Legal News Blog

What You Need To Know If You’ve Been Involved In A Motorcycle Accident In San Diego, California

Drivers and motorcycle riders need to realize what’s going on the streets in California. Trends in motorcycle accident rates and the laws mirror the dangers of driving on the road. A San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer needs you to learn about these concepts.

Lane Splitting:

Lane splitting or riding down the partitioning line between cars or alongside them is allowed in California. A 2015 push to ban the practice fizzled. California is the main state in the nation that as of now permits this regular practice. The practice may well be lawful considering that that sitting in traffic is risky. That was the argument for legalizing lane splitting. Be that as it may, lane splitting on a bustling street opens you to the danger of being hit by a thoughtless driver who chooses to move to another lane without looking.

The Hazards of Being a Rider:

A few variables make it dangerous to be a motorcycle rider. Drivers frequently switch to another lane without signaling or without looking. Distracted driving keeps on being a consistent issue as well. Watchful drivers can, in any case, cause devastating accidents without intending to do as such.

Reduced permeability is dependably a greater danger for motorcycle riders than it is for drivers in cars and trucks. Massive vehicles can hinder a motorcycle from the perspective of other drivers, where a little car or SUV would even now be self-evident. This reality without a doubt prompts to numerous accidents. Obviously, a wet and rainy street is more dangerous for a bike rider than for a driver.

Regardless of those issues, there is no justification for irrational or scatterbrained drivers to bring about accidents. Crashes amongst cars and bikes quite often turn out much more regrettable for the rider than for the driver, so drivers should give extra careful consideration. Riders too need to dependably know about how powerless they are and how they can be harder to see than a car. Motorcycle accidents statistics demonstrate those lessons are not being paid attention to as broadly as they could be.

Motorcycle Accidents Trending in the Wrong Direction:

Motorcycle accidents are rising fast in California, as are fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that there were 519 lethal bike accidents in 2014, denoting an enduring increment from the 2010 low of 352. There have been a large number of nonfatal accidents in a similar time span. Those accidents are because of rider oversights and various conditions past the rider’s immediate control.

Hire an Attorney

In the event that you were harmed in a motorcycle accident because of another person’s carelessness, you cannot wait; California’s statute of limitations states that you have up to two years to file a claim since the date of the accident. This window is greatly reduced if you are pursuing legal action against the state or any other government entity, to a mere 6 months. Contact a professional motorcycle accident attorney from Yasmine Djawadian Law to schedule your free legal consultation today.

How an Personal Injury Attorney Can Help Those Injured in a Car Accident

Like almost everywhere else in the Los Angeles area, Downey is a place where most people drive to where they want to go. The traffic in Downey is notorious, and the wrecks tend to be severe. Whether you’re cruising down Interstate Five or you’re driving on a residential street, there is always the possibility that you’ll be involved in an accident. If you happen to be hurt in an accident in Downey, you have quite a few options at your disposal. Here’s how a real Downey car accident attorney can help you manage the process and come out better on the other side.

Detailed walk-through of the process

A good Downey car accident attorney will be sure to walk you through the complicated process of filing an injury lawsuit. The problem with car accidents is that you won’t have the time to handle these issues. You’ll have medical conditions to deal with, and you may have to make other arrangements at your job or small business. You’ll scarcely have time to think about what a lawsuit will entail. This is where good attorneys come into the equation. They are there to make sure everything is as easy as possible for you, telling you what to do when to show up, and what you need to say.

The pre-trial litigation process

Any experienced Downey car accident attorney will tell you that trials are won in the preparation stage. Gathering evidence, conducting depositions and handling other logistics is critical if you want to win when a trial finally rolls around. The best lawyer for you is one who knows how to work this process. You’ll need to find information about who was to blame for the accident, identify all the different parties and even come up with expert witnesses that might testify on your behalf. A good lawyer will ensure that this process goes off without a hitch.

Earning The Settlement, You Deserve

Every client has different needs when it comes to money. Some can wait for the trial to play itself out to get the biggest possible payout. Some need money more quickly. A good lawyer will help you get what you deserve without putting you in a compromising position. Even if you need a settlement to pay the bills that might be mounting, a top lawyer will work to ensure that you’re not giving up too much in exchange for that early money. If you find yourself in this position, contacting a Downey car accident attorney is the right play.

I Was Injured in a Vancouver Car Accident, What Should I Do?

Have you recently been involved in a car accident in Vancouver? If so, you might have found yourself dealing with car accident-related injuries as well as other expenses, such as major damage to your vehicle and time missed from your job. It can be difficult to know what to do in these situations, but hiring a Vancouver personal injury attorney can help.

What is a Personal Injury?

Before you can determine if a personal injury attorney can help you, you must first understand what a personal injury is. The basic definition of a personal injury is an injury that has happened to a person rather than to some property. If you were injured in an accident in Vancouver and the accident was not your fault, there is a good chance that you have a case.

With these cases, attorneys work hard to help their clients get the compensation that they deserve. Unfortunately, even though car insurance companies should pay for medical bills and other expenses related to these accidents, they often try to get out of doing so whenever they can. Plus, you have more to worry about more than just the cost of your medical bills. Depending on the injuries that you have sustained, you may have ongoing medical expenses that reach far beyond the initial hospital and doctor’s visits. You might have to have surgery later on down the line, or you may have to take medication for the rest of your life, along with dealing with the pain from your injuries.

Additionally, your accident may have made it impossible for you to work. In the short-term, this can be financially devastating. In the long-term, it can leave you wondering what to do. You and your family should not have to suffer from these expenses, particularly if the accident was not your fault.

What Can I Do If I Was Injured in a Car Accident?

Along with ensuring that you seek medical attention as soon as possible after your accident, which is important both to ensure that you get the help that you need as soon as you can and to start a paper trail, you should also consider meeting with a personal injury attorney.

An experienced Vancouver personal injury attorney can talk to you about your case, can handle the insurance companies and can take the necessary steps to help ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve after an accident.

Tukwila Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison For Fatal DUI Accident

25-year-old Christopher Wittman pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide while intoxicated, vehicular assault while intoxicated, and reckless endangerment in King County Superior Court. Wittman was sentenced to 11 year’s in prison after he was driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana when he started a chain-reaction accident that killed a 54-year-old woman.

According to Washington Highway Patrol, couple Barbara Eakins and her husband, Clay Eakins, were traveling southbound on Highway 509 to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport around 5:00 a.m. Wittman was driving on a side road above to freeway when he suddenly lost control of his Chevrolet Malibu and rolled down a bank onto the highway where it collided with the Eakins Mazda.

Both Barbara and Clay sustained critical injuries in the crash. Unfortunately, Barbara ‘s injuries were far too severe, and she later passed away. Wittman tried to flee on foot away from the accident but was soon caught and arrested by sheriff’s deputies. WHP Officers could smell a strong scent odor of marijuana and alcohol inside of the Chevrolet Malibu. Wittman also admitted that he was on his cellphone when the accident occurred.

If important to know if you have been arrested for DUI in Seattle to contact a dui or criminal defense attorney right away. The attorneys at Dellino Law Group in Seattle have represented clients in the Puget Sound area for DUI and other criminal offenses, You don’t have to fight your DUI alone, contact our Seattle criminal defense attorneys today.

Fatal Pomona Crash Involving Multiple Vehicles & A Big Rig

California Highway Patrol closed off the eastbound lanes on the 10 Freeway after a deadly pile-up took place Monday evening in Pomona.  The crash occurred around 8:00 p.m. involving four vehicles, a big rig, and a separate accident involving the four vehicles at the same time.  It’s still unclear on what actually caused the accident in the first place.

Authorities opened the left shoulder and carpool lane to allow traffic to pass through.  All lanes of the 10 Freeway were reopened around 7:00 a.m. the next day.

Los Angeles County Fire Department reported that one person was confirmed dead and four others were in critical condition.  The four victims were transported by two helicopter to local hospitals.  Five others sustained minor to moderate injuries from the accident.

One of the vehicles was trapped underneath the semi-truck when it suddenly violently exploded and caught the truck on fire, which had spilled over 100 gallons of diesel on the freeway and was full of furniture.  Authorities are still investigating the crash in hope to figure out what the cause was.

Tragic accidents occur in the Los Angeles County area more often than we think.  Car accidents can cause financial and emotional stress to the individuals as well as their families.  If you have been involved in a car accident its vital that you contact local authorities and a car accident lawyer in Pomona right away.

 

Protecting the Miranda Rights of Criminal Suspects

The Miranda warning is an important part of the American criminal justice process. Law enforcement personnel in Washington state and elsewhere in this country are required to provide this advice to anyone they arrest on suspicion of a criminal offense, including driving while under the influence (DUI). Those who are not provided with this information could seriously challenge their arrest and any subsequent legal action. However, they will need the assistance of a Seattle criminal defense lawyer to assure that this right is protected.

Established in 1966, the Miranda rule is considered an extension of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which protects individuals against self-incrimination. Viewers of American films and television programs depicting crimes should recognize the statement, which informs suspects that they do not have to speak with police and further warns them that any statements they make can be used as evidence against them. Suspects are also notified that they have the right to consult with an attorney and to free legal assistance if needed. Although a Miranda warning must clarify every one of these rights and protections, courts have given some leeway as to the exact phrasing that can used by law enforcement personnel.

In cases where the police fail to follow the Miranda rule, statements made by suspects, even confessions, will not be allowed in court if the case goes to trial. Egregious violations by police will occasionally result in a complete dismissal of the charges. However, law enforcement errors concerning this issue typically affect only the evidence obtained from the suspect. The accused individual can still be charged and subject to criminal proceedings. Defense attorneys advise those charged with crimes to refrain from making statements to police and to immediately report any attempt to circumvent the Miranda rule.

Miranda is commonly applied when a person is in actual police custody. It may not come into use when interviewing witnesses at the scene of a traffic accident unless the police believe that someone has committed a DUI offense in Seattle. Additionally, the warning is not used when someone voluntarily provides information, even at a police station, provided there is an understanding that the person is not under arrest. These and other issues related to Miranda have been subject to several court decisions in the five decades since the original ruling, and not every issue has been legally resolved. This is why it is important that those charged with DUI or other offenses seek the services of a criminal defense attorney in Seattle, which will help guarantee that their Miranda rights are accurately observed.

Why Hiring An Attorney Can Help You Avoid Abusive Driver Fees

There is a cost to being a reckless driver, no matter who you are and where you live. Issues involving driving infractions and even criminal issues such as DUI or driving with a suspended license can put the lives of others in danger, so if you happen to get pulled over for speeding, changing lanes improperly, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it isn’t the minor matter many believe it to be. In the state of Virginia, it is also far more expensive to pay your debt to society and avoid more drastic measures like jail time or the loss of your driving privileges.

In Virginia, driving offenses are punishable by an additional penalty handed out on behalf of the state for your misdeeds. Called “abusive driving fees,” these can range from hundreds of dollars to thousands and are paid on top of the standard punishment associated with your offense. Since being introduced in 2007, there has been a great deal of controversies over these abusive driving fees. Some believe that they are simply another way to raise revenue for the state, while others believe they are a deterrent to poor driving decisions made by otherwise upstanding citizens.

The existence of these abusive driving fees also means that police are more motivated to keep an eye out for driving infractions and less likely to let simply a speeding or erratic driver pass by. Prosecutors and judges are also more motivated to see quick convictions and order payment of the abusive driver fee before you’re even able to defend yourself properly.

For that reason, it’s important never to go into any courtroom without proper representation from an attorney experienced in handling driving infractions, whether civil or criminal. It is just too simple for all involved to brush the case aside, pay the fines, and move on. Sometimes, defendants don’t even bother to contest the accusation, finding it easier to pay a fine and accept a few points on their licenses. However, with the implementation of the abusive driver fee, a conviction is no longer going to cost you merely pocket change. You want your voice to be heard, and in order to have that happen, the best choice is to have a knowledgeable and experienced traffic attorney in Richmond fight on your behalf.

While abusive driver fees are still being debated and contested, in the state of Virginia, they are currently the law. Hiring an attorney to represent your interests immediately can save you thousands, and help keep your driving record spotless.

New State Bill Could Make 4th DUI Offense a Felony In Washington

Lawmakers in Washington State are going over the idea to make a fourth DUI offense within ten years a felony.  Current Washington State law states that a felony DUI charge only applies if a driver has already been convicted of DUI four times prior to a ten-year period.  Sen. Mike Padden is the author of the new bill; he reported that the bill would raise the new Washington DUI law with the highest threshold among the 45 states.

Senator Padden attempted to pass the bill a year before but fail because of fears over the costs of imprisoning more drunk drivers convicted of felony DUI‘s.  But Sen. Padden is receiving support from a handful of Senate Democrats and Republican colleagues as well.

Several victims of car accidents caused by repeat DUI offenders are said to be speaking at the public Senate hearing.  The Senate Bill 5105 will be presented to the Senate Law and Justice Committee, which Sen. Padden happens to be the chairman.  Washington lawmakers have contemplated lowering the threshold for felony DUI from the fifth to fourth offense for three years.  Governor Jay Inslee recommended that a workgroup be created to toughen DUI  laws after a series of fatal accidents caused by drunk drivers.

Padden believes that if they can conquer the cost issue, the bill with be passed and become a Washington State law that will help prevent deadly accident cause by repeated DUI offenders.  DUI accidents not only cause turmoil for the families and individuals involved, but taxpayers and workers.  If a drunk driver damages a bridge or government property, taxpayer money is used to pay a contractor to repair damages when that money could be used elsewhere.  If you have been involved in a DUI accident in Seattle, contact Dellino Law Group right away to ensure that your right are protected.

Fatal Crash Leaves Two San Jose Teens Dead

San Jose Police responded to 911 call reporting a accident that had occurred late Saturday night.  Officers arrived on the scene to a destroyed 1999 Ford Contour that had crashed into a tree.  The accident took place on Chynoweth Avenue and Derek Drive around 11:00 p.m. stated San Jose spokesman Jason Dwyer.  According to the San Jose Police Department, the Ford was heading westbound when the driver lost control and collided into a tree in the center divide of Chynoweth Avenue.

The Ford was occupied by five males when the accident occurred Saturday night.  Three of the five are expected to survive and suffered minor injuries.  San Jose Police stated that the 19-year-old driver was killed on impact and pronounced dead at the scene.  The 16-year-old passenger was in serious condition and taken to a local medical center where he passed away a few hours later.

No other vehicles were involved in the accident, but authorities haven’t determined if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the accident.  It’s unfortunate that two teenagers lost their lives in this horrible accident.  Our law firm knows how car accidents in San Jose not only affect the people involved, but their families and friends suffer the consequences as well.  If you or someone you know have been injured in a car accident contact our professional personal injury attorneys in San Jose.

Our personal injury law firm also represents clients in the following areas:

3 Vehicle Accident Near Lake Mathews

On November 10, 2014 there was an accident involving 3 vehicles near Lake Mathews, CA.  The collision occurred around 4:24 p.m. near the intersection of Cajalco Road and La Sierra Avenue.  Riverside County firefighters responded to the scene and had to rescue victims from their vehicles.  Details were not immediately available as reported on the Riverside County Fire Department web site.

Unfortunately, car accidents in Riverside county occur frequently.  Browsing the RCFD web site you can see a list of motor vehicle accidents they have responded to.  Many times the accidents they respond to are noted as “fatal” accidents.  No one plans on being in a serious accident, but when they do occur, its important to ensure your legal rights are protected and you are fairly compensated for any injuries or damages you may suffer.

Contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible if you or someone you know has been injured in an accident.  Visit www.attorneyriversideca.org for more information about legal representation after a Riverside county accident.