High-speed police chases occur fairly often in cities and towns across the country. While these pursuits are sometimes the only way for officers to apprehend suspects promptly, their chaotic nature puts everyone in traffic at risk. Sadly, it’s innocent bystanders who tend to suffer the most. Every year, approximately 350 people are killed during police chases, and many more sustain serious injuries. Although victims are usually entitled to compensation, securing an actual … [Read more...]
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Protects You Even When You’re Not in Your Car
Following car accidents, California takes a fault-based approach to assigning financial liability. That means those who cause wrecks are responsible for the resulting damages, and they typically take care of them through their auto insurance policy. For this reason, motorists are required to carry liability coverage in the state of California. While there are no mandatory minimums for uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, it’s wise to add this product to your policy, as well. At … [Read more...]
When Might a Government Agency Be Liable for a Car Accident?
If you were hurt in a wreck and you want to seek compensation, it may not have crossed your mind that you might end up having to take on a government agency. While it’s true that most car accident claims are against motorists or other private parties, a small percentage of them do involve city, county, or state entities. Since the government has certain protections from tort claims, it’s natural to be wary of suing them for damages. With the right legal strategy, though, it's possible … [Read more...]
What to Know About Making a Day-in-the-Life Film
If you’re putting together a car accident claim, it may be wise to include a day-in-the-life film. Compelling video footage can bolster your case by providing so much more context than documents and photographs alone. Before you take out your smartphone and start recording your daily activities, though, there are a few things you should know. Here are some of the most important tips to keep in mind to ensure your day-in-the-life film is as gripping as possible: 1. You Don’t Have to … [Read more...]
When a Self-Driving Car Kills Someone, Who Might Be Liable?
On the surface, it probably seems like the widespread use of self-driving cars would simplify life in a lot of ways. When those same autonomous vehicles crash, however, assigning blame is inherently complex. Because autopilot technology is so new, there are few precedents regarding liability for associated wrecks. Just last month, however, prosecutors in Los Angeles County made headlines for filing felony charges against a man who was behind the wheel of a Tesla Model S … [Read more...]
3 FAQs About Building a Claim Against a Drowsy Driver
A lot of motorists who would never even think to get behind the wheel after drinking have no qualms about driving while drowsy. What they don’t realize, however, is that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Because of the way sleep deprivation impacts motor control and cognitive function, remaining awake for 18 hours straight is comparable to having a blood alcohol content of 0.05 percent. What’s more, those who don’t sleep for 24 consecutive hours have the … [Read more...]
How Can I Prove the Driver Who Struck Me Was Drunk at the Time?
Approximately once every 52 minutes, someone in the United States is killed by a drunk driver. Impaired motorists are also responsible for tens of thousands of injuries each year. If you were struck by a drunk driver, you’re probably wondering how you’re ever going to pick up the pieces and carry on with your life. You may be especially worried about your financial security during such a trying time, particularly if you’re unable to work. Fortunately, you may have more recourse … [Read more...]
What to Do If the LAPD Won’t File a Traffic Collision Report
The Los Angeles Police Department has recently updated their procedure for drafting traffic collision reports (TCRs). Unfortunately, while their new system relieves them of a considerable amount of paperwork, it has potential consequences for most accident victims. Generally speaking, officers will no longer file a TCR—or even report to the scene, in many cases—unless at least one party that was involved needs ambulance transport. If you’re wondering what that means for innocent victims who … [Read more...]
If Involved in a Car Accident, Should I Take Photos at the Scene?
If you are struck by a drunk, distracted, or otherwise reckless motorist, you can seek compensation for the resulting damages. To pursue a fair recovery, you will have to build a strong car accident claim, and that starts before even leaving the scene. Photographs of the wreckage could have a major impact on the outcome of your case. By evaluating these images, accident reconstruction experts may be able to determine what happened in the seconds leading up to the crash. Detailed photos could … [Read more...]
How Are Car Accidents Investigated?
If you were hurt in a motor vehicle collision, a personal injury attorney can conduct a thorough investigation to gather the evidence needed to prove liability, causation, and damages. The initial police investigation—and corresponding report—could still prove valuable, however, because it may provide preliminary information that guides your legal team. How Do Police Investigate Car Accidents? When officers arrive at the scene of a crash, their first priority is safety. Once traffic is … [Read more...]