Recent Blog Posts
Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents in Southern California
In scenic Southern California, rear-end car accidents are an all too common occurrence, frequently leading to vehicle damage, driver injury, and even fatalities. While many may consider rear-end accidents to be harmless or low risk of serious injury kind of accident, this form of car accident should not be underestimated. If you are suffering from injuries sustained in a rear-end car collision, contact a lawyer in California right away. Pursuing compensation may be worth your while.
Three Primary Causes of Rear-End Car Accidents
Here are the three causes of rear-end accidents, including:
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Tailgating – A bad driving practice, tailgating, or following too closely, is a prevalent cause of all forms of car accidents, especially rear-end accidents. With the region's busy highways and frequently congested roads, drivers often feel the need to maintain a fast pace. This can lead to inadequate following distances, leaving little room for reaction time if the vehicle in front suddenly slows down or stops. The results are a rear-end collision, causing property damage and potential injuries.
Can a Minor Accident Cause Major Injuries?
It is a common misconception that only high-impact accidents can lead to significant injuries. However, even seemingly minor accidents can result in major injuries. For example, if you experienced a car accident that was relatively minor but now you are suffering from significant injuries, it is essential you contact a lawyer right away. No matter how serious your injuries are and your situation, a qualified legal professional in California can make a huge difference in successfully pursuing all compensation that may be owed to you.
Understanding the Role of Physics in Accidents
In a low-impact collision, the force of the impact may be minimal, but the way the body reacts to that force can still cause severe injuries. Factors like the position of the body at the time of impact, the direction of the force, and the vulnerability of certain body parts can all contribute to the severity of injuries. Even if the vehicles involved in the accident show little to no damage, the human body is far more susceptible to injury due to its skeletal structure and vulnerability to sudden forces.
Wrongful Death and Compensation for Lost Future Income
Losing a loved one is a heartbreaking experience, regardless of the circumstances. However, the situation can be even more painful when the cause of their death involves negligent or intentional actions. California law stipulates wrongful death cases must be brought within two years. In such cases, the law allows the deceased person’s family to seek compensation for their loved one’s lost future income. If you are interested in pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit, you should strongly consider hiring a lawyer. It may be argued that this is the only way to ensure someone else looks after your rights and interests.
Unpacking What Wrongful Death Means
For someone’s passing to be considered wrongful, the cause of their death must come from the wrongful act or neglect by another person or entity. In California, the surviving family members of the deceased person’s estate have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for the damages they have suffered because of the loss.
Does Driver Negligence Contribute to Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents are a significant concern in today’s bustling society. While several factors contribute to these unfortunate incidents, driver negligence remains a leading cause. If you have been injured as a pedestrian because of a motor vehicle, strongly consider contacting an experienced lawyer to assist you in pursuing a California injury claim. Your attorney will understand the relationship between driver negligence and pedestrian accidents, ensuring your rights are protected for the entirety of your case.
Defining Driver Negligence
This essentially refers to any action or behavior exhibited by a driver that deviates from the duty of care owed to others on the road, including pedestrians. Driver negligence can manifest itself in many forms, such as:
Why Do Bus Accidents Occur in Los Angeles?
Bus accidents can be devastating, causing severe injuries and even fatalities. Los Angeles, known for its bustling traffic and extensive public transportation system, experiences its fair share of bus accidents for various reasons. If you have suffered an injury on a bus in Los Angeles, contact an experienced lawyer for the legal guidance you need to pursue the compensation to which you may be entitled.
Four Reasons Bus Accidents Happen in Los Angeles
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Negligence – One of the primary causes of bus accidents in Los Angeles is negligence, which can occur at various levels. This includes the negligence of bus drivers, who may be fatigued, distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Negligence can also be attributed to bus companies that fail to maintain their vehicles or provide adequate driver training properly. Please keep in mind that if a person is injured and wishes to pursue compensation in California, it must first be determined whether a private company or a government organization operated the bussing company. In cases where a government organization operated the bus, individuals must follow procedures detailed in the California Tort Claims Act, which dictates that civil lawsuits against government organizations must take place within six months of the injury taking place.
Five Common Reasons Why Restaurant Slip-and-Fall Accidents Occur
Slip-and-fall accidents often occur in various locations, but restaurants are particularly prone to such incidents due to the presence of various potential hazards. These accidents can result in serious injuries, leaving people with physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burdens. If you have experienced a slip-and-fall injury in a restaurant, contact an experienced lawyer to obtain the legal assistance you need to pursue a premises liability claim during this difficult time. California law maintains a two-year statute of limitations for slip-and-fall injuries. As a result, injured people should not wait to file a claim, as waiting too long may disqualify them from seeking compensation.
Dog Bites and Dog Owner Liability in Los Angeles County
As the sun shines brightly upon Los Angeles County, residents eagerly embrace the warm weather by heading outdoors with their four-legged companions. However, with the arrival of summer comes a concerning trend – research shows an increase in dog bites. The rising temperatures and heightened outdoor activities may contribute to a surge in dog-related injuries. In this blog, we will explore your rights after a dog bite, the laws in place, and the penalties that dog owners may face.
Why Do Dog Bites Spike During Hot Temperatures?
Summer encourages more outdoor gatherings, picnics, and recreational activities, which, in turn, results in more interactions between dogs and people. Perhaps as temperatures soar, dogs may become more irritable or overstimulated at a park bustling with activity. Dogs can become overwhelmed and may react defensively.
Laws Regarding Dog Bites
Drinking and Driving Summer Surge
As the mercury rises and the days grow longer, residents of Los Angeles County are drawn to the allure of summer festivities. With the appeal of outdoor gatherings, barbecues, and beach parties, it is no surprise that alcohol consumption becomes increasingly prevalent. More than half of the accidents occur on urban roads and 73 percent of alcohol-impaired car accidents occur during good weather. In 2021, July was the summer month with the highest number of alcohol-impaired crashes nationwide. As the alcohol flows at summer parties, concerns arise about serious personal injury accidents.
Summer Parties and Alcohol
Summer gatherings can range from casual backyard barbecues to festivals, all of which can likely involve the ingestion of alcoholic beverages. It is no secret that summer parties often extend well into the night, with many attendees opting to drive home after dark. In fact, 67 percent of the crashes in 2021 happened at night. Summer drinking can also lead to trouble at lakes if someone is driving a watercraft or a boat under the influence of alcohol.
Premises Liability and Injuries at a Swimming Pool
Nothing beats splashing in the pool during the summertime, especially with scorching temperatures in California. But in a matter of seconds, a slip and fall injury can occur poolside if you or your children are not careful. Approximately 6,400 children younger than 15 years old are rushed to the emergency room every year after suffering a pool and spa injury. Merely running on the wet cement to get in the pool is dangerous. So how can a slip, trip, and fall at the pool become a premises liability claim?
Private Pool vs. Public Pool
If you sustain an injury at a swimming pool in Los Angeles, it could potentially be considered a premises liability claim. If an injury occurred in a private swimming pool, a lawsuit would be filed against the pool owner and their homeowner's insurance if they have a policy that covers accidents that occur in the swimming pool. These lawsuits seek to show that the owner owed those injured at the pool a duty of care, to keep them safe while on their property but failed to do so. If the injury occurred in a public swimming pool, the claim will be filed against a public entity.
Growing Elderly Care Needs Rise in California But So Does Nursing Home Abuse
The number of Americans who are 65 years old or older is expected to double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million in 2060. By 2030, more than one million seniors will need help with self-care. That is likely to increase the demand for nursing home care. Regrettably, there is also a staffing shortage at nursing homes across the nation leading to improper supervision and nursing home abuse. If your family member has suffered injuries while being cared for at one of these facilities you have options.
Immediate Actions
If you suspect nursing home abuse of your loved one you need to take immediate action. People who have endured nursing home abuse in California have legal remedies available to seek justice and compensation. They may file a civil lawsuit against the facility or individuals responsible for the abuse.
Adult Protective Services or the local law enforcement agency should be informed. Additionally, documenting any evidence of abuse, including photographs, medical records, and witness statements, can be valuable in supporting an abuse claim. It is advisable to consult with an attorney experienced in elder law or nursing home abuse cases to understand your legal options as it can get complicated.