The day many in the state have been waiting nearly 18 months for is finally on the horizon – California is scheduled to fully re-open on June 15, 2021. Following lockdowns and mandates intended to protect the California population, Governor Newsom announced in early April that the state was nearly ready to move ahead with the next phase of the Blueprint for a Safer Economy.
Yet as the state re-opens, there are concerns about what that could mean for a population that has been largely isolated and stuck at home for over a year. What will it look like in Los Angeles once we’re able to get out and enjoy public spaces, restaurants, bars, and travel back and forth to work?
California’s Plan to Re-Open
Following major strides forward with vaccinations and after minimizing hospital rates, Governor Newsom announced that the entire state, as a whole, will move into a new phase of COVID-19 pandemic recovery that includes allowing everyday activities to resume and businesses to re-open using common sense risk-reduction measures. The re-opening contingencies relied on:
- The California vaccine supply being enough for those 12-years old and older to receive the shot
- Hospitalization rates have stabilized and are low
Part of California’s ability to move into this new phase is thanks to the reservation of 4 million inoculations for the state’s hardest-hit communities. As of mid-May, nearly 16,000,000 California residents have been fully vaccinated – roughly 47% of the population.
What does Re-Opening of June 15 Mean for LA Residents?
This is great news for many who have been feeling the need to get out and interact with their friends and family again. However, Californians, and in particular residents in and around densely populated areas like Los Angeles, will need to take special precautions as we re-emerge into our everyday lives.
More People on the Roads = More Accidents
During the pandemic when stay-at-home orders were in place, residents experienced something highly unusual – very minimal traffic on the road. Especially for Los Angeles, the concept of being able to fly down the highway and navigate surface roads that weren’t teaming with other vehicles and pedestrians was one of the few highlights of the lockdowns.
But now, as the state re-opens in the midst of beautiful California weather, even the most cautious will be out. They will also be unfamiliar with the usual hustle and bustle that LA is known for, and it will take time to become re-acquainted with the rhythm and flow of traffic.
Vehicle Accidents
It’s highly likely that we’ll see an uptick in car accidents following June 15, to levels even higher than pre-pandemic numbers. Even before the pandemic, California had the second-highest number of car accidents with fatalities.
Some drivers will be rusty – others will be accustomed to the open roads during the lockdown. All will be stressed and nervous about what the new normal looks like and how their world has changed.
Combined, this is a recipe for inattentive driving and poor decision-making, whether in a car or a truck. Accidents will span the range from scratches and fender-benders to serious, even fatal accidents.
To protect yourself, it’s in your best interest to re-acquaint yourself now on what to do should an accident happen to you.
- First, check to see if anyone is hurt and needs medical assistance. If so, call 911 immediately.
- Use our Accident Guide to help you collect all of the information you need from the involved parties.
- Stay calm and work with the police
- Don’t allow the other party to pressure you to agree to anything in the moment. You’re upset and in shock, and decisions about what to do can wait.
- Promptly call our office for legal advice.
Law Offices of Wiesman Pirian, APC
As thrilled as we all are to have the state finally opening up, we must take care. That includes everything from our health to the safety of our families and our vehicles.
If you or a loved one is the victim of an accident, call The Law Offices of Wiesman Pirian. We specialize in helping motorists who have been involved in an accident, whether as a pedestrian, in a car, or with a truck. We also have extensive experience helping those involved in rideshare accidents or bicycle and motorcycle accidents.
When you work with the caring professionals at The Law Offices of Wiesman Pirian you’ll receive:
- A free consultation about your accident or injury
- Access to a talented personal injury lawyer with experience in a wide range of vehicle and pedestrian accident types
- Access to a law team that understand the serious complications of your case
- A clear explanation of your rights from a team that cares and will fight for those rights for you
- The ability to work with a team that will aggressively seek out compensation for your accident, including lost wages and damaged property
As Los Angeles re-opens it will be exciting to see friends and family again and experience our favorite places. But, we must do so with care. Should you need the services of a professional injury lawyer, the team at The Law Offices of Wiesman Pirian is here to assist your accident claims.
