Posted on July 11, 2016 in Dog Bites

Dog bites can range anywhere between virtually harmless to life-altering. Facial dog bites have the potential to be more traumatic than other areas on the body. Not only are the wounds more visible than other areas of the body, there is also the possibility of a longer recovery time and even permanent damage. If you have been the victim of a dog bite attack that resulted in facial wounds, it is imperative that you follow key steps to increase the likelihood of recovering the full damages at trial or through a settlment.

Why Are Facial Dog Bites More Traumatic?

When a dog does choose to bite a human, nearly three times out of four they will bite an extremity. Statistics have shown that approximately 71% of dog bites result in injuries to the arms, legs, hands or feet of a human. This may be true for any number of reasons, not the least of which is that our survival instinct is to reach out to protect ourselves from danger, thereby giving the animal something else to grab besides our face or neck. However, if you consider the features of an arm versus all of the features of a face, you will be able to recognize several delicate areas that are essential to daily activities. Consider for a moment the following senses that would all be affected should a sensory organ become damaged:

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 Posted on July 04, 2016 in Motorcycle Accidents

When we hear about motorcycle accidents on the roadways, the news often revolves around other drivers and how they are at fault for collisions with motorcyclists. While it is true that drivers must exercise special caution when operating vehicles around motorcyclists, those riding motorcycles can have just as much of an impact on highway safety. We all share the roadways, and we all have a part to play.

What You Can Do as a Motorcyclist

The California Highway Patrol reports that Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System data has shown a continual increase in motorcycle fatalities since 2011. The CHP’s motorcycle safety program exists to help equip riders with the education, skills, and tools they need to take responsibility for their part on the roads as they operate and interact with other drivers. 

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 Posted on June 27, 2016 in Car Accidents

Each year, an increasing amount of individuals are opting to utilize mass transit services. In 2014, the number of Americans who used public transportation were found to be the highest in 58 years. There are several benefits for those who make the decision to forgo their own personal vehicle and opt to use public transportation. However, the increased usage of this mode of transportation also includes a shift in accident statistics, including a rise in mass transit injury reports. In many situations, the injuries in these types of accidents can be severe and even catastrophic, and victims may be left unsure of what to do next.

Benefits of Public Transportation

Mass transit is comprised of many forms of travel, including but not limited to: buses, trains, and light rail. The benefits of using public transportation are numerous and include such considerations as:

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 Posted on June 20, 2016 in Personal Injury

The ending of May is always a large milestone between the spring and summer seasons. Typically launched at the end of the traditional school year and Memorial Day celebrations, the summer vacation season is known for being a choice time for travel and family adventures. For thousands of tourists annually, an amusement park is the ideal vacation destination. Although the experience is intended to be a fun and perhaps even a thrilling venture, for too many, the end result is an amusement park injury.

Statistics

When making vacation decisions, it may be useful to consider some quantitative facts. In 2014, statistics showed that ultimately visitors were more likely to be injured in a roller coaster accident than becoming the victim of a shark attack. Some other recent vacation statistics include:

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 Posted on June 13, 2016 in Catastrophic Injuries

Children, whose brains are still developing, often have a long road to recovery after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Physical therapy, mental health care, and speech therapy that may last for weeks, months, or possibly even years are some of the most common treatment interventions needed to help them recover. Unfortunately, some young victims may have a more difficult time obtaining that much-needed care.

Children From Low-Income Households Struggle to Find Care Providers

Often, children from low income households have their medical needs met through Medicaid, medical insurance that is provided by the state. Unfortunately, the payouts for treating Medicaid patients are lower, and many doctors opt not to accept them. This limits options for Medicaid patients and, at times, can make it extremely difficult to receive the treatment they need.

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 Posted on June 06, 2016 in Motorcycle Accidents

The spring and summer months are upon us in beautiful California. The days get longer and of course warmer. With the change in weather comes the inevitable urge for motorcyclists to get out and ride. As always, motorists need to be cautious of each other and make a conscientious effort to watch for motorcycles. It may be easier for you to see a traditional four-wheeled vehicle and predict their driving habits because you may be more familiar with them. Yet, motorcycles are present and have traffic capabilities that other vehicles do not, such as lane splitting. While these actions are perfectly legal and have many benefits, there are driving habits that may make lane splitting hazardous for our motorcyclists.

What Is Lane Splitting?

Lane splitting is the name given to the act of a motorcyclist maneuvering their motorcycle between two lanes of traffic driving in the same direction. Its purpose is to overtake or pass slower moving or stopped traffic. It is also known as “lane sharing”, “white lining”, “filtering” or “stripe riding”. These names are indicative of the motorcycle actually driving on or near the painted white line that separates two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction.

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 Posted on May 23, 2016 in Car Accidents

There are nearly 29 million automobiles registered throughout the state of California but despite the mandates of California Vehicle Code (CVC §16058), California currently ranks in the top five of states with the highest percentage of uninsured motorists. This is not welcome news for those traveling the coastal roadways and falling victim to experiencing a car accident with the nearly 25 percent who do not carry auto insurance. Not only can this lead to possible legal and insurance complications, but it is against California law to drive without at least the mandated minimum state insurance requirements.

In addition, an estimated one in three California drivers are either uninsured or underinsured drivers, even though California offers additional coverage to protect all drivers against damage or personal injury due to an at-fault driver with no or less than adequate insurance coverage. While, in this instance, a non-fault driver can submit his or her claim to their personal insurance carrier, often the compensation does not fully cover all liabilities.

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 Posted on May 16, 2016 in Car Accidents

The moment you are involved in a car accident, your to-do list instantly begins to grow. After you have assessed the situation, addressed any injuries, notified authorities, and exchanged insurance information with the other drivers, it is time to handle the collision report and account for any citations and fines you might have received due to the crash.

The Purpose of the Report

The collision report process begins at the scene of the accident. Its purpose is to accurately document all of the details that led up to and caused the crash. These details help assist Highway Patrol and the other drivers and their insurance companies with the case. Everything from the traffic and weather conditions to the time of day, as well as witness accounts, are important details and should be noted for the report. It is also important to make note of any events that led up to the crash, as these details give everyone involved a clearer picture of how the collision actually unfolded and why.

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 Posted on May 09, 2016 in Truck Accidents

There is an epidemic going on in the United States that to this day remains a serious problem. Everyday, on average 11 accidents involving commercial trucks result in fatalities. Additionally, over 100,000 people are injured in the same type of accidents per year. If you apply the same numbers to a different industry, it would be like a commuter jet crashing every week. With the potential for these accidents being so high, the need for legal counsel is also rising. What should you expect from truck accidents with regards to legal action?

Reasons for Concern 

Commercial trucks are seen on almost every road and every highway, and, every day, truck driving schools have a new graduating class full of fresh, newly-trained drivers that will be on the road shortly. Commercial trucks are responsible for transporting a large portion the goods that we purchase, from gas and oil all the way to moving homes. These vehicles have deadlines and agendas that they have to follow, as well as regulations that mandate everything they do. In most cases, they are highly-trained and skilled professionals, but accidents are not planned and can happen to anyone. There are number of factors that contribute to these accidents being so much more devastating and potentially dangerous, including:

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 Posted on May 02, 2016 in Dog Bites

Whether you are a dog owner yourself, have been a victim of a dog bite, or know someone who has had a close call with a dog aggression-related injury, familiarizing yourself with Santa Clara County’s stance on dog safety laws can help you protect your best interests and help keep your neighbors safe.

Existing Dog Safety Laws and Modifications

For years now, Santa Clara County has been investigating ways to further enhance its laws on dangerous dog bites in an effort to place stricter responsibility on owners of potentially dangerous dogs. Back in 2011, the County announced a Board action aimed at expanding the existing policies that are in place to protect residents from harmful injuries. The following new laws were announced:

• County staff have permission to exercise their authority to declare a dog as “potentially dangerous” if said dog is involved with a single attack on any domestic animal;

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