Car Accidents

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.

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!

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!

Don’t Fall for These Driving Myths

There are many myths surrounding driving and owning a car, and believing those falsehoods could be potentially dangerous. Here are a few things that you need to be able to recognize as being untrue.

• Myth 1: If pot is legal in your state, you can smoke and drive – Driving under the influence is driving under the influence. Prescription drugs and alcohol are legal as well, but you still have to be sober when you drive. Pot and driving do not mix – ever.
• Myth 2: Male drivers are safer than female drivers – Insurance companies settle this falsehood very quickly. They wouldn’t offer cheaper premiums to women if they were the more dangerous drivers.
• Myth 3: You should warm up your car in winter – This actually has no benefit for modern vehicles. In fact, cars are designed to warm up rapidly while being driven. So your car may run cold longer if you just sit in the driveway.
• Myth 4: My driving record only impacts my car insurance – Actually, there is another insurance provider who is going to care about your driving record – your life insurance. Bad drivers are more likely to be involved in a fatal accident, so your life insurance may go up as well if you have a poor driving record.

If You Have Been Injured in a Car Accident in Southern California

Petrov Law Firm can help you seek a reasonable settlement from an insurance company. Before you sign anything, call 619.344.0360. We’re on your side and want to help you get what you truly deserve.

Shocking Statistics About Distracted Teen Drivers

Did you know that the number one killer of adolescents in America is also 100% preventable? Teens driving distracted or in a reckless manner results in numerous car accidents each year, many of which are fatal. Here are a few shocking statistics to encourage your teen to drive safely.

• 4,000 teenagers die each year due to distracted driving.
• 50% of deaths due to distracted teen drivers are passengers.
• 400,000 are injured every year by distracted teenage drivers.

Clearly, this has become a part of teenage culture in America. Whether it is driving while using the phone or performing other activities, such as eating – teens need to be educated on how dangerous it is to be distracted while behind the wheel.

It is no wonder that California has enacted additional regulations for drivers under 18 when it comes to phone use. For example, if a driver is 18 or over, they can use a mobile device in a hands-free manner. However, drivers under the age of 18 cannot use a phone at all while on the road, even with voice commands.

What can you do if you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted or reckless driver in the state of California?

Personal Injury Law Firm in San Diego

Petrov Law Firm is here to help! Don’t try and go up against an insurance company alone, and don’t accept an offer without seeking counsel first. Call 619.344.0360 today so we can help you to get what you really deserve as compensation for your losses.

The Link Between Car Accidents and PTSD

According to researchers, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is very possible in the wake of a motor vehicle accident. In fact, people who experience severe car accidents are at risk for psychological problems in general. What are some of the signs of PTSD?

• Unwanted memories – reliving of the event
• Flashbacks to the trauma
• Nightmares regarding the traumatic event
• Severe emotional distress when reminded of the trauma
• Trying to avoid thinking about or talking about the event
• Avoiding places or people that remind you of the trauma
• Negative or hopeless thoughts
• Emotional numbness
• Feelings of detachment and difficulty maintaining relationships
• Being easily startled and always on guard
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feelings of guilt or shame
• Irritability or aggressive behavior

If you begin to notice any of these symptoms in the wake of a motor vehicle accident, you should contact a healthcare professional immediately. A doctor or mental health professional may be able to help you work through the challenges caused by PTSD, possibly with the help of prescription medication or cognitive behavioral therapy.

Getting Help for Your Car Accident Settlement

Receiving care is the number one thing following an accident. After that, you need to figure out how to pay for it. A settlement from the insurance company can help to cover medical bills, including ongoing expenses due to related issues like PTSD. Petrov Law Firm can help you to get what you really deserve from the insurance company. Before accepting any settlement, contact us at 619.344.0360 to discuss your case and learn what options are available to you.

The Top Phone Settings for Safer Driving

Avoiding distractions from your phone while driving is about more than just the potential for a ticket. You want to be a safe driver for yourself, your passengers, and others on the road. Here are the top phone settings to use when you are on the road if you want to stay as safe as possible.

• Turn it off – Of course, the best way to avoid distraction is to have your phone off altogether. However, we will consider several other options since this is not always a viable solution. For example, you may need to use your phone as your GPS.
• Manual Do Not Disturb – You can also turn the DND mode on your phone on manually. Make sure that it is set not to alert you for calls or texts. When you arrive at your location or stop for a break, you can check your phone and respond as needed.
• Driving Do Not Disturb – Most phones will allow you to set an automatic DND mode for when you are driving. This mode will alert the person who calls you that you are currently driving and will respond when it is safe to do so.
• Bluetooth – Many cars now allow you to link your phone via Bluetooth, which permits you to perform some functions legally, such as answering calls or having texts read to you.

If You Have Been Injured By a Distracted Driver in San Diego

Petrov Law Firm is here to help car accident victims maximize insurance company settlements. If the other driver was distracted, this gives you valid cause to seek compensation. Call us today at 619.344.0360 to learn more.