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Welcome to the Michael Waks Blog

Excluded Driver in an Accident? Know Your Legal Options

May 25, 2017 by

There are lots of ways to save money on your car insurance, but is it always the right thing to do? As a Long Beach car accident lawyer, I have seen that some savings are not worth it. California law requires all drivers to purchase at least a minimum amount of liability insurance. You can control the cost by adjusting how much coverage you buy and what deductible you set. But the main factor in determining your insurance premium, is risk. Insurance carriers judge risk using … [Read more...]

The Impact of Pre-Existing Conditions on Personal Injury Claims

May 10, 2017 by

When treating an accident victim, doctors sometimes find a pre-existing condition. This diagnosis can be surprising if that condition was asymptomatic. As a Long Beach personal injury attorney, I have represented many clients who had no idea they had a pre-existing condition until it was worsened by an accident. Victims who discover they have a pre-existing condition need to understand it's impact on their injury case. In California, a 1977 case called Ng v. Hudson explains how pre-existing … [Read more...]

Arbitration or Mediation: The Next Step if Your Case Doesn’t Settle

April 6, 2017 by

Are you worried your personal injury case won’t settle? Although the vast majority of lawsuits settle, some do not. If yours is one of those cases, you have a decision to make. Litigation can be expensive, time consuming and emotionally draining. That is why, as a personal injury attorney, when appropriate, I recommend alternative dispute resolution, such as arbitration or mediation. Many people don’t understand exactly what arbitration and mediation are. Both are alternatives to a traditional … [Read more...]

Is Drowsy Driving the Overlooked Epidemic in America?

December 6, 2016 by

Don't drink and drive.  This familiar warning has been broadcast for decades.  And while the no drinking and driving campaign is important, other real driving dangers are being overlooked.  One of those dangers is drowsy driving.  Drowsy driving has reached epidemic proportions in the United States.  Experts say drowsy driving can be every bit as dangerous as drunk driving, yet it is not getting much public attention.  As a personal injury attorney who sees the horrible results of drowsy driving … [Read more...]

Distracted Teenage Driving – Is Your Child at Risk?

November 29, 2016 by

For California teenagers, their 16th birthday means the freedom of the road.  For parents of those teenagers, age 16 is the beginning of increased insurance costs and sleepless nights.  Do parents of teenage drivers have reason to be worried?  The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety's  new report on driver distraction says yes.  As a personal injury attorney, I have seen first-hand the devastation distracted teenage driving can cause. We know that driving while distracted puts lives at risk.  Yet … [Read more...]

Can You Sue for Losses When You’re Partly at Fault for a Car Accident?

November 22, 2016 by

Auto accidents are sometimes caused by more than one driver.  When two or more people are responsible for a crash, California comparative negligence laws kick in.  These laws allow you to hold another driver accountable for your damages, even when you are partially to blame.  But as a car accident attorney, I can tell you that cases involving multiple at-fault drivers are complicated. Comparative negligence is the key for auto accident victims who bare some responsibility for an accident, but … [Read more...]

Who is the Best Expert in a Car Accident Case?

October 27, 2016 by

Expert testimony can make or break an auto accident case.  Experts are not always required in car accident lawsuits.  However, experts are helpful in complex cases, those involving multiple parties, and/or when liability is not clear.  As a car accident lawyer I use experts who help jurors understand the impact of injuries on accident victims and their families. Expert witnesses analyze complicated issues, draw conclusions, and explain their opinions to … [Read more...]

Is Distracted Walking the New Danger for Pedestrians?

September 27, 2016 by

Long Beach, CA was named the 10th most walkable city in the United States.  According to the City's press release, Long Beach is the only city in Southern California to make the top 10.  This is great news for the City since it invested heavily in the needs of pedestrians.  But as a Long Beach personal injury lawyer, I have seen the number of pedestrian accidents rise. Why? A new report from Business Wire may shed light on why this is happening in … [Read more...]

Michael D. Waks Essay Contest Winner

September 22, 2016 by

This summer, the Law Office of Michael D. Waks held it's first annual Essay Contest for students living with a disability.  Disabled Los Angeles County high school seniors and students attending a California 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 … [Read more...]