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How is a Black Box Relevant to a Trucking Accident Case?

October 14, 2015 by

Black boxes are best known as the data recorders used to help identify the cause of airplane crashes, but black boxes can also be important in determining the cause of truck accidents.  Most commercial trucks have black boxes that activate in the seconds before an accident, recording technical vehicle information and driver behavior.  Some black boxes record ongoing information about the truck and the driver’s actions, providing even more information that can be … [Read more...]

Does Federal Law Require Trucks To Carry Insurance?

October 13, 2015 by

If you travel the freeways and roads in Southern California, you are familiar with semi-trucks.  These large trucks are a common site on roads across America as they transport goods and freight from one place to another.  The trucking industry makes it possible for all of us to enjoy products from around the world. Unfortunately, due to their size and weight, trucks can be dangerous.  Recognizing this, the trucking industry is heavily regulated by federal … [Read more...]

What Is A Defense Medical Exam And Will I Need To Have One?

October 12, 2015 by

What Is A Defense Medical Exam And Will I Need To Have One? by Michael Waks A defense medical exam (DME) is an examination of the plaintiff in a personal injury accident lawsuit by a licensed doctor chosen by the defendant in the lawsuit. The purpose of a DME is to allow the defendant to retain a doctor of their choice to attempt to verify the extent of the injuries the plaintiff is claiming to have suffered as a result of the accident. If you are the victim of a personal injury accident, you … [Read more...]

What is Legal Malpractice?

October 8, 2015 by

Attorneys are professionals and have a fiduciary duty to their clients.  The American Bar Association and the State Bar of California have rules of professional conduct that attorneys must comply with.  One of the most important requirements is that attorneys perform their jobs with competence.  When a lawyer fails to provide professional, quality service, this failure can be considered legal malpractice. An attorney can be sued for legal malpractice.  Those who are harmed as a result of … [Read more...]

Who is Responsible for Ensuring Safety at a Construction Site?

October 6, 2015 by

One in five worker deaths in 2013 occurred in the construction industry, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.  Construction workers are most likely to die from four fatal causes of injury: falls, being hit by objects, being electrocuted, and becoming trapped in or between items.  OSHA has many regulations designed to prevent construction-site injury. Unfortunately, OSHA rules are not always followed and accidents still happen. After a construction … [Read more...]

Truck Crash Prevention Through Technology

October 1, 2015 by

It is a truck driver’s responsibility to pay careful attention, to leave a safe following distance, and to take reasonable precautions to reduce the chances of a collision occurring.  While truckers have an obligation to exercise caution behind the wheel, human error can still result in motor vehicle collisions. Four highway safety lobbies believe there is technology already in existence that could significantly reduce the chances of a motor vehicle accident happening because of human … [Read more...]

What is a Defective Product Liability Claim?

September 30, 2015 by

Manufacturers of products must comply with safety laws established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other state and federal regulators.  Manufacturers have strong responsibilities to consumers to make sure products are tested and are safe before they are released. When a dangerous product makes it to the marketplace, a defective product liability claim gives … [Read more...]

What Constitutes a Legal Malpractice Case in California?

September 29, 2015 by

Lawyers have a duty of competence to their clients, and there are significant consequences for clients when an attorney does not fulfill this duty.  When an attorney fails his client due to malpractice, he or she can be held accountable.  Most lawyers carry malpractice insurance, just as doctors do, so there will be money available to pay for losses and damages when malpractice occurs.  However, it can sometimes be difficult to understand exactly what attorney conduct (including … [Read more...]

Can I Recover Compensation for Injuries at a Friend’s Party?

September 22, 2015 by

When someone throws a party, they assume some degree of responsibility for making sure their premises are safe.  A homeowner or a renter should not invite people over to a building that has dangerous conditions.  When a property owner has guests over to an unsafe space, the property owner can become responsible for any injuries and losses that result. It is possible to recover compensation for injuries sustained at a friend's party if your friend failed to fulfill a duty he or … [Read more...]

How much Uninsured Motorist Coverage Should I Carry?

September 17, 2015 by

California requires drivers to have liability coverage, but many motorists do not follow the law.  The Insurance Research Council reports the state of California has the highest number of uninsured motorists nationwide.  According to their data, in 2012 there were 4.1 million uninsured motorists in California. If you are involved in a crash with a driver who has no insurance, or if you are involved in a collision with a hit-and-run driver, you may have a difficult time getting your … [Read more...]