U.S. Pedestrian Fatalities Saw Significant Decrease, A First Over a Four-year Span

The latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics in motor vehicle crashes saw an increase in road user deaths. From 32,479 in 2011, the U.S. lost at least 33,561 people in roadway crashes in 2012, the year that covered the latest NHTSA data. The said figure was the first increase after six straight years of decrease in the number of deaths.

Upward trends were seen across many categories, including pedestrians. In fact, at least 4,743 pedestrians were killed in 2012, a 6.4-percent increase from the previous year. The 2012 figure accounted for 14 percent of the total number of motor vehicle crash deaths in the U.S. In California, of the 2,857 people killed, about 21 percent of them were pedestrians (621 people).

Increases in pedestrian accident deaths have been around for the past few years. However, a report released earlier this month saw a significant decline in this category, a first over a four-year span. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), in the first half of 2013, there were 1,985 deaths as opposed to the first half of the previous year 2012, which saw 2,175 fatalities. In all, it was an 8.7 percent fall between the two.

As the report from the GHSA suggests, it is projected that there would be a significant drop in pedestrian deaths in the year 2013 compared to the previous year, although the full stats are yet to be released. Dr. Alan Williams, the lead researcher for the GHSA, was surprised by this sudden change in trends. He didn’t state any one particular reason for the rise and fall of the pedestrian deaths, but he quickly thought that this was brought about by economics.

He theorized that as the economy recovered from the recession that happened in the late 2000’s, more and more people who once ceased driving their vehicles began going back to their old ways, only to worsen the trend of increasing fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. This is one of the reasons why the increase in 2012 was the first over a seven-year span.

Meanwhile, a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles commented on this report, saying that the decrease in pedestrian fatalities are brought about by continuous educational awareness on the part of local, state, and national government in instilling safety on the roads. California, in fact, had been making strides in doing so; it had 37 fewer pedestrian deaths year over year.

Latest Dog Bite Statistics: 2013 Data

Image Source: http://www.pavlovdogtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/aggression-dog.jpg

Despite dogs being known for their gentleness and loyalty towards humans, they are still known to possess aggression, regardless if they were provoked or not. When these canines direct their aggression towards either their owners or to other people, the results can be catastrophic. Indeed, when a dog is threatened, its tendency is to attack through biting. Also, if a dog owner fails to take care of his or her pet, the potential of biting him or her or any other stranger increases.

While constant care, companionship, and training are still imperative in keeping canines from showing aggression towards their masters and strangers, occurrences of dog bites still occur every year, resulting in injuries and fatalities.

In fact, from 2005 to last year 2013, at least 283 Americans died because of dog bite injuries. Of the said figure, about 62 percent of these deaths (176) involved pit bulls, making the dog breed the most lethal. Following pit bulls in the said category are rottweilers, accounting for nearly 12 percent, or 33 out of the total fatality figure within the 9-year period.

Moreover, in the latest dog bite statistics for 2013, a slight decrease in U.S. dog bite fatalities were seen. Last year, at least 32 dog bite-related deaths happened, which was a big difference from 2012 wherein 38 fatalities were recorded. Of the said 2013 figure, 25 of them involved pit bulls despite being regulated in housing areas for military personnel and over 700 cities in the nation. The most lethal dog breed accounted for only 6 percent of the total dog population in the nation.

Also, out of the 32 who died due to dog bites in 2013, 18 of them were children 7 years old or below, while adults aged 25 years old or older accounted for 14 of the fatalities. Of the 18 children, 11 of them were 4 years old or younger. In terms of gender, male and female deaths were the same, at 16 each. Furthermore, five of the fatal dog bite incidents happened in the State of California, all of which involved pit bulls and three of them resulted in criminal charges.

Meanwhile, a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles continuously reminds dog owners to exercise important measures with their pet canines so that fatalities can be avoided to them and to others. It would also help them avoid facing claims from the victims for their dog bite injuries.


Sources:
http://www.dogsbite.org/pdf/9-year-dog-bite-fatality-chart-dogsbiteorg.pdf
http://www.dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics-fatalities-2013.php

Some Reminders in Getting Your Car Fixed After a Fender Bender

California, being one of the highly-motorized states in the U.S., is no stranger to motor vehicle crash incidents that result in serious injuries, fatalities, and expensive costs in property damage. These unfortunate occurrences are mostly attributed to certain factors such as distractions brought about by the use of mobile phones, as well as inclement weather conditions and fatigue. Fortunately, a large number of road accidents that happen in the state are simple fender benders, with passenger vehicle occupants, including drivers, escape unscathed.

But then, getting involved in a fender bender would definitely leave your vehicle badly-damaged. Typical vehicle parts that sustain minor to heavy damage include car doors and, of course, the car’s front and/or rear bumper. If your car is insured, then your provider can easily have your vehicle fixed right away. However, there are some reminders you need to keep in mind to make sure that your vehicle is back to its appearance before the accident happened. Here are some of them:

• Although your insurance provider can recommend a body repair shop that is capable of high-quality repairs at low costs, make sure that it is rated highly in business review sites like Yelp. If it has bad customer reviews, you might want to choose the body shop that you like.
• Inquire with the owner of the body repair shop about what replacement parts they use for repair. It would do you good if it uses new, original parts, as well as used parts. If it uses aftermarket parts, then you might want to look for another repair shop; such parts are just imitations of the original or used parts, and are usually inferior in quality and would easily deteriorate, therefore reducing the value of your vehicle.
• When you are about to pick up your refurbished vehicle, ensure that the warning lights in your dashboard are turned off. Typically in an accident, warnings lights for the airbag, low coolant, and check engine are on, and if they are after the repair, you might want to have your car’s programming fixed, as well as if there are electrical wiring that need to be replaced.

Putting these things into mind can help you a lot in ensuring that your car is back to its original condition and appearance, just like you the time you first bought it. Another reminder that you should always keep in mind in case of a fender bender is that if you feel you are injured, have yourself treated immediately. You may never know, but a whiplash injury may turn into something worse. Since fender benders are usually due to one’s negligence, you might want to seek legal assistance with a Los Angeles lawyer for brain injury and other serious injury claims.


Source: http://autos.aol.com/article/auto-body-repair-tips/

Los Angeles’ Switch to LED Street Lights: Promoting Change

Image Source: http://www.sandiegolovesgreen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/image14-320x202.jpg

 The so-called “green” revolution has been on full swing as of late, as a lot of cities are finding ways to become energy efficient. One of them is the switch to LED street lights, which has been a project by large and small California cities. Last year, it was the City of Los Angeles’ turn, and it successfully completed its four-year project of installing light-emitting diode (LED) street light fixtures to replace the yellow-hued high-density discharge (HID) street lights. The said endeavor was considered the largest in the world, with more than 140,000 street lights currently now fixed with LED lights.

Before the project was started, street lighting in Los Angeles accounted for nearly 40 percent of the whole city’s bill on electricity. With the LED fixtures installed, it is estimated that at least $7 million is saved on electricity, with another $2.5 million saved in avoiding the cost of maintenance every year. In addition, the LED fixtures only consume around 63 percent less electricity than the replaced HIDs, making them last longer.

While the move to switch to LEDs is met with positive response among the citizens of Los Angeles and proponents of energy efficiency, it is believed that this would change the city’s image as seen in the movies. Apparently, Dave Kendricken argued in his piece for No Film School that the visual representation of Los Angeles at night will drastically change how the city is seen in movies. He added that “Hollywood will never look the same,” referring to the yellow-hued imagery of the city at night prior to the switch to LEDs. Click here for the Kendricken article.

Meanwhile, it is also worth mentioning how LED streetlights in Los Angeles can greatly affect nighttime driving. According to a Los Angeles car accident attorney, statistics from the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), driving at night accounts for about a fourth of all traffic in the U.S. However, about one-half of car accidents that result in deaths occur after dark.

Fortunately, LEDs have been seen as an improvement from the HIDs previously installed in streetlights as far as visibility improvement is concerned. Ed Ebrahimian (Read More), the director of the city’s Bureau of Street Lighting, was quoted in this Forbes.com article as saying that the white light emitted by the LEDs increases lighting levels, improving the ability of residents to see at night. With LED headlights gaining traction in today’s motoring, it is therefore safe to say that LED streetlights do have a positive effect on how motorists can see the road at night.

Source:

http://gizmodo.com/led-streetlights-will-change-hollywood-and-make-every-c-1514840416

New California Traffic Laws That Have Already Taken Effect This Year

Road rules and regulations in California continue to change, especially every first day of a new year. Existing laws that have been in effect in the state for the longest time are expected to be overlapped with certain amendments, providing a safer, well-constructed traffic environment in California which would benefit all the state’s road users. These laws are passed by Governor Jerry Brown, thanks largely through the efforts of the California legislature, both the state’s Assembly and Senate. The additions to the already-established traffic laws are enforced by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), alongside other entities such as county police departments,

Here are some of the new California traffic rules that have already taken effect since January 1 of this year:

•    Senate Bill (SB) 194. This amends the already existing anti-texting laws in the state, and targets teenage drivers. The bill states that it is illegal for a driver who is under 18 years old to use a wireless telecommunications device to read, send, and create a text-based message while driving a motor vehicle, even if the device has a hands-free device installed.

•    Assembly Bill (AB) 1047. This newly-signed bill allows California DMV to conduct commercial drive tests to individuals with commercial learner’s permits obtained from outside the state. Applicants’ information would then be electronically transferred to their respective DMVs in their home states. Aside from that, requirements on bus operation have been altered. Here, drivers operating buses more than 26,000 pounds are required to hold Class B licenses, while those who operate buses that are 26,000 pounds or less are required to hold Class C licenses.

•    SB 717. This amends an already existing California law on driving under the influence (DUI). Here, a search warrant can be served on a driver who decides not to undergo or fails to complete a blood test. A law enforcement officer may issue a search warrant, authorizing him or her to draw blood from the driver through a manner that is clinically approved.

•    AB 184. This amends the currently existing statutes of limitations on hit-and-run accidents. Here, hit-and-run victims and/or their families can file charges against the negligent party within six years from the date of injury or death.

Meanwhile, another law to look out for this year is the AB 1317, also known as the Three Feet for Safety Act, which will be made effective on September of this year. According to a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, upon implementation, a motor vehicle driver trying to pass a bicycle moving at the same direction as the traffic must maintain a distance of no less than 3 feet between the driver the cyclist. The attorney added that failure to do so may cause the passing driver to face fines, regardless if an accident happened or not.

Buses About to be Buckled Up

Seatbelts are some of the most important safety feature of a vehicle. During crashes, these safety belts are responsible for restraining one’s body, preventing it from hitting anything inside the vehicle, or getting thrown out of it. This very old technology for a lot of people doesn’t seem to make much sense. However, almost all the other passive safety systems like the airbag, the whiplash protecting headrests, among others will not work properly without the help of the seatbelt.

Absence in Motorcoaches
While seatbelts are available in taxis, the same could not be said when it comes to motorcoaches. According to the information compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are 21 motorcoach and large bus passengers that are killed, while 7,934 people gets injured every year because of motor vehicle crashes. The agency added that the absence of seatbelts on these public transport vehicles is one of the major reasons why such things happen.

Buckling up on Motorcoaches
According to US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, “Safety is our highest priority and we are committed to reducing the number of deaths and injuries on our roadways.” And so, the NHTSA has just issued a final rule regarding the use of lap and shoulder seat belts on motorcoaches. According to this rule, a lap and shoulder seat belts should be made available for each of the passenger and the driver of large buses and motorcoaches. This new rule aims to prevent fatalities and serious injuries among passenger in frontal crashes, or the risk of occupant ejection in cases of rollovers by enhancing the safety of these vehicles. According to studies, seat belt use can reduce fatalities by up to 44 percent an can lessen the number of moderate to severe injuries by up to 45 percent.

This new amendment to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 will be applied to new, over-the-road buses as well as new, buses that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) higher than 11,793 kilograms. Exempted are transit buses and school buses. This new rule is in accordance to the “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act” (MAP-21). So buses that will be manufactured beginning November 2016 will be required to equip the driver and all passenger seats with lap and shoulder belts.

Private Sector’s Initiative
With the announcement of such rules, some companies have voluntarily purchased buses that have seat belts; a move that a Injury Lawyer in Los Angeles is lauding. The Transportation Department continues to encourage the industry to adhere to this new ruling before the mandatory deadline comes. This new ruling, the agency said, is just one of the many initiatives that they will be pushing for to help boost safety on motorcoaches. They said that the people can expert more initiatives as the agency continues to implement the Motorcoach Safety Action Plan.

Staying Safe on the Road with Semis

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On freeways and main thoroughfares, semi-trucks are a common sight. Other names for these large vehicles are transport, semi, tractor-trailers, big rigs, 18-wheelers, or lorry. These behemoths are the prime movers of the heaviest of things from one place to another. Every time you’d go out for a drive on the biggest and busiest interstate roads, you’d normally see one passing by. These are very important parts of a country’s economy as the goods that it carries help move the nation forward.

Scary Semis
Upon seeing one, a person can’t help but get intimidated by these huge vehicles. More than its size, the heavy cargo that these semis carry can overwhelm an average driver driving a regular vehicle. You’d naturally be terrified, just thinking about the consequences should the trailer snap or if its cargo falls on you. These thoughts have basis though as some of the deadliest and nastiest accidents on freeways are caused by semis. Just a few days back, a semi rolled over along the Interstate 80 one early morning. While the real cause of the accident is still unknown, the semi rolling over almost got other vehicles involved with the mishap. Such is just one of the many recorded accidents involving semis every year. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than 500,000 semis and large commercial vehicles have been involved or have caused traffic crashes in 2010 alone. These recorded accidents have injured more than 100,000 people and killed 5,000 more. That is why a lawyer for auto accident in Los Angeles get more concerned with the safety of people, sharing the roads with this big rig.

Keeping Safe with Semis
Semis, despite its huge size and heavy loads are rather safe. However, some precautions must be taken to ensure that these behemoths will not be involved in an accident. Here are some tips for safety as compiled through the help of an auto accident lawyer in Los Angeles that has handled many cases involving semi-trucks.

Wear your seatbelts. This can’t be stressed enough. One should always wear his or her seatbelts every time they are on board cars. This makes sense all the more while driving on roads with semis. This will help protect you in the event of a collision, lessening the chances of you getting badly injured.

Be conspicuous and keep distance. Driving huge semis is such a chore. That is why you should help the driver by staying visible and staying away from blind spots. This way, there would be lesser chances of you and your vehicle getting entangled with these trucks.

Be a responsible, defensive driver. The best safety system of a vehicle is its driver. The more responsible and defensive driver you are, the safer you and your passengers are on the road.

Semis may be dangerous but these are a part of your life as a commuter. And so, an attorney for auto accident in Los Angeles says that we can’t do anything much about the presence of these giants on the road. The only thing that we can do to stay safe is by doing everything that is necessary to avoid a collision or minimize the chance of collisions from happening. This way, you can enjoy driving around while sharing the road with these semi-trucks.

101 Freeway Crash Leaves 6 with Different Injuries

Almost every single day, hundreds of motor vehicle accidents are recorded in the State of California. These mishaps are causing the state hundreds of thousands worth of damages to property, thousands of injuries and death. These do not only affect drivers and passengers of the vehicles plying by the roads. It also involves pedestrians, innocent passersby that do not have anything to do at all with the situation.

Car Sparks Huge Accident

It only takes one irresponsible driver or a badly-maintained vehicle to spark a huge accident on the road. Especially on the freeway where motorists are travelling at high speeds, avoiding accidents are just harder than the usual. For example, one car was traveling early morning on the northbound lane of the 101 Freeway at Oak Street. Initial investigations revealed that a car collided with another vehicle. For reasons yet undisclosed, the three passengers of the car, one of which received severe, life threatening injuries were badly hurt and was rushed to the Ventura County Medical Center. Three more victims were brought to the Community Memorial Hospital in the area. Good thing, the fuel tank of the car that got semi-ruptured in the accident did not explode. Crews were able to prevent 40 gallons of fuel from entering a nearby storm drain, preventing what could have been an even more deadly accident. It took hours for CalTrans to be able to clean up and assess the condition of the road.

Avoiding Motor Vehicle Accidents

Yes, accidents happen at times when one least expects it. However, doing the necessary precautions can help a lot in helping minimize the chances of these mishaps from happening. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), impaired and distracted driving remains on top of the list of reasons why motor vehicle accidents happen. The condition of the road and the vehicle also plays a huge role as to why mishaps occur.

What to Do When Accidents Strike

Your safety is the most important thing to consider. That is why you have to go and ensure your safety first above everything. Documenting pieces of evidence is also important as this would help should you decide filing a claim against the other party whom you collided. Hiring an attorney for auto accident in los angeles
to help you prepare and file a claim, and represent you in any legal proceedings can help you avenge what has happened to you, get the justice that you need, and make the negligent and irresponsible people held accountable for their actions. There might be no fool-proof way of staying away from such accidents. However, equipping yourself with the right information and tools can help you stay on top of the situation and have things working in your favor.

According to study: Los Angeles Not Safe for Pedestrians

 Los Angeles is a hotspot for different types of road accidents, and pedestrian accidents are not an exemption.

A study conducted by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute found out that Los Angeles pedestrians are particularly at risk of getting involved in traffic accidents. read more about traffic accidents here

The said study found that pedestrians make up to about a third of all traffic fatalities in the Los Angeles area. This means that the rate of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles is nearly triple the national average of 11.4 percent.

Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2009 alone, about 563 Californians were killed as a result of pedestrian accidents. This number accounted for 19 percent of the total fatal road accidents in the state.

According to Michael Sivak, a professor at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, it is not surprising that pedestrian accidents are common in Los Angeles because of its urban setting. He added that crowded and highly-urbanized areas like Los Angeles and New York are common places for fatal pedestrian accidents.

As it is, the odds are unfortunately not on the side of Los Angeles commuters and pedestrians; hence, they have to equip themselves with the right knowledge about traffic safety.

The following are some of the simple and effective safety tips for pedestrians:

Use designated crosswalks – Never attempt to jaywalk because you would only put your life in danger when a driver failed to notice you crossing.

Wear something bright – Wearing bright-colored outfit will make you easily noticeable by motor vehicle drivers.

Avoid walking on busy roadways – Roadways packed with vehicles are likely to become a pedestrian accident scene. Avoiding such places can spare you from one.

In case you get hit by a vehicle while walking in Los Angeles, the best way you could do after receiving medical treatment is to contact an expert injury attorney in los angeles. He or she can represent you and help you in claiming for personal injury damages.

Role of Emergency Response Teams in Ensuring Safety on the Road

 

Ambulances are very important emergency response vehicles. That is why on the road, everyone must and are ordered to yield to these vehicles as they carry people battling for their lives and survival. And so, what are the odds of the very tool to save lives can endanger it?

An unlikely accident

In Orange County, California recently, two people got hurt as the ambulance they were riding crashed into one of the poles, just outside the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. According to authorities, the accident took place around 7:00 AM. The driver of the ambulance as well as a passenger, were both trapped inside the vehicle. While both have suffered minor injuries, it was not at all easy for the rescuers to free the victims from the ambulance. Ironically, this happened right in front of a hospital.

The responsibility of ambulance drivers and crew
Given the importance of these emergency response vehicles, drivers and the crew on board these vehicles must take all necessary precautions when operating such vehicle. While the concern is to bring the patients to the nearest medical facility as quickly as possible, these professionals must ensure that safety not just of the patient they are transporting, but of everybody else on the road remains on top of their priorities.

An Auto Accident lawyer in Los Angeles reminds members of emergency response teams that though they are given priority in as far as road use is concerned, they should always act responsively. These people are not exempted from traffic laws and can be held liable for their negligent actions that cause the injuries of people they share the road with. If you have been involved in an accident because of the arrogant behavior on the road of these emergency response teams, you can file personal injury claims against them. If you have the pieces of evidence needed and can prove that your injuries, damage to property, even the loss of a loved one’s lie have been caused by such accidents, you can ask for damages to avenge what has happened to you.

So whoever you are and whatever it is that you drive, always make sure that you exercise safe driving habits. Cause one small mistake on your part can affect the lives of others.

Winning Your Personal Injury Claims in the Event of a Train Accident

 

While trains have been there for more than a century, this mode of transportation remains very popular among the people. For one, trains can move hundreds of people, tons of cargo, and more effortlessly. And even if it is very old, trains’ design and the technology that moves it continue to evolve, making it still relevant during these times. Moreover, there is no such thing as traffic jams when one talks about trains. That is why, over the years, trains have remained to be a very popular transportation means to people.

Accidents on trains
However, no matter how study and safe trains seem, you can still get into trouble for riding one. For one, train accidents can really get nasty. In the past few months, incidences of train accidents have been making rounds on local news programs. Recently, dozens of people were hurt when two commuter trains crashed at a station west of Chicago. According to authorities, the accident happened during rush hour one morning. An eastbound train of the Chicago Transit Authority crashed with a stationary westbound train at the Harlem Station in Forest Park. 33 people were brought to the hospitals to be treated of minor injuries. The officials are still trying to figure out what is the real cause of the accidents.

Train safety
The government for its part has been making ways to ensure that these accidents can be avoided. Also, the train operators are compelled by law to make sure that their riders are safe and must provide the necessary compensation to its injured passengers or those who died because of such accidents. As a victim, you can hire personal injury lawyer that handles train accident to help you file a claim against the train company. This way, you can ensure that you will get enough compensation, not just to have yourself treated, but get the medications and undergo therapy needed to help you recover from this sad episode of your life.

Secret to winning claims
Filing a claim is easy but winning it can be a bit more difficult than it seems. That is why you should not just leave your claims to chance and make sure that you do everything to help ensure that you will win with the claims that you have filed. This way, you’d be able to avenge what has happened to you and hold the train companies liable in doing everything that they can to ensure the safety of the riding public.

Los Angeles Bicycle Safety: Use Your Head, Wear a Helmet

Image Source: http://cdn.velonews.competitor.com/files/2013/07/312.jpg

Bikes can be equally (or even more) dangerous than riding a vehicle. Bikes are often involved in crashes that cause injuries to riders. In worst cases, these accidents can even claim the lives of these poor bikers.

Using your head to protect it
While there is not much that you can do to stop these accidents, what you can do as a rider is to lessen the negative effects of such mishaps. Wearing biking safety gear can help lessen the chances of you getting severe injuries that can cause disabilities to people. According to a Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney, of all the personal injury claims he handled, injuries were lessened because of these gear. Especially with injuries on one’s head, wearing a helmet significantly lowers the risk of brain injuries that can get one permanently disabled, or killed.

What's in it with helmets?
So helmets help protect one’s head. But is it all that one needs to know about these biking safety gears? Here are some of the things that you should keep in mind when it comes to helmets.

What if he doesn't wear his helmet?... watch carefully...

There are three types of helmets; road, multi-sport, BMX helmets.

• A road helmet is the best kind of protection that meets the needs of most bicyclists. Made of foam, it has soft pads that improve fit and comfort. This is held on the head of the rider with the use of adjustable straps.
• Multi-sport helmets on the other hand are designed for people who use bikes, skateboards, or rollerblades. These have fewer air vents with a thicker plastic shell.
• BMC helmets provide more protection to the rider’s head. These look at lot like motorcycle helmets with a chin bar that protects the rider’s head in the event of big crashes.

What are the features that helmets offer?

• Vents. Helmets have vents to keep you cool your head down while riding.
• Straps. These help keep your helmets snugly fit on your head, keeping your head protected in the event of a crash.
• Pads. These removable pads in the helmets helps improve fit to the rider’s head. Moreover it also provides comfort and additional protection as it helps absorbs some of the impact in the event of a crash. The same pads can be interchanged for sanitary purposes.

Getting the “perfect” fit

• Like seat belts, helmets work best when worn correctly. That is why the helmet you should buy must not slide or bounce around on your head. On the front end, it should be at least two finger-widths from your eyebrows.

Helmet replacement 

• As soon as you see damage on it, you should immediately replace it. You must also replace that in the event of a crash where you hit your head. Finally, only get helmets certified by CPSC, ASTM, or Snell.

Biking can really be dangerous. That is why you should use your head properly and do anything you can to protect it. If you ever get injuries that got you injured on any part of your body, hiring the services of a Los Angeles attorney can help you make those negligent people accountable for their actions, of their lack of it.

Things to Keep in Mind to Avoid Spinal Cord Injuries

 

Image Source: http://monash.edu/news/i/media/2012/08/7d9733df1a0254f535704de708bae0fd_n.jpg

The spinal cord is such an important part of one’s body. It serves as the medium for the human brain to transmit and receive signals from various parts of our body. It is largely responsible for our body’s motor and sensory functions. This is a very sensitive part of the human body and it requires special attention.

The spinal cord is encased inside the vertebrae or the backbone. While the backbone is tough and durable, a bad blow to your back can cause great damage to the spine. This damage could lead to serious problems like the loss of one’s motor or sensory abilities.

Because of this, it is important that you should protect it from any kinds of injury or damage. A spinal cord injury advocate, the United Spinal Association provided a list of tips that one must remember to prevent injury to the spine. Here are some of them`:

• Be mindful of your step. Even the best fall down at times. But why let yourself experience that and cause irreversible injury to your spine? Be mindful of where you are stepping so that you can avoid slipping, tripping, and falling. You wouldn’t want to sustain these kinds of life-threatening injuries, so you better be really careful.
• Buckle up when traveling. When driving or riding a vehicle, make sure you buckle up to keep yourself planted on your seat at all times. When accidents happen, this safety gadget protects you from possible injuries to the spine, preventing nasty injuries.
• When riding a bicycle or motorcycle, wear your protective helmet. When you ride a motorcycle or bicycle, you must do so safely. It is a must, too, that you use your helmet to protect your head from possible injuries.

If you or your loved one has suffered from a serious spinal cord injury because of one’s negligence or fault, you must remember that there are laws there to help protect your rights. You can file a personal injury complaint for the spinal cord injury and have the people responsible held liable.

Just seek the help of a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer and they will guide you through the entire process hearing you case. They will help you gather all documents necessary in proving the fault of the person or party responsible for your injury. Fight for your rights and protect your spine at all times.

Wrongful Death Defined

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Death is something that every living being in this world will face. It is a reality of life that cannot be avoided, only delayed. However, it doesn’t mean that one can’t live a full life. That is why people always ask questions about why someone dies ahead of them. This is also one of the reasons why losing important people for you really do hurt. People can die because of diseases or freak accidents. Though painful, those are causes of death that are much easier to deal with and accept. However, when the death of your loved one is something that is caused by the actions or negligence of some people that is when it gets harder to deal with. You can’t and must not just let their death go in vain.

Giving justice to your loved one’s untimely passing

Losing your loved one because of an unfortunate incident brought about by one’s actions or negligence is truly painful. That is why the federal and state laws came up with a way on how you can make the people responsible for the passing of a loved one liable for their actions. A wrongful death charge is something that you can file against someone who has indirectly caused the death of a loved one. This civil action can be filed by the close relatives of the victim. There are certain statues that depend on which state you are residing as to when and how you can file such claims.

Filing a wrongful death claim

While a lot of people know that you can file a wrongful death claim to avenge the death of your loved one, not a lot of people know how it is filed. And so, here is a quick guide on how you can file a wrongful death claim.

• Meet the basic requirements in filing a claim. First up, a proof of death is needed. Then you need to collect pieces of evidence or present witnesses that can prove that the death of your loved one is caused by a particular person or a group of people. Finally, you need proof that you, or a group of people are suffering from trauma, whether emotional or financial as a result of the death of that loved one.
• Hire a Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer to help you. You need the assistance of a legal expert before you do file a claim. They will guide you in doing the best things that could make your claims strong. These lawyers will be legally representing and guiding you in this highly technical battle.
• File your claims in compliance to the statutes in your state. Depending on what state you are on, there are statutes that limit the filing of wrongful death claims. That is why you should consult a Los Angeles attorney to help you file your claims according to the laws governing such claims.

After filing such claims, expect a hard-fought legal battle if this does not end up in a settlement. So make sure that you also are ready for all of the consequences and the challenges that come with filing a wrongful death claim. What matters here is that you have legal avenues to seek justice for the untimely loss of a loved one.

Is Your Car Included in Vehicle Safety Recalls

 

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Every customer in the United States has the right to demand nothing but the best from the products that they buy. With every dollar and penny that an American spends on a particular item that they buy is their trust for that particular product. That is why there are consumer protection laws in the country to help ensure that these companies are held accountable for the quality, or the lack of it, of their products.

The same goes for big ticket items such as houses and vehicles. Not too long ago, Japanese carmaker Toyota got into trouble for the failure of some other components. The carmaker’s manufacturing defects have caused serious injuries and even death to its customers. That prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to put in place stringent quality control testing to ensure that the products that reach the market are free from the said problems.

Vehicle recalls
However, there are times when some defects are not discovered during the extensive qualitative testing of the vehicle manufacturer. If left unchecked or undetected, these pending problems on the vehicle can cause problems while travelling causing accidents. These accidents if left undetected could lead you and family hurt, or worse died. That is why you have to keep yourself updated about the latest recalls to have the things that need fixing on your vehicle fixed.

Left behind
Usually, vehicle recalls are done in batches. Certain series of a particular make and model are included in the recall and the others, not. Because of this nature of vehicle recalls, some manufacturers fail to serve and fix all of the vehicles that need to be recalled. There are also times when one person fails to have their vehicles serviced because they are not aware that their vehicle needs servicing.

NHTSA’s free Vehicle Identification Number searches
To help customers have their vehicles checked if it is included in the recall or no, the NHTSA offers vehicle owners a free VIN searches to help determine a certain vehicles inclusion or not in the vehicle recall. This online tool can be accessed by visiting the NHTSA website at www.SaferCar.gov. Just key in your vehicle’s VIN and you will be notified if your vehicle is part of any recall activity. This project by the NHTSA aims to keep all American motorists safe from danger.

A Los Angeles personal injury attorney reminds every American motorist that their safety and their occupants should be on top of these carmakers’ priorities. That is why you should demand your vehicles be serviced if it is included in the NHTSA’s list of vehicles that need to be recalled. If they fail to do so and these defects caused injuries to you or your loved ones, you can file the necessary complaints through the help of a Los Angeles lawyer.

Wanted: Car Accident Lawyer

 

Some people who have been involved in an accident think that filing a complaint by themselves help save them money. Because think about it, you will be paying a huge sum to your lawyer as attorney's fees if they ever win the case for you. However, there are some cases when you really need the assistance of a lawyer to help you win the case you are filing. Here are some of the instances when you should really be asking for the help of a good Los Angeles car accident lawyer to bail you out of possible imprisonment.

• When you are the one at fault. No matter how you try to explain and defend yourself hard, nobody can do it better for you than a trained and experienced lawyer. While you may not be able to get away from liability and may still be asked to pay for damages, at least, you won't be taken advantage of and pay for excessive damages.
• When the case is quite complicated and the negligence is disputed.  In cases where you are partly to blame for the accident, you would need to defend yourself from the situation. In such situations, a lawyer can better represent you and also prove the other's party's negligence. Which can effectively lessen the damages you need to pay.
• When disputes are made about the damages that needs to be paid. In accidents, it is normal for victims to jack up the prices of the repairs needed to the hospitalization fees made to treat their injuries. On the other hand, the one liable can also play low ball and haggle the amount of damages that he or she needs to pay in very low levels that it gets really unfair for the victims. A lawyer can help you with this as they will be able to defend you, if you happen to be the one responsible; or go after those who caused damages and injuries to you, if you are the victim.
• In cases where the injuries are grave. When one victim suffers severe injuries due to the accident, it is the best to ask for the help of a lawyer. A good attorney will be able to bolster your chance in winning your claims. This will make sure that you get what you truly deserve and that the ones liable for your injuries are held accountable for their fault.

While in many situations, hiring a lawyer may not be the best idea as some claims are easy to file. One more thing is that attorney's fees can eat up a huge chunk of the damages that you are ought to get. But when it comes to the situations that were mentioned earlier, you wouldn't want to jeopardize your claim's possible success by not asking for the help of someone who's very knowledgeable when it comes to personal injury laws. In these times, hiring a personal injury attorney will help ensure that you get the justice that you deserve.

Determining Pain and Suffering Damages for Victims of Personal Injury

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Every personal injury victim is entitled to damages, especially if he or she sustains a significant injury that subsequently affects his or her life in general. To begin with, damages refer to the award given to him or her as a form of compensation for a certain loss. However, before a victim is entitled to such, it is important for him or her to prove that the other party negligently caused him or her that injury.

If you are a victim of a personal injury—car accident, slip and fall, and the like—caused you injuries because of someone else’s negligence, you must know that you must first establish proof in order for you to obtain compensation for the damages you incurred. For this to happen, you must hire a Los Angeles personal injury attorney who can effectively and aggressively handle your case.

For the most part, damages are usually determined in monetary value. In either a court decision or off-court settlement, the party liable for your injuries must provide you with the determined amount of compensation. While compensatory damages usually cover the injured party’s medical treatment, lost income and future earnings, there are damages that are, in essence, not quantified monetarily. Case in point: pain and suffering damages.

This form of compensatory damages refers to the overall physical and emotional trauma that a personal injury victim may have to endure after an accident. Although non-quantifiable, pain and suffering damages are determined nonetheless based on the type and nature of the injury the victim sustained in the accident, as well as the injury’s severity and the pain the victim may have to endure.

As it is, putting a value on pain and suffering is difficult. In determining the monetary value that will comprise the injured victim’s pain and suffering damages, law firms and insurance companies often consider the following:

• The occurrence of a preexisting injury that would prolong the victim’s pain;
• The victim’s tolerance to pain, whether or not he or she can endure it; and
• The victim’s ability to perform basic life activities, or lack thereof.

As a personal injury victim, having a lawyer by your side is very important, since your injury will be evaluated based on your doctor’s findings to help determine if you are entitled to receive compensation for your pain and suffering.

Mother and Two Kids Injured in Panorama City Crash; 70-year-old Driver Fled

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Anybody can (literally) drive a vehicle. Just how hard could that be? You just manipulate a few pedals, a shift stick (or a shifter for automatics), and the steering wheel and you are good to go. The real question is how many people can actually drive vehicles PROPERLY. When getting your driver’s license, you are subjected to many tests, which determine your capability in operating a vehicle while developing the right attitude for driving.

A bad case of hit-and-run

Sadly, a lot of people tend to forget these lessons that they have learned and end up figuring in accidents. What’s worse though is that some people have the audacity to leave their victims behind as if nothing has happened. In Panorama City, California, a mother and her two kids have been treated and are recovering from the injuries they sustained as they were hit by a car. According to reports filed by the authorities, a 70-year-old driver kept driving after hitting a family near Van Nuys Boulevard and Chase Street.

Manning up for one’s responsibilities

Though statistics are yet to prove this, the prevalence of hit-and-run cases reported on local media outfits is quite bothering. In almost every week, incidences where drivers are running from their responsibilities to their victims have been growing. That is why authorities are calling for more responsibility for drivers in the state. More than just being more careful when behind the wheel, people should at least be responsible enough to check on the victims should one get ever involved in an accident.

Reasons for hit-and-runs

Some lessons are learned the hard way. This is what a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer shared as he recalls experiences handling hit-and-run cases. Most of his clients relate to him how overwhelmed they are when it dawned on them the gravity of the responsibility that they will be facing because of the accident. However, this Los Angeles attorney reminded people not to be afraid and instead face their responsibilities as running away from it doesn’t solve their problems but instead worsens their situation. In the end, he reminded drivers to always be careful to avoid accidents, so they won’t ever need to face such huge responsibilities.

Keeping National Parks Safe for Adventure-seekers

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Some people just love the great outdoors and who wouldn’t? It feels good to be in touch with the cool breeze, the fresh air, the sight of trees, leaves waving, and birds chirping. It is just so serene that is perfect for relaxing. That is why people who get worn out during the busy work week would want to go nature tripping. This is one of the reasons why mountain biking is becoming a very popular hobby nowadays. In the US, camping is one all-time favorite hobby of American families, with them going out and enjoying the great doors whenever they get the chance to do so.

Safety in the great outdoors

However, one must consider the aspect of one’s safety whenever they go out camping. There are many dangers in the great outdoors like wild animals, dangerous terrain, landslides, rocks falling, you name it. These things are ones that you should consider when going out on camping out enjoying outdoor trails. Good thing there are park keepers that ensure these natural parks are well kept and that park goers’ safety is prioritized.

Recently in the United Kingdom, a walker slipped and fell to a rock fissure in the Yorkshire Dales. This has caused him to be wedge in the fissure where he was later rescued. The park keepers always made it a point to remind their visitors of the dangers when visiting the park and the need to exercise great caution to prevent accidents like that from happening.

Although the situations in U.K. and in the United States are not similar, Americans can learn from the said incident. The State of California is home to many adventure-seekers, and picking some lessons from the said incident can help them further ensure their safety.

Putting safety first

Yes, adventure trails can give you real fun and the danger that comes with traveling in one could boost your adrenaline up. However, accidents in such adventure-filled trips can spoil all the fun. That is why you should always strive hard to follow these rules to continue enjoying without the hassles of accidents from happening.

However, if you got injured for any reason because of the negligence of park keepers, you can always ask for the help of a Los Angeles premise liability lawyer. They will help you prepare and file the necessary charges to bring these people to justice. With a successful claim filed, you can receive damages that could help you cure and rehabilitate those injuries so you can go back into living your life. Remember, seeking adventure is a great experience. But as a Los Angeles lawyer reminds everybody, one’s safety should always be our number one priority.