Personal Injury Lawyers, Protection, Legal Expertise, Advice, Claims 
Personal Injury Claims Besides Accidents
An injury caused to a person due to the negligence of another person is a personal injury. The general idea about personal injury is when a person gets injured in an accident. The accident has occurred as a result of negligence of the other driver who is involved. Besides this general notion, there are other areas which enable you to claim personal injury damages. As the meaning per se, personal injury is the one that happens as a result of offender’s negligence. So, injury caused due to the defective products manufactured by a company, also falls under this parameter. Defective Products The products that proved to be dangerous for your personal use are defective products. If for some reason one has received physical damage due to a faulty product, he/she can claim a personal injury claim. Designers and manufacturers are liable to sell safe and comfortable to all products. In case they fail to keep this up, they are liable for paying the damages caused. This case is different from other visible and non-visible injuries. As in the previously mentioned cases a person has to prove his damages. But in this case where damages are as a result of malfunctioning and faulty products, the claimer need not prove his injury. Rather he needs only to prove that the product is dangerous to use. The product design and manufacturing is unreasonably dangerous to use as intended. It also can include the defective make of the product. This defective make might have triggered some problem that backfired and injured you. Another reason though is the instructions given to use the product. It is necessary for the manufacturer or the assembler to state instructions for the use of this product. At the same time, making mandatory dos and don’ts, and also provide adequate directions to use the product. When such obligations are not met with and an injury is caused, the defender or the consumer in this case can claim a personal injury claim. Reporting the injury The defender should keep the evidence, in the first case. Secondly, keep the product in the same state as it was when injury occurred. Make note of the name of the manufacturer, model, serial number, and user manual. Keep the receipt which show when and where from the product was brought. If possible, take pictures of the site of accident. Have accurate addresses and phone numbers of the doctors treating the injured. This information should be passed on when the claim is made.
Accidents occur due to one’s negligence or the fault of the other person involved in it. In either case, there may be injuries caused. Injuries that are visible and those that cannot be seen. But these invisible ones actually cause severe pain and discomfort for the person injured. These include strains and stress of the muscles. It also may be a ligament tear or a blood clot. All the mentioned injuries cannot be seen and thus it becomes difficult for the injured to claim insurance. On the other hand, the insurance company may try to underplay this so as to settle for less. In this case, the question arises about how a claim can be made. You can file a suit against the offender in the court. This may take a long time to settle keeping in mind that the intensity of the injury cannot be perceived by the judge. Arbitration is the best alternative. Arbitration is an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). In this type of settlement, the settlement is done out of the court proceedings and traditional lawsuits. If both parties agree for quicker and less messy proceedings, they can go for arbitration system of settlement. How does it work? When the claim is relatively less, (in some places it is less than $50,000) these matters can be subjected to mandatory court-annexed arbitration. The court appoints an arbitrator whose decision will be final. This procedure is inexpensive and relatively informal. A certain amount is fixed by the arbitrator and becomes final. But if one of the parties is dissatisfied, the trial court will hold a trial de novo. Trial de novo means these appeals are not appeals at all, but mere “do overs” for someone who is unhappy with the result. When can one adopt Arbitration? Insurance companies have institutionalized policy of appealing these awards. This is because they need to pay less to the defender. Thus the amount that one may get from arbitration system may be accepted. Another major concern is regarding the jury. The jury has to take painful attempts to understand the injuries they cannot see. These include strained necks and backs. Many times these are the cases that go for smaller claims. So the jury’s work becomes tedious and time consuming and thus may discourage one from going into regular law suits. This choice of settlement can be adopted for speedier and less tedious settlement. Compulsory Arbitration System in Personal Injury Injuries sustained during an accident may be external or internal. External injury such as a broken leg or arm, or any bleeding involved is quite visible. But it is not that a person will sustain only a visible injury. Many a time a person may sustain a strain in the neck or back, a pull in the muscle or so which is quite invisible. This does not mean that this injury should not be counted as a personal injury. Though externally invisible these injuries are also eligible for claims. The person injured often feel discouraged to impress the insurance company as this may be a petty claim. Or on the other hand may file a suit against the other offender for a claim. The insurance company may want to settle this for less. When a law suit is filed, again the jury fails to understand the extent of damage. This makes the jury’s work quite tedious and time consuming. Arbitration system can be the best alternative for such claims as this requires less time. When the two parties agree upon an arbitrator, the court appoints an arbitrator to settle the matter. The arbitrator looks into the matter and decides upon a particular settlement. It is not necessary that the parties have to agree to it. If any of the party is dissatisfied they can appeal in the court again. But it is rare that it needs a review. What is Arbitration system? Arbitration system is a type of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). It is a way to settle matters outside the traditional lawsuits and court room. Advantages It is inexpensive and faster. One time hearing and decision taken. Doesn’t require trials again and again. The amount of settlement is within a pre-fixed range that the insurance company can pay. The insurance company also is compelled to pay some amount to the injured which otherwise may be high or low according to the insurance company. It will be beneficial as the arbitrator knows the law and the value of the case. It also allows the parties involved to settle for this high or low amount. Arbitrations are held outside courtrooms in private offices or conference rooms. It is relaxed and comfortable.
Are the School Zones in Sacramento Safe?
School zones were established to slow drivers down in areas around schools where children would be likely to walk. Despite these safety precautions, it is estimated that around 100 children are killed every year walking to or from school, and that another 25,000 children sustain injuries as a result of accidents in school zones. Children are not as well-versed in traffic laws nor should they be held responsible for safe practices like adults. This places them at a higher risk of being the victim of a car accident. A study investigating the effectiveness of school zones reviewed a total of 2,717 motor vehicle versus child pedestrian collisions. The researchers found that the density of collisions, particularly fatal collisions, was highest in school zones and decreased the farther from the school you moved. The highest proportion of collisions, at 37.3 percent, occurred among 10- to 14-year-olds. The researchers found most of the collisions within the school zones occurred at midblock locations as opposed to intersections. Driver Responsibility Drivers are required by law to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are legally crossing the street. This includes children who are crossing the street at a properly designated place within a school zone. Even if there is no crosswalk, drivers should still be mindful when driving through a school zone. Though a child may attempt to cross the street “illegally,” you want to ensure you are obeying the speed limit and are aware of your surroundings should you need to stop quickly. It is important to simply assume children are present, thus keeping you alert to the possibility of a child entering the road. If a driver hits a child in a school zone, especially if the driver was distracted, he or she could face a serious personal injury lawsuit. Personal injury lawsuits are based on proving the negligence of the driver who caused the accident. If a driver is speeding through a school zone, driving with distractions, or simply fails to yield the right-of-way and strikes a child, that driver may be acting negligently and could be responsible for any resulting damages or wrongful death. Though it is the driver’s responsibility to control his or her vehicle in a school zone, it is also extremely important to educate children on safe road practices. Though children may not fully understand the risks and consequences of their actions, it is still important to teach them safety. Teach your child to always cross in a cross walk, and to look both ways and ensure no vehicles are coming before doing so. As statistics have shown, the majority of school zone accidents do not occur at crosswalks, where it is usually safe to cross the street, but rather happen in mid-road, where children may cross “illegally” and are at a greater risk of getting hit. Minors and Personal Injury A personal injury case becomes even more complex when a minor is involved. Although the procedures for collecting compensation for a minor can vary from state to state, a child does have a right to compensation for damages including pain and suffering just as an adult does. In addition, the parent or guardian has a separate right to be compensated for medical bills paid on behalf of a child. Generally the child’s parent or guardian will act on his or her behalf when negotiating a settlement. Some states require a judge to approve the child’s representative, but is usually a quick and simple process. A personal injury case involving a minor generally follows the same format as that of an adult, though the child’s representative negotiates and agrees to settlements on the child’s behalf. States have laws governing how the settlement will be given to the child, usually involving a trust. The money may be used later for educational purposes or is made available to cover specific things like medical costs. Seeking the Help of An Attorney No matter how minor or serious the school zone accident may be, it is usually to your benefit to speak with a personal injury attorney. Personal injury attorneys have the knowledge and skills to help you determine if your case has merit or if there are other options for you. Even if you only have questions about your legal rights, including compensation for medical expenses as a result of the injury, speak with a personal injury attorney before making any type of settlement.
Top FIVE Things To Do After Any Type of Accident Causing Injury
FIVE THINGS you MUST do Following A Personal Injury Glotzer & Sweat, LLP – Personal Injury Lawyers in Los Angeles, CASTOP!! You’ve just been in an accident through no fault of your own, you were injured and you are wondering what you need to do? • What information do I need? • Should I take pictures of the area where it happened or my injuries? • Should I report this to my insurance? • Should I talk to the insurance representative for the person who injured me? • Should I go to the doctor right away if I’m hurt? • Which doctor should I see and what kinds of questions should I ask about treatment of my injuries? • Should I call a lawyer and, if so, how soon after the incident should I do so? TOP FIVE THINGS TO DO INCLUDE: Get Information and Evidence At the Scene Where the Injury Occurred It is important to obtain enough information at the scene of any accident whether it be a car accident, fall, or any other injury causing event. With the common use of smartphones, this is now easier than ever. Take photos of the following: 1. The driver’s license and proof of insurance for the driver of any vehicle involved in an auto accident. Make sure to focus the camera so that all information is legible. 2. The physical damage to property including automobile property damage to all vehicles involved. 3. The overall view of the accident scene and close up shots of any dangerous condition that may have caused the incident (e.g. slick substances on the floor, protruding objects, holes in the ground, potholes, etc.) or of the positions of the vehicles when they came to rest in an auto accident claim. Write down: The names, addresses and phone numbers of any driver, passenger or witnesses to the accident and the badge number and name of any investigating officer or any Emergency Medical responders at the scene. Request: A copy of a police report from the investigating officer. Usually they will give you a small post card size information card with the “NCIC” or other identification number and instructions on how to request a full report. If not, at least get a business card from the officer(s). In the case of a fall in a retail store, request a copy of any incident report filled out by any employee or manager of the store and ask for a business card or at least the name and employee number for anyone who saw the incident or spoke to the victim afterwards.Seek PROMPT Medical Attention and Document Your Examination(s) and Treatment(s) You must seek out prompt and thorough medical diagnosis and treatment if you have sustained ANY injury as a result of the incident. This includes the following: • Accepting offers of emergency transport from the scene if necessary • Requesting full and complete diagnosis including x-rays, MRIs, CT Scans or other diagnostic tests that may show the severity of the injuries • Seeking out follow up medical care and treatment AFTER any initial emergency trauma care. This can include a visit to your regular medical doctor and seeking a referral to a specialist such as an Orthopedist, Neurologist or Physical Therapist.Promptly Report the Incident to Your Own Insurance Carrier Under most policies of insurance including auto insurance, homeowners or renters policies, or business or commercial insurance, there is a duty to promptly report all actual or potential claims. Failure to do so can possibly result in a denial of coverage. When you report the incident, though, just STICK TO THE FACTS: • When did the accident occur? • Where did it happen? • Who was involved? • How did it happen? Be cautious here in describing the incident. Less is more. • “WAS ANYONE INJURED?” Always err on the side of caution when answering this question. Many times injuries do not manifest until days or even weeks following an incident. If you have an attorney, let the lawyer do the reporting of the claim to your insurance company. Do NOT Provide Information To ANY Insurance Representative from Any Other Party Involved in the Incident It is important to know that, while you have a contractual duty to report the claim to your own insurance and to cooperate with them in investigating the claim, you have NO such duty with regard to the insurance company for the other side! Insurance carriers are in the business of minimizing payments of claims. One of the major tactics they use is to train their claims adjusters to obtain information from people filing claims against their insureds that can later be used to minimize or deny the claim. DON’T fall into this trap!! For Example, Do NOT: • Consent to a recorded statement either in person or over the phone with the at fault party’s insurance claim’s representative • Sign ANYTHING that is given to you by the insurance company for the other side including: Settlement agreements, releases, waivers, consents to obtain medical information or other protected information such as your social security number or tax information.Promptly Consult With And Retain A Personal Injury Lawyer According to statistics from the Insurance Research Council (a group who conducts studies for the insurance industry), persons represented by attorneys receive approximately 40 percent higher settlements than those who choose to “represent themselves”. In addition, their stats indicate that 85 percent of ALL dollars paid in auto accident claims go to persons represented by lawyers. Why is this? SIMPLE: Insurance companies are set up to take in premiums and make money through investments of the funds that are “floating” through their accounts. What cuts into these profits? Payments on claims at full value! If they convince you to say and do things before seeking proper legal advice that either completely invalidates your claim or drastically reduces the value ….. THEY MAKE MORE MONEY. The adjuster gets a bonus, the CEO is happy and ALL AT YOUR EXPENSE!How do I choose a quality personal injury lawyer that cares and will maximize the value of my claim? Reputation, experience, results and compassion. This is what has set Glotzer & Sweat, LLP apart for the past 18 years of representing personal injury victims and their families throughout California including Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. For More Information Call Toll Free Statewide @ 1-866-229-0101 or visit our website: http://www.victimslawyer.com
Are airlines liable for injuries related to turbulence?
The car isn't the only place you should wear your seat-belt all the time. Injuries on airline flights due to turbulence aren't unheard of, ranging from broken bones to spinal damage. Most people who sustain injury are not wearing their seat-belts. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), about 60 passengers are injured during turbulence every year because they ignored the seat-belt sign. In general, a carrier cannot be held liable for turbulence because it isn't always predictable. Often, turbulence can be predicted, and the flight crew will take measures (verbal warnings and instruction, securing food carts and other loose objects, activating the “fasten seat-belt” sign) to protect its passengers. If injured while wearing a seat-belt, or while ignoring the warning of the flight crew, it is unlikely that the airline could be held liable for the injury. On the other hand, if a passenger is injured by luggage that flew from an unlatched overhead bin, the airline could be held liable for the injury if they failed to secure the bin. Likewise, if it can be proven that the flight crew knew about turbulent conditions and failed to notify passengers, they could be held liable for any injuries caused by the lack of communication. For more information, please visit http://zacharassociates.com. Get answers to your questions. Stop guessing.
Ride Safe: 10 Common Motorcycle Accidents and How to Avoid Them
Are you are a regular biker? If yes, then you will be aware of the horrifying consequences of riding a bike during not-so-safe conditions. However, today’s bike manufacturers are fully aware of these consequences and provide you the maximum safety with powerful accessories like gripy tires, powerful brakes, excellent handling, and protection gear. You should make the most of these accessories to avoid the below listed 10 common motorcycle accidents. Car Suddenly Turns Left The car that is in front of you misjudges your speed or fails to spot you on the road, and suddenly takes a left turn. The psychology of the driver looking for a car perceives the absence of cars but doesn’t judge the presence of a motorcycle. While riding, you need to be extra careful about the small signs that might indicate that the car in front of you will take a turn. If you are nearing a crossing, slow down and cover your brakes to get ready to take any action. Hit Gravel While Taking a Turn While riding, we have been always taught to take a wide turn at blind corners. However, while riding we often forget this rule. If you take one such turn, and hit a sand patch, gravel, or other similar patches on your path, it is likely that you might have a dangerous fall. The simple rule to avoid this situation is to drive slow and always be in control of the vehicle. You should take a wide turn, so that you will get a clear vision of the path. Took a Turn too Fast It is fun to ride too fast, however this can be the biggest problem while taking a turn. Though you may think that you may be in full control of the bike, it is always advised to drive only as fast as you may handle. If you do take a turn riding too fast, do not press the brakes or lower the throttle. This may upset the bike’s traction and you will have a dangerous fall. Car Changes Lane If the car driving in front of you, changes lane and accidentally enters into your riding space, you are likely to face dangerous consequences. In such situations, the best possible solution is to go slow while you are at blind spots. Also if there are situations where lane changes are obvious, you must try to be extra careful. Car Hits You from Behind You are slowing down at the crossing or intersection, and suddenly the car behind can’t control his car and hits you! The impact of the hit will decide the extent of the injury that occurs. In such cases, you need to take extra care while pulling up and try to rapidly flash your brake lights. Applied Front Brakes While you were enjoying your ride, some unnecessary event has brought the traffic to a halt. If in this situation, you press the front brake, you are likely to have a massive fall and the damages to your bike will be worse. To avoid such a fall, you should use the front brake wisely. If you are riding at higher speeds, you should first try to slow down before applying the brake. Riding in a Group If you are riding in a group, it is likely one of the riders might suddenly stop. If you are riding the bike at a high speed, you may have a fall. In such cases, you should train all the riders to follow the proper riding etiquettes. If anyone is facing any issues and wants to pull up, they should move the side and then halt. Car Opens its Door If you have faced a situation where the car driving in front of you, suddenly has its door opened. In no time, you will be laying on ground. The only way to avoid such situation is to refrain from driving adjacent to parked cars. You can never judge when the door of one of those cars will flung open, and you will be the victim to an accident. Slippery Roads You always need to be extra careful while riding the bikes during rainy season. The roads will be slippery and a slight imbalance can cause a great fall. Also, in case of oil spills, you should try to avoid such roads. During heavy rains, you should try to take a halt and wait till the rain subsides. Try to keep in mind the above mentioned situations and also the solutions provided for the same. Drive safely!
"I Didn't do Anything. Why do I Need a Lawyer?"
Many of our clients come to us late in the court process. They often think that if they have no record, or if the didn't commit a crime, they don't need a lawyer. I can't tell you how many times I have heard someone say; "I didn't do anything. What do I need a lawyer for?" They irony of this belief is that this is exactly the kind of situation where hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer is most important! If you have no record, or feel that you did nothing wrong, you will want to preserve your clean criminal record as long as possible. You will want to hire an aggressive criminal defense lawyer that will actively challenge the prosecutor at every turn. In order to get the best outcome possible on your case, you need to get an experienced criminal defense lawyer involved as early as possible. We find that the clients that have the most successful case outcomes are the ones that hire us before they are even charged with a crime. Obviously, this is not always possible. If you have been charged with a crime, have been contacted by a law enforcement officer, or believe you may be the subject of a police investigation; call a criminal defense lawyer right away! Keegan & Novick, LLP, a premier Boston criminal defense law firm, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call and speak to one of our criminal defense lawyers today!
Help! I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Decide If I Should Press Charges
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere. When a fall results in a severe injury, it’s important to know who’s responsible. In short, the answer will be situational. Sometimes the property owner is responsible for the accident, and sometimes he or she is not. Slip and fall accidents are a personal injury and are considered a tort. There are four general types of slip and fall accidents: Trip-and-fall: When there is a foreign object in the walking path. Stump-and-fall: When there is a barrier in the walking surface. Step-and-fall: When there is an unexpected hole or malfunction in the walking surface. Slip-and-fall: When the combination of the shoe/foot and floor fails, oftentimes involving a slippery substance on the floor surface. It is the duty of the property owner to keep their facility safe of hazards. They must take the appropriate amount of steps to ensure that their property is free of dangerous conditions. The property owner can be at fault if they knew there was a permanent hazardous condition (such as broken flooring) but didn’t do anything about it. Comparative negligence is also considered when a slip and fall accident occurs, and is often a significant hurdle in making claims. This means that you, in some way, contributed to your own accident. You may have fallen because you were running on a slippery floor when there was a warning sign by it. Because of your own carelessness, you may have a lessened award for your injuries or none at all. Most often the issue of comparative negligence arises because the property owner will say the cause of the fall was “open and obvious.” In other words: the person who fell should have seen what caused their fall, but as they didn’t, they are at fault themselves. This can be tricky to balance against a property owners duty to keep their premises safe. If you are injured in a slip and fall accident, you may receive compensation. Compensation may include damages already incurred and those in the future that may be incurred for: medical bills, time away from work, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, and are not sure who is at fault, McCullough & Associates will be there to answer any questions you have.
What does the Law say about Observing a Pedestrian in a Crosswalk?
If you live in a city, which most of us do, you understand the headache of the daily traffic routine. Most people appreciate the basic rules of the road, but not all people truly recognize that they have a duty to pedestrians as well as other vehicles. Drivers have a duty to take proper precautions towards pedestrians crossing the road in crosswalks and, in some instances, parts of the roads that do not have crosswalks available. Pedestrians have the right to travel safely across roadways just as much as drivers. West's F. S. A. § 316.185; § 316.130. WHO IS TO BLAME WHEN A PEDESTRIAN INJURY OCCURS? The answer to this question is not as cut and dry as one may think. Like most legal issues, it depends on the circumstances. In general, the driver and the person crossing the road both have a duty to be equally cautious when entering heavily trafficked areas. West's F.S.A. § 316.185. You also have a duty to alter your actions according to any possible unsafe conditions to yourself and other people on the road: this means pedestrians too. If one party fails to take proper precautions, or does not take due care to avoid an accident, that person could be liable for any injury that takes place. FL ST § 316.075 WHAT ARE THE INTERSECTION RULES? If you pull up to a stoplight, the law requires you to come to a complete stop before the crosswalk. This includes those right turns on red lights. Some people just check the traffic and make that right turn as long as no cars are coming their way. Not so fast! There could be people on your right hand side with a signal to cross the road. Drivers must also come to a complete stop before the crosswalk, and allow any people to cross the intersection when the persons have a signal to cross. Clearly, if a person is already in the crosswalk when you come upon the traffic signal, you must yield to the pedestrian. Furthermore, if crosswalks are present, pedestrian must use the crosswalks and crosswalk signals to cross traffic. FL ST § 316.130 WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE CROSSING OUTSIDE OF A CROSSWALK? People crossing a road at a section of the road without a crosswalk are not allowed to quickly enter the road without warning. Additionally, pedestrians entering the roadway at areas not marked as crosswalk zones must yield to all vehicles. You also may be breaking the law depending on your local jay-walking statute. With all that being said, drivers cannot simply ignore people entering the road at areas of the road where crosswalks are not present. Anyone on the road has a duty to take proper care to pedestrians entering the traffic. A driver needs to be cautious of any people entering traffic at all times, and they must take proper precautions to avoid injury pedestrians. If someone does not take due care while operating a vehicle and a pedestrian is injured, the driver could still be liable even if the person was crossing the road at area not marked with a crosswalk. FL ST § 316.130; FL ST § 316.185 HOW COMMON ARE PEDESTRIAN RELATED INJURIES? The elderly and children are most likely the victims in pedestrian accidents. Moreover, pedestrians are far less likely to be injured at a crosswalk location rather than a location where no crosswalk is present. Statistically-speaking, using a crosswalk is the safest mode for crossing a street. The following statistics are courtesy of the NHTSA and the CDC: Nearly 4,200 pedestrians a year are killed in traffic accidents. Senior citizens accounted for nearly 20% of pedestrian deaths. Children under the age of 15 years old made up nearly 23% of all pedestrian traffic injuries. Males are more likely to be killed in pedestrian accidents. Roads without the availability of crosswalks accounted for 42% of all pedestrian deaths. Florida, Texas, and California have the highest percentages of pedestrian fatalities. More pedestrian are killed in accidents on January 1st than any other day of the year. The deadliest cities for pedestrians are New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Phoenix, and Houston. CONTACT TAMPA BAY AREA PERSONAL INJURY AND CIVIL TRIAL FIRM DOLMAN LAW GROUP Sometimes it is not really all clear who is blameworthy when pedestrians are injured. Drivers and pedestrians both have a duty to take proper precautions so that they do not put others in dangers way. Furthermore, just because you were the one who injured someone else does not necessarily mean you are liable for the injury and vice versa. Due to the fact that liability is sometimes unclear, it is imperative you contact an experienced personal injury attorney. If you, or someone you know, have been injured in a pedestrian-related accident, you should consult with a law firm with experience handling accident, personal injury claims. Contacting an experienced personal injury attorney will increase the likelihood that you, the victim, collect the maximum award for your injuries, pain and suffering, or future loss of income. Dolman Law Group 800 North Belcher Road Clearwater, FL 33765 727-451-6900
Self-Driving Cars Officially Hit California Roads Next Month
With over 700,000 miles racked up—on fairly safe test courses—without any accidents, Google’s self-driving cars are proving to be a major star of the company’s projects. With Google’s progress in the field leading the charge, self-driving cars from multiple manufacturers will be hitting California roads next month. The California Department of Motor Vehicles awarded 29 permits to test the cars with 25 going to Google. Other manufacturers with permits include Audi and Daimler AG-Mercedes Benz who took two permits a piece. California law on autonomous cars—established in 2012—allow for any company to pick up a permit relatively cheaply—for the permit itself. A permit for the first car is $150 with additional cars being $50. The price jumps dramatically considering $5 million in insurance is factored in.The California DMV’s conditions for manufacturers are as follows: Manufacturer must register the test vehicle with DMV. Manufacturer must have completed previous autonomous vehicle testing under controlled conditions. Manufacturer uses qualified test drivers who complete a training program and obey all provisions of the Vehicle Code. Manufacturer test drivers sit in the driver seat and are capable of immediately taking control of the vehicle. Manufacturer reports to DMV any accident involving a test vehicle or any situation where the autonomous technology disengages during operation. Manufacturer maintains $5 million insurance or surety bond. The insurance price for testing on public roads benefits the DMV greatly and also allows for the self-driving car manufacturers to get in real world experience among more conventional drivers. The real world tests will allow most likely accelerate developments in the technology of autonomous vehicles given that these cars would be around drivers of various driving styles as opposed to dealing with drivers in a sanitized, controlled setting and simulating situations.
4 kids killed in Pennsylvania crash weren't restrained, authorities say
EFFORT, Pa. – Four children killed in a multi-vehicle crash in northeastern Pennsylvania were not in booster seats or wearing seatbelts when the car in which they were traveling caused a high-speed, four-car crash, police said Sunday.The Saturday afternoon crash killed five, including the 23-year-old woman driving the car in which the children were riding, the Pennsylvania State Police said. Three other people went to hospitals.Police did not disclose the identities of the children or their relationship to the dead woman, Destini Watson, of Blakeslee. An adult passenger in Watson's car, Monisha Roberts, 21, survived after being ejected from the vehicle.Watson, Roberts and the drivers of the three other vehicles were wearing seatbelts, but the children were not restrained, police said.Police say the pileup happened after Watson tried to pass another vehicle at a high rate of speed on Route 115 in Monroe County, about 70 miles north of Philadelphia.Watson passed the car and began moving back into the southbound lane when she lost control of her vehicle and swerved into the northbound lanes. Her vehicle struck a second vehicle, flipped onto its side and struck a third vehicle. A fourth vehicle crashed into the third, police said.Roberts and the drivers of the second and third vehicles -- Harold Roberts, 77, and Wade Hunter, 53 -- were taken to hospitals. The driver of the fourth vehicle, Patrick Mikolaitis, 41, suffered minor injuries, police said.
When is the Right Time to Call a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Personal injuries are caused due to negligence or wrong doing of another person, company, government agency, or any other entity. A personal injury lawyer is the person who provides legal representation to people who have been injured physically or psychologically. Personal injuries generally fall under several categories: auto accidents, slip and fall, medical malpractice, nursing home failure of care, cruise accidents, and wrongful death. In most of these occasions, one doesn’t get their compensation directly from insurance companies. In such cases, you should hire a personal injury lawyer. Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer If you are facing one of the following situations, you should consider hiring a personal injury lawyer to protect your rights. - If you have sustained injuries that require surgery or long-term treatment. - If your injuries have resulted in permanent impairment. - If your injuries have caused you to miss work for more than few days. - If you have sustained head or brain injuries. - If due to your injuries, you are unable to carry out your daily activities like, dressing, feeding, walk, or other similar personal activities. - If your previous injury or medical condition has been aggravated due to this new injury. If you face any of the above mentioned situations, before the opposite party’s lawyer approaches you for a settlement, you should arrange for your own lawyer who can negotiate on your behalf. While you are on a lookout for the personal injury attorney, you should consider the following pointers. - Consultancy fees are usually waived off for the first meeting. - Experience in personal injury cases. - Do a thorough check on the lawyer. - Seek assistance for getting settlement with insurance companies. - Get an opinion about the case. The personal injury lawyer will evaluate the case and act on your behalf with the insurance company. The law firms work in accordance with the insurance firms, to get your settlement. The personal injury attorneys are well-trained to make sure insurance companies pay the appropriate settlement amount that you are entitled for.
Anthony Castelli - Accident and Injury Attorney
Have you suffered a personal injury, been hurt or disabled? Are you concerned about protecting your future, and worried where money will come from to get things back to normal? For over 30 years I've helped hundreds of injury victims. Call on my help today to seek full compensation. You don't pay a fee unless and until you get your money damages paid. "I can tell those who read this and watch your video that the message you shared is exactly how you treat your clients. The care and support you gave us was beyond anything we could have imagined. " - Karen Strong If you have been injured by the fault of another such as in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, if have lost a loved one, or if you have been hurt and are seeking Social Security benefits, then you have come to the right place. For over 30 years I have focused on protecting the rights of injury and accident victims and disabled people just like you. My focus will be on you. When times are tough, we all need someone to lean on. You can lean on me. I'll come running to your side. We will stand up for you. My mission is to: Answer your questions Solve your problems Get you the best results possible The biggest misconception that many people have is that the insurance company, whether it is yours or the other party’s, is on your side. They are not. In fact, they are out to pay you as little as possible. They are just waiting for you to make a costly mistake. Sure, there are some cases that may not need a personal injury lawyer such as a minor injury case. But many of you have come here because you have a serious injury or illness and you need your questions answered and help to get the compensation you deserve. Try our helpful tips or our video library for some helpful answers. Also click on the personal injury topic areas to the left to get more information about your particular case. Please know that you can call 1-513-621-2345 (toll free 1-800-447-6549) or email me and I will gladly answer your questions at no cost to you. You probably want to know if I can help you get all the compensation, damages and benefits that you deserve. I invite you to review my biography, My promises to you, my 100% Client Satisfaction Guarantee, and the video on why clients hire Anthony Castelli. This will help you understand who I am, my experience and what has motivated me for over 30 years to fight with all my heart for injury and accident victims. What you can do right now in time to protect yourself. 1. Contact me for a free, no obligation initial consultation. You can make an appointment to do this in my office or initially over the telephone or you can email me your problem for a free case evaluation. I really do welcome you to call me now at 1-800-447-6549 or locally at 513-621-2345. My practice extends throughout the Greater Cincinnati, and Ohio region including Mason, West Chester, Lebanon, Batavia, Fairfield and Hamilton Dayton and Columbus. The time is now to get help for your personal injuries from a experienced greater Cincinnati personal injuries lawyer.
13 Child Custody Questions You Should Know
Prepared and Presented by ; Charlotte Christian Attorney at Law Huntsville, AlabamaChild Custody Defined The legal relationship between parents and their child or children. Custody bestows the right of the parent to make decisions for the child, and the parent's duty to care for the child.Child Support Defined A periodic payment made by a parent for the financial benefit of a child following the end of a marriage or other relationship. Child support is paid for the benefit of the child and for the care and support of children of a relationship that has resulted in a divorce or other legal action. Question #1 What legal obligations do parents have to their children? Read MoreQuestion #2 How do courts decide child custody? Read MoreQuestion #3 What are the types of child custody? Read MoreQuestion #4 What are sole and joint custody? Read MoreQuestion #5 Do I need a Lawyer? Read MoreQuestion #6 What are the first steps towards establishing a child custody agreement? Read MoreQuestion #7 How can I modify the current child custody agreement? Read MoreQuestion #8 If I move out, will it affect how the court decides child custody? Read MoreQuestion #9 Do the child's preferences matter when determining child custody? Read MoreQuestion #10 Can I move out of state with my child? Read MoreQuestion #11 Can a stepparent gain custody of a stepchild? Read MoreQuestion #12 When do child custody and child support cease? Read MoreQuestion #13 How can I support my child through changes in child custody? Read MoreCall Charlotte (256) 859-7277
Car-pedestrian crashes have West Hollywood weighing safety vs. speed
Keith Cohn has seen so many pedestrians nearly run over trying to cross the streets of West Hollywood that he's starting to get gun-shy.He's had to jump out of the way to avoid getting hit while walking his dog and once had to pull an injured jogger out of the street after the man was hit by a driver who didn't notice him in the crosswalk. Cohn even gave up his ritual of sipping coffee outside the Starbucks at Santa Monica Boulevard and Westmount Drive because "all you hear is screeching of tires, people cussing each other out and people hitting cars that almost hit them."He finally took to videotaping drivers running stop signs near his home on Kings Road and handed over the footage to city and sheriff's officials to show how bad the problem had become."I've seen too many close deaths," Cohn said. "As a resident of West Hollywood, I am scared to walk my street."Now West Hollywood residents are urging city officials to make their crosswalks safer for pedestrians. Their efforts were heightened last month after a 62-year-old man was killed by a car while trying to cross Santa Monica Boulevard. Dozens of people later staged a demonstration in the nearby crosswalks, holding signs that read: "Unsafe."City officials are now considering several options for improving crosswalk safety, including removing some crosswalks and installing signals on those that remain.Since the beginning of 2011, there have been 84 vehicle and pedestrian collisions in West Hollywood crosswalks, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's West Hollywood Station.Of those, 47 were on Santa Monica Boulevard, which has presented a conundrum for city officials.The street's 2.8-mile stretch that runs through West Hollywood carries a heavy flow of traffic, typically more than 45,000 vehicles daily, according to city officials. That's forced the City Council to weigh options for both speeding up rush-hour traffic and slowing it down for pedestrians.Distracted driving seems to be at its worst when cars are moving slowly because that's when people start looking at their cellphones, resident Steve Martin said during a joint meeting of the city's public safety and transportation commissions this week."Nobody's paying attention, and during heavy traffic it's even worse because people are late, and they're bored and they're frustrated," Martin said.Martin, a former councilman, said officials need to carefully weigh whether adding signals to all of the crosswalks will actually make them safer or just create more congestion. Santa Monica Boulevard has numerous mid-block crosswalks between intersections — many of which have no lights or signals."When you create gridlock on Santa Monica, you may be calming traffic, but you're not calming drivers.... When drivers are frustrated, they act out," Martin said.Some residents said drivers trying to avoid the gridlocked stretch turn onto side streets, speeding and running stop signs as they go.Most collisions between vehicles and pedestrians in the city happen during the evening rush hour, according to the sheriff's department. That's also when the setting sun can blind westbound drivers.Sheriff's deputies will be increasing operations targeting drivers who fail to yield for pedestrians, and aiming to reduce distracted driving and jaywalking, said Lt. David Smith of the West Hollywood station.During one operation last week, deputies gave 81 citations for failure to yield for a pedestrian in a crosswalk, Smith said. In most collisions in recent years, the vehicle has been at fault, but both drivers and pedestrians have become increasingly distracted by cellphones, he said.Three pedestrians have been killed in West Hollywood crosswalks since 2011; the vehicle was determined to be at fault in all of those incidents, Smith said.The city is developing plans to add more signals to crosswalks on Santa Monica between San Vicente and La Cienega boulevards.Among options being considered is the elimination of some crosswalks and the installation of signals on those that remain. Another option includes keeping all the crosswalks and adding signals at each one — which could create more delays for drivers, officials said.The city's senior transportation planner, Bob Cheung, said several short-term measures also are being considered, including reducing travel lanes on Santa Monica Boulevard during weekend evenings and adding crossing guards at key intersections.Source: http://www.latimes.com/local/westside/la-me-weho-pedestrians-20140920-story.html