What Are a Property Owner’s Duties to Invitees & Licensees?

April 26, 2023 by Michael Waks

In California, property owners—and sometimes renters and possessors—have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a safe condition and to warn visitors of any known hazards. However, the level of care owed used to vary depending on whether the visitors were invitees or licensees. Let’s take a look at the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these obligations, so you can decide how to proceed if you were hurt while running errands or visiting friends: 1. What Is … [Read more...]

8 FAQs About Car Accidents Involving Excluded Drivers

April 19, 2023 by Michael Waks

At some point when reviewing your auto coverage, you may have come across the term "excluded drivers.” An excluded driver is someone who is not covered under the policy and is therefore not permitted to drive the insured vehicle. Unfortunately, however, that doesn’t always stop them from getting behind the wheel. And if they happen to cause an accident when they do? It’s much like an uninsured motorist causing a crash. If you were hit by an excluded driver or your own vehicle … [Read more...]

What Kinds of Experts Could Help Strengthen My Slip and Fall Claim?

April 12, 2023 by Michael Waks

When it comes to slip and falls, determining liability can be challenging. Experts can attest that many factors often contribute to slip and fall accidents, including hazardous conditions and negligence on the part of the property owner. If you slipped on someone else’s property and you want to seek compensation, though, there’s no way around determining liability. For your claim to have even a chance of yielding a payout, you must present lots of compelling evidence of liability. This … [Read more...]

Why You Should Refuse to Sign a Car Accident Private Settlement Letter

April 5, 2023 by Michael Waks

If you were recently involved in a car accident but your injuries don’t seem too severe, you may be inclined to sign a private settlement letter. As an alternative to filing a formal insurance claim, signing a private settlement allows the at-fault party to pay the victim out-of-pocket for any damages that result. As appealing as bypassing the claims process might sound, though, there are a few major reasons to avoid agreeing to a private arrangement. Read on to learn what they are: 1. You … [Read more...]

How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with an Electrical Accident Lawyer

March 29, 2023 by Michael Waks

If you were seriously hurt in an electrical accident, a seasoned attorney may be able to help you pick up the pieces. Depending on the nature of the accident and the severity of your injuries, you might have grounds for a personal injury claim, and a lawyer can guide you every step of the way. While filing a claim won’t erase what happened, it could at least yield the funds needed to put your life back together in the aftermath. To ensure it gets off to a strong start, take the … [Read more...]

Who Will Cover the Damage That Results from a Fallen Tree?

March 22, 2023 by Michael Waks

Finding a fallen tree is a harrowing experience, especially if it causes damage to your home or car or hurts someone you love. In the aftermath, you’re probably left wondering who is responsible for the associated costs and how to get compensation to cover them. In California, the answers to these questions depend on the circumstances surrounding the incident. There are some generalities you should know, however, if your life was turned upside-down by a fallen tree caused by … [Read more...]

Understanding the Civil vs. Criminal Charges Brought Against Alec Baldwin over Fatal “Rust” Shooting

March 15, 2023 by Michael Waks

In the legal system, the burden of proof refers to the amount of evidence needed to determine the guilt or innocence of a defendant. This standard is higher for criminal charges than for civil lawsuits, as the consequences of a criminal conviction are more severe and can include imprisonment, fines, and a tarnished reputation. A civil judgment, on the other hand, may result in monetary damages, but it does not carry the same stigma as a criminal conviction. In California, the burden of proof … [Read more...]

How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

March 8, 2023 by Michael Waks

Distracted drivers tend to leave a lot of devastation in their wake. Sadly, distracted driving has become a growing problem on our roads, and many innocent victims are left to pick up the pieces after getting hurt in a crash caused by someone else's careless behavior. If you or a loved one was struck by a motorist who wasn’t paying attention, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure what to do next. Thankfully, a resourceful lawyer can help. With the right strategy, you may even be … [Read more...]

How to Seek the Maximum Compensation After Getting Hurt in a Car Accident

March 1, 2023 by Michael Waks

The damages that stem from a car accident can add up fast. Fortunately, victims are usually entitled to compensation. Just because you might have grounds for a claim, though, doesn't mean you’re guaranteed a payout. First, you’re going to have to put together a compelling. Let’s take a look at what this entails, so you can seek the maximum payout possible: 1. Document the Scene One of the most critical steps in building a strong claim is documenting the scene of the crash. This … [Read more...]

What to Know About Putting Together a Slip and Fall Case in California

February 22, 2023 by Michael Waks

Were you seriously hurt on someone else’s property? If you’re thinking about putting together a slip and fall case, there are a few things you should know. For example, although California tort law recognizes premises liability, injured parties are not always entitled to compensation. Whether you actually have grounds for a claim depends on the circumstances surrounding the accident. Read on to learn more about the kinds of scenarios in which you can take action, as well as how … [Read more...]

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