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Bicyclists have responsibilities and rights to share the road, the same as motorists in California. They have a right to be in the roadway, provided they know and follow the rules of the road. Bicyclists are forced to share the road with large and dangerous trucks and cars, along with many drivers who do not understand bicycle right-of-way. A cyclist who is seriously injured by a negligent driver has a right to a fair recovery and to hold the at-fault driver accountable.
California Trial Lawyers Blog
Knowing Your Rights As a Cyclist in California
How to React to Parking Lot Accidents
Many car accidents that happen in parking lots are minor, low-speed, low-impact collisions, causing property damage only. In some cases, however, people are seriously in parking lot wrecks, particularly in incidents involving children, pedestrians, or bicyclists. The National Safety Council found that, on average, 60,000 people are injured and 500 or more are killed in parking lot crashes every year, as reported on CBS News.
When a Dog Bites Your Child
Some dogs bite when engaging in rough play that gets out of hand. Some aggressive dogs may attack a person without provocation. When a dog bites a child there can be bodily injuries along with emotional distress. It is incredibly traumatic. It is the responsibility of California dog owners to ensure their dog is under control. If you are the parent or caregiver of a child who has been bitten by a dog the first thing you must do is try to remain calm for the child’s sake. Read the rest »
How to Maximize Your Personal Injury Claim
The actions you take in the aftermath of a personal injury will play an important role in the success of your claim. The right legal strategy can help ensure you recover the maximum compensation possible. Personal injury occurs as a result of negligence or carelessness by another party. If you or a loved one have been hurt, you may be entitled to seek compensation for all damages. A California personal injury attorney will be able to assess the damages in a case and file a lawsuit or claim to pursue fair compensation. Read the rest »
How to Minimize Damage From a Multi-Car Pileup in CA
Multi-vehicle crashes are most likely to occur on freeways and highways where traffic is moving at higher speeds. They are often chain reaction situations, in which one wreck creates an obstacle in the road, the next driver fails to react in time, followed by a series of other drivers. Multi-car pileups occur more frequently with weather-related changes in driving conditions, such as fog, rain, snow, or icy roads. When drivers follow too closely in inclement weather, a chain reaction pileup is more likely to occur.
Skier/Snowboarder Fatalities Increased From 2020-2021
During the 2020-2021 season, 48 people were killed in skiing and snowboarding accidents, as reported by the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA). These fatalities represented an increase of six incidents over the previous 2019-2020 season, which was shortened by the global pandemic. Most of these fatal accidents resulted from collisions with objects. The majority of the people who died were males between the ages of 21 and 30 who were skiing on more difficult terrain. Only approximately 79% of the snowboarders and skiers who suffered fatal accidents were wearing helmets. This falls below the national average for helmet usage, which is 87%.
Avoiding a Truck Driver’s Blind Spots
A truck driver’s blind spots are the areas around the truck that are not visible to the driver. These blind spot areas are also known as “no zones.” It can be dangerous to drive in a big rig’s no zones if the driver is unaware of you and changes lanes, executes a turn, or stops suddenly. In a collision with a large commercial truck, passenger vehicle occupants are likely to suffer serious or fatal injuries.
National Pedestrian Safety Month: A Retrospective
October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, as established by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The purpose is to increase awareness of pedestrian safety. Looking back, in the most recent year for which statistics are available, 6,205 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the U.S., as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A pedestrian was killed every 85 minutes. In California alone, at least two pedestrians or cyclists are killed every day, as stated by Caltrans.
What Happens in Mediation for a Personal Injury Claim?
In California, civil cases may go to mediation if the court so orders, when the case involves more than $50,000 in damages or if the parties stipulate to mediation at least 90 days before the trial date. “Mediation brings people in conflict together with a neutral third person who assists them in reaching a voluntary agreement,” as stated by the American Bar Association (ABA). The purpose of the mediator is to help the parties clarify the issues, consider their options, and reach a workable agreement.
Recreational Boating Enters More Dangerous Waters
With California’s year-round sunshine and abundance of recreational boating spots, the popularity of boating among the state’s residents and visitors is no mystery. On the surface, recreational boating in California has become a safe social distancing option for those wanting a momentary escape from the confines of their homes during the coronavirus pandemic. But with more vessels setting sail in the past year, new variables and unpredictable behavior have increased recreational boating dangers for those who just want to enjoy a day outdoors. It is important to understand what you are up against and to know your legal options if you get into a boating accident that is not your fault.