Law Office of Michael D. Waks

A Lawyer You Can Trust

No Fee Unless You Win

Call888.394.1174

Available 24/7

Welcome to the Michael Waks Blog

When Can A Driver Avoid Car Accident Liability Because of An “Act of God”?

July 11, 2018 by

Drivers who cause car accidents blame many things. At-fault drivers often blame the weather, bushes and trees, road conditions, highway workers, cyclists, pedestrians, and other drivers. Occasionally they blame God. In my 35 years of advocating for accident victims, I have seen a few cases where drivers tried to avoid car accident liability by claiming that act of God caused the crash. Is an "Act of God" a Defense to Car Accident Liability? Car insurance policies may exclude acts of God from … [Read more...]

Understanding Drowning Myths Prevents Swimming Pool Accidents

July 9, 2018 by

Drowning is the leading cause of death of California children younger than 10. During the summer, many children spend their days in and around swimming pools. Swimming pool accident prevention experts recommend that property owners, parents, and children’s caregivers understand the myths about child drownings and implement layers of protection to keep children safe. Swimming Pool Accident Myth # 1: Drowning Victims Splash and Make Noise The biggest myth about drowning is that the victim will … [Read more...]

Is a Landlord Liable If A Tenant’s Dog Bites Someone?

July 6, 2018 by

California dog owners are responsible for all damages resulting from their dogs’ bites. That sounds straightforward. Unless you are the dog bite victim and the dog’s owner is a tenant without insurance. In that case, you may wonder about landlord liability for dog bites. Determining liability is important to victims because the liable person must pay for the victim’s injuries. Dog bites can cause serious scarring and permanent damage. Injuries may require multiple surgeries. Dog bites can leave … [Read more...]

Who Pays for Injuries Caused By Poor Road Conditions?

July 2, 2018 by

Poor road conditions are costly and dangerous. One auto insurance industry study looked at car damage and injuries caused by poor road conditions from 2009 to 2014. It concluded that over five years, the price tag for automobile damage resulting from potholes was at least $27 billion. The study found that 50% of vehicle owners experienced auto damage attributed to potholes. In addition to vehicle damage, potholes can lead to serious head, neck, and spine injuries. The impact of hitting a deep … [Read more...]

How long will it take to settle my car accident claim?

June 29, 2018 by

Most auto accident victims want to put the trauma of a car crash behind them as quickly as possible. When potential clients talk to me about their car accident, one of their most pressing questions is “How long will it take to settle my car accident claim?” When I explain that the answer depends on many factors and I don’t yet have enough information to answer, their next question is “What is the average time for a car accident settlement?” Because every car accident is unique, there is no … [Read more...]

Car Accident Injury Claim: Settle or Sue in Court?

June 27, 2018 by

After suffering the pain and injury of a serious car accident, it is natural that you want to obtain compensation quickly. You have medical bills to pay. Working is difficult or impossible. The mortgage is due. That is why many people decide to settle out of court instead of sue for their car accident injuries. But before you decide to take a settlement for you car accident claim, I want to explain critical factors to consider first. Careful thought is required when it comes to deciding to … [Read more...]

Who Pays When A Driver Causes An Auto Accident Without Insurance?

June 25, 2018 by

California does not require drivers to have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. Since it is optional, many drivers think it is not needed. As an experienced car accident attorney, I consider UM and UIM coverage to be essential protections for all drivers. In my 35 years of representing car accident victims, I have seen too many cases where a driver causes an auto accident without insurance, leaving the victim with lifelong injuries and no insurance … [Read more...]

What To Do After A Car Accident In An Uber Car

June 20, 2018 by

To say that rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are popular in Southern California is quite an understatement. Rideshare trips are used for daily work commutes, running errands, and going out on the town. They’re so popular because they provide flexibility and ease of mind: passengers don’t need to worry about parking or how many drinks they have at a party. Passengers might worry, though about what to do after a car accident in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicle. If you are the … [Read more...]

Who Pays For A Victim’s Injuries When A Property Owner Has No Liability Insurance?

June 18, 2018 by

If you’ve recently been injured on someone’s property, you have many concerns. Maybe you twisted your ankle after tripping on a hidden sprinkler head at a neighbor’s house. Perhaps you fell while walking on uneven steps at a local store. Or maybe you slipped on water in your grocery store produce section. Regardless of how you got hurt, you’d like some help paying your bills and making up for lost time at work and home. You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s negligence. If your injury … [Read more...]

What if an Uber driver hits your car?

June 15, 2018 by

Tens of thousands of Uber and Lyft drivers cruise the streets of Southern California. Some of these drivers cause car accidents. So, who pays you if an Uber driver hits your car and injures you and your passengers? As a car accident victim, you are entitled to compensation for your all your damages. This includes expenses related to any personal injuries, pain and suffering, and auto accident damage. The at-fault driver’s auto insurance should pay you. But when the at-fault driver is an … [Read more...]