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What are the Top 5 Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?

January 29, 2018 by

Los Angeles County is one of California’s most dangerous counties for pedestrians. Reducing the danger begins with knowing the top causes of pedestrian accidents. How Dangerous is Los Angeles County for Pedestrians? Out of California counties, Los Angeles County is the second most hazardous when measured by non-fatal pedestrian injuries. San Francisco County has the highest rate of pedestrian injuries and Alameda County has the third highest rate. For pedestrian fatalities, though, Los Angeles … [Read more...]

Is a car accident settlement taxable?

January 26, 2018 by

Taxes are a big topic right now. Accountants and lawyers are hard at work figuring out how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changes clients’ tax liabilities. Personal injury clients want to know, “Are car accident settlements taxable?” After representing car accident victims for the last 35 years, I can tell you there is no single answer to that question. The answer depends on the claims underlying the settlement, the types of damages awarded and the settlement structure. The new tax law, effective … [Read more...]

7 Reasons You Might Need Bicycle Accident Insurance

January 24, 2018 by

California is the third most bicycle friendly state in the nation, according to the League of American Bicyclists. The League’s annual ranking names California as the best state for having bike-friendly policies and programs. It lists California as fourth for the number of commuters who bike to work. Thousands of cyclists ride on Los Angeles County roads each day. These cyclists enjoy the same protections, rights, and responsibilities as motor vehicles, with a few exceptions. Despite the many … [Read more...]

Is there a formula for determining fault for an auto accident?

January 22, 2018 by

If you have recently been in a car accident, you might feel like life is a little out of control right now. One minute you were on your way to work. The next, your airbag exploded in your face and your car smashed into the light post. Despite your injuries and days missed from work, all your insurance company seems concerned with is determining fault for the auto accident. Why is it important to know who caused the car crash? Car accidents cause a lot of damage. Repairing that damage, whether it … [Read more...]

When Might Drivers Face Car Accident Criminal Charges?

January 19, 2018 by

If you asked most Californians what driving violations can lead to criminal charges, what replies would you expect? The answers probably reflect scenarios common in police shows: It is true that everything on this list can constitute a crime under California law. It is also true that most people don’t think they will be charged with a crime following an accident. Is their belief accurate? When is a car accident a crime? In my 35 years representing accident victims, I have seen tragic, … [Read more...]

Car Accident Attorney Warns: Don’t Lie on Your Insurance Application

January 17, 2018 by

Automobile insurance is something that usually resides in the background of people’s lives. People purchase insurance and pay ongoing premiums, but don’t think much about it beyond that. People do, however, expect it to be there when they need it. Unfortunately, some drivers with auto insurance find that when they make a claim, their insurance isn’t there for them. Their claims are denied because they weren’t completely honest when they applied for their insurance policies. If your insurance … [Read more...]

What to Do If You Are a Hit-and-Run Accident Victim

January 8, 2018 by

If you drive, bike or walk in Los Angeles County, there is a good chance you will be a hit-and-run accident victim. After an increase in hit-and-runs in the Los Angeles area in 2015-2016, a local news station studied California Highway Patrol (CHP) car crash data. The reporters found more than 28,000 reported hit-and-run accidents in Los Angeles County in 2015. In fact, half of all traffic incidents in Los Angeles County are hit-and-run cases, compared to a national average of 11%. While most … [Read more...]

4 Things to Know Before Accepting a Car Accident Settlement Offer

January 3, 2018 by

After the trauma of being in a car accident, it's natural to want life to return to normal as quickly as possible. You want to regain your health, get your car fixed, and get back to work. So a quick car accident settlement with the insurance company can sound very inviting. Resolving your claim and getting cash quickly can take a big item off your to-do list. But before you accept a car accident settlement offer, you should understand the whole picture.  As a car accident attorney, I walk … [Read more...]

2017 Michael D. Waks Essay Contest Winner

November 1, 2017 by

This summer, the Law Office of Michael D. Waks, held the second annual Essay Contest for students living with a disability.  Disabled Los Angeles County high school seniors and students attending an accredited college or university, competed for the $1,000 scholarship.  Participants wrote about the educational challenges presented by their disability, how they overcame them, and how their disability has influenced their educational and career path. The theme of the essay contest reflects the … [Read more...]

Pedestrian Accidents & the Uninsured Motorist

September 1, 2017 by

Pedestrians and bicyclists can be seriously injured when struck by a car or truck. And the chances of being involved in a pedestrian accident is greater than you think. According to the NHTSA, in 2015, almost 5,400 pedestrians died and 66,000 were injured by cars nationwide. That means a pedestrian or bicyclist was hurt or killed every seven minutes. In California, pedestrian accident fatalities were the highest in the nation two years in a row. As you can imagine, being hit by a … [Read more...]