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

Determining Who is at Fault in Truck Accident Cases

June 16, 2015 by

All truck drivers must have a commercial license, operate their vehicles in a safe manner, and obey all state and federal safety rules.  Truckers are subject to stricter regulations than most drivers because truck crashes are often so much more serious than collisions involving passenger vehicles.  Unfortunately, sometimes truckers fail to follow all the rules and accidents happen. When a truck accident occurs, it is essential to determine who is at fault. Injured accident … [Read more...]

Did a Traumatic Brain Injury Occur On The Job?

June 15, 2015 by

Did a Traumatic Brain Injury Occur On The Job? by Michael Waks   A traumatic brain injury (TBI) may occur due to a slip and fall, a car accident, or any other personal injury accident that results in head trauma. In many instances, a traumatic brain injury occurs at work. When a TBI occurs at work, the victim may make a workers’ compensation claim. Learn more about traumatic brain injury (TBI) in this presentation. … [Read more...]

Rapper Facing Criminal Charges is Sued for Wrongful Death in Civil Action

June 11, 2015 by

Marion “Suge” Knight is a rap mogul accused of causing a fatal car accident outside of a fast-food restaurant in California.   On February 2, Mr. Knight was charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with the accident.  Reuters now reports that the widow of the man killed in the collision has also filed a wrongful death claim. This civil lawsuit is separate from the criminal proceedings and it names not only Mr. Knight but also Dr. Dre , Ice Cube, and Universal Pictures as … [Read more...]

Are There Specific Laws For Bicycles When Riding on Roadways?

June 10, 2015 by

Southern California weather is fantastic, and the scenery is breathtaking. These are the perfect conditions for riding a bicycle. People here ride bicycles to save money, avoid traffic, get exercise, or simply enjoy the outdoors. For all these reasons, there are a lot of bicycles on the road. Motor vehicle drivers do not always watch out for bicyclists, so to avoid being in a bicycle accident, cyclists must be sure to watch out for drivers. They must also obey the … [Read more...]

Can a Family Sue When a Child Dies in a Sports Accident That Caused a Spinal Injury?

June 9, 2015 by

According to the National Athletic Trainers Association, there are more than seven million high school athletes in the United States and around 40 million kids between the ages of six and 18 who play organized sports.   Unfortunately, playing sports exposes these young people to the risk of injury, sometimes severe injury. One of the most devastating injuries a child can experience when playing sports is a spinal cord injury.  Spinal injuries from a sports accident can cause paralysis or, in … [Read more...]

Do You Have to Go to Court for a Long Beach Wrongful Death Case?

June 4, 2015 by

When someone you love has been killed because of negligence or wrongdoing, you may be able to bring a wrongful death claim to recover both economic and non-financial losses. California law entitles you to compensation if your loved one is killed by a third party, including a business, corporation, or even a government entity under certain circumstances.  To obtain this compensation, there are certain legal steps you must take and certain things you need to prove. To recover funds for … [Read more...]

Pedestrian Accident: Can a Pedestrian Hit Outside A Crosswalk Get Compensation For His Injuries?

June 3, 2015 by

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 76,000 pedestrian accidents in the United States in 2012. In that same year, California ranked number one in pedestrian accident fatalities. Crosswalks are the part of the road set aside for pedestrian traffic. Most intersections have crosswalks, whether or not they are marked by painted lines. Although most crosswalks are at a corner, some are in the middle of the street. Pedestrian accidents in … [Read more...]

Will Lax Rules Increase Injury or Wrongful Death from Trucking Accidents?

June 2, 2015 by

Research shows that truck driver fatigue is one of the most common factors in truck accidents and fatalities. To address this, in 2013, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented Hours of Service (HOS) rules dictating the maximum hours a trucker can drive in a work week. At the end of 2014, Congress suspended parts of the HOS rules. This undermines the safety measures taken in 2013 to prevent driver fatigue and reduce the risk of serious truck crashes. … [Read more...]

California Defective Product Liability Claims [Infographic]

June 1, 2015 by

Product related accidents account for 34 million injuries and deaths each year with a related cost of approximately 12 billion. Someone injured by a defective product can receive compensation for his or her physical pain and emotional suffering. California Defective Product Liability Claims infographic offers insights about a product liability claim in California, including why you should file for a claim, who can file for a claim, who is liable and the things you need to do if you or a … [Read more...]

Is There a Guide to Understanding a Car Insurance Policy?

May 28, 2015 by

According to a survey conducted on behalf of Nationwide Insurance in 2013, most insured drivers know more about their favorite television show than about their car insurance policy. Half the respondents to the survey did not know how to file a car insurance claim, one-fifth did not completely understand the details of the policy, and only 40% had ever read the policy. Your car insurance policy is a legal contract and many people find it confusing and intimidating. Hopefully you will never need … [Read more...]