The Cost Of All Those Billboards, Television and Radio Ads Are Expensive

It should come as no surprise to anyone that to place a bunch of billboards along a busy freeway, or to place television or radio ads are expensive.  It is also true that a single billboard or a single television or radio ad is ineffective to getting the name of the law firm affixed to the consumer’s memory. Thus, multiple billboards, radio and television ads are required to make a dent in the subconscious mind of the future personal injury victim in need of legal services.  Consider the fact that when you are driving on the freeway passing a lawyer’s billboards, you are not likely in need of legal services at that very moment (unless you had an accident below one of those billboards).  The purpose of a billboard is to get you to think about that law firm when, in some future date, you need a personal injury lawyer.  This is called name branding.  The law firm’s hope is that the slogans, images and claims of being the best or #1 lawyer in Southern California will be so impressed in your subconscious mind that you will remember to call the easy to remember number, remember the jingle, or you will just think to contact that particular lawyer with your personal injury claim.  Television and radio ads played over and over are designed to have the same effect on your mind when you need a personal injury lawyer.  

3 Tips About Name Branding Which Should Be Important To You As A Consumer Of Personal Injury Legal Services

1. Before you have a need for legal services, these billboard lawyers have spent massive amounts of money trying to get your attention.  As a result, the advertising overhead has already been spent, and continues to be spent, attempting to attract you as a personal injury client.  If you choose to hire another law firm, that expense has to be made up on the back of another future client.  Thus, marketing overhead has to be built into the legal services agreement, which means, you end up paying for those costs by way of higher legal fees and costs built into the personal injury legal services agreement. The advertising cost is only one portion of the law firm’s expense that has to be made up through the personal injury clients.  Consider the high cost of downtown buildings with the high cost of rentals for those expensive offices, multiple attorneys, paralegals and support staff, just to name a few additional costs.
2. In order to manage the overhead costs, there is an inherent need to process a case quickly to increase revenue for the firm by increasing the volume of cases handled by the firm and decreasing the time an active case is on their books.  It is no different from a restaurant where if a table turns more than five times during the night, the restaurant is going to make more money than if the table only turns more than three times in a night.  The customer experience may be substantially different between a table rushed through the meal to get more customers in and out of the business, versus the table that allows its customers to enjoy the dining experience.  While processing a personal injury claim is not necessarily enjoyable, some clients need more time and attention to adequately address their needs.  A personal injury victim truly needs to feel like they have someone who cares about them and is willing to give them the time they need to heal and to move past the injury and into recovery.  By turning cases over quickly, sometimes the healing experience gets bypassed for the sake of expediency in settling the case. 
3. Larger firms have basic quotas for their lower tiered staff to settle a certain number of cases within a certain period of time.  The incentive might not to be to the benefit of the injury victim, but by resolving the case promptly, the big law firms get settlement funds in the door to offset those heavy monthly costs, and the employee gets bonuses for expeditiously settling cases.  As one personal injury client comes onboard, another must be resolved and removed from the active client list in order to make sure the cash flow is there to support all the infrastructure and overhead.

Billboard, TV, And Radio Lawyers Often Use Tiered Legal Services Agreements Which Can Be Manipulated To Increase Their Fee Recovery

I have personally seen several of the big firm legal services agreements when clients have come to our firm after being dissatisfied with the representation they were getting from some of these large advertising law firms.  These agreements often start with an introductory rate of 25% of the recovery.  This introductory rate has a short time for it to be operative, generally about 90 days.  If the case is resolved within 90 days, the firm recovers 25% of the settlement.  In most instances, an injured person is unable to heal in the first 90 days following the collision or injury.  Unless the personal injury victim is going to settle without knowing the full extent of the injury, the case most often does not settle within 90 days.  

The next level of recovery is 33% or one third of the recovery.  This percentage is also of limited duration.  This percentage might expire when the lawyer decides to file the case at which time the fee jumps to 40% with doing very little additional work.  The big firm rules might be that a case must be resolved within 90 days, or the case will be filed within 120 days from intake.  In a matter of just a few months, the personal injury victim’s fees jump from 25% to 40%.  For a case worth $100,000.00, that is an additional fee of $15,000.00 coming off the top of the client’s settlement.

Finally, the fees can then jump again to 45% once the case is set for trial and 50% if the matter proceeds to trial.  

This fee structure is designed to pay for those high overhead costs.  They are not designed for the benefit of the personal injury client who hires these firms.

Please keep in mind that these fees are exclusive of costs incurred by the law firm to prosecute the case and exclusive of the cost of medical care that must be paid for from the recovery.  These costs and expenses can add a substantial additional burden on the client’s percentage of the recovery.

Some Large And Small Personal Injury Law Firms May Refer Out Their Cases

Some law firms have certain minimum values for the cases they handle, or they may believe that referring out a case to another law firm and getting a referral fee in return is a better financial return than handling the case internally.  As a result, a client may believe they are retaining one law firm, when in fact they are referred to a separate law firm to handle their case, either from its inception or at any step along the way to trial.

For Someone Who Needs A Personal Injury Attorney, Here Are The Considerations Before Hiring A Billboard, Television Or Radio Attorney

1. The cost to you will generally be higher than hiring a local Inland Empire personal injury attorney who has lower overhead and costs in its operation.
2. All legal service fee agreements are not the same.  Do not be afraid to shop around to find the right attorney for you and your individual needs.
3. Ask lots of questions to make sure you are comfortable about how your case will be handled and who will be handling your case from beginning to the end.
4. Be proactive in your case and what is best for you.

Contact Our Inland Empire Personal Injury Law Firm for a Free Consultation

If you were involved in a car collision, slip and fall incident, dog bite injury or a medical negligence claim, due to the fault of another, contact Inland Empire Law Group for a no cost-free consultation. We can and will answer any questions you may have about your personal injury case.  Schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation, by contacting us online or calling our office at 909-481-0100 or toll-free at 888-694-3529.  THIS WILL BE A CALL YOU WON’T REGRET.

How An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Builds an Injury Claim That Will Properly Compensate You

If you need a personal injury attorney because you were hurt in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you should know that certain aspects of your injury case will directly impact the amount you can receive at the end of your case.  David H. Ricks, a premier personal injury attorney in the Inland Empire, wants you to know some of the items that can impact your recovery following your injury accident.

Available Insurance Coverage Is a Critical Component to Your Recovery

The amount of insurance available from the negligent person, or the available uninsured motorist coverage, are two aspects that greatly impact your potential recovery.  When there is ample insurance coverage to provide for fair and full compensation, then you are more likely to recieve all the compensation you deserve.  When there is a small insurance policy and your injuries are substantial, there may not be a way to get you all that you deserve from your injuries.  Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney helps you maximize the recovery because they know how to locate all the available insurance coverage applicable to your claim.

Gathering the Evidence Early Protects Your Rights

Maximizing your recovery is a process of establishing liability, causation and damages.  To do that, your attorney needs to gain early access to all the relevant evidence to hold the negligent party and the liable insurance comapny responsible for your damages.  Evidence includes, photographs from the accident scene, the vehicles, or the location of a fall and photographs of your injuries are important.  Since your lawyer will not be at the accident scene, and he or she may be retained at a later date, you need to take the initiative to get the photographs that will be needed later.  Other items of evidence inlcude, witness information or statements, incident reports, vehicle damage, hospital and medical records, loss of earnings information, the need for future medical care, etc.  There is a lot involved in this part of the case and while there is some overlap between cases, each case has its unique aspects that must be properly explored and documented.  The burden is on the injured party and his or her attorney to make a strong and compelling case which supports the version of events that favors financial recovery and refutes any claims or defenses made by the other party (or their insurance company). Preserving and gathering as much evidence as available is a key component to a successful claim.

Proper Medical Care Is Critical

Following the injury causing event, the injuries need to be treated to help speed the healing process and to properly document the injuries.  One of the biggest mistakes made by an injured person is the failure to actively treat their injuries, failing to follow medical advice of merely giving up on treatment because of the time it takes or the interference in one's daily life.  Ultimately, the insurers and their attorneys will scrutinize your medical records looking for any reason to attack your credibility and the veracity of your injuries. If your injuries are documented when you are in the emergency room, or documented by your medical provider, it’s much more difficult for insurers to claim that your injuries are unrelated to the accident. If you stop going to your doctors’ appointments when you claim you still need medical care, insurers will argue that your injuries weren’t that serious so you don't deserve as much for your claim.  Get the medical care you need, it helps you physically and mentally and it helps your ultimate financial recovery.

Determining Past and Future Damages

Calculating medical expenss and loss of earnings is fairly easy, just add up the numbers.  Those damages merely reimburse you for some of your losses.  What about those losses that will occur in the future for loss of earnings or medical expenses, or those intangible losses for pain and suffering?   How are those losses calculated?  This is where an experienced and skilled personal injury attorney makes all the difference.  An experienced attorney located in the areaa where the case is handled, will understand the rights to recover for pain and suffering, for future losses, etc.  They know what other cases have settled for and why your case is worth more than what the insurance company wants to pay.  The personal injury attorney with an excellent reputation and one who is not afraid to go to trial has a better chance of convincing the insurance company to pay you what you deserve, not some lesser amount.  Sometimes, these calculations require the use of expert witnesses and persons that are not otherwise available to a personal injury victim working on their own without an attorney.

Deadlines Must Be Met to Avoid Lossing Out

All personal injury cases must be filed by a state-imposed deadline called the statute of limitations. California's statute of limitations on most injury or wrongful death cases is two years. However, the deadlines are significantly different for claims involving the government, or medical negligence.  Victims have just six months after the date of injury to pursue a claim against a government entity or employee. Medical malpractice statutes of limitation can be as short as one year from the date of the injury.  If a statute of limitations is missed and the claim is not filed with a court or settled timely, it does not matter how good your case is, you cannot recover.  Since it takes considerable time to investigate and document your case, it’s best to consult an attorney as soon as possible to protect your right to recovery and to avoid missing any statute of limitations.

Giving a Statement to the Other Side Without Consulting a Personal Injury Attorney

Insurance companies prey on injury victims overwhelmed by pain and medical debt. They will want to take a statement about the collision or the injury early on before you hire an attorney.  They are not taking the statement to help you, they are doing it to help themselves.  Beware that they will ask questions that will invoke answers that may later be used against you.  Always, always, always, review your case with an attorney before you decide to provide a statement to an insurance company.  Don't let the insurance company get the upper hand on you before you are ready, physically and mentally, to give a proper well thought out statement. 

Speak With The Right Attorney

No matter how helpful an insurance company may seem, it’s only concerned about its own bottom line. You should seek out the assistance of an attorney right away following the injury.  Maybe your case does not need an attorney or maybe an attorney can bring significant value to your case.  You will not know this unless you speak to an attorney.  However, speaking to the right attorney is just as important.  Find an attorney that is right for you and your case.  Is the attorney experienced in cases like yours?  Will the attorney handle the case in his or her office instead of referring you out?  Does the attorney have the resources and experience to take your case to trial if necessary?  See questions you should ask a lawyer.  

The Inland Empire Law Group can meet your needs and provide you with all the benefits of having the right law firm working for you and for your interest. As we say, "Every Personal Injury is Personal To Us."  We will fight for you to secure the best outcome for you and your claim.

Learn Your Next Steps in Your Free Consultation

At Inland Empire Law Group, we do everything we can to ease the burden on you after an injury. While you rest and recover, we can gather the evidence to make the most compelling case—and we don’t charge anything to explain your options and legal rights.  All injury cases are handled on a contingency basis so no money is due from you upfront.  Our recovery comes only after we secure a recovery for you.

Call (909) 481-0100 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation and find out how we can assist you with your case.

More Deadly Accidents, Despite Fewer Vehicles

In 2020, with various parts of the country under COVID-related restrictions, there were fewer vehicles on the road. Unfortunately, NHTSA data shows that drivers who did venture out during the pandemic were more likely to engage in risky behaviors behind the wheel, including driving without using a seatbelt.

Traffic deaths involving drivers or passengers who weren't wearing seat belts jumped 15 percent—a particularly concerning statistic considering that, in a typical year, nearly half of all people killed in fatal accidents weren't properly restrained at the time of the crash.  Other driving behaviors associated with the rise in highway accident fatalities include:

• Speeding, with speeding-related deaths increasing 15 percent
• Driving under the influence, with fatal crashes involving alcohol or drugs jumping 9 percent

If You or a Loved One Was Injured in a Collision, the Defense Will Look at Seatbelt Use for a Defense

If you were hurt in a crash you didn't cause, the defense will look to see if you were utilizing your seatbelt appropriately at the time of the colision.  The use of a seatbelt can help reduce the seriousness of injuries suffered by an accident victim.  The failure to use a seatbelt for your own protection equates to contributory negligence on your part.  The defense will argue, and the law supports the argument, that the defense should only be responsible for the injuries caused by the negligence of the defendant driver, not the negligence in failing to comply with the law to wear a seatbelt.  For example, if a case involves a death of a passenger and that passenger was ejected from the vehicle due to the falure to wear a seatbelt, then the defense can argue that the death was due to the passenger's negligence in failing to wear a seatbelt, not from the collision itself.  This would especially be true if the driver of the impacted vehicle suffered limited damages from the collision.

While the burden of proof is on the defendant to show the difference of the possible injuries, you do not want to have to defend your actions while you are attempting to secure compensation for your injuries.  Further, if you can reduced your injuries by clicking in a seatbelt, the better off you will be if you are involved in a collision.  

Seatbelt use is often monitored by a vehicle's event data recorder.  If you say you were wearing your seatbelt at the time of the collision, the event data recorder can verify this fact or prove it false.  

Even in relatively small collisions, the absence of a seatbelt can result in serious injuries.  Consider a collsion that brings a vehicle to a sudden stop at 20 mph.  An unrestrained person will continue to move at 20 mph until that person strikes the interior of the car, such as a windshield or dashboard.  Striking your head at 20 mph can do a lot of damage to your brain.  Don't risk it.  Wear your seatbelt.

If your case involves a person who was not wearing a seatbelt, all is not lost.  You may still be entitled to damages from the collision.  However, you need the right attorney who can help minimize the amount of negligence attributed to the injured person, while maximizing the amount of financial recovery for the injury or death.  At the Inland Empire Law Group, our legal team works diligently to build a winning case for damages, gathering the necessary evidence to prove that the defendant's negligence caused an accident and the associated injuries and losses. Ready to learn more about what we can do for you? Talk to us about your case.

Talk to Us About Your California Car Accident Injury or Wrongful Death Claim

After a serious car accident, there's far too much at stake to go it alone. Fortunately, you don't have to. The Inland Empire Law Group's talented attorneys fight for the rights of clients just like you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation to discuss your case with a member of our team.  Call us at 909-481-0100 or submit your information online and we will contact you regarding your legal needs.

The Most Common Mistakes Made in California Personal Injury Cases

The legal process can be complicated and the help of an experienced Rancho Cucamonga personal injury lawyer can help make sure your claim has the best chance and that these common mistakes are avoided.

Failure to Get Medical Treatment

If you are involved in an accident and don't seek immediate medical attention, it is difficult to determine the full extent of your injuries. Even if you don't feel that you have been severely injured, seek medical attention at the emergency room or from your family doctor. Some injuries are not immediately apparent following an accident. The other party's insurer will need verification of yoru injuries through medical records and reports.  These records will help determine the nature and extent of the injuries and whether the injuries and symptoms experienced are linked to the accident.

You should also follow the recommended treatment plans from your medical providers for your accident-related injuries. According to our Rancho Cucamonga personal injury lawyer, failure to comply with treatment recommendations could negatively impact a personal injury case in CA.

Talking to the Other Party's Insurer

The other party's insurance company may contact you with some questions about the accident. You aren't legally obligated to speak to the insurance company. Once you are represented by a Rancho Cucamonga personal injury attorney, any communication about the accident should be referred to your attorney. If you have not yet retained a California personal injury attorney, you can simply tell the other party's insurer that you would like to confer with an attorney before saying anything.

The insurance company may also request that you consent to giving them a recorded statement. This is something to avoid. Once the other party's insurer has your version of how the accident happened, they and their attorneys can start to look for ways to poke holes in your story. If the other party's insurer makes this request, simply say, "No," and use one of the above responses as appropriate.  Remember, the insurance company trains its adjusters to ask questions that will be beneficial to protect their assets.  They will use that training to their advantage.  You need an experienced and skilled Rancho Cucamonga injury attorney to protect your interests and to level the imbalance of power.

Failure to Collect Information or Evidence at the Scene

If someone is injured or the accident results in a fatality, call the police. Document the injuries and take photos of any property damage (including the vehicle, fences, garages, mailboxes, etc.). If there are any witnesses, ask them for their names and contact information.  Use your cell phone to take as many pictures as reasonable. Collect as much evidence as possible.

Experts will look after the investigation. You are not required to interview witnesses or ask them what they saw when the accident occurred. Just make sure if someone was a witness, you have their information for an investigator to contact them later.

Trying to Handle the Case Yourself

It may be tempting to try to save money on your personal injury case in CA by "going after" the other party's insurance company on your own. A personal injury case in CA takes time to manage properly to obtain the best possible result on behalf of a client. If you are someone who has been injured in an accident, you already have enough to be concerned with in trying to recover, both physically and mentally.

You will be far better off allowing an injury professional to handle your personal injury case. An attorney understands the nature of your injuries and the amount of compensation you can expect to receive. They can also look at your case in an objective manner without taking anything the other party's insurance company says or does personally.

How Our Rancho Cucamonga Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You Avoid Errors

Our experienced Rancho Cucamonga personal injury lawyer is well versed in the insurance and legal process. Our attorney is in a position to educate you about how this process works. We can communicate with the other party's insurer on your behalf, relieving you of some of the stress from this situation.

If you have chosen wisely, your personal injury attorney will have the experience necessary to evaluate your claim. From there, we can negotiate on your behalf or prosecute the claim to obtain a fair and equitable settlement that reflects the full extent of your injuries.

Schedule a Consultation for Your Personal Injury Case in CA

If you have been injured due to someone else's actions, there are so many variables to consider. Contact our Rancho Cucamonga injury lawyer at (888) 694-3529 or (909) 481-0100 or use our online contact form to make an appointment for a free initial consultation to discuss the details of your personal injury case in CA.

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Potential Personal Injury Damages You Can Suffer in California

After an accident, the expenses can really start to pile up. From medical bills, to repair or replace damaged property, it's easy to find yourself trapped beneath a mountain of unexpected expenses. Not being able to work while you recover from your injuries—or being unable to return to the same position or go back to work at all—can cause additional financial stress. Personal injury claims and lawsuits let you seek compensation for wide-ranging damages.

As the name suggests, compensatory damages (also known as actual damages) compensate victims for their accident-related losses. Compensatory personal injury damages fall into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. Examples of economic compensatory damages include:

• Medical expenses, such as emergency transportation and care, hospital bills, follow-up treatment, prescription drugs, surgical procedures, rehabilitative care, and the cost of future treatment
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Accessibility related home renovations, such as installing ramps or remodeling bathrooms to accommodate wheelchairs or other assistive devices
• Other related out-of-pocket expenses associated with the injuries.

Non-economic damages compensate victims for subjective, non-monetary losses. Examples include physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, inconvenience, scarring or disfigurement, bodily injury leading to disability, loss of relationship with your spouse or partner, and loss of enjoyment of life.

What You Have to Prove in a California Personal Injury Case

Recovering damages in a personal injury case requires proving the following:

• Duty – The defendant owed you a duty of care
• Breach of Duty – The defendant breached that duty
• Causation – Breaching the duty of care caused the accident in question
• Damages – You suffered losses as a result

For example, if you were injured in a car accident, you and your personal injury attorney would work to prove that the defendant had a duty to drive safely (owed you a duty of care), but engaged in negligent behavior behind the wheel (breached the duty of care), which caused the accident (causation) that resulted in your injuries and losses (damages).

How Personal Injury Settlements Are Calculated?

Wondering how much your case might be worth? There are a number of factors that can affect what you can recover in a personal injury case, including:

• The extent of your economic losses
• The nature of your injuries (and whether they resulted in cognitive, physical, or behavioral impairments)
• Whether you can return to work
• Your estimated future medical expenses
• How your injuries affect your daily life
• The emotional impact of the accident and your injuries
• Whether you have legal representation and the quality of your counsel 

How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Maximize Your Settlement Value

There's a lot that goes into determining the value of a personal injury case, and even victims who suffer similar injuries under similar circumstances can receive wildly different settlements and financial awards. Working with a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney can make all the difference. While multiple studies show that just having an attorney can help maximize the value of your case, hiring a particularly skilled injury attorney can help you make the most of your claim and increase the chances for a full and fair recovery. Ready to find out what our accomplished attorneys can do for you?

Schedule a Consultation for Help Recovering Compensation for Personal Injury Damages

Contact the Inland Empire Law Group today at (888) 694-3529 to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation to discuss your California personal injury damages and find out how we can help you recover financially.

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Crashes involving serious injuries and fatalities rose sharply in 2020 and 2021, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The agency identified impairment, speeding, and lack of seat belt use as the primary factors driving this disturbing and deadly trend.

Were you hurt—or did you lose a loved one—in an accident caused by a driver who was under the influence of an impairing substance? You may be entitled to compensation for your related injuries and damages. Our skilled and experienced Riverside injury lawyer at Inland Empire Law Group can help you understand your legal rights and options, and fight for the fair recovery you deserve. Keep reading for key information on drunk driving accidents in California.

How Alcohol and Drugs Affect Driving Performance

Consuming alcohol or illegal drugs—as well as certain prescription or over-the-counter meds—can impact judgment and alertness, making drivers slower to react to hazards and less likely to make good choices when they do. In addition to making it difficult for drivers to differentiate between behavior that is right or wrong, safe or unsafe, drug or alcohol impairment can also cause reduced visibility that makes it particularly hard to see things at a distance, as well as blurred or double vision.

Getting Help After Drunk Driving Accidents in California

Injured, temporarily or permanently unable to work, and watching your accident-related medical bills and other expenses mount? Struggling to cope financially (or emotionally) after losing a loved one in drunk driving accidents in California that they didn't cause? There's far too much at stake to go it alone. Reach out to our exceptional Riverside injury lawyer and team for help. After we review and accept your case, we will thoroughly investigate the collision, gather vital evidence, interview witnesses, consult experts, and more—all to build the strongest possible claim for damages.

What You Could Recover and What You Have to Prove

Potential personal injury damages in a drunk driving accidents or wrongful death cases in California depend heavily on the availability and quality of evidence, as well as the knowledge, experience, and skill of the attorneys representing you and the defendant(s). Here's what you should know.

Personal Injury Cases

Damages in a drunk driving personal injury case may include compensation for related medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering. A judge or jury may also award punitive damages under limited circumstances, which damages are intended to punish defendants for particularly heinous conduct. To secure damages in a personal injury case, you and our Riverside injury lawyer must prove:

• The defendant owed you a duty of care (to operate their vehicle safely)
• The defendant breached that duty (by driving under the influence)
• The defendant's breach of duty caused or contributed to the crash in question
• You suffered injuries and damages as a result

Wrongful Death Cases

Recovery in a California wrongful death case may include compensation for the income, gifts, and benefits the deceased would have likely provided in the remainder of their life, as well as the value of lost household services, and funeral and burial expenses. Surviving family members can also seek compensation for non-economic damages such as loss of the decedent's love, companionship, protection, training, and guidance. You and our Riverside injury lawyer must show:

• The defendant failed to exercise reasonable care
• Your loved one died
• The death was the result of the defendant's negligent or malicious action
• You and your family have suffered a substantial loss because of the death

Criminal Prosecution vs. Civil Litigation

Was the driver who caused your accident charged with—or convicted of—a DUI? If so, this could serve as valuable evidence in your case. Talk to our experienced Riverside injury lawyer and our legal team to learn more.

Schedule a Complimentary Case Review With Our Riverside Injury Lawyer

Contact us today at (888) 694-3529 to schedule an appointment for a free, no-obligation review of our Riverside injury lawyer with years of experience with drunk driving accidents in California.

Here's what you should know about California car accidents, CRPS, and how our dedicated team of Inland Empire personal injury attorneys can help you fight for fair compensation.

Making Sense of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a chronic pain disorder that can develop after a trauma, such as a car accident. Though doctors aren't certain exactly what causes CRPS, it is linked to traumatic force injuries that have an impact on the peripheral and central nervous systems. Potentially triggering injuries include sprains, fractures, crushing injuries, and amputations. The condition usually affects an arm or leg, with intense symptoms that are disproportional to the severity of the primary injury, such as:

• Burning or throbbing pain in the affected hand, arm, leg, or foot
• Sensitivity to touch or cold temperatures
• Swelling and inflammation
• Unusually sweaty or cold skin
• Joint swelling and stiffness
• Muscle spasms, tremors, weakness, or atrophy
• Reduced range of motion in the affected body part
• White and blotchy, red, or blueish skin
• Thin, shiny, or tender skin in the affected area
• Changes in nail and hair growth

There are two types of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome:

• Type 1 – This is the most common type of CRPS, affecting approximately 90 percent of people with the condition. It occurs after an injury or illness, but doesn't cause observable and verifiable nerve damage. CRPS Type 1 is also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD).
• Type 2 – This type of CRPS has many of the same symptoms as Type 1, but develops after a distinct traumatic injury and involves clear evidence of damage to the nerves in the affected limb.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing complex regional pain syndrome can be difficult and often involves a thorough discussion of your symptoms and medical history, as well as diagnostic tools, such as bone scans, X-rays, MRIs, or sweat production tests. Once diagnosed, treatment may include prescription drugs, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling.

Unfortunately, the costs of much-needed care can quickly mount. However, if you developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in response to injuries sustained in California car accidents caused by another person or company's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.

Getting Help for CRPS After California Car Accidents

At the Inland Empire Law Group, our exceptionally skilled legal team helps people hurt in accidents they didn't cause recover fair compensation for their injuries and losses. CRPS personal injury cases require extensive medical and other evidence to show a link between the accident and the development of this incredibly painful disorder. Our Rancho Cucamonga personal injury attorney can work to gather the vital evidence needed to prove that the defendant owed you a duty of care and violated that duty, causing a car accident that resulted in your injuries. Depending on the details of your case, a potential recovery in California car accidents could include compensation for:

• All of your accident-related medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Reduced quality of life
• And other losses

Talk to Our Rancho Cucamonga Personal Injury Attorney About Your Car Crash in California

When California car accidents that weren't your fault results in a complex regional pain syndrome, there's far too much at stake to go it alone. Contact our Rancho Cucamonga personal injury attorney at the Inland Empire Law Group today at (888) 694-3529 to schedule an appointment for a free, initial consultation to discuss the details of your CRPS car crash case.

Hurt in a crash caused by a negligent Tesla driver? You may be entitled to compensation for resulting losses. Here's what you should know about these complex accident cases and how the exceptional attorneys with the Inland Empire Law Group can help you navigate the legal system and fight for fair damages.

Tesla Autopilot Limitations

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recognizes six levels of vehicle automation ranging from 0 to 5, where 0 indicates no self-driving features and 5 is fully autonomous and capable of performing all driving functions under all conditions—with or without a driver.

Despite its name, Tesla Autopilot isn't actually a self-driving system. Instead, it's a suite of "driver assistance features" that, even when upgraded to FSD mode, offers just level 2 automation. This means that, while some functions like steering or acceleration are automated, the driver must remain alert, engaged, and ready to take over whenever necessary. Unfortunately, a string of crashes and numerous online videos of drivers sitting or sleeping in the back seat of their Tesla while the Autopilot and FSD systems are in use suggests that a number of drivers may not be using these advanced features according to instruction.

Monitoring Autopilot Users

In 2021, Tesla announced that it would activate an in-cabin camera located above the rearview mirror to monitor drivers whenever Autopilot or FSD systems are on—and send an audible alert to those it determines aren't paying sufficient attention to the road. Tesla has previously used torque measuring steering wheel sensors to gauge attentiveness. However, many drivers uploaded videos showing how they were able to trick the sensors into thinking human hands were holding the steering wheel. The new camera monitoring system is intended to reduce the risk of abuse and resulting accidents.  Even with many advances made by Tesla or other companies venturing into the autopilot world, mechanical, technical and human mistakes are still possible, thereby causing collisions and injuries along the way.

Seeking Compensation for a Tesla Autopilot Crash

California law requires drivers to remain alert and attentive, and exercise reasonable care while piloting their vehicles. Having a vehicle with systems that are designed to assist them with some driving tasks doesn't absolve motorists of the responsibility to pilot their vehicles safely.

If you were hurt in a crash caused by a Tesla driver's negligence, or by the driver assist devices failing to operate properly, you can file an insurance claim or lawsuit to seek compensation for a wide range of damages. However, the legal system is complex and successfully navigating it can be complicated. Having a skilled personal injury attorney by your side can help you level the playing field, protect your rights, and ensure that no option goes unexplored.

Our exceptional Inland Empire legal team can investigate your case, gather essential evidence, and build a strong case for damages. Dependent upon the facts and evidence, we may be able to help you recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Not sure which types of damages may apply in your California Tesla crash case? Talk to us about your case.

Request a Complimentary Initial Consultation

After a serious accident, there's far too much at stake to go it alone. Fortunately, you don't have to. At the Inland Empire Law Group, our team of conscientious legal counselors can help you understand, explore, and assert your rights. Take advantage of a free initial consultation. Contact us today at (888) 694-3529 or (909) 481-0100 to schedule an appointment for a complimentary case review. Don't wait—the time to file a claim is limited.

What to Do After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver

In the event you’re involved in a drunk driving accident, here are the steps you need to take:

Call 911

If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, it is absolutely essential that you call emergency services immediately so that police are able to respond to the scene of the incident. The evidence that officers collect and the reports they create will be very important in your case. Do all of these things inasmuch as you are able — your first concern should be your health and safety. When law enforcement arrives, provide them with as much information as possible about the events leading up to and including the collision. 

Get Medical Attention

If you require immediate medical attention, this should be your first priority. If your injuries do not appear to be severe or life-threatening, and you decline to ride in the ambulance, you should at least plan on going to the emergency room, urgent care, or your primary care provider on your own as soon as possible. Their medical diagnoses will be important, especially when it comes to diagnosing latent injuries like whiplash. Otherwise, only a medical provider can issue you a clean bill of health.

Speak With Your Auto Injury Lawyer

Only once your immediate medical needs have been addressed should you turn your attention to the legal matters of a drunk driving accident. It’s at this point that you should seek the services of a qualified auto injury lawyer that specializes in drunk driving accidents like Inland Empire Law Group in Victorville and Rancho Cucamonga. Drunk driving accidents, especially ones that involve injuries, may involve both civil and criminal court proceedings, and you’ll need a legal team on your side to get you the relief you deserve. If the insurance company of the drunk driver attempts to contact you, do not issue any statements, other than that you are being represented by an attorney.

Follow Your Attorney’s Advice

Once Inland Empire begins representing you in regards to the drunk driving incident, all communications will be made through us. This should help alleviate any concerns you may have about dealing with the drunk driver’s insurance company and will help protect the legal rights you have to compensation for your injuries. We have years of experience helping our clients in the aftermath of a drunk driving incident, and you can be confident that we’ll be with you through every step of the legal process that follows. 

Have you been injured in a drunk driving accident in Southern California? Get the legal representation you deserve with Inland Empire Law Group. Contact us today to get started!

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Though the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (the government agency responsible for regulating interstate trucking in the U.S.) requires truckers to pass a health screening in order to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) from their home state, the effectiveness of the screening process is limited at best. The major flaw? The process depends on the “honor system.” Drivers are asked to disclose any medical conditions they have that could potentially disqualify them from driving commercially. But with their livelihood on the line, it’s not uncommon for drivers to simply avoid disclosing that information.

Considering that being honest about their health could cost truckers their careers and sources of income, it's not surprising that some would find the idea of hiding their medical history tempting. Unfortunately, omitting or falsifying information in the Health History section of the commercial drivers' examination is not only illegal, but it can also endanger everyone on the road.

Commercial Driver Medical Health and Driving Performance

Commercial drivers are tasked with operating large trucks and buses that are capable of causing serious damage in the event of an accident. These massive vehicles handle much differently than their smaller, lighter passenger vehicle counterparts. Drivers have to grapple with blind spots, limited maneuverability, and increased stopping time and distance. As a result, truckers need to be at the top of their game — in both skill and health. Despite this, some drivers continue to be dishonest about their medical history, even when the conditions in question wouldn't be disqualifying, but would possibly require more frequent re-certifications. Consider these crashes, which involved truckers who hid dangerous medical conditions:

• In 2019, a trucker who hid a long history of serious ailments caused a deadly Florida crash that killed seven and severely injured an additional eight people.
• In 2016, a box truck driver in Maine who concealed a history of diabetes crashed into the car in front of him, killing a man and boy.
• In 2014, a Detroit-bound Greyhound bus driver with untreated sleep apnea lost consciousness and drove off the interstate, injuring 35 passengers.

What You Should Know About California Truck Crashes

When commercial drivers cause accidents that lead to injuries or deaths, the company they drive for may be responsible for compensating victims. However, truck crash litigation is complex and complicated, and many people need the help of an experienced attorney to ensure a fair resolution. Here are a few ways Inland Empire law Group, the personal injury lawyer in Victorville, helps their clients get the compensation they deserve:

• The trucking company that employs the driver involved in your truck crash has a multitude of evidence that could help your case — employment records, driving records, medical certification paperwork, etc. We can simply send the company a letter to have them release this information to our offices so that we can thoroughly examine it.
• Truck accident cases tend to involve more significant damages and, in turn, the possibility for larger settlements or financial awards — so you can expect considerable push-back from potentially liable parties and their insurance companies or legal teams. Having a legal team of your own can help you fight back against their efforts and help ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Depending on the facts and evidence in your case, we may be able to help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Discuss Your Case With an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Victorville

If you were hurt, or you lost a loved one in a California truck crash caused by a medically unfit commercial driver, then contact Inland Empire Law Group's skilled team of personal injury lawyers in Victorville and Rancho Cucamonga. We can help you understand your rights, explore your options for compensation, and fight for the fair recovery you deserve. Contact us today at 909-481-0100 to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation to discuss the details of your case. Don't wait — delaying action can put essential evidence in jeopardy of being lost or destroyed.

However, what you can actually recover in a dog bite case depends on a wide range of factors, including the availability of evidence, available insurance coverage and the skill of your selected legal counsel. Considering filing a lawsuit to hold the owner of the dog that bit you accountable for your injuries and losses? We may be able to help. Here's what you should know.

Understanding Dog Bite Case Damages

The law lets you pursue a recovery for both economic and non-economic damages in the wake of an animal attack. Depending on the facts of your case, the exceptional legal team with the Inland Empire Law Group may be able to help you collect compensation for:

• Medical expenses associated with the attack (including ambulance transportation, emergency medical care, doctor's visits, hospitalizations, surgical procedures, prescription drugs, medically necessary travel costs, etc.)
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• And other losses

What You Have to Prove After a Dog Bite

Recovering monetary damages in a California dog bite case requires more than just claiming you've suffered losses. In order to secure a fair financial recovery, you and your attorney have to prove the following points, which are known as the “elements” of a personal injury case:

• The defendant owned or had control over the dog that bit you.
• The dog bit you when you were in a public place or lawfully visiting private property.
• You suffered harm.
• The defendant's dog's actions were the proximate cause of that harm.

Factors That Could Affect Your Recovery After a Dog Bite

How much you can recover varies dramatically from case to case. Some factors that could affect your settlement or monetary award include:

• Available evidence. The more evidence to support your claim, the better. Attack-related medical records, witness statements, photos of your injuries, wage statements, and medical bills and receipts are just a few examples of items that could serve as essential evidence.
• Nature and severity of injuries. The more serious your injuries and the more they impact your life, the greater is the potential financial recovery. For example, the award in a case involving a disabling traumatic brain injury (TBI) that requires substantial long-term medical care would likely be larger than a case where the plaintiff suffered relatively minor lacerations and contusions.
• Available Insurance Coverage or Assets of the Defendant.  You must be aware that many dog bite injuries result in no financial recovery because there is no insurance coverage available nor assets to compensate the bite victim.  Most homeowner's insurance policies will provide some insurance coverage for a dog bite injury, however, many insurance carriers are excluding dog bite injuries from their insurance policies.  Many other people do not have insurance or assets which can be used to compensate an injury vicitm.  If there is no insurance or assets available to pay for the damages, then any judgment is an empty victory.
• Potential recovery at trial. If the defense is concerned about the amount a judge or jury could award you, they may opt to offer you a settlement to avoid going to trial. Our attorneys can help you fight for fair compensation.
• Available defenses. The strength of the defense's case—and whether they feel they could win at trial—can also influence your recovery.
• Skill of counsel. The knowledge and experience of your attorney—as well as the knowledge and experience of the opposing lawyer—can significantly affect the outcome of your case.

What to Do After a Dog Bite Attack

• Write down all contact information for people who witnessed the attack.
• Take photos of your injuries and the dog that bit you.
• Seek immediate medical attention and follow up with your doctor.
• Locate the dog's owner (we may be able to help).
• Consult an experienced California dog bite lawyer.  (The Inland Empire Law Group is the right place to call for a Southern California dog bite claim.)

Request a Complimentary Case Review from our Experienced Dog Bite Attorney

California dog bite laws can be complicated and there's far too much at stake to go it alone. Fortunately, you don't have to. At the Inland Empire Law Group, we help dog bite victims just like you recover the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to find out how we can protect your rights throughout the civil litigation process. Complete the contact form to request a free initial consultation with a member of our accomplished legal team.

Hurt or lost a loved one in a California crash caused by a “zoned out” driver? Our skilled legal team can help you fight for a fair financial recovery. Here's what you should know about these kinds of cases before taking legal action.

Video Chat Cognitive Overload Can Make Concentration Difficult

Video conferencing apps like Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, and others have been especially instrumental in helping Californians connect with their friends, families, workplaces, and medical providers.

However, extensive use of these platforms is not without downsides. In a 2021 analysis by Root Insurance, 54 percent of people who got behind the wheel after video chatting reported having trouble concentrating. A Stanford University study suggests that the excessive amount of close-up eye contact, opportunity for constant self-critique, dramatically reduced visual mobility, and higher cognitive load that occurs during video calls may be to blame.

Cognitive Overload and Driving Performance

Distracted driving is a leading cause of California car and truck crashes. When you look at the effects cognitive overload can have on driving performance it's easy to see why. Zoning out behind the wheel (also known as “zooming”) can reduce a person's overall awareness of their driving situation, slowing their reaction times, and making it take longer for them to brake or comply with traffic signals. “Zoom zombies” may also follow other vehicles too closely or have trouble staying in their own lane.

Drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles safely to avoid injuring others, but after a video chat, many report finding it difficult to focus on the road. Even more concerning: 53 percent of people in the Root Insurance study admitted to checking their phones during the first 15 minutes of driving, which can exacerbate the cognitive overload and make it even harder to shift focus to the task at hand. Devastating—or even deadly—accidents can result.

Zoom Zombie Personal Injury Claims

Incurring medical bills and other unexpected expenses after being involved in a crash caused by a distracted, inattentive driver? At the Inland Empire Law Group, we help accident victims just like you recover the financial compensation they need and deserve. Depending on the circumstances of your claim, you may be able to collect damages for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income (lost wages and loss of earning potential)
• Property repair or replacement
• Pain and suffering
• Psychological trauma
• Reduced quality of life
• And other losses

Before you can recover anything, you and your attorney have to prove:

• That the defendant owed you a duty of care
• The defendant breached that duty
• The breached duty caused the incident and the injuries in question
• The reasonable value of injuries and losses caused by the incident

Building a Winning Claim for Damages

Personal injury law is complicated. There's far too much at stake to go it alone. Fortunately, you don't have to. Our skilled legal team can guide you through each and every step of the civil litigation process, and handle all the day-to-day responsibilities so you can focus on healing. Hire us to represent you and we'll get to work:

• Investigating the accident
• Gathering important evidence
• Interviewing witnesses
• Consulting with experts (such as medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, life care planners, etc.)
• Handling communications with the defendant's insurance company or legal team;
• Negotiating for fair damages
• Preparing your case for trial (if necessary)
• And much more

Talk to Us About Your California Crash Case

Understanding your legal rights and options in a personal injury or wrongful death case is vital. Contact the Inland Empire Law Group today at (888) 694-352 to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation to discuss your claim.

Several years ago I handled a tragic large pickup truck v. pedestrian accident where the driver was in the left turn lane, which had a traffic control light which allowed the driver to turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic.  The pedestrian light was also illuminated at the same time for children to cross the street to meet their rides home.  Unfortunately, the driver, in his large pick-up truck could not see the young elementary school age girl and her brother crossing the street.  He saw a clearing in the traffic and made his left hand turn.  The young girl was struck and killed by the truck as her younger brother just missed getting hit but watched his sister being hit.  This family's tragedy is not unique, unfortunately, many pedestrians are struck, injured or killed annually in California and across the Country.   

Were you injured—or was someone you love killed—in a California pedestrian crash involving a sport utility vehicle or any other type of vehicle? At the Inland Empire Law Group, our highly skilled personal injury and wrongful death attorneys, paralegals and staff, can help you understand your rights and explore your options for compensation.

SUV Safety Advances Aren't Aimed at Protecting Pedestrians

Research from the 1980s and 1990s showed that, in a crash, SUVs posed a greater risk to the occupants of the other vehicle than a comparably sized car. Thanks to design and safety improvements made in the past two decades, that's no longer the case.

Unfortunately, while changes like lowering the bumpers and other force-absorbing structures on SUVs to better align with those on cars succeeded in making crashes a bit safer for the occupants of other vehicles, they don't provide much benefit to pedestrians in an accident.  Steel, and the force of an impact, will always pose a risk to life and health of the pedestrian.

Pedestrian Crash Case Basics

Personal injury law is complex and complicated. Here are a few key points you should know before filing an insurance claim or lawsuit for an SUV pedestrian accident:

• Statute of limitations. California limits how long you have to take legal action after an accident. If the vehicle or responsible party is a private person or company, you have just two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit, or two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death suit.  If the injury victim is a minor, under the age of 18, the time for filing may be extended.  However, it is always best to take immediate action while the evidence and witnesses are fresh and available.  If a claim exists against a government entity, the time for submitting a claim before filing a lawsuit is significantly shorter, even down to only six months from the If you try to file suit once these deadlines have passed, your case will most likely be dismissed.  Missing a statute of limitation deadline is a mistake no one should make.
• Comparative negligence. Worried you may be partly to blame for your pedestrian accident and injuries? The Golden State follows comparative negligence standards, so you may still be able to recover compensation. However, your award may be reduced to reflect your fault.
• Collision or no. The SUV in question didn't actually have to hit you in order for you to collect compensation. You can also recover damages for evasion injuries.  The challenge is getting the identity of the vehicle that caused the near miss event.

Potential Damages and What You Have to Prove After a Pedestrian Accident

Depending on the facts of your case and the injuries and losses you sustained, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages, including:

• All reasonable and necessary related medical expenses (emergency transport and care; hospital stays; surgeries; appointments with specialists; physical therapy; prescriptions; medically necessary travel; cost of future care; etc.)
• Lost wages
• Lost income (if the crash will affect future earning potential)
• Property damages
• Pain and suffering
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Scarring or disfigurement
• And more

If you lost a loved one, family members with legal standing to bring a wrongful death claim (such as the victim's surviving spouse, domestic partner, children, etc.) may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages related to the untimely death.

However, before you can collect compensation, you and your attorney must prove:

• That the defendant owed you a duty of care
• The defendant breached that duty
• The breached duty of care resulted in the accident
• You sustained injuries and losses as a result of the pedestrian crash

Contact Our Southern California Personal Injury Attorneys to Request a Consultation

Ready to find out what the knowledgeable and experienced team with the Inland Empire Law Group can do for you? Contact us to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation to discuss your case with a member of our accomplished legal team. Don't wait—remember, the law limits how long you have to take legal action.

In fact, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) refers to motor vehicle fires as "a seldom-recognized part of America's fire problem." According to estimates from its Fire Administration division, there are more than 171,000 highway vehicle fires in the United States each year, resulting in hundreds of deaths, upwards of a thousand injuries, and more than $1 million in property damages.

If you were hurt—or lost a loved one—in a California car fire, the knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorneys with the Inland Empire Law Group can help you understand your rights and explore your options. In cases where defective vehicle components or another party's negligence caused the crash and subsequent fire, you may be entitled to compensation.

Car Crash Fires Can Turn Vehicles Into Death Traps

Being in an accident is frightening, but when one of the involved vehicles catches fires, things can go from bad to worse in an instant. The flames from a car fire can reach temperatures higher than 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit and shoot out more than 10 feet from the vehicle, and when exposed to high heat, some components may burst into pieces of what's essentially shrapnel. There's more: Not only are vehicles made of a number of flammable synthetic materials that can produce toxic gasses when burned, but the average gas tank size for passenger vehicles ranges from 12 to 20 gallons—and each gallon of gas packs the explosive force of several sticks of dynamite. All things considered, it isn't difficult to see why car accident fires can have such devastating consequences. Victims who may have lived through the initial crash may perish in the resulting fire (or, more rarely, explosion), and survivors may deal with disfiguring burns or disabling injuries for the rest of their lives.

Common Causes of Vehicle Fires

The car fire in your case may have been caused by a collision, shoddy repairs, or defects such as:

• Electrical system failure
• Defectively-designed batteries
• Short circuits
• Fuel or flammable fluid leaks or spills
• Overheating catalytic converters
• Gas tanks positions outside the protective frame or in the "crush zone"
• Inadequate exhaust airflow and cooling
• And others

Do you know what caused your—or your loved one's—vehicle fire? Let us investigate the source of the fire and your options for compensation. We'll also identify the appropriate defendant or defendants in your case, whether it's a negligent driver, a negligent auto repair professional, or the manufacturer of a defective or faulty vehicle component.

Potential Damages After a Car Fire

Our adept personal injury attorneys and paralegals can help you file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit to seek the appropriate recovery for your losses. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to damages for:

• Related medical costs (including reasonable future expenses)
• Vehicle repair or replacement
• Lost wages
• Loss of future income
• Physical pain and suffering
• Psychological trauma
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Permanent disability
• And more

Contact Our Southern California Car Accident Attorneys Today

Our skilled legal team helps accident victims like you recover the compensation they need and deserve to cope with the aftermath of devastating crashes. We'll guide you through each and every step of the personal injury recovery system and strive to make the process as painless as possible. Want to find out what we can do for your case? Contact us today at (888) 694-3529 or (909) 481-0100 to schedule an appointment for a free initial case consultation.

Researchers from telematics provider Dolphin Technologies analyzed more than three million car trips taken by 40,000 people over a two-year period. One of the key findings: The shorter the trip, the greater the chances of being involved in an accident. In the short trips studied, 25 percent of all crashes occurred within the first three minutes of driving, with another 14 percent happening within the first six minutes.

If you were in a Rancho Cucamonga or Victorville car accident caused by another driver's negligence and are injured, unable to work, and accruing mounting medical expenses as a result, you need skilled legal representation. At the Inland Empire Law Group, our adept personal injury attorneys can help you protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve. Here's what you should know about crashes in southern California and the high desert, and how our attorneys can assist you.

Distracted Driving Is a Common Cause of California Crashes

Distraction is one of the most frequent causes of motor vehicle accidents—and not just in the Golden State. Each year, every state in the union records many crashes in which distracted driving was a key or contributing factor. Some of the most common types of distraction that can lead to accidents include:

• Taking, texting, playing games, or surfing the internet on a smartphone
• Using in-vehicle navigation or entertainment systems
• Grooming activities, such as brushing or fixing hair, or applying makeup
• Eating, drinking, and snacking
• Situating or disciplining children (or unruly passengers)
• Conversing with passengers

Distraction is not the cause of all accidents. Drowsy driving, intoxication, mechanical failures are also contributing factors in crashes.

Fighting for RecoveryAfter a Car Accident

Fortunately, it doesn't matter if the cause was a distraction or some other cause; a negligent driver is civilly liable for damages and injuries caused by their conduct. If you suffered physical injuries, financial losses, or psychological trauma in a negligence-related car or truck accident, you can submit a claim for compensation for your losses and injuries.  Additionally, if you take prompt and timely action, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to have a court order payment of damages for your losses. Available damages may include:

• Crash-related medical expenses (ambulance costs; emergency care; hospitalizations; surgeries; visits with general practitioners and specialists; diagnostics and imaging; prescription drugs; assistive care and devices; reasonable home modifications; etc.)
• Wages lost due to missed work during your physical recovery
• Loss of earning capacity if your injuries will have a long-term or permanent negative impact on your wage-earning ability
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental or emotional anguish
• Reduced quality of life
• Significant scarring or disfigurement
• And more

However, recovering damages hinges on you and your attorney's ability to prove these key elements:

• The defendant owed you a duty of care, meaning they had a responsibility to operate their vehicle safely
• The defendant breached that duty by failing to uphold their responsibility
• That breach of duty caused the injuries
• The value of those damages or losses

How Our Car Accident Attorney Can Help

Accident victims sometimes expect the personal injury recovery process to be simple and straightforward when it's often exactly the opposite. Our personal injury team is with you every step of the way to ensure you fully understand your legal rights and options. We gather the evidence needed to build a strong claim; interview witnesses and retain experts; handle communications with the defendant's insurance company and lawyers, and much, much more. With so much at stake, you simply can't afford to go it alone.

Schedule a Complimentary Initial Consultation with Our California Car Accident Attorney

Complete the contact form on this page or call us at (909) 481-0100 or toll-free at (888) 694-3529 to schedule an appointment and take advantage of a free consultation to learn more about what attorney David H. Ricks and the Inland Empire Law Group can do for you. Don't wait; California law gives you just two years to file a personal injury claim.

Top Tips for Initial Consultation With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in the Inland Empire

At the Inland Empire Law Group, our skilled injury recovery specialists help motorcycle crash victims recover the compensation they need and deserve for losses caused by the negligent or malicious actions of another person or company—and we're committed to ensuring you feel supported each and every step of the way. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your initial consultation with us:

• Don't worry about bias. We understand motorcycle culture and are aware of the bias motorcyclists often face after an accident. Not only do we understand that bias, we're ready to overcome it during negotiations or in court.
• Be honest. Tell us as much as you can about the accident, your injuries, and your economic and non-economic losses.
• Bring a list of your questions and concerns. We're here to help you understand your legal rights and potential options for compensation.
• Bring the following documentation (if you have them): Medical records, medical bills and receipts, police report, estimates, invoices, receipts for property damage repair or replacement costs, receipts for medically-necessary travel expenses, receipts for your out-of-pocket costs, and anything else you think may be helpful to convey your story and losses.

Have You Scheduled a Free Initial Consultation?

Still debating whether you should talk to an attorney about your motorcycle accident? Now's the time to take the first step toward a financial recovery. Contact the Inland Empire Law Group today at (888) 694-3529 or (909) 481-0100 to schedule an appointment for a complimentary initial consultation. We look forward to learning more about your motorcycle crash case and how we can assist you.

Request a Consultation

Eyewitnesses to a Dog Bite

People who were there just before, during, or immediately after the dog attack may have seen or heard something that could be extremely useful to your case. If you or a friend took down the names and contact information of witnesses at the scene, your attorney can contact those individuals and ask them about what they saw. However, in many cases, it may not be necessary to go out of the way to track down witnesses. The vast majority of bite victims know the dog that attacked them, so witnesses are likely to be friends, family members, or neighbors.

Expert Witnesses in a Dog Bite Case

Though these witnesses weren't present when the attack occurred, they have professional expertise that allows them to shine light on various aspects of the case. For example, medical doctors and other health care professionals can testify about your injuries, diagnosis, prognosis, and limitations; a vocational expert can testify about how your injuries affect your job or employment prospects; and a life care planner can testify about the projected cost of future care for your injuries.

Find Out What Our California Dog Bite Attorneys Can Do for Your Case

Not only should the attorney you choose to represent you be well-versed in the relevant legal statutes and know how to question witnesses effectively, they should also have access to a broad network of respected expert witnesses in a variety of fields. Fortunately, that's just what you'll find at the Inland Empire Law Group. We help dog bite victims secure the compensation they deserve. Contact us today at (888) 694-3529 or (909) 481-0100 to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation to discuss the details of your personal injury case and find out if you could be eligible for damages.

La mayoría de las lesiones causadas por el skate no son el resultado de la negligencia de nadie. Sin embargo, otras lesiones se deben directamente a la negligencia de otro. Algunas de estas situaciones incluyen un automovilista que golpea a un patinador al entrar en una intersección o cruza la calle, se convierte en un patinador en una esquina o conduce demasiado cerca de un patinador en la calle. Otras situaciones incluyen peatones o ciclistas que interrumpen el camino del patinador o daño significativo a una acera pública o privada que causa una caída inesperada.

Un gran desafío para un patinador a la hora de demostrar daños en los tribunales es superar el prejuicio natural que la gente tiene contra los patinadores. Interrumpir el sesgo y asegurar un jurado imparcial es fundamental para tener una oportunidad justa de probar la responsabilidad, la causalidad y los daños, los tres elementos que se deben probar para asegurar una recuperación financiera.

Cuando una persona o entidad negligente causa un accidente con un patinador, la víctima puede tener derecho a una compensación por una amplia gama de pérdidas económicas y no económicas. Si usted o su hijo resultaron heridos en un accidente de patineta en California, los abogados expertos en lesiones personales de Inland Empire Law Group pueden ayudarlo a proteger sus derechos y recuperar una compensación justa. Nuestra oficina ha manejado con éxito varios reclamos por lesiones de patineta asegurando acuerdos de límites de póliza para nuestros clientes.

Lesiones comunes asociadas con accidentes de patineta

Ya sea atropellado por un vehículo o herido mientras realiza una acción evasiva para evitar un golpe directo, los patinadores son particularmente vulnerables a sufrir lesiones graves en caso de accidente, que incluyen:

• Laceraciones
• Contusiones
• Abrasiones
• Tensiones
• Dislocaciones
• Huesos fracturados o rotos (las partes del cuerpo comúnmente afectadas incluyen la nariz, la mandíbula, los brazos, las muñecas, los codos, las piernas, los tobillos, las rodillas, los hombros, las costillas y la pelvis)
• Hemorragia interna
• Daño de órganos
• Daño en el nervio
• Cicatrices o desfiguraciones
• Concusión
• Lesiones cerebrales traumáticas (TBI)
• Lesiones de la médula espinal (que pueden resultar en parálisis)
• Coma
• Trauma psicólogico
• Muerte

El precio del tratamiento para estas y otras lesiones relacionadas con el patinaje puede volverse inmanejable rápidamente. Los gastos médicos son solo un tipo de daños que nuestros abogados pueden ayudarlo a recuperarse.

Daños potenciales

Las lesiones y pérdidas graves pueden traducirse en acuerdos y compensaciones económicas considerables. Sin embargo, cuanto mayor sea el tamaño de la recuperación potencial, más difícilmente puede esperar que la compañía de seguros de la parte culpable luche contra una compensación justa. En Inland Empire Law Group, lo protegemos de tácticas de seguros injustas y reunimos la evidencia necesaria para construir un caso sólido por daños. Es posible que podamos ayudarlo a recuperar una compensación por:

• Gastos médicos relacionados con accidentes (que incluyen transporte en ambulancia, atención de emergencia, hospitalizaciones, visitas a médicos y especialistas, cirugías, medicamentos, fisioterapia, modificaciones de accesibilidad, costos de viaje médicamente necesarios y más)
• Salarios perdidos mientras no trabaja para recuperarse de sus lesiones
• Pérdida de la capacidad de generar ingresos si ya no puede trabajar
• Dolor y sufrimiento físico
• Angustia mental
• Cicatrices o desfiguraciones severas
• Calidad de vida reducida

En los casos en que la conducta de la parte culpable fue particularmente atroz, como un acto intencional, un juez o jurado también puede otorgar daños punitivos. Estos están destinados a castigar a la parte responsable, en lugar de compensarlo por una pérdida específica.

Protección de su derecho a la recuperación

Lo que haga después de un accidente de monopatín puede afectar su capacidad para recuperar una indemnización. Esto es lo que puede hacer para proteger sus derechos:

• Llame a la policía para informar del accidente y solicite una ambulancia, si es necesario.
• Tome fotografías de la escena del accidente y obtenga información de contacto de testigos. Si está demasiado gravemente herido para reunir pruebas, pídale ayuda a un amigo, familiar o abogado.
• Busque atención médica inmediata y siga fielmente el plan de tratamiento que le recete su médico.
• Evite proporcionar una declaración grabada o la divulgación de registros médicos a la compañía de seguros sin antes consultar a un abogado.
• Involucre a un abogado de lesiones personales en su caso lo antes posible. Cuanto antes contrate a un abogado para que lo represente, antes podrá trabajar en su nombre.

Solicite una consulta gratuita

Después de una lesión debido a un accidente de patineta en el Estado Dorado, hay demasiado en juego para hacerlo solo. Necesita la representación de un abogado calificado en lesiones personales que pueda investigar el accidente, ayudar a reunir y preservar evidencia esencial, manejar las comunicaciones entre usted y la compañía de seguros, negociar una oferta de acuerdo favorable o llevar su caso a juicio.

En Inland Empire Law Group, hemos ayudado a muchas víctimas de lesiones a recuperar una compensación causada por la negligencia de otra persona o empresa. Es posible que podamos hacer lo mismo por usted. Contáctenos hoy al (888) 694-3529, (909) 481-0100, o envíe su caso en uno de los formularios de nuestro sitio web para programar una cita para una consulta inicial gratuita.

Si sufrió una lesión grave en el hombro en un accidente automovilístico en California, es posible que se enfrente a un largo camino hacia la recuperación que puede incluir tratamiento médico continuo, rehabilitación, reducción de horas o tiempo libre del trabajo y una deuda médica y familiar creciente. Sin embargo, si el accidente y las posteriores lesiones en el hombro fueron causadas por la negligencia de otra persona o empresa, es posible que tenga derecho a una compensación por los daños relacionados con el accidente. Esto es lo que debe saber si está considerando emprender acciones legales.

Lesiones comunes en el hombro relacionadas con accidentes automovilísticos

Los hombros son articulaciones esféricas compuestas por tres huesos principales: la clavícula (clavícula), el hueso de la parte superior del brazo (húmero) y el omóplato (escápula), unidos por músculos, ligamentos y tendones. La construcción de estas articulaciones vitales permite un amplio rango de movimiento, pero las hace particularmente propensas a sufrir lesiones, especialmente en caso de choque. Algunas de las lesiones en el hombro relacionadas con accidentes automovilísticos más comúnmente reportadas incluyen:

• Contusiones severas
• Huesos fracturados
• Músculos tensos
• Tendones desgarrados
• Ligamentos rotos

Los desgarros del manguito rotador (desgarros en los tejidos que conectan el músculo con el hueso alrededor de la articulación del hombro) y los desgarros SLAP (desgarros de adelante hacia atrás del labrum superior) son excepcionalmente comunes. Dependiendo de su gravedad, cualquiera de estas lesiones puede causar un dolor extremo y una disminución del movimiento que puede dificultar el desempeño de las tareas relacionadas con el trabajo o cumplir con otras obligaciones.

Compensación potencial en casos de accidentes automovilísticos en California

Las víctimas de accidentes automovilísticos pueden enfrentar una serie de desafíos físicos, financieros y psicológicos después de un accidente. Afortunadamente, presentar una demanda por lesiones personales le permite buscar una compensación por daños económicos y no económicos.

Los daños económicos lo compensan por las pérdidas monetarias cuantificables que ha sufrido como resultado del accidente, tales como:

• Gastos médicos. Esto puede incluir servicios de ambulancia, tratamiento de emergencia, visitas con médicos generales o especialistas, hospitalizaciones, procedimientos quirúrgicos, rehabilitación, medicamentos recetados, fondos para tratamientos futuros y otros costos médicos.
• Ingresos perdidos. Este tipo de daños incluye los salarios perdidos mientras no trabaja para recuperarse de la lesión en el hombro, así como una compensación por la pérdida del potencial de ingresos si la lesión reduce su potencial de ingresos futuros.
• Daños a la propiedad. Una indemnización económica por daños a la propiedad puede cubrir el costo de la reparación o reemplazo de su vehículo, o el reemplazo de la propiedad dañada dentro del vehículo.

Mientras tanto, los daños no económicos están destinados a compensarle por pérdidas subjetivas no tangibles. A menudo conocida como "dolor y sufrimiento", esta categoría de daños por lesiones personales puede incluir compensación por dolor y sufrimiento físico, angustia mental y emocional, cicatrices o desfiguraciones, reducción de la calidad de vida, pérdida del disfrute de la vida y más.

La importancia de documentar sus lesiones y daños por accidentes automovilísticos

La atención médica inmediata y la documentación completa son cruciales cuando se busca una indemnización económica por lesiones en el hombro por accidentes automovilísticos. Sus registros médicos deben describir su plan de tratamiento y mostrar su cumplimiento. Además, las facturas y los recibos médicos, y un diario que documente los efectos que tiene la lesión en el hombro en su vida y su capacidad para realizar las tareas diarias pueden servir como evidencia poderosa para respaldar su reclamo.

Consulte a un abogado con experiencia en accidentes automovilísticos en California

Las lesiones graves en el hombro por accidentes automovilísticos no solo pueden ser dolorosas, sino que pueden dificultarle el desempeño de sus deberes laborales, jugar con sus hijos o nietos o participar en actividades que disfruta. Si resultó herido en un accidente automovilístico causado por la negligencia de otra persona, los abogados calificados de Inland Empire Law Group pueden ayudarlo a comprender sus derechos y luchar por la compensación financiera que se merece. Contáctenos hoy al (888) 694-3529 o (909) 481-0100 para programar una cita para una consulta inicial gratuita de su caso. También puede enviar su consulta desde este sitio web.

Los accidentes de peatones van en aumento, tanto en California como en todo el país. Según un informe de 2019 publicado por la Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), el número de personas que murieron en accidentes de peatones alcanzó un máximo de 30 años en 2018, con más de 6.220 peatones que murieron en accidentes de tráfico. Eso no es todo. Las investigaciones muestran que las muertes en solo cinco estados — California, Georgia, Texas, Florida y Arizona — representaron casi la mitad de todas las muertes por accidentes de peatones en los Estados Unidos ese año. Solo California informó más de 430 muertes de peatones en solo los primeros seis meses de 2018.

Incluso si tuvo la suerte de sobrevivir a un accidente peatonal, es posible que se lesione gravemente, no pueda trabajar y se enfrente a crecientes gastos médicos y domésticos. Si sus lesiones y pérdidas fueron causadas por la negligencia de otra persona o empresa, es posible que tenga derecho a una compensación.

Causas comunes de accidentes de peatones

• Exceso de velocidad
• Conducir distraído: uso del teléfono celular, fumar, falta de atención
• Conducción somnolienta
• Conducir ebrio o drogado
• No ceder el paso a los peatones en los cruces peatonales
• Desobedecer las señales o señales de tráfico.
• No señalizar al girar
• Conducción agresiva
• Conducir de manera inapropiada para las condiciones actuales de la carretera, el clima o el tráfico

Lesiones asociadas con accidentes de peatones

Debido a que los peatones no tienen nada que los proteja de un vehículo que se aproxima (o de ellos y de la carretera), las lesiones asociadas con estos accidentes suelen ser catastróficas o mortales. Las lesiones comunes por accidentes de peatones incluyen:

• Laceraciones
• Contusiones
• Abrasiones severas
• Huesos rotos o aplastados
• Conmociones cerebrales o lesiones cerebrales traumáticas (TBI)
• Traumatismo de la médula espinal (que puede resultar en diversos grados de parálisis temporal o permanente)
• Extremidades perdidas o amputaciones
• Daño de órganos
• Hemorragia interna
• Trauma psicólogico

Daños disponibles

Presentar un reclamo o una demanda de seguro de accidentes de peatones le permite buscar una compensación por una amplia gama de daños. Estos daños se pueden dividir en dos categorías principales: daños económicos y daños no económicos.

Los daños económicos lo compensan por pérdidas financieras directas, como gastos médicos relacionados, salarios perdidos y pérdida de la capacidad de generar ingresos, mientras que los daños no económicos están destinados a compensarlo por daños intangibles como dolor y sufrimiento, cicatrices y desfiguraciones, y reducción de la calidad de vida . Además, si su caso llega a la corte y el comportamiento del acusado se considera especialmente atroz, el juez puede ordenarle que le pague daños punitivos. Estos daños están destinados específicamente a castigar al acusado y disuadir una conducta similar.

Partes potencialmente responsables

En los casos de accidentes de peatones, la parte responsable suele ser el conductor del vehículo involucrado. Sin embargo, el conductor no siempre tiene la culpa. Si el accidente fue causado por un camino, acera o estacionamiento deficientemente diseñado o mal mantenido, es posible que pueda responsabilizar a una agencia gubernamental, al dueño de la propiedad o a la compañía de mantenimiento. La mayoría de las personas no se dan cuenta de que, además de la recuperación potencial de las personas que causaron o contribuyeron a las lesiones, un peatón podría presentar una reclamación contra su propia cobertura de automovilista sin seguro o con seguro insuficiente si ese tipo de seguro se compró antes del accidente y la póliza. cubre al peatón lesionado. Esta es a menudo una fuente de compensación infrautilizada.

En algunos casos, es posible que usted sea parcialmente responsable del accidente y sus lesiones. Afortunadamente, en California, la ley sigue el estándar legal de negligencia comparativa pura. Esto significa que solo se le prohíbe la recuperación en la medida en que sea responsable de sus lesiones. Después de un accidente, a todas las partes involucradas se les asigna un porcentaje de culpa, y cualquier parte asignada al pedestiran se deduce de cualquier acuerdo o adjudicación financiera. Por ejemplo, si se determina que el peatón tiene un 15 por ciento de culpa y la cantidad otorgada es de $ 100,000, el premio del jurado se reduciría a $ 85,000.

¿Herido en un accidente de peatones, pero no fue atropellado por un vehículo? Aún puede buscar compensación por daños

Contrariamente a la creencia popular, no es necesario que un vehículo lo haya atropellado para presentar una demanda o una demanda de seguro de accidentes de peatones. Si resultó lesionado en un intento de evadir un vehículo que se aproxima, aún puede presentar una reclamación por daños. La parte más importante de este tipo de reclamo es asegurarse de que el conductor del vehículo esté identificado y los testigos confirmen los hechos que apoyan al peatón.

Consulte a un abogado con experiencia en lesiones personales en California sobre su caso de accidente de peatones

Si resultó lesionado o perdió a un ser querido en un accidente peatonal, los profesionales expertos en recuperación de lesiones de Inland Empire Law Group pueden revisar su caso, realizar una investigación exhaustiva y ayudarlo a comprender sus derechos y opciones legales. Contáctenos hoy al (888) 694-3529 para programar una cita para una consulta inicial gratuita de su caso.