With a population of nearly 158,279, Palmdale, California, is one of the fastest growing cities in the state. Home to the Antelope Valley Community College and other higher institutions of learning, this is an expanding city. As more people come to know and love Palmdale, the population will continue to grow and that means more vehicles on the road. Collisions can happen in just seconds, leaving the people involved injured. It’s not uncommon for serious bodily harm to occur in even low-speed crashes and property damage to occur.
When you are involved in a car accident, it can take a real toll on your life. You might suffer injury, miss time from work, face enormous hospital and medical bills, and struggle to pay your monthly bills all due to the carelessness of another. Although Palmdale has a reputation for being a great place to live and raise a family, life can change in an instant when you are traveling on the road.
Car Accident Statistics in Palmdale
While the high desert lifestyle might be a little more laid-back, it’s certainly busy on the roads. In fact, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety, the DVMT, or Daily Vehicle Miles Traveled, in the city of Palmdale is a nearly unbelievable figure of 1,589,590. That’s enough to drive from the west coast of the country to the east coast of the country nearly 530 times. The number of combined fatalities and injuries resulting from motor collisions in the city stood at 1,115 in 2012, according to the latest figures available through the California Office of Traffic Safety.
Thirteen people have been killed in pedestrian collisions since 2007 on Palmdale Road alone. For this reason the Healthy Victorville Safe Routes to School Task Force launched “It’s Up to All of Us,” a campaign to raise awareness about pedestrian safety. —Victorville Daily Press
Of those, 94 accidents involved alcohol, with 37 drivers who had been drinking. During the same year, there were 409 arrests for drunk driving. In addition, there were 13 accidents involving motorcycles, 41 pedestrians — with 8 being less than 15 years of age — and 48 involving bicyclists. The California OTS also reports that in 2012, of all of 1,115 accidents, 116 involved speeding, 57 were hit-and-run, and another 57 occurred during nighttime. “Palmdale teen killed when suspected drunk driver crashes into house,” and “Fatal freeway crash in Palmdale snarls traffic,” are just two headlines printed in the Los Angeles Times in 2014 and 2013, respectively.
What to Do if You’re Involved in a Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident in Palmdale, you should know what to do. These types of incidents can be minor or catastrophic, but regardless of the seriousness, you should be aware of what steps to take.
- Check on others. If you are involved in a car accident, you should immediately check on the well being of others at the scene before you attempt to assess any damage to your vehicle. Do this first because someone might need immediate medical attention and you can call for help. Do not attempt to move anyone with back or neck pain and/or injury.
- Call the police. If there is any damage to your vehicle or to other property, call the police and stay at the scene to give an account of what occurred.
- Exchange information with the other driver. Give and get the names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate, and insurance information for the parties involved.
- Speak to witnesses. Talk to any witness at the scene and be sure to get their names and contact information.
- Call your automobile insurance company. Phone your insurer and inform the company about the accident. You should also take pictures of the location, accident scene and your vehicle.
In addition, keep all records and receipts of any medical treatment you receive. Being an accident victim can take a substantial toll on your life and you should call an experienced legal professional to learn about your rights and what compensation you might receive.
