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Comparative Fault and Helmet Use in California Motorcycle Accident Cases

January 12, 2022 by

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motorcycle ownership is at an all-time high. As more motorcyclists have taken to the road, rider fatalities have grown even more rapidly, especially compared to cars. This has spurred nearly all states to implement some form of helmet law. California is one of 19 states that has instituted a universal helmet law requiring all riders to wear helmets. The purpose of helmet laws is to try to limit the severity of injuries resulting … [Read more...]

3 FAQs About Building a Claim Against a Drowsy Driver

January 5, 2022 by

A lot of motorists who would never even think to get behind the wheel after drinking have no qualms about driving while drowsy. What they don’t realize, however, is that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.  Because of the way sleep deprivation impacts motor control and cognitive function, remaining awake for 18 hours straight is comparable to having a blood alcohol content of 0.05 percent. What’s more, those who don’t sleep for 24 consecutive hours have the … [Read more...]

When Is a Property Owner Liable for a Slip & Fall Accident?

December 30, 2021 by

It’s a common misconception that property owners are automatically liable for any accidents that injure third parties at their home or place of business. While they’re often considered responsible in the eyes of the law, there are scenarios in which they’re not.  In other words, if you slipped and fell on someone else’s property, you’re not necessarily guaranteed a payout. Before you can hold the owner financially accountable, you’re going to have to prove the following elements: 1. … [Read more...]

How Do You Prove Liability for a Pedestrian Accident?

December 21, 2021 by

Somewhere in the United States, a pedestrian is struck and killed by a motor vehicle approximately every 88 minutes. What’s more, someone on foot sustains crash-related injuries that demand medical attention every four minutes. If you’re recovering from serious injuries because you were one of those pedestrians, you may be entitled to compensation. As long as you were following the rules of the road at the time, there’s a good chance you have grounds for legal action. Before you can pursue a … [Read more...]

How to Build a Stronger Spinal Cord Injury Claim

December 20, 2021 by

The outcome of your spinal cord injury claim is going to depend on a variety of factors. While some will inevitably be out of your control, like the liable party’s available insurance coverage, others will depend on the actions you take—or fail to take—in the aftermath of the accident.  In other words, there are things you can do to increase your chances of securing a satisfactory payout that covers all the losses you end up incurring. Read on to learn what they are, so you can put … [Read more...]

Sustained Fourth-Degree Burns? 5 Steps to Take

December 19, 2021 by

Fourth-degree burns are the most serious. Whereas third-degree burns penetrate the skin to affect the underlying tissue, fourth-degree burns also damage the muscle, bone, or fascia.  If you sustained such a burn in some kind of preventable accident, your life may never be the same. As long as you weren’t responsible for the accident, though, you should be entitled to compensation.  While filing a claim in pursuit of damages won’t erase what happened, it could yield the funds … [Read more...]

How Can I Prove the Driver Who Struck Me Was Drunk at the Time?

December 18, 2021 by

Approximately once every 52 minutes, someone in the United States is killed by a drunk driver. Impaired motorists are also responsible for tens of thousands of injuries each year.  If you were struck by a drunk driver, you’re probably wondering how you’re ever going to pick up the pieces and carry on with your life. You may be especially worried about your financial security during such a trying time, particularly if you’re unable to work. Fortunately, you may have more recourse … [Read more...]

Who May File a Wrongful Death Claim?

December 17, 2021 by

If someone you love died in a tragic accident or because of a violent crime, your family may have grounds for legal action. Should you choose to proceed with a wrongful death claim, however, only certain individuals are entitled to file it.  In the state of California, tort law recognizes the following plaintiffs in wrongful death suits: 1. The Deceased’s Surviving Spouse  If the victim was your husband, wife, putative spouse, or domestic partner, you likely have the right to … [Read more...]

When Is a Dog Owner Liable for Bite-Related Injuries?

November 3, 2021 by

Dogs might be man’s best friend—and in most cases, they live up to the name—but every animal has a breaking point. Thankfully, California tort law recognizes as much. The statute governing dog bite claims acknowledges that all dogs have the propensity to attack, so victims can usually hold the dog owner liable for their injuries.  Under the state’s strict liability doctrine, owners are almost always responsible for damages their dogs cause, even if they were not being negligent at the … [Read more...]

How to Help Your Loved One Cope with a Spinal Cord Injury

October 27, 2021 by

Every year, almost 18,000 Americans sustain spinal cord damage. Often resulting in paralysis, spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are utterly devastating for both those who suffer them and their families. If someone you love is recovering from an SCI, you might still be adjusting to the circumstances yourself. Chances are you’re more concerned about the accident victim, though, and you’re wondering how to help. While there’s no way to undo what happened or even to restore the patient’s vitality, … [Read more...]