Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney Blog | Los Angeles Automobile Accident Lawyer

California family files wrongful death suit against drunk driver

On behalf of Hiepler & Hiepler posted in Wrongful Death on Wednesday, June 19, 2013.

Losing someone in a car accident can be devastating and confusing enough for families. However, learning that the accident could have been prevented can make the situation even more difficult to understand. A large number of fatal car accidents are caused by the negligence of other drivers who do not take other people's safety into consideration when they get behind the wheel.

The most troubling aspect of a negligent driver is that too many of them do not learn their lesson, even if they cause an accident. They continue to speed, drive drunk or drive without a license even though they know it's wrong, and even if they've been in trouble for doing it once already. A California family recently learned that the driver who caused the accident that killed a 39-year-old woman had been involved in another fatal accident years before.

Bicycling advocates skeptical about Los Angeles hit-and-run data

On behalf of Hiepler & Hiepler posted in Bicycle Accidents on Thursday, June 13, 2013.

Bicycling in certain areas of California can be very dangerous. Too many people learn this upsetting lesson in a very hard and painful way when they are hit by a car. Everyone should understand that motorists are supposed to share the road with bike riders, but too many negligent drivers fail to do this and end up causing a serious bicycle accident. Sadly, the situation can be made even worse when these same negligent drivers never even stop to help a victim after causing a crash.

These hit-and-run accidents are far too common. But just how common these crashes actually are is what has been up for debate recently. The Los Angeles Police Department recently released a report that states that the huge number of hit-and-run accidents in the city is comparable to other major cities. Bicycling advocates disagree.

Texting teen to blame for California accident?

On behalf of Hiepler & Hiepler posted in Automobile Accidents on Tuesday, June 4, 2013.

When young people start driving, they are often excited to get behind the wheel. They enjoy the sense of independence and freedom, but with the perks of driving comes the responsibility of driving safely.

Drivers of all ages know that there are certain behaviors that are dangerous, some of which are also illegal. Yet many motorists in California, including novice drivers, continue to engage in risky behaviors while driving. The results of these poor decisions can be a serious and painful car accident.

Increase in brain injuries seen during summer months

On behalf of Hiepler & Hiepler posted in Brain Injury on Thursday, May 30, 2013.

The summer is an active time for folks in California. Kids are out of school, families take road trips for vacations and people get out on their boats to relax on the water. However, an increase in all these types of seasonal activities may mean that there is a greater chance that a person will suffer a traumatic brain injury.

Brain injuries can be suffered in many different types of accidents. People can experience brain damage after a serious fall, a car accident or in other types of events that result in a jolt to a person's head or neck. It can be crucial for people in California to be aware that some sources report that brain injuries peak during the summer months.

Bus company involved in fatal accident was operating illegally

On behalf of Hiepler & Hiepler posted in Bus Accidents on Thursday, May 23, 2013.

With summer right around the corner, the season for proms and weddings is underway. This means that there are going to be many people across California looking to book a party bus for their fun events. Party buses are popular ways to travel as a group and have fun, but recent accidents have highlighted the dangers associated with these vehicles.

Earlier this month, a group of women boarded a party bus and kicked off a bachelorette party celebration. The 17 women on the bus were having fun when the bus driver took a sharp turn and hit a bump. Suddenly, the doors of the bus flew open and one of the women on the bus tumbled out of the open door and was killed.

California woman killed in hit-and-run accident

On behalf of Hiepler & Hiepler posted in Wrongful Death on Thursday, May 16, 2013.

There is nothing that can undo the tragedy of a fatal accident. Whether someone has been killed in a car accident, construction accident or after using an unsafe product, the victim's family and friends often suffer a great and unexpected loss.

One of the most common types of fatal accidents is a motor vehicle accident. Too many people are killed in wrongful death accidents caused by a reckless or negligent driver. Just recently, a California woman was killed in an accident caused by a man who should never have been behind the wheel of a car in the first place.

Summertime and bike safety in California

On behalf of Hiepler & Hiepler posted in Bicycle Accidents on Wednesday, May 8, 2013.

Across the country, more and more people are pulling their bicycles out and going for a ride as the weather gets nicer and nicer. Some areas in California are suitable for year-round biking, but in general, the number of bicyclists increases during the summer months. Now is a good time to remind motorists and bikers about some of the basic safety tips that can keep cyclists safe and help avoid a serious bicycle accident.

Many of the collisions that happen between a bike and a motor vehicle are caused by a negligent or reckless motorist who does not share the road with a biker. Some drivers do not take the time to spot bikers and adjust their driving behaviors accordingly to accommodate the biker. Often times, this negligence results in a catastrophic crash. As most people can imagine, the smaller, unprotected rider is the one who often sustains the most damage while motorists are often left unscathed.

At-fault motorists rarely charged in fatal crashes in California

On behalf of Hiepler & Hiepler posted in Automobile Accidents on Wednesday, May 1, 2013.

Residents in California generally expect motorists to drive carefully, especially in areas where pedestrians and bicyclists are present. Drivers are supposed to pay attention behind the wheel, give bicyclists plenty of room and yield to pedestrians who are crossing the street. However, the reality is that many drivers in California fail to do these things and end up causing a serious auto accident.

Even though many of these negligent drivers end up causing a crash, a large number of them never end up facing any real consequences of their reckless behavior. According to recent analysis of accident statistics in the Bay Area of California, about 60 percent of at-fault drivers in fatal pedestrian accidents never ended up facing any charges.

Novelty motorcycle helmets do not prevent brain injuries

On behalf of Hiepler & Hiepler posted in Brain Injury on Tuesday, April 23, 2013.

Motorcycle riders in California likely understand that they are required to wear a helmet while they are on a motorcycle. Some other state laws do not require them, but in this state, every rider must have a helmet. Without a helmet, victims of a motorcycle accident can suffer serious or fatal brain injuries.

Unfortunately, there are some companies that manufacture and sell novelty helmets to riders even though they reportedly offer no substantial protection in a crash. Many riders may not be aware that these helmets generally do not meet the safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and are arguably worthless in an accident.

Study: Drowsy driving to blame for 20 percent of car accidents

On behalf of Hiepler & Hiepler posted in Automobile Accidents on Thursday, April 18, 2013.

It is not always easy for a person to spot dangerous drivers and avoid them. Reckless driving behavior is not always as obvious as speeding, swerving or running through a stop sign. In fact, a dangerous motorist could be right behind you on the road and there would be no way to tell until after the driver has ended up causing a serious car accident.

Drivers in California should be aware that there are many people who knowingly get behind the wheel of their car when they are not in a safe condition to drive. This includes drunk drivers and distracted drivers of course. But according to a recent study, drowsy drivers are also the cause of a surprising number of crashes across the country.

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