San Francisco Injury Lawyer Blog

It is a great responsibility for drivers to get behind the wheel of a car because of the amount of damage that a vehicle can cause. However, too often we see drivers not taking the responsibility seriously, and abuseing it by acting negligently or recklessly. There are increasingly strict rules in the United States, particularly California, on driving. For instance, Californians are no longer allowed to use their cell phone to call anyone unless they are using a hands-free device, and can no longer text message in the car. These laws help to protect the safety of others on the road. Not only are negligent drivers criminally liable for their actions, they can often be civilly liable to the victims.

On Saturday, February 21, 2009, a man walking on Interstate 280 near San Jose was hit and killed by Janet Nguyen of San Francisco. Ms. Nguyen was driving at about 1:30 a.m. on northbound I-280 and hit the pedestrian as she changed lanes. The pedestrian, a 24 year old man, was thrown through the car’s windshield, and hit Ms. Nguyen and the pedestrian, but both remained uninjured. Police were unable to determine why the man was walking in the right lane of the highway and were unable to locate any disabled vehicles along the freeway. It was determined that Ms. Nguyen was likely not at fault in the collision. When Ms. Nguyen and the passenger were taken to the hospital, police determined that she was under the influence of alcohol and was arrested for misdemeanor DUI.

Although the alcohol may not have been the cause of this particular collision, many others are a result of the driver’s reckless acts of drinking and driving. To find out your rights in a negligence lawsuit, you should call an attorney as soon as possible. Call Greenberg & Rudman LLP now to make sure that you file your lawsuit in time and to make sure that you have the best possible representation. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to get a free and confidential consultation. Our website, www.alawpro.com also provides more information on wrongful death lawsuits and negligence cases.

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Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT , WRONGFUL DEATH

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Medical malpractice is the negligent actions of a health care provider, which can include doctors, nurses, dentists, chiropractors, psychologists and psychiatrists. Health care providers are held to a certain standard of care, a standard that is recognized by others in the same field. For example, an oncologist (a doctor specializing in the treatment of cancer) would be held to the same standard of care in diagnosing cancer as another oncologist. However, a cardiologist would not be held to the same standard of care in diagnosing cancer as the oncologist, but may be held to the same standard of referring the patient to an oncologist.

The family of Sierra Wilson, who died in February 2008, won a lawsuit against the Piedmont Medical Center in York County, South Carolina. Robin Wilson, Sierra’s mother, went into the hospital three days before her scheduled inducement. A nurse trainee monitored Ms. Wilson and the baby’s vitals, but misread the baby’s fetal heart monitoring information and failed to recognize that the baby was in distress. As a result, Sierra suffered severe brain injury from deprivation of oxygen. Sierra died in February, 2008 of complications from cerebral palsy. The jury in the case awarded the Wilson family $4.4 million. The hospital stated that its staff acted appropriately and that they will likely pursue an appeal.

Losing a child can be incredibly hard on a family, both emotionally and financially. Although we cannot help you bring a child back, we can help you obtain compensation for your loss. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP have had extensive experience in wrongful death and medical malpractice cases. We have obtained over $150 million in verdicts and settlements against large corporations and insurance companies. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to get a free consultation. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to get more information on medical malpractice.

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Posted In: MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

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Strict liability is the responsibility that a manufacturer takes for a certain product when it is unreasonably dangerous when it is used. The manufacturer is responsible for the defect in the product, even if it was not an error in the manufacturing process. Exceptions to this rule are medications or vaccines. This means that even though the side effects of the medications or vaccines are unreasonably dangerous when they are used, they still may not be the reason for a lawsuit. However, these manufacturers of medicines and vaccines must abide by state and federal law, and may be liable in other ways. Lawsuit standards for medicine and vaccines vary from state to state and each circumstance so you should speak to an experienced attorney about your case. Call Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO).

On Tuesday, February 17, 2009, a Nebraska resident, Ralph Sell, filed a lawsuit against AM2 PAT Inc. for the death of his wife in 2008. The company produced Heparin prefilled flush syringes for use in treating cancer patients. The syringes were recalled for the first time in December 2007 and then again in January 2008. The second recall occurred because there was evidence that the prefilled syringes contained bacteria, which can cause serious injury or death. Mr. Sell claims that his wife’s death was caused by the syringe, which allegedly caused high blood pressure, disorientation and sepsis, even though her immediate cause of death was acute respiratory failure. Mr. Sell is seeking unspecified damages, but the damages include $56,000 in medical costs.

If you or a family member has been injured by these prefilled syringes or has sustained other medical injuries as a result of product liability or medical malpractice, you should call Greenberg & Rudman LLP as soon as possible for a free consultation. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to speak to an experienced attorney. Please also go to our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about product liability, and manufacturer’s liability on defective products.

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Posted In: MEDICAL MALPRACTICE , PRODUCT LIABILITY , WRONGFUL DEATH

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Elder abuse comes in many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual and financial, and has been on the rise. Last year, San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris developed the San Francisco Elder Abuse Forensic Center, a new partnership with San Francisco Police Department and the Department of Aging and Adult Services. Elderly citizens might be more susceptible to abuse because their care might be limited to a certain number of people. Some abuse occurs because the senior citizen may suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or another mentally or physically debilitating illness. The most common group of abusers is the victim’s family members, particularly adult children.

A San Francisco woman appeared in court on February 20, 2009 on 13 felony counts, including theft from an elder, for scamming two elderly men out of $50,000 over the last few months. In October, 2008, Teresa Barron told a 77 year old man that she had cancer and did not have health insurance, and needed help with her interior design business. The man gave her $37,000 over a ten day period. In February, Ms. Barron told an 83 year old man the same story and scammed $10,000 over a one week period. Authorities caught her after she tried to take another $4,000 from the elderly man. Ms. Barron is currently held on $500,000 bail.

It may be difficult to identify if a senior citizen is being abused, and it may be even harder for a senior citizen to reach out for help. However, if you or a family member has been abused, you should call the attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP as soon as possible. It is best to have an experienced attorney at your side in this terrible time. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to get a free and confidential consultation. Visit our website, www.alawpro.com to learn more about elder abuse.

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Posted In: ELDER ABUSE

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Train accidents have become increasingly more common in the United States. Last year, there was a tragic accident in Chatsworth, California in which a Metrolink train crashed and killed more than 25 people, and left hundreds injured. Train accidents may occur because of the sheer size of the trains, its heavy cargo or lack of conductor control. All over the United States, and in the Bay Area, there are train tracks that run through residential areas, which may pose an even greater danger to pedestrians and others.

On Wednesday, February 18, 2009, two separate accidents involving Amtrak trains occurred in the Bay Area. The first accident occurred at 6:10 a.m. in Richmond near Chelsey Avenue. The Amtrak train hit a car parked on the tracks in what is reported to be an apparent suicide. The second accident occurred near the Hayward station at Paseo Grande and St. John Avenue at 3:30 p.m. It is reported that there was a pedestrian walking along the tracks, with his back to the train. The conductor sounded the horn on the train but the pedestrian failed to move and the train failed to stop in time. Both accidents caused delays of up to two hours. No one on the trains was hurt in the accidents.

To find out your rights if you have been injured in a train accident, call Greenberg & Rudman LLP now to speak to an experienced attorney. We know that this is a terrible time for you and your family, but having a lawyer on your side can actually make things easier for you. Please call us now for a free and confidential consultation at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO). Please also visit our website www.alawpro.com for more information on train accidents, and to read more about our attorneys.

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Posted In: TRAIN ACCIDENTS

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Located near San Jose, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale and San Mateo, Mountain View has a population of 70,708. Originally, the city was part of the rancho of Don Mariano Castro, which later split into Mountain View and Sunnyvale. Mountain View is also one of the cities that make up Silicon Valley, and includes such companies as AOL, Fenwick & West LLP, Google, Mozilla Corporation, Pinnacle Systems and Verisign.

Many of these companies attract a large number of employees from different parts of the state, and even the country. If you have been injured on the job in Mountain View, call Greenberg & Rudman LLP for a free consultation. In order to obtain compensation from worker’s compensation benefits, or through a lawsuit, it would be best if you had a lawyer on your side to handle the case for you. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to speak to an experienced attorney. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about premises liability.

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Posted In: PREMISES LIABILITY

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South San Francisco is located in San Mateo County, in the southern part of the San Francisco Peninsula. It is located across the Bay from Oakland and San Jose and has a population of 60,552. South San Francisco is located near San Francisco International Airport and is accessible by Highways 101 and 280. There are also BART and Caltrain stations in the city. South San Francisco is also home to several large corporations, including Genentech, Amgen, See’s Candies and Columbus Foods.

Although South San Francisco is relatively smaller than San Francisco, it still attracts commuters to its large corporations, and is within driving distance from some major universities, such as Stanford and UCSF. The influx of drivers and pedestrians in the area may cause more car and bus accidents. If you have been injured in South San Francisco, you should call Greenberg & Rudman LLP right away to find out your rights. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation with an experienced attorney. Our website, www.alawpro.com will also provide you with more information on our law firm and the different types of law we cover.

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Posted In: BUS ACCIDENT , CAR ACCIDENT

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Wrongful death lawsuits are for family members of a victim who was killed under negligent circumstances. On Christmas Day 2007, a tiger attack at the San Francisco Zoo resulted in the death of 17 year old Carlos Sousa Jr. and the injury of the Dhaliwal brothers, who were friends of Carlos. Carlos’ family has settled with the San Francisco Zoo, and although the amount of the settlement was undisclosed, it was reported that the money will come from the Zoo’s insurance carrier, rather than tax payer money. Carlos’ attorney also disclosed that there will be a bench erected in the Zoo which will have Carlos’ name, and the dates of his birth and death. The Dhaliwal brothers have also filed suit in federal court, claiming that the Zoo has engaged in a smear campaign against them.

To find out more about wrongful death lawsuits and whether you have a lawsuit for the wrongful death of a close family member, contact Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately for a free consultation. You can reach us at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO). We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. We are paid a percentage of what we recover for you. This means you will pay no legal fees unless we collect money for you. If we don’t recover money for you, you will not owe us a fee. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com for more information on wrongful death claims.

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Posted In: WRONGFUL DEATH

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Motorcycles may be a quick and comparatively inexpensive way for someone to get around, but they can be relatively unsafe. A motorcycle driver is usually only protected by a helmet and leather apparel to protect the rest of his body. Since motorcyclists comprise only two percent of drivers on the road, it’s not surprising that many drivers are still not accustomed or proficient at sharing the road with motorcyclists. The California Highway Patrols’ SWITRS report includes a section on motorcycle drivers, with the following statistics in 2006:

• The highest numbers of fatal motorcycle crashes and crashes resulting in injury occurred in the month of September.
• The highest number of deaths was 108 fatalities in the 35-44 age group, and the highest injuries was at 2,381 in the 15-24 age group.
• San Francisco County only had four fatalities and 276 injuries, as compared to Los Angeles County, which had 78 fatalities and 2,168 injuries.
• There were 72 fatal collisions in which the driver was under the influence of alcohol or another drug, and 112 fatal collisions in which unsafe speed was the cause of the accident.
• Other causes of fatal collisions included: driving on the wrong side of the road (34); improper turning (40); traffic signals and signs (13); other hazardous violations (11).
• There were 2,776 injury collisions in which the motorcycle driver was going at an unsafe speed, and 1,201 collisions as a result of improper turning.
• Other causes of injury collisions in motorcycle accidents include: driver was under the influence of alcohol or other drug (443); wrong side of the road (275); improper passing (175); unsafe lane change (167); automobile right-of-way (206); traffic signals and signs (136).

Have you or a family member been injured in a motorcycle accident? You should call Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately to get your case started. Compensation for motorcycle accidents may include payment of your medical bills, compensation for future medical care, repair or replacement of your motorcycle and recovery of your loss of earnings and any future losses. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to get a free consultation from an experienced attorney. We are here to fight for you. Please visit our website, www.alawpro.com and read more about Harley Davidson motorcycle product defects, and other hazardous road designs that may cause motorcycle accidents.

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Posted In: MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

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In these accidents, it is likely that there was some degree of negligence involved, either on the part of the driver or the victim. A victim, even if he was seriously injured or killed, could be held negligent for the accident which caused his injury or death. For example, Billy is driving his car down the street and runs a red light. However, as he is crossing that intersection, he realizes that there is a pedestrian, who has the right of way, crossing the street. In an attempt to miss the pedestrian, Billy swerves his car into a telephone pole and suffers major injuries as a result of that. The court would have to take into consideration all other factors in the case, but it would be unlikely that Billy could sue the pedestrian for being in the crosswalk because it was his own negligence (running the red light) which caused the accident. However, the pedestrian might be able to sue Billy if the pedestrian tripped and broke his wrist, or if the pedestrian broke something very valuable in the accident.

Thus, even if you were not significantly injured, you may still recover money for your property damages and other compensation if it was the other party who was negligent. If you have been injured in a car accident, you should contact Greenberg & Rudman LLP as soon as possible. We are experienced trial attorneys who have taken on big insurance companies and won. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to find out more about our law firm.

Want to find out more information about negligence in car and motorcycle accidents? Read Part I: CAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS DISTURB TRAFFIC AROUND BAY AREA (Part 1 of 2)

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Posted In: MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT

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Many car accidents are unpreventable—they can happen because it was raining too hard and the driver was unable to pull over, or if a pothole caused the driver to veer in the wrong direction. However, many others can and should be prevented. For instance, many car accidents occur as a result of excessive speed or the common belief that a yellow light means “hurry and make the light before it turns red” rather than “slow down.” Drivers should not only be thinking about their safety and that of those in the car with them, but also individuals in other cars, motorcycles or who may be pedestrians on the street. In the past week, there have been several accidents involving cars, motorcycles and pedestrians.

• On Wednesday, February 11, 2009, there were approximately ten crashes reported on Highway 80 in Fairfield at 12:25 p.m. There were five ambulances at the scene, but there were no major injuries reported. The accidents blocked westbound I-80, but the left lanes were reopened about half an hour after the accidents occurred.
• On February 9, 2009, a person was struck and killed while walking across Highway 101 in San Francisco. Police have not released the identity of the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
• A California Highway Patrol officer was struck and suffered injuries in an accident on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 on Highway 880. The officer was on his motorcycle traveling in the left lane when a woman driving a Buick LeSabre veered into his lane. The officer tried to slam on his brakes, but could not avoid hitting the back of the Buick. He was taken to the hospital with a broken ankle; investigators stated that alcohol was likely not a factor in the collision.

Have you been injured in a car accident similar to the ones above? You should call Greenberg & Rudman LLP attorneys at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to get a free consultation. It is extremely important that you file your lawsuit on time, and it is best for an experienced attorney to handle these situations. We have won over $150 million in verdicts and settlements. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to find out more about car accidents and injuries as a result of them.

Want to find out more about negligence? See Part II: VICTIMS MAY BE NEGLIGENT FOR ACCIDENTS—CALL SAN FRANCISCO PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY NOW (Part 2 of 2)

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Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

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As efficient as public transportation can be in San Francisco, it also poses several dangers to passengers and pedestrians. As evidenced by the BART and MUNI train accidents last week, these accidents are unpredictable and could occur at any time. The sheer size of BART and MUNI trains may contribute to the accidents, as well as conductor error and excessive speed. Passengers in the trains at the time of the accident may be better off than pedestrians who are struck by the trains.

On Sunday, February 8, 2009, Bill Brand, an Oakland resident, was hit by the MUNI N-Judah train. The accident occurred at 9:10 p.m. near Second and King Streets, by AT&T Park. The train was headed towards the Caltrain station. Service on MUNI was disrupted for about two hours after the accident. Officials are still investigating the accident and are unsure what caused the accident. Mr. Brand, who used to be a reporter for the Oakland Tribune, is listed in critical condition.

Accidents such as these can be devastating to families. If you or a loved one has been involved in a train accident, please call Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately for a free consultation on your rights. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to speak to an experienced attorney about your case. We have won over $150 million in settlements and verdicts. You can also visit our website www.alawpro.com for more information on train accidents and read profiles on our attorneys.

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Posted In: TRAIN ACCIDENTS

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Located south of San Francisco, Redwood City is the county seat of San Mateo County and has a population of 79,000. It is located near other cities such as Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Foster City and Belmont. Some of the major employers located in Redwood City include Oracle, Kaiser Permanente, BroadVision and Dreamworks. Redwood City’s local government has made an increased effort to bring nightlife back to the city by putting in a new 20 screen movie theatre and different shops in its downtown area.

Greenberg & Rudman LLP represents Redwood City residents who have been in accidents in the city and need legal representation. To determine whether or not your injury from an accident can lead to a lawsuit, please call us immediately at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO). Our attorneys are here to help you, especially if you have been injured as a result of the accident. Visit our website, www.alawpro.com to find out more about the areas of law that we practice.

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Posted In: OTHER COMMON INJURIES

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Located in Solano County, California, Vacaville has a population of 96,735. It is located near Fairfield, Napa, Dixon, Suisun City and Winters. Vacaville is also located near the University of California, Davis. Vacaville is known best for its shopping, and annual Vacaville Fiesta Days. Along with its retail market, Vacaville has also become a hub for biotechnology/pharmaceuticals as there are large facilities located there, such as Genentech and ALZA Corporation. Vacaville also has the highest per capita number of electric cars.

Since Vacaville’s retail and science industries are booming, this may draw a higher number of visitors and new residents to the city. This may lead to an increase in workplace injuries, particularly at the biotechnology plants. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP are experienced at obtaining compensation for injuries that you suffered as a result of your employment. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation and learn about your rights. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com and find out more about work place injuries.

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Posted In: PREMISES LIABILITY

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Pittsburg, California is located in Contra Costa County and has a population of 56,769. Unbeknownst to many, Pittsburg was first named “New York Landing” and then “Black Diamond” before citizens decided to name the city after Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Pittsburg is located near Oakland, and the rest of the San Francisco Bay Area. It is accessible by the Route 4 freeway, which brings commuters to and from the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Pittsburg is also served by its own BART station. Two of the primary industries in Pittsburg are coal mining and industrial development.

With so much traffic coming and going out of Pittsburg, there is an increased risk of car and motorcycle accidents. In order to make sure that you file your lawsuit in time, it is best if you speak with an attorney who is experienced in negligence lawsuits and who can help you every step along the way. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP are highly experienced and will work hard for you. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to get a free consultation. Please visit our website, www.alawpro.com to find out more information about other surrounding cities in the Bay Area.

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Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

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Manufacturers and distributors are subject to liability of their products, especially if that product is defective or does not meet the ordinary expectations of the consumer. It may be difficult to evaluate what determines if a product meets the ordinary expectations of the consumer, but it is usually determined by what kind of defect the product has and the danger that it poses. For example, if a toy car is usually manufactured as a red car, but the one that you purchased was blue then it is unlikely that you will recover any damages. However, if the car’s wheel was not properly assembled and your child swallows it and is injured, then it is more likely that you will recover damages for this kind of defect.

Recently, there has been an investigation into the outbreak of salmonella in many peanut products. On January 30, 2009, officials opened a criminal investigation into Peanut Corp. of America to probe the causes of the salmonella outbreak. In this outbreak, there have been 529 people who have become ill as a result of salmonella exposure, eight have died, and more than 430 products have been recalled. The recall has reached products dating back to 2007. Beyond these criminal investigation and liability that this company may encounter, there will likely also be civil claims from families of the people who have been injured by these contaminated products.

If you are unsure whether you have a case against a peanut butter manufacturer, or any other product manufacturer for an injury that you or a family member have sustained, you should call Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately to learn about your rights. We are here to help you through the tough time and guide you through the lawsuit. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation with a knowledgeable attorney. Visit our website, www.alawpro.com to find out more about other recalled products and wrongful death lawsuits in California.

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Posted In: PRODUCT LIABILITY , WRONGFUL DEATH

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A wrongful death lawsuit can be brought by close victims of the deceased against the alleged wrongdoer. A statute dictates who can sue for wrongful death and who cannot, and it varies between different jurisdictions. The majority of jurisdictions give pecuniary damages, which is money or support that the deceased would have given to his family members, minus what he would have kept for himself. In California, a wrongful death claimant can recover for pecuniary damages but is unable to recover for pain and suffering. The law may be different in different states.

In Maryland on February 2, 2009, the family of George Smith settled with Wal-Mart in a wrongful death claim. The claim was that Mr. Smith received the incorrect prescription from a Wal-Mart pharmacist and died as a result of that. Two grown children of Mr. Smith brought the claim for $3 million. Mr. Smith took the medication in March 2007, which was meant for someone else, and became ill eight days later and then died at the hospital. The terms of the settlement were not revealed and are under seal.

Greenberg & Rudman LLP are experienced attorneys who have handled many wrongful death lawsuits. If you think a loved one was killed in a wrongful death accident, please call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to get a free consultation from one of our experienced attorneys. We have won over $150 million in trials and settlements, many of which against large corporations or insurance companies. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to find out more about wrongful death claims in California.

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Posted In: WRONGFUL DEATH

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A defective product lawsuit is one in which the manufacturer produces a line of products and one or several of them are different from the others, and that difference causes injury to someone. For example, a bicycle would be a product, and a defective bicycle could be if your particular bike has the misshapen screws in it. However, unless you sustain an injury from those manufacturer defects, you are unlikely to recover damages for it. If you go tumbling off your bike because the screws came undone and a wheel fell off, and you sustained a broken arm as a result of that, then you may recover damages for that broken arm.

Duragesic pain patches are manufactured by Alza Corporation and Janssen Pharmaceutica, both Johnson & Johnson subsidiaries. These pain patches contain a medication called fentanyl, which is contained in a small reservoir and released in a steady dose over a three day period. Between 2004 and now, there have been recalls of the product because of its unsafe use. It was found that in many cases, there was a break in the seal of the patch and the fentanyl was released into the patient’s body in very high doses, often resulting in death. Another defect of these patches may also occur when the controlling membrane which releases the medicine malfunctions.

There have been several lawsuits between 2007 and 2008, the most recent of which was for a family of a woman in Cicero, Illinois. She died while wearing a defective fentanyl pain patch. The jury came back with their verdict in December, 2008 in which they found that the two Johnson & Johnson subsidiaries were liable for her death and awarded the family over $16 million.

If you or a family member has been injured by a fentanyl transdermal pain patch, you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible. The statute of limitations (the time within which you must file a lawsuit to recover damages) may already be running. Call Greenberg and Rudman LLP now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation with an experienced attorney and learn about your rights. Visit our website, www.alawpro.com to find out more about defective products and the fentanyl patch.

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Posted In: PRODUCT LIABILITY , WRONGFUL DEATH

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Drunk drivers are all too common and frequent in our day and age. They have become so frequent that police have set up road check points on specific holidays and have caught a great many of them. California’s legal limit for a driver’s blood alcohol is .08% and drivers who are pulled over for drunk driving take breathalyzer or blood/urine tests to test that level. Under civil law, driving drunk can be considered reckless or negligent behavior and the drunk driver could potentially be responsible for damages caused on the victim.

On Tuesday night, February 3, 2009, a drunk driver ran a red light in San Jose, hit a van and killed a six year old boy who was sitting in the backseat of the van. The accident happened around 10:45 p.m. near the intersection of Ruby Avenue and Quimby Road. The young boy was Isaac Young. A woman and man in the van with him were taken to the hospital; the woman is in critical condition but the man only suffered minor injuries. The drunk driver was San Jose resident Gary Westover, and was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. He was later arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence.

When you are involved in such a traumatic drunk driving accident, it may be hard to find someone that you trust to help you. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP have had years of experience and are here to fight for your rights. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. Our website, www.alawpro.com can also provide you with more information on negligence and wrongful death lawsuits.

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Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT , WRONGFUL DEATH

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Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is an efficient way to get around the Bay Area and is an important part of many East Bay residents’ commute. However, as efficient and environmentally savvy as BART may be, there are sometimes incidents which result in injury. Train accidents have been a frequent occurrence in the United States and are a result of conductor error, excess speed or foreign material on the tracks.

On Tuesday, February 3, 2009, two BART cars derailed and collided with each other in Oakland at the 12th Street station. Both cars were the lead cars in two trains that were traveling in the same direction. One of the trains was on automatic and the other was being driven manually. There were thirteen people injured in the collision and all of the passengers made it out of the cars through a catwalk. By 7 p.m. that night, there were no significant delays on BART and crews worked all night to clear the trains from the tracks. The cause of the incident is still under investigation.

If you were a passenger injured in this incident, or any other train collision, you should call Greenberg & Rudman LLP for a free consultation at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO). We handle all cases on a contingency basis. We are paid a percentage of what we recover for you. This means you pay no legal fees unless we collect money for you. If we don’t recover money for you, you will not owe us a fee. Please visit our website, www.alawpro.com to find out more about train accidents in the United States.

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Posted In: TRAIN ACCIDENTS

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Driving through Watsonville, California in Santa Cruz County, one is bound to drive past fields and fields of strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and other fruits and vegetables. Watsonville has a population of 44,265 and is located near Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Jose and other Bay Area cities. Watsonville is a popular area for tourists to drive through either on their way to Monterey Bay, or another part of the Bay Area. It boasts scenic routes and a diverse community.

With so many tourists and residents driving through Watsonville, there is an increased risk of car accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, please contact Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation. We work for our clients to ensure the best possible outcome. You do not pay us unless we win your case for you. Our website www.alawpro.com also has more information on the areas of law that we practice.

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Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT

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Located in Solano County, Fairfield, California, is surrounded by several different cities, such as Vacaville, Napa, Benicia and Vallejo. It is also within driving distance to San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and Sacramento. Travis Air Force Base and the Jelly Belly factory are both located in Fairfield. Some other major employers who are located in Fairfield include Anheuser-Busch, Copart Auto and Edwards Cinema.

Fairfield is also home to several different parks such as Rockville Hills Regional Park, Fairfield Linear Park and Alan Witt Park. There are also several golf courses in Fairfield. People who may have been hurt on any of Fairfield’s premises may be entitled to damages for their injuries. To find out about your rights and whether you have a potential lawsuit on your hands, contact Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to get a free consultation. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com and read more about premises liability and profiles on our attorneys.

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Posted In: PREMISES LIABILITY

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Walnut Creek is located in Contra Costa County, close to Oakland, San Francisco and the rest of the Bay Area in Northern California. It has a population of 64,296 and statistically owns more open space per capita than any other city in California. Walnut Creek has become a central hub between the Bay Area and the Central Valley, including Sacramento because of its various efficient highways. It is also served by BART, and the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority.

As a central business and residential hub for many in the Bay Area, Walnut Creek may pose a danger with so many cars and motorcycles on the roads. Being involved in a motor vehicle accident may put the victim in shock, but the attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP can help you through this tough time. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to get a free consultation. Our attorneys have won over $150 million in verdicts and settlements. Visit our website www.alawpro.com to get more information about our practice.

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Posted In: MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

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Car accidents are common occurrences and may happen in the blink of an eye. These accidents may be caused by the weather, road conditions or the negligence of one or more drivers. If negligence is involved in a car accident, then the victim may be able to recover from the wrongdoer. For example, David is pulling on the freeway and is using his cell phone and checking his email at the same time, and fails to signal that he is merging. At the same time, Peter is driving in the lane that David is trying to merge into. If David fails to look in his blind spot and fails to safely merge on the freeway, then it is likely that David could be liable for Peter’s injuries if he runs into Peter’s car.

At approximately 3:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, January 31, 2009, there were two separate accidents on southbound Highway 680 near Dublin. One of the collisions was a single car collision in which a car overturned and blocked the right lane of the freeway. Another collision occurred approximately 1,000 feet before the single car collision and possibly involved two vehicles. There were at least two victims with major injuries. Highway 680 only had one open lane until approximately 4:15 a.m.

To determine whether or not you have been negligently injured in a car accident, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Call Greenberg & Rudman LLP now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to get a free consultation. Our attorneys are committed to obtaining compensation for victims injured by the negligence of others. We do not have the power to undo an injury or bring back a loved one, but we can help you seek compensation. Go to www.alawpro.com, click on our profile to meet us.

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Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT

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A report from the California Highway Patrol, Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) has indicated that driving or bicycling under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the most common fatal accident occurrences in 2006 and in previous years. Other statistics for 2006 include the following:

• There were 588 fatal accidents and 55,135 accidents resulting in injury as a result of unsafe speed.
• An astonishing 319 deaths and 8,830 occurred as a result of being on the wrong side of the road.
• Three hundred ninety three fatal accidents occurred because of a pedestrian violation, and 95 occurred because of pedestrian right-of-way.
• The total cost of accidents that resulted in death was a whopping $14 billion.
• For hit and run accidents, there were 145 fatal accidents involving pedestrians or another automobile, the highest category in collision types.
• The months in which most fatal accidents occurred with pedestrians were in December and March.
• The highest number of pedestrians killed fell was in the 45-54 age range, which totaled 132 killed.
• The next highest number of pedestrians killed was those in the 15-24 age range.

Car accidents dealing with death or injuries of any kind are hard to handle, both emotionally and financially. To make sure that your case is handled properly, call Greenberg & Rudman LLP for a free consultation at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO). Our attorneys have won settlements and verdicts against large insurance companies. We will forward the costs of your lawsuit and will not collect any legal fees from you unless we win your case. Visit our website, www.alawpro.com and find out more about injuries as a result of car accidents.

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Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT , OTHER COMMON INJURIES , WRONGFUL DEATH

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Accidents involving trains may be especially hard to prevent because of the sheer size of trains and the split second timing in which these accidents occur. The trains may also carry large amounts of cargo that are not completely secure and may make the accident worse in the long run. The San Francisco Muni, short for the Municipal Railway, consists of bus lines, trolley lines light rail lines, cable car lines and a heritage street car. All of their routes operate year round and many operate 24 hours a day.

On Wednesday, January 28, 2009, the Muni’s N-Judah trains traveling in opposite directions collided with a vehicle in the Inner Sunset neighborhood. The accident occurred near the 10th Avenue and Judah Street intersection around 4:10 p.m. No serious injuries were reported, but the trains were still delayed at 5 p.m. on that day.

If you have been injured in this train collision, or any other train collision, you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP have had years of experience in court and can help you in your case. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to find out more about the statistics on train accidents and other injuries.

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Posted In: TRAIN ACCIDENTS

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Often, police officers and other emergency workers are not responsible for any injuries that they may have caused in the normal course of business. For example, if firefighters and EMTs are saving a person from a car accident, and in the interim accidentally break his arm but ultimately saved his life, they are likely not responsible for that broken arm. The general philosophy behind not holding emergency workers responsible is to ensure that the system works effectively and efficiently. However, there are also many cases in which emergency workers do not have that immunity from liability and can be held responsible for their actions.

In New York this week, Gabriel Framowitz settled his lawsuit against the New York Police Department for $4.6 million. Mr. Framowitz was struck by police officer Bryon Chow in November, 2002 as he and his wife were walking to their car. Mr. Framowitz suffered a broken leg and shoulder, head wounds and brain damage. Initially in the investigation, Mr. Chow lied in a deposition and blamed Mr. Framowitz for the accident by claiming that he ran out from between two parked cars. However, later on in the investigation, Mr. Chow admitted that he was driving faster than he should have been and did not see the victim until after he had struck him. A jury last year awarded Mr. Framowitz $12 million, but after talks with the city, the couple settled for $4.6 million for Mr. Framowitz’s inability to work, and his short term memory loss and mood swings.

To find out if you are able to recover from car accidents or other injuries involving city officials or emergency workers, please contact Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately. We represent people who have been seriously injured as well as the families of those who have been killed under wrongful death circumstances. You will pay no legal fees unless we collect money for you. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to get a free consultation. Our website, www.alawpro.com can also provide you with more information on the areas of law that we cover.

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Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT , OTHER COMMON INJURIES , WRONGFUL DEATH

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Located in beautiful Sonoma County, Petaluma, California has a population of 54,660. Its distinctive name comes from the Coast Miwok Indians, who had originally named one of their villages Petaluma. It is located north of the San Francisco Bay Area and near Napa, Vallejo, Novato and Santa Rosa. Petaluma has a well preserved city center, which survived the Great 1906 Earthquake, and has been the site of many major films, including American Graffitti, Basic Instinct, Phenomenon, Pleasantville and Flubber.

Petaluma is serviced by Highway 101, San Francisco and Oakland airports, the Petaluma Transit and the Golden Gate Transit. Although Petaluma is a relatively small town, its visitors have increased through the years because of the ease of access, and possibly because of the movies that have been filmed there. This creates an increased danger of traffic accidents, including bus and pedestrian accidents. To find out about your rights after a car, bike or pedestrian accident, call Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to get a free consultation. Go to our website www.alawpro.com for more information on our attorneys.

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Posted In: BUS ACCIDENT , CAR ACCIDENT

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