Los Angeles Injury Lawyer Blog

A frightening new analysis by Gannet New Service shows that motorcycle fatalities are on the rise at a staggering rate, and the victims are getting older. The results point to the weakening of helmet laws across the country and a new trend in motorcycles for middle-aged men. Bike crashes account for a disproportionately high number of traffic accident deaths. While California maintains helmet laws, hundreds of motorcyclists continue to be killed in crashes. If you or a loved on has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident in California, please call an attorney to help you understand your rights.

After 1995, many states began to roll back their helmet safety laws, with some requiring helmets for certain ages only, and other states eradicating helmet requirements altogether. In what some see as a direct result of weakening laws, the number of motorcycle fatalities from 1996-2006 rose from 2116 to 4810 deaths, more than doubling. All other vehicle accident fatalities decreased during that period.

In a strange twist, a fashionable, new trend in middle-aged biking has resulted in a large number of motorcycles accidents and fatalities in the 40-plus crowd. Experts state that this development is cause for alarm, since age can result in drivers having shorter reaction time and less physical dexterity.

Following are some statistics highlighting the dangerous and deadly risks motorcyclist take while on the road.

• Motorcycles comprise 2% of motor vehicles on the road, but account for 10% of traffic fatalities


• 90% of all motorcycle riders who are killed are men.


• For all motorcyclists killed, 42% of riders are not wearing helmets.


• Half of the bikers who died in 2006 were 40 or older, with 25% who were 50+. The average age for motorcycle death was 38.


• 50% of rider fatalities from 2002-06 occurred without impact to another vehicle, but rather from loss of control


• Once nearly every state required helmets for all motorcyclists. Today, only 20 states have such laws.

If you or a loved one has been in a motorcycle-related accident, you should seek the advice of an experienced law team. The Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP offer 50 years combined experience in injury law. Please call us toll-free at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a free consultation. You deserve justice. Call us now, and let us help fight for you.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

Santa Ana, CA has the largest population in Orange County and is home to the county’s seat. With over 350,000 residents, Santa Ana is a busy city with lots of traffic and many on-going road building and reparation projects. In addition one of California’s largest interstates is named for the city it runs through: the Santa Ana Freeway, also known as I-5. If you have been injured in a traffic accident in Santa Ana, please contact a lawyer to know your rights. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP are here to help.

Not only does the Santa Ana Freeway bisect the city, two other freeways make up its partial borders. The Garden Grove Freeway (#22) and Costa Mesa Freeway (#55), along with I-5, make Santa Ana an easily accessed destination, but their popularity also increases the threat of car accidents. Freeway driving can be particularly hazardous.

If you or a family member has been injured in an accident, you should call a lawyer immediately. Call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP toll-free at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a consultation. We have 50 years combined experience. Let us help you in your time of need. Call now.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY , CAR ACCIDENT , MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

Located in San Bernardino-Riverside County, Rancho Cucamonga has experienced rapid population growth with its current population of over 170,000 people. If you or a loved one needs a personal injury lawyer for an accident that occurred in Rancho Cucamonga, contact the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP for a free consultation. They have extensive experience dealing with the California legal system and are well suited to help you understand your rights.

When you enlist the help of Greenberg & Rudman LLP, you can be sure that you are going to get personal attention that is best suited for your situation. Whether it is to negotiate a settlement from insurance companies or go to trial, the professionals at Greenberg & Rudman LLP are experienced to handle the task at hand. In addition, they work on a contingency basis, which means that you don’t pay anything unless we recover money for you. Finally, we advance all costs - you won’t have to pay anything up front to cover the cost of a trial or settlement. For an immediate free consultation, call 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776). We will even go to you to sign you up.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT , MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury in Pomona, California, it is important that you seek the guidance of experienced legal professionals to help you understand your rights and remedies. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP have experience in the following practice areas:

• Motor vehicle (car, truck, bus) accidents


• Premises liability (slip & fall, trip & fall, workplace & construction injuries)


• Dog bites and animal attacks


• Defective products


• Pharmaceutical injury and medical malpractice


• Toxic, environmental torts


• Injuries such as burn, spinal cord, brain, broken bones, back pain

In addition to over 50 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys have successfully collected over $150 million for our clients. More importantly, we advance all costs so that you don’t have to pay a dime until we first collect money for you. If you think that you have suffered injury at the wrong of others, call now so that we can give you a personal assessment of your situation. We’ll even come to your home or medical room to sign you up. Call 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9766) now. We’ll do what it takes to help you through this difficult time.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY , BURN INJURY , BUS ACCIDENT , CAR ACCIDENT , DOG BITE , INSURANCE BAD FAITH , MEDICAL MALPRACTICE , MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT , OTHER COMMON INJURIES , PHARMACEUTICAL , PREMISES LIABILITY , PRODUCT LIABILITY , SLIP & FALL , TRUCKING ACCIDENT , WRONGFUL DEATH

Bookmark:

Simi Valley in Ventura County is only 40 miles from downtown Los Angeles and has a population of nearly 125,000. California roads and commutes are known for their congestion, and accidents abound. Motorcycles can be one of the most efficient yet most dangerous ways to drive. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident or car accident in Simi Valley, you should seek the advice of an experienced attorney.

Many times, people who have been hurt on the road do not know their rights. Let us help you learn if you are entitled to compensation for your loss. Greenberg & Rudman LLP’s legal team has over 50 years combined legal experience in representing crash victims. We are trial attorneys who have reached successful and lucrative settlements and verdicts.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in California, please call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) today. We will provide you with a free and confidential consultation, and even come to your hospital room. Let us help you now.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

The city of Thousand Oaks, CA in Conejo Valley is home to more than 125,000 people with 385 miles of streets and more than 110 traffic signals. As Thousand Oaks residents know, car accidents and motorcycle accidents are a common Southern California occurrence. If you have been injured or involved in a crash, you should contact a specialized attorney to help you know your rights.

Even a low speed collision can cause bodily harm, and the responsibility of who is to blame in any accident may not be clear. Driver negligence, driving under the influence or poor road design can contribute to injuries on the road. The lawyers at Greenberg & Rudman LLP have 50 years combined experience supporting the rights of those who have been injured. We are successful trial attorneys who have collected millions of dollars in both settlements and verdicts for victims like you.

Please call us if you have been hurt in a car accident California. Contact the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP toll-free at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776), and we will supply a free legal consultation. Know your rights, and call us now.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT , MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

Have you been the victim of an accident or injury in Oxnard, CA? Oxnard is the largest city in Ventura County, California in terms of population and with nearly 200,000 residents, accidents are bound to happen. If you or a loved one has suffered any type of personal injury including bodily harm, emotional distress, disease or sickness as the result of another person’s negligence, you need to consult with an experienced and respected California injury attorney immediately. We will protect your legal rights and fight for the compensation and damages you deserve.

Sometimes when a person is hurt, especially in a car accident or in a public area, they may not be at fault. Learn if you have been a victim of someone else’s neglect. You may be entitled to payment for your suffering. We are trial attorneys with 50 years combined experience and millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.

Let us help you. If you have been injured in California, please call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP toll-free at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a free legal consultation regarding your rights. We will come straight to your hospital room to sign you up.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY , BURN INJURY , BUS ACCIDENT , CAR ACCIDENT , DOG BITE , MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT , PREMISES LIABILITY , PRODUCT LIABILITY , SLIP & FALL , TRUCKING ACCIDENT , WRONGFUL DEATH

Bookmark:

If you have been hurt by a motor vehicle accident, slip or fall, faulty product, dog bite or negligence in San Fernando Valley, CA, we can help you. As personal injury attorneys, representing individuals who are victims of accidents is our specialty. Whether a car accident or construction accident, negligent maintenance or product liability, we know your rights and understand your physical or emotional injury. We are experienced and dedicated personal injury lawyers, and our outstanding results include numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements.

If you or a loved one has been injured by the negligence or wrongdoing of another in California, you need assistance from successful and knowledgeable injury lawyers. Please call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) today for a free and confidential consultation. We will come to your house or hospital room to sign you up. We’re here to help.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY , BURN INJURY , BUS ACCIDENT , CAR ACCIDENT , DOG BITE , MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT , PREMISES LIABILITY , PRODUCT LIABILITY , SLIP & FALL , TRUCKING ACCIDENT , WRONGFUL DEATH

Bookmark:

The LA Superior Court found in favor of a motorcyclist who was severely injured when he was struck by a car years ago. As the result of massive injuries sustained, the jury awarded the injury victim $3.6 million in medical bills and lost wages and another $15 million for pain & suffering. When the accident occurred, the driver at fault, the wife of a company executive who had recently moved to the United States from Taiwan, did not have her California’s drivers license. In fact, just four days before, she had tried to pass the California driving test and failed. However, because California law allows drivers to use foreign licenses if they aren’t officially residents yet, she was legally allowed to drive with her foreign license.

Motorcyclists face a greater number of hazards than pedestrian, car and truck drivers. Because they lack the physical protection that an automobile can offer, it is important to exercise extra care when riding a motorbike. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation publishes numerous safety guides and tips that should be consulted when riding a motorcycle (http://www.msf-usa.org/index_new.cfm?spl=2&action=display&pagename=Library) .
Highlights of them can be found below:

• Motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles and reacting in a timely fashion. Drive with more care than the average automobile driver.


• Motorcycles occupy less space and are harder to see in blind spots. Try to avoid driving in this space.


• Place reflective strips on your motorcycle or wear reflective clothing, particularly at night.


• Constantly be aware of changing road and driving conditions. Potholes, debris, and weather conditions pose additional safety hazards.


• Ride in the part of the lane where you should be most visible.


• Although California allows motorcycles to drive between cars and trucks, avoid weaving in between lanes.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident in California, the lawyers at the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP are on your side. We have successfully litigated numerous personal injury cases and know how best to help you recover. Call 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) now for a free initial interview. We’ll even come to you to sign you up.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT , MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

Ventura County is the home to over 750,000 people. Each year in California, thousands of innocent people are the victims of accidents involving negligence. If you have been injured as the result of a car accident, a negligent product, or dangerous public or work premises, you may be entitled to receive damages for your suffering. Accidents can cause serious emotional and physical pain, and we are here to help you through this difficult time.

The Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP are an experienced and respected Southern California law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of people injured through the negligence of others. With an extensive record of trial and settlement success, we know how to represent your needs and fight for your rights.

If you or a family member has been injured by the negligence of another in California, let a personal injury attorney help. Please call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) today for a free and confidential consultation. We’re here for you.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY , BURN INJURY , BUS ACCIDENT , CAR ACCIDENT , DOG BITE , MEDICAL MALPRACTICE , MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT , PHARMACEUTICAL , PREMISES LIABILITY , PRODUCT LIABILITY , SLIP & FALL , TRUCKING ACCIDENT , WRONGFUL DEATH

Bookmark:

A six-vehicle crash in the City of Orange left one motorcyclist and one driver of a car dead this past weekend. The crash occurred on the Costa Mesa freeway (also known as California Highway 55). According to authorities, the motorcyclist suddenly lost control, struck the center highway barrier, and flew off of his motorcycle into oncoming traffic. The other fatality occurred when the driver of another automobile swerved to avoid the motorcycle victim, lost control of his own car, hit the highway’s guardrails, and was struck by a third car. Six vehicles were involved in the fatal accident.

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in California, it is important to find the right attorney who has your best interest in mind. The professionals at the Law Firm of Greenberg & Rudman LLP work hard to ensure that you are adequately compensated for your injuries. While other firms may sign up your case and put in a half-hearted effort just to settle for a small amount, Greenberg & Rudman’s lawyers are prepared to take your case all the way to trial. In addition to advancing all legal costs up front, the firm employs sophisticated trial technology designed to make a strong, lasting impression on jurors where appropriate. Studies show that jurors are more likely to absorb and retain information at trial if they experience details presented via visual, audio, and sensory techniques. In the past, the firm has collected millions in trial verdicts using the following presentation materials:

• Animation that reconstructs the sequence of events of an accident


• Illustrations to help the jury visualize claims


• Timelines and storyboards to help clarify a story


• Charts and graphs to illustrate the impact of injuries


• Reproductions to explain complex concepts

For a free consultation in California, please call us at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9667). We’ll do what it takes to make sure we represent you well.

Photo by rick

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT , MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT , WRONGFUL DEATH

Bookmark:

The number of motorcycle crashes in California has continued to steadily increase as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In addition to an increasing number of vehicles on the road, driving conditions and negligent drivers are contributing to the problem. For this reason, it is critical that motorcycle riders know and understand the laws of their state. Below is a quick summary of California’s motorcycle laws.

• Helmet: required by law


• Eye protection: not required


• Helmet speakers: single earphone only


• Daytime use of headlights: required by law


• Turn signals: required by law


• Safety inspections: required by law at random


• Lane sharing: In California, motorcycles may drive between cars but must take reasonable care when doing so. Motorcycles may not drive on shoulders. Also, two motorcycles may share a lane.


• Maximum speed: 70 mph in rural areas; 65 mph in urban areas


• Blood alcohol limit (over 21): .08


• State insurance requirement: Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits) (15/30/5) - Financial responsibility is required. A driver involved in an accident who fails to prove existence of financial responsibility at the time of the accident shall have his or her driver's license suspended for 1 year

The official California Motorcycle Handbook, published by the CA Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), is available online at: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl655/dl665mcycle.pdf

In addition, motorbike owners in California should consider enrolling in the Basic Rider Course. This course is offered as part of the official California Motorcyclist Safety Program administered by the California Highway Patrol. Upon successful completion, riders will receive a waiver for the skills test portion and need only to pass the written test to obtain their motorcycle license from the DMV. Information on this course can be found online at: http://www.ca-msp.org/

If you have been involved in a motorcycle crash in the state of California and need legal assistance, please call a motorcycle accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776). Your initial interview is completely free of charge and can be the first step towards recovery of your legal rights.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

A man took his friend’s motorcycle for a test run in Baldwin Park, CA last fall and collided while attempting to pass a tractor-trailer truck that was concurrently making a left turn into a parking lot. As the truck turned, the rider lost control of the bike and became entangled underneath the trailer’s tires. At the time of the crash, the man was not wearing a helmet. He died instantly.

Although wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle is required by law in the state of California, many drivers often fail to do so – either out of laziness or pure recklessness. As evidenced by the story of the Southern California Baldwin Park man, the consequences can be fatal. Studies published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show a significant correlation between helmet use and head injuries among those fatally injured in motorcycle collisions. 51% of un-helmeted motorcyclists suffered a head injury, compared to only 35% of those that actually wore a helmet. Furthermore, a study conducted by the Harborview Injury Prevention Center found an 88% reduction in brain injury for riders who used a helmet. Because motorcycles lack the physical protection that enclosed automobiles and trucks possess, riders should take every precaution possible to protect themselves from bodily injury.

Data shows that the road is becoming an increasingly dangerous place for motorcyclists. While the number of registered vehicles continues to increase, the number of registered motorbikes on the road continues to climb as well. As a result, roads are becoming more congested, and motorcycle riders are often less visible than their larger car and truck counterparts. Furthermore, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to external hazards such as the weather and road conditions than automobiles.

Although motorcycles only make up approximately 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States, they account for more than 11% of total fatalities related to vehicle crashes. The latest study published by the NHTSA finds that the number of motorcycle crash fatalities across the nation have increased every year for the past nine years. Looking at the individual state level, California has also experienced an increase in motorcycle fatalities. In addition, it is among the top 3 states with the highest number of absolute increases. The study concludes that motorcycles are therefore 35 times more likely to die and 8 times more likely to be injured in a motor vehicle related traffic accident than those driving in passenger cars and trucks.

Victims of motorcycle crashes are often left with debilitating and severe, if not fatal, injuries. The effects on the victim and loved ones are devastating. During this difficult time, an experienced and smart personal injury lawyer is critical to ensure that you are fully taken care of. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle-related accident, the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP are here to help you. Contact us at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for your free consultation.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY , MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT , TRUCKING ACCIDENT , WRONGFUL DEATH

Bookmark:

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash in Glendale, California, we are here to help you recover economic compensation for your damages. We are experienced trial attorneys who have over 50 years of combined experience and have collected over $150 million in verdicts and settlements. Choosing the right attorney is an extremely important decision when you’ve been injured in an accident. It can make the difference between getting the economic compensation you deserve that can pay for past and future medical care as well as lost wages, or not getting any money at all. Make sure your attorney has experience in a courtroom- many personal injury attorneys do not try cases and will therefore prefer to settle your case. We don’t just settle – we are willing to go all way the way to trial to make sure you are adequately compensated for your pain & suffering. Insurance companies have their own lawyers working for them- you should have an experienced attorney working for you! We have gone against big insurance companies and won. Please call us toll-free in California at the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a free legal consultation regarding your rights. We will come to your house or hospital room to sign you up- we’re here to help.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

A retired police officer sued the City of LA when he was hit by a city-operated dump truck while riding his motorcycle in Northridge, California. As a result of the very serious motorcycle accident, the man suffered severe brain injury which caused him to suffer from short-term memory loss. After a two-year lawsuit, the man was finally able to receive ample compensation for damages suffered from this traumatic accident.

The case went finally went to trial after prolonged settlement negotiations failed to materialize. Even though the retired officer suffered severe brain injury and now requires 24-hour care as a result of the collision, the city never offered more than $50,000. The key issue in the case was the degree of the city’s liability. City attorneys contend that the driver of the dump truck was merely a contractor of the Bureau of Street Services, and thus an independent worker outside of the responsibility of the city. In addition, they argued that the driver had finished his day’s shift and was thus “off-site” when the collision occurred.

Luckily, the jury was more sympathetic to the victim of this tragic motorcycle accident. Despite the city’s attempt to escape liability, the jury found that the city was indeed liable for the man’s injuries. The Chatsworth Superior Court awarded him $4.7 million for his past and future medical expenses and lost wages. In addition, the court also awarded the man an additional $11 million to compensate for his pain and suffering and emotional distress. This was the largest award given out by this court.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in California, please call The Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman, LLC for a free consultation at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776). We are trial attorneys who will fight for you!

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY , MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT , TRUCKING ACCIDENT

Bookmark: