California Accident Attorneys Blog

Published on: October 15, 2025

Motorcycle Accident Claims in California

Motorcycle crashes change lives in an instant. Compared with occupants of enclosed vehicles, motorcyclists suffer higher rates of serious injury and catastrophic loss — and that makes motorcycle claims legally and emotionally complicated. If you ride in California (or represent riders), it helps to understand how California law treats liability, damages, insurance, evidence, and common insurance-company defenses. Below I’ll walk through the essentials: what to do after a crash, how liability is decided in California, important deadlines, common pitfalls, and practical tips for maximizing recovery.

1) Quick overview: the legal landscape that matters

A few foundational legal facts frame every motorcycle claim in California:

Published on: October 14, 2025

Burn Injury Claims in California

by Steven M. Sweat

Burns are among the most devastating injuries a person can suffer. They cause intense physical pain, long hospital stays, repeated surgeries, permanent scarring and disfigurement, emotional trauma, and life-altering disability. If you or a loved one suffered a burn in California because of someone else’s conduct, you may have the right to pursue compensation. This guide explains — in plain language — the common causes and legal theories for burn claims in California, what damages you can recover, the critical deadlines and special rules to watch for, how cases are typically investigated and valued, and practical tips for protecting your claim.

1) Types of burn injuries & common causes

Burns are typically categorized by depth (first, second, third degree) and by the agent that caused them:

Published on: October 13, 2025

Understanding Uber Accident Claims in California: What Victims Need to Know

by Steven M. Sweat

Ridesharing services like Uber have transformed how people get around in California. But with that convenience comes a risk: accidents involving Uber vehicles occur regularly, and navigating the claims process can be complicated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber accident in California, it’s crucial to understand your rights, timelines, and strategies for maximizing recovery.

In this post, we’ll cover:

The legal framework for Uber accident claims in California

Published on: October 10, 2025

Motorcycle Accident Injury Claims in California — What Riders Need to Know

by Steven M. Sweat

Motorcycle crashes are uniquely dangerous. A rider who is injured in California faces medical bills, lost income, potential long-term disability, and the complicated process of proving fault and recovering compensation. This guide walks you—plainly and practically—through the legal steps after a motorcycle accident in California: preserving evidence, what laws matter, how fault is allocated, time limits for filing a claim, dealing with insurance (including uninsured/underinsured coverage), helmet-law issues, and strategies for maximizing recovery. When you’re hurt, knowledge helps you protect your rights and focus on recovery.

1. First steps after a motorcycle crash (safety + evidence)

Immediately after a crash, safety and evidence preservation are the top priorities.

Published on: October 8, 2025

The Hidden Dangers of Hiring a Settlement Mill for Your Los Angeles Personal Injury Case

by Steven M. Sweat

When you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or any other type of personal injury incident in Los Angeles, the lawyer you choose can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Unfortunately, many injured people end up hiring what’s known as a “settlement mill” — a type of law firm that prioritizes high case volume and quick settlements over quality representation and client advocacy.

While these firms often have catchy billboards, radio spots, and flashy TV ads, they may not deliver the personal attention, thorough investigation, or aggressive negotiation that your case truly deserves. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at what a settlement mill is, why they can be dangerous to your claim, how to recognize one, and what to look for instead when hiring a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.

What Is a Settlement Mill?

Published on: September 30, 2025

How to Use Dashcam Footage to Prove a Personal Injury Case in California

by Steven M. Sweat

In today’s world, cameras are everywhere. From smartphones to surveillance systems, it has become increasingly difficult for accidents to go entirely unwitnessed. One of the most valuable tools for proving fault in a motor vehicle accident is dashcam footage. More and more California drivers are installing dashcams to protect themselves from disputes about liability, fraudulent claims, and insurance company denials. For personal injury victims, dashcam evidence can often make the difference between a denied claim and a successful recovery.

In this article, we will explore how dashcam footage can be used in California personal injury cases, its admissibility in court, what limitations may apply, and practical steps for preserving and presenting this powerful form of evidence.

Why Dashcams Matter in Personal Injury Cases

Published on: September 15, 2025

Torn Rotator Cuff Injuries After Car Accidents or Falls in California: What You Need to Know

by Steven M. Sweat

When most people think about injuries caused by car accidents or falls, they picture broken bones, concussions, or whiplash. But one of the most debilitating injuries that can occur—especially in collisions and slip-and-fall incidents—is a torn rotator cuff. This type of injury affects the shoulder, often leaving victims with long-term pain, limited mobility, and the need for surgery or extended physical therapy.

As a California personal injury attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how rotator cuff tears disrupt people’s lives, both physically and financially. Understanding the medical, legal, and practical aspects of these injuries is critical if you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.

In this article, I’ll explain what rotator cuff injuries are, how trauma from accidents can cause them, the treatment process, and most importantly—your rights to compensation under California law.

Published on: September 9, 2025

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) Scans and Traumatic Brain Injury: Understanding the Extent of Damage After an Accident

by Steven M. Sweat

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most complex and devastating injuries a person can sustain in a motor vehicle collision, fall, or other traumatic event. While some brain injuries are obvious—such as bleeding inside the skull or skull fractures visible on CT scans—others are more subtle and difficult to detect. These “invisible” injuries often leave victims struggling with symptoms like headaches, memory loss, dizziness, fatigue, or changes in mood and personality, even when traditional imaging tests appear normal.

One advanced technology that has become increasingly important in diagnosing and understanding traumatic brain injuries is Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). This specialized form of MRI looks beyond the structural picture of the brain to evaluate how the brain’s white matter pathways are functioning. In cases of personal injury, DTI can be a crucial tool in showing the full extent of harm suffered by accident victims.

What is a DTI Scan?

Published on: September 4, 2025

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) After a Personal Injury in California

by Steven M. Sweat

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is one of the most devastating and misunderstood conditions that can develop after a traumatic injury. Often triggered by events such as auto accidents, slip and fall incidents, or other bodily trauma, CRPS can turn a relatively localized injury into a chronic and debilitating condition. For personal injury victims in California, understanding CRPS, its causes, symptoms, treatment, and legal implications is essential in pursuing fair compensation.

This article will explore the medical aspects of CRPS, how it relates to personal injury law in California, and what accident victims need to know if they are diagnosed with this life-changing disorder.

What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?

Published on: August 27, 2025

Cervical Strains, Sprains, and Fractures Caused by Motor Vehicle Accidents in California

by Steven M. Sweat

Motor vehicle accidents rank among the leading causes of cervical spine injuries in California. Even seemingly minor crashes—on L.A. freeways, local boulevards, or surface streets—can result in significant trauma to the neck. The cervical spine is vital but vulnerable: it supports the head, protects the spinal cord, and enables head mobility. Injuries like strains, sprains, or fractures can cause chronic pain, restricted motion, or debilitating disability.

For Californians who’ve suffered such injuries, understanding both the medical and legal landscape is essential. This article covers cervical spine anatomy, how car accidents cause injuries, differences between strains, sprains, and fractures, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, long-term effects, and legal remedies under California law. Plus, a new section lays out typical settlement and verdict ranges for neck injury cases—helpful for those searching “what is my neck injury case worth?”

Anatomy of the Cervical Spine