Posted on April 11, 2023 in Car Accidents

You may have seen the video of a vehicle as it flies into the air on Interstate 118 in Los Angeles County after being hit by a loose tire from a pickup truck. Research shows that road debris in the United States is a factor in nearly 200,000 car accidents. Each year, road debris results in about 40,000 car accident injuries. With tens of thousands of vehicles on the roads and highways of LA County, accidents are inevitable. But if you have suffered serious injuries you need to know who is liable.

Road Hazards can lead to Damaged Tires

In the recent incident in LA County, the CHP determined that the lug nuts holding the tire in place, sheared off, and led to the tire’s sudden detachment.

Various things could lead to a collision as a result of road hazards including potholes that may puncture a tire. When a tire ruptures, it can cause the driver to lose control of his or her vehicle. Here are the other common reasons why that may occur:

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 Posted on March 27, 2023 in Serious Injuries

March is brain injury awareness month calling attention to the effects of a traumatic brain injury or TBI. More than five million people in the United States are living with permanent brain injury. That is one in every 60 people. Nearly three million Americans sustain these catastrophic injuries every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that traffic-related crashes are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries.

What Constitutes a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury or TBI is caused by an external force or trauma. A strong impact on the head during a car accident can damage brain tissue which can lead to temporary or permanent problems. Sometimes, the effects of a brain injury do not manifest themselves until weeks or months later. However, someone may feel there is something wrong if they experience chronic headaches, sleeping problems, memory loss, and sensitivity to lights and sounds. Depending on the severity of the initial impact, a person could appear to be fine but have a delayed trauma in which the brain becomes swollen.

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 Posted on March 10, 2023 in Car Accidents

Being in a car accident is not only scary but it can be downright chaotic, especially if it happens on a California freeway. With so many vehicles rushing by it can be difficult to stay composed and impossible if you suffer severe injuries. But an accident report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is a key document you will need if you want to file a personal injury claim.

CHP Accident Report

In any car accident, it is very important to determine the cause and identify the responsible parties. Vehicle accidents end up leaving people with expensive medical bills, the inability to work, and in some cases psychological trauma. Under California law, drivers are required to report car accidents involving injuries or death within 24 hours of an accident, to the CHP or their local police department. The easiest way to do this is by calling 911.

Under the law, you must report a car accident involving injuries to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within ten days of the crash. Failure to do so could result in losing your driver’s license. The DMV will suspend your license until you file an accident report. Depending on the circumstances, you may face fines and jail time for not reporting an accident.

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 Posted on February 16, 2023 in Serious Injuries

Nursing home residents are the most vulnerable to developing sepsis. This medical condition is all too common in nursing homes due to negligence or abuse. At least 1.7 million adults in America develop sepsis. It is unfortunate because nursing homes are meant to provide medical care and assistance for those who are not able to fully care for themselves. If you or a loved one has suffered nursing home abuse and developed sepsis you may be able to seek compensation.

What is Sepsis?

Virtually any infection, including COVID-19, can lead to sepsis but the elderly are especially susceptible. Sepsis is a life-threatening medical condition that is common among people with a weak immune system. This is a relentless condition that begins as a bacterial infection in the blood and worsens quickly because the body is unable to fend off infections.

The body usually tries to protect itself by releasing chemicals into the bloodstream but when someone has sepsis, there is widespread inflammation, which restricts blood flow. That can result in blood clots and severe organ damage. If it is not treated quickly, the lungs, kidneys, and liver can shut down, leading to septic shock, and in many cases, wrongful death.

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 Posted on February 08, 2023 in Serious Injuries

The financial costs after suffering a severe spinal cord injury in a crash are life-altering. Often people lose wages as they work to recover. In severe cases, you may require extensive medical treatment which can cost tens of thousands of dollars in addition to the physical and emotional pain. Spinal cord injuries cost the nation an estimated $9.7 billion each year. In the United States, some 450,000 people are living with a spinal cord injury and in most cases, the cause is a motor vehicle accident. At Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C., we can help you understand the options you have to receive compensation for your injuries.

Understanding Vertebral Column Trauma

Trauma to the vertebral column will impact the spinal cord's ability to send and receive messages from the brain to the rest of the body. That may affect sensory and motor skills. Often a strong jolt to the neck or back in a car accident can damage the vertebrae in the backbone and the nerves in the spinal cord. Blunt trauma can compress, pull, or push the spinal cord sideways causing life-altering damage. Unfortunately, in some instances, a severed spinal cord may not be repaired and the person is partially or completely paralyzed.

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 Posted on January 25, 2023 in Car Accidents

No matter how safely you drive, you can get into an accident because other drivers may be negligent. The impact of a car crash is downright scary. You may feel disoriented and not know what to do. You may be even more worried when you find out that the person who caused the accident left the scene. How will you ever find the person responsible for your serious bodily injuries in the hit-and-run accident and how much time do you have to take civil action in a hit-and-run case?

Hit and Run Accident

A hit-and-run accident is when someone is involved in a car accident with another car, pedestrian, parked vehicle, or bicycle and leaves the scene without providing reasonable assistance to an injured person or the following information:

• Driver’s license and vehicle registration

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 Posted on January 05, 2023 in Personal Injury

A nursing home resident and their family should feel confident that the needs of their loved one is being met and that they will be safe from harm. Unfortunately, the most vulnerable in our population may be afraid to speak up or cannot always speak up about abuse. Abuse is prevalent in nursing homes and it can take many forms, including physical and mental abuse. More than 1.4 million people suffer nursing home abuse. Your loved one deserves quality care and to live with dignity. At Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C., we try to protect their rights and seek the compensation that your family is entitled to if they have suffered from abuse in their nursing home.

Vigilant Family Members Needed

Under California law, elder abuse is the physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of a person who is 65 years or older. Nursing home abuse may not be easy to spot but family members should be vigilant, asking questions and visiting their loved ones regularly if possible. Demonstrating that abuse is happening behind the closed doors of a nursing home when you are not present can be challenging. If you see anything concerning, the best thing you can do is to take photos and document everything, especially if it shows the progression of an injury or abuse over some time.

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 Posted on December 23, 2022 in Car Accidents

Many people will bypass air travel and opt for driving home for the holidays. Unfortunately, it is estimated that nearly 350 people will die on U.S. roads this Christmas holiday weekend alone. Choosing a car may seem more practical given all of the security checks at airports, but traveling by car increases your chances of getting in a car accident compared to other modes of transportation.

What Causes Holiday Accidents?

The work involved with coordinating holiday events, shopping, and travel can amount to high stress. Driving into unfamiliar areas when there is snow or rain increases the risks. Some of the reasons car accidents occur during the holidays include the following:

• Vehicle maintenance – You may need new brakes but would rather use that money to buy gifts. Before you hit the road this holiday, make sure you make the necessary car repairs so that your car is properly maintained.

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 Posted on December 08, 2022 in Truck Accidents

The holiday rush is upon us and truck drivers throughout Los Angeles County are trying to make those timely deliveries. However, the combination of time constraints and fatigue could spell disaster. For example, we have all seen tragic images of large box trucks toppled off of a highway, sometimes crash-landing on top of other vehicles. 

Truck accidents are among the most dangerous vehicle accidents. From 2010 to 2019, there was a 73 percent increase in the number of people killed in accidents involving large trucks. At Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C., we know how devastating truck accidents can be and that is why we fight for our clients who have been injured by truck crashes. 

Truck Crashes are the Most Dangerous Vehicle Accidents

It is no secret that commercial trucks are larger than your average vehicle. They are also heavier and more difficult to handle, and the danger only increases when the roads are slick and wet. On impact, drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles are likely to sustain serious injuries. As you recover, it is important to have an experienced truck injury attorney who can guide you through the process and help you hold the truck driver or even the trucking company liable for your injuries and damages.

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 Posted on November 22, 2022 in Personal Injury

Every year, crowds flock to retail stores on Black Friday to get themselves some sweet deals. Holiday spending this year is projected to be higher than last year. But if memory serves us right, the day after Thanksgiving has also become infamous for violence including flights and gunfire. To help you stay safe in LA County this year, we want to offer some insight into premises liability.

Premises Liability

California shoppers are guests when they are on the premises of a store. Under the law, property owners have a duty of care to make sure shoppers are safe. That includes warning customers about possible hazards.

Given the violence and stampedes in recent years, stores often take some precautions on Black Friday to avoid premises liability lawsuits including:

• Hiring additional staff and security to ensure that crowds are managed

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