The Law Offices of Daniel FederThe Law Offices of Daniel Feder2024-02-12T23:16:07Zhttps://www.dfederlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1404166/2019/12/cropped-fab-icon-min-32x32.pngOn Behalf of The Law Offices of Daniel Federhttps://www.dfederlaw.com/?p=525512024-02-05T13:41:00Z2024-02-05T13:41:00ZMaking driving adjustments
The most important element of traveling safely in winter weather conditions is the choice to change standard driving behaviors. Driving at the normal speed limit is probably not a safe decision. People may need to reduce their speed significantly and may need to plan their schedules accordingly. Motorists may also need to leave more space between their vehicles and other vehicles in traffic. Icy and snowy street surfaces significantly increase the stopping distance for motor vehicles. People typically need to double their following distance during winter weather conditions while also reducing their speed.
Keeping vehicles maintained
Those about to travel on snowy or icy streets need to be able to trust the performance of their vehicles. Ensuring that tires are well inflated and brakes are operating properly are both important steps. Drivers may also need to inspect their windshield wipers. Packing safety equipment, including water, food, blankets, warm clothing and boots in case of an incident, is also advisable for those traveling through rural mountain areas. Anyone planning on driving in freezing rain or stopping anywhere with lower temperatures may need to purchase and pack an ice scraper to remove accumulated ice from their vehicle's windows as well.
Hopefully, those who encounter blustery road conditions while navigating mountain passes and other questionable terrain all reach their destination safely. Those who end up involved in collisions may sometimes need to pursue insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits after a wreck. Being proactive about safety helps minimize the chances that a driver will be held personally responsible for a crash.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Daniel Federhttps://www.dfederlaw.com/?p=524362023-12-08T18:17:55Z2023-12-08T18:17:55Zlifetime medical costs could be anywhere from $85,000 to more than $3 million.
Many previously successful adults with TBIs also experience a massive drop in earning potential because of their symptoms. Seeking compensation after a brain injury through a personal injury lawsuit could help people maintain their standard of living despite their increased costs and decreased income. Who could someone potentially sue after sustaining a TBI in the San Francisco area? The following are a few prime examples, but this list is not exhaustive.
An unsafe driver
Motor vehicle collisions are one of the top causes of TBIs. Someone could get hurt by blunt force trauma or the erratic motion of the vehicles during a crash. Given that many drivers in California have minimal insurance coverage, it may be necessary for someone hurt severely in a collision to file a personal injury lawsuit. Either negligence or violations of traffic statutes would open someone up to a personal injury lawsuit after a crash.
A negligent property owner
Brain injuries can also easily be the result of unsafe property conditions. Failing to maintain the floors and stairs could lead to someone falling. So could negligent cleaning practices or a leaking ceiling. When it is clear that negligent property maintenance contributed to someone's injuries, they may have grounds for a premises liability lawsuit against a business or property owner.
A company that produces defective products
There are countless different products that could fail and cause a brain injury. From vehicle components to furniture, many products could cause trauma or falls if they fail due to poor design or manufacturing defects. Someone hurt by a defective product may have grounds for a lawsuit against either the manufacturer of that product or possibly a retailer who sold a dangerous product.
Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit can help someone struggling with the costs of a brain injury can hold the right party accountable for expenses an individual did not cause for themselves. Seeking experienced legal guidance can help a TBI victim to assess who should be held accountable for their particular harm.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Daniel Federhttps://www.dfederlaw.com/?p=524372023-10-01T18:39:17Z2023-10-01T18:39:17Zincreased motor vehicle accidents in over the past few months. Cruise and Waymo, providers of these transports still wonder why their vehicles have not been embraced and universally accepted.
A rough rollout
Since their launch in San Francisco, the self-driving taxis provided by Cruise and Waymo have been plagued with numerous safety issues. Enough complaints got the attention of city officials who requested that Cruise reduce the number of cars traveling streets until they go through the technology and identify specific problems.
The San Francisco Chronicle released data from March showing that the self-driving car accidents grew 300 percent over the previous month. Critics claim that data is, at best, incomplete and coming from 911/311 calls, transit cameras, and less than reliable social media posts.
The city’s fire department entered the fray as well, noting data that revealed 44 robotaxis interfering with firefighters. Accounts include vehicles traveling into active scenes, outright running over fire hoses, and slowing down fire trucks trying to get their respective designations to provide help.
All of this is occurring in the shadow of the state’s Public Utilities commission delaying more permits for robotaxis, forcing company officials and venture capitalists to turn up the volume on their support for additional self-driving cars on streets throughout San Franciso.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Daniel Federhttps://www.dfederlaw.com/?p=524382023-10-01T00:31:50Z2023-10-01T00:31:50ZA booming business with multiple dangers
Construction workplaces number an estimated 250,000-plus nationwide, with all of them not welcoming to walkers. The loud, almost deafening sounds force passers-by to move across the street. In addition, the lack of protection that workers enjoy, specifically hard hats, should be enough to discourage pedestrians who do not have access to hard hats and other safety equipment.
Construction is an extremely noisy enterprise, with heavy equipment accounting for the significant, nearly deafening racket. Heavy equipment, including holes, gaps, falling objects, and toxic materials, are everywhere. Construction site owners can prevent people from accessing high-risk areas by blocking them with solid and secure barricades and barriers.
Inadequate signage is also a significant problem. Even if a sign has detailed language, the dust and dirt inherent in a construction site could conceal important information from passers-by. Even more perilous are unmarked construction sites representing disaster just waiting to happen. Without noticeable and clean warning signs, anyone near the area and not a construction worker could find themselves in peril.
Even the most careful of pedestrians can find themselves involved in accidents that result in serious injuries. Construction companies have an obligation to barricade sites from “civilians” to prevent injuries and accidents by civilians.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Daniel Federhttps://www.dfederlaw.com/?p=517812023-09-21T04:41:10Z2023-09-21T04:41:10ZWhat to know about the femur
The femur is a long bone that spans the hip to the knee. If the bone is fractured, you must seek treatment immediately to avoid long-term damage. Symptoms of a femur fracture often include severe pain, blood loss if the bone pierces the skin and an inability to walk. Depending on where the fracture occurred, you may also be at risk for damage to the kneecap.
Pedestrians are most vulnerable
A fractured femur may occur if you were in a vehicle hit by another car or truck. However, the odds of this type of injury are greater if you were walking or riding a bike when a motor vehicle accident occurs. This is because there is almost nothing to protect you from the energy generated at the point of impact. In addition to being struck directly by the car itself, the force of the collision could cause you to be thrown against a wall or other solid surface.
If you are struck by a motor vehicle, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit. However, many personal injury cases are resolved outside of court. Medical records, witness statements and other records may all be used to bolster your assertion that you were hurt because of the defendant's reckless actions.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Daniel Federhttps://www.dfederlaw.com/?p=517752023-06-21T21:10:03Z2023-06-16T21:09:18ZKnowing your rights after a supermarket slip and fall
The fall can happen inside or outside. Supermarkets can have wet spots on the floor after a spill. If there was no sign or immediate steps were not taken to clean it and make the area safe for patrons, the store could be held responsible.
These stores could have items like shopping carts and handheld baskets where people could trip and fall. Outside, there could be icy areas in a parking lot or a pothole causing people can stumble and hurt themselves. Wherever the accident occurs on the store property, the ownership may be held liable.
There is no minimum purchase amount required to consider legal options after a supermarket fall; even if you didn't buy anything, you might be able to file a claim. Even if people were not seriously hurt in the fall, they may still be eligible to file a claim. A minor back injury or a pulled muscle can cause problems sufficient to warrant a premises liability claim.
Injuries suffered in a supermarket fall
People do not generally think they will fall and hurt themselves when grocery shopping. Still, it can and does happen. Like any type of accident, there can be medical expenses, lost income and long-term challenges that must be considered. Gathering information about what can be done after a supermarket fall is critical to knowing the alternatives and moving forward.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Daniel Federhttps://www.dfederlaw.com/?p=516372023-03-22T21:57:43Z2023-03-22T21:57:43ZThree types of distracted driving
Depending on the specific activity a driver engages in while behind the wheel, they can be guilty of one, two or even all three types of distracted driving. However, even one type can cause motor vehicle accidents.
Visual distractions are any activity that causes a driver’s eyes to shift from the road and onto something else such as an object or vehicle controls. Examples include checking a GPS system or glancing over your shoulder to check on children in the backseat.
Manual distractions cause a driver to move their hands off the steering wheel, which reduces their ability to control the vehicle. This can include anything such as eating, checking your phone, fiddling with your vehicle’s computer system or even adjusting your rearview mirror or seat.
The third type of driver distraction is cognitive, causing motorists to focus on something other than the road. Examples of cognitive distractions are driving under the influence, being tired, conversations with passengers or daydreaming.
Texting is considered one of the most dangerous behaviors while driving because it causes all three distraction types: you have to take your hands off the wheel, redirect your eyes and concentrate on your phone in order to compose, send or read a text message.
Avoiding distracted driving
You can do your part to avoid distracted driving by remaining alert at all times. Keep your focus on the road and your hands on the steering wheel. Program music to play and your route ahead of time so that you don’t have to do it while you’re already on the road.
Avoid drinking alcohol or consuming drugs so that you don’t become impaired behind the wheel. If you’re overly tired, avoid driving if possible. Only use your phone for emergency calls; if you have to make or take a call, pull over before doing so.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Daniel Federhttps://www.dfederlaw.com/?p=516312022-12-24T00:45:29Z2022-12-23T00:44:47ZAccident report
One of the most important pieces of evidence you can obtain for any type of motor vehicle accident is a copy of the accident report. This includes vital information about how it occurred, the events during and what caused it. The report might also include traffic citations issued to the trucker.
Photos
Pictures of all aspects of the accident scene can show the extent of the damage. You can also use photos of your injuries sustained in the truck accident to prove your case. If your case requires an investigative team to reconstruct the collision, your photos can help in that area as well.
Electronic logs
Truck drivers are required to use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to ensure that they comply with federal rules and regulations regarding their hours worked and mandatory breaks. Data from these devices can show evidence of whether the trucker complied with these laws or violated them, which can be crucial in making your case.
Witness statements
Eyewitness statements can strengthen your side of the trucking accident claim. You need the names and contact information of these people in the event that they need to testify on your behalf if your case goes to trial. You can also get written or recorded statements from witnesses.
Phone records
The truck driver’s cell phone records may be evidence of whether the driver was using their phone at the time of the accident. This could prove whether distracted driving played a part in the crash.
Blood or breath tests
If the trucker was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of an accident, a breath or blood test would have been later administered to determine their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level. If such tests exist, they are vital evidence for your claim.
The more evidence you’re able to gather after a truck accident, the better it is for your lawsuit.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Daniel Federhttps://www.dfederlaw.com/?p=516152022-09-20T20:48:29Z2022-09-20T20:48:29Zmedical malpractice claims is growing, nurses only account for less than 20% of the claims filed while they make up over 50% of the healthcare workforce. Studies show that nurses have a closer, more familiar relationship with patients, which could account for lower malpractice claims against them.
Common causes of nursing malpractice claims
The nursing staff bears a great responsibility for patient care. Increasing demands for nurses mean increased opportunities for errors. Not every mistake or misstep by a nurse results in malpractice, however. Medical malpractice claims occur when a patient is harmed, and the courts validate their claims. Here are a few instances of typical actions resulting in malpractice claims against nurses:
A patient gets injured falling from their hospital bed or chair.
A patient falls trying to use the bathroom unassisted.
The nurse has not adequately monitored the patient.
Insufficient nursing staff has resulted in compromised care.
A nurse makes poor decisions because of exhaustion, stress or fatigue.
Patients with comorbidities or missing medical information can be the victims of malpractice during which nursing errors can cause patient harm or death. These common nursing errors may result in patients or their families seeking damages through medical malpractice claims.
Nurses must be responsible, competent, knowledgeable and ethical while caring for patients. Failure to act accordingly can result in claims against the nurse, staff and the care facility.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Daniel Federhttps://www.dfederlaw.com/?p=513522022-06-16T21:23:45Z2022-06-16T21:23:45ZTwo holiday weekends are the bookends
It just so happens that the period of 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day is the time when motor vehicle accidents rise to their highest level during the year. The reasons for this are many. Teen drivers are the least experienced group of people who are likely to get behind the wheel. There are many more of them on the road during summer.
The relative lack of driving experience that many teens suffer from can lead to fatal consequences. Teen drivers are more likely to be out on the roads during the night time. They are more prone to ignoring safety laws, such as wearing their seat belts. They are also more likely to commit speeding or tailgating.
The number of teens who were killed in fatal road accidents increased in both California and most of the rest of the country. As of 2022, only 6 states in the U.S. have reported no increase or a small decrease in the number of fatal teen crashes. The rest have contributed their share to the number of drivers killed.
Most crashes are the result of driver error
The vast majority of fatal crashes are caused by error on the part of the driver. This can be speeding, not signaling while changing into another lane, or following another vehicle too closely. It can also be due to driving while intoxicated or distracted. Cell phones lead to many deaths.
Legislators in California are working closely with highway safety experts to try to curb the increasing number of teen deaths. New laws regarding mandatory teen driver education are being proposed. Whether these measures can bring down the number of crashes remains to be seen.]]>