May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Each year, all motorists – both motorcyclists and other vehicle drivers – are reminded how critical safe driving and safe riding practices are in preventing motorcycle injuries and fatalities. Unfortunately, the number of people injured and killed in motorcycle crashes continues to increase each year.

Due to the lack of protection for those who ride motorcycles, people who are in motorcycle accidents often suffer serious to severe injuries. Those who are injured are entitled to pursue legal action against the party responsible for the accident and the resulting injuries.

Head Injuries

Head and brain injuries are a significant concern for motorcycle riders. In the event of a crash, riders are at risk of hitting their head on the pavement or another object. Riders should always wear a DOT-approved helmet. However, even if a rider is wearing a helmet, they can still suffer from a concussion or other head injury. These injuries can be particularly dangerous, as they can lead to long-term damage and even death.

After any serious California car accident, insurance companies have to get involved to determine the extent of the damage and to find out their client’s liability. While this is an important part of the post-accident process, for victims who have been injured in car accidents, dealing with insurance adjusters is just one more headache to handle. Worse, the insurance adjusters representing the party responsible for the accident are not acting for the benefit of the injured party; instead, they are trying to help their company get away with paying the minimum amount possible in a settlement offer. If you have been injured in a San Jose car accident, get help right away from a personal injury attorney who can provide legal advice as you navigate insurance companies, pursue compensation for your injuries, and more. 

Can My Lawyer Talk to an Insurance Adjuster For Me? 

While insurance adjusters may not be looking out for your best interests, they do have an important job. They are required to assess the extent of the damage to their client’s vehicle, their client’s health, your health, your vehicle’s damage, and any other damage that was done in the accident. To do this, they need to do some investigating, which includes gathering facts from their client, you, and any witnesses who saw the accident happen. 

However, this does not mean that you personally need to talk to the insurance adjuster, and it may be better if you do not. If you already have an attorney representing you when the insurance company starts contacting you, you can have your attorney talk to them instead. This offers several benefits, including: 

Riding a bicycle should be a fun and safe activity, whether it is for exercise, commuting to work or school, or just a leisurely trip for some fresh air. But when you are riding in traffic or crossing a busy road, there are risks of dangerous collisions and serious injuries. Bicyclists won’t win in a collision with a motor vehicle, no matter who was at fault for the accident. Here are some tips to keep you riding safely and avoid a bicycle accident.

Bicyclists’ Preparation and Practices for Safety

With over 100 bicyclists killed and over 10,000 injured in accidents every year in California, it is best to be well-prepared and know the top tips to ride safely. Remember these tips next time you are headed out for a ride.

• Pick the right bike and gear – Make sure you have the right size bicycle, and it is in good working order. Bicyclists under 18 must wear a helmet when riding on public roads, but it is a good idea for all riders to wear one for protection in case of a crash.

  ...

Car accidents affect the lives of millions of people each year in the United States. Some car accident victims are able to walk away from the crash relatively unscathed. Others are left with severe or permanent injuries. If you or a loved one were hurt in an auto accident, you may benefit from working with a personal injury attorney.

Gathering and Preserving Evidence

Whether you reach a settlement with the insurance company or file a personal injury lawsuit, you will need evidence of:

• The at-fault party’s liability
• The extent of your injuries
• The financial impact the injuries had on your ability to work

Your lawyer can help you obtain the evidence needed and ensure that the evidence does not get lost or destroyed.

A horrific shooting on the Costa Mesa highway has led to the announcement by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) that they may soon begin collecting road rage data that occurs on California roads. The shooting resulted in the killing of a six-year-old boy and, since the shooting, other drivers have reported multiple incidents involving the same couple who have been arrested for the boy’s murder. According to a CHP spokesperson, there are currently no vehicle code designations for road rage incidents for statistical purposes. Road rage incidents are not tracked because police say there is not a specific California law that makes road rage a crime.

Child Killed Over Hand Gesture

The tragic incident occurred last month in the HOV lane of the 55 Freeway in Orange County at about 8 a.m. According to police, the boy’s mother was driving her son to kindergarten when another driver veered into her lane and then cut her vehicle off. As the driver sped away, she gave the mother a peace sign. A few miles later, as the mother exited the HOV lane, she drove by the driver and raised her middle finger at the driver and her male passenger.