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Alcohol is a Leading Cause of Boating Accidents

June 28, 2016 by

California boating is a wonderful activity everyone can enjoy, but when you mix boating with alcohol our waterways can become very dangerous.  Most people do not realize that boating while intoxicated can be more dangerous than driving while intoxicated. Like cars and trucks, boats are heavy vehicles that can travel at high speeds.  Unlike cars, boats have no brakes, and the waters they travel on have no lanes or stop signs to control the flow of traffic.  This means boat … [Read more...]

Why Is A Car Accident Dangerous for Your Spine?

June 16, 2016 by

The spine is delicate and not built to withstand the impact of an auto accident.  Unfortunately, spinal cord injury is common in car crashes.  As a car accident lawyer I know that the extent of the damage and the permanency of the injuries can vary substantially. Some injuries can be made worse if the injured person is moved.  Even after a low speed accident, if you feel pain in your back, seek immediate medical help.   Common Back Injuries Caused By Car Accidents A … [Read more...]

Are Speed Limits Just a Suggestion in CA?

June 14, 2016 by

The Basic Speed Law in California states drivers may not drive faster than is "reasonable and prudent and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property."  So how do you know what is "reasonable and prudent?"  As a car accident lawyer, this can be a crucial question in determining who is at-fault for an auto accident. How CA Speed Limits Are Set The state's Vehicle Code establishes "reasonable and prudent" speed limits based on the type of road.  For instance the … [Read more...]

Why Are Foot, Ankle & Knee Injuries Rising in Car Accidents?

June 9, 2016 by

  Foot, ankle and knee injuries are becoming more common in auto accidents.  In fact, lower extremity injuries (LEI) have become the second most common occurring injury in passenger car accidents.  This is happening not because cars are less safe, but because cars have become safer.  As a car accident lawyer, I have seen people survive high-impact crashes that in the past would have died from severe brain injury, spinal cord injury or abdominal injury. During the last … [Read more...]

Will Your Personal Injury Case Be Heard in a Federal Court?

June 7, 2016 by

Personal injury cases are generally heard in state courts.  There are some cases, however, that can be tried in a federal court.  But just because a case can be filed in federal court, doesn't mean it should be.  In the 30+ years I have been practicing as a personal injury lawyer, I have seen that the rules and limitations in Federal Court are generally unfriendly for injured Plaintiffs. If you are the plaintiff in a personal injury lawsuit and the defendant files to … [Read more...]

Can Facebook Ruin Your Personal Injury Case?

June 2, 2016 by

The internet is not private.  If you are an accident victim making a personal injury claim, you can be sure the insurance company is searching the internet for evidence to use against you.  As a personal injury attorney, I have seen claims reduced or denied based upon information an insurance company found on someone's social media page. According to the American Bar Association, courts are generally rejecting the idea that someone's social media accounts are private, and are allowing insurance … [Read more...]

Personal Injury Attorney: Can I Sue More than One Person?

May 19, 2016 by

Accident victims in California can pursue a damage claim against those who hurt them.  Victims can file a personal injury lawsuit, while family members of a deceased victim can make a wrongful death claim.  The purpose of a lawsuit is to receive compensation for financial losses, such medical costs and loss of income due to injury, and non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering. The toll a personal injury can have on a victim and his or her family can be … [Read more...]

Announcing Essay Contest For Students Living With A Disability

May 19, 2016 by

Attorney Michael D. Waks is offering a $1,000 award to the winner of the Michael D. Waks Essay Contest. High school seniors and college students attending a 2-year or 4-year accredited university or college, in California, living with a disability, are invited to participate. ”As a Long Beach personal injury attorney for over 30 years, I have represented young clients living with disabilities caused by auto accidents.  I have seen how difficult it has been for them to move forward with … [Read more...]

Does Siri Cause Auto Accidents?

May 17, 2016 by

Using hands-free devices gives drivers a false sense of safety.  When you ask Siri, or your car's voice-activated system, to do something, no California laws are being broken, your eyes are on the road and your hands are on the wheel.  But in fact, using hands-free devices while driving, creates a significant danger. As a car accident lawyer, I have seen a spike in distracted driving accidents. A recent study conducted by AAA California shows the use of hands-free devices can be more … [Read more...]

What Does Premises Liability Mean?

May 16, 2016 by

What Does Premises Liability Mean? by Michael Waks Premises liability is the personal injury law that comes into play when a person is hurt on someone else’s property because there was a dangerous condition. When owners fail to take proper care of their property, they are responsible if someone is injured. Learn more about premises liability in California in this presentation. … [Read more...]