Wrong-Way and High-Speed Collisions on the 134/210: Evidence That Can Make or Break the Case
The 134 and 210 form a major route across northern Los Angeles, and the heavy traffic on these roads mean that accidents are a common sight. Wrong-way and high-speed collisions are particularly devastating, as they dramatically increase the risk of severe or fatal injuries. Even if liability appears obvious, you may still find that insurance companies fight to limit their financial losses. That’s why talking to a Pasadena car accident attorney is crucial.
At DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, LLP, we’ve seen firsthand how high-speed and wrong-way crashes can change victims’ lives in a moment. We fight aggressively to advocate for every single client we represent, whether their case ends in the courtroom or at the negotiating table. Attorney Mark Algorri has a long track record of successful verdicts in complex personal injury claims, including those involving severe car accidents. Find out how our car accident law firm in California can help you by calling us at 855-WINNING (946-6464).
Why Wrong-Way and High-Speed Crashes Are So Severe
Wrong-way collisions often involve direct or nearly head-on impacts. When there’s a collision involving two vehicles traveling in opposite directions, the combined force is transferred to the occupants of the vehicles. They may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, complex fractures, and fatal injuries. Wrong-way crashes, unfortunately, are often the result of intoxicated driving, distracted driving, extreme fatigue, medical conditions that affect cognition, and drivers unfamiliar with where they are driving.
Speeding is consistently linked with an increase in crash severity, and nearly 12,000 people died in speeding-related car accidents in 2024. Speeding makes it harder to control a vehicle, increases the distance needed to stop, and increases the force in an accident. California, like many other states, bars drivers from exceeding the speed limit or driving faster than is reasonable or prudent based on weather, traffic, visibility, and any other relevant conditions.
In these cases, having the right evidence can be crucial for your case. Your car accident lawyer knows how to prepare and present evidence to strengthen your claim.
Electronic and Video Evidence
Electronic and video evidence can be very helpful in a car accident claim, but both types of evidence can also disappear very quickly. Video footage from a dashcam, surveillance camera, or doorbell camera may provide insight into where a driver entered the road, how fast they were moving, and anything either driver did to attempt to avoid the crash. Video footage is often overwritten fairly quickly, so you may need your car accident attorney to request copies promptly.
Many vehicles also have event data recorders (or “black boxes”) that preserve information about braking, speed, steering, seatbelt use, and other relevant factors. However, this evidence requires physical access to the vehicle and insight from someone who can access the data and analyze it.
Physical Evidence from the Scene
This, too, is a form of evidence that disappears rapidly after a collision. The crash scene may have skid marks, tire tracks, gouges, debris patterns, damaged road barriers, and proof of the vehicles’ final resting positions. Investigators can use this evidence to determine direction of travel, braking efforts, impact angles, and even speed. It’s important to get photos of physical evidence before leaving the scene, as roadway crews clean crash scenes up quickly to protect the flow of traffic.
Witnesses, Police Records, and Toxicology Evidence
Drivers and passengers can provide valuable insight, but their word alone may not be enough to piece together what happened. Your car accident lawyer may also reach out to witnesses who saw the accident, analyze the police report, and pull toxicology results to see if impaired driving was a factor. People involved in a California Highway Patrol-investigated collision can request a report online.
Proving Liability and Damages
Proving that the other party is at fault is important, but your evidence must also support the damages you’re requesting. Medical records, medical bills, treatment schedules, progress notes, proof of time away from work, evidence of home tasks outsourced to others, and documentation of pain levels can all help prove your damages.
Start Your Case With Our Pasadena Car Accident Law Firm
If you or someone you love has been injured in a wrong-way or high-speed crash, you may. Be entitled to compensation. Our team is here to learn more about your accident and help you move forward. Reach out online or call us at 855-WINNING (946-6464) to schedule a time to talk.
Mark Algorri has successfully represented individuals and their families in matters involving serious and catastrophic injuries, insurance claims denials, and wrongful deaths, achieving a success rate of 99 percent for our clients.
