
- Drunk driving – drunk drivers are prone to reckless driving, which can lead to an accident.
- Distracted driving – drivers paying closer attention to their phone or other devices can lose focus on the road ahead.
- Fatigued driving – workers whose jobs require them to work extended hours into the night or early in the morning run this risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
- Ignoring traffic signs – not stopping at stop signs, or failing to yield, can cause a car accident.
Other more area-specific accident causes of a car accident in the Santa Monica Mountains can include:
- Winding roads – traveling on streets or roads such as Mulholland Drive that contain many twists and turns can increase danger. Other drivers may speed and lose control of their vehicle, or drive drunk and miscalculate a turn on such a winding road.
- Fires – according to the National Park Service, the 2018 Woosley Fire burned more than 21,000 acres of land. Trying to avoid fires can cause a driver to miss a turn, or go down a different path that creates a traffic jam and increases an accident chance.
- Mountain Lions or other animals – an animal running across the street might make a driver swerve and hit another vehicle.
- Lack of light – as opposed to driving through a populated area like Hollywood, the Santa Monica Mountains lack light at night, which can increase the risk of an accident.
- Lost/directions – many drivers going an alternate route through the Santa Monica Mountains can get lost. A driver unsure of their whereabouts may focus on directions instead of the road and hit another car.
If you get in an accident in the Santa Monica Mountains, remain calm after the incident. Be sure you are safe before exiting your vehicle.
It’s also important to remember these tips:
- When a police officer arrives on the scene, give them your detailed account of what happened for a police report. This can help in the long-term, as your recollection of the event can change from what initially happened.
- Take both photos and videos of the aftermath from the accident. Capture media of your car, the other vehicle or vehicles involved, and anything else pertinent to the accident, such as downed stop signs or other property damage.
- Don’t reject medical attention. Even if you do not have external injuries doesn’t mean you do not have any injuries that are internal.
Some of the most frequent injuries associated with car accidents include:
- Neck injuries like a broken neck or whiplash
- Head injuries like a concussion
- Cuts or lacerations that dig deep past the skin and maim muscles or bone
- Chronic back pain or back injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Other injuries to your upper body
- Damage to vital organs like your kidneys, spleen, lungs, etc.
- Other injuries to your lower body
- Burn injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
The LA car accident lawyers at C&B Law Group are prepared to help victims suffering from a personal injury.
Getting into a car accident can be terrifying. An injury can keep you out of work and away from time with family and friends.
If you were hit by another vehicle in the Santa Monica Mountains and suffered a personal injury, contact the car accident attorneys at C&B Law Group today.
Our firm is built on the foundations of supporting our clients and guiding them to maximum compensation. We will put in our due diligence to ensure your claim results in success.
We may seek damages such as:
- Medical bills or other medical expenses
- Lost wages after time missed at work
- Pain and suffering
Don’t hesitate to reach out to C&B Law Group about a free consultation.
