Every time a driver gets behind the wheel, there is a possibility of getting into an accident. Essentially, it is a risk most people end up taking on a day-to-day basis. Nevertheless, it appears that young drivers have a higher risk of causing traffic accidents than others. According to the CDC, the risk of auto accidents is higher among teens between 16–19 than among any other age group. In fact, per mile driven, teen drivers between 16-19 are nearly three times as likely as drivers aged 20 or older to be in a fatal car accident. The number one cause for car accidents is not always as simple as speeding or drinking and driving, however, they are probable causes as well. In fact, many believe that inexperience and lack of knowledge are some of the leading causes of such accidents.
Some factors for car accidents among younger drivers include:
With these factors in mind, let's understand why these four key points are leading causes of accidents involving new or younger drivers.
The idea of speeding crosses the mind of many new drivers. With the freedom to drive on their own, new and younger drivers feel the urge to test their limits. By doing so, they risk their own lives along with the lives of other drivers and pedestrians. Many people think that because they are young, they will never experience serious injuries in an accident. A concerning difficulty that parents face is their child's perception of invincibility. As a result, many new drivers speed and drive recklessly. The truth is, speeding makes it more likely to get involved in an accident and sustain an injury. This often results in greater accident rates among new and younger drivers than experienced drivers.
As we all know, driving under any sort of drug or alcohol consumption is not permitted under any circumstance. With this being said, there are still a number of drivers who go behind the wheel and get into accidents. Driving under the influence puts everyone around you at risk of being endangered. New and younger drivers frequently consume alcoholic beverages or use drugs prior to driving. Despite all the anti-drunk driving programs made to raise awareness, drunk driving is still a problem. People's perception of driving is affected when they consume alcohol before driving. The result is having slower response times and making wrong decisions, which can lead to severe personal injuries in accidents.
With technology being a very important factor in everyone's lives today, we often get distracted by them when we shouldn't be. For example, if you were to receive an urgent text at the time you are driving, would you pick up your phone to read and respond? Well, if you responded yes to that example, you are one example of a danger on the road. To avoid getting distracted from the text, wait for a clearance to pull over and reply. By doing so, you may save someone's life, better yet, maybe even yours. Texting is just one common example of getting distracted while on the road. Driving while being distracted removes the mind, eyes, and hands from our present driving.
Over time, every driver becomes aware of ways to handle their vehicle. Becoming familiar with the car, how it runs, and how you react in certain situations while driving is important things to consider. This expertise comes with practice. Let's also remember that consistently switching up cars can be dangerous due to the fact that the size, rear-view mirrors, gas, and brake pedals operate just a little differently from one vehicle to another. In simpler terms, you have to drive to become a better driver.
If you or someone you know is driving with the intention of putting everyone around them in danger, here is what you can do to help them.
If you have been in an accident with such a driver, don't be afraid to call our firm now. We can help assist you with your case. To reach our office, call 310-943-1171.
A roof accident can result in devastating injuries, costly medical treatment, and long recovery periods. In California, when someone falls or gets injured due to unsafe roofing conditions, it’s important to determine who is legally responsible.
Under California negligence law, any party that breached their duty of care and caused harm may be held liable. Liability isn't limited to the person who directly caused the incident—multiple parties could be responsible depending on the circumstances.
Several individuals or entities may be held accountable for a roofing accident, including:
Motorcycle accidents occur daily, frequently with disastrous results. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to risks on the open road than car occupants, who are protected by a steel frame, airbags, and seatbelt restraint systems. There are many common types of motorcycle accidents and injuries that can happen on the road. Injuries vary from the severity of each collision. Motorcycle accidents and injuries can be common occurrences due to many factors such as speed, lack of protection, or being an unexpected obstruction. The article will explore some common types of motorcycle accidents and injuries that motorcyclists face while traveling throughout the roads.
The number of uninsured drivers in the United States is believed to be around 32 million. This figure varies a lot depending on where you are in the country. This is sometimes determined by the cost of auto insurance. Other times, it's due to a lack of knowledge about which vehicle insurance company to choose.
A variety of factors go into determining the cost of car insurance. It's also not uncommon to receive different quotes from different businesses. These can include the following:
When looking for vehicle insurance, there are a few terms you should be aware of. The phrase "premium" is one that you may come across. Simply put, this is the amount you must pay the insurance company to cover your vehicle. Deductible is another phrase for the same thing. You must pay this amount before the insurance company will pay out. You can reduce the overall cost of your insurance by increasing your deductible.
One of the more confusing policies is comprehensive insurance. This sort of insurance appears to cover all parts of an accident, however, it doesn't. In actuality, it only protects a vehicle against harm caused by something other than another vehicle. This includes the following:
Being involved in an automobile accident is already one of the most stressful events in your life. When you're already reeling, learning that the other motorist doesn't have insurance or has only limited coverage seems like a hit in the gut. You may not be able to fully compensate for your injuries due to no fault of your own. What options do you have? Take a look at the article below to find an outcome for you and your coverages.
Liability insurance is the only form of coverage that California drivers are obliged to have. The minimal standards are $15,000 for single-person injuries, $30,000 for multiple-person injuries, and $5,000 for damage to property. While it may be sufficient for minor incidents, a serious injury can easily exceed those limits, especially if specific medical attention is required. This includes surgery or if you are unable to work for an extended period of time. As a result, if you are hit by a driver who only has the bare minimum of insurance – much alone a driver who has breached the law and has no insurance at all - their liability insurance may not be enough to compensate you. It is theoretically feasible to seize the assets of the at-fault driver, but this only works in practice if there are assets to seize, and drivers who do not have insurance typically do not have large assets. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) replaces or supplements the other driver's liability insurance if they don't have it. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage also covers you if you are hurt by a hit-and-run driver who is never identified; after all, an unknown motorist is uninsured by default. In California, you are not obligated to get UM/UIM coverage, but your insurance carrier must offer it to you, and you must deny it in writing. We strongly advise you to have this coverage; it's usually inexpensive, and the few dollars you save on premiums are nothing compared to the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars it could be worth if you're hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
It's an unnerving feeling when you're driving and all of a sudden your car stalls. When you're stranded with an undriveable vehicle on the highway, oncoming motorists are likely to be speeding. If the motorist is distracted, inattentive, or intoxicated, they may not be able to maneuver out of the way quickly enough to prevent colliding with you. Low visibility, bad weather, or a motorist's view being blocked by a large truck ahead of them can all contribute to a collision with your already damaged vehicle. In this article we'll discuss what should happen if you find yourself stranded on the highway with a vehicle that is undriveable.
If you're on the highway, the dangers are greater because other drivers will be speeding past at high speeds. In California, roadside and shoulder of the road crashes involving disabled automobiles may occur in the following scenarios:
Intersections are usually dangerous since they have many lanes of traffic and pedestrians crossing the road with many drivers in vehicles who don't pay attention. A short error in judgment on the part of another driver is all it takes to transform someone's life forever. Drivers must be aware of their surroundings and other drivers on the road to avoid these crashes. Intersections with a high volume of traffic can pose greater risks because more people may be driving through at any given time. It is important for drivers to take caution when approaching an intersection to reduce the risk of an accident or injury.
Intersection collisions are frequently side-impact events in which one vehicle's front end collides with the driver or passenger side of another. Because the side of an automobile offers significantly less protection than the front and back, these collisions can be fatal. Vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, are commonly involved in intersection crashes. A split-second change in who had the right of way could determine who was at fault in a junction incident. Witnesses may vary as to which automobile entered the intersection first or what color the traffic signal was. Car accidents and collisions continue to occur at junctions throughout Los Angeles. You are entitled to compensation regardless of where you were harmed and whether or not a reckless driver was to fault.
One of several risks of tractor-trailers is that they are significantly higher off the ground than passenger cars, and a smaller vehicle can wind up sliding under the trailer in the event of a collision. This is known as an underride collision, and if you've ever been in one, you know how dangerous they can be. When the front of one vehicle collides with the rear of another, it is possible for the first car to go underneath or above the second car. This often results in severe injuries because there are not any parts on top to absorb energy from an impact like seat belts or airbags. Underride has the potential to crush entire cars, leaving victims with severe and disfiguring injuries. Unfortunately, far too many of these collisions result in death. If you've been seriously injured or lost a loved one, you're in for a long and difficult journey.
Naturally, when a truck is rear-ended, the trucking business will argue that the back vehicle's driver is to blame. After all, truckers are no more capable of regulating the vehicle in front of them than any other driver. The truck driver and the trucking firm, on the other hand, are responsible for ensuring that their vehicle does not pose a hazard to other cars, including those approaching from behind. The following are some of the reasons a truck driver could be at fault for an underride collision:
Pedestrian safety is a critical issue that deserves the attention of both pedestrians and drivers. Every year, thousands of pedestrians are injured or killed in accidents that could have been avoided with increased awareness and caution. In this blog, we will explore the importance of pedestrian safety, common causes of accidents, tips for staying safe, and what to do if you’re involved in an accident. Understanding these factors can help reduce the risks on the road and save lives.
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users. Unlike vehicle passengers who have the protection of a metal chassis, seat belts, airbags, and other safety features, pedestrians have no such protection when involved in an accident. This lack of physical shielding makes pedestrians more susceptible to severe injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and in the worst cases, fatalities.
The need for pedestrian safety is particularly urgent in urban environments where heavy foot traffic and vehicle congestion make accidents more likely. Whether you're walking across a crosswalk, waiting at a bus stop, or strolling along the sidewalk, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take the necessary precautions to avoid accidents.
Sharing the road with others is a risk that is inherently obvious. We mitigate these risks with proper courses on avoiding collisions and having insurance, just in case. However, unfortunately, from time to time, there are situations where accidents do occur, and the person responsible doesn't have insurance. Lucky for you, prior to the accident, you decided to include Uninsured Motorist Coverage as part of your insurance policy! On the other hand, this can be unlucky for some that didn't know or get UMI coverage. Here at KAASS LAW, we strive to inform our readers and or clients about what types of insurance coverages are available. The following will shed light on what UMI does and why you should need it.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage is a very reliable option that you can have for your insurance policy. This entails that if you're in an accident with someone but they don't have insurance. Therefore, you can make a claim to your own insurance. Since you have coverage, having UMI will help you better when it comes to financial compensation. Normally, these compensations are from the damages against you by the responsible party that is held . It is also worth mentioning that coverage is similar to uninsured motorist coverage. For instance, it pays for bodily injuries suffered in a collision with a driver who does not have enough coverage to compensate for your injuries. Your underinsured motorist policy kicks in to assist cover the gap between the other driver's coverage and the entire amount of your losses.
Even if the injured person didn’t personally know the party at fault, California law allows claims based on negligence that led to harm.
In any personal injury case involving negligence, the injured party (plaintiff) must prove certain legal elements to hold the responsible party (defendant) accountable. In a roof accident case, the plaintiff must show:
Collecting evidence such as photos, witness statements, inspection records, and expert testimony can help support these claims.
Yes. Under California's respondeat superior rule, an employer is legally responsible for the actions of its employees if those actions occur within the scope of employment. This means:
Yes. Under California premises liability laws, property owners must keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition. This includes inspecting roofs, repairing damage, and warning others of known hazards.
You may hold a property owner accountable if:
Explore premises liability laws in California
If your accident occurred on property owned or managed by a government agency—such as a school, municipal building, or public housing—you may still file a claim. However, the process involves specific steps and tight deadlines under California’s Government Claims Act. You must:
Hiring an attorney quickly is essential in these cases.
If you’re injured in a roofing accident, you may seek compensation for:
In wrongful death cases, family members may also seek compensation for funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a roof fall, follow these steps:
Determining who is responsible for a roof accident isn’t always straightforward. Multiple parties may share liability, and proving negligence requires strong evidence. At KAASS LAW, our attorneys are skilled in investigating fall-related accidents and identifying all liable individuals or entities.
We help clients navigate the complexities of premises liability and personal injury law and fight for the compensation they deserve.
📞 Call KAASS LAW at (310) 943-1171 or visit kaass.com for a free consultation.
Due to their lack of protection, motorcycle riders are extremely vulnerable when on the road. Because motorcycles are not protected, it is believed that they may suffer catastrophic injuries in an accident. Motorcycle accidents frequently result in the following injuries:
TBI occurs when an individual suffers a forceful blow to the head, resulting in intense shaking. A biker who is engaged in an accident suffers a significant injury, especially if they are not wearing a helmet. A person's physical and cognitive abilities will be impacted by a TBI. In order to fully recover from a TBI, the person must have many procedures. In some situations, the injury may have long-term consequences for the individual.
After a crash, a motorcycle rider is likely to make physical contact with the ground. They may break bones depending on the force of the strike. The most common portion of the body to be injured in a motorbike accident is the ribs.
When a motorcyclist's skin is scraped against the road, this painful injury occurs. Road burns aren't often fatal, but if they're not treated properly, infections can develop. Failure to seek medical help may result in permanent scarring on the pulled body part.
Internal bleeding can occur when internal organs are damaged or pierced as a result of a strong force striking the body. Any area of the body might bleed internally. Internal bleeding is a hidden damage, thus it's critical to see a doctor following a motorbike accident. Even if you don't think you were seriously hurt in the accident, it's a good idea to go to the hospital and get checked out.
The spine is one of the most susceptible regions of the body. If it is subjected to a significant amount of force, it may become paralyzed permanently. If a motorcycle rider lands on their neck or back, there is a good risk they will get this injury. Basically, anything that has a strong impact on a person's back might cause injury to the spinal cord. An individual may suffer from a transient or permanent spinal cord injury, depending on the circumstances.
Unfortunate events occur. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses if you were hurt as a result of someone else's negligence. Here's a quick rundown of the many types of losses. Damages are a form of monetary award made by a court of law to compensate an injured party for any losses or injuries experienced as a result of someone else's negligence.
Economic damages are meant to recompense a plaintiff for losses that can be quantified in monetary terms. Economic damages are assessed by calculating the amount of out-of-pocket losses that an injured party has or would have as a result of their injuries. Find below examples of economic losses:
Non-economic damages are meant to cover losses that are considered subjective, but they do not always pay out-of-pocket expenses. Compensation for non-economic damages may include:
Punitive damages are the third sort of damages that a California court may award. Punitive damages are designed to penalize the defendant and are only granted when the defendant's actions are particularly detrimental. Punitive damages are uncommon, accounting for approximately 5% of all judgements. Furthermore, there is no universally accepted formula for assessing and assigning punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded at the discretion of the court and will vary depending on the facts of the case.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can assist you in identifying concerns in your case. Without an adequate investigation, even the most straightforward case can pose complexities and impediments, and this inquiry should be conducted as quickly as possible after the collision. Feel free to give our office a call at 310.943.1171 or schedule a consultation by calling now!
Nothing covered by liability insurance is covered by comprehensive insurance. As a result, no medical expenses or car repairs incurred as a result of a traffic accident are covered. It also doesn't cover you if you collide with a stationary item like a mailbox or a wall. This form of coverage is optional for car owners. Comprehensive insurance is required for people who leased an automobile or took out a loan to buy one. In fact, it is frequently required by the lease or loan agreement's terms.
You are liable if you are the cause of a car collision. In terms of money, this implies you'll have to pay for the victim's vehicle repairs and medical expenses. It is also known as minimum coverage and is the most basic type of affordable vehicle insurance. There are two types of liability insurance. Depending on the laws of your state, you may be required to obtain both. These two sections address the following topics:
Keep in mind that your responsibility only extends to the victim(s) and not to you. Furthermore, you will be responsible for paying for your own medical expenses and car repairs out of pocket.
Collision coverage can be considered as an extension of comprehensive coverage. It covers your vehicle even if you are not driving at the time of the collision. If your friend is driving at the time of the accident, collision insurance would cover the damage. This motor insurance, unlike comprehensive, covers collisions with unmovable object. Collision coverage, on the other hand, does not cover any damage to other vehicles involved in the accident, nor does it cover medical expenses.
Even if you have complete coverage, there are some things your policy won't cover. Wear and tear is an example of coverage that is often not covered. You will have to pay for it out of pocket if your car is experiencing general age-related difficulties or breakdowns. If you wish to add people aside from yourself to the policy, you'll have to do it separately. That implies your policy won't cover other passengers in your car or if you're driving someone else's car. Finally, if you work for a ridesharing firm as a contracted driver, you will not be insured. Uber and Lyft, for example, have extremely stringent insurance requirements. For this, you'll need specialized company insurance.
It is always preferable to get legal assistance if you are in an accident or are involved in a car insurance claim. In the event of an automobile accident, insurance firms are instructed to decrease payments. This may result in you not receiving the compensation you deserve. Give KAASS Law a call at 310.943.1171.
If you have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, your vehicle accident claim will proceed in the same way as any other, with your insurance company just acting as the other driver's insurer. Because California is a fault-based state, you must still prove that the other driver's negligence caused your injuries and that you suffered losses as a result of that negligence. If you don't have UM/UIM, we must make sure the insurance company offered you such coverage, as required by law, and that you declined it in writing. If this process isn't followed, they may have to cover your accident. We'll also look at additional options for reimbursement. The at-fault driver may have been covered by a family member's or employer's policy, or a third party, such as a vehicle manufacturer, which may have played a role in the collision.
You are not on your own in this predicament. This can be a time-consuming and fact-intensive procedure, but we put in the effort to investigate all possible coverage and coordinate benefits to help you get the most out of your rehabilitation. The goal is to enlist the help of an expert car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact KAASS Law immediately to discuss your legal options if you were injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver in California. We will do everything we can to assist you in finding a way ahead. Our legal experts will carefully examine your issue and determine the best course of action for you.
The law of product liability may apply in a circumstance where the driver had meticulously maintained the vehicle but it was nevertheless inoperable due to a manufacturing defect. Injured victims in California who are involved in a disabled vehicle accident may be eligible for compensation from a variety of sources, including the vehicle manufacturer. The issue of whether a manufacturer is liable in the event of a disabled vehicle crash can be complicated. Manufacturers are not liable for accidents that occur due to driver error, but they may be if the disabled vehicle was caused by design flaws or manufacturing defects. Manufacturers are not always aware of design flaws or manufacturing defects, and it's difficult to determine who is at fault in these cases because many factors contribute to an accident. However, there have been instances where manufacturers were found negligent after incidents.
If you are trapped in the middle of the highway;
Dial 911 from your cell phone if you are in a risky situation.
Even if you share some of the blame for your handicapped vehicle accident in California, you may still be entitled to seek compensation from the other at-fault driver. However, the amount of compensation you receive will be proportional to your degree of fault. For example, even if you are 90 percent to blame for an accident, you can still recover 10% of the losses from the other at-fault person. California uses a "pure comparative negligence" rule in this regard.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a disabled vehicle accident, feel free to give our office a call and get the compensation you need for your case. To reach our office, dial (310) 943-1171.
Intersection accidents are caused primarily by driver negligence, not only in Los Angeles but throughout California. This is because they are primarily caused by driver negligence, not only at intersections but anywhere on the road. When drivers run red lights or stop signs, it increases their risk of having an accident. The following are the most typical reasons of intersection collisions: Failure to Stop at a Red Light - At a red light, all drivers must come to a complete stop. Failure to do so may result in a collision with drivers who have the green light or who are turning left. Also, before performing a right-hand turn, a driver must come to a complete stop. When drivers fail to do so before turning, they are more likely to miss oncoming vehicles or pedestrians attempting to cross, resulting in catastrophic intersection collisions. Accelerating to pass the Yellow light - A yellow traffic light warns vehicles that the light is about to turn red, indicating that they should slow down and stop. Los Angeles drivers, on the other hand, are frequently in a hurry and race through intersections in order to beat the light. Drivers frequently violate the speed limit, colliding with other vehicles in the intersection. Rear ending collision - Rear-end collisions are the most common form of car accident in Los Angeles, with majority of them occurring at junctions. Aggressive drivers behind them frequently rear-end drivers who slow down for yellow lights or fail to recognize that the light has changed from red to green. Making a left turn - Before proceeding with a left turn at an intersection, drivers must look for incoming traffic and pedestrians. Because left-turn accidents are so common in Los Angeles, arrow signals are being put at junctions to limit the amount of left-turn accidents. If you have been involved in an intersection collision, please do not hesitate to give us a call. Our attorney will be able to help you receive the right compensation for your case. Give our office a call at (310) 943-1171.
A third party, such as another motorist, may be held liable for an underride collision. For example, say an automobile cuts in front of the truck, prompting the driver to slam on the brakes, producing a chain reaction in which a vehicle coming behind rear-ends the trailer – especially if the rear driver couldn't see the hazard in front since the truck itself was blocking the view. Most significantly, even if the wounded motorist was at fault for the accident, trucking companies and vehicle manufacturers have an obligation to guarantee that the trailer is secured from underride. Underride protections are now standard on most tractor-trailers, although they frequently fail, especially if they are not properly maintained or if they are struck from an angle. Depending on the specifics of the case, an injured person may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer for product responsibility or against the trucking business for negligent maintenance.
Truck collisions are typically high-stakes situations, but they're even more so when underride is involved. Multiple insurance firms are usually always involved: the cab and trailer each have their own policies, as do the manufacturer and any other parties involved (such as other involved vehicles). The idea is to take immediate action before legal deadlines pass and crucial evidence vanishes or is lost. We can begin protecting your rights and advocating for your needs as soon as you speak with an attorney. There will be more obstacles in your way, but you won't have to tackle them alone. To talk with an expert underride accident attorney about your case, contact us immediately.
Whether you're a pedestrian or a driver, there are several measures you can take to stay safe on the road:
The following steps can help ensure your safety and protect your legal rights:
It’s important to work with a law firm that understands the complexities of these cases. At Kaass Law, we are committed to helping pedestrians injured by others' negligence. We can investigate the cause of the accident, gather evidence, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
For more information on pedestrian safety and legal representation, visit our website at Kaass Law.
Collision coverage, which may be added to a car insurance policy, pays to repair your vehicle if you're in an accident, whether you're at fault, if the other at-fault driver is uninsured, or if you're hit by a hit-and-run driver. But remember that collision policy only covers the cost of repairing your automobile up to the limitations of your coverage, not your injuries. However, the period of time a policyholder has to file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim depends on your policy. KAASS LAW can help and review if needed.
In this case, you can file a vehicle accident lawsuit, but even if you win, it may be a hollow victory. There's no assurance that if you get a judgment against an uninsured motorist, you'll be able to collect the money (or any portion of it). Due to the fact that an uninsured driver may not have many assets, enforcing the judgment may be a lost battle.
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver and sustain injuries, you would typically file a claim with your own insurance company under your UM coverage. Here's a general overview of the process:
In addition to uninsured drivers, there's also the risk of being hit by an underinsured driver. Someone who has insurance but whose policy limits are insufficient to cover the full extent of your injuries and damages. California law also allows you to purchase Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. This kicks in when the at-fault driver's insurance limits are exhausted, and your damages exceed their coverage. UIM coverage works similarly to UM bodily injury coverage, allowing you to seek additional compensation from your own insurer up to the limits of your UIM policy.
If you have been injured in an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver in California, KAASS LAW can help. We can help with opening up claims if needed and among many other performances such as:
Don't leave your financial future vulnerable to the actions of uninsured or underinsured drivers. Contact KAASS LAW today for a consultation. Our team is here to discuss your auto insurance coverage and how we can help.