Auto Injury

Most Car Accidents Are Human Error

According to a report by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, nearly all motor vehicle accidents are avoidable. Human error and poor decision-making contribute to more than nine out of every ten auto accidents. What are some of the most glaring mistakes that drivers make?

• Driving under the influence – Whether under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs, or legal drugs, the results are the same. Intoxicated drivers can’t make good decisions and can end up in serious accidents leading to injuries and even fatalities. Never get behind the wheel if a substance is dulling your reactions.
• Speeding – The speed limit may sometimes seem like a nuisance when you are late or don’t see any other drivers around, but speeding plays a role in nearly every major traffic accident. The laws are in place for a reason.
• Distracted driving – Since the invention of the cell phone, distracted driving has become a bigger issue than ever before. However, reading a text is not the only thing that could cause you to get into an accident. Eating, applying makeup, and even taking your eyes off the road to change the radio station can all result in a dangerous crash.

California Car Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured by a driver who was involved in reckless behavior, you are certainly entitled to compensation. California is a tort state, so the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover your medical bills and other losses. Petrov Law Firm can help you to get the settlement that you deserve, rather than the pitiful offer most insurance companies try to get away with. Call 619.344.0360 to learn more.

How Trucks Can Cause Major Accidents

When you hear of major accidents on Interstates, a truck is likely to be involved. Simply because of the size and weight of these vehicles, cars don’t fare well in accidents, and injures may be serious. When a truck driver loses control over what they are hauling, it can result in serval types of accidents.

• Rolls – If a truck takes a turn too rapidly, the whole thing can tip over. This would be very bad for any vehicles that are unfortunate enough to be next to the truck.
• Jackknifing – When a driver pulls the wheel too tightly, especially at high speeds, a truck may jackknife. This means that the trailer swings wildly out behind the cab, perhaps to one side, or maybe fishtailing several times. This can be disastrous for any vehicles that happen to be nearby.
• Overly wide turn – Semis can’t turn as tightly as a car. As a result, a driver may swing out into another lane and strike a car. Of course, other drivers should realize this danger and provide extra space. However, it is always the truck driver’s fault if they move into another vehicle’s lane and hit them.

Personal Injury Cases Involving Trucks in California

Petrov Law Firm in San Diego is here to help if you have been injured by a truck driver in California. Our attorneys are experienced in helping clients to maximize their settlements in these particular instances. Call 619.344.0360 today to learn more and to get your case started.

Don’t Be Duped By Myths Related to Bicycle Accidents

If you have been struck and injured by a car while riding your bike, you may be eligible for compensation from the driver’s insurance. Since California is a tort state, the amount of compensation you are due is related to who was at fault. With that in mind, don’t fall for these myths regarding bicycle accidents.

• Myth: Bicycle accidents are usually the cyclist’s fault – This is not necessarily true. Each accident has its own facts, and many car accidents involving bicycles are related to driver distraction rather than an indiscretion on the part of the cyclist.
• Myth: If you are partially to blame, you get nothing – In California, fault can be apportioned to each driver or cyclist in the accident. A percentage is assigned to determine who should be held accountable. So even if you bear some of the fault for the accident, you should still receive compensation for a percentage of your losses.
• Myth: Bicycles belong on the sidewalk – Not only is this not true, but it is also dangerous to ride on the sidewalk. You would be at fault if you were to injure a pedestrian. When there is no bicycle lane, you should be riding on the street and following normal traffic laws.

San Diego’s Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Petrov Law Firm has the experienced personal injury attorneys to assist you after a bicycle accident injury. Get in touch today by giving us a call at 619.344.0360, and find out how we can help you to maximize your settlement.

Tips for Maximizing a Settlement After a Motor Vehicle Accident

After you have been injured in an automotive accident, it is crucial to follow some essential steps to reach a fair settlement. This will help you to pay your medical bills and to recover financially from other losses you may have endured as a result of the injury. Here are a few tips to help you maximize your settlement.

• Track your expenses – You need to prove that the accident caused a monetary loss. So be sure to keep track of your medical bills related to the accident as well as property damage, lost wages, and the like.
• Never let the insurance company take a statement – Your personal injury attorney should be the only person speaking about your accident with the insurance company. Verbal or written statements can be used against you, and that includes anything you post about the accident on social media.
• Get a medical examination – You should see the doctor as soon as possible after your accident, even if there is no immediate danger. The sooner you see the doctor, the easier it will be to link your injuries to the accident.
• Document what you can – Take pictures or videos of the accident. Be sure to get a copy of the police report.

Get Help from an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

Going up against an insurance company alone is a sure way to get less than you deserve. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm can help you to get a fair settlement. Call 619.344.0360 today to get your case started.

Could You Have Post-Concussion Syndrome After an Accident?

Whether you are in a car accident or you slip and fall, a head injury can cause post-concussion syndrome (PCS). The insidious thing about PCS is that you may not feel that bad after the accident. In fact, you may not even get diagnosed with a concussion if you don’t seek medical attention right away. How can you identify post-concussion syndrome in the days or even weeks following an injury? Here are some of the most common symptoms.

• Headaches – usually tension headaches that could also be related to a neck injury
• Vertigo or dizziness
• Anxiety
• Trouble sleeping
• Memory or concentration problems
• Tinnitus – ringing in your ears
• Sensory sensitivities – especially to bright lights or loud sounds
• Irritability
• Blurry vision

The good news is that the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in California is two years. So even if you discover long-term effects from your accident in the months that follow, you still have time to begin your case and receive compensation.

Of course, you will need to be examined by a doctor to determine if your injuries and symptoms are related to the accident. You can’t just diagnose yourself from a symptoms list. Be sure to track things like medical expenses and missed days of work.

Get the Help You Need for a Personal Injury Case in Southern California

The personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm are here to help if you have been injured in an accident in the state of California. Contact our San Diego offices today by calling 619.344.0360, and we will help you to receive the compensation you deserve.

4 Dangerous Practices Drivers Need to Avoid

You don’t want to be the one at fault if you are ever in a car accident in California. This is a tort state, meaning that the at-fault driver is on the hook for the damages. Here are some common practices that could cause a judge to view you as the party at blame for the accident.

• Speeding – This is the underlying cause of most accidents, especially ones that are fatal or do a lot of damage. Be sure to obey speed limit laws, and don’t be afraid to drive slower if road conditions are not good.
• Distracted driving – From smartphone use to putting on makeup to dashboard dining, there is no limit to the things that could distract you behind the wheel. A good rule of thumb is that when you are the driver, all you should be doing is driving.
• Tailgating – Be sure to leave a car length between you and the vehicle in front of you for every 10 miles per hour you are driving. Remember that big trucks and motorcycles can’t stop as fast as cars.
• Road rage – No matter what another driver does that upsets you, don’t get aggressive. Not only can this lead to an accident, but it could also cause the other driver to become more aggressive with you.

When You Experience an Injury Due to a Dangerous Driver

Petrov Law Firm is here to help car accident victims in the state of California. Contact our experienced personal injury attorneys today by calling 619.344.0360.

How to Handle a Car Accident While Vacationing in CA

A car accident can put a damper on your vacation real quick, especially if you experience injuries as a result. Here are three things to keep in mind if you are injured in a car accident while vacationing in California.

• California laws apply – For example, California is an at-fault (tort) state. That means the driver who is at fault is the one who needs to cover the losses of the other driver. So if someone else has injured you because they were driving distracted, under the influence, or violating traffic regulations, their insurance should pay for your damages.
• You have to file suit in California – Once again, this means California law applies. Personal injury suits in CA have to be brought up within two years. So don’t sit on an injury for months to see how bad it is or if you experience any long-term effects before lawyering up.
• You should hire a California-based personal injury attorney – It’s the only way to ensure that your lawyer understands California state law and can help you maximize the settlement offered by the insurance company. Knowing that you are out of state will only embolden the insurance company to try and get you to take less in order to walk away.

San Diego’s Personal Injury Attorneys

Petrov Law Firm is highly experienced with all sorts of car accident cases. From cars to motorcycles to trucks, you can count on us to help you get what you deserve. Call 619.3444.0360 to get started today!

Common Reasons for Personal Injury Settlements in Southern California

There are many ways in which the negligence of a person or entity can result in injury to someone. If you have experienced such a personal injury, you are far from alone. What types of injuries may result in a personal injury settlement? Here are a few of the most common situations that arise in southern California.

• Motor vehicle accidents – These can include car accidents, motorcycle accidents, accidents with trucks, and cyclist or pedestrian injuries. The car insurance of the at-fault party should handle the claim, although sometimes there is shared fault involved.
• Slip and fall accidents – Whether it happens in a store or on the sidewalk, someone may be responsible for the situation that led to the slip or trip. If the injury was caused by a public entity (i.e., you were injured on government property), time is of the essence because you only have six months for the time of the injury to make your claim.
• Dog bites – Unless you were trespassing on private property or committing some other type of crime, a dog bite is just about always the fault of the owner. Fortunately, homeowners, renters, and other forms of insurance often cover this type of injury.

Of course, injuries can occur in many other ways. There are work injuries, product defects, medical malpractice, assault, and other common issues that lead to personal harm.

Get Help Making Your Personal Injury Claim in San Diego

There are varying personal injury laws from state to state. If you have been injured in southern California, Petrov Law Firm can help. Call 619.344.0360 today to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.

The Most Important Motorcycle Safety Tips You Will Ever Read

Every year, motorcyclists lose their lives on California roads, and many more are injured. To protect yourself, please follow these vital safety recommendations.

• Never get on your bike under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Focus on visibility – Many motorcycle accidents involve vehicle drivers who claim to have not seen the cyclist. Use your lights, wear something reflective, and use extreme caution when lane splitting.
• Know your limits – Even the most experienced motorcyclist can be involved in an accident. The odds increase exponentially when a rider is doing something beyond their ability level. Follow the laws of the road (especially the speed limit), and never attempt to perform tricks at high speeds or in traffic.
• Wear the right gear – If you are involved in an accident, a helmet can save your life. Make sure you are wearing long sleeves and pants. Use fabrics that can protect you from the road if you are knocked from the bike at high speeds.
• Don’t trust drivers – Always assume that they are too distracted to see you. The fact of the matter is that when a motorcycle gets into an accident with a car or another vehicle – regardless of who was at fault – the person on the motorcycle is going to be on the losing end of the crash.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident Injury

The most important thing is to get the medical assistance you require. Next, call Petrov Law Firm at 619.344.0360. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you to maximize the settlement you receive so that you can pay those expensive medical bills and receive other compensation that you are due.

3 Things You Need to Know After a Car Accident

Car accidents can lead to expensive medical bills and auto repairs. You need to be compensated for your losses. In the aftermath of a car accident, here are three things to keep in mind.

• Keep track of your losses – This includes your medical bills, the damages to your vehicle, missed workdays, and any long-term damages you may have experienced. Additional pain and suffering should also be added on to compensate you for emotional pain and other less tangible damages.
• Don’t sign anything without a lawyer reviewing it – Agreeing to the initial settlement is rarely in the best interests of the injured party. The insurance company tries to come up with the minimal amount that they think you will accept in order to make things go away as quickly and cheaply as possible. Remember that insurance companies are big businesses. They are not your friend or a wealthy benefactor, regardless of whether it is the other driver’s insurance company or your own.
• Hire a personal injury attorney – You want an experienced lawyer on your side who knows how to deal with insurance companies. This will ensure that you receive a fair settlement in a reasonable amount of time.

San Diego’s Personal Injury Lawyers

At Petrov Law Firm, we have the experienced personal injury lawyers you want in your corner when trying to reach a settlement with an insurance company. Contact us today at 619.344.0360 to go over the particulars of your case. We look forward to helping you get the settlement that you deserve!