From renting jet skis to going bungee jumping, there’s no shortage of exhilarating activities that you can do in the state of California. Before you can partake in virtually any of them, though, you must sign a liability waiver. These agreements, which generally include some variation of the phrase “not responsible for accidents” essentially waive the company that’s hosting the activity of liability in the event that a participant gets hurt. It’s a common misconception, however, that … [Read more...]
Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident? What You Should Know About Crosswalk Laws in California
If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident in California, it's important to understand the state's crosswalk laws. Knowing your rights and responsibilities will help you navigate the aftermath with confidence, so you can seek the compensation you deserve. First and foremost, you should know that California law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians who are in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. This means if you were legally crossing the street when the driver hit you, they are likely at … [Read more...]
Can I Still Sue If the Police Report Says I Was at Fault?
If you were hurt in a car accident and the police report reveals that responding officers consider you at fault, you’re probably wondering whether you can still take legal action. The short answer? Yes. Police reports are not always accurate. They are written by human beings, who are capable of making mistakes. What’s more, police officers may not have all of the facts when they write their reports. For example, they may not have interviewed all the witnesses or … [Read more...]
What Are a Property Owner’s Duties to Invitees & Licensees?
In California, property owners—and sometimes renters and possessors—have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a safe condition and to warn visitors of any known hazards. However, the level of care owed used to vary depending on whether the visitors were invitees or licensees. Let’s take a look at the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these obligations, so you can decide how to proceed if you were hurt while running errands or visiting friends: 1. What Is … [Read more...]
8 FAQs About Car Accidents Involving Excluded Drivers
At some point when reviewing your auto coverage, you may have come across the term "excluded drivers.” An excluded driver is someone who is not covered under the policy and is therefore not permitted to drive the insured vehicle. Unfortunately, however, that doesn’t always stop them from getting behind the wheel. And if they happen to cause an accident when they do? It’s much like an uninsured motorist causing a crash. If you were hit by an excluded driver or your own vehicle … [Read more...]
What Kinds of Experts Could Help Strengthen My Slip and Fall Claim?
When it comes to slip and falls, determining liability can be challenging. Experts can attest that many factors often contribute to slip and fall accidents, including hazardous conditions and negligence on the part of the property owner. If you slipped on someone else’s property and you want to seek compensation, though, there’s no way around determining liability. For your claim to have even a chance of yielding a payout, you must present lots of compelling evidence of liability. This … [Read more...]
Why You Should Refuse to Sign a Car Accident Private Settlement Letter
If you were recently involved in a car accident but your injuries don’t seem too severe, you may be inclined to sign a private settlement letter. As an alternative to filing a formal insurance claim, signing a private settlement allows the at-fault party to pay the victim out-of-pocket for any damages that result. As appealing as bypassing the claims process might sound, though, there are a few major reasons to avoid agreeing to a private arrangement. Read on to learn what they are: 1. You … [Read more...]
How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with an Electrical Accident Lawyer
If you were seriously hurt in an electrical accident, a seasoned attorney may be able to help you pick up the pieces. Depending on the nature of the accident and the severity of your injuries, you might have grounds for a personal injury claim, and a lawyer can guide you every step of the way. While filing a claim won’t erase what happened, it could at least yield the funds needed to put your life back together in the aftermath. To ensure it gets off to a strong start, take the … [Read more...]
Who Will Cover the Damage That Results from a Fallen Tree?
Finding a fallen tree is a harrowing experience, especially if it causes damage to your home or car or hurts someone you love. In the aftermath, you’re probably left wondering who is responsible for the associated costs and how to get compensation to cover them. In California, the answers to these questions depend on the circumstances surrounding the incident. There are some generalities you should know, however, if your life was turned upside-down by a fallen tree caused by … [Read more...]
Understanding the Civil vs. Criminal Charges Brought Against Alec Baldwin over Fatal “Rust” Shooting
In the legal system, the burden of proof refers to the amount of evidence needed to determine the guilt or innocence of a defendant. This standard is higher for criminal charges than for civil lawsuits, as the consequences of a criminal conviction are more severe and can include imprisonment, fines, and a tarnished reputation. A civil judgment, on the other hand, may result in monetary damages, but it does not carry the same stigma as a criminal conviction. In California, the burden of proof … [Read more...]
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