California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News
33.4K views | +5 today
Follow
News and information to assist the victims of car accidents in California from award winning Los Angeles personal injury law firm, Steven M. Sweat, APC
Your new post is loading...
Your new post is loading...
Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
April 9, 2013 1:22 AM
Scoop.it!

Car Crash: Driver Survives Brutal Ferrari California Wreck

Car Crash: Driver Survives Brutal Ferrari California Wreck | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
GTspirit
Car Crash: Driver Survives Brutal Ferrari California Wreck
GTspirit
He is in a critical condition after being airlifted away from the scene of the accident.
Steven M. Sweat's insight:

Speed was no doubt a factor if not the primary cause of the car accident in California.  Although elite sports car are capable of speeds upwards of 200 mph +, it is illegal to travel higher than 75 mph on most major California freeways.  Furthermore, California Vehicle Code 22350 mandates that no motor vehicle should travel faster than is prudent and reasonable given the  roadway conditions.

No comment yet.
Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
April 4, 2013 1:24 AM
Scoop.it!

Car accident car crash compilation 2013 part 9

Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/topcrashes http://www.facebook.com/DiscoveryGalaxy http://www.facebook.com/pages/GeoTech/273813519382085 Google+ : ...
No comment yet.
Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
March 29, 2013 1:34 AM
Scoop.it!

Your car may be invading your privacy

Your car may be invading your privacy | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
Your car already collects a lot of data about your driving and may soon collect much more.
Steven M. Sweat's insight:

As a California personal injury attorney, I believe that data recorders and other vehicle related computers will play a larger role in accident reconstruction in the future.  This can assist injured parties in proving liability and collecting damages in the event of serious injury or death which impairs the ability to recall events and/or disputed liability cases.

No comment yet.
Rescooped by Steven M. Sweat from Personal Injury Attorney News Nation
March 17, 2013 2:28 PM
Scoop.it!

Driver Fatigue: An Inherent Danger of Commercial Trucking

Driver Fatigue: An Inherent Danger of Commercial Trucking | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
Commercial trucks are a part of almost every American’s driving experience.  Outside the small number of streets (often urban) in America than ban trucks, a motorist is likely to see a commercial vehicle of some sort on every road he or...

Via Matthew A. Dolman, Zachar Law Firm
Matthew A. Dolman's curator insight, March 14, 2013 11:16 PM

Commercial trucks are a part of almost every American’s driving experience.  Outside the small number of streets (often urban) in America than ban trucks, a motorist is likely to see a commercial vehicle of some sort on every road he or she uses.  Sharing the road with these massive vehicles has become second nature to those of us who drive on a daily basis.  But while you may not bat an eye at the presence of a semi tractor-trailer in the lane next to you, it’s still very important to understand the intense regulations that govern truckers (professional drivers) on a daily basis.


(Read more below)

Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
March 10, 2013 3:20 PM
Scoop.it!

Insane Cop Arrests ABC News Reporter For Filming Traffic Accident

Goon Cop Attack:Arizona Report Its becoming a disturbingly familiar scene in America - aggressive, overbearing and mentally unstable cops who think that it i...
Steven M. Sweat's insight:

Most of our law enforcement officials do a great job under a tremendous amount of stress but, when you see this type of behavior from a police officer, it makes you a little nervous!  As a car accident attorney, I rely upon traffic cops to remain calm and provide objective police reports so that I can do my job and determine whether negligence played a role in the accident and whether one or more parties can be held financially responsible.  Hopefully, this was a one time incident.

No comment yet.
Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
March 7, 2013 11:08 PM
Scoop.it!

Claims Against Company Drivers in California

Claims Against Company Drivers in California | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
No comment yet.
Rescooped by Steven M. Sweat from Rhode Island Lawyer, David Slepkow
March 3, 2013 9:59 PM
Scoop.it!

Accident rate rises at intersections with red-light cameras, N.J. study shows

Accident rate rises at intersections with red-light cameras, N.J. study shows | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
An analysis of two dozen New Jersey intersections that have had red-light cameras for at least a year found that accidents - particularly rear-end crashes - have increased, and the collisions are more costly...

Via David Slepkow
Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
March 3, 2013 8:04 PM
Scoop.it!

Twenty Eight Injured in Nascar Car Wreck

Twenty Eight Injured in Nascar Car Wreck | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
The Daytona Nationwide Series, a second-tier race held on the eve of the Daytona 500 on Saturday, February 23, was the site of a horrific vehicular accident that led to the injuries of 28 NASCAR fans.
No comment yet.
Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
March 1, 2013 2:32 PM
Scoop.it!

Don’t Give It A Second Thought. Impose Cell Phone and Driving Laws

Don’t Give It A Second Thought.  Impose Cell Phone and Driving Laws | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
Gina Harris is fighting for a ban against texting and driving in Oklahoma She knows far too well the devastating consequences of using a cell phone while behind the wheel Harris s (Traffic Depot Update Don't Give It A Second Thought.
Steven M. Sweat's insight:

It is important that we has plaintiff's personal injury attorneys stand behind and support laws that ban texting and driving in every state.  Distracted driving has caused and continues to cause a plenitude of car crashes every year.

No comment yet.
Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
February 27, 2013 10:50 PM
Scoop.it!

Lawyer could lose license over DUI death

Lawyer could lose license over DUI death | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
A San Francisco environmental attorney convicted of killing his Rossmoor neighbor while driving drunk should be disbarred, according to a State Bar of California judge.
Steven M. Sweat's insight:

Sad case of an attorney who struck and killed an elderly pedestrian.  He left the scene but, was later detained and found to have a blood alcohol content of .18 (over twice the legal limit, which, in California is .08) at the time of the car accident.  He was convicted of vehicular manslaughter involving alcohol (a violation of CA penal code 191.5 - defined is the killing of a human being without malice aforethought while under the influence of alcohol or drugs) and now faces disbarment from the practice of law.  

No comment yet.
Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
February 25, 2013 7:53 PM
Scoop.it!

Family files lawsuit against bus companies involved in fatal crash in Yucaipa, CA

Family files lawsuit against bus companies involved in fatal crash in Yucaipa, CA | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
A mother and daughter who survived a deadly bus crash near Yucaipa on Super Bowl weekend filed a lawsuit Friday, alleging the bus companies involved were negligent and failed to properly maintain their vehicles.
Steven M. Sweat's insight:

The family of the victims has asserted in this lawsuit that the bus company was negligent either because the driver was traveling at an unsafe speed or because of a brake failure due to faulty maintenance.  If the allegations are true, it is a sad reminder of the need for these commercial bus lines to face deeper scrutiny regarding regular, required inspections and proper training of drivers.

David Slepkow's curator insight, August 13, 2013 9:26 PM

Rhode Island Bus Crash Attorney Resource: http://www.rhodeislandpersonalinjuryattorneyblog.com/2011/06/rhode-island-bus-accident-lawyer-bus-accident-attorney-in-ri/

Michael Ehline's comment, August 20, 2013 9:44 PM
Great shots for the audience over at Ehline Law Firm PC
Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
February 24, 2013 11:02 PM
Scoop.it!

Grieving dad crusades for tougher laws against unlicensed drivers in California after car crash

Grieving dad crusades for tougher laws against unlicensed drivers in California after car crash | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
Grieving dad crusades for tougher laws against unlicensed drivers
Vallejo Times-Herald
Under state law, driving without a valid license violates California Vehicle Code section 12500 and can be a misdemeanor or an infraction.
Steven M. Sweat's insight:

Unlicensed drivers in California are a huge problem.  Studies have shown that they are more likely to be involved in auto accidents than licensed drivers.  They also, obviously, don't carry insurance coverage.  Fortunately, as a Los Angeles car accident attorney, I have been able to help the victims of these incidents many times by tapping into my own client's uninsured motorist coverage.  In my opinion, every driver in the Golden State should make sure they have this coverage.  It is required to be included in every insurance policy unless waived, in writing.

No comment yet.
Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
February 22, 2013 11:52 PM
Scoop.it!

Agency launching anti-texting and driving campaign including a "Designated Texter"

Agency launching anti-texting and driving campaign including a "Designated Texter" | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
Steven M. Sweat's insight:

This local news piece discusses the dangers of texting and driving and some of the proposed campaigns to prevent this dangerous activity.  Studies are now starting to show that texting and driving can be as dangerous and driving under the influence and it causes car accidents and injuries throughout the U.S. including California. 

No comment yet.
Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
April 7, 2013 2:17 PM
Scoop.it!

California court rules checking smartphone maps while driving is illegal | Digital Trends

California court rules checking smartphone maps while driving is illegal | Digital Trends | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
Potentially making the navigation of large California cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles more problematic, drivers aren't allowed to pick up their smartphones and check Google Maps while driving.
Steven M. Sweat's insight:

As a California car accident and injury lawyer, I have seen my fair share of auto accidents caused by distracted driving due to cell phone usage of all kinds.  I'm glad to see this court ruling out of Fresno and believe that it will be upheld, if appealed.  If using mapping applications on cell phones requires any type of hands-on interaction, it is important to just pull over so that, once you get your bearings, you can start to drive  with all your faculties.

No comment yet.
Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
March 31, 2013 12:11 AM
Scoop.it!

Court: Auto Club liable for tow-truck drivers

Court: Auto Club liable for tow-truck drivers | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
When you call the Auto Club for help, the tow truck driver who arrives may be wearing an AAA insignia but actually works for a private towing company, a contractual arrangement partly designed as a legal shield for the nation's largest provider of...
Steven M. Sweat's insight:

This is an interesting case that came out of the Second District Court of Appeal in Los Angeles.  The Auto Club of America (aka "AAA") was held liable for injuries caused by one of their tow truck drivers.  They alleged that the driver was an independent contractor and they were not responsible for his actions.  The court disagreed by reasoning that the driver was trained by them, had their uniform and insignia and had other indications that they exerted enough control over the driver to be held responsible for personal injuries caused by his negligence related to an auto accident.

No comment yet.
Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
March 28, 2013 12:37 AM
Scoop.it!

9-Year-Old Survives Car Crash, Hikes to Get Help for Her Dying Father

9-Year-Old Survives Car Crash, Hikes to Get Help for Her Dying Father | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
A 9-year-old California girl survived a car crash early this morning and scaled a cliff in darkness to get help for her father, who did not survive the wreck.
No comment yet.
Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
March 16, 2013 2:56 PM
Scoop.it!

Miranda Kerr spotted in neck brace after L.A. car accident

Miranda Kerr spotted in neck brace after L.A. car accident | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
Miranda Kerr injured her neck in a Los Angeles car accident Monday, which put the supermodel in a neck brace.
Steven M. Sweat's insight:


Yes, even Super Models get in car wrecks in Los Angeles.  In fact, statistics show that there is an accident about every minute thirty seconds in the City of Angels.  Most of them occur on freeways like this incident.  Most freeway accidents are attributable to one of two legal causes as follows:


  1. Following too closely (also known as "tail gating"): In violation of CA Vehicle Code section 21703, which is usually implicated in most all rear end collisions;
  2. Making and unsafe lane change abruptly or without signaling: A violation of CA Vehicular Code sec. 22107.


In this case there is some indication as well that the driver who hit Ms. Kerr was under the influence of alcohol or drugs ( a violation of section 23152 of the CA Veh. Code).  

No comment yet.
Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
March 10, 2013 3:14 PM
Scoop.it!

Chris Brown Car Accident -- The Panicked 911 Call ... 'My Name Is Christopher!!!'

Chris Brown Car Accident -- The Panicked 911 Call ... 'My Name Is Christopher!!!' | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
Chris Brown calls himself "Christopher" when he's scared ... at least according to the 911 call placed moments after the singer totaled his Porsche in a paparazzi chase. (Chris Brown Car Accident -- The Panicked 911 Call ...
Steven M. Sweat's insight:

The saga continues in the ongoing drama of Chris Brown's car accident which he blames on the paparazzi.  

No comment yet.
Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
March 7, 2013 2:58 PM
Scoop.it!

Dumb moves behind the wheel: What are the typical things that an auto insurance policy covers and doesn't cover?

Dumb moves behind the wheel: What are the typical things that an auto insurance policy covers and doesn't cover? | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
Dumb moves behind the wheel: covered NASDAQ Another example of an intentional act that would not be covered is if you set your car on fire to cash in on the policy, says Pete Moraga, spokesman for the Insurance Information Network of California in...
Steven M. Sweat's insight:


Good information from the NASDAQ journal regarding the general types of coverage exclusions for auto accident insurance claims.  For example, did you know the following:


  • Almost every auto insurance policy excludes "intentional acts" like running from the police or intentionally crashing your car into another person or vehicle.
  • Many personal automobile insurance policies will not cover your car if you are using it as a taxi or chauffeur service.
  • Most accidents caused by medical conditions (such as having a heart attack while driving) are covered BUT, they may not be if you fail to disclose any major medical conditions in your application as this may change the rating.
  • Accidents due to distracted driving like "texting and talking" on the cell phone will still be covered under most policies even though it is fast becoming illegal in most states.
  • If you alter your car's equipment in a way that makes it unsafe (such as adding "street racing" modifications) without disclosing this to the insurance company, this can lead to a denial of coverage.


The bottom line is that everyone should fully disclose all information in insurance applications and use common sense behind the wheel.  This will lead to less car crashes and a better chance that, if you do have an auto mishap, your insurance carrier will pick up the tab!

Robbins & Associates's curator insight, March 27, 2013 1:57 PM

Don't forget to check on Uninsured Motorist which covers your damages when an uninsured hits you. Thanks to + Jeffrey Lapin for this article.

Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
March 3, 2013 9:02 PM
Scoop.it!

Accident going to hospital kills expectant parents, baby lives

Accident going to hospital kills expectant parents, baby lives | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
Nathan and Raizy Glauber were in a car rented to take then to the hospital when they were hit by another car.
Steven M. Sweat's insight:

This is about as tragic as it gets.  Expectant parents were trying to make it to the hospital to deliver the baby and were involved in a car accident on the way there.  The story demonstrates that, even in emergency situations, it is important to remain calm when operating a motor vehicle.  Without much further detail, it is hard to determine fault in this accident but, your heart has to go out to the victims' families.

No comment yet.
Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
March 3, 2013 1:56 PM
Scoop.it!

Injury Crash Snarls 210 Freeway Traffic

Injury Crash Snarls 210 Freeway Traffic | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
An elderly man in a sedan slammed into the center divider on the eastbound 210 Freeway, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Steven M. Sweat's insight:

Unfortunately, many accidents each year in the U.S., including California, involve elderly drivers.  Many times the operator's vision, hearing and/or mental acuity become factors in causing these collisions.  There is no "cut-off" age under CA law when drivers must no longer operate a motor vehicle.  Older persons are held to the same standard as all others regarding license renewal (i.e. required to pass written test, driving test and vision test).  However, a re-examination of an older driver can be prompted by any number of factors such as the report of a physician that the person is suffering from some type of physical or mental impairment that would affect their ability to drive, a report of a family member to the DMV regarding same or similar issues and/or the report of a law enforcement official who feels that any auto accident was caused by unsafe driving.

No comment yet.
Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
February 28, 2013 10:18 PM
Scoop.it!

Evenings The Worst Time For Car Accidents, Data Suggests

Evenings The Worst Time For Car Accidents, Data Suggests | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
CMAJ
Evenings The Worst Time For Car Accidents, Data Suggests
Huffington Post Canada
The report says car crashes that result in people being hospitalized are more common in the afternoon and evening than at other times in the day.
Steven M. Sweat's insight:

Interesting data regarding frequency of car accidents during the evening hours.  This is most likely attributable to factors such as reduced lighting and visibility, alcohol related accidents, and other factors associated with the night time hours.  California Vehicle code section 22350 dictates that drivers must reduce speed and only travel at a reasonably safe speed given conditions of the road including visibility and, obviously, also outlaws driving under the influence. 

No comment yet.
Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
February 25, 2013 9:41 PM
Scoop.it!

Motorcyclist Injured After Hitting Open Car Door on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, CA

Motorcyclist Injured After Hitting Open Car Door on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, CA | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
The collision occurs when a passenger in Volkswagen opens door at stoplight, deputy says.
Steven M. Sweat's insight:

In this case, the passenger vehicle was stopped at or near the intersection of Santa Monica Blvd. and Crescent Heights.  The driver parked along the road and then opened the door attempting to exit the vehicle.  This opening the door collision scenario is common with both bicycle accidents and motorcycle crashes.  Unfortunately, the drivers don't check their side view mirrors and simply fling the door open causing the mishap to occur.  California Vehicle Code section 22517 mandates that drivers must not open doors on parked vehicles on a side available to moving traffic until they have determined that it is reasonable safe to do so.

No comment yet.
Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
February 25, 2013 5:44 PM
Scoop.it!

Mo. texting while driving law nabs few violators - San Francisco Chronicle

Mo. texting while driving law nabs few violators - San Francisco Chronicle | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
Mo. texting while driving law nabs few violators
San Francisco Chronicle
The Columbia Missourian (bit.ly/Yd4NJL ) reports that an average of fewer than four people a month have received texting-while-driving tickets since the law was passed.
Steven M. Sweat's insight:

Unfortunate that enforcement appears to be lagging behind the California statutes which have banned texting and driving.  Statistics show that distracted driving is responsible for 15 deaths a day.  As a California personal injury attorney, I have seen my share of accident claims related to texting and driving.

No comment yet.
Scooped by Steven M. Sweat
February 22, 2013 11:59 PM
Scoop.it!

California lawmaker wants to outlaw hands-free texting and driving

California lawmaker wants to outlaw hands-free texting and driving | California Car Accident and Injury Attorney News | Scoop.it
Siri users beware -- a bill being introduced in the state Capitol is looking to ban hands-free texting while driving.
Steven M. Sweat's insight:

California took the lead in banning the use of electronic devices like cell phones while operating a motor vehicle.  Now one CA lawmaker wants to ban even hands free use of cell phones.  While the studies differ as to how much "distraction" takes place by the use of hands free devices, there is no doubt that "hands-on" texting and driving causes car accidents.

No comment yet.