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Welcome to the Michael Waks Blog

Is There a Guide to Understanding a Car Insurance Policy?

May 28, 2015 by

According to a survey conducted on behalf of Nationwide Insurance in 2013, most insured drivers know more about their favorite television show than about their car insurance policy. Half the respondents to the survey did not know how to file a car insurance claim, one-fifth did not completely understand the details of the policy, and only 40% had ever read the policy. Your car insurance policy is a legal contract and many people find it confusing and intimidating. Hopefully you will never need … [Read more...]

How Is A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Identified And Measured?

May 27, 2015 by

It is estimated that approximately 1.4 million people suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBI) each year in the United States. These injuries cause life-altering conditions for victims and their families. Traumatic brain injuries occur as a result of various types of accidents from vehicle accidents to slip and fall accidents. The severity of a TBI can range from a mild concussion to paralysis or even death. Traumatic brain injuries are typically divided into two categories: closed brain injuries … [Read more...]

Fatal Construction Accidents [Infographic]

May 26, 2015 by

The Fatal Construction Accidents infographic shows us that one in five people killed while working in the private sector in the United States died in a construction site accident. Over half of those fatalities were caused by falls, being struck by an object, electrocutions, or getting caught in or between objects. It also lists the ten OSHA standards most violated in 2014 and gives advice on what to do if a loved one is killed in a construction accident in California. … [Read more...]

When is a Death Considered Wrongful?

May 21, 2015 by

Death is always a tragedy, but in some cases a death happens because of negligence or wrongdoing. When a preventable accident occurs and someone is killed, those responsible for the accident can be held accountable. A wrongful death lawsuit is the legal process used in California to hold a person or company legally responsible for causing a fatality.  A wrongful death lawsuit may be filed in situations where the accident victim would have had a personal injury claim, if he or she had not been … [Read more...]

Can You Sue For Punitive Damages In A Dog Bite Case?

May 20, 2015 by

Dogs are generally friendly and well behaved. Most dog owners train their dogs to be obedient, but sometimes even the most even-tempered dog can unexpectedly attack and bite an innocent person. When this happens, the victim often has to deal with the emotional, physical and financial damages resulting from the dog bite. In California, the victim of a dog bite is entitled to financial compensation for damages related to the dog bite accident. Collecting Damages for Dog Bites in … [Read more...]

Drug Use Among Drivers of Large Trucks Leads to Truck Accidents

May 19, 2015 by

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal in the state of California. Commercial truck drivers are expected to follow all state and federal laws prohibiting impaired driving. Truck drivers are subject to stricter regulations than standard motorists. Despite the laws restricting drug and alcohol use, drug use continues to be a problem among drivers of large trucks. A driver who is operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs is a menace to himself and others on the … [Read more...]

What Is A Spinal Cord Injury?

May 18, 2015 by

What Is A Spinal Cord Injury by Michael Waks The spinal cord is a network of nerves that travels down the back carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body. A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to the cord. Frequently it’s from a blow to the spine that displaces pieces of bone, ligaments and/or disc material that cut or bruise the spinal cord tissue. Learn more about spinal cord injury in this presentation. … [Read more...]

Car Accidents and Pre-existing Medical Conditions

May 14, 2015 by

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may be concerned you will not receive full compensation for the injuries you sustained in a car accident. For example, before the car accident you sometimes experienced lower back pain after lifting something heavy or standing on your feet for several hours. While this pain limited a few of your activities, it did not dramatically affect your lifestyle. However, after being injured in a car accident that was not your fault, your … [Read more...]

Who Can Be Sued In A Truck Accident Case?

May 13, 2015 by

The attorney for a truck accident victim needs to gather a lot of evidence to ensure his client receives the maximum amount of money for his or her damages. For this reason, it is important for anyone involved in a truck accident to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Preserving evidence, retaining the right industry experts, recreating the accident and identifying the correct defendants are crucial to developing a strong case, and can quickly … [Read more...]

How Long Will It Take To Settle A Car Accident Claim And Will I Have To Go To Court?

May 6, 2015 by

When I meet clients for the first time about their auto accident, there are two questions I am almost always asked; "How long will it take to settle my car accident claim?" and "Will I need to go to court?" As much as I would like to give them a definitive answer, the truth is that every accident is literally different, and so are the cases.  As the case progresses there are some key factors that will determine how long it will take the case to settle - whether … [Read more...]