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According to a report by the San Diego Union-Tribune, two teenage bicyclists were injured by a hit and run accident. The driver rolled down the window to ask if the two boys were ok, but quickly drove off after one of the boys had indicated that the other was bleeding and hurt. The boys were taken to the hospital and treated for minor cuts and abrasions while one had a possible broken nose.

Unfortunately for Californians, hit and run accidents have increased by 17% over the last five years according to a report made by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). California also has one of the highest rates of hit and run accidents in the US. Hit and run accidents can be especially distressing for victims in that they often have to use their own insurance to pay for medical bills, repairs and damages.

Negligent and distracted drivers pose a risk to pedestrians, bicyclists and other motorists. In fact, a bicyclist is fatally injured once every six hours in the US. Therefore, it is important to follow traffic laws and carry insurance. Also, take care to protect yourself when bicycling by wearing a helmet, being aware of motorists and learning the correct hand signals to communicate to drivers.

If you or someone in your family has been involved in a hit and run or bicycle accident, you may be entitled to recoup compensation for medical expenses, lost and future earnings, as well as pain and hardship. Contact one of the professional San Fernando Valley personal injury accident lawyers at the Mandell Law Firm for a free consultation. Knowing your rights can make the difference. Call (818) 886-6600 today.

Source:http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/nov/19/2-bicyclists-injured-in-hit-run-accident/

Over the past two months, there has been a lot of buzz around the NFL and head injuries. It began when Jahvid Best, running back for Cal Berkeley, landed on his head after a touchdown at Oregon State University on November 7. The NFL Commissioner recently announced the resignation of several committee members and assured the public that the league will soon require players with head injuries to consult independent neurologists for treatment.

The underlying issue is that traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can have severe and long-lasting effects. A TBI is defined as any hit or shock to the head that affects brain function ranging from mild to severe. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, 28% of all TBI cases result from falls while 20% are attributed to motor vehicle-traffic accidents. Males are 1.5 times as likely to sustain a TBI over females.

Some short-term effects of TBI include irritability and confusion, headaches, nausea, loss of consciousness, memory loss and un-reactive or unequal pupils. The most common long-term symptoms of a TBI are loss of memory and problem solving skills as well as changes in behavior, language, emotion, and learning. Studies show that 40% of Americans hospitalized for a TBI had at least one unmet need for services one year after injury.

Brain injury and head trauma can be life-changing events and most commonly occur in infants from ages 0-4 and teenagers 15-19. If you or someone you love has suffered a brain injury from a car accident or fall on unsafe territory in California, you may be entitled to compensation. Call (818) 886-6600 to speak with an experienced Northridge traumatic brain injury lawyer at the Mandell Law Firm for a free consultation.

Sources:http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/25/ED7A1APC6V.DTL; http://espn.go.com/blog/pac10/post/_/id/5651/tedford-no-decision-on-best-return

Toyota has recalled four million vehicles in the United States in order to replace accelerator pedals. The vehicles being recalled are Toyota’s 2007-2010 Camry and 2004-2009 Prius, America’s best-selling passenger car and hybrid, the 2007-2010 Lexus ES350 and several others. The U.S. government has reported that at least five deaths, two injuries and 100 cases are attributed to the acceleration pedals getting stuck because of faulty floor mats.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the floor mats are slightly longer than normal and could lock or cover the accelerator pedal. The case that shed light on the problem occurred last August in San Diego and involved the deaths of a California Highway Patrol officer and three family members. The accelerator pedal jammed causing the car to reach 120 mph. The vehicle then hit another vehicle, launched forward, rolled several times and ultimately burst into flames. The Japanese company has also extended the recall to Canada for 209,000 vehicles.

Manufacturers are under strict liability for their products and are responsible for any injuries sustained should their items be rendered defective or hazardous. In the above case, the victims’ family is entitled to compensation for wrongful death on four accounts and any other expenses relating to the accident, if a court of law rules that the defective product caused the accident.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or affected by Toyota’s defective floor mats, contact an experienced Northridge product liability attorney at the Mandell Law Firm today. Our team of skilled lawyers will discuss your case, explaining your rights to compensation. Call (818) 886-6600 today for a free consultation.

Source:http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gmKb2aKeW8fLflBGV0NNnp582M8Q

Last week marked the 10th Annual Neuroscience of Brain Injury: Research Informing Medical Treatment and Legal Practice Conference and Fundraising Golf Tournament in Napa Valley hosted by the California Brain Injury Association.

The Brain Injury Association of America indicates that 1.4 million Americans suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) each year. Motor-vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of TBI, accounting for 280,000 sustained cases in the U.S. each year.

Brain damage and injury can have long-lasting and devastating effects for many victims and families. TBIs encompass a range of injuries from mild changes in mental condition or consciousness to severe cases of prolonged amnesia or unconsciousness including both short- and long-term effects. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3.17 million people who have suffered from TBI require long-term or lifelong help in performing daily activities.

Common disabilities associated with TBI are problems with cognition such as changes in thinking and learning, sensory processing, language and communication, behavior, and emotions. TBIs have also been known to increase a patient’s risk for Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other mental diseases and disorders that are prevalent with age.

Many auto accident victims can attest that brain injuries can be life altering, painful and expensive. It is important to protect yourself and your brain by wearing helmets when riding bicycles and motorcycles, driving within speed limits, and reducing driving distractions such as phone calls and loud music.

If you or someone you know suffers TBI because of a California car accident, assault or any other cause resulting from another person’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, suffering or loss. Accidents involving head injuries can be upsetting and complicated. Learn your rights by contacting an experienced California brain injury lawyer at the Mandell Law Firm for a free consultation. Call (818) 886-6600 today.

On Saturday November 21, four people were taken to a hospital for injuries after a San Francisco Municipal Railway (SF Muni) cable car heading toward Fisherman’s Wharf from downtown stopped suddenly. A strand used to pull cable cars up and down hills had detached from the underground cable. The cable car operator had to call central control in order to automatically stop the vehicle, because he could not release the grip on the torn strand. The SF Muni cable cars reportedly travel at 9.5 mph.

Every train or cable car accident is different, encompassing a number of factors. Public transportation systems are a great way for people in California to save money on gas and reduce traffic. As passengers on trains, light rails, metros and other forms of public transportation, we place trust in the companies and employees that are responsible for the safety, operation and maintenance of the vehicles. If an accident occurs due to insufficient maintenance or negligence, then the company or employee may be held responsible.

Since there are multiple passengers per transport vehicle, an accident can cause multiple injuries as well as deaths, causing pain, grief and financial losses. Fortunately in this incident, the injuries were not life-threatening. Still, if you are a victim of a bus, train or cable car accident in California, passengers and employees alike, you need an aggressive personal injury or wrongful death attorney from the Mandell Law Firm to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. The experienced San Fernando Valley personal injury lawyers at the Mandell Law Firm will help you build a strong case in order to obtain compensation for your injuries, damages and/or losses. Contact us today at (818) 886-6600 for a free consultation.

Source:http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/22/BACH1AOGOB.DTL#ixzz0Y5R0gIUC