San Francisco Injury Lawyer Blog

East Palo Alto is located in San Mateo County, and has a population of 29,506. Although many believe that East Palo Alto is actually a part of Palo Alto, it is untrue. The two cities are located in different counties and are divided by the San Francisquito Creek. They share the same zip codes and telephone area codes, but are very different culturally and economically. East Palo Alto is located near San Jose, Campbell and Saratoga, and is located south of the San Francisco peninsula. East Palo Alto is serviced by Highways 101 and 84; the Dumbarton Bridge is also near East Palo Alto.

If you or a loved one has been injured in East Palo Alto in a car or truck accident, you should call the attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately for a free consultation. We have won over $150 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients and have over 50 years of experience. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation. Our attorneys can tell you your rights, and help you expedite the lawsuit process. Also, visit our website, www.alawpro.com and read more about the areas of law that our office covers, and profiles on our attorneys.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT , TRUCKING ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

Medical malpractice cases are lawsuits against doctors who have acted below a certain standard of care and negligently performed in a surgery, or in their regular business routine. In these types of cases, the medical provider would be compared to others in the same field. Depending on the injury that the victim suffered and the field of medicine that the alleged negligence occurred in, the victim’s attorney can use expert testimony to prove to the judge or jury that negligence occurred.

A jury in Florida awarded an injured woman, Amanda Slavin, $38 million for injuries that she suffered as a result of a spinal cord surgery. The lawsuit was against neurosurgeon Mario Nanes, Mount Sinai Hospital and the hospital’s pharmacy management. Nanes operated on Slavin for a herniated disc and injected her with a chemical dye during the surgery to locate the leak. However, the instructions for the dye had been discarded by the hospital’s pharmacy management and the doctor did not read that the dye should not have been used in the particular surgery that Slavin underwent.

After the surgery, Slavin was diagnosed with a neurological disability called arachnoiditis and is bedridden because she gets excruciating pains shooting through her entire body. Nanes has been sued by nine other patients since the 1980s. The Department of Health in 2007 fined Nanes $10,000 for failing to practice medicine at the reasonable level that another physician in the same circumstances and same field would perform. The $10,000 fine was the maximum that the state could fine a doctor for each occurrence. The jury assigned Nanes 68 percent of the responsibility, 18 percent to Mount Sinai and 14 percent to the pharmacy management company.

We know how hard it is to suffer such a serious injury and have to live with the consequences of someone else’s mistake for the rest of your life. We may not be able to go back and change what happened, but we may be able to help you obtain compensation for your injuries and future medical care. Give our attorneys a call at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation. We can help you find out your rights and make sure that your lawsuit is filed properly and on time. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about spinal injuries and about the verdicts and settlements that our office has won.

Want to know more about spinal cord injuries? Read Part 1: PARALYZED WOMAN WINS MILLIONS IN DAMAGES IN CAR ACCIDENT CALL SAN FRANCISCO NEGLIGENCE LAWSUIT ATTORNEY IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED (Part 1 of 2)

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY

Bookmark:

A broken neck can result in loss of sensation, paralysis and even death. The scientific term for a broken neck is a cervical fracture because there are seven cervical vertebrae, or neck bones, in the neck. The most common injuries to the neck bone are as a result of car accidents or diving into shallow water. Sports accidents can also cause fractures in the neck, as these fractures occur because of a sudden twist or hard blow to the neck. In order to diagnose a broken neck, doctors may look at swelling or bruising around the neck area and use a CT scan or an MRI test to see if the spinal cord has been damaged in the accident.

Medically in an emergency situation, when there is severe head trauma, it should be assumed that there is a cervical fracture until it is ruled out. The victim in a traumatic car accident should be immobilized with the use of a stretcher or neck brace until he reaches the hospital. Once it has been determined that the victim’s neck has been broken, there are different ways of treating it. There is a chance that the victim will become paralyzed from the waist down, or from the neck down, but there is also a chance that the victim will still be able to move around on his own.

On March 18, 2009, a San Mateo woman won $45 million in damages from an accident which occurred in September 2006. Tricia Roth was paralyzed when she was hit by a wrecking and demolition company’s truck. The truck ran a red light and hit Roth’s car. Roth suffered a broken neck and spinal injuries and requires full attendant care. The damages that were rewarded to Roth are likely for her future healthcare and the attendant care that she requires.

Greenberg & Rudman LLP represents people who have been seriously injured as well as the families of those who have been killed under wrongful death circumstances. We are experienced trial attorneys who have taken on big insurance companies and won. We advance all costs and expenses related to your case and we do not recoup these costs unless we collect money for you. Give us a call at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys. Check out our website, www.alawpro.com to read more on spinal cord and neck injuries.

Would you like to read more about spinal cord injuries? Then go to Part 2: SPINAL CORD SURGERY MAY LEAD TO MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CASE—CALL OAKLAND LAWYERS (Part 2 of 2)

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY

Bookmark:

According to California Highway Patrol’s System Wide Integrated Traffic Reports, in 2007 there were 365 people killed in big rig accidents, and 10,024 injured in truck crashes. The highest number of deaths occurred in October, and the highest number of injuries was in August. A high percentage of accidents, in which the truck driver was at fault, occurred when the driver was going at an unsafe speed. Fatal truck accidents account for approximately 9% of all fatal collisions and 3.8% of all injury collisions. For the majority of fatality and injury cases, the truck was proceeding straight immediately before the collision occurred.

A big-rig driver was injured on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 when he crashed the big-rig on an off-ramp on Highway 880. The accident occurred at 7:47 a.m.; the end of the truck was straddling the barrier on the side of the off-ramp, but was not in danger of falling over the side. The truck was carrying rice, which also had to be cleaned up. The CHP has reported that the driver was injured and was transported to a hospital, but the cause of the accident was unknown. The accident delayed traffic for about five hours after the accident occurred.

Lawsuits against big rig trucks might be difficult to deal with because the truck, cargo and the employer of the driver may all be large corporations or be insured by large insurance companies that might give you the run around. Greenberg & Rudman LLP is an experienced law firm that has recovered millions in verdicts and settlements against large corporations and insurance companies. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation and find out your rights and what damages you may be able to recover as a result of your injuries. Check out our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about trucking accidents and to read profiles on our attorneys.

Want to know more about trucking accidents? Check out Part 1: MANY INJURED IN SAN FRANCISCO MUNI AND BIG RIG TRUCK ACCIDENT (Part 1 of 2)

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: TRUCKING ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

Truck and train accidents may be more likely to occur because of the size of the vehicles. In truck accidents, the owner of the truck, the owner of the cargo, the driver, and his employer could all potentially be liable for the accident. In train accidents, the time that it takes to stop a train could be very limited and be a significant cause in accidents. In both of these types of accidents, the number of victims involved may be greater than those involved in car or pedestrian accidents.

A collision between an 18-wheel truck and a San Francisco Municipal Railway train occurred on Monday, March 16, 2009 in San Francisco’s Dogpatch neighborhood. The accident occurred at the intersection of 22nd and 3rd Streets; the truck and the train were running parallel to each other when the truck made a left turn in front of the train. There is a sign indicating that there are no left turns at the intersection where the accident occurred. Fortunately, the train was only traveling at about three miles an hour. Approximately a dozen people were evaluated by the paramedics and eight were transported to hospitals. Police report that the accident did not cause significant damage to the train, but the cause is still under investigation. The 18-wheel truck is owned by John Christner Trucking. The accident disrupted Muni service until approximately 6 p.m. Monday night and required shuttle buses to run in place of the train. As part of standard procedure, the Muni train driver was tested for drugs and alcohol and placed on non-driving status.

Those injured in the accident could potentially have claims against the San Francisco Municipal Railway, the owner of the 18-wheeler truck, the driver, employer of the driver, or the owner of the cargo. If you have been injured in an accident involving a train or big rig truck, you need to speak to an attorney at Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately. We can help you every step of the way and make sure that all of the paperwork is filed correctly and on time. We advance all costs and expenses related to your case and we do not recoup these costs unless we collect money for you. You can reach us at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for your free and confidential consultation. Please also go to our website, www.alawpro.com to read more on trucking and train accidents.

Want to read more about big rig trucking accidents? Then go to Part 2: CARGO TRUCK CRASHES ON I-880 OFFRAMP IN OAKLAND—CALL TRUCK ACCIDENT INJURY LAWYERS NOW (Part 2 of 2)

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: TRAIN ACCIDENTS , TRUCKING ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

Part of Silicon Valley and Santa Clara County, Campbell is the original home of eBay and a few other large corporations. Campbell has a population of 39,200 and is located near San Jose, Santa Clara, Los Gatos and Saratoga. Campbell is accessible by Highways 17 and 85, bus routes and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. The Pruneyard, a large shopping center, is one of the many features of Campbell that attracts visitors; other points of interest include the Campbell Historical Museum and the Ainsley House.

Have you been injured in Campbell? If so, you need to call a knowledgeable attorney and learn about your rights. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP have had over 50 years of experience and can help take you through every step of the lawsuit process. We handle all cases on a contingency basis-- this means that we are paid a percentage of what we recover for you. If we don’t recover money for you, you will not owe us a fee. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation. Visit our website www.alawpro.com for more information on the areas of law that we cover.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: OTHER COMMON INJURIES

Bookmark:

Located in Contra Costa County, Martinez has a population of 35,866 people. It is located near Concord, Walnut Hill, Berkeley and is across the bay from San Francisco. Martinez is well known for the well preserved historic buildings in its downtown area. It is serviced by Highways 4 and 680 and has several Amtrak train stops in the area. Martinez is also serviced by a BART station and several bus lines. Many Martinez residents may commute to other areas of the Bay Area for work, but there may be many visitors driving on the weekends to visit Martinez.

With the influx of traffic coming in and out of Martinez, there might be more car, bus and train accidents. If you or a family member has been injured in Martinez, you should call the attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately. We have won over $150 million in settlements and verdicts, including lawsuits against large insurance companies and corporations. We can help assess your case in a confidential and free consultation—so call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO). Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about our attorneys and the areas of law that we practice.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: BUS ACCIDENT , CAR ACCIDENT , TRAIN ACCIDENTS

Bookmark:

Situated between San Francisco and Half Moon Bay, Pacifica is a city with 40,401 residents. Pacifica is located near the Pacific Ocean and is near Millbrae, Burlingame and the San Francisco International Airport. The city is a popular surfing destination and is surrounded by Sweeney Ridge to the east, Montara Mountain to the south and sandy beaches on the coast. Pacifica is popular for its outdoor activities, such as mountain biking, hiking, fishing, golfing and strolling on the beach.

If you reside in Pacifica, or were visiting Pacifica, and were injured on the hills or on the beach, you should contact an attorney about your injuries right away. You may be able to recover damages for your injuries if there was negligence involved in your accident. For instance, if you were hiking or biking on one of the paths, and there was not adequate signage about obvious and known dangers on the path, and you are injured, you could potentially recover money from the city for your injuries. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP have years of experience in premises liability lawsuits and can help you with your case. 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 read more about premises liability and the damages that you may be able to recover.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: PREMISES LIABILITY

Bookmark:

Train accidents may happen in a split second and could potentially injure hundreds of people at one time. Train accidents may happen because the conductor does not react quickly enough to a foreign object on the tracks, or potentially because there is a defect in the train itself. The injury would not just be to the victim hit by the train, but the passengers on the train could also suffer injuries. The accident may also happen as a result of the conductor’s negligence, much like the major train accident which happened in Southern California last year in which the conductor was text messaging on his cell phone when the accident happened.

On March 10, 2009, an Amtrak train hit a vehicle with two passengers in it in Davis near the intersection of L and 2nd Streets. The driver of the vehicle, Aaron Singerenglar, took the turn onto the railroad tracks too sharply and ended up flipping the BMW. He and a passenger were able to escape the BMW before the Amtrak train completely destroyed it. The two men suffered minor injuries from the crash. Police are still investigating the accident.

Being involved in a train accident can be incredibly traumatic to the victim and to his family. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP have had a lot of experience making sure that families of the victim and the victim are well taken care of. We 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. Give us a call at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to get a free consultation. Visit our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about train accidents.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: TRAIN ACCIDENTS

Bookmark:

Drivers have to be especially cautious on the road and respect other motorists as well as pedestrians. There have been a number of accidents in the Bay Area over the last week in which pedestrians have been seriously injured or killed as a result of being hit by cars.

• On March 13, 2009, a pedestrian was hit and killed on southbound I-280 in San Mateo County. The California Highway Patrol reported that the 45 year old victim walked into the path of a BMW and was struck. The driver of the BMW immediately pulled over, but it is reported that several other vehicles struck the victim but failed to pull over. The victim was a resident of Gilroy, but his identity has not yet been released. It is also reported that shortly before the accident, a tour bus pulled over in the area, and later passengers reported that there was a passenger missing. The CHP is still investigating the incident and closed down the lanes on I-280 for several hours.
• Another victim was struck in El Cerrito while walking in the crosswalk of Blake Street near Kearney Street, in front of the BART station. The pedestrian was blind and was walking with his white cane in the crosswalk when a Toyota Camry struck him and fled the scene. Police are still looking for the driver of the vehicle for hit and run.

Although there might not have been negligence in the initial accident that caused the damage to the victim, it is negligent and reckless to leave a victim on the road without stopping. Hit and run accidents can result in criminal prosecution and a hefty lawsuit from the victim or his family. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP are experienced in wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits. We have won over $150 million in verdicts and settlements and have over 50 years of experience among our attorneys. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you pay do not pay any costs unless we win your case for you. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to speak to one of our attorneys to get a free consultation. Please go to our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about pedestrian and car accidents.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

Drowning is a very common occurrence in the United States and in the San Francisco Bay Area, especially with children. It is common for adults and children to drown in swimming pools or local lakes and oceans, but it is also common for children to drown in very obscure areas. For example, children can drown in toilets, buckets or anything else with water that may cause the child to fall in and that would be difficult for the child to get out on his own. Children may see toys or certain objects that attract them in a sedentary pool of water and the incident may occur in the blink of an eye. Teenagers and adults may be more prone to drowning when they are intoxicated, or under medication, or because of a medical condition.

Drowning occurs when there is liquid in the lungs, which prevents oxygen from being absorbed into the blood and results in death. Near drowning occurs when a person survives the drowning, but inhales water or becomes unconscious as a result of the accident. Consequences of near drowning include anxiety, drowsiness and even coma. The victim’s skin may turn blue as a result of lack of oxygen in the blood stream, and some respiratory problems may not surface until hours after the incident. The damage to the victim is dependent on how long he was submerged in the water, how cold the water was and if there was attempted resuscitation after he was rescued. Victims may be able to walk out of the hospital the same day, or may suffer brain damage.

Do you believe that your child suffered a near drowning or a drowning as a result of someone else’s negligence? For example, was your child at a child care provider’s house and the swimming pool was inadequately fenced in and your child was inadequately supervised, resulting in a drowning? If this is the case, you should call the attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP to speak to a professional about your case. We may not be able to bring your child back or heal him, but we can help you obtain justice. Give us a call at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation. Check out our website, www.alawpro.com to find out more about our attorneys and their experience.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: OTHER COMMON INJURIES , PREMISES LIABILITY

Bookmark:

Medical malpractice lawsuits are cases against medical care providers for negligence in their practice. Negligence cases involve a certain standard of conduct that the person is held up against. For example, an ordinary individual would not be held to the same standard of conduct that a doctor is held up to, but a doctor is held up to the same standard of conduct as others in his field. In order to determine this standard of conduct, there might be experts in the field called into court, or based on other testimony. The plaintiff, or the victim, would also have to prove that not only did the doctor do something below the standard, but that the mistake actually caused the injury.

On March 6, 2009, a jury in New Jersey awarded more than $11 million to the family of a man who died during oral surgery. Twenty one year old Francis Keller was having his wisdom teeth removed when he suffocated to death. The suffocation occurred reportedly as a result of a genetic condition that caused swelling to occur as a reaction to trauma. There were two doctors involved in the malpractice suit: oral surgeon George Flugrad and dentist John Madaris. Madaris was cleared of negligence, but there was a judgment entered against Flugrad.

Going through such a traumatic event can take a toll on many families and individuals. Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can make the experience easier on you and your family. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP can help you file your lawsuit and make sure that all of the paperwork is filed in time. It is extremely important to have someone who you trust by your side. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to speak to one of our experienced attorneys for a free consultation. We handle all cases on contingency 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. Check out our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about medical malpractice.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Bookmark:

Home to the annual Garlic Festival, Gilroy is the southernmost city in Santa Clara County and has a population of 51,173 residents. Gilroy is located south of San Jose and near Santa Cruz and Monterey. The city processes more garlic products than any other in the world and holds a yearly festival for garlic products. Gilroy is also famous for its Victorian resort, Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs and the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. Gilroy is serviced by Highways 101 and 152, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, Caltrain, Amtrak, Monterey-Salinas Transit and San Benito County Express.

With so many visitors traveling through the area to gain access to the greater Bay Area, or to visit Santa Cruz or Monterey Bay, the roads may become more dangerous. With so many different public transportation options, there may be an increase in train accidents, or motor vehicle accidents on the road. To see if you are entitled to damages because of a train or motor vehicle accident, you should speak to an experienced attorney at Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately. Call us at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys. Go to our website www.alawpro.com for more information on train accidents and motor vehicle accidents.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , TRAIN ACCIDENTS

Bookmark:

Situated in Santa Clara County, Cupertino is surrounded by Campbell, San Jose, Sunnyvale and Santa Clara. Cupertino has a population of 50,546; it is located west of San Jose and extends into the Santa Cruz Mountains. Cupertino has dramatically developed from the 1960s and from the Silicon Valley boom in the late 1990s. The two major thoroughfares in Cupertino are Stevens Creek Boulevard and De Anza Boulevard. There are several different shopping centers in the area as well as large condominiums that have been built. There are also several different high tech companies located in Cupertino.

The addition of new condominiums and the presence of high tech companies may attract many more residents to Cupertino. This increase of residents may create more traffic problems in the area, and result in more car or truck accidents. Have you been involved in a car or truck accident? If so, you need to speak to an attorney right away to make sure that your lawsuit will be filed on time. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP have won over $150 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO), for a free consultation. Please also visit our website, www.alawpro.com for more information on car and truck accidents.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT , TRUCKING ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

San Bruno is located south of San Francisco on the Peninsula and has a population of 40,165 residents. The San Francisco International Airport is within the boundaries of San Bruno. It is located near Millbrae, Burlingame and South San Francisco. There are two major parks in San Bruno: San Bruno City Park and Junipero Serra County Park. San Bruno City Park is the major municipal park and offers the city’s residents walkways, hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, a swimming pool and a recreation center. Junipero Serra County Park also offers residents a hiking trail and an area for picnics.

If you have been injured in San Bruno, or in any of its parks, you should speak to an attorney at Greenberg & Rudman LLP as soon as possible about your injuries. You may be able to recover damages for your injuries, but you should speak to an experienced attorney about your rights and the circumstances of your case first. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to get a free and confidential consultation from an experienced attorney. Visit our website, www.alawpro.com to read about our attorneys’ backgrounds and the different areas of law that they practice.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: PREMISES LIABILITY

Bookmark:

A Lake Forest, Illinois resident, George Baldwin won a $33.2 million judgment for injuries sustained in a drunk driving accident. The jury awarded Baldwin the verdict so that he can be taken care of for the rest of his life and so that even with his physical disabilities, he can have a life full of possibilities. Have you been a victim of a drunk driving accident? If so, you should call the attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP for a free and confidential consultation about your rights. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO).

The accident occurred in 2006 when Baldwin left a house party with William Klairmont—both were underage and had been drinking at Lauralee Pfeifer’s house (who had to pay damages of $2.5 million for her role in the accident). Klairmont crashed the car into a utility box and was cited for a DUI after police registered his blood alcohol level of .146. As a result of the accident, Baldwin was paralyzed from the chest down. Klairmont admitted fault, so the trial was only on how much the damages should be. Klairmont’s insurance company will be responsible for the damages in this case.

Drunk driving can be a very dangerous thing and can destroy many lives at the same time. To make sure that you get the proper justice that you deserve, you should contact the attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP for a free and confidential consultation and learn about your rights. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO). We are here to fight for your rights and to help you through it. Visit our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about car accidents and other injuries associated with it.

Want to read more about drunk driving accidents? Go to Part I: DRUNK DRIVING MAY BE SUBJECT OF NEGLIGENCE LAWSUIT—CALL OAKLAND PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS (Part 1 of 2)

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY , MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration research note on alcohol-impaired driving fatalities:

• There was an estimated 12,998 people killed in 2007 as a result of an alcohol-impaired driving crashes.
• There was a 3.7% decrease from the fatalities in 2006. Twenty five states and the District of Columbia had an increase in the number of impaired motorcycle riders.
• The highest number of drunk driving fatalities was in the 25-34 age group and the second highest number was in the 45-64 age range.
• Fifty-six percent of the total number of drivers in fatalities had a blood alcohol content of above .08%.
• Males comprised of 83% of drivers in fatal crashes with a blood alcohol content of over .08% and women comprised of 15%, with an unknown 2%.
• Fifty-five percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes with a blood alcohol content of .08% and above were not wearing seat belts or helmets, while 34% used them and it is unknown for 11% of them.
• The highest number of drunk driving fatal accidents occurred in passenger cars, and then light trucks, and then motorcycles.
• Fifty-seven percent of the drunk driving accidents occurred on the weekends, and most occurred between midnight and 3 a.m.
• Most of the drunk driving accidents (68%) were single vehicle accidents while 32% were multiple vehicle accidents.

Being injured by a reckless drunk driver can be a very frustrating experience, but having a lawyer on your side can make the experience more bearable. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP can help you file your case and manage it for you so that you do not have the pressures of it in addition to the injuries that you might have suffered in the accident. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys. Check out our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about our attorneys.

Want to know more about drunk driving negligence lawsuits? Go to Part II: VICTIM WINS MILLIONS IN DRUNK DRIVING LAWSUIT—IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED IN A DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENT CALL BAY AREA ATTORNEYS NOW (Part 2 of 2)

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

When people are involved in car accident, a variety of different injuries can occur. For example, if the accident is a fender bender, then the parties involved might get whiplash or less serious injuries, such as cuts and bruises. However, if the accident occurred at a high speed and there was a large impact, then the parties may suffer head injuries or spinal cord injuries, or even death. If one of the drivers is not wearing a seatbelt, then it is likely that he/she will suffer serious head trauma from hitting the windshield or the steering wheel.

Serious traumatic head injuries can cause the victim to go into a coma, which is commonly portrayed on television or in the movies. Aside from traumatic head injuries, comas can also be caused by stroke, brain tumors or other underlying illnesses. When a person is in a coma, it means that they are in a state of unconsciousness. The symptoms for a coma are if the person has closed eyes, has no responses of the limbs except for reflex movements, and there is no response to painful stimulation. Comas usually do not last more than a few weeks, and people who are in the unconscious state for more than a few weeks are classified to be in a persistent vegetative state.

If your family member is in a coma due to a traumatic head injury in a car accident, or any other type of incident, you may have recourse to recover damages for your injured family member. It would be best to get a lawyer’s opinion on your case so that he can inform you of your rights and what the lawsuit might consist of. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP have decades of experience practicing law and can help you in your case. Call us now 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 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. Please also go to our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about other common injuries as a result of car accidents.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: OTHER COMMON INJURIES

Bookmark:

Families of victims who died in accidents or other incidents may sue the wrongdoer for negligence or recklessness. The plaintiffs in these cases, usually very close family members, are able to sue on a lower standard than is required in criminal cases. The suit is not for murder, or manslaughter, but for the damages that resulted after the victim was killed. For example, if the victim was killed in a car accident and was the sole supporter of his family, and the wrongdoer was negligent or reckless, then the family may be able to recover for the income that he would have made in his lifetime, or for the value of the property that was destroyed in the accident. However, this is dependent on the judge or the jury assigned to the case.

On January 1, 2009, Oscar Grant was shot and killed at an Oakland BART station by BART officer Johannes Mehserles. BART police responded to a report of a fight on the train and detained Grant and several others. There are cell phone videos of what occurred on the platform, and it is alleged that Mehserles shot Grant even though Grant was restrained and lying on his stomach. Mehserles was arrested for murder and is currently out on bail. Mehserles pled not guilty to the murder and claims that he meant to fire his Taser gun instead of his actual gun. Grant’s family initially sued BART for $25 million in January, but recently revised the lawsuit to $50 million after learning new details about the incident.
If you have been injured by an incident, you should speak to an experienced attorney to find out your rights and options. Dealing with large corporations or government entities may be very difficult to do, so having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can help speed the process along and bring more effective results. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP will help you fight your case, and you don’t pay any costs unless we win the case for you. Call 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation with one of our attorneys and find out your rights. Visit our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about our firm and about wrongful death lawsuits.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: WRONGFUL DEATH

Bookmark:

Hitting a pedestrian might be a result of an accident, or even because of the pedestrian’s negligence. However, it is illegal and reckless to fail to stop after you have hit a pedestrian. On Monday, March 2, 2009 a body was found near Highway 680 in San Jose at the McKee Road off-ramp. Police believe that the person was actually struck approximately a quarter mile away near the intersection of McKee Road and Capitol Avenue. Several other cars had run over the body before police found it. Police have not determined whether the victim is a man or a woman.

It is a crime to not stop at the scene of an accident, even if you hit an inanimate object, such as a car, and could bring liability in a civil lawsuit. It is an even more serious crime and considered even more reckless to fail to stop after you have hit a person. It is unlikely that a person would not know that they have hit and dragged a person for a quarter of a mile. Once caught, the driver could face criminal charges and wrongful death lawsuits from the victim’s family. If the incident was truly an accident, for example if the pedestrian were walking in the middle of the street and the car failed to see him/her in the dark morning hours, and the driver had stopped, then there might be no liability, or limited liability. Additionally, there is also a chance that the victim would not have died and only suffered minor injuries had he/she not been dragged the distance.

Suffering through such an accident, or having a family member in such a situation can take a toll on your life. We may not be able to ease the pain of losing a loved one, but we can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit efficiently and take care of the legal aspect of the case for you. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP have had extensive experience in personal injury lawsuits. We have won over $150 million in settlements and verdicts. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation with an experienced attorney about your case. Check out our website, www.alawpro.com to read about all of our settlements and verdicts.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT , WRONGFUL DEATH

Bookmark:

At the heart of the Silicon Valley, Palo Alto is located in Santa Clara County and has a population of 58,598 residents. Palo Alto is home to Stanford University and many high tech companies. It is located near Menlo Park, Redwood City and Mountain View. Palo Alto is also located within driving distance to San Jose, San Francisco and Oakland. It is serviced by Highways 280, 101 and Caltrain. Some of Palo Alto’s famous corporations are Hewlett Packard and Facebook. There are more than 6,000 businesses in Palo Alto, which employ more than 98,000 people.

Many of the people who work in Palo Alto commute from other cities in the Bay Area, and depend on Caltrain to get to work. In case you have been injured in a Caltrain accident, call Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately to speak to an attorney about your case. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to get a free and confidential consultation with one of our attorneys. Visit our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about train accidents.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: TRAIN ACCIDENTS

Bookmark:

Novato is in the San Francisco Bay Area, located north of San Francisco in Marin County. It has a population of 47,630 people and is accessible by Highway 101. Novato is home to several small biotechnology firms, such as Biosearch Technologies. The Novato area expanded after World War II when tract homes were built in the area. Novato is also popular for its downtown area, which offers a history museum, and the Novato Arts Center at Hamilton Field. There are also parks located in Novato, which includes a skate and dog park.

With the increased number of visitors to the area, there may be more car, pedestrian and bike accidents. To find out if you can recover damages for the injuries that you have suffered, you should speak to one of the attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP to find out about your rights and to make sure that your lawsuit is filed on time. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to get a free consultation from an experienced attorney. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to find out more about car and pedestrian accidents.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

Danville, California is situated in Contra Costa County, surrounded by Walnut Creek, Alamo, San Ramon and Dublin. The population of Danville was 41,715 in 2008. Danville is one of the wealthiest towns in the United States and attracts residents with its exclusive country clubs and small town feel. There have been many notable celebrities who were born in Danville, such as Christy Turlington, Marla Sokoloff and the infamous Chelsey “Sully” Sullenberger, the pilot who made the emergency water landing in the Hudson River a couple of months ago.

Although Danville is a small, unincorporated town, it still attracts many visitors to its specialty shops as many of the shops are individually owned, and there are very few commercial businesses. If you have been injured in Danville, whether it is in one of the shops, or on the road, you should call Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately to speak to an experienced attorney. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to get a free consultation. Please also visit our website www.alawpro.com for more information about our attorneys and the areas of law that we practice.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , PREMISES LIABILITY

Bookmark:

Drunk driving charges are incredibly serious. They can not only affect a person’s driving record, but also his insurance rates and potentially result in jail time under certain circumstances. Drunk drivers may be punished by the local government, but those they have injured also have reprieve through negligence personal injury lawsuits. If a person has a driver’s license, and takes the responsibility of driving, then he has to adhere to a certain standard of care. This standard of care is not the perfect driver, or one who never makes mistakes, but it is a reasonable person placed in the same situation. For example, if Joe decides to go 80 miles an hour on a windy road in the middle of a snowstorm then hits and injures Larry, then he might be responsible in a lawsuit. A jury or judge might decide that a reasonable person in a snowstorm will pull over to the side of the road until the storm stops, or at the least slows down. Or, if a jury finds that the wrongdoer did exactly what a reasonable person would have done in the same situation, then it is likely that he will not have liability in the accident.

At 11 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2009, Felica Stenson of Oakland crashed her car into a woman riding a scooter at the intersection of Portola Drive and Claremont Avenue, in San Francisco’s West Portal neighborhood. The woman riding the scooter was severely injured and taken to the hospital. She later had to have one of her legs amputated below the knee. Ms. Stenson was arrested and booked on a felony charge of driving under the influence.

If you or a family member has been injured in a car accident and you suffered serious injuries as a result of that accident, you should call Greenberg & Rudman LLP as soon as possible to learn about your rights. It is extremely important that you file your lawsuit in time and with the appropriate paperwork, and our attorneys are prepared to help you through every step of the way. 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 read more about common injuries.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: OTHER COMMON INJURIES

Bookmark:

Depending on the nature of the employment, a person may be injured on the job site or by equipment used in the course of employment. In these cases, the employee would likely be able to seek out compensation through worker’s compensation benefits, or a lawsuit against their employer for negligence. However, those injured by the employee during the course of employment or by the employer’s property may also obtain damages from the employer.

On January 27, 2009, a five year old boy was hit and killed by a work truck at the intersection of Derby and Waring in Berkeley, California. The boy was walking or riding his bike with his classmates from a nearby school when he was struck. A bystander tried to perform CPR but was unsuccessful. The driver of the work truck stopped the truck immediately following the accident and police determined that there were no indications that drugs or alcohol were involved in the accident.

Depending on exactly where the incident occurred, the boy’s family may be able to sue the owner of the work truck for damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. For example, if the work truck was in the area because the employee was doing work in the usual course of employment (i.e. delivering goods, or working on a construction project), then the family may be able to hold the employers liable. However, if the work truck was on private property and the boy trespassed, then there is a different standard that would be applied in a negligence lawsuit against the employer. The success of the lawsuit would depend on the circumstances in each case, and would be up to the judge or jury in each matter.

Times like these are incredibly trying and difficult, but having a knowledgeable attorney by your side may make the ordeal more bearable. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP have had years of experience in wrongful death, and premises liability lawsuits, among others. We have won over $150 million in settlements and verdicts against insurance companies and large corporations. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation with one of our attorneys. Please also visit our website, www.alawpro.com and find out more about our law firm.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: PREMISES LIABILITY , WRONGFUL DEATH

Bookmark:

Truck accidents occur frequently in the United States, whether because of the size of the roads in rural areas, or the lack of training for the drivers. When trucks are involved in accidents, victims may be able to sue a variety of people for his injuries. Those liable may include the truck driver, the driver’s employer, the owner of the truck, and the owner of the cargo on the truck. Many accidents involving trucks and smaller vehicles usually results in more damages to the person in the smaller car. According to the California Highway Patrol, in 2006:

• There were only four people killed in truck collisions in San Francisco County and 78 injured.
• The highest number of fatal collisions (31) occurred in accidents in which the truck driver was going at an unsafe speed. The second highest (21) was in accidents in which the truck driver improperly turned. Other reasons for collisions in fatal accidents involved traffic signals and signs, driving on the wrong side of the road and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• The highest number of injury collisions (1,349) also occurred in situations in which the driver was going an unsafe speed.
• The highest number of people killed in truck collisions were in the 65 and over age group.
• The highest number of people injured in truck collisions was in the 45 to 49 age group, followed by those in the 35-39 age group.
• Truck accidents accounted for 9.4% of all fatal collisions.
• Truck accidents accounted for 3.8% of all injury collisions.
• In 235 fatal collisions, the truck was going straight right before the collision, and 17 fatal collisions in which the truck driver ran the truck off the road.
• There were 4,303 injury collisions in which the truck was going straight right before the collision, and 535 injury collisions in which the truck was changing lanes.

Trucks are normally covered by large insurance companies, which means that if there is a lawsuit, the insurance company likely hires attorneys to represent the driver, or the owner of the truck. This may make it difficult for the victim to recover damages for his injuries because the large insurance companies may just run you in circles. To make sure that you recover damages for your injuries and to have someone fighting for you, call Greenberg & Rudman LLP now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation. We will advance all the costs in your lawsuit, and you do not pay us anything until we win the case for you. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to read profiles on our attorneys and find out the other areas of law that our firm covers.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: TRUCKING ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

There are different types of head trauma that can occur in a variety of settings, the most often of which in car or truck accidents. Other causes include assaults, falls and recreational activities (particularly for children). People can suffer head injuries from an object penetrating their head, or from a blunt force trauma, which means that an object hits the person, or the person hits the object. Both of these have their own dangers: in a penetrating trauma, the person will likely require surgery to remove all of the fragments from their head, and the initial injury may cause death; for blunt head traumas, there is the danger that the person does not recognize that he has been injured because there might not be blood, or pain immediately.

The different types of head traumas are skull fractures, intracranial hemorrhage, and closed head injuries.

• Skull fractures occur when there is an actual break in the bone around the brain or the other structures inside the skull. There are three categories in skull fractures: linear skull fracture, depressed skull fracture and basilar skull fracture. In a linear skull fracture, the break in the skull usually forms in a straight line and is usually not a dangerous fracture in itself. There is an added danger if the brain is injured in this fracture. Depressed skull fractures usually occur when there is an impact from a blunt object to the head, such as a hammer or bat. Usually there are dents in the skull, which may or may not require surgery, depending on their depth. The last kind of fracture is the basilar skull fracture. This type of fracture involves the bones in the base of the skull, and may affect the sinus cavities.
• Intracranial hemorrhage may occur in several different ways, but is generally an injury in which there is bleeding within the skull. The bleeding may occur between the brain tissue and the dura mater (the layer of tissue that is between the brain and the skull), or between the dura mater and the skull, or within the brain itself.
• Closed head injuries indicate injuries that are suffered when there is no penetrating object or dent caused by the impact. This includes a concussion, which is commonly known to many. These closed head injuries can range from minor injuries to potentially fatal ones.

Suffering a head injury in a car accident is extremely stressful for a person and his/her family. Finding an attorney you can trust may be the best thing to do in that stressful situation. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP can help you complete paperwork in a lawsuit and help you in every step of the way. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation from an experienced attorney. Please also visit our website www.alawpro.com for more information on head injuries.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY

Bookmark:

Rohnert Park is located in Sonoma County and has a population of 41,083. It is located near Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, and Cotati. It is approximately 50 miles from San Francisco and the rest of the Bay Area. Rohnert Park is an early planned city modeled after Levittown, New York and Levittown, Pennsylvania. Rohnert Park is home to a great city recreational program and the Foxtail Golf Club. This, combined with the serenity of their many creeks, attracts many visitors and residents to the city.

An increase in visitors or residents may result in an increase in car or pedestrian accidents. If you have been injured in Rohnert Park, you should contact Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately to find out your rights and to get your case started right away. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to get a free consultation from one of our experienced attorneys. We are here to fight for your rights. We will forward all costs of the lawsuit and you do not pay unless we win your case for you. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to find out more information on motor vehicle accidents.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

San Ramon has a population of 44,722 and is located in Contra Costa County. San Ramon is located near Pleasanton, Oakland, Walnut Creek and Danville. There are several wildlife parks located in San Ramon, such as Crow Canyon gardens, Old Ranch Park and San Ramon Central Park. There are also several bus lines and bike lanes running through the city. San Ramon also has a Transit Center in which there are parking spaces available for commuters to meet a carpool, vanpool or bus. The bus lines also provide transportation to BART stations or different parts of the county.

The wildlife parks in San Ramon may attract different visitors to the area, but also may pose a liability on their premises. To determine if you can be compensated for your injuries, you should speak to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP have extensive experience in premises liability cases, and can help you through your lawsuit. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation with an experienced attorney. Visit our website, www.alawpro.com to read more on premises liability lawsuits.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: PREMISES LIABILITY

Bookmark:

Conveniently located in the Silicon Valley, Milpitas is part of Santa Clara County and is home to 62,698 residents. Milpitas is located near San Jose, Fremont, Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Alameda County. The city is primarily located between Interstates 680 and 880 and is accessible by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. Milpitas also has several large shopping centers and parks. Some of the major corporations that have their corporate headquarters in Milpitas include LSI Logic, Adaptec and SanDisk.

Many Milpitas residents commute to other Bay Area cities for their work while Milpitas’ corporations employ residents from other cities, which creates a lot of congestion on the freeways during commute hours. This increase in traffic may cause an increase in accidents. If you have been injured in a car accident in Milpitas, or any other city in the Bay Area, you need to call Greenberg & Rudman LLP immediately to speak to an experienced attorney. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to get a free and confidential consultation. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to find out more about our attorneys.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT

Bookmark:

Following several MUNI train and BART train accidents last week, there was a MUNI bus accident in San Francisco on Thursday night, February 19, 2009. The bus was traveling near the intersection of Oakdale Avenue and Third Street when it drove through a street light and crashed into a building at around 11 p.m. There were significant damages to the building, and one passenger was injured in the incident. If you have been injured in a bus accident, call Greenberg & Rudman LLP now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation.

Bus accidents may be caused by a variety of reasons, including driver error or because of the simple fact that many buses operate in busy metropolitan areas. If you or a family member have been injured in a bus or train accident, you should call the attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP right away. We are experienced attorneys who will fight for your case. You do not pay us until we win your case for you. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to find out more about our attorneys and our law firm.

Posted by Greenberg & Rudman | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: BUS ACCIDENT

Bookmark: