Posted on April 25, 2016 in Motorcycle Accidents

Lane-splitting has long been a heated debate when it comes to the subject of motorcycle accidents. The topic has been so controversial, in fact, that just last year The Wall Street Journal reported that the state of California has been the only state in the U.S. to legalize the action thus far, setting a new precedent for the rest of the country. Other states have been following in California’s footsteps to push legislation that will allow motorcyclists to drive between lanes on the open road—an agenda not likely to disappear any time soon. Oregon, Texas, and Tennessee are just a few states aiming to make lane-splitting legal, and many others are close behind.

A Dangerous or Efficient Trend?

The idea behind the practice of lane-splitting is that it allows motorcyclists to reach their destinations faster while contributing to a smoother, less congested commute on the highway. This is considered especially helpful during rush-hour commute times. The drawbacks, of course, have been the largest source of opposition for those against the legislation. Lane-splitting can be dangerous for both the motorcyclist and nearby automobile drivers, as visibility is further limited and the space in which the motorcyclist must navigate is narrow, restricted, and at times obstructed.

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 Posted on April 18, 2016 in Car Accidents

In the seconds after a car accident, your mind and body experience a state of shock, some confusion, and then, in many cases, panic settles in. How bad was the accident? Are you or your passengers hurt? What about the other drivers involved in the collision? Who will pay for your medical bills and the costs to fix your vehicle? What if your insurance policy does not cover all the damage?

While your mind is assaulted with a barrage of questions and concerns, the most important thing to do the moment after the accident takes place is to move to action. No matter how serious or minor the damage might be, your safety and communication during those first initial moments following the collision are crucial.

The Crash Happened. Now What?

California state law requires that you remain at the scene of an accident, regardless of how minor the damage might be. Even something as simple as backing into someone’s mailbox or bumping the fender of your neighbor’s car in the parking lot needs to be addressed. You are required to make contact with the person who owns the property or leave a note with your contact information, should you find them unreachable at the scene of the accident.

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 Posted on April 11, 2016 in Catastrophic Injuries

Depending on the severity, back and neck injuries can be considered catastrophic injuries in the medical sense, as well as the in the legal realm. Catastrophic injuries usually refer to severe, chronic injuries to the spine, spinal cord, or brain and directly affect the central nervous system. They can be caused by any number of events, with the most common being auto accidents. All too often, victims of these injuries are left with lifelong complications, long-term medical care, and the possibility of never being able to work again, not to mention waking up and going to sleep with pain every day. Catastrophic back and neck injuries are serious and, unfortunately, insurance companies tend to downplay how severe cases are.

Most Likely Causes

Anything can happen in a day, whether you leave the house or not. Accidents are named such because no one plans for such events to happen to them when they start their day. However, many victims of catastrophic injuries are enjoying very common everyday activities when their accidents occur. Catastrophic injuries may result from:

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 Posted on April 04, 2016 in Dog Bites

All animals have a tendency to be unpredictable, no matter how well trained or gentle natured. This remains true for dogs, which of course are one of the top companions chosen to live in the homes of their human counterparts. Unfortunately, dogs do have it in their nature to bite for several different reasons. This leads to thousands of injury claims annually. How do we avoid such incidents from happening? If they do happen, how should dog bites be dealt with medically and legally?

Why Do Dogs Bite?

If you have seen a premium dog food commercial within the last couple of years, you may have likely heard that dogs are related to wolves. This is actually very true. Furthermore, although they have been domesticated, there is still the wild animal instinct inside, especially under extreme circumstances. Some reasons a canine may strike out are:

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 Posted on March 28, 2016 in Car Accidents

After you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to collect damages. While the amount of damages for your out-of-pocket medical expenses may be easy to calculate, how do you calculate the damages for your pain and suffering? What is pain and suffering under California law?

How the Law Views Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering, as a principle of law, is also sometimes referred to as general damages or non-economic damages. California law allows for you to be compensated for the physical and emotional discomfort, inconvenience, and negative effects that a physical injury has on your life.

For example, if you were an avid skier before your car accident, but, because of your injuries, you had to miss an entire ski season, that effect on your lifestyle may be considered a type of pain and suffering. If you also had nightmares for months about the accident, you may be entitled to pain and suffering damages. However, pain and suffering can be as simple as having to endure the pain your injuries cause you as you recover.

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 Posted on March 21, 2016 in Car Accidents

When making a personal injury claim based on a car accident, you will need to have thorough documentation if you want to be fully compensated for your injuries. While your primary duty after a car accident is to listen to your doctors and get better, you should also be documenting your injuries and losses.

Medical Records

Your medical records are among the most valuable types of information to your car injury claim. While you may be able to describe in great detail where you hurt and for how long, the rules of evidence will require more detailed proof of your injuries. The main reason, of course, that it is important to see a doctor and follow up on your injuries is to make sure you recover as fully as possible, but having medical records generated that substantiate your claim is another key benefit.

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 Posted on March 14, 2016 in Motorcycle Accidents

Buses, cars, bikes, and our own two feet: on a daily basis, we are on the move. Luckily, we get to decide what moves us in most occasions. For many, their chosen mode of transportation is by motorcycle. There is just something about the breeze in your hair and against your face and the rumble of a motorcycle rolling on the pavement that gets pulses racing for millions of riders every day. For some, it is a pastime, something that can be enjoyed for long cruises on the weekend. For many others, it is their daily transportation. Who can blame them with the gas mileage? One thing is for sure; motorcycles are everywhere, and it is everyone’s responsibility to prevent motorcycle accidents.

When You Are the Motorcyclist

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), among the many contributing factors for motorcycle accidents are breaking speed limits and not knowing how to appropriately operate a motorcycle. This is not to say that these are the only factors that lead to accidents; the list is extensive. However, a few tips that you can use to potentially prevent a fatal accident are:

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 Posted on March 07, 2016 in Workplace Accidents

When are injured in a work-related accident, many people assume that a workers’ compensation claim is their only way to get compensated for their injuries. However, California law allows you to pursue a claim against someone other than your employer if the other party's negligence caused or contributed to your injuries.

Role of Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury Claims

The workers’ compensation system was designed to help make sure workers were compensated for injuries sustained in the course of their employment and to protect employers from litigation. Under the workers’ compensation system you cannot usually sue your employer. The type of compensation you are able to collect is also limited.

However, if a third party is responsible for causing your injuries you may be able to pursue both a workers’ compensation claim and a claim for injuries against the party that was responsible. Cases in which someone other than your employer has caused your injuries are complex and must be handled outside of the workers’ compensation system by a personal injury lawyer who understands how these two different claims systems operate and affect one another.

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 Posted on February 29, 2016 in Car Accidents

Drunk drivers continue to cause thousands of accidents every year, in spite of harsh consequences and aggressive law enforcement practices. Often a drunk driving accident results in catastrophic injuries that last a lifetime. Tragically, some victims will not even survive the accident. Because drunk driving is caused by an illegal act, victims of drunk driving accidents may be able to seek punitive damages from the drunk drivers.

What Are Punitive Damages?

Punitive damages are a special kind of damages that are not available in every personal injury case. Punitive damages are designed to punish actions that go beyond simple negligence. These damages are supposed to help deter people from making the same kinds of dangerous choices in the future. In order to be awarded punitive damages, you will need to show that the driver acted with a conscious disregard for the safety of others.

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 Posted on February 22, 2016 in Personal Injury

When money is tight, it can be tempting to look for any way possible to lower your expenses. But, when it comes to your car insurance if you try and lower your premiums by eliminating some of your coverage, you may end up costing yourself money if you get into a car accident.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal Injury Protection, or PIP coverage, as it is often called, is not required in California. If you have PIP, when you, or one of your passengers, is hurt in a car accident, your medical bills will be paid by your car insurance. PIP coverage may also pay a portion of any missed wages. It does not matter who is at fault for the accident. The PIP benefits, however, are not open ended. PIP will only pay out for a set period of time and up to a set amount of money. But, if you do not have PIP coverage it can be harder to get the medical treatment you need for your injuries.

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