san fernando valley personal injury lawyers

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/

The latimes.com website has reported on August 6th, that California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has finally signed into law a ban on commercial vehicles driving through State Route 2 between the city of La Canada Flintridge and County Route N2 in Los Angeles County. In the latimes.com report, many residents of the area have been requesting this for years after several runaway truck accidents including one that happened on April 1 that killed a man and his 12 year old daughter and injured at least 12 people. The new bill, AB 1361, will not only ban vehicles weighing more than 9,000lbs or with three or more axles, but it also hikes up the fine for drivers who have been caught driving with overloaded trucks to $1,000 from $20.

Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge), author of the new law, said, “There was never a reason for big rigs to use this narrow, steep road that ended in our quiet town. Knowing that we now have a formal and lasting truck ban will put our citizens at ease and is the first step to ensuring we never experience the pain and fear caused by a runaway truck.”

According to national statistics, accidents that involve trucks kill more than 5,000 people and injure up to 130,000 (of which 35% of the injuries are disastrous). Although commercial trucks represent only 3% of all registered vehicles, they are accountable for 25% of car deaths.

Drivers and truck owners are responsible for obeying all laws when on public roads and should perform the proper maintenance on their trucks to ensure that they are operating safe vehicles, otherwise the consequences can be fatal and they will be held accountable. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury in the San Fernando Valley as a result of a trucking accident, you should call the skilled Northridge truck accident lawyers at the Mandell Law Firm. Our arsenal of attorneys is experienced and has successfully represented clients in all sorts of personal injury cases. At the Mandell Law Firm, we are committed to protecting your rights as an injury victim and helping you recover the compensation you deserve. Please call 1-818-886-6600 for a free consultation.

Source:http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/08/big-rigs-permanent-banned-on-angeles-crest-highway.html