Friday, April 27, 2012

How CCTV Cameras Can Make Roadways Safer

CCTV Camera, surveillance Camera on the Road
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The roadways in the United States are like movie sets of action-packed films because of car chases and accidents happening almost everywhere, except that they are real – no cuts and second takes.

Due to the prevalence of horrible roadway tragedies in the country, one device is being used by traffic management agencies, not to film reality shows, but to help in promoting roadway safety—the (almost) inconspicuous closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera.

CCTV cameras have the capability of recording real-time scenarios on roadways, which can be very helpful in maintaining traffic safety. Aside from this general advantage, there are also specific benefits CCTV cameras can bring to the table, and these include:

Assist motorists – Drivers and commuters who want to avoid heavy traffic jams can resort to viewing CCTV camera footages. Live footages of CCTV cameras can help motorists find routes without heavy traffic situation that they can use. This saves their time and money on petroleum.

Contribute traffic safety data – Car accidents that are caught on tape can provide traffic management agencies the valuable data they need to improve implementation and creation of traffic safety guidelines and laws. Footages from CCTV cameras can likewise help traffic agencies determine factors that contribute to roadway accidents.

Discipline drivers – When drivers see CCTV cameras on roadways, there is a great possibility that they will not break traffic laws. Motorists become cautious and conscious of their driving habits whenever they see surveillance cameras installed on roadways.

Aid in enforcing law – CCTV cameras can identify drivers and cars that are involved in traffic law violations, criminal activities, and road accidents. Surveillance camera footages can help authorities track down drivers who violate laws. Additionally, these footages can also serve as evidence in solving particular cases.

In the State of California, Los Angeles lawyers remind motorists to mind their driving habits and road etiquettes with or without the presence of CCTV cameras. Drivers must remember that it is their obligation to drive responsibly to avoid getting involved in vehicular accidents and personal injury lawsuits.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Points You Need to Know if You Are a Bicyclist

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Bicycles, like any other means of transportation, are susceptible to road accidents. In California, thousands of bicyclists get injured or killed each year due to bicycle-related accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Authority, in 2009 alone, 99 California bicyclists were killed due to traffic accidents.

Even if a person survived a bicycle accident in California, he or she is still not free from physical injuries. Commonly, bicycle accident victims sustain various bodily injuries like traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), multiple fractured bones, severe bruises and lacerations, and road rash.

There are various reasons why bicycle accidents happen in California. According to road safety researches, the following are the most common causes of bicycle accidents in the State:

•    Road debris and hazards
•    Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs
•    Motor vehicle driver’s failure to notice the bicyclist
•    Bicyclist’s failure to use designated bicycle lanes

California bicycle riders are advised to follow these safety measures to avoid fatal bicycle accidents:

Use designated bicycle lanes – Bicyclists must utilize bicycle lanes as much as possible because motor vehicle drivers can easily notice them if they are using such lanes.

Do not ride on sidewalks – Cycling on sidewalks can put the rider’s life in much danger because drivers who are pulling their vehicles out from a parking lot or driveway cannot immediately notice them.

Do not drink and ride – Bicyclists should never ride intoxicated because alcohol can impair their senses and make them vulnerable to road accidents.

Wear a helmet – In California, bicycle riders under the age of 18 are required to wear their helmet when riding. Older bicyclists must also wear helmet for their safety even though they are not required to do so.

Wear bright-colored outfit – Wearing bright-colored clothing can make bicyclists noticeable while on road, greatly eliminating the chances of getting hit by a motorist.

If you are a California bicyclist and you get hit by a car, you are advised to accomplish these procedures:

•    Promptly seek medical attention
•    Report the incident to the police
•    Take photos of the accident scene, as well as your injuries
•    Get the driver’s personal and contact information
•    Contact a personal injury attorney

California bicycle accident victims are advised by Los Angeles attorneys to file a personal injury lawsuit against liable individual or group of people involved. Successfully filing an injury claim can warrant victims to receive different types of compensatory damages like pain and suffering damages, loss of income damages, and medical treatment damages.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Qualities of a Good Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney


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Los Angeles is not only a hotspot for traffic jams but also for traffic accidents.

In 2006, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recorded 799 road accident fatalities in Los Angeles area. The city, dubbed as the “City of Angels”, is being invaded by “traffic angels of death” due to the frequency of fatal road accidents in the area.

The growing problem of traffic accidents in Los Angeles prompts motorists and pedestrians to know beforehand their legal options with respect to California personal injury laws. These days, it is a must for any driver or pedestrian to know a Los Angeles attorney who can support him or her in case he or she got involved in a road accident.

Personal injury claimants must only trust attorneys with proven track record in pursuing such cases since expertise is key in winning cases or securing favorable settlements. Accident victims should only entrust their cases to Los Angeles lawyers who are experienced, reputable, and known to be great negotiators.

Experience stands out – Car accident victims should only hire a lawyer with years of experience in handling personal injury claims. Although there is nothing wrong about hiring a newcomer attorney, hiring an experienced or seasoned personal injury lawyer is still considered the best option.

Reputation is a must – Personal injury lawyers with untarnished reputation should be the go-to attorneys of Los Angeles car accident victims. Personal injury claimants should only entrust their claims to lawyers with proven track record in winning car accident cases. Hiring an attorney who has not won any car accident claims is almost synonymous to losing the case before it even started.

Great negotiators are great litigators – Claiming for personal injury payments is like playing mind games with insurance companies – it requires wit, persistence, and logical thinking. It is not uncommon for insurance firms to lowball injury claimants, which is why having a personal injury with exceptional negotiation skills is a must. A car accident lawyer who is skilled in dealing with insurers can aid the claimant in receiving sufficient amount of injury payments.

Car accident victims are advised to only hire personal injury lawyers with the abovementioned traits to ensure that they will get fair compensatory damages. Injury claimants can find a Los Angeles attorney through various ways like:

Online search – Using the Internet to look for personal injury lawyers who can help you out in your case.

Referrals from co-leagues – Asking your friends, co-workers, or family members if they know a car accident lawyer whom they can refer.

Referrals from lawyer directories – Car accident claimants may look for a lawyer using California lawyers’ directories.

Los Angeles car accident victims must know beforehand the traits of a reliable personal injury lawyer to avoid having their cases compromised and to ensure their receipt of just compensations.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Women vs. Men: Who are Better Drivers?

Female Vs Male Driver

American women drivers are often stereotyped as bad drivers. However, before men drivers celebrate and women motorists complain, they must review first statistics.

According to available data, men drivers are more likely to get killed in road accidents compared to women drivers – a point many sexist drivers tend to overlook. In 2009, more than 11,900 male drivers were killed in road accidents as opposed to only 4,900 deaths of women drivers.

The following are some more facts and figures that scrap the stereotype on women drivers:
  • About 89 percent of women drivers maintain their vehicles and keep them well organized to keep their focus on the road when driving
  • Male drivers are 77 percent more likely to get killed in car accidents than women drivers
  • Male motorists are more likely to violate traffic laws on reckless driving, impaired driving, speeding, seat belt, and stop signs, than women drivers
  • Auto insurance companies tend to favor women drivers than male drivers because the former are less likely to be involved in accidents

Even though the odds are on the side of women motorists, it does not mean that they can take it easy while on the road. Female drivers must not take chances on their safety by practicing irresponsible and negligent driving. They must remember that accidents can happen to anyone. In relation to this, the following are suggested tips for California female motorists in preventing auto accidents:

Drive defensively – Practice safe driving through defensive driving. Women drivers must keep their focus on the road to avoid getting hit by another car or crashing into another vehicle or property.

Do not drive drunk – Drunk driving can result in road accidents and life-altering or fatal injuries. Hence, female motorists must refrain from getting behind the wheel if they are intoxicated.

Obey all rules – Traffic laws are implemented for one reason – safety. Therefore, female motorists who do not want to get traffic tickets or get injured should abide by all traffic laws at all times.

California women drivers who get injured in a Los Angeles traffic accident caused by another motorist should immediately contact a lawyer. Under the law, car accident victims can claim for injury compensations from the liable party involved. Female car accident victims are advised to hire a Los Angeles injury attorney who can help them assert for injury payments.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Three Car Safety Devices Your Car Should Have

Your car should not be like a hearse delivering a future dead body; instead it should be a haven for safe and efficient driving.

Car owners who do not want to prematurely see their end should practice responsible driving. Furthermore, installing some safety devices that will complement defensive driving can produce great results.

In the United States, millions of car accidents occur every year, killing thousands of Americans. Fortunately, there are ways on how drivers can cheat death by effectively using certain car safety devices. According to Discovery Communications, the following are some of the must-have car safety devices:



Blind-spot detection – It is no news that blind spots cause major and fatal road accidents in the US. Hence, drivers who want to prevent blind spot-related accidents are advised to install detection device on their vehicles. Blind-spot detection device is equipped with cameras and radar sensors that can help drivers monitor their blind spots. If the device detects that there is a vehicle on your blind spot, a warning light will illuminate, calling the driver’s attention.


Antilock brakes – Skidding and sliding are two of the most common causes of car accidents during snowy or stormy weather. Typically, skids and slides occur when the vehicle’s brake system failed to do its job. Fortunately, there are antilock brakes that can continue the onboard brake system’s work if it fails. Antilock brakes control the traction of the vehicle for the driver’s convenience in maintaining his or her car’s movement.


Seatbelts – The reason for the inclusion of seatbelts is a no-brainer, but it is worth repeating for drivers who underestimate and overlook the efficiency of these devices. Seatbelts are proven to be effective in saving people’s lives in car accidents. According to studies, thousands of people get their way out of almost fatal accidents with the use of seatbelts. In California, according to Los Angeles lawyers, drivers and car occupants must use seatbelts not only because it is the law, but because it can save their lives in the event of a car crash.

Even though your car is well-equipped with safety devices, you will still be close to accidents if you do not drive responsibly. Drivers must prioritize safety in driving to avoid close encounters with death.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Four Motorcycle Racers who died off the Track

Motorcycle sport is not for the faint of heart. This sport is often associated with men with great machismo and bravery, because motorcycle-related accidents almost always cause life-altering and even fatal injuries.

However, this does not mean that motorcycle racers who were killed during their careers all died due to motorcycle accidents. There are particular racers who died because of helicopter crash, suicide, murder, and non-race road accident. Take a look at the following examples:

Norifumi Abe Motorcycle Accident









Norifumi Abe

Abe was a famous Japanese motorcycle road racer. He was known in the circuits of 500 cc and MotoGP races during his time. In October 2007, his love for the motorcycles and scooters became a factor for his death when he got involved in a fatal scooter-truck collision. A truck struck the scooter he was riding, causing his death.


Steven “Hizzy” Hislop Motorcycle Accident 










Steven “Hizzy” Hislop

Hislop is arguably the most exciting and most famous Scottish motorcycle racer of his time. He won the Isle of Man TT eleven times and was also crowned the champion of the British 250cc Championship and British Superbike Championship. Unfortunately, as much as he wants to keep his adrenaline on the ground, his fate ended on the air. In July 2003, Hizzy died in a helicopter crash in Scotland.


Edward “Ed” Jancarz Accident











Edward “Ed” Jancarz

Jancarz is not only known as the first speedway motorcycle racer to have a monument dedicated to him, but also he is a legend in the sport. He has participated in 10 Speedway World Championship during his career. Motorsport accident or any kind of road accident did not take his life, but the person he loved – his wife. In January 1992, Ed’s career and life ended after his wife murdered him in their home in Poland.


Rafal Kurmanski Motorcycle Accident











Rafal Kurmanski

Kurmanski became famous in the world of motorcycle speedway racing when he finished second in the 2001 Individual Under-19 European Championship. Unfortunately, he became part of Poland’s statistics on people who committed suicide when he took his own life on May 2004.

There are many ways how a motorcyclist can die, which is why Los Angeles attorneys always remind riders to take it easy while driving to avoid getting involved in a road accident.