Law Office of Michael D. Waks

A Lawyer You Can Trust

No Fee Unless You Win

Call888.394.1174

Available 24/7

Welcome to the Michael Waks Blog

Car Accident Concussions Can Be Serious

February 18, 2016 by

According to the Mayo Clinic, "Collisions involving cars, motorcycles or bicycles — and pedestrians involved in such accidents — are a common cause of traumatic brain injury."  As a car accident lawyer, I see many accident victims who have sustained some type of brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can range in severity from mild to moderate to severe.  A concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury, and many car accident victims sustain concussions each year. Victims … [Read more...]

How Will Driverless Cars Affect Auto Accident Cases?

February 17, 2016 by

Recently, in California, a car was pulled over for traveling just 24 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone.  CNN reported that traffic was backing up behind the vehicle and it was impeding traffic.  When the officer approached the slow moving vehicle, he realized the car was a Google Autonomous vehicle.  In an online post, Google said it capped the speed of its prototype cars at 25 miles an hour for safety reasons and so the vehicles would seem approachable and … [Read more...]

Free Report: What Is A Traumatic Brain Injury?

February 15, 2016 by

One of the most serious injuries an accident victim can sustain is a traumatic brain injury, or TBI. Traumatic brain injuries can be fatal or they can seriously impact the rest of a victim's life. TBI victims often require long costly medical care. If TBI occurs as the result of someone else’s actions, those responsible should provide full compensation. However, victims must know the full extent of their current and future economic and non-financial losses before settling their TBI claim. To … [Read more...]

What If I Am Hurt In An Accident While Driving Without Insurance?

February 11, 2016 by

Drivers in California are legally required to have liability insurance coverage in case they injure someone in a car accident.  For a variety of reasons, however, some motorists fail to comply with this insurance requirement.  If you are hurt in a car accident while driving without insurance, it will affect your right to receive compensation for your injuries. What Happens If You're In An Accident While Driving Without Insurance? California law penalizes uninsured motorists, even if the other … [Read more...]

Voir Dire: How to Pick the Right Jury

February 9, 2016 by

Most personal injury lawsuits settle outside of court.  If, however, a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial.  When a civil lawsuit goes to litigation, most often a jury decides if the defendant was negligent and should be held liable for the plaintiff's injuries.  If so, the jury will then determine how much the defendant needs to pay the plaintiff for his or her damages.  Since the case will be in the jury's hands, each side will try to get a jury they believe will be … [Read more...]

What Is A Release of Liability Related To A Car Accident?

February 8, 2016 by

What Is A Release of Liability Related To A Car Accident? by Michael Waks A release of liability is a document you sign giving up the right to make future claims related to an accident. Before you sign a release of liability, it is important to make sure you are getting the right settlement amount in exchange for signing. … [Read more...]

Can Assuming the Risk of Injury Prevent You From Suing?

February 3, 2016 by

Activities like skiing, or organized sports such as football, involve inherent risks.  People who participate in activities with a high likelihood of injury may be restricted in their ability to file a lawsuit if an injury occurs. Participants in dangerous activities are often required to sign liability release forms limiting the legal responsibility of activity organizers in case of injury.  Even when no liability releases are signed, participants in dangerous activities will be limited in … [Read more...]

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...]