Reckless Driving Accident

A Few Crucial Considerations for Drivers

Before anyone gets behind the wheel of a car, there are certain things they need to know. However, when someone has been driving for a long time, they may become overconfident and forget just how quickly things can become dangerous. For example, a man may be overconfident behind the wheel because of the myth that men are safer drivers. But simple logic refutes that claim. Why would insurance premiums be cheaper for women if men were safer drivers?

Here are a couple of other things you need to know:

• Driving under the influence includes driving under the influence of anything – Most people equate this with drinking alcohol. However, you can also receive a DUI for driving under the influence of marijuana (even if it is legal in your state) and certain prescription medications. So always be careful with anything that impacts your reaction time and could lead to an accident or a traffic violation.
• If you are under 18 and driving in California, don’t use your phone – Drivers in California who are 18 and over can use their phone in a hands-free manner. However, if you are under 18, you can’t use your phone at all. This is essential because using your phones hands-free still adds an element of distraction, and a new driver really doesn’t need that.

Car Accident Injuries in The San Diego Area

Contact Petrov Law Firm today if you have been injured in a car accident in southern California. We’re here to help you get the settlement you deserve from the insurance company, so call 619.344.0360 to learn what we can do for you.

Changing Teen Driving Culture to Save Lives

About 4,000 teenagers are killed on US roadways every year due to distracted driving. This makes the number one cause of death for teens completely preventable. It’s not enough to create more laws about distracted driving. There are laws in place nationwide, and it keeps happening. This is about changing the culture of teenage drivers in the United States.

California realizes this and has signaled out young teenage drivers with heavier laws and penalties for phone use. However, it is not enough of a deterrent just to pass laws against distracted driving. Teen passengers need to advocate for themselves.

• Tell the driver if you believe they are taking risks while driving
• Don’t get in the car with a driver who uses their phone or allows other distractions

This is essential because half of the deaths due to distracted adolescent drivers are their passengers. Don’t become the next victim!

Injuries Are Also Common Among Distracted Teen Drivers

There are about 400,000 injuries caused each year by distract adolescent drivers. If you or a loved one has experienced such an injury, you need the help of a personal injury attorney. California is a tort state. The at-fault driver’s insurance should cover all of your medical expenses and other damages. You need an experienced California attorney to help maximize your settlement.

Petrov Law Firm in San Diego can provide you with the assistance you need at this difficult time. Call 619.344.0360 today and get what you really deserve from the insurance company.

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.

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.

Why Are People Still Driving While on the Phone?

In one recent year, 391,000 motor vehicle accidents occurred due to distracted driving. This resulted in a tremendous number of injuries, and 3,450 individuals wrongfully lost their lives. So why do people keep using their phones while driving? Consider the following stats from the same year that reveal just how serious the problem is:

• The results showed that people were more likely to use a phone while driving in rural areas. Perhaps the perception is that fewer cars on the road make it safer to drive while distracted. This is particularly concerning right now. People may be tempted to use their phone more since road traffic is down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• According to the study, more than 2% of drivers have been caught breaking rules that restrict the use of smartphones while driving to handsfree methods. If 2% are caught, how many more are getting away with it?
• The research also showed that younger drivers are more likely to break the rules, especially those between the ages of 18 and 24.
• The safest group of drivers are parents who have children under the age of nine. Unfortunately, those kids are only as safe as the other drivers on the road allow them to be.

Distracted Driving and Fault in California

California is a fault state as far as damages from a car accident is concerned. If you have been injured in an accident with a distracted driver, you deserve compensation from the other driver’s insurance. Contact Petrov Law Firm today at 619.344.0360 to get started on your settlement right away.

Don’t Drive Distracted, Even During the Shutdown

Vehicles on the road are down 60% according to one recent survey regarding the coronavirus shutdown in California. However, that doesn’t mean you can ignore laws regarding the use of your smartphone. Driving distracted can still result in a serious accident, especially if your guard is down due to the reduced traffic.

Here are a couple of important reminders about smartphone use while driving in California.

• If you are 18 or older – Mobile phone use must be kept hands-free while driving. Never text and drive. If your phone connects to your car via Bluetooth, you can use it to play music, get directions, or even to make phone calls. Some phones may even allow you to dictate messages to reply to texts. Just keep in mind that if your phone misunderstands what you say, the message will go out like that. You shouldn’t be looking at your phone to check the message before sending it.
• If you are under 18 – It is better just to turn your phone off while in the car. There is no situation in which it is okay to be on the phone while driving if you are under 18 in California. Even hands-free use is not allowed for minors.

Car Accident Lawyers in Southern California

If you have been injured in a car accident, especially one involving a distracted driver, give Petrov Law Firm a call at 619.344.0360. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you to maximize the settlement that you receive from the insurance company.

Tips for Drivers to Avoid Smartphone Distractions 

California drivers need to watch out for distractions. Not only can they lead to dangerous accidents, but even if you manage to avoid an accident while driving distracted, you could still get a ticket if you are breaking the law. For example, California has a number of regulations regarding smartphone use while driving. Here are some tips to help you avoid smartphone distractions while you are behind the wheel.

• Turn it off/silence your phone – If you don’t know messages or calls are coming in, you won’t be tempted to look at your phone until you reach your destination.
• Have your passenger navigate – If you need to use GPS, make sure you have the volume up so you don’t have to look at the phone. If you have a passenger, let them be the navigator.
• Use hands-free or Bluetooth – If you are 18 and over, you can still make calls in a hands-free manner. If your car has Bluetooth, this feature can allow you to reduce distraction and obey the law. If you are under 18, you can’t use a smartphone for any reason while driving, even hands-free, so don’t even bother connecting your phone to the car’s Bluetooth. Refer to the first suggestion on our list.

Car Accident Attorneys in San Diego

If you have been in an automobile accident, especially if the other driver was distracted, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical bills and other losses. Contact Petrov Law Firm at 619.344.0360 to get in touch with an experienced personal injury attorney today.

Wrongful Death Suits in Southern California

One of the worst tragedies a family can face is when a loved one’s life is suddenly ended in an avoidable accident. If your family is experiencing such an injustice, we want to express our sympathies. Please, know that you are not alone and that your family may be able to receive compensation for your loss. Just a few of the ways that wrongful deaths occur include:

• Medical malpractice – Doctors and medical facilities must meet a minimum standard of care for patients.
• Defective products – Products must include instructions for safe use and must be recalled if the manufacturer learns of a danger to consumers.
• Workplace accidents – Workplace deaths can be avoided by proper training and safety equipment. However, not all employers provide these necessary things.
• Motor vehicle accident – Lives are ended every day by drivers who are involved in unsafe practices such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or by driving while distracted due to mobile devices and other factors.

While money cannot heal the wounds your family is dealing with, proper compensation can help you to cope with the financial loss. Gaining justice can also begin the healing of emotional wounds, knowing that the court system recognizes that your family was wronged by what happed.

Compassionate Wrongful Death Suit Assistance in San Diego

Don’t allow grief to result in your family being cheated by a low settlement. Before you sign anything, call Petrov Law Firm at 619.344.0360 to speak with a compassionate and experienced attorney to help you maximize any compensation that your family may be due.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians in Southern California

The weather in southern California is great for pedestrians just about any time of year. Unfortunately, drivers can make going for a walk an extremely dangerous activity. As a pedestrian, you need to be your own advocate and keep yourself safe. Here are a few tips:

• Always look both ways when crossing – You learned this in school. You heard it from your parents. It is still the number one safety tip for walking. Don’t assume drivers are looking for you. You have to look for them.
• Use a crosswalk when available – Sometimes, in rural areas, you may not have his option, but in a city, you always have to use the crosswalk. Drivers are more likely to be looking out for pedestrians when they cross at designated areas. Plus, it will help your case if you are injured in an accident.
• Avoid distractions while walking – Just like drivers get into trouble when they are looking at a phone while in motion, pedestrians can have the same problem. There are no laws about texting and walking, but you better believe an insurance company is going to bring it up if you try and sue their client for hitting you.

Personal Injury Attorneys in Southern California

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident as a pedestrian, then you need the help of qualified personal injury attorneys to get what you deserve from the insurance company. Call 619.344.0360 and speak with an experienced lawyer from Petrov Law Firm today.

Please Don’t Drive Drowsy San Diego

The CDC has estimated that about 6,000 fatal accidents occur each year due to drowsy drivers. This is a huge increase from a 2013 report that stated 800 deaths and 44,000 injuries occurred in that one year alone. Up to 3% of all motor vehicle accidents may involve a driver who is too tired to be behind the wheel. Consider the following reasons to pull over and take a nap if you are sleepy.

• Lack of sleep affects attention span – While drowsy driving makes up a small percentage of accidents, distracted driving leads to far more. If you are tired, you are more likely to let yourself get distracted in an effort to remain alert.
• Diminished cognitive ability – You just can’t make good decisions when you are beginning to fall asleep. Therefore, you may pull in front of a car that is driving to fast or is too close, or in other ways make a disastrous driving decision.
• Reduced reaction time – Being sleepy slows your reaction time, just like driving intoxicated would. If you don’t hit your breaks, swerve, or speed up in time, you may end up having an accident that an awake and alert driver could have avoided.

San Diego’s Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured in a car accident, especially if the other driver was drowsy, distracted, or otherwise at fault, Petrov Law Firm can help. Our experienced attorneys are ready to fight to help you get the settlement you deserve. Call 619.344.0360 to get started.