orange county crash

From Merry to Scary: Tips on How to Celebrate Safely

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The holiday season is one of the most anticipated times of the year because it’s the time of year to make memories with family and friends. This year the holiday season might look different considering the pandemic and the dangers of possibly contracting Covid-19. However, whether you host a small group of family or not, there are many holiday-related dangers that are common this time of year. We have some friendly reminders and tips to share so you can be safe and prepared no matter how you celebrate. There’s nothing worse than your holiday turning from merry to scary!

Household Safety

  • When cooking a delicious holiday meal for your family or guests, make sure you keep an eye on your stove and oven. Don’t forget to turn them off when you are finished cooking.

  • Keep decorations away from heat sources like fire places or heaters. There is so much than can go wrong when there is an open flame too close to your Christmas tree or some garland.

  • Be mindful about where you run your electrical cords. They should not run across a walk way or side walk where people can trip on them, especially if it is dark.

  • If you decide to chose a natural Christmas tree over a fake tree, make sure to water it. Not only will it look beautiful and healthy, when your tree is properly watered, this prevents the needles from falling off and a dry tree is especially flammable.

  • Make sure to turn off your decorations when you go to sleep or leave your home. Maybe investing in a timer for the lights is worth it so you do not fall asleep with the decorations on.

  • Electronic decorations should always be displayed in DRY areas. Never put lights on an aquarium.

  • Make sure you have properly working smoke alarms on every level of the house, even the basement and in bedrooms or near sleeping areas.

  • It gets especially cold around this time of year, make sure you turn off portable heaters or put them on a sleep timer. If they fall over or are too close to a piece of furniture, this could be a fire hazard.

  • Before you begin to decorate your home for the holiday, make sure you inspect your decorations and discard any that are old or damaged. This could be potentially dangerous if you do not test and inspect them first.

  • Keep batteries stored in a safe and secure package or place out of reach of children or pets.

  • Consider having your home and electrical outlets inspected by a professional. Electrical fires can be prevented with proper care.

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Driving Safety

Apart from potential household dangers, another reason the holidays can be a dangerous time is due to the amount of drivers on the road as well as the weather conditions. Here are some more safety tips to consider this holiday season to protect yourself and others.

  • Know your route of travel. Whether you are having a safe gathering with family or you are simply on your way to pick up your Christmas tree, have your hands-free device and be mindful of the road.

  • If you pick up a tree, make sure it is properly secured on top of your vehicle while you drive. You do not want it to become loose on the road and cause an accident or obstruct your view.

  • Consider the weather and how it affects the road conditions this time of year, whether it is raining, hailing, snowing or foggy. Remember the road is most slippery and dangerous just as the rain begins.

  • Be weary of drunk drivers in the evenings during the holiday season. Although you may think it won’t be as dangerous as other years because of social distancing, you do not want to assume there won’t be intoxicated drivers out on the road.

  • As always be mindful of sleepy drivers when driving late. Do not drive tired. Driving sleepy can be just as fatal as driving intoxicated.

  • Stress can lead to accidents and just as the holidays can be a joyful time, they can also be a stressful time.

  • Do not delay car maintenance this time of year. Sure there is a lot going on, but you have a responsibility to keep up your vehicle and use safety precautions.

Final Note

It’s true, the holiday season can bring about so many emotions for people - both good and bad. For so many of us this year will be different than what we are use to. It is our responsibility to make sure that we are celebrating safely and celebrating smart. Considering these potential safety hazards that are within our capacity to manage will help us finish this year on a light note. Stay safe, be merry and happy holidays from all of us here at The Lions Injury Lawyers!

Speed Limits

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Speed Law

In the state of California we have a basic speed law which requires drivers to never drive faster than what the law deems safe for conditions. We see the speed limit signs on streets, freeways and highways but we also have to consider the current conditions of the day and construction on the road. For example you could be driving 45 mph in a 55 mph zone however that would be unsafe and deemed too fast if there were contributing conditions like dense fog. One thing to remember is that no matter what the posted speed limit is your driving should also depend on:

  • The number of vehicles on the road.

  • The condition of the road (construction zone, smooth surface, rough, graveled, wet, dry, wide or narrow).

  • Pedestrians, bicyclists, animals.

  • Weather (raining, foggy, snowing, windy, or dusty).

  • Vehicle design - don’t drive a minivan like a race car!

Read the signs and consider all circumstance. Why is this important? There might be other indications on the road you are driving on that will be affected by your speed even if you are abiding by the speed limit.

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Maximum Speed Limit

The maximum speed limit on most California highways is 65 mph however, you may drive 70 mph where posted. Unless otherwise posted, the maximum speed limit is 55 mph on two-lane undivided highways and for vehicles towing trailers. Why the different speed limits for different vehicles? The weight and size of a certain vehicle can drastically affect their ability to stop or slow down when they are faced with unforeseen obstacles. But it is so important to use your best caution when maneuvering down different highways or freeways. The maximum speed limit is meant to deter cars from going too fast so that way their stopping distance doesn’t increase too much. Similar to speeding on the road, driving too slow can be just as dangerous. Of course we are all implored to follow the law and stay within the posted speed limits however, best practice you want to also consider the flow of traffic.

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Slow Moving Traffic

Similar to speeding on the road, driving too slow can be just as dangerous and may even warrant a ticket. Of course we are all expected to follow the law and stay within the posted speed limits however, best practice you want to also consider the flow of traffic as well as the weather. If there is heavy fog or it just began to rain, the roads are not safe to drive 65 mph even though there is a posted sign for the speed limit. If you are driving significantly slower than the speed limit on the right lane of the freeway, and oncoming cars have to slow down because of you, the fast moving traffic behind you may have to  brake suddenly. Yes driving slow can still cause accidents. Even though slower traffic is supposed to drive on the right lanes, that doesn’t mean you should drive significantly slower than everyone else. Not to mention, towing vehicles, buses and large trucks are always supposed to drive on the right lanes. Always be aware of your speed and surroundings.

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School Zones

As drivers, we are expected to be 100% aware of our surroundings and drive carefully so that we don’t harm others. Anytime there is a school zone, the rules of the road change. Within 500 feet of a school while children are present or if they are crossing the street, the legal limit changes to 25 mph, unless otherwise posted. Especially if you see that the school session is ending for the day, and there are large crowds of children and parents picking them up, you never want to drive faster than 25 mph. You should always drive carefully anytime you are operating a motor vehicle however, anytime you are driving near schools, playgrounds, parks and residential areas you should drive extra cautiously because children are much smaller and sometimes a little unpredictable. Around these areas, children may suddenly run into the street. Here are some common considerations near schools:

  • Bicyclists and pedestrians.

  • School safety patrols or school crossing guards. Always make sure to obey their direction as they are trying to manage the surplus of vehicles when school is beginning or ending.

  • Stopped school busses. Remember some school busses have flashing yellow lights are to warn you to slow down and prepare to stop. Red lights require you to stop from either direction until children are safely out of the way. By law you are required to stay stopped until red lights stop flashing – this is a finable offense and can potentially warrant a suspended license.

Blind Intersections and Alleys

What are blind intersections? Blind intersections you cannot see for about 100 feet in either direction during the last 100 feet before crossing. An intersection can also be considered a “blind” intersection if there are no stop signs at any corner. Anything can block your view from trees, bushes, buildings or even parked cars. If your view is blocked, edge forward slowly until you can see. The speed limit for a blind intersection is 15 mph. The speed limit in any alley is also 15 mph.

Railroad Tracks

If you cannot see the tracks of a railroad for 400 feet in both directions the speed limit is 15 mph within 100 feet of the railroad crossing. However, if there is a gate, warning signals or flagman you may drive the posted speed limit. Always be very cautious around railroad tracks and crossings especially if you are in bumper to bumper traffic. You don’t want to get stuck on the tracks if you need to make a complete stop suddenly. Here are important considerations when you are at a railroad or train crossing:

  • Always look in both directions and listen for trains. Many crossings have multiple tracks so be ready to stop before crossing, if necessary. Cross railroad tracks only at designated crossings and only when it is safe to do so.

  • Expect a train on any track at any time traveling in either direction. If you need to stop after crossing the tracks, make sure your vehicle clears the tracks before you stop.

  • Never stop on the railroad tracks. Remember that a train cannot stop quickly or swerve out of the way. If you are on the tracks, you risk injury or death.

  • Some vehicles must stop before crossing train tracks, be sure to watch out for them. Such vehicles include buses, school buses, and trucks transporting hazardous loads.

  • Remember that flashing red lights means you are required to STOP! Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest track when the crossing devices are active or a person warns you a train is coming. Stop if you see a train coming or you hear the whistle, horn, or bell of an approaching train.

  • Do NOT go around or under lowered crossing gates even if you do not see a train. Wait for the gates to rise. If the gates are not working correctly, call the railroad emergency number posted near the crossing or notify the local police or California Highway Patrol.

  • The same rules apply for light rail vehicle crossings. Remember that light rail vehicles are very quiet and move faster than freight trains.

Streetcars, Buses and Trolleys

Many of us don’t prefer to sit in traffic, so this tempts us to drive faster and weave around slower cars or buses. This is not safe and can warrant a ticket. However, the passing speed limit only when safe to pass is no more than 10 mph. You must always consider the zone you are driving in and the conditions around where you are trying to pass. A safety zone is marked by raised buttons or markers on the road and is set aside for pedestrians. Always drive with caution and do not try to speed past buses, trolleys or other street cars if it is not safe to do so.

Business and Residence

Caution and speed limit around business or resident districts is similar to caution and speed limit around schools. The speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted.

Animals

Just as you should use caution around other cars and people, the same respect and caution should be used for animals, stray or not. Anytime you see animals or livestock, slow down and obey the person in charge of the animals. If you see a stray animal in your path, slow down or stop, if safe to do so. Always following the speed limits and using caution when there are special road conditions is key. Driving too fast on a road and then swerving for a sudden stray animal that appears can cause and accident. Always handle with care and follow the rules of the road.

The Importance of Car Maintenance

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Majority of us don’t use public transportation to get to and from school or work. If you do, more power to you! However, for those of us who do drive our own cars, trucks, motorcycles or what have you, it is imperative that we keep up with the proper maintenance for our vehicles. Not only is taking care of your vehicle going to make it run and last longer, but when you neglect proper maintenance of your vehicle you run the risk of accidents happening due to a malfunctions or defects. Yes it is true that accidents can happen anytime or anywhere, but if you make sure that you are keeping up with your car maintenance, then you are making a conscious effort to avoid breakdowns on the road.

Gas Up

You might not consider pumping gas as car maintenance but this is simple yet important. If you are someone who has a habit of constantly driving while the tank is almost completely empty, then you run the risk of potentially running out while on a freeway or highway. It is very important for your safety and the safety of others to make sure that you do not push the limits and run out of gas in the middle of an intersection. Sometimes we see cars on the shoulders of the freeways because of car trouble or empty tanks. If your car runs out of gas or stalls for any reason, pulling off to the shoulder of the freeway is safer than getting out of your car in the middle lanes, but it is still very unsafe. At all costs you want to avoid pushing the limits and avoid running on fumes to reach your destination. As soon as you notice that your car is reaching a quarter tank, it’s time to fill up or even sooner if you can. Constantly driving while your gas tank is on empty it not ideal for your vehicle either. These machines need to be properly maintained and simply putting gas when the tank is reaching empty is one less thing to worry about on the road.

Car Lights

Oh the importance of properly working headlights and break-lights. Not only will you find yourself with a fix-it ticket if a police officer notices one of your headlights or break-lights are out, but it is very dangerous for you and others if the lights on your vehicle are not working properly. Best practice is to make a habit of staying on top of fixing the lights on your car right as soon as you notice they are out. Many vehicles, especially an older vehicle, do not have a signal on the dashboard that alerts you if a light goes out. Try to make a habit of checking on them periodically. The lights on your car are life-saving visual cues. If your break-lights are not working and you are in stop-and-go traffic on the freeway, even in daylight, the vehicle behind you may not notice you are coming to a stop and the likelihood of them rear-ending you goes up. Save yourself the inconvenience of a traffic yet and better yet, protect yourself and others. Make a routine of checking up on those lights.

Windshield Wipers

The maintenance for windshield wipers might pop up unexpectedly if you live in a place like sunny southern California. Since we live in a warm state where rainy season is fairly short, you might not realize that your windshield wipers need to be replaced. If your windshield wipers haven’t been used in a long time, you might want to test them out before a gloomy thunderstorm happens. If it is time for them to be replaced, you may notice that they do not clear your view the way they should be and that can be very dangerous on the road. Tough weather conditions like dark and rainy days as well as wet pavement are factors that can influence the way we drive and the obstacles we face on the road. Making sure you have the best and clear view when driving is imperative for your safety and the safety of others. This certainly includes working windshield wipers to improve your view.

Cleanliness: Windows and Mirrors

Similar to the importance of windshield wipers, having a clean car with clean windows and mirrors can also be very important for safe driving. Sometimes it is our lucky day and we get a special surprise from the birds. Yup you guessed it, a nice pile of bird poop all over our windows! Although spraying and wiping it away with the windshield wipers might solve the issue in the front, it doesn’t help if the poop is on your driver or passenger window.  It might sound silly but hey sometimes it is a lot of poop! Yuck. Car cleanliness goes a long way and if you can’t keep up with a wash every few weeks you should at least make sure your view is clear. This could be the windows but also the mirrors. It is the safest for us and others when we have absolutely nothing obstructing our view. Not to mention there is something very relaxing and even gratifying about having a freshly washed vehicle. Clear car, clear view equals clear headspace for safe driving.

Tire Care

You cannot underestimate the importance of tire maintenance. Do you remember the last time you checked the air in your tires? The last time you had your tires rotated? Well if you do not have an answer to either of those questions it is time. If you have a newer vehicle, it is likely that you may get an alert on your car dashboard if the air in the tire is low. However, good practice is always making sure you check these things periodically before your car alerts you that there is an issue. On that note, a good rule-of-thumb is that you should get your tires rotated every 6 months or every 6,000 - 8,000 miles. Why you ask? Well when your tires are rotated, each tire will be removed from your vehicle and be moved to a different position to ensure all tires wear evenly and as a result will last longer. If you never rotate your tires, they will begin to bald unevenly and if so much time passes and they never have any maintenance, you run the risk of a tire blowing on you which can be very dangerous. Although sometimes we get bad luck and even if you do keep up with tire maintenance, you might accidentally run over glass or a nail and a tire can still go flat. But regardless you want to make sure that you are doing everything in your power to upkeep the maintenance of your vehicle and this certainly includes tire care.

Warning Signals

Are you the type of person who sees an incoming text message and you think, “Hmm I’ll read it later.” It’s understandable, we are all busy. But hey then a couple days pass and then you think, “Oops I forgot to reply.” Well car maintenance notifications are not to be put on the back burner! Whether it be a warning signal for an oil change, check engine light, battery, temperature, just to name a few, you do not want to ignore these signals. Typically if you see an orange or yellow warning light, this is your vehicle trying to communicate with you that there is a problem that needs to be serviced soon. But sometimes the light is red or even blinking. If you see a light on your vehicle and it is red, do not ignore it. Red lights usually indicate that your car needs immediate attention. All of the dashboard warning signals vary from car to car and also if the car is newer or older. You will likely need to check the owner’s manual or look it up on Google. Regardless you do not want to ignore these lights and you will likely need to take your car in for service as soon as possible. If you do not break the habit of letting your car signals stay on for too long, you run the risk of the fixable issue turning into a much larger and more expensive problem. For your safety, and the safety of others, do yourself a favor and handle these car maintenances before they turn into a worse problem.

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How Does a ‘Statute of Limitations’ Affect Your Injury Claim?

The 'Statute of Limitations' language can be confusing to non-lawyers (and even lawyers!). Make sure you've got accurate information regarding the time constraints of your California injury case.

The 'Statute of Limitations' language can be confusing to non-lawyers (and even lawyers!). Make sure you've got accurate information regarding the time constraints of your California injury case.

The law is full of terms and phrases that can be confusing to people unfamiliar with their meaning and significance. One such term is the ‘statute of limitations’ that limits a plaintiff’s ability to recover a financial settlement or reward for their injury. In the state of California, if you were injured by the negligence of another person, you must either file a lawsuit against the negligible (at-fault) party, or settle your case, within two-years in most cases.

Receiving the proper medical treatment for a car crash injury can often take you past the two-year mark. What then? In short, talk to an attorney: you have options.

Receiving the proper medical treatment for a car crash injury can often take you past the two-year mark. What then? In short, talk to an attorney: you have options.

The Two-Year Mark

If you were involved in a car crash in which you were injured by another person, you generally have two years to either resolve the claim amicably (settlement), or file a lawsuit. This applies to most general negligence claims when two private citizens or corporations are involved. The California courts are exact in their approach to the statutory limit: two years means two years, not two years plus one day. Do not rely on your own charisma, or exceptional circumstances, or any reason whatsoever for failing to file your claim, or resolve your claim, within the applicable statute of limitations. Judges and insurance companies will not be lenient and make an exception for your case. It does not matter if you travel for work, gave birth, lost the phone number, or are a NASA astronaut and traveled to the moon! The statute of limitations is rigid. Don't miss it!

What to do if you're not back to full health, but the statute of limitations is approaching? Talk to an injury lawyer. The law provides for you, but it isn't straightforward. 

What to do if you're not back to full health, but the statute of limitations is approaching? Talk to an injury lawyer. The law provides for you, but it isn't straightforward. 

What About Settling Your Injury Claim?

Also, if you consider your injury claim more or less settled, you still have to provide the insurance carrier a signed release prior to the two year deadline. If you've talked with an insurance adjuster and have basically agreed on a number, but haven't signed a release, or there are other parties that must sign the release in addition to you, you're not safe in the sense that you can expect the insurance company to pay. Most injury attorneys in California will advise you to sign all necessary documents (in the case of settlement), at least a few weeks before the statute of limitations approaches in order to avoid surprise.

You're supposed to be put back to the place in health and finances that you were before the injury. If you're not there, what can you do to "get back?" Start with calling a good lawyer.

You're supposed to be put back to the place in health and finances that you were before the injury. If you're not there, what can you do to "get back?" Start with calling a good lawyer.

What About Public Entities?

If, however, you were injured by what is called a 'public entity,' such as a school bus, or a metro bus, or any other government-owned entity, your statute of limitations is significantly less. In California, you have just six months to assert your claim to the proper entity. This can be confusing, as you are bound by a rigid timeline, but it isn't clear how to proceed with your claim in most situations. A law firm that focuses or specializes in personal injury cases may be a good point of contact to answer your questions and point you in the right direction.

For example, if you were injured by a Metro bus in Los Angeles, there is a claims process that the injured party must initiate prior to the six month mark. Because there are a lot of people injured by buses due to the large volume of its fleet and riders, the process for a bus claim is not as tricky as, say, a claim against a charter school, or a park that you're not sure if it is a city park or not. The six month mark is general, and there are exceptions. From there, the government has forty-five (45) days to respond to your claim. In most situations, you have six months to file a lawsuit from the date of receiving the government's rejection of your claim in the mail. Again, this is a general timeline aimed at giving some helpful information, but the details can be complicated, and it is advisable that you seek the counsel of a reputable attorney if you have any questions regarding how the statute of limitations may affect your claim.

Basic California Car Crash Injury Claims

In most car accident crashes, which account for the majority of personal injury claims in California, the process is fairly straightforward, and there are few surprises. This is of course according to a law firm that focuses entirely on injury cases - if you are trying to handle the settlement or litigation of your injury case by yourself, then you should expect the process to be frustrating, confusing, and not at all straightforward. However, as car crash lawyers handle these cases every day, year after year, there are rarely surprises. This is one reason why personal injury attorneys are often consulted by people who are not sure whether they have a claim, how they should proceed, and don't know whether they can afford a lawyer. The good news is most personal injury lawyers in Orange County and Los Angeles county offer free consultations or case reviews, and they almost all work on a contingency basis, meaning there is no out of pocket expense to the client. The attorney collects a percentage of the total settlement as his or her fee, so the injured person does not have to pay for anything up front.

This Blog Post is Not Legal Counsel

Don't sleep on the statute - if you miss it in California, there really isn't a way around it! Judges will not be "lenient."

Don't sleep on the statute - if you miss it in California, there really isn't a way around it! Judges will not be "lenient."

This blog post is meant to inform, but not give a comprehensive legal analysis or provide information upon which you should base your decisions on how to pursue your legal claim. Each injury claim is unique, and your claim may get confusing or tricky fast - such as when several cars are involved, and when one of the cars is a public bus, for example. The most important thing to remember is you don't have forever to decide whether you want to file a claim against the at-fault person. Most injury lawyers would advise that it is always helpful for someone unsure about how the statute of limitations affects their case to talk with a personal injury lawyer who handles California cases. 

This blog post was written for basic information purposes only by The Lions Injury Lawyers, P.C. The Lions practice personal injury law in Southern California and represent clients throughout the state of California. The content contained herein is …

This blog post was written for basic information purposes only by The Lions Injury Lawyers, P.C. The Lions practice personal injury law in Southern California and represent clients throughout the state of California. The content contained herein is not formal legal advise, and should not be relied upon as you decide how to move forward with your injury claim. You are advised to seek the formal legal opinion of a lawyer to discuss the details of your injury claim.

Car Crash Injury? Keep a Pain Journal

A lazy injury lawyer will get you enough money to pay for your medical bills and perhaps a bit more. A good injury lawyer will get you money to compensate for the ways in which your life is now different than it was before.

A lazy injury lawyer will get you enough money to pay for your medical bills and perhaps a bit more. A good injury lawyer will get you money to compensate for the ways in which your life is now different than it was before.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident and are recovering from your injuries, you may notice that your symptoms are worse some days, and better others. This is typical for most people, and with any luck you won’t have to get involved in a lawsuit in order to get a fair settlement for your car crash case. However, even in pre-litigation (when your attorney is negotiating on your behalf with the insurance company of the at-fault driver), insurance companies’ default position is that you’re only as injured or hurt as the paperwork says you are. That means that if it isn’t documented over time, you are not really injured.

Pain and suffering includes changes to your lifestyle. If you were active before, and can no longer do what you previously enjoyed due to someone else's negligence, a good injury lawyer can help compensate you for this loss.

Pain and suffering includes changes to your lifestyle. If you were active before, and can no longer do what you previously enjoyed due to someone else's negligence, a good injury lawyer can help compensate you for this loss.

What is a Pain Journal?

Your documentation of the pain you experience as a result of your car crash does not need to be anything fancy. In fact, writing notes in a simple notebook is enough. The most important thing is that you document regularly how you feel, and the affect it has on your life. For example, if you have a particularly difficult day, and have to cancel a social event, or forego a planned activity, this should be documented. Many pain journals are simple hand-written entries on a couple sheets of paper. In California, there are so many car crashes and subsequent injury claims, that you need to show the at-fault driver's insurance company that your injuries are real, affect your daily life, and did not simply disappear overnight. 

As part of your injury claim, you should include the ways in which your lifestyle has been affected. For people who previously lived an active lifestyle, there is no amount of money that can compensate for the things they can no longer do.

As part of your injury claim, you should include the ways in which your lifestyle has been affected. For people who previously lived an active lifestyle, there is no amount of money that can compensate for the things they can no longer do.

How Frequently Should You Update It?

Because your pain journal is an informal document, there is no rule of thumb to follow as far as how often you should update it. However, the more often you can write down specific instances of pain, and how it affects your lifestyle, work, or ability to parent, these things should be written down. If you are seeking medical treatment for an injury, you should be updating your pain journal at least a couple times a week. As time goes on, your pain journal will show how your symptoms are improving, if they are improving. This can also help show that you were compliant in following doctors' recommendations and orders. As the cost of your medical treatment rises, the insurance company will be looking for reasons to deny paying your medical bills. When a plaintiff has a thorough journal showing how the injury has affected his or her life, it becomes increasingly difficult for the other party's attorneys to say you weren't hurt and they shouldn't have to pay for your medical expenses.

A pain journal does not need to be fancy. Keep track of the days you feel worse than usual, and document days when you're feeling better. This will be of great value to your injury law firm as they negotiate on your behalf.

A pain journal does not need to be fancy. Keep track of the days you feel worse than usual, and document days when you're feeling better. This will be of great value to your injury law firm as they negotiate on your behalf.

Why Does it Help?

Your case is one of tens of thousands that insurance adjusters will review. If necessary, your attorney may have to file a lawsuit on your behalf, and will have to prove that you were injured by someone else, and that your injuries have affected your lifestyle. As part of the process of determining the value of your case, or in other words, how much money you are likely to be paid as a settlement, your medical records will make up one portion of your claim, and your pain and suffering will make up the second part of the evaluation. 

Orange County is home to a beautiful coast - if you previously enjoyed days at the beach, but have had to cut back on your leisure activities due to an injury, a good Orange County injury lawyer will help compensate you for this change in your lifes…

Orange County is home to a beautiful coast - if you previously enjoyed days at the beach, but have had to cut back on your leisure activities due to an injury, a good Orange County injury lawyer will help compensate you for this change in your lifestyle.

What is 'Pain and Suffering'

The laws in California provide for compensation for your pain and suffering, which is sometimes called your general damages. So if you were injured in a California car crash, and you are seeking a claim against the driver who hit you, you will have two parts to your claim: special damages (the "hard costs", such as your medical bills and other things you paid out of pocket for), and general damages (hard to put a number on, but the value of your pain and suffering). The more you can prove you were injured, the better position your injury lawyer will be in to win more money for you. For example, if you had a hobby you can no longer participate in, or if your exercise routine was disrupted or changed as a result of the car injury, you are entitled to pain and suffering damages for the negative affect the accident has had on your lifestyle. All these things are unique to your case, and of course specific to your lifestyle. But it is not enough to simply state that you've missed out, or your life has changed. You need documentation, and a pain journal can be of great assistance to your lawyer as he or she fights for your case.

Assessing General Damages (Pain and Suffering)

Orange County residents who were injured in a car crash have many options of injury lawyers to choose from. 

Orange County residents who were injured in a car crash have many options of injury lawyers to choose from. 

Your personal injury lawyer will be explaining the many ways in which your life has been affected by your injury. This may include anything from a sport you can no longer play, to difficulties caring for your children, to discomfort in a variety of situations unique to your life as a result of someone else's negligence. Because it is not as simple as adding up receipts and claiming the total, you must be specific in explaining to your injury lawyer the ways in which your life has been affected. He or she will then argue these points on your behalf. A good injury lawyer in California will be able to compare the types of losses you have incurred with similar cases in the past. An injury law firm that has handled a lot of cases and is paying attention to trends in the courts will be in the best position to fight for maximum value for your car crash injury case. 

The 100 Deadliest Days: What You Should Know

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day has become known by many people as the 100 Deadliest Days due to the number of traffic fatalities during this time. Many news outlets have reported on the issue in the last week, including most local California television networks and several California newspapers. While the '100 Deadliest Days' name is catchy and memorable, not everyone knows what it means.

Parents are the key to helping teens develop safe driving habits and setting easy to remember rules and guidelines.

Parents are the key to helping teens develop safe driving habits and setting easy to remember rules and guidelines.

AAA Research & Tracking

AAA is known for its roadside assistance program and auto insurance, but it is also a leader in tracking travel data. According to the company, more than 1,050 people were killed in car crashes that involved teenage drivers in the year 2016 during this period. The company also mentions several factors that affect the uptick in traffic deaths during this time, including nighttime driving, speeding, and distracted driving.

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Nighttime Driving

Teenagers drive a lot at night during this time period due to their changed social schedules, as school is out and many teenagers spend more time with their peers at night. Driving at night in urban areas, such as around sporting stadiums, bars, dance clubs, and other places where young people like to socialize brings with it additional possible dangers. For example, many of these activities including alcohol as part of the social activity - consider how many people have had a few drinks and then get in their car after a basketball or baseball game! Your teen shares the road with them, and teenagers should be aware of their surrounding drivers more so at night than any other time.

Nighttime driving also includes drivers who are making long passages and road trips. The drivers may be heading to or from vacation, and the longer we drive, the less attentive we can be. This includes drivers returning home from college, or visiting friends and family on the weekend from their jobs. Many car accidents in California's big cities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the Orange County metro area, involve people who work there and are trying to get home. Young drivers should know that these cities have especially high number of car accidents in the summer months.

Parents should note that it is not just in the late hours of the night (more appropriately, the early morning hours of the next day) when crashes happen. A recent study shows that more crashes involving teens actually happen before midnight.

Speeding

During social outings, teens are more likely to speed with friends in the car, or if they are hurrying to get somewhere to meet up with their friends. While it may be perceived to be an issue with young male drivers only, the reality is that anyone speeding excessively presents a hazard to themselves and to those people around them. Several fatal car crashes in recent years have occurred on roads where the public tends to drive fast, such as the 73 toll road that cuts through Orange County, or several backcountry roads in the Riverside and San Bernardino area. These roads are, at some times, seemingly empty, which gives some drivers the perception that driving fast is OK. Tragically, you don't need to crash into another vehicle, or have another car hit you, to be injured in a car accident. As has been the case in these specific areas, the roads are empty and drivers drive too fast, not aware of how their car operates at high speed. Add to the mix alcohol, nighttime driving, drowsy or distracted driving, and you have a recipe for disaster. 

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Young drivers should know that speeding is not only dangerous when they are trying to steer around other vehicles, but can also be fatal when you're the only one on the road. Speed also tends to be involved with many fatal motorcycle accidents, which also happen at a higher frequency during this time period.

Distracted Driving

Much attention has been given to the affect of distracted driving due to cell phone use lately, but cell phones are not the only cause of distracted driving. When it comes to teenagers, too many friends in the car is a bad thing, and every summer there are tragic crashes that injury and kill young people driving together. While carpooling is encouraged by many due to the benefits of reduced emissions into the environment, parents of teenagers should know their teen's social habits and advise accordingly. Some teenagers are better equipped emotionally to drive when they have their friends in the car. Sometimes it may be safer to be driving alone and meet your group at the destination, rather than risk being distracted by rowdy passengers.

Lyft and Uber have added another option to the mix, making it possible for passengers to ride together, but cutting out the need for any of the teens to drive. This option, it should be noted, is not fool-proof, as Lyft and Uber drivers can be distracted as well, and the news has been full of stories where drivers are distracted by their young passengers and have to insist on better behavior in the back seat. Your teen should know that it is important to keep the volume of his or her voice down if driving in a hired car, as the driver needs to be able to concentrate on driving.

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Talk To Your Teenager

As a parent, you are key to helping your teenager drive safely. Teenagers should know that their parents care, and that their parents have given them specific, easy to understand and remember rules regarding driving during the summer months. First, they should know that there are dangers and hazards they cannot control, but may be able to avoid. They should know that if they are involved in a car crash and are injured, they should not worry about money, but should go to the hospital or doctor and get the care they need. Teenagers should know that there are more car crashes this time of year, and there are a lot of intoxicated drivers, distracted drivers, and just plain more drivers in general on the roads during the 100 deadliest days.