By Laurence Mandell on February 4, 2013 -
Safely Sharing The Road With Automobile Traffic
Riding a bicycle is something that can be enjoyed by almost anyone at any age. If you’re healthy enough for the physical exertion, there is a whole other world available to you. More and more Californians are turning to bikes for pleasure riding, as well as an excellent form of exercise that most people find more enjoyable than a monotonous walk on a treadmill. Unfortunately, safe, easily accessible cycling lanes, paths, and trails are often in short supply in many areas, particularly in urban locales. The result, of course, is that this frequently puts cyclists in direct competition with auto traffic for the same roadways, and avoiding bicycle accidents becomes more of a challenge.
California state laws afford the same rights to cyclists as to automobile drivers. However, the trade-off for being allowed to use all roads is that bicycle riders have to conform to the same rules and traffic laws that motorists are required to obey.
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By Laurence Mandell on November 19, 2012 -
Why Shouldn’t You Represent Yourself in Court?
If you find yourself embroiled in a legal battle, over a personal injury or not, you should want to make sure that you receive the justice you are entitled to. This may or may not take the form of compensation, reimbursement for bills, pain and suffering, the expense of continued care, or whatever the case requires.
But some people make the decision to forgo legal representation in order to save on legal expenses. So, do you really have to hire a lawyer? No. But not doing so can certainly result in a less-than-desirable outcome for your case.
The reason people decide not utilize the services of an attorney is almost always the same. Money. They believe that by saving on legal fees, they will end up with more money from their eventual settlement. More often than not, this turns out to be a false economy that most people regret.
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By Laurence Mandell on October 22, 2012 -
Why Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Just like drivers in all other states, Californians fear being involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist. This unfortunately common scenario can quickly have a serious financial impact on your life and family. But having adequate uninsured motorist coverage, in tandem with California’s uninsured motorist laws, are intended to offer you a blanket of protection.
Uninsured motorist coverage not only helps in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver, but also applies to drivers who are insufficiently covered. According to statistics, drivers without coverage or with inadequate coverage make up one in every three drivers on California’s roads.
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By Mara Burnett on February 20, 2012 -
Have You Been in a Woodland Hills Bicycle Accident?
Or anywhere else for that matter. Although we are kids when we first learn how to navigate our neighborhoods on a bicycle, mastering that simple task provides us with an accomplishment that we can enjoy throughout the rest of our lives. Even as we age, we are never too old to appreciate this simple pleasure.
But every year bicycle riders put their lives on the line while riding. As a result, they often become injured by automobile drivers who aren’t paying attention. If you’ve been involved in a Woodland Hills bicycle accident, or anywhere else, you should talk to an attorney about the legal remedies that are available to you.
Bicycles Are Invisible
The dangers are the same for bicycle riders as for those who ride motorcycles. Automobile drivers are looking out for other automobiles, not two-wheeled vehicles. A bicycle doesn’t provide much of a visible presence on the road, and therefore can easily become involved in an accident – usually due to no fault of the rider. Since bicycles are required to share the same roads as automobiles, there are bound to be unfortunate incidents where the two come together.
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By Mara Burnett on January 16, 2012 -
You’ve Been Injured. What Next?
Personal injury cases are based on the premise that someone was injured by the act of another person or entity. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, you should seek out a top personal injury attorney who can fight for you and your rights. Since these cases are not necessarily clear cut, it is rarely advisable for you to go this alone.
When pursuing your personal injury case, the first thing on your list should be finding a good attorney. Even after you have narrowed down your choices, you still need to do a little research in order to make sure that he or she will be the right fit for you. This means looking for reviews from other clients, complaints, and even pending lawsuits that may have been filed. The Better Business Bureau is a great place to find this kind of information.
The Face to Face Meeting
You will next want to set a meeting with your attorney. Here, you will discuss the details of your case to determine if you do, in fact, have a viable claim. This is when your attorney will instruct you on what can be expected through each step of the process. This is also the time that your attorney will instruct you as to what will be expected of you. This will include any information you may have, the facts of your case, contacts who can help to verify your case, and any other information pertinent to your claim. The defendant’s attorney will also be contacting your attorney to swap information material to the case.
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By Robert Mandell on January 3, 2012 -
I Resolve to …
New Year’s resolutions. Many of us make them, but not many of us manage to keep them. They generally have to do with things we feel, if accomplished, would make us a better, or healthier, or more prosperous person. We resolve to lose weight, or stop smoking, or to start working out or running, or to simply try to be a nicer human being.
These are all laudable and worthwhile objectives, and we encourage everyone to do your best to achieve whatever goals you’ve resolved to reach in 2012. But, we have a couple of items we’d like to suggest that you add to your list. They’re not traditional New Year’s resolutions, but we think they would be worth your time and effort, and might save you, or a loved one, or even a total stranger from harm and/or liability in the coming months and years.
Make a List … or Several
- Have all your vehicles checked thoroughly for potential safety issues. This means your cars, motorcycles, motor homes, watercraft, camping trailers, bicycles, even your skateboard. Check them all to be sure that wheels, brakes, lights – anything that could cause an accident, should it malfunction – are in good working order.
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By Laurence Mandell on November 22, 2011 -
Ensure Your Best Possible Recovery ~
It can certainly be a life-altering event, and the first thing you should know about spinal cord injury is that it does not always present symptoms immediately after sustaining damage. If you suffer a head, neck, or back injury, even if you feel that it’s minor, get the opinion of a qualified health care professional immediately. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you should know what steps to take to ensure that you’ll receive the best medical care and rehabilitation efforts.
All brain injuries and injuries to the spinal cord are potentially dangerous. They can cause excruciating pain, take away your freedom of movement, speech, or hearing, and can even result in death. If you suffer an injury to the spinal cord due to an accident, on the job or elsewhere, you’ll not only need excellent medical attention but also the counsel of a skilled personal injury attorney. More often than not, there will be an intimidating maze of legalities that must be dealt with before you can get on with treatment and recovery.
Things to Keep in Mind
After you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a spinal cord injury, take the following steps to ensure that you won’t be left without help and without the means to ensure your best possible recovery.
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By Robert Mandell on November 15, 2011 -
Know What to Do Next ~
In the United States, someone suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI) every 15 seconds. A TBI is the most frequent cause of disability or death among children and adolescents, according to the Brain Injury Association. Approximately five million head injuries occur every year, and most result from what appears to be only a bump or bruise to the head, but is actually quite a bit more serious.
What Are the Symptoms?
Any head trauma has the possibility of also causing injury to the brain. A head injury can be suspicious for brain damage if the following symptoms are present: unconsciousness, headache, convulsions, dazed expression, drowsiness, vomiting, memory loss or amnesia concerning the injury, as well as unequal pupil size. In addition, more obvious symptoms can include a bloody nose or bleeding from the ear without any noticeable fractures or cuts. Following a head injury, it is important to keep close tabs on any changes and be prepared for questions such as, “When did this change begin?” Try to recall specifics surrounding your fall or accident and when your first noticed impairment. For example, if you’re feeling anxious or disoriented, what do you think may have brought this on?
Brain Injury Checklist
Take a look below at these common changes, including personality, neurological, intellectual and psychological impairments following a head injury.
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By Robert Mandell on October 10, 2011 -
Protect Your Health and Your Legal Rights ~
If you’re involved in any kind of vehicular accident, there are certain rules you should follow. Some of these rules are required by law, others are there to protect your rights. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in an auto accident, a bicycle accident, a motorcycle accident, or are hit by any one of them while walking down the sidewalk as a pedestrian. These rules apply in all situations. While you should always consult with a personal injury attorney for legal advice immediately following any accident, you also need to know, in advance, what to do in case of an emergency.
- Remain as calm as possible. Being involved in an accident is almost always an emotional experience. You may be afraid of potential consequences. You may also be in pain. However, staying as calm as you can is in your best interest. You will be less likely to say or do something that could be detrimental should legal proceedings result.
- First, if anyone was injured in the accident, call 911. “Anyone” means yourself and passengers in your vehicle as well as other drivers, and passengers in other vehicles. Emergency personnel should be contacted even if the injuries seem minor. Second, call the police so the facts of the accident can be documented. In most instances, a single call to 911 will likely dispatch both the police and paramedics. (Note: In certain instances, the police may refuse to come or prepare a report.)
- Even if you believe the accident was entirely your fault, do not make any statements to that effect. Doing so can have serious legal consequences, and might even affect your insurance coverage. You are not obligated to provide this information before obtaining legal advice.
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By The Mandell Law Firm on August 22, 2011 -
Riding a bike has been a popular recreational activity for quite a long time; however, it is becoming increasing more popular as a mode of transportation, especially in places like Southern California where the climate and weather are pleasant most of the year. Cycling is an economical, eco-friendly, and healthy way to get to your destination, although it is more dangerous.
Bicyclists are much more vulnerable than the occupants of cars and must always ride defensively and safely. This is especially important because many motorists do not know how to appropriately share the roads with bicycles. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) provides the following safety tips to help keep cyclists safe:
Make sure the bicycle is well maintained and adjusted, especially when it comes to the brakes and tires;
- Install a good light and reflectors for night riding;
- Wear bright clothing when riding at night;
- Wear a properly-fitting helmet;
- Attach a rear view mirror to the handlebars;
- Obey all traffic laws;
- Use hand signals before turning or changing lanes;
- Always ride on the right side of the road;
- Be very cautious when riding through intersections;
- Avoid riding alongside cars in intersections;
- Keep hands on the handlebars at all times;
- Yield to all pedestrians; and
- Make sure you are noticed, especially by drivers.
Following these guidelines will help you stay safe while riding your bike, but, unfortunately, these tips cannot always protect you from the negligent or reckless driving of others. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike accident caused by a negligent driver, the experienced bicycle accident lawyers in the San Fernando Valley at The Mandell Law Firm can help you hold the at-fault party accountable. Call us today to learn more about getting the compensation you deserve at 818-886-6600.
