When a motorist becomes overtired while driving, there can be deadly consequences. A drowsy driver may have delayed reactions, and impaired judgment. Being tired behind the wheel can become just as dangerous as being drunk. As the administrator of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) commented: “while not everybody drinks, or texts, or speeds, lack of sleep is a problem we all face. And falling asleep at the wheel at 70 mph is a … [Read more...]
Why Do You Need an Attorney to Handle Your Auto Accident Case?
In 2012, 36 percent of people who made a personal injury claim after a car accident had a lawyer representing them in their case. This number, from the Insurance Research Council, indicates a dramatic shift in the number of auto accident victims people who hire a lawyer when seeking compensation for their injuries. More than double the number of people hired lawyers for personal injury claims after car accidents in 2012 than hired attorneys for claims in 1977. The search also … [Read more...]
Why Do Some Automobile Cases in California Settle While Others Go to Trial?
In a perfect world, the person responsible for your injuries would have sufficient insurance to cover all your damages, and the insurance company would be willing to settle your case for a fair and just amount. The fact is we do not live in a perfect world. We live in a world where insurance companies fight over even the smallest and most justifiable cases in order to protect their profits. We live in a world where insurance adjusters use tactics designed to entice accident victims to … [Read more...]
What Information Should I Obtain From the Other Party After a Car Accident?
California Vehicle Code Section 20001 requires the driver of a vehicle involved in a collision to immediately stop if the accident causes injury or death. Vehicle Code Section 20002 mandates a driver to stop at the nearest safe location after an accident where there is property damage but no injuries. Drivers must stop so they can render aid to those who are injured and so they can exchange information. California is a fault state for car accidents, so the driver who causes a crash should pay … [Read more...]
Your Legal Rights After A Parking Lot Accident
Most of us use parking lots without considering the potential safety hazards. We think that since cars travel at a low rate of speed, parking lot accidents are unlikely. Parking lots are actually dangerous places for pedestrians and drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that parking lots are one of the most common sites of back-over crashes. Back-over accidents happen when a driver pulls out of a parking spot and runs over a pedestrian because the driver … [Read more...]
Hands-Free Phone Use Can Cause Distracted Driving Accidents
An in-depth study published on Distraction.gov revealed that “the relative risk of [being in a traffic accident while using a cell phone] is similar to the hazard associated with driving with a blood alcohol level at the legal limit.” Despite the clear and present danger, Distraction.gov also reported that at any given daylight hour, there are 600,000 drivers on the roads holding phones to their ears. States have attempted to address the distracted driving issue by imposing … [Read more...]
What Is Aggravated DUI in California? [Infographic]
According to MADD, every two minutes someone is injured by a drunk driver. In 2013, 10,076 people died and 290,000 more were injured by someone driving under the influence of alcohol. Driving under the influence is illegal, but the consequences for DUI are more severe if someone is injured or killed in a DUI related crash. This infographic highlights aggravated DUI factors that increase DUI penalties in California. If you or a loved one is injured or killed by a drunk driver, a … [Read more...]
Can You Sue After Accepting an Insurance Settlement?
When you are involved in an accident, you may have a damage claim and be entitled to compensation. Auto insurers usually pay for property and injury damages caused by their policyholders. If someone else was responsible for your collision, his or her insurer will be liable for paying you. You can obtain money through a judgment in a civil lawsuit, but many cases settle outside of court. When you negotiate a settlement, you typically come to an agreement with an insurer on how much … [Read more...]
Can an Injured Person Sue for Healthcare Expenses in an Automobile Accident Lawsuit?
Each year motor vehicle collisions cause billions of dollars in economic losses. In 2014, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported the actual economic costs of crashes were $871 billion over the course of the year. Medical and rehabilitation costs were primary drivers of those expenditures. Car accident victims need medical treatment to get better. An injured accident victim can sue for reimbursement of healthcare expenses in an automobile accident lawsuit. In the meantime, … [Read more...]
What If I’m In An Auto Accident And I Don’t Have Insurance?
Similar to most states, California is an at-fault car insurance state. That means the driver deemed to be at least 50.1% to blame for an auto accident is considered to be at-fault. California law requires drivers to have liability insurance. When there is an auto accident, the liability insurance of the at-fault driver is used to cover personal injuries and property damage incurred by other drivers and passengers. Although all drivers are required to carry insurance, … [Read more...]