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California Guardrail Accidents
Colliding with a guardrail is a surprisingly common occurrence on California highways. When a driver loses control and either sideswipes a guardrail or fishtails into one, the car may slide along the guardrail as it slows to a stop. That isn’t good for the car but it’s better for the car’s occupants than a head-on…
Should I See a Chiropractor After a Car Accident?
Some California accident victims believe they benefit from more attention and better pain relief by visiting a chiropractor instead of a physician. Others dismiss chiropractors as charlatans who are unqualified to treat serious medical conditions. Victims who are injured in car accidents sometimes wonder whether they should be treated by a chiropractor. The answer depends…
Jury Awards Over $45.1 Million to Daughter of Murdered Los Gatos Businessman
Verdict included $25 million in punitive damages San Jose, Calif.- December 19, 2016 On December 15, 2016, after nearly seven years of litigation, the jury deciding a civil case filed by the surviving daughter of murdered restauranteur, Mark Achilli, awarded her over $45.1 million in damages. The award included over $20 million in compensatory damages…
What Can I Do If an Uninsured Driver Collides with Me?
California requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. Bodily injury coverage provides a source of compensation to accident victims if the driver causes a collision that injures another driver. Unfortunately, not all drivers obey the law. In California, one out of every eight drivers has no insurance. Even when drivers do purchase insurance, they often…
Motorcycle Helmets Reduce Traumatic Brain Injuries
As California personal injury attorneys, we know that head injuries are among the most tragic outcomes of motorcycle accidents. Half of all deaths in motorcycle accidents are caused by head injuries. When riders survive the crash, impacts to the head often produce traumatic brain injuries, leaving accident victims with permanent disabilities. Motorcycle riders are particularly…
Northern California Motorcycle Crash Injuries
The recent death of a San Jose motorcycle officer calls attention to the risks taken by California motorcyclists every day. The officer was on duty, but the fatal crash was unrelated to his law enforcement work. It was the kind of accident that could happen to any motorcycle rider. According to news reports, Officer Michael…
Can Accident Bystanders Recover Damages for Emotional Distress?
Another person’s negligent act, such as running a red light, can cause both physical harm and emotional distress to an accident victim. California law defines emotional distress as including suffering, anguish, fright, horror, nervousness, grief, anxiety, worry, shock, humiliation, and shame. Compensation for emotional distress is nearly always available when a victim suffers physical harm…
Traffic Deaths Increased in 2015
The most recent crash statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveal a disturbing trend. About 35,200 people died in traffic accidents during 2015. That’s a 7.7% increase in traffic fatalities as compared to 2014, and the deadliest year on American roads since 2008. Part of the increase is attributable to population…
Traffic Death Trends in San Jose: A Public Health Crisis
The Mercury News proclaimed San Jose traffic deaths to be the “worst public-safety trend” of 2015. The year ended with 59 traffic accident fatalities, an increase of 35% from 2014. The 2015 statistics represent San Jose’s highest traffic fatality rate in twenty years. Five of the deaths were caused by hit-and-run drivers. Traffic fatality victims…
Laser Surgery Malpractice — Skin Injuries
Laser surgery can be a useful tool in the hands of a skilled operator. In some cases, however, patients have experienced severe and permanent harm as the result of negligent doctors as well as operators who are not licensed as physicians. Laser surgery is often used to remove hair, rejuvenate skin, and treat vascular lesions.…
