San Francisco Injury Lawyer Blog

There are many areas of the law and issues in lawsuits that are complex and unclear to the average person. One of the biggest issues that is present in most cases and often fought about is jurisdiction. Jurisdiction refers to the place and the type of law that the lawsuit would fall under. There are state and federal jurisdictions and within the state and government, there are hundreds of counties and districts that could have jurisdiction. This issue is particularly important in some cases because the law might favor one of the parties more in one jurisdiction than the next.

For example, there are some jurisdictions that don’t allow parties to recover for pain and suffering in personal injury cases while others do. So, for plaintiffs, they may want to file in jurisdictions that might give them a higher award of damages while the defendants would want to stay in the jurisdictions that do not award the pain and suffering damages. These issues could potentially get muddled and may take up a large portion of the case before the actual matter is addressed. If these jurisdiction issues are not address in the beginning of the case, then the issue is essentially waived and the parties may not be able to bring it up later on in the case.

Greenberg & Rudman LLP has had over 50 years of combined experience in personal injury lawsuits and may be able to help you in your situation. We can help you determine which jurisdiction your case should take place, and help protect your rights when issues come up. Give us a call now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for your free and confidential consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you do not pay costs or fees unless we win the case for you. Check out www.alawpro.com to read profiles on our attorneys and the different areas of law that we cover.

Are you a foreign visitor or tourist and want to know more about filing a lawsuit in the United States or California? Then go to Part 2: ARE YOU VISITING IN CALIFORNIA OR THE UNITED STATES AND WERE INJURED BY SOMEONE ELSE’S NEGLIGENT ACTIONS? THEN CALL PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS FOR FREE CONSULTATION OF YOUR CASE (Part 2 of 2)

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Posted In: OTHER COMMON INJURIES

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It takes an experienced individual to drive a big rig truck because of the large size of the vehicle, the length of time that the drivers are required to drive, and the lack of maneuverability of the vehicle. Drivers go through training and testing in order to drive these vehicles, but may be on the road for upwards of 12 hours a day. Although there are regulations on the number of hours drivers may spend on the road at each time, there is still considerable pressure on the drivers to arrive at their destination on time. Sometimes these types of pressures and restraints cause the drivers to act negligently and may result in injury to someone else.

A Santa Clara County jury awarded Drew Bianchi $49 million in damages after an accident in 2007 on Pacheco Pass. The stretch of the road on which the accident occurred is known as “blood alley” because of the conditions of the road and the number of accidents that occur there. Bianchi was in a car with three other people when two trucks collided into each other in the center lane of the highway. One of the trucks struck the back of Bianchi’s vehicle; the accident left him permanently brain damaged. The lawsuit was against the two truck drivers and their employers. One of the employers settled with Bianchi for $2 million, which left its driver alone at trial.

The jury also found Caltrans (the state transportation agency) 5% responsible for the accident because of its failure to improve conditions on the road. One of the drivers also acted negligently in part because he was talking on a cell phone at the time of the accident. Although Bianchi’s future health care will be taken care of by the damages awarded to him in this lawsuit, he will never be able to accomplish his dream of becoming a doctor. We may not be able to reverse your injury, but the attorneys of Greenberg & Rudman LLP may be able to represent you and help protect your rights. We can help you obtain compensation for your injuries, so call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation of your case. You can also go to www.alawpro.com to read more about trucking accidents and brain and spinal cord injuries.

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Posted In: BRAIN & SPINAL CORD INJURY , TRUCKING ACCIDENT

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Caltrain provides service to commuters and residents from San Francisco to Gilroy and stops in major cities like San Jose, Millbrae and Burlingame. Between May and September 2009, there have been twelve fatalities involving Caltrain all across the Bay Area. Many of the fatalities were apparent suicides by high school students who attended the same school. Other reasons for the fatalities might be the high speed of trains as it passes residential areas, or the train’s inability to stop on short notice. Have you been involved in a train accident? Then call Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO), or visit our website www.alawpro.com for more information.

On September 21, 2009, the twelfth fatal accident involving Caltrain occurred in San Mateo. The commuter train had just left the San Mateo station around 4:45 p.m. and had not gained full speed when it hit the man. Witnesses have reported that the man, later identified as Peter Manion, was holding two parrots when he was struck by the train. It appeared that Manion froze on the train tracks as Caltrain approached. The trains traveling through the area after the incident were single-tracked and service was delayed for hours after. The cause of the incident is still under investigation.

Some of the major train accidents that have made the news have been a result of the conductor’s negligence. For example, the Metrolink crash in Los Angeles last year was caused because the conductor was texting on his cell phone. This kind of action can be considered to be negligence in a court of law, and may be attributable to the government entity responsible for the train and the conductor. The attorneys of Greenberg & Rudman LLP have represented people injured by train accidents, so call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) to find out your rights in your case. You can also find us at www.alawpro.com to read more about train accidents and the injuries that may occur.

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Posted In: TRAIN ACCIDENTS

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Situated on the northern side of the Golden Gate Bridge, Novato is about 30 miles from San Francisco and has about 52,737 people living there. The area of Novato used to be the location of many Coast Miwok villages, including Chokeche, Puyuku and Olompali. Novato is part of Marin County and is located near San Rafael, Petaluma and San Anselmo. The area is serviced by the Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transportation (SMART).

Being injured in a personal injury accident can put you out of commission and in turn, affect the rest of your family and your lives. To make sure that your rights are properly represented and that you file your lawsuit papers timely and orderly, you should contact Greenberg & Rudman LLP now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO). We can provide you with a free and confidential consultation of your case. You can check out our website, www.alawpro.com to read about the different types of personal injury lawsuits, ranging from bus accidents to dog bites.

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Posted In: BUS ACCIDENT , DOG BITE

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Located in Santa Clara County, the city of Mountain View is named for its view of the Santa Cruz Mountains. It has a population of 70,708 people and is within driving distance to Sunnyvale, Cupertino and San Jose. Mountain View has a walkable downtown area with plenty of restaurants and a Caltrain station. The city is also part of Silicon Valley and is home to major corporations like Google, Intuit, many Microsoft divisions, Pinnacle Systems and Nokia. Because of the abundance of companies, many people might be attracted to Mountain View as a place to live.

Having residents and commuters working in Mountain View might cause some major traffic problems. Car accidents may result in injuries or fatalities, and can cause a variety of damage to the car itself. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you need to call the attorneys of Greenberg & Rudman LLP now for your free and confidential consultation. Pick up the phone and call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO). We represent those injured by the negligence of others in California. You can also read profiles on our attorneys and information about our law firm at www.alawpro.com.

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Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT , MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT

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Within driving distance to South San Francisco, Millbrae and Burlingame, San Bruno is home to about 40,165 people. Conveniently, the city is next to the San Francisco International Airport and is serviced by BART and Caltrain. There are several major landmarks in the city, including the Tanforan Racetrack, where Seabiscuit once raced, and a former naval facility. San Bruno offers its residents two major parks: San Bruno City Park and the Junipero Serra County Park. Junipero Serra County Park is about 100 acres and has room for picnics, barbecues and hiking.

Hiking and biking in public parks might be a dangerous activity because of the rough terrain involved. For public parks, city or state governments are responsible for their care and maintenance. If the properties are not properly maintained, then people injured on the land may be able to sue the city or state for their injuries. Have you been injured in San Bruno, or in one of its parks? Call Greenberg & Rudman LLP now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for your free and confidential consultation. We have had over 50 years of combined experience. Check us out at www.alawpro.com for more information on premises liability lawsuits.

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Posted In: PREMISES LIABILITY

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There are certain occupations that are exposed to a greater risk of injury and death than others. For example, those in construction, people working with hazardous materials and other such occupations may be more likely to be injured on their work site than those working in an office, or in a low hazard zone. Depending on the cause of the injury and who was at fault in the incident, workers who are injured on their jobsite may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. They may be able to seek out worker’s compensation through the government, or directly sue their employers in a civil lawsuit.

The family of Francisco Moreno Garcia won a judgment of $6.75 million against Archer Daniels Midland Co. on September 16, 2009 in Illinois. The incident happened in March of 2007 when Garcia was insulating pipes at one of ADM’s facilities. Garcia was facwhen a machine malfunctioned and hit him with steam and hot liquid. Garcia was pulled to the safety tower; he was so badly burned that his skin was coming off in strips. He later died at the hospital—it is reported that over 90 percent of his body was burned.

Premises liability and wrongful death lawsuits are very complex and require the knowledge of an experienced attorney. The attorneys of Greenberg & Rudman LLP have had over 50 years of combined experience. We have won over $150 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients over the years. Call us now, toll free, at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for your free consultation of your case. Please visit our website, www.alawpro.com to find out more about premises liability and wrongful death lawsuits.

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Posted In: PREMISES LIABILITY , WRONGFUL DEATH

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Because it is hard to pinpoint exactly what elder abuse is, and since many cases go unreported, it is hard to estimate the number of people suffering from elder abuse. However, the National Center on Elder Abuse has predicted that between one and two million Americans over the age of 65 have been injured as a result of elder abuse. Only about one in 14 cases of elder abuse actually come to the attention of authorities. Even less frequently reported are cases of financial abuse, which only come to the attention of authorities in one in 25 cases. If you are a senior citizen being abused by a caretaker or family member, and have nowhere else to turn, call Greenberg & Rudman LLP to protect your rights at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO).

For every case elder abuse and neglect that is reported to authorities, there are approximately five more that go unreported. In 1996, there were approximately 450,000 adults over the age of 60 who were abused and/or neglected in a domestic setting. Between 1986 and 1996, there was a steady increase in the reporting of elder abuse in America. There were 117,000 reports in 1986 but 294,000 in 1996—that is a 150% increase. The majority of elder abuse victims are female but there is not much difference in the percentage of male and female abusers. The most common group of abusers is adult children, followed with other family members and then spouses.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of elder abuse in California, please seek the assistance and advice of an experienced attorney. Elder abuse can come in different forms, and even though it may not be obvious that it is abuse, it may still be causing injury to you, and may legally be constituted as elder abuse. At the law offices of Greenberg & Rudman, we have over 50 years combined experience in seeking justice for the injured. Call us toll free at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation of your case. Or, you can go to www.alawpro.com to read more on the different forms of elder abuse.

Want to know more about the different types of elder abuse and the injuries that may occur? Then go to Part 1: ELDER ABUSE MAY BE FINANCIAL, EMOTIONAL OR PHYSICAL ABUSE—CALL EXPERIENCED PINOLE, CALIFORNIA PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS FOR FREE CONSULTATION (Part 1 of 2)

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Posted In: ELDER ABUSE

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Many Americans are not aware that there is a form of abuse targeted at senior citizens, much less the different kinds of abuse that elder abuse includes. Some families do not realize that their elderly family members are being abused until it is too late. Often times the senior citizens are being abused by those people close to them, whether it is caretakers or even family members themselves. Senior citizens are reluctant to report these abusers because their everyday care and future depends on these individuals. Those being abused might feel as though the abuser is the only person left to care for them and may be willing to endure the abuse. If you have been abused by a family member or a caretaker, call the attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) —we may be able to help.

There are several different types of elder abuse, including physical, emotional and financial. Physical elder abuse includes using physical force to intimidate the person, but may also include things like withholding meals or basic human needs. Emotional abuse may involve the abuser using words to threaten the abused. Financial abuse occurs when the abuser somehow controls the senior citizen’s finances and uses the money to his own benefit. Even though financial and emotional abuse might not leave a mark physically, all of these forms of abuse can be detrimental to the senior citizen’s well being.

Those abusing the elderly citizens may be nursing home facilities, independent caretakers or family members. Those who were abused do not have to stand by and watch the wrongdoers go unpunished—there are legal remedies available for victims of elder abuse. The attorneys of Greenberg & Rudman LLP have had over 50 years of combined experience, including elder abuse lawsuits. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for your free and confidential consultation. You are not alone. Please visit our website, www.alawpro.com, for more information on elder abuse and to read more about our attorneys.

Would you like to know more about elder abuse? Then go to Part 2: MILLIONS OF SENIOR CITIZENS ENDURE ELDER ABUSE—LEARN HOW TO STOP IT AND HOW TO BE COMPENSATED FOR YOUR INJURIES FROM OAKLAND ELDER ABUSE LAW FIRM (Part 2 of 2)

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Posted In: ELDER ABUSE

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Caltrain, Amtrak and Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) all provide Bay Area residents with efficient public transportation. However, as many people know, just getting into a motor vehicle means that you are exposing yourself to a certain level of danger. Although the number of people who are injured or killed by the trains is still relatively low compared to the number of people who take the trains, it is still heartbreaking to hear reports of fatalities on the train tracks. Have you or a loved one been injured by a train in the Bay Area? Then you should call Greenberg & Rudman LLP now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for your free consultation, or visit our website www.alawpro.com for more information.

In Redwood City on September 15, 2009, a man in his Honda was pronounced dead at the scene after he was struck by Caltrain. The incident happened around 5 p.m. when a San Carlos fire truck was traveling on El Camino Real to a structure fire. The traffic on the road had stopped to make way for the fire truck. Unfortunately, the driver of the Honda pulled onto the railroad tracks and was trapped by other cars when the guard rails lowered. The Caltrain was traveling at 75 miles an hour when it struck the car; the vehicle was destroyed and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Caltrain officials have warned drivers to use extreme caution when stopping for emergency vehicles and to make sure that drivers never stop on railroad tracks. Personal injury lawsuits focus on the wrongdoing of a certain party. Each case depends on its special set of circumstances, so call the attorneys of Greenberg & Rudman LLP now for a free consultation of your case. You can reach us at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO). We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you will not pay any costs or fees unless we win the case for you. Go to www.alawpro.com to read more about train accidents and wrongful death lawsuits.

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Posted In: TRAIN ACCIDENTS , WRONGFUL DEATH

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Located east of the San Francisco Bay, Walnut Creek is in Contra Costa County and has a population of 65,384 people. Walnut Creek has many arts and culture centers, like the California Symphony, Center Repertory Company, Clay Arts Guild and Civic Arts Program. Walnut Creek is serviced by its own BART station and is within driving distance to San Francisco, Oakland and Berkeley.

Have you or a family member been injured in Walnut Creek? If so, you should contact the law firm of Greenberg & Rudman LLP for a free consultation on your case. We handle personal injury cases ranging from motorcycle accidents to wrongful death cases to elder abuse. Please call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free consultation of your case. We have won over $150 million in verdicts and settlements and are here to help our clients. Our website, www.alawpro.com, can provide you with more information on the different areas of law that we practice.

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Posted In: ELDER ABUSE , MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT , WRONGFUL DEATH

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With an estimated population of 54,660 people, Petaluma is a part of Sonoma County. It is located within driving distance to Novato, Rohnert Park and Napa. Petaluma was originally populated by the Coast Miwok Native Americans and the name literally translates to “hill backside” because of the city’s proximity to Sonoma Mountain. There have been several movies shot in Petaluma, including Cujo, Basic Instinct, and American Graffiti. Petaluma is serviced by Highways 101 and 116 as well as Petaluma Transit, Golden Gate Transit and Sonoma County Transit.

Transportation by bus is a quick and efficient way for people to get around, but buses can also pose their own dangers. When buses are operated in large cities or near crowded areas, there might be an increased danger because of the bus’s sheer size. The attorneys of Greenberg & Rudman LLP have had over 50 years of combined experience and can help you in your case—call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for your free consultation. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com, where we have more information on bus accidents and the injuries that may occur.

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Posted In: BUS ACCIDENT

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Sacramento is the state capital of California and has a population of 460,242 people. It is located in Sacramento County and was voted as one of the ten most livable regions in America in 2004. The city is home to University of California, Davis and California State University, Sacramento, as well as many other institutes of higher education. Sacramento has many things to offer its residents and visitors—there are large suburban areas surrounding the city as well as many cultural attractions like Old Sacramento and Sutter’s Fort.

Do you work or commute to Sacramento and was involved in a car or automobile accident? If so, you may be able to obtain compensation for your injuries, and the attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP may be able to help you in your case. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for your free and confidential consultation. Car accidents may result in serious injury to you and/or your family members and may involve severe property damage. Check us out on www.alawpro.com for more information on car accidents and the attorneys in our law firm.

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Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT

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In an effort to live a greener life, many people have turned to bicycles as their primary form of transportation. Unfortunately, like many other products, bicycles may have their defects and cause serious injuries to people. Many bicycles have been recalled for different reasons, including the following:

• Specialized 2009 Model Bicycles have been recalled because the handlebars can break. Some of the reported injuries include head trauma, unconsciousness and wound to the arm.
• Salsa Bicycles that have handlebar stems, which can break or crack and result in a falling hazard to the rider. Recall includes the “CroMoto S.U.L.” stems on the Ala Carte, el Mariachi, Casseroll Triple, Casseroll Single and La Cruz Salsa Bicycles.
• Wolf SL Carbon Fiber Bicycle Forks have been recalled because they can break during normal use. The injury reports include minor abrasions and a broken wrist. The fork is present on R3, R3 SL, Soloist Carbon, Soloist Carbon SL and certain P3 Carbon framesets and bicycles.
• Bicycles from Trek bicycle Corp with JD suspension forks have been recalled because the fork loses alignment and can cause the front wheel to turn unexpectedly. The recall includes model year 2009 trek 7300, 7300WSD and 7500 bicycles.
• 2007/2008 Felt F1X Cyclocross Bicycles have been recalled because the fork steerer tube can break and cause the rider to lose control.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission urges people to return their bicycles to their dealers for repair. However, if you have been injured by these bicycles, then you should contact Greenberg & Rudman LLP for a free consultation of your case. We are committed to obtaining compensation for victims injured by the negligence of others. We advance all costs and expenses related to your case, and we do not recoup these costs unless we collect money for you. Call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for a free and confidential consultation. Visit our website, www.alawpro.com for more information on bicycle accidents.

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Posted In: OTHER COMMON INJURIES

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Many accidents happen in the Bay Area every day, and the most unfortunate are those that end in deaths. Some accidents can be attributed to weather conditions, such as icy roads or heavy rain, and others are a result of the driver’s mistakes, like drunk driving or not paying attention on the road. In many of these cases, the issue is resolved by the parties through their insurance companies and the issue is not brought to court. However, for those accidents that don’t get resolved, they end up in civil court. If you have a car accident injury that has not been resolved, call Greenberg & Rudman LLP now for a free consultation.

On August 29, 2009, one person died as a result of a car accident on Highway 680. The crash happened in unincorporated Alameda County near Fremont’s Andrade Boulevard. According to reports, a vehicle had stalled on the right shoulder, and another vehicle struck it. The southbound lanes of Highway 680 were closed for two hours as a result of the crash. In an unrelated accident on the same day, a motorcyclist was killed in a crash in San Jose. The accident occurred on the connector ramp between Highway 680 and Highway 101. The accident only involved the motorcycle, and according to reports, the rider was ejected from his vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Car and motorcycle accidents can be deadly, and can leave a lasting effect on the victims’ families for years to come. The attorneys at Greenberg & Rudman LLP represent people who have been wrongfully injured or killed. To find out your rights in your case, call us now at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) for your free and confidential consultation. We advance all costs and expenses related to your case, and we do not recoup these fees unless we collect money for you. Go to our website, www.alawpro.com to read more about car and motorcycle accidents and injuries.

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Posted In: CAR ACCIDENT , MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

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