California Accident Attorneys Blog

Published on: January 25, 2016

Los Angeles Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle Riding, Los Angeles, Accidents, Injuries Los Angeles bicycle accidents are, unfortunately, on the rise especially in certain parts of L.A. Bicycles have increasingly become popular again as more people move into the larger city areas. The need for transportation in these areas is always in high demand, and own and operating a car is not always practical for city life. Public transportation is not always reliable or available and some people just prefer not to ride a bus or train.

With all of this in mind, cities have been adding bicycle lanes and creating more bike routes to accommodate this increase in bicycle traffic. While these improvement have enabled more people to use their bicycles safely, there are still many bicycle accidents that occur each year.

New Mapping Project Helps Target High Risk Areas For Cyclists

Published on: January 7, 2016

Burn Injury Jury Verdict in California

by Steven M. Sweat

Fire Accident, Burn Injury Burn injury claims are some of the most serious personal injury actions in California. Such was the case in a recent lawsuit involving the severe burning of a minor in a public park has become a precedent setting decision after it was ruled that the defendants in the case, East Bay Regional Park District and Girl Scouts of Northern California, were liable for the injuries caused to 10 year old Fabio Hornischer’s hand and arm in a fire pit.

Circumstances Of The Case

On June 2, 2012, Fabio Hornischer received injuries when his hand and arm slipped into a fire pit that had not been completely snuffed out by the park authorities, even after they had duly inspected the area. Underneath a layer of ashes were several live embers that were still burning, thus causing second and third degree burn injuries to young Hornischer.

Published on: December 23, 2015

California Construction Site Injury Verdict

by Steven M. Sweat

Construction Site, Accident, Injury, Attorney, Los Angeles, California On October 20, 2011, a young California man, who was employed as a union carpenter for Ghilotti Construction, fell and injured his back while working on a bridge. The incident occurred as the result of a piece of uncapped rebar snagging the worker’s pant leg and causing him to fall. He was wearing a 50 pound utility belt at the time of the fall, and his leg remained about two feet in the air, both of which exacerbated the injury he sustained.

The carpenter (plaintiff) did not report that he was injured at that time, but his foreman observed the fall and remarked that it looked like it hurt, although he denied making the comment later at trial. The plaintiff and the foreman both testified at trial that workers did not like to report workplace injuries for fear of reprimand and/or losing their jobs.

The plaintiff returned to work the day following the incident, but became concerned when he was unable to lift a 20-pound pipe, an action that he normally could complete with ease. The plaintiff’s foreman claimed that the plaintiff said that he had been hurt at home and that he was not aware of any injury sustained at the job, but that claim was negated when the foreman’s friend and neighbor testified that the foreman knew of the injury and was concerned about losing his job for letting it occur on his shift.

Published on: December 17, 2015

The Rise in Bike and Pedestrian Fatalities in California and Across the U.S.

by Steven M. Sweat

With beautiful weather and scenic views, California attracts walkers and cyclists alike. In addition, people flock to the outdoors to combat health risks, such as stress, obesity and heart disease, and improve their overall health. However, the downside involves an unforeseen safety risk for these health-conscious people: More than ever, walkers and cyclists are likely to be hit by a vehicle.

Statistics Show the Increase in Crashes for Walkers and Riders

Bike Crash, Bicycle Accident The Government Accountability Office released data that showed that pedestrian fatalities increased by 3 percent – from 11 percent to 14 percent – between 2004 and 2013. During the same time frame, the numbers increased from 1.7 percent to 2.2 percent for cyclists. However, overall traffic deaths dropped by about 25 percent – from 43,000 to 33,000 – during that period.

Published on: December 16, 2015

Orange County CA Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

by Steven M. Sweat

Orange County CA, Pedestrian, Bicycle, Accident, Attorney Orange County, CA has experienced a surge in bicycle and pedestrian accidents resulting in injury or death in the past few years. Pedestrian and bicycle incidents are occurring more frequently as each day passes. In fact, by some estimates, a pedestrian is struck and killed in the O.C. every six days and the numbers have gone up so much in Orange County CA over the past few years that county administrators decided to invest in pedestrian and biker safety. The county no longer wants people to know it for its title of “most dangerous county” for bike riders in the state of California. Instead, it wants people to know it as a county that takes the life of every human being seriously.

The Tragedy of a Pedestrian or Bicycle Incident

Walking and biking accidents are such a tragedy because they mostly occur because of neglect. Neglect occurs when a person or party either acts or fails to act in a way that is in the best interest of another party. All people are supposed to look out for themselves and for other people who share the roads and sidewalks at all times. More often than not, drivers do not yield to walkers. Such drivers may not see the walkers or the bikers because of various distractions. In some cases, outright defiance causes the incidents. Furthermore, rushing causes more occurrences than any other causes. Workers rush to their jobs; students rush to school; anxious persons rush to the stop sign.

Published on: December 10, 2015

Will Higher Federal Crash Test Standards Make Cars Safer?

by Steven M. Sweat

car crash, accident, attorney, Los Angeles The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently ruled to improve its rating system with the intention of encouraging manufacturers to produce safer vehicles. The new safety rating system includes changes such as:

Adding new technologies to the crash avoidance aspect
Using additional test dummies for testing

Published on: December 3, 2015

Truck Crash Jury Verdict – Imperial County CA

by Steven M. Sweat

In October, 2015, a Plaintiff was awarded $5.1 million in damages for the injuries she sustained in a trucking related accident. This award included $1.8 million in economic damages and $3.25 million in non-economic damages.

Facts Of The Case

In December,2013 the Plaintiff Elvia Gonzalez was driving straight down Ferrell Road in Imperial County. As she was driving, the Defendant Jose Maneses turned his semi-truck left in front of her, causing a collision. As a result of this accident, the Plaintiff succumbed to many injuries.

Published on: November 23, 2015

Eye Injury Negligence Claims in California

by Steven M. Sweat

Injuries to the eyes are very serious and often can be hard to treat. The eye is a very delicate organ and the bone and muscle structure around the eye can easily be damaged. Injuries to the eyes can lead to changes in physical appearance of the face, changes to vision, and possibly blindness.

Types Of Eye Injuries And Their Causes

The most common injuries that occur to an eye are objects that pierce the eye during a fall or in an accident. The second leading cause of eye injuries is blunt trauma that causes damage to the eyes or the orbital socket area surrounding the eyeball. Blunt trauma to the eye is commonly associated with a slip and fall incident or being hit in the face during an altercation.

Published on: November 19, 2015

How Do I Prove Damages In a Catastrophic Injury Case?

by Steven M. Sweat

Proving Financial Damages in California Injury Case People who sustain catastrophic injuries in accidents often have their lives changed for a long time—if not permanently. In order to recover, a victim must prove the value of their damages.¹ The following are examples of evidence that a California accident attorney can use to prove damages after a catastrophic injury:

Past medical expenses and lost income – The financial losses that you have already incurred are often the easiest type of damages to prove in a personal injury case. For example, medical bills can concretely indicate how much your treatment cost and paystubs and timesheets can show how much work and income you lost. However, if the other party questions whether all of your treatments or time off work were necessary, you may need a medical or occupational expert to testify regarding your injuries. Additionally, if the opposing party disputes the severity or cause of your injury, your doctor may have to testify to your diagnosis.

Future medical costs and lost income – Proving the estimated losses you will likely incur in the future due to your injuries is slightly more complex. A medical professional can testify to your prognosis and the necessary future treatment for your recovery, as well as the usual cost of those treatments. If you are unable to return to your previous job, an occupational expert can assess your work abilities—if any—to determine your future earning capabilities. This can then be used by economic experts who can use inflation² and other calculations to determine your future lost earning ability, income, benefits, and more.

Published on: November 12, 2015

Dangerous Freeways in Los Angeles

by Steven M. Sweat

Los Angeles is the proud home of many notable landmarks and accomplishments. However, it is also the home of some of the world’s most dangerous highways, freeways, and intersections.

While the city is notorious for its legendary all day traffic jams, it can also be a source of extreme peril for motorists who are unaware of just what they are driving into.

The Most Dangerous Freeway Interchange In Los Angeles