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

Sexual Assault is a Common Problem for LA Metro Riders

September 8, 2015 by

Sexual assault can have devastating emotional ramifications, in addition to sometimes causing physical harm. Unfortunately, sexual assault is far more common than most people realize and it can happen in locations where people go every day. Sexual Assault On the Los Angeles Metro The LA Times recently published an article about the problem of sexual assault on the Metro.  The Metropolitan Transit Authority conducted a survey of rail riders over the course of May and June.  The Transit … [Read more...]

Lasting Physical and Emotional Injuries After a Car Accident

September 3, 2015 by

The Los Angeles Times reported on three car accident victims who addressed the court after a man was found guilty of second-degree murder, hit-and-run and multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon.  The man had driven intentionally onto the sidewalk, around pedestrian barriers, and into a crowd on Venice Boardwalk after he was angered by a botched drug deal.  An Italian newlywed couple died and 17 other people were injured because of his actions.  Three of the victims spoke at his … [Read more...]

Ice Cream Truck Safety Laws Aim to Prevent Injury to Children

September 2, 2015 by

Children love ice cream trucks.  The sound of the tinkling ice cream truck music can send kids running from their homes to flag down the truck so they can buy a treat.  The problem is, children may run into busy streets, or they may be struck by a motorist whose view is blocked by the ice cream truck.  California recognizes the risks presented by ice cream trucks, and has included provisions in the California Vehicle Code imposing rules on ice cream trucks designed to … [Read more...]

The Majority of Teen Car Accidents Involve Distracted Teenagers

September 1, 2015 by

Due to their inexperience, teenagers are the demographic group with the greatest likelihood of being in motor vehicle accidents.  Unfortunately, teen drivers face risks not just because they have not driven for very long. They also tend to engage in activities that make driving more dangerous.  One of the riskiest things teenagers do on the road, is become distracted by their smartphones or other electronic devices. It is not legal for teens to use a handheld cell phone, or to … [Read more...]

NHTSA Announces Efforts to Reduce Drowsy Driving Car Accidents

August 27, 2015 by

When a motorist becomes overtired while driving, there can be deadly consequences.  A drowsy driver may have delayed reactions, and impaired judgment.  Being tired behind the wheel can become just as dangerous as being drunk.  As the administrator of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) commented: “while not everybody drinks, or texts, or speeds, lack of sleep is a problem we all face.  And falling asleep at the wheel at 70 mph is a … [Read more...]

Sexual Assault: How Are Schools Being Made to Provide Broader Protection?

August 26, 2015 by

Universities have an obligation to create a safe space for students and can be held accountable for failure to act when there are risks of harm.  Currently, there are more than 100 universities across the United States who are under investigation by the Office of Civil Rights for the U.S. Department of Education.  The schools are being investigated for their handling of sexual assault concerns.  Federal laws require schools to take immediate steps to address not just sexual … [Read more...]

Should I Keep a Pain Journal After an Accident?

August 20, 2015 by

In the state of California, the victim of an auto accident or other injuries caused by negligence can be compensated for pain.  Determining an appropriate amount of compensation is difficult, as measuring pain is subjective.  Keeping a pain journal after an accident can be invaluable in helping to demonstrate the extent and the duration of the pain suffered. Why You Should Keep a Pain Journal After An accident California Civil Jury Instructions 2095A addresses physical pain and mental … [Read more...]

Dangerous LA Intersections are Putting Pedestrians at Risk

August 18, 2015 by

Pedestrians face significant dangers when they are hit by a motor vehicle, since they are not protected in any way from the force or impact of the collision. Unfortunately, between 2002 and 2013, there were more than 58,000 accidents involving pedestrians in Los Angeles County.  In many cases, these pedestrians were hurt at intersections that were poorly designed and that created a significant risk of pedestrian collisions. Dangerous LA Intersections Put Pedestrians at Risk of … [Read more...]

Free Report: Slip and Fall Accident in California – What Should You Do?

August 17, 2015 by

When you left your home this morning, you never imagined you would be injured in a slip and fall accident, but you were. Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, to anyone, and there is little you can do to prevent it. If you are injured on someone else’s property because they were negligent in maintaining it, you could be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost time from work and more. What you do at the scene of a slip and fall accident in California can impact your slip and fall … [Read more...]