Recent Blog Posts
What Can I Do If I Was Injured in a Rideshare Accident?
In today’s gig economy, ridesharing has become a great way to get around. Companies like Uber and Lyft hire millions of drivers in over 70 countries to transport passengers. Last year, Uber alone was responsible for more than 9.4 billion trips worldwide.
As rides increase, however, so do accidents. Ridesharing has been blamed for a three percent increase in vehicle collisions, which in turn has led to more fatalities and injuries. But what can passengers do when they are injured in a rideshare accident? Can they bring a claim against the driver? Can they sue the rideshare company?
This article will discuss what you can do if you are injured in a rideshare accident. However, it is always best to seek a California rideshare attorney’s guidance concerning your legal options.
Are Rideshare Companies Liable for Collisions?
The first question that must be answered is if a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft is responsible for the actions of its drivers. Normally, a company is liable for injuries its employees cause while on the job, with some exceptions. However, rideshare drivers do not have the status of employees. They are hired as independent contractors, a status which provides a degree of separation between the driver and the company. Because of this, the rideshare company is usually liable for accidents caused by its drivers, but not always.
Can I Sue a Third Party If I Was Injured By a Drunk Driver?
Drunk driving is a major threat to road safety. This is especially true in California, which in 2021 saw the highest number of drunk driving deaths in the country after Texas. In 2023, law enforcement in California made 125,000 arrests related to driving under the influence (DUI). In the same year, there were more than 200,000 DUI-related car accidents.
Injuries from DUI-related accidents are sometimes severe. Victims often seek to claim compensation for those injuries and property damage from the drunk driver. Many states, however, also allow DUI crash victims to claim damages from the third party who served the driver alcohol.
This article will discuss whether California law allows you to sue a third party if you are injured by a drunk driver. If you sustain injuries in a DUI-related collision, contact a California car accident attorney who can explain your options.
How Do I Prove Negligence in a Personal Injury Case in California?
Under California law, not every injury is grounds for a lawsuit. If you want to recover compensation for damages caused by someone else, you need to prove that the other party was negligent. This means that the other party, or the defendant, did not take a reasonable amount of care to prevent your injury. If you were injured on a ride at an amusement park, for example, and you find that park employees failed to do a basic inspection, you may be able to show that the park was negligent.
Proving negligence is not simple, however. Negligence is made up of four elements:
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Duty of care
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Breach of duty
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Causation
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Damages
Proving all these elements is crucial to a strong personal injury case, which is why it should be done by an experienced California personal injury lawyer.
Can I Sue for a Dog Bite in California?
Every year, about 4.5 million people in the United States get attacked by a dog. Some of these are minor injuries, but an estimated 800,000 of such people end up seeking medical attention. Most of the time, these injuries consist of puncture wounds to the hands and arms. In some cases, however, dog bites can cause more serious injuries like disfigurement and scarring.
But is the owner of the dog always responsible? This article will discuss how California law views the responsibility of dog owners. As always, it is best to consult a California personal injury lawyer with any legal questions about dog bite injuries.
Is a Dog Owner Liable for Dog Bites?
According to California law, dog owners are strictly liable for damage caused by their dogs. This is true whether or not the dog has shown aggressive behavior before. Even if this is the dog’s first time attacking someone, the owner is still responsible for damages caused by the canine.
What Damages Can I Claim for a Catastrophic Injury in California?
A catastrophic injury is the most severe type of injury other than death. According to the U.S. Code, it is an injury that permanently prevents a person from “performing any gainful work.” Someone who suffers a catastrophic injury is likely to have:
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Diminished quality of life
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A long-term disability
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Extensive medical bills
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A higher chance of death
Because of this, a catastrophic injury victim can sometimes be entitled to heavy compensation by claiming different kinds of damages. The outcome depends on many factors, however, so a California personal injury attorney should be consulted about specific details.
Hit and Run Injuries in California
When car collisions happen, the people involved generally make note of any damage to themselves and the other people and then exchange insurance information. They might also take pictures of the scene of the crash to help with legal and police procedures later on. However, sometimes a driver crashes into someone and does not stop to see if they are alright or give the other person any information, including their phone number, license plate, or insurance information. In this type of hit and run accident, it can be more difficult to recover damages from the at-fault driver, but an experienced Los Angeles, CA car accident attorney can help you navigate the process.
What to Do After You Are Hurt in a Hit and Run
The way you will handle your injuries from the car accident depends on the driver.
Nursing Home Abuse in California
Choosing a nursing home for your aging parent can take time. You consider all the options available and try to decide where your parents will be happy, comfortable, and receive the best care. You want them to enjoy their time in this new home, and you hope they will be treated with dignity and warmth. Unfortunately, some nursing home residents experience abuse or neglect, and it can be difficult to discover for reasons that will be explained below. Some physical signs or symptoms, like the development of sepsis, for example, can be an indication that your loved one is not receiving proper care. Checking in with them regularly and asking about how they are treated or observing their behavior and mood if they are nonverbal is also a good idea. If your parent has developed a case of sepsis while living in a nursing home, speak with a compassionate Los Angeles, CA personal injury attorney to find out what options you have.
What Internal Injuries Are Most Serious in California Personal Injury Lawsuits?
In California injury cases, internal injuries can have serious implications for the health and well-being of the victim. These injuries, often not immediately visible, can result from various accidents such as car crashes, workplace incidents, and more. Understanding the most severe internal injuries that can occur in such cases is crucial for seeking appropriate legal action. Contact an attorney if you or someone you love suffered internal injuries in an accident.
At Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C., we have handled many cases in which individuals suffer serious internal injuries because of an accident. When internal injuries occur, our law firm can handle all aspects of your case from beginning to end. If you or someone you love is injured, do not hesitate to call our office and get the critical legal guidance you need.
Common Causes of Injuries at Stores and Restaurants in California
Stores and restaurants in California are bustling hubs of activity, but they can also be sites of potential hazards that lead to personal injuries. If you were injured in a store or restaurant in California, you are encouraged to call an attorney to discuss your situation.
Four Causes of Personal Injuries in California Stores and Restaurants
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Slip, trip, and falls – One of the most common causes of injuries at stores and restaurants in California is slip, trip, and fall accidents. Spills, wet floors, uneven surfaces, and debris can create hazardous conditions that increase the risk of customers or employees slipping, tripping, and falling. These accidents can result in serious injuries, such as broken bones, head trauma, and sprains. Store and restaurant owners must maintain a safe environment by promptly addressing spills, providing warning signs, and ensuring proper maintenance of floors and walkways.
The Statute of Limitations on California Wrongful Death Claims
When a loved one is lost due to the negligence of another, you may find yourself in debt. The funeral costs took a heavy toll, and now you are in a position where you are unable to earn enough for your family. It may be crucial at this moment to file a wrongful death claim. However, you may not know where to begin or how long you have to file. Speaking to an experienced lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the situation and ensure you get your claim filed on time
What is California’s Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations?
A wrongful death claim in California must be filed within two years from the time of a person’s death. If the family was unaware of the death or that the death occurred due to the negligence of another, the discovery rule may apply, and the statute of limitations will begin upon the family’s discovery of the negligent death. There are rare exceptions, which include claims: