Summer in San Diego means sunny beaches, tourist attractions, and unfortunately, a surge in car accidents. National data shows that the highest number of fatal crashes occur during summer months like July and August, and San Diego is no exception. In fact, traffic fatalities tend to remain elevated from May through October each year.
Why summer car accidents are more frequent?
What to do after a car crash?
How do drivers can protect themselves under California accident laws?
California’s accident laws are complex, and insurance companies move fast. Knowing how to protect yourself—legally, medically, and financially—can make all the difference. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe—and what to do if a summer drive takes a wrong turn.
Why Do Car Accidents Increase in Summer?
Several factors contribute to the spike in warm-weather crashes in Southern California. San Diego’s unique mix of tourism and local travel creates conditions ripe for accidents. Key reasons for the summer surge include:
- Increased Tourist Traffic: San Diego is a major vacation destination, drawing over 30 million visitors a year. In summer, highways and streets fill with out-of-town drivers heading to beaches and attractions. These visitors may be unfamiliar with local roads and driving norms, which can lead to tourist driving accidents. In fact, San Diego’s tourist influx peaks in summer and winter holidays, often catching visitors off-guard at busy intersections and accident-prone zones. More cars on the road – especially drivers who don’t know the area – naturally mean a higher accident risk.
- More Teen Drivers Out of School: Summer break unleashes many teenage drivers onto the roads at all hours. With school out, teens have more free time to drive, frequently with less experience behind the wheel. The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is often called the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers, as crashes involving teens jump significantly during summer. Nationwide, an average of nearly 700 people lose their lives each summer in crashes involving teen drivers – about 17% more per day than other times of year. Inexperience, combined with summer leisure driving (often with friends in the car), makes teen-related accidents more common this season.
- Road Trips and Congestion: Summer is prime time for road trips, holiday weekends, and long drives. Families pack up for vacations, and locals take weekend getaways. This San Diego road safety challenge is twofold: more vehicles on the highway for longer distances, and drivers who may be fatigued or rushing to their destination. All of this leads to heavier congestion. With the I-5, I-8, and I-15 corridors carrying vacationers through San Diego, traffic volume spikes in summer months, which increases the chance of collisions, especially if drivers grow tired or impatient on jam-packed roads.
- Heat-Related Vehicle Issues: San Diego’s summer heat can take a toll on vehicles. High temperatures make tire blowouts more likely and can lead to engine overheating or brake failures – all potential precursors to accidents. Underinflated tires combined with hot pavement are a recipe for sudden blowouts on the freeway. Likewise, an overheating engine might leave a driver stranded in a dangerous spot. These mechanical failures contribute to summer crashes. Drivers should be mindful to check their tire pressure, coolant levels, and overall vehicle condition during heat waves. A bit of preventative maintenance can go a long way in avoiding heat-induced accidents.
All these factors show why focusing on San Diego road safety is especially important during the busy summer season. By understanding the risks, drivers can take extra precautions to stay safe.
What to Do After a Car Crash in California
A collision can be overwhelming but knowing what to do after a car crash can protect your rights and safety. If you’re in an accident in California (whether a minor fender-bender or a serious crash), follow these steps:
- Ensure Safety First. Before anything else, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Your first priority should always be preventing further injuries.
- Exchange Information. Calmly exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver(s). Get their name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance policy information. Provide the same to them. It’s also helpful to note the make, model, and color of the other car.
- Document the Scene. If you can do so safely, take photos of the vehicles’ damage, their positions on the road, skid marks, debris, and the surrounding area. Also photograph any visible injuries. This documentation can be crucial for your injury claim after a car accident. If there were witnesses, try to get their names and contact info as well, and note what they saw.
- Call the Police and File a Report. In California, it’s recommended to get a police report for any significant accident. By law, if anyone is injured or property damage exceeds $1,000, you must report the collision to authorities within 24 hours. When officers arrive, they will document the scene and file an official report. This report can be important for determining fault and will be useful when dealing with insurance companies. Having an official record is a good idea, and it’s required for serious crashes.
- Understand California Accident Laws (Fault and Liability). California is a “fault” state for auto insurance, which means the driver who caused the crash is financially responsible for the damages. If the other driver is clearly at fault, their insurance should cover your losses (up to policy limits). Knowing your rights under the law will help you navigate the claims process, especially if fault is disputed.
- Notify Your Insurance and Start the Claims Process. Don’t delay in reporting the accident to your own insurance company – most policies require prompt notification. Contact your insurer as soon as reasonably possible (typically within 24 hours) to tell them what happened and start a claim. Provide the facts of the crash and the other driver’s information.. Starting the claim early will also speed up repairs and, if needed, a rental car. Throughout this process, keep records of all medical treatment and expenses related to the accident.
- Consult a San Diego Personal Injury Attorney. If you suffered injuries or significant property damage, or if fault is being contested, ELLIS RICCOBONO, LLP can guide you on your rights and handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf.
Remember, insurers (even your own) have their bottom line in mind – they may try to minimize payouts. Ellis Riccobono LLP. will advocate for you, gather additional evidence (like traffic camera footage or expert analyses), and help prove liability and damages. They can also explain the nuances of California’s liability and negligence laws in plain language, so you fully understand your options.
How Ellis Riccobono Trial Lawyers Support Victims of Summer Car Accidents
A summer car accident in San Diego can upend your life—especially when you’re dealing with out-of-town drivers, high medical bills, and insurance companies eager to limit payouts. That’s where Ellis Riccobono LLP. come in.
We understand the seasonal patterns that make local roads more dangerous—from tourist congestion on the I-5 to heat-related vehicle failures. Our attorneys bring both legal expertise and local insight to every case, helping clients navigate not just California accident laws, but the real-world dynamics of summer crashes in our city.
When you work with us, here’s what you can expect:
- Thorough Investigation: We gather evidence quickly—from traffic camera footage to witness statements—before it’s lost.
- Clear Communication: We walk you through your rights, explain the claims process, and keep you updated every step of the way.
- Tough Negotiation: We handle insurance adjusters directly, so you don’t have to. Our job is to ensure you’re not pressured into accepting less than you deserve.
- Trial-Ready Advocacy: If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re prepared to take your case to court—and win.
Most importantly, we treat every client like a neighbor, not a case number. Whether you were hit by a distracted tourist or injured in a multi-car pileup, you deserve an advocate who understands your situation and fights to make things right.
If you’ve been in a summer car accident, don’t navigate it alone. Contact Ellis Riccobono for a free consultation—and get the experienced, empathetic legal help you need to move forward.