It happens more than you’d think in Los Angeles. You’re stopped at a red light on Sepulveda, someone rear-ends you, and the other driver gets out, apologizes, hands over a name and number, and then admits they don’t have insurance. Most people’s first thought is that they’re out of luck. Usually, they’re not. At Tenina […]
Lane splitting, which California riders rely on every day in rush-hour traffic, is legal, and that single fact changes a lot of motorcycle injury claims. California is the first state to define the practice in law, through Vehicle Code section 21658.1, added by AB 51 in 2017. Riding between lanes of stopped or slow traffic […]
You should not automatically accept an insurance company’s settlement offer simply because money is available now. Before agreeing to a settlement, you need to understand what the offer covers, whether your medical condition and financial losses are fully known, and what rights you may give up by signing a release. An early offer can sometimes […]
If your medical bills are more than your settlement, the difference does not necessarily mean you must immediately pay every remaining dollar out of pocket. What happens next depends on who paid for your medical care, whether any provider or insurer has a reimbursement right, the terms of your settlement, and whether outstanding balances can […]
A day on the water can change quickly when a boat operator becomes distracted, travels too fast, misjudges another vessel, or fails to notice a swimmer nearby. In California, many boating accidents involve preventable human errors, although weather, hazardous water conditions, mechanical problems, and other factors can also play a role. The consequences can be […]
Federal law can significantly affect a California truck accident claim because commercial drivers and motor carriers must follow safety regulations that do not apply to ordinary motorists. These rules cover driving hours, electronic logs, driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, drug and alcohol testing, and financial responsibility. A federal violation can provide important evidence of […]
A strong personal injury lawsuit is built on more than proof that an accident happened. You need evidence that helps connect another party’s conduct to your injuries, medical records that show what happened to you, and documentation that explains how the injury has affected your finances and everyday life. Timing matters, too. Evidence can disappear, […]
Personal injury settlements in California are generally based on the losses caused by the injury, the strength of the evidence connecting those losses to the defendant’s conduct, and the amount of fault assigned to each party. Economic losses such as medical expenses and lost income may be combined with noneconomic losses such as physical pain […]
A divorce decree can determine which spouse is responsible for paying a debt, but it generally does not change the creditor’s rights. If both former spouses remain legally responsible for a joint credit card, loan, or mortgage, the creditor may still pursue either one even if the divorce judgment says only one spouse must make […]
When you file a car accident claim in California, the insurance company may not simply accept responsibility. It may argue that you caused part of the crash, that your injuries existed before the accident, or that the collision did not cause the losses you are claiming. Knowing these defenses can help you understand what the […]