Distracted Driving

These Statistics Are the Reason California Is Still Telling Us to Put Down Our Phones

California has had hands-free laws in place for several years now. The restrictions are even more stringent for those under the age of 18. So why are there continued campaigns to try and get people to put their phones down while they drive? Here are some telling stats.

• In just one year, about 2.2% of drivers were busted breaking hands-free laws.
• The younger a driver is, the more likely they are to violate hands-free legislation. The same study showed that 4.9% of drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 were guilty.
• In rural areas, people are far more likely to try and get away with using a phone while driving. While there may be fewer cars, there is also often less visibility on old country roads, thereby increasing the danger.
• At least parents are driving safe. The category of drivers that had the fewest infractions in the study were those who had a passenger age 8 or younger.

During the same year that these statistics were taken, 391,000 accidents occurred as a result of distracted driving. These accidents caused numerous injuries and ended 3,450 lives. Distracted driving is a serious matter, and no one should think they are immune to having an accident, regardless of their age or where they live.

If You Have Been Hurt by a Distracted Driver

In Southern California, the personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm are here to help if a distracted driver causes you harm. Give us a call today at 619.344.0360 to get your case started.

California Urges You to Put Your Phone Down and Drive

Due to the terrible effects of distracted driving, the state of California has had some public service campaigns to encourage less phone use while operating a vehicle. The current campaign is called “Put Your Phone Down. Just Drive.” and you have probably heard that mantra repeated in ads.

What are the current laws in California regarding smartphone use in a car?

• It is never permitted for someone under the age of 18 to use a smartphone while driving. Don’t spend your money on hands-free devices like a Bluetooth headset until your turn 18 because you can’t use it in the car anyway.
• If you are 18 or older, don’t pick up your phone while driving. If you are going to use your phone, it should be in a hands-free manner only. Of course, this also means no reading and responding to texts while driving. If your phone is connected to your vehicle via Bluetooth, you may be able to have the car read a text to you, and you may even be able to respond verbally. But don’t be tempted to pick up the device to make sure your dictated text was correctly formatted.

San Diego Attorneys for Car Accident Injuries

Petrov Law Firm is here to help if you have been injured by a distracted driver in a car accident. Contact us today to learn how we can help you to maximize the settlement you receive from the insurance company. Call 619.344.0360 to get your case started now.

Mistakes Drivers Make that Lead to Serious Car Accidents

Fault in California car accidents is how the courts determine which driver’s insurance covers medical bills and other expenses. Here are some of the mistakes drivers make that can lead to serious car accidents that are completely their fault.

• Driving under the influence – Whether it is alcohol, drugs, or even some forms of prescription medication, it is always illegal to be under the influence while driving. This is particularly important to remember for drivers who were happy to see marijuana legalized in the state. Remember: it is still illegal to use marijuana while driving, to have marijuana open and accessible in the vehicle, or to be under the influence of this drug while driving.
• Speeding – This the leading cause of car accidents, including fatal accidents. Always obey the posted speed limit, especially in road construction areas.
• Distracted driving – While smartphones are the number one distraction in our technological era, there are many other ways to be distracted while driving. Everything from lighting up a cigarette to putting the finishing touches on makeup can be what takes a driver’s eyes off the road long enough for an accident to occur.

Car Accident Injury Attorneys in Southern California

If you have been injured in a car accident, the personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm can help. Insurance companies always want to settle for the lowest amount possible to protect their profits, so you want an experienced lawyer in your corner to help maximize your settlement. Before you agree to anything, call 619-344-0360 to learn how we can help.

Southern California’s Most Common Personal Injury Suits

When someone is injured, you may wonder who should be held responsible for the medical bills and other losses the injured person may have experienced. Let’s see how this question applies to some of the more common ways in which individuals are injured in Southern California.

• Car Accidents – Automotive accident injuries are extremely common and often lead to major medical expenses. However, California is a fault state, so liability is determined by the percent of fault the various parties share.
• Slip and Fall Injuries – Whether you slip on wet tile or trip over a run in the carpet, what needs to be determined is whether the property owner caused the issue, knew about the issue, and had enough time to respond to the issue.
• Dog Attacks – Dog bites are probably more common than you think. Children are the most likely to be bitten, so it is vital to monitor the interactions between children and animals. If a dog bite occurs, the owner may be culpable depending on the circumstances.

Personal Injury Lawyers in Southern California

If you have been injured in any of the ways mentioned in this article, the personal injury lawyers at Petrov Law Firm can help. We have experience in helping the victims of car accidents, slip and fall accidents, and dog bites receive a proper settlement. To learn more, schedule a consultation with our conveniently located San Diego and Chula Vista offices today. Just call 619-344-0360 to get started.

Road Conditions that Require Extra Caution from Drivers

No one wants to be in a car accident, and that is why Petrov Law Firm offers safe driving advice. Here are a few tips for driving when road conditions are the most dangerous.

• Rain – Sometimes we forget that rain can make the roadways very slick. Be sure to leave extra space between you and other drivers, especially at highway speeds, and slow down more than usual when taking corners so you don’t hydroplane.
• Dark – Driving at night can make it difficult to see road hazards as well as pedestrians who may not be properly dressed for a nighttime walk. Keep your headlights in good shape and be sure to switch from hi-beams to low-beams for oncoming drivers.
• Construction – Speeding in a construction area could lead to having the blood of a construction worker on your hands. Always follow posted instructions when driving in a construction area. Even if no accident occurs, remember that penalties for breaking the speed limit are much greater in construction areas.
• Potholes – A pothole can destroy your tire. If you can avoid a pothole safely, do so. If not, it is best to strike the hole straight on and as slow as possible. The side walls of your tires are weaker, so a last-minute turn of the wheel could result in a blowout. If a warning light comes on after going through a pothole or if you feel a wobble, pull over immediately to check your tires.

California Car Accident Injury Lawyers

If you do find yourself needing a California car accident injury attorney, contact the Petrov Law Firm at 619-344-0360. We can help you to maximize your settlement and get the compensation that you deserve.

Distracted Driving Statistics: Hand-Held Device Use and Teens

Each year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) releases a report on traffic safety statistics. In September 2016, that report was based on data regarding electronic device usage by drivers during the 2015 calendar year. Here are some of the shocking statistics they recorded involving hand-held device use while driving (which is illegal in most states).

• From 2014 to 2015, the number of drivers caught using their handheld devices stayed roughly the same at 2.2%.
• The greatest increase in handheld device usage while driving was spotted in rural areas and among drivers whose passengers were all at least 8 years of age.
• In the 25-69 age group, the percent of drivers using handheld devices while driving increased from 2.0% to 2.1%.
• In the 18-24 age group, the percent of drivers using handheld devices while driving increased dramatically over the past decade from 0.5% in 2006 to 4.9% in 2015.

What are young drivers doing with those devices? Some are texting or making phone calls. Others are taking selfies. Some are even on social media, live streaming their driving experience. However, this leads to real dangers. The NHTSA also reported that 3,450 people died in fatal accidents due to distracted driving and another 391,000 were injured in crashes due to these risky behaviors.

If You Have Been Injured By a Distracted Driver in Southern California

If you find yourself or a family member injured due to a distracted driver, call the personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm. We can help you to seek compensation for medical bills, lost work, and other damages. To get started on your case, call 619-344-0360 today.

Cell Phone Driving Laws You Need to Know About in California

Driving distracted is responsible for thousands of deaths each year. The state of California has laws in place to discourage this practice when it comes to the use of cell phones by a driver. Here are the ones you should know about.

• Since 2008, hand-held devices cannot be used while driving. If you are over 18, you can use a hands-free device.
• There is no texting and driving whatsoever in California. This law was passed in 2009 and includes the writing, sending, and reading of text messages.
• As noted above, the law prohibits those under the age of 18 from even using a hands-free device while driving.

While these laws should instill the importance of avoiding distracted driving, many drivers still seem to insist that those laws are in place for someone else and that they can drive distracted without consequences. If you ever find yourself in a vehicle with someone who allows themselves to be distracted by a mobile device, don’t be afraid to speak up – you may just save a life.

Car Accident Injury Attorneys in San Diego

If you are injured in an auto accident in the San Diego, California area, Petrov Law Firm can help. Speak to one of our experienced and compassionate personal injury attorneys today by calling 619-344-0360 to schedule an appointment. We can help you to recoup your losses, especially if the driver who caused the accident was distracted by a cell phone.

5 Symptoms to Watch Out for After a Car Accident

Car accidents may not seem to leave any damage at first, but it is always important to be examined by a medical professional just in case an underlying injury occurred. Before you reach a settlement, here are five symptoms to watch out for.

• Migraines or Headaches – This can be an indicator of head or neck trauma. You may be experiencing post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
• Vertigo – Another indicator of PCS, whiplash can also lead to vertigo (A false sensation of movement that often presents as the feeling that the room is spinning.
• Diminished Cognitive Function – Memory and ability to focus, in particular, may be affected.
• Mood Swings or Irritability – Most people do not recognize this symptom in themselves, so don’t ignore it if a family member or co-worker mentions that you have been acting funny, perhaps a little more irritable than usual.
• Insomnia – This can be a symptom of PTSD (you may have nightmares about the accident), but it can also indicate PCS.

If any of these symptoms arise in the weeks or months following a car accident, be sure to go back to the doctor for an examination. Worry about getting well first, but you should also hire a personal injury attorney to help you maximize your settlement.

Southern California’s Personal Injury Attorneys

At Petrov Law Firm, we specialize in helping the victims of car accidents to recover their losses. Car insurance companies always try to pay out as little as they can. The right support can help you to get compensated for your medical bills as well as things like lost wages and emotional pain and suffering. To learn more, call us today at 619-344-0360.

Types of Damages in a Personal Injury Case

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may be eligible to receive damages, especially if the other driver was negligent. What types of damages can be received? Here is a list of the losses you may be compensated for:

• Property damage – If your vehicle has been damaged, this can help to offset repairs. If it is damaged beyond repair, you should be compensated well enough to acquire a comparable vehicle.
• Medical bills – You should be compensated for existing medical bills as well as those you expect to accrue following the settlement.
• Lost wages – You may have already missed some work due to injuries. You may not even be able to work anymore. This will also factor into the settlement amount.
• Pain and suffering – Not all of your losses are material. What if you suffered emotional distress due to the accident? If you are now disabled or suffering from disfigurement, it may be difficult to place a monetary value on these damages. However, they should definitely be factored into the total.

Help in Receiving the Damages You Are Owed

If you have been in a car accident in the state of California, Petrov Law Firm can help you to receive the appropriate compensation. Never agree to a settlement before getting the assistance of a personal injury attorney so that the insurance company cannot shortchange you. Call our San Diego office at 619-344-0360 before you sign anything or accept any money. We are here to help!

California Is the Most Dangerous State for Drivers

The NHTSA has released the numbers for 2016 traffic accidents and fatalities. What is the verdict for the state of California? It is officially the most dangerous state to drive in. How bad is it? What are the leading causes of traffic fatalities in California? What is your recourse if you have lost a loved on to such a terrible tragedy?

There are 50 states in the US, which makes California 2% of the nation. However, more than 10% of the fatal accidents in the country take place here. Now it is true that California makes up about 12% of the US population, so that skews the numbers a little. But driving is still one of the most dangerous things you can do in California. Why?

The two biggest dangers for drivers are speeding and distractions. One or both of these elements play into almost every fatal traffic accident in the state. Despite laws banning texting and driving, many still insist they know better. Others have been involved in fatal accidents while using social media and taking photos or videos while behind the wheel.

Compassionate Assistance for Those Who Have Lost a Loved One

If you have lost a family member in such a tragic way, our hearts go out to you. Please call 619-344-0360 to let the compassionate attorneys at Petrov Law Firm help you with your wrongful death suit. Our experienced team can help you to maximize a settlement. We know it won’t bring your loved one back, but we still want to help you to get what you need during your time of loss.