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Truck Accident Rules Can Prove Blame in Drowsy Driving Crashes

February 2, 2016 by

Some of the most important federal regulations applicable to truck drivers are aimed at preventing drowsy driving crashes.  Drowsy driving crashes are normally difficult to prove because, unlike with drunk driving, there are no objective tests for fatigue, and drivers do not usually admit they were over-tired. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations make it easier for victims to prove truck drivers were negligent, when the rules aimed at preventing drowsy … [Read more...]

Top Reasons to Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney Before Signing a Settlement Agreement

February 1, 2016 by

After a car accident, a slip and fall accident, or other type of personal injury accident, a victim sometimes receives a settlement offer from an insurance company.  If an insurer agrees that its policyholder was at fault for an accident and resulting injuries, the company may be eager to settle quickly.  When an injured accident victim gets a settlement offer, it is usually a sign that the insurance company is trying to settle for less than the victim is entitled to. … [Read more...]

These Questions Determine if You Can Sue for Wrongful Death After a Motorcycle Crash

January 27, 2016 by

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle riders are 30 times more likely to die in a collision than drivers and occupants of cars.  The loss of someone you love can change your life forever.  In addition to the emotional impact, when a family member is killed in a motorcycle accident, it can also have a significant financial impact. You may be able to sue for wrongful death after a motorcycle crash to receive compensation for both economic and non-financial … [Read more...]

What Must Be Proved to Win a Defective Product Case?

January 25, 2016 by

Someone who is injured by a defective product such as a vehicle, drug, stroller,  or medical device, is entitled to compensation for his or her economic and non-financial losses.  Victims may file a civil lawsuit against suppliers, distributors, manufacturers of products, and manufacturers of parts to recover their damages. To prevail in a defective product case, plaintiffs must demonstrate they were harmed as a result of a defendant's breach of legal duty or failure to fulfill a … [Read more...]

Three Causes of Injury Store Owners Could Be Responsible For

January 21, 2016 by

Store owners have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to keep customers safe.  When a store owner fails to fulfill this legal duty and as a result someone is injured, the victim can sue to be compensated for his or her losses.   First, victims have to show the store owner knew or should have known there was a dangerous condition.  Victims must also show the store owner failed to take reasonable steps to correct the hazard or warn visitors about it; … [Read more...]

Understanding the Causes and Risks of Side Impact Crashes

January 20, 2016 by

Side impact collisions are often caused by negligence or carelessness on the part of motorists.  These types of crashes are some of the most dangerous collisions that occur.  The side of a vehicle, unlike the hood, is not able to absorb much of the impact from a collision. Victims can be badly hurt or killed, and compensation is necessary to provide for treatment or to take care of family members left behind. To determine if it is appropriate to pursue a case for … [Read more...]

Car Accidents Caused By Medical Emergency: Who Is to Blame?

January 19, 2016 by

Car accidents are usually caused by a driver making a careless or negligent choice.  Sometimes, however, a crash happens because a driver has a medical episode like a heart attack or a seizure. When this occurs, it is imperative to determine if the incident was simply an unavoidable Act of God for which no one was to blame, or if the driver was negligent for  driving despite having a high-risk medical condition. Cases involving car accidents caused by medical emergency can be complicated.  A … [Read more...]

Can a Car Accident Lawyer Use Demand Letters to Settle Claims

January 12, 2016 by

A car accident lawyer helps crash victims obtain full and fair compensation for all their losses.  While attorneys can and do take cases to court on behalf of clients, most car accident claims don't proceed all the way through the litigation process.  Most cases settle outside of court with an insurer paying a negotiated amount to accident victims, and the victims signing a release of liability as a condition of the settlement. Fair Claims Settlement Practices … [Read more...]

Can I Sue for Drug Side Effects?

January 11, 2016 by

Medications, prescription and non-prescription, are supposed to be safe when you use them as directed.  Some medications have potential side effects.  Patients need to be given the opportunity to make an informed choice about whether to use a particular medication and take the risk of experiencing the related side effects.  Unfortunately, sometimes dangerous potential risks of a drug are not disclosed. Victims who endure harm from using a medication can sue for drug side effects provided the … [Read more...]

Does a Car Accident Lawyer Handle Cases Related to Unsecured Cargo?

January 7, 2016 by

Drivers have many obligations on the road.  As the California Driver Handbook makes clear, one of the duties drivers have is to “not drive a vehicle so loaded, either with property or people, that you cannot control it, or see ahead or to the sides of your vehicle.”  Driving with an unsecured load is both a safety hazard and illegal under California Vehicle Code section 24002(a).  These rules about the safe transport of cargo apply to passenger cars.  There are … [Read more...]