Unfortunately, car accidents are a fact of life in California. Highly trafficked urban areas crisscross across the state. Additionally, the thriving tourism industry brings many drivers to California roads that not only increase the traffic but are unfamiliar with local roads and highways. Many California car accidents occur in busy, high traffic areas. While this fact means an increased risk of multiple car accidents and potentially higher property damage, it also means there are usually witnesses in the area. 5 Questions to Ask that Can Help Determine Liability in an Accident: Can you explain what happened in your own words? What were you doing just before the accident and where were you when the accident occurred? Did you see or hear any sudden braking before the collision? Do you remember where the cars involved in the accident were on the road before the collision occurred? Did you notice any of the vehicles speeding, driving erratically,…Read More
Left-hand turns are particularly dangerous for California drivers. Left-hand turn collisions are, in fact, some of the most common types of car accidents. But why are left turns so dangerous? Why Are Left Turns So Dangerous in California? Drivers are cutting across traffic heading in a different direction. If drivers aren’t careful, they can easily hit an oncoming car and suffer serious injuries (or even life-threatening injuries). Drivers turning left do not have the right of way (drivers turning right do). Drivers turning left are often cutting across oncoming traffic moving at 35-55 mph (or even faster). The driver’s view of traffic may be obstructed when turning left. (For example, a driver turning left may have their field of sight obstructed by a driver turning left on the other side of the intersection. California law requires drivers turning left to yield to oncoming traffic (except in certain circumstances). Drivers making a U-turn are also required…Read More
More than 3 million people are injured in car accidents every year, and car accidents account for just one type of personal injury claim. Numerous types of accidents could leave you entitled to compensation for an injury. When you are injured and need help seeking fair compensation, you already know you want an experienced personal injury attorney on your side, but you may not be sure how to find the right one. Finding the Right Personal Injury Attorney: Finding the right attorney to handle your personal injury claim can seem overwhelming. You’re already dealing with an injury, and all the extra time, energy, stress, and expense that goes along with it - and you want to ensure you get the best lawyer for the job. However, you aren’t sure how to tell who is qualified. If you aren’t sure where to start, we suggest asking the right questions. 6 Questions to Ask Your Personal Injury Attorney: Do you specialize…Read More
When you've been injured in a car accident, and you are injured, you deserve financial compensation. Moreover, you'll need it - it's not a gift or a reward. Financial compensation for an injury sustained in a car accident is provided to cover the associated costs resulting from the injury. However, it can be very difficult for the injured party to ascertain what those costs will be - and, therefore, what sort of settlement would be appropriate. Is There an Average Settlement for California Personal Injury Claims? Looking at personal injury claims across the nation, most reported settlements fall between $14,000 and $28,000, averaging around $21,000. However, that doesn't mean your personal injury claim will see a similar result. It can be extremely difficult to place a value on a personal injury claim, and considering an "average" may not be very helpful in the long run, but it provides a starting point. Since personal injury case valuation and…Read More
The phrase personal injury can refer to any type of injury sustained in an accident. These types of injuries may arise from slip and fall accidents, car accidents, defective products, ill-maintained properties, etc. 5 Common Accidents Resulting in Personal Injury Claims: Car Accidents Slip and Fall Accidents Premises Liability Related Accidents Dog Bite Accidents Product Liability Related Accidents The most common type of accident resulting in a personal injury claim in the US is the car accident. Car Accidents Account for the Most Personal Injury Claims: Out of all the accidents that occur throughout the nation, car accidents account for the majority of personal injury claims. Millions of Americans suffer car accident injuries every year. A significant number of the car accidents resulting in injury occurred due to negligence. When one party is injured because another party’s negligence caused an accident, they often decide to seek financial recovery for their injuries by filing a personal…Read More
When you’ve been in an accident, and you suffered an injury, the most important thing is to get the appropriate medical care in a timely manner. However, it’s also good to be aware that the doctor you visit for care, the treatment they prescribe and the results of any medical test results could impact your personal injury claim. Can My Doctor Impact My Personal Injury Claim? Yes, your doctor can impact your personal injury claim. In fact, it is more accurate to say that your personal injury will rely heavily on your doctor. The doctor you work with following an injury is one of the most important aspects of your personal injury claim - from increasing the settlement amount to showing that the injury could result in lifelong complications, running the appropriate medical tests, and more. Your Doctor & Your Personal Injury Claim: Getting an Accurate Diagnosis Before receiving appropriate treatment for an injury, you…Read More
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may eventually be overwhelmed by the uncertainty of how you should move forward. You may be experiencing physical pain and mental distress because of the accident, which may cloud decision-making. This uncertainty may cause you to delay taking the necessary steps to protect and assert your rights. While everyone’s set of circumstances is unique, there is certain basic information that can help you better understand the process. Of course, the optimum course of action is to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. The attorneys at Moss Bollinger offer free consultations that can help you quickly move forward and seek compensation Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about filing a claim for personal injuries. Q. What do I do after an accident? If you, the other driver, any of your passengers, or any bystander is injured in an accident, getting…Read More
Carrying automobile insurance gives California drivers the necessary proof of financial responsibility required by California law. This requirement applies to all vehicles operated or parked on a California roadway. The failure to carry car insurance may result in a fine, license suspension, or vehicle impoundment. Comprehensive or collision insurance does not meet vehicle financial responsibility requirements in California. *California Law Requires Proof of Financial Responsibility Under § 16020 of the California Vehicle Code, "All drivers and all owners of a motor vehicle shall at all times be able to establish financial responsibility and shall at all times carry in the vehicle evidence of the form of financial responsibility in effect for the vehicle." In addition to showing financial responsibility when a law enforcement officer requests it, drivers must show proof of insurance when they are in an accident, or they are renewing a vehicle’s registration. *There are Other Ways to Meet the Requirement Most Californians purchase an…Read More
If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, the main priority is obtaining medical attention for any person who suffers injuries in the accident. The next step should be to meet with a personal injury attorney and discuss the event to determine if you have any rights to compensation resulting from the accident. In 2022, one of the first steps taken by individuals involved in a motor vehicle accident is the use of social media to publicize the experience. However, if you are involved in any type of accident, you must be cautious about what you share on social media as this dissemination of information may come back to haunt you in your legal case. While most people involved in accidents will wisely follow this course of action in 2022, more than a few will go on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or some other social media platform to share the details of the accident. Unfortunately, depending on…Read More
Before October 1, 2021, the day that California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 447 (SB 447) into law, a decedent’s personal representatives or successors-in-interest could not recover damages for the decedent’s pain, suffering, or disfigurement in a survival action. Now, this has changed, and these parties can recover pain and suffering as part of the prayer for relief of a survival claim. With the passing of SB 447, only four states -Arizona, Colorado, Florida, and Idaho - do not allow a deceased individual’s successors-in-interest to recover for the decedent’s pain and suffering. What is pain and suffering as a component of a personal injury claim? Damages for pain and suffering are distinct from damages for personal injuries and other types of damages like punitive damages. Pain and suffering may be a component of damages in personal injury cases including motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, intentional torts, and others. Aside from supporting evidence and the…Read More
