Gas prices throughout the state of California have hit record highs for the month of August, and they are only expected to go up in the coming weeks.

The average price of a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline hit $4.12 this week, three cents up from the week before, marking the highest average price at this time of this year in the history of the state. The national average has also risen another two cents in the last week to reach $3.74.

The summer driving season usually comes with a bit of a spike in overall gas prices, but this season also came with a recent refinery fire at a Chevron plant in the city of Richmond in Northern California which caused further increases.

The refinery is a critical part of the state’s fuel supply, pumping out more than 200,000 barrels of special-grade gasoline with fewer pollutants, a favored mixture in California and other states.

At this time there is still no estimate on when repairs will be completely for full production of the plant to be restored. For the time being the state will simply have to adjust to the lessened supply.

Even more unfortunate for road goers in the days ahead is the quickly approaching Labor Day holiday, which typical sees an increase in prices. Anyone planning a road trip over the upcoming weekend should be prepared to pay high numbers for their fuel.

This increase is bringing state average prices closer to the all-time high of $4.61 in June of 2008, though it is unlikely that the price per gallon will increase quite that high.

If you are planning to hit the road in this coming holiday weekend, be sure to take extra care, both at the pump and on the open road. Holidays see a heightened number of vehicles on the road, leading to a greater chance for an accident.

If you or someone you know has been hurt in such an accident, help is available to you. Depending on the particulars of your accident, you may be entitled to compensation, which we at AA Accident Attorneys can work to recover for you. We are a group of professional Los Angeles accident lawyers with years of experience handling cases just like yours.

We can help you win settlement from all of the liable parties involved in your accident so you are able to cover the expensive medical bills and auto repair costs that may have been placed upon you. We do not charge you a thing for our services until your case is won. Call our accident lawyers today for your free evaluation, and to learn what steps are available to you!