In this article, you will discover: How fault is determined in a Los Angeles pedestrian injury. Whether a pedestrian can be partially at fault and still recover compensation. How damages are calculated in a Los Angeles pedestrian injury claim. How Is Fault Is Determined Under Los Angeles Pedestrian Injury Laws? The notion that a pedestrian always has the right of way isn't entirely correct. However, as a pedestrian, you do have more leeway with the rules of the road than you would if you were in a car. As a pedestrian, you're not allowed to jaywalk. Still, if you're jaywalking and a vehicle hits you, that doesn't necessarily mean you're at fault. There are several avenues for pedestrians to obtain compensation for their injuries, even if they violate the laws governing pedestrian crossings. Even if you break the law by jaywalking, the other driver might…Read More
In this article, you can discover… Whether you need uninsured motorist coverage in California. Whether passengers are covered by a driver’s uninsured motorist coverage. How to seek compensation when hit by an uninsured motorist, and how an attorney can help. What Are California's Legal Requirements For Uninsured Motorist Coverage? Insurance companies are required to offer you uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage up to the limits of your liability coverage. However, as with any contract, you can make changes and either reduce the uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage below your liability limits or remove that coverage entirely. In California, if you elect to remove uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage from your policy, it must be accompanied by a waiver agreement you sign separately from your policy. This requirement exists because uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is a crucial component of your overall coverage. If you remove that coverage, you may not be…Read More
How Does Failing To Report A Car Incident To The Police Impact My Personal Injury Claim In California? In California, especially after the pandemic, it’s become increasingly common for local police departments to not respond to traffic incidents on surface streets even when those involved suffer injuries. However, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is different. If you’re involved in a crash on a highway, always contact CHP. They will typically respond and create a thorough report. Even if you’re on a surface street, it’s still a good idea to call the police. Even if they don’t write a report, having them present can help with the exchange of information names, insurance details, witness info which will be critical for your case later. If there’s no police report, that’s not the end of your claim, but it may make things more challenging. How Can Social Media…Read More
What Sets Me Apart From Other Attorneys What sets me apart from other attorneys is my personal involvement in every case I take on. Running a smaller practice allows me to handle all aspects of a case from the initial representation letters and property damage to maximizing their recovery by convincing the judge or jury in court. While my staff supports me, every action taken is under my direct guidance. More than this, as a lifelong motorcycle rider who has experienced a motorcycle crash firsthand, I bring a unique perspective and sense of empathy. This understanding from my own personal experience helps me connect with my clients on a deeper level than I otherwise could and many other attorneys can and navigate the process with their needs at the forefront. I make it a priority to provide my clients with direct access to me from…Read More
What Is A Lowball Settlement Offer In A California Personal Injury Case? A lowball offer is a settlement offer from an insurance company that doesn’t come anywhere close to covering the full extent of your damages. It’s a tactic insurance companies use to resolve cases quickly and cheaply before the injured person fully understands the value of their claim. These offers might leave out key compensation for medical bills, deny certain injuries, or ignore pain and suffering altogether. The best way to know whether an offer is fair or far too low is to consult with a personal injury attorney who has experience valuing claims and negotiating with insurers. Why Do Insurance Adjusters Ask For Recorded Statements After Los Angeles Car Wrecks? Should I Provide One? Insurance adjusters commonly ask for recorded statements sometimes even demand them after a crash. This applies to both your…Read More
One of the major benefits of hiring an attorney is that they take over all communications and negotiations with insurance adjusters and other parties involved. Once you have legal representation, insurance companies are prohibited from contacting you directly, sparing you the stress of dealing with their tactics. Attorneys bring professionalism and consistency to negotiations, which is critical for achieving the best possible settlement. Additionally, most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you do. This not only aligns their interests with yours but also ensures they are fully invested in securing the maximum compensation for your case. So, now that we’ve got the fact that you should partner with an attorney out of the way, let’s discuss the mechanics of choosing the best one and what to expect as you hire them. Contacting An Attorney After An…Read More
Do Passengers Have The Same Legal Rights As Drivers In California Car Wreck Injury Claims? Yes. In many cases, passengers may actually have stronger claims than drivers. That’s because passengers are almost always fault-free in car wrecks. California is a comparative negligence state, meaning a driver’s compensation can be reduced based on their share of fault. But as a passenger, you’re not responsible for the crash, so you’re entitled to pursue 100% of your damages from the at-fault party (or parties). Can I File A Personal Injury Claim Against The Driver If I Was A Passenger In A Los Angeles Car Crash? Absolutely, and in some situations, you must. The only person you can pursue a claim against is the one responsible for your injuries. If that happens to be the driver of the car you were riding in, they may be your only option.…Read More
Calculating Lost Wages Lost wages after a rideshare incident are calculated by looking at both your past earnings and your future earning potential if the incident impacts your ability to work long-term. The first step to determining lost past earnings is to establish what you were making before the incident. This is typically done using documentation like pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s, or 1099s. You then calculate your average daily earnings and multiply that figure by the number of days you were unable to work due to your injuries. For cases where the incident affects your future earning capacity, experts such as vocational specialists or economists may be sought to weigh in. They’ll analyze your work history, skill set, and industry trends to project what your earnings would have been without the injury. They also consider your ability to work in the future as part…Read More
Navigating a claim after an Uber or Lyft crash can be complex, especially when dealing with third-party insurers and corporate policies. Understanding the critical steps and having legal guidance ensures you’re equipped to protect your rights, overcome common challenges, and secure the compensation you not only deserve but are entitled to by law. We’ll tackle all this in this chapter. Critical Information When Filing A Claim Filing a claim with a ridesharing company like Uber or Lyft requires specific steps and information since they use third-party insurers to handle claims. Here are some key things you’ll need if you do: Ride Details: Provide the date, time, and location of the ride, along with any trip identification information. Incident Details: Describe what happened during the incident, including any injuries or damages sustained. Driver And Passenger Information: Include the names and contact details of all parties involved…Read More
Ridesharing Behemoths And Insurance Coverage Popular ridesharing platforms Uber and Lyft are both required to carry liability insurance for incidents involving their driver-partners during rideshare activities. Once a driver turns on the app and begins working, the rideshare company’s insurance policy is activated. The specific coverage and limits depend on the driver’s activity at the time of the incident, such as whether they are waiting for a ride request, enroute to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a passenger. Passengers are indeed covered by the rideshare company’s insurance when using these companies’ services. Once a passenger enters the vehicle, it falls under period three of the rideshare coverage. This period provides the most comprehensive insurance policy available from Uber or Lyft, ensuring that passengers have substantial protection throughout their ride. Paying For Medical Bills After A Rideshare Incident Determining who pays for your medical…Read More
