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

Can A Car Crash Cause Jaw Pain?

March 10, 2016 by

If you were involved in a car accident, you may find yourself experiencing pain in your jaw.  Many people do not immediately connect their jaw pain to the car crash, but jaw pain following a car accident is common.  This is because car crashes can cause a condition known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMJ. If you are having jaw pain after a collision, you need to see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.  You may also need to consult … [Read more...]

Res Ipsa Loquitor: You Do Not Need to Prove Negligence

March 8, 2016 by

In most personal injury lawsuits, the plaintiff must specifically prove that someone's negligence caused an accident and related injury.  The simple fact that an injury occured does not automatically mean someone was negligent, or unreasonably careless.  Plaintiffs can prove negligence by showing a defendant breached a legal obligation aimed at ensuring safety.  Plaintiffs can also prove negligence by showing the defendant was more careless than he should have been. … [Read more...]

Were You Hurt In a Car Accident While Driving Without Insurance?

March 7, 2016 by

Were You Hurt In a Car Accident While Driving Without Insurance? by Michael Waks A liability insurance policy covers damages to another person caused by the at-fault driver in a car accident. California requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. What happens when an injured victim does not have insurance? Find out in this presentation. … [Read more...]

The Danger of Secrecy in Defective Product Cases

March 1, 2016 by

When a company makes a defective product, it should be held accountable for the resulting damages. It should also recall the product once the defect becomes apparent, removing it from the shelves before more people get hurt.  Unfortunately, in my years as a personal injury attorney, I have seen companies wait to recall products or not pull dangerous products from shelves at all. When these companies are sued, they often make confidentiality a condition of the settlement.  This … [Read more...]

Free Report: Voir Dire, How A Jury Gets Picked

February 29, 2016 by

When plaintiffs file a civil lawsuit to recover compensation for injuries, the case is generally decided by a jury, if it does not settle.  A jury is chosen from among eligible members of the public to serve in a particular trial.  The decision made by the jury is going to determine whether a plaintiff is able to recover compensation or not, so it is imperative that the jury be unbiased, impartial, able to understand the law, and able to make a fair decision on the outcome of the case. Voir … [Read more...]

3 Dangerous Behaviors That Cause Car Accidents

February 25, 2016 by

Drivers on the roads of California must follow all laws in the California Vehicle Code.  These laws are designed to reduce high-risk behavior, thereby reducing the chance of an auto accident.  Motorists are expected to drive safely and not engage in careless or negligent behavior.  As a car accident lawyer, I can say that does not always happen. California's car accident laws are called fault laws because if a driver is careless or does not follow safety rules and causes an accident, he or … [Read more...]

Will Your Personal Injury Attorney Protect Your Secrets?

February 23, 2016 by

When you are injured in an accident and seek help from a personal injury attorney, you will entrust him with a lot of personal information.  You will provide details about the accident and your injuries.  In order to determine your damages, you will also tell him about your earnings, your medical history, and how the injuries have affected your life. Some of what you tell your attorney could be embarrassing or uncomfortable, but you need to speak freely with him so he … [Read more...]

What Types of Experts Will My Attorney Hire in a Slip and Fall Case?

February 22, 2016 by

What Types of Experts Will My Attorney Hire in a Slip and Fall Case? by Michael Waks A plaintiff can present testimony from expert witnesses to prove each element of his case. This can include: Architects, engineers, and building inspectors Accident reconstruction specialists Experts on traction and flooring conditions Medical and vocational experts The quality of expert witnesses can determine the outcome of a plaintiff’s slip and fall case. … [Read more...]

Car Accident Concussions Can Be Serious

February 18, 2016 by

According to the Mayo Clinic, "Collisions involving cars, motorcycles or bicycles — and pedestrians involved in such accidents — are a common cause of traumatic brain injury."  As a car accident lawyer, I see many accident victims who have sustained some type of brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can range in severity from mild to moderate to severe.  A concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury, and many car accident victims sustain concussions each … [Read more...]

How Will Driverless Cars Affect Auto Accident Cases?

February 17, 2016 by

Recently, in California, a car was pulled over for traveling just 24 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone.  CNN reported that traffic was backing up behind the vehicle and it was impeding traffic.  When the officer approached the slow moving vehicle, he realized the car was a Google Autonomous vehicle.  In an online post, Google said it capped the speed of its prototype cars at 25 miles an hour for safety reasons and so the vehicles would seem approachable and … [Read more...]