California Injury Lawyers Blog

Bieber Injures Photographer in Los Angeles Car Accident

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:43:01 -0800

Teen pop star Justin Bieber might not be the best driver. According to Reuters, the teen hit a photographer with his Ferrari as he was leaving a Los Angeles comedy club. Officers have not yet determined this accident to be a hit-and-run.

Thanks to the paparazzi, there is video of the accident. According to TMZ, Beiber asked for the photographers to get out of the way and he was going to leave, but apparently he ended up punning one of them between his Ferrari and a parked car as he attempted to pull out. Reports indicate that he drove away following the incident.

"The investigation is ongoing," said LAPD spokesman Bruce Borihanh.

Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers understand that Beiber is already being investigated for an accident that happened back in May. That's when his neighbors filed complaints that he was driving way too fast in the community.

Unfortunately, celebrity car accidents aren't all that rare. They seem to make headlines all the time. Just take a look at Yahoo, they rattle off a list of 5 celebrities who have been killed in car accidents.

-Jayne Mansfield

-James Dean

-Princess Diana

-Princess Grace of Monaco (Grace Kelly)

- Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes

Is still stands true that someone is killed in a car accident every 16 minutes (or about 89 people each and every day), whether it's a celebrity or now. In 2011, there were close to 5,500,000 traffic accidents reported to police officers. In these accidents, there were close to 32,500 people killed and another 2,217,000 people injured. And that's not all! Another 3,788,000 accidents resulted in property damage only.

Some of these people were drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, scooter riders, photographers, moms and dads.

In 2011, 4,347 young drivers ages 15 to 20 years old were involved in fatal
crashes -- a close to 50 percent decrease from the 8,325 involved in 2002. Driver fatalities for this age group decreased by 48 percent between 2002 and 2011. But the decrease doesn't mean we're in the clear. They're still some of the most accident-prone drivers out on our roadways -- regardless of celebrity. That's why it's important to make sure that they're provided with an ample amount of supervision during their learner's permit stages. This is going to help ensure that they're developing the habits that are going to help ensure a lifetime of safe driving.

Until we fix up our own driving habits, there's going to be no change out there on our roadways. Whether we're fighting off the paparazzi or we're just heading home from the grocery store, it's important that we're aware of our surroundings at all times. In traffic there are no second chances. We've got to get it right the first time and stay one step ahead of everyone around us to help ensure a safe ride home (or back to wherever you're going).

Medications and Your Risk for a Drowsy Driving Car Accident

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 06:01:53 -0800

Your sleep meds might not be as strong as they once were. That's if officials with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have their way.

According to CBS News, medications like Ambien might leave drivers feeling too groggy in the morning and might actually be increasing their risks for a potentially fatal accident.

The FDA wants you to know that a lot of medications can actually have this effect on you. Allergy medicine is one of them. So maybe it's time you take a look through your medicine cabinet to identify your risks.

Our Los Angeles car accident attorneys understand that we're in the heart of allergy season and residents and visitors throughout the state are loading up on those antihistamines. But it's those same individuals who should be cautious when they get behind the wheel.

"Any of these reactions can negatively interfere with driving or operating heavy machinery," Dr. Jane File with the FDA.

When you encounter something you might be allergic to, your body takes control and starts to product histamines. When this chemical is released into the body, you get stuffy because the tissue in your nose swells. When you take the medicines that can block these histamines, you can feel slow, unfocused and even drowsy -- which is why you shouldn't be driving.

Your best bet is to take a look at the label before consuming. If you have stuff to do during the day, like operate machinery, drive or any other focus-driven activity, then you should be taking your medicines at night.

You also want to make sure that you're not mixing antihistamines and alcohol. This can increase your level of drowsiness and can also have some serious side effects.

Make sure you're reading the label of your medications -- front and back. If your medicine isn't working for you -- the answer isn't to just up the dosage. In this scenario, you want to talk with a healthcare professional to find an alternative treatment.

According to drowsydriving.org, roughly 60 percent of adult drivers - or close to 170 million people - say they have driven a vehicle while feeling drowsy in the past year, and more than a third have actually fallen asleep at the wheel! In fact, of those who have nodded off, close to 15 percent say they have done so at least once a month. Four percent - approximately 11 million drivers - admit they have had an accident or near accident because they dozed off or were too tired to drive.

Never get behind the wheel if you're feeling sleepy. Drowsy driving is more powerful than you think and could wind up taking your life.

Automakers Making (or NOT Making) Vehicle Recalls!

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 06:15:32 -0800

Officials with Ford have recalled close to 500,000 vehicles because the fuel tanks have posed some serious fire risks amid hundreds of reported leaks. Included in this recall are 2013 Ford Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Interceptor Utility and Interceptor Sedan, as well as the Lincoln MKS, MKT and MKZ, according to CNN Money.

The company says that it isn't aware of any of these incidents sparking a fire as of yet, but has received close to 1,000 complaints about fuel leaking from the vehicles.

Our Costa Mesa car accident lawyers understand that the last recall involving Ford and a fuel leak urged drivers to stay out of the car until the problem was corrected. With this recent recall, not such instructions were issued.

On the other hand, we've got Chrysler Group, who isn't as willing to make the necessary recalls. As a matter of fact, CNN reports that the company is refusing to recall more than 2.5 million vehicles after safety officials have deemed unfit for the road.

The vehicles in question are the 1993 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees and 2002 to 2007 Jeep Libertys.

The problem here, according to safety officials, is that the tank design is dangerous and serves up some serious risks for injuries (and even death) in the event of a collision. Chrysler officials say the design and placement of the gas tank is just the same as many other SUVs on the market and that the only time it serves a threat is when involved in a high-speed accident (which is the case for all vehicles, regardless of where the gas tank is located).

But safety officials aren't buying it. They're saying that there's a problem here and action needs to be taken now to prevent injuries and fatalities.

"The only way to prevent more fire deaths is for NHTSA to order a mandatory safety recall and require Chrysler to design an effective remedy," said Clarence Ditlow, the Center for Auto Safety's executive director, in a letter to the NHTSA.

The big question being thrown back and forth here is whether or not Chrysler is concerned about motorist safety of if the company is looking to avoid the costs of making a massive recall.

Either way, it's your responsibility to make sure that you're in the know with the latest vehicle and safety recalls. You can do this easily by heading over to SaferCar.gov. This website is a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the nation's only agency authorized to conduct defect investigations and administer safety recalls on everything from vehicles and equipment to tires and child safety seats. You want to make sure that you're checking the list regularly to help to head off any problems before they catch you behind the wheel.

Distracted-Driving Watch: Hands-Free Devices no Safer in SoCal

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:35:21 -0800

A hands-free cell phone device, like a Bluetooth, is no safer than talking on a handheld cell phone, according to new research from the University of Alberta. It's actually just as dangerous.

According to the St. Albert Gazette, a pilot study determined that drivers who use hands-free devices are actually more likely to engage in driving errors compared to drivers who are driving with no communication device. Some of the most commonly witnessed driving errors included changing lanes without a signal, speeding and even crossing into other lanes.

Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers understand that all drivers are banned from using a hand-held communication device at the wheel. All drivers have also been prohibited from text messaging behind the wheel, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). But these bans aren't keeping drivers off their phones. They're just more likely to get drivers to use hands-free devices, which are no safer in preventing traffic accidents.

Researchers collected driving information from more than 25 male drivers (between the ages of 18 and 45). They were monitored through a driving simulator. They drove without distractions for 4 minutes, and also engaged in distractions for another 2 minutes (using a hands-free device). According to research, there was a near 50 percent increase in the number of driving errors while the drivers used these hands-free devices.

"What is even more disturbing is the severity of those errors," said lead researcher Yagesh Bhambhani.

But researchers took it one step further. They used near infrared spectroscopy, which determined that the blood flow to the brain and the heart rate also spiked while drivers were engaged in the hands-free device, proving that these distractions do more than take your eyes off the road.

Think it's the women that are blabbing on the phone more than the men? Think again. It's actually the men who are using the phone more behind the wheel. They surpassed women's phone usage by about 10 percent. However, the usage dropped overall as the age of the driver increased.

This study aimed to help lawmakers better grasp just how dangerous distracted driving really is -- even when the distractions don't require your hands.

If you're busted on the phone in the driver's seat in the state of California, you're looking at a first-offense fine of $20.

The truth of the matter is that there are still thousands of people who are killed in distracted driving traffic accidents each and every year. And these accidents are completely preventable. It all comes down to the driver -- hanging up the phone and keeping their hands on the wheel and their attention on the road. Don't waste your money and don't risk your life. Hang up while you're in the driver's seat.

California Swimming Pool Accident Kills 1, Injures 1

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 08:01:11 -0800

A young tot has dead and his 2-year-old brother is clinging to life after both of them were pulled from their swimming pool in La Mesa.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the mother and her friend were at the home when the accident happened. Accident reports indicate that they did not notice that the children fell into the pool. The mother was reportedly asleep. When she woke up, she found the children in the pool, floating and unresponsive. Both the mother and her male friend rushed the children to the fire station where paramedics tried to revive them.

Both of the children were taken to the hospital. That's where the young girl was pronounced dead. Her brother remains in the intensive care unit.

Our Costa Mesa swimming pool accident lawyers understand that the summer swimming season brings about some serious risks for pool accidents. This is especially true when we're talking about our younger swimmers. As a matter of fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are more than 10 million residential pools and close to 310,000 public swimming pools throughout the country. There are a lot of accident risks floating in those pools.

Each and every day, there are roughly 10 people who are killed in unintentional drowning incidents. Of these fatalities, roughly two of them are under the age of 15. Downing continues to be one of the top causes for unintentional injury in the country.

Don't worry! There are ways that you can help to keep your pool safe and your kids safer. Read the following tips and take action to help ensure a safe swimming season.

-Never allow a child to swim in the pool unattended. Make sure that when you're supervising that you're actually watching them. It only takes a matter of seconds for accidents to happen.

-Get your child in swimming lessons. It's been proven to help to reduce the risks of drowning.

-Make sure there is always a telephone nearby when anyone is swimming. You want to be able to contact authorities as soon as possible should an accident occur.

-Instruct babysitters about potential hazards to young children in and around swimming pools and the need for constant supervision.

-Surround your pool with a four-sided fence. Make sure the fence is at least 4 feet tall and that it's equipped with child safety locks.

-Consider learning CRP. This will help you to keep a victim alive until emergency response personnel arrive.

-Install pool and gate alarms to alert you when children go near the water.

-Never use a floatation device as a substitute for attention adult supervision.

-Never store children's toys near or in the pool. You don't want anything nearby to attract their attention and draw them closer to the pool (especially when you're not around).

-Make sure there is available rescue equipment near the pool.

Costa Mesa Officers Crack Down on Intoxicated Drivers

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 08:41:45 -0800

If you're thinking about drinking and driving, you had better think again. Officials with the Costa Mesa Police Department are on the hunt for intoxicated drivers.

In one weekend, officials with the Department and with the California Highway Patrol were able to arrest close to 10 suspected drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. During the weekend enforcement, officers administered a checkpoint on Friday night and Saturday morning. It happened on Newport Boulevard and Fowler Street.

Our Costa Mesa drunk driving accident lawyers understand that there are more intoxicated drivers out there during the weekend than during any other time of the week. This is especially prevalent during the weekend evening hours. To help to combat this problem, officials set up their checkpoint right in the middle of it. They're also hoping that this kind of enforcement also serves as a future deterrent for any driver who thinks they can drink, drive and get away with it.

So how effective was this checkpoint?

-Close to 3,000 vehicles passed through.

-Close to 620 vehicles were screened.

-Officers conducted close to 25 field sobriety tests.

-Close to 10 DUI suspects were arrested.

-One driver was arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.

-More than 5 drivers were cited and/or arrested for driving on a suspected or revoked driver's license.

- There were two additional citations handed out (for offenses other than DUI-related offenses).

-Close to 20 vehicles were impounded or stored.

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, there were close to 209,000 people arrested for DUI in 2009. Of these arrests, close to 6,000 of them were felony charges. The others were misdemeanor arrests. Of these drivers, there were lose to 155,00 convicted of DUI. That's close to 75 percent of them.

While there may have been a lot of drivers busted, there were some who slipped through the cracks, and others who wound up causing accidents. There were close to 1,300 people killed in alcohol-related traffic accidents in 2009. Another 26,000 were injured in these collisions.

With all of that being said, we're asking drivers to be on their best behavior out there. There's never a good reason to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. You should always make sure you have a designated driver to get you home. If you don't have one of those, go ahead and call a friend, a family member or a cab company to come pick you up. If those options aren't available, snag a hotel room or grab a friend's couch. It's a heck of a lot safer than driving under the influence.

If see someone who has been drinking, make sure you grab their keys and help them to get a safe and sober ride home. Your intervention could wind up saving their life, and the lives of innocent and sober motorists out there.

Road Work Heightening Risks for California Car Accidents

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 07:06:40 -0800

Officials from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), joined officials with the Madera County Transportation Commission recently and held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the launch of a new construction project. Workers will be working on a new interchange on State Route 99. This new interchange has been designed to help eliminate the congestion for local commuters.

"Not only will this project benefit motorists for years to come, it will also provide jobs for the Central Valley," said Malcolm Dougherty, Caltrans Director.

Our Fresno car accident lawyers understand that road construction is a common summer activity in the area. This isn't the only road construction project that we can expect on our California roadways. During this time (and throughout the rest of the year) drivers are asked to be safe out there. These construction areas see far too many preventable accidents. Be on your best behavior behind the wheel to help keep your travelers and our roadside workers safe through these transformations.

Under this new project, workers will be creating a new interchange. It's happening at Avenue 12 to help to accommodate the proximate 70,000 daily commuters in the area.

But that's not all. Workers will also be working on a new southbound on-ramp along State Road 99, as well as upgrading the traffic signals in the area and improving the roadways.

Get ready for a lengthy span of work. This project isn't estimated to be completed until 2016. It's a costly one too, at close to $85M.

If you have to travel this area, you're asked to be extremely cautious. We're here to provide a few safety tips to help make sure everyone, including our roadside workers, are protected in these construction areas. Read the following tips and take note:

-Slow it down. One of the top causes for construction zone accident is motorists' speed.

-Follow flaggers. These individuals are there to help organize traffic and make sure everything is flowing smoothly and safely.

-Plan ahead. If you know there's construction along the route you need to take, try to make a route around it. If you can't get around it, plan ahead and leave early to allow yourself plenty of travel time to avoid rushing.

-Steer clear. Leave ample space between you and other vehicles as well as road workers and their vehicles. You want to allow yourself plenty of room to react to a potential hazard.

-Get into your designated lane as quickly as possible. The last thing you want to do is make a last-minute lane change and cause an accident.

-Pay attention. A construction zone is no time to make phone calls or text message behind the wheel. Make sure your full attention is on your surroundings and your maneuvers behind the wheel. Your safety relies on it.

Police on the Hunt for Irresponsible California Motorcyclists

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 06:23:58 -0800

Motorcyclists better be on the lookout, because Costa Mesa police are on the hunt for irresponsible bikers. According to the Daily Pilot, officers throughout the area are going to be increasing their patrol efforts over the next month to help to put an end to these needless injuries and deaths.

The enforcement effort is called "Motorcycle Enforcement Operation." During this time, officers will be looking for riders who are speeding, riding under the influence and other irresponsible traveling habits. This is all in a strict effort to help to curb the risks of motorcycle accidents on our busy California roadways. According to the latest statistics, we are one of the most dangerous states in the country for these kinds of accidents, recording some of the highest numbers pf rider fatalities.

Our Costa Mesa motorcycle accident lawyers understand that it's not just the motorcyclists who are under fire. Officers will also be on the hunt for car drivers acting irresponsibly and will he handing out tickets to those drivers as well. With the summer travel season, we're seeing a lot more traffic on our roadways, and risks for accidents are high. It's important -- no matter what kind of vehicle you're in (or on) -- that you keep safety as a number one concern.

According to California accident information, motorcycle accidents oftentimes include impairment, unsafe turning and speeding.

Motorcycle riders were shown to have the highest percentage
of drivers with previous driving convictions (DWI, speeding and revocation) as
compared to other vehicle drivers. Safe riding habits truly affect your safety out there on our busy roadways. You can't always expect other drivers to do their job to keep you safe, so you've got to make sure you're ready for anything.

Funding for this operation was provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) within the California Office of Traffic Safety grant. So consider this your warning: Be on your best behavior behind the wheel -- and on your bike -- to help to reduce your risks not only for an accident, but also for a costly ticket.

Motorcycle deaths in the state of California have increased by close to 200 percent in 10 years, from roughly 200 in 1998 to close to 600 in 2008. These increases in motorcyclist deaths occurred at a time when significant gains were achieved in other areas of traffic safety. Although we did experience reductions in motorcycle fatalities in 2009 and 2010, preliminary 2011 data indicates a possible increase and motorcyclists are over represented in overall numbers of traffic deaths.

Motorcycling is not just recreation. It requires you to be familiar with the motorcycle, wear the right clothing and be a responsible rider. You are expected to be visible, communicate your intentions to other drivers, keep adequate space for passing and lane splitting and be prepared to act.

Two Teens Hospitalized after Collision with Passing Vehicle

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 08:00:54 -0800

In a recent Valley Village car-pedestrian accident, two teenage walkers were sent to the hospital. According to CBS Los Angeles, the accident happened just before 8:00 p.m. on Magnolia Boulevard.

The identity of the driver has not been released.

Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers understand that teens are getting out of school and they're out enjoying their summer break. Unfortunately, they're also facing some serious risks for accidents during this time. They're facing serious increases for pedestrian accidents, bicycling accidents and car accidents. It's important that parents and guardians sit and talk with young travelers about the importance of safe habits.

Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for teens in California and teens have the highest crash risk of all drivers. There are nearly twice as many car accident fatalities during the summer months as during the rest of the year combined. During this time, teenagers have been responsible for almost 50 percent more drunk driving accidents.

It's no secret -- these young drivers have one thing, and one thing only, on their mind. FUN! We're not saying that's a bad thing. We're just saying that it needs to be supplemented by safe traveling habits. Consider this:

-Teen drivers are found at fault in more than 65 percent of all fatal accident that they're involved in, although they only represent less than 5 percent of the state's licensed drivers.

-And average of 100 drivers ages 16 and 17 are killed in each of July and August. That's a 20 percent increase over the monthly average of these fatalities.

-According to the NHTSA and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the 100 days between Labor Day and Memorial Day are the deadliest days on our roadways for our teenagers.

-In the summer of 2008, there were roughly 9 teenagers who were killed each day.

-Driver inexperience is one of the leading causes of traffic collisions involving teenagers. These drivers don't oftentimes understand the real dangers that accompany a driver's license and many even think they're invincible -- thinking they're skilled enough to talk and text behind the wheel.

So you've heard these horrifying statistics. Now it's time to help reverse them. You should make sure that you're riding along with your teen as much as possible. You want a first-hand look at their driving skills to make sure safety is their top concern. Supervised driving time is one of the most effective ways to help ensure they'll stay safe out there.

If they're not behind the wheel and they're riding or walking around town over the summer, make sure that they understand traffic, their rights as a traveler and their responsibilities. Helping them along with these simple (yet easily forgotten) concepts can help to keep them alive through the summer.

Driving with Pets Can Increase the Risk of Distracted Driving Accidents

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 00:00:45 -0800

Having a dog can add as long as seven years to your life, but not if that dog is in the car with you on a regular basis. While animals can be wonderful companions, especially for senior citizens who may be retired and who may not get to see a lot of people regularly, taking your pets in the car with you can be a significant distraction. A recent study of seniors shows just how much of a distracted-driving danger your pet can be.

Our Costa Mesa car accident lawyers know that anything that causes you to look away from the road for two seconds or longer can greatly increase your chances of becoming involved in a car wreck. Unfortunately, a pet in the vehicle with you can cause you to look away and this can put you and all the other motorists on the road at risk.

Study Shows Pets Put You at Risk
According to NBC News, researchers at the University of Alabama-Birmingham recently interviewed more than 2,000 seniors who were living on their own in independent residences rather than in assisted living areas. The questions that were asked of these seniors centered around whether they had pets, whether their pets went in the car with them, and whether they had been involved in auto accidents.

The outcome of the research showed that 691 of the 2,000 seniors who were surveyed had at least one pet in the home. More than half of the 691 seniors who reported that they had pets also indicated that they took their pets in the car with them when they went somewhere, at least on some occasions. Those who do travel with pets also indicated that the pets usually sit in either the front or the back seat and that the pets are often unrestrained in the vehicles.

These animals, from their vantage points in passenger seats or in the back of the car, likely draw their owners' attentions away from the road during the ride, at least temporarily. This resulted in a significant increase in accidents. In fact, when seniors traveled with their pets frequently, they had double the accident rate as other elderly adults in the same age group who either had no pets or who said their pets rarely traveled with them.

Having double the crash rate is not insignificant and everyone with a pet needs to be aware of the risks they take on when they bring their animals in the car with them. While seniors are especially vulnerable to becoming involved in a distracted driving crash since it can take them longer than younger drivers to react or refocus, every single driver with a pet in the car could be taking his life (and the lives of other drivers) into his hands.

Rather than taking unnecessary changes and significantly increasing your risk of a crash, you may wish to leave your pet at home the next time you go on a car trip. If you do want to bring your animal with you, as many pet owners do, then you should ensure your pet is properly restrained. This can be done using crates, seatbelts designed for dogs or other vehicle accessories.

Not only will securing or restraining your dog help your animal to be less of a distraction in the car, but it will also help to keep your animal safer in case an accident does occur so the dog doesn't fly through the car or end up running into traffic. This means that you, your pet and every other driver on the road can have a better chance of avoiding a crash and getting home safe just by ensuring you simply secure your pet properly.

Aging Infrastructure in U.S. Puts Drivers at Risk of Auto Accidents

Fri, 31 May 2013 23:55:47 -0800

Recently, a 58-year-old bridge in Washington State collapsed, sending drivers tumbling into the water below. The bridge collapse occurred when a truck carrying an oversized load of drilling equipment hit several trusses on the bridge. The bridge had a "fracture critical design," so loss of just one structural support could undermine its stability and result in collapse. Unfortunately, when the truck hit the trusses, there was no way that the bridge could stay standing.

Fortunately, no one died in the Washington State Bridge Collapse. Yet, as USA Today indicates, this collapse is an important wake-up call reminding us that the infrastructure in Washington State is aging. Our Los Angeles injury attorneys know that the problem of aging infrastructure is not isolated to Washington either, with numerous roads and bridges throughout the United States in desperate need of repair.

Drivers at Risk of Accidents due to Aging Infrastructure
Aging infrastructure presents a lot of problems for drivers. Roads that are not well-maintained and that are crumbling or falling apart, for example, can significantly increase the risk of auto accidents. Road defects such as worn away shoulders on the roads mean that a car cannot pull off to avoid an accident or when the vehicle is in distress. Potholes, uneven road surfaces and changes in road surface can increase the chances of a tire blowout, a rollover crash or a motorcycle accident. And, of course, bridges that are not stable can collapse and cause serious injury or even death.

CBS 8 reports that many of the bridges in the United States are potentially in danger of collapsing. These bridges span the United States, from a six-lane highway over a bridge in Washington to the I-880 bridge over 5th Avenue in Oakland California. These bridges are called "fracture critical" because they are the riskiest of bridges since damage to a single vital component of the bridge can result in the entire thing crumbling.

Despite the disrepair and the high risk of injury on these "fracture critical" bridges, however, little is being done to fix the aging infrastructure problems. The federal government is virtually paralyzed by partisan disagreements and getting almost any legislation passed is a challenge. Spending bills such as a stimulus package designed to fix infrastructure have almost no chance of success, especially with lawmakers calling for spending reductions aimed at reducing the country's debts and deficits to sustainable levels. Unfortunately, many local areas are also crippled by lack of money, in large part due to falling revenue during the recession in recent years. Thus, states may not have the money to fix aging infrastructure either.

If the infrastructure continues to age without repairs, more accidents like the Washington State bridge collapse may occur. People on the bridge may not be so lucky next time to escape injury or even death. Bridges collapsing and people being injured are outcomes that should be avoided at all costs.

If the worst does happen and a bridge collapses or an accident is otherwise caused by aging infrastructure, it could end up costing the city or agency responsible for maintenance far more than repairs would have as all those injured or the family members of those killed file wrongful death actions to obtain compensation for injuries and losses.

California a Top State for Dog Bite Insurance Claims

Wed, 29 May 2013 23:50:43 -0800

A dog bite can lead to a number of injuries, ranging from cuts and bruises to scarring, permanent disfigurement, broken bones or death. Dog owners can generally be held legally responsible if their dog attacks and injures someone, especially if the owner was aware that the dog had violent tendencies or a history of aggression. Typically, when a dog owner is sued or held accountable for a dog bite, the homeowner's insurance policy will kick in and pay for the losses and legal fees incurred by the dog owner.

Recently, the Insurance Journal has indicated that California is one of the top 10 states for dog bite claims. Our Los Angeles dog bite lawyers know that the costs of a dog bite can be very high and that it is essential that a claim be made when a dog bite happens. The data on California dog bites shows that many people are taking the legal action they need to in order to ensure their bills are covered after a dog attack. Yet, not everyone pursues a claim or gets the maximum in compensation, which is why it is important to consult with an experienced dog bite attorney if you've been harmed.

California a Top States for Dog Bite Insurance Claims

The Insurance Journal information on dog bite claims comes from State Farm, an insurance company that provides many different policies including homeowner's insurance coverage. According to the information, California was the number one state for dog bite claims in 2012.

In California during 2012, there were 451 dog bite claims made against owners after a dog bite incident or attack occurred. In total, these 451 dog bite accident claims resulted in a significant amount of compensation being paid out to victims. An estimated $17.1 million was paid out in dog bite claims just in 2012 alone. While insurance companies were generally responsible for paying these claims, insurers are only on the hook for the maximum policy limits of each homeowner's policy.

Still, insurance companies can end up paying out a lot of money even for a single dog bite incident. The average cost for a single dog bite claim in 2012 was $29,752.00. This was a 1.2 percent increase in the payout as compared with the $29,752 average payout in 2011. From 2003 to 2012, the increase was dramatic, with the average payout increasing by 55.3 percent even as the estimated number of claims declined 1.6 percent.

Because of the ever-increasing costs associated with dog bite claims, some insurance companies are imposing more restrictions on the dogs that they will insure. KSL.com, for example, reports that some California insurers are refusing to provide policies to homeowners with certain breeds of dog recognized as dangerous. These breeds include pit bulls, mastiffs, preso canarios, Dobermans and rottweilers.

Unfortunately, when an insurance company does drop coverage for a certain type of dog, this can leave homeowner's scrambling to find a policy that will work for them. With California as the number one state for dog bite claims, more insurance companies may decide to take the step of limiting coverage for certain dogs. This would make things even more difficult for dog owners.

School Safe Driving Program Aims to Help Los Angeles Teens Make Safer Driving Choices

Mon, 27 May 2013 23:46:40 -0800

Teenage drivers are always at greater risk than adult drivers of becoming involved in a fatal car accident, and injuries from crashes are the leading cause of death for young teens. Unfortunately, while teen drivers always face serious dangers behind the wheel, there are certain times when kids are more at risk than others.

As we mentioned in our recent article on the "100 Deadliest Days For Teen Drivers", kids are more likely to die in car wrecks during the summer months than at any other time. Our Santa Ana injury lawyers know that an average of 399 deaths occur in teen car accidents during the "100 Deadliest Days," as compared with just 346 teen deaths on average in other months. This significant increase in car accident fatalities can be avoided if teens are more careful. A school safe driving program called "In One Instant" is educating kids in schools throughout Southern California about the risks of dangerous driving.

Culver City Students Will Participate in Safe Driving Program

According to Benzinga.com, "In One Instant" is an award-winning safe driving program that is produced by Streetwise Media and sponsored by Fineshriber Family Foundation and State Farm. The program has been praised by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health; the California Highway Patrol; school administrators; and the Los Angeles Police Department, among others.

The "In One Instant" program is designed to use peer engagement and other educational techniques to encourage kids to make smarter driving choices, especially when it comes to distracted driving or drunk driving. The program consists of a video screening, funeral dramatizations and other activities including asking kids to write "Today I died," goodbye letters to better focus attention on the real consequences of teen car accidents. Information is generally shared in an all-school assembly where kids are asked to sign a "Vow to Live" and urged to join an In One Instant school club and spread the word about safe driving.

Many teens report that the Program has changed their driving behavior for the better, causing them to think more about driver safety and to be more careful. The Program is taught at schools throughout California and at the end of May, around 1,200 kids from Culver High will be given the opportunity to participate in the program.

Hopefully, these teens will respond to the lessons learned and will act right away to change their behavior for the better. Many teens die in car accidents during the time from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and these "100 Deadliest Days" are largely caused by teens celebrating graduation, prom, summer vacation and other summer milestones. If teens make smarter choices during this dangerous period and actually change their behavior due to better understanding of auto accident risks, then perhaps the number of deaths could be reduced this year and more kids could make it through summer OK.

Los Angeles Birth Injuries and the RIsk of Erb's Palsy

Sun, 26 May 2013 00:06:12 -0800

According to Ortho Info, Erb's Palsy occurs in approximately one or two of every 1,000 babies. However, this condition is not just a naturally-occurring birth injury. Erb's palsy normally happens when something goes wrong during labor and delivery.

Our Los Angeles birth injury attorneys know that there are many potential complications that can develop as a child is coming into the world. It is very important for doctors and medical care professionals to take the right steps to avoid putting the baby at risk of developing a serious health condition.

Erb's Palsy Causes and Effects

Erb's Palsy is a type of brachial plexus palsy. The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves that are located near your neck. These nerves communicate with the brain and make it possible for the arm to move. The nerves also transmit feeling to the arm, as well as to the hands and the fingers.

If this bundle of nerves is damaged or injured during the birthing process, then the baby may experience limited mobility and limited feeling. As an article in Paediatrics & Child Health indicated, Erb's palsy can be very frightening for parents initially because the "infant's arm hangs limply from the shoulder."

Fortunately, recovery is possible in many cases. In as many as 80 to 96 percent of Erb's palsy cases, children will recover completely and will regain full use and feeling within the affected arm. If the baby starts to improve within the first two weeks after birth, then the child is especially likely to recover.

When complete recovery is not possible, however, then the child may experience ongoing limits on mobility and function. This can be especially devastating as the baby is then afflicted with a lifelong medical condition that occurred during birth, usually as a result of something that went wrong or something that the doctor did in error during delivery.

Can Erb's Palsy Be Avoided?
While not all cases of Erb's palsy can be avoided, many can if doctors exercise reasonable care and are competent during the labor and delivery process.

Erb's Palsy typically happens if a baby's neck is stretched to the side during delivery, which can happen if the baby's shoulder becomes stuck in the mother's body while being delivered. When this happens, the doctor needs to act quickly by taking steps such as pressing the mother's thighs into her stomach; putting pressure on the mother's stomach; moving the mother to all fours; turning the baby inside the mother or doing an episiotomy. Emergency cesarean section is also possible in some cases, although a planned Cesarean is rarely a method of avoiding Erb's palsy since Erb's Palsy is a hard condition to predict.

Erb's palsy can also result if labor is too prolonged or if the doctor is too aggressive in using force to pull the baby from the birth control. Again, a doctor could potentially help to avoid Erb's palsy here by ordering an emergency cesarean section or being cautious about pressure and force during delivery.

Determining if the Erb's palsy could be avoided is very important since a doctor who causes a child to develop this condition can be liable for medical malpractice is a reasonable doctor would have acted differently and avoided the Erb's palsy.

Rental Car Accidents Could be Deadly Due to Car Recall Policies

Sat, 25 May 2013 23:40:39 -0800

The Car Connection recently reported on an important bill being considered by the U.S. Senate. This Bill would impose new requirements on automakers and rental car companies related to recalled vehicles. A similar bill was proposed but did not pass last year.

Our Los Angeles car accident attorneys know that the current laws do not require rental car companies to stop renting out recalled vehicles. Unfortunately, this means that people who rent cars are at greater risk of accidents occurring in their rented vehicles and are also in danger of experiencing more serious injuries when accidents happen. It is important that the law make rental car companies responsible for ensuring that customers renting cars don't take their lives into their hands due to potential vehicle defects.

Proposed Rental Car Law Could Reduce Car Accident Risk

The United States Congress is currently considering the Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safety Rental Car Act of 2013. This Act would require that car rental companies park recalled vehicles and stop renting those vehicles as soon as news of a recall is received. Car companies recall vehicles when a problem with the vehicle develops that could result in risk of injury or death to drivers or motorists.

Currently, rental car companies can rent out vehicles even after car manufacturers have sent notice of a recall due to a defect. This policy can lead to devastating consequences. In fact, the Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safety Rental Car Act of 2013 is named for two sisters who lost their lives in a California car accident in a rental vehicle.

The sisters rented a car that had been recalled due to a leak that could spark a fire in the car's engine. The girls, tragically, were killed in a fire that started in the car. If the rental car company had responded to the recall and parked the vehicle so it could not be rented when the recall notice came in the prior month, then the fire might never have happened.

If the new law passes, rental car companies won't have the choice about whether to park the vehicle. They will not be permitted to rent cars to the public with defects that led to vehicle recalls. This seems like a basic common sense law, and the President of Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety indicated to AOL Autos that most people would likely be surprised to find out that there is no existing law preventing rental companies from renting recalled cars to customers.

Yet, despite the fact that driving a recalled car could prove dangerous, automakers and some rental car companies are fighting against the law to park recalled vehicles.

One major concern is that smaller rental car companies could end up forced to park large portions of their fleet as a result of a recall. Another issue is that private owners can continue to drive recalled cars even after news of the recall has been made, provided that these drivers are not facing undue risk of injury due to the vehicle defects. Since it can take weeks or months for automakers to fix a recall, there is concern that rental vehicles would be out of commission for a long period of time even if those vehicles were likely safe to drive.

The CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers recently testified before the Senate Commerce subcommittee pointing out some of the possible issues, including the fact that car companies could potentially be forced to prioritize repairs for car rental vehicles to get their business going again, thus resulting in consumers waiting longer and potentially being in danger.

While this may be the case, the issues that rental car companies and dealers will need to work out seem to be a small price to pay to reduce deaths and serious injuries resulting from rental car companies offering their customers recalled vehicles.