Safety Tips

Lane Splitting Safety Tips from the California Highway Patrol

In 2017, California state law began to allow for lane splitting by motorcycles. This means that a motorcyclist can ride between moving vehicles or stopped vehicles. It is a great way to beat traffic. However, it can also be dangerous if you don’t take the proper safety precautions. Here are a few tips that were provided on the California Highway Patrol website.

• Consider factors like weather conditions, the size of the vehicles you are passing, visibility, and the width of the lane before deciding to pass.
• The faster you drive and the greater the difference between your speed and that of other vehicles, the higher the risks become.
• Do not lane split between trailers, buses, RVs, or other oversized vehicles.
• Driving on the shoulder is not lane splitting. It is both illegal and dangerous.
• Wear reflective gear, even during the daytime, to be as visible as possible.
• The safest place to lane split is considered to be between the two lanes furthest to the left.

Remember that some drivers may be from other states where lane splitting is illegal. Therefore, some drivers may not be looking for or expect a motorcycle to be passing between them and another driver. Lane splitting does add increased danger, should only be attempted by experienced riders, and is at your own risk.

Personal Injury Attorneys in San Diego, California

If you have been injured while riding your motorcycle in California, Petrov Law Firm is here to help. Speak with our experienced personal injury attorneys today by calling 619.344.0360.

Shocking Bicycle Injury and Fatality Statistics in California

In the United States, an average of more than 700 people die in bicycle accidents each year. California makes up a disproportionate amount of those fatalities, averaging 144 per year. Those numbers tell a shocking tale, and we’re going to add some more statistics that reveal a concern in the state for cyclists.

• Over 11,000 cyclists were injured in California in 2017.
• Los Angeles County is the deadliest for cyclists in California. San Diego County is third in the state.
• The same is true with non-fatal injuries, with Los Angeles County leading the way and San Diego third. Between the years of 2007 and 2013, more than 6,000 cyclists were injured in San Diego County alone.
• Statistics show that it becomes the most dangerous for cyclists after dark.
• Nationally, more cyclist fatalities occur in urban areas than rural areas. The largest amount of fatalities occur on major roads.
• Most fatalities occur in males over the age of 20. In fact, males 50 and over comprise the highest demographic for fatal cycling accidents in California.
• Many cyclist deaths involve alcohol. More fatalities involved cyclists under the influence than drivers under the influence.
• The largest percentage of cyclists who died in accidents were not wearing the proper protective equipment.

If You or a Loved One Has Been Injured in a Cycling Accident

Petrov Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced personal injury and wrongful death attorneys can help you to receive the compensation you are due if you have been injured or lost a loved one in a cycling accident in California. Call our San Diego office today at 619.344.0360 to get the assistance you require.

The Best Tips for ATV Safety

An all-terrain vehicle can be a great way to have some fun on the weekend, especially since you should always be on it alone anyway (if it is a single-rider ATV). That makes it great from of recreation when social distancing. However, a shocking number of accidents lead to injuries every year on ATVs. Here are the best prevention tips so you can enjoy your weekend without an incident.

• Use designated trails rather than taking off into the forest
• Ride at a safe speed
• Use an ATV that is right for your size – this is especially important for families when riding with youths
• Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and be careful with prescription medications that may make you drowsy or reduce your reaction speed
• Never take someone with you on an ATV built for one – they make two-seaters for a reason
• Don’t let kids ride without proper supervision
• Take a safe ATV riding course
• Follow the guidelines from the ATV manufacturer
• Always wear a helmet and other appropriate safety gear when riding – this may include a face shield, eye protection, sturdy shoes or boots, gloves, and long sleeves

If You Have Been Injured Riding an ATV…

Petrov Law Firm is the San Diego law office here to help when your personal injury case involves riding an ATV in California. Our lawyers are experienced, especially when it comes to dealing with insurance companies to maximize settlements. Give us a call today at 619.344.0360 to get your case started.

Staying Safe While Riding Your Bicycle During the Pandemic

San Diego is currently under stricter health orders due to the pandemic. What does this mean if you are a cyclist? First, here are a few of the regulations you should know:

• Stay home except for essential activities – Work (if your place of employment is still open) and exercise are valid reasons to leave the house. You can even ride your bike for essential errands like grocery shopping.
• Wear a face-covering – If you are going to get within 6 feet of anyone who doesn’t live in your house with you, a mask is required. Even if you are riding in a rural area outside the city, you need to have a mask with you in case you come across another person during your ride. When you leave your bike to go into a public building or store, the mask will be necessary.
• Practice social distancing – As mentioned, try to stay 6 feet away from anyone you don’t live with.

Besides these regulations, there are usual safety requirements and recommendations like wearing a helmet or other protective gear while riding your bike. Watch out for drivers who may not see you, especially if you are only using the minimally legal amount of lighting on your bike.

Bicycle Accident Injury Specialists in San Diego

At Petrov Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys specialize in a number of specific injury situations, including bicycle riding. If you have been in an accident and experienced an injury in the San Diego area, contact us today at 619.344.0360 to learn if you may be eligible for compensation.

Don’t Fall for These Myths Regarding Pedestrian Accidents and Injuries

When a pedestrian is involved in an accident and is injured because of a driver, the injuries may be very serious. Today, we will debunk a few myths regarding pedestrian injuries so that you don’t end up accepting a settlement that is too low.

• Myth 1: The vehicle has to make contact to get compensation. This one isn’t true at all. If you get hurt diving out of the way of a driver, you are not penalized for your quick reflexes. The driver is still on the hook for forcing you to dive and hurt yourself, and the insurance company should know this. Don’t let them cheat you.
• Myth 2: Only high-speed collisions cause serious injury. The driver is in a car, and you are not. The driver may not experience serious injuries at speeds of 5 mph, but you could have broken bones, a concussion, or other injuries. Be sure to get checked by a doctor, even if you can get up and walk away from the incident. Not all injuries are visible immediately.
• Myth 3: You can’t afford an attorney. It’s more like you can’t afford not to have one! A personal injury lawyer is the only one on your side when an accident like this occurs. The insurance company is going to want to pay out as little as possible, or nothing at all if they can get away with it.

Get the Help You Need as an Injured Pedestrian in Southern California

The personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm in San Diego can help you to maximize your settlement. Let us help you get what you deserve from a greedy insurance company. Call 619.344.0360 and start your case now.

Two Essentials for Safe Cycling on San Diego Roadways

Riding your bicycle around the San Diego area is a great way to get some exercise. It can also help you to beat the traffic during your daily commute to work or even on a short trip to the store. However, you need to be careful out there when sharing the road with drivers. People are more distracted than ever before. How can you stay safe? Here are two essential tips to avoid accidents when sharing the road with motor vehicles.

• Make yourself as visible to drivers as possible with bicycle lights – California law does require some reflectors and lighting for all cyclists. However, if you really want to be as safe as possible, you should outfit your bike with a complete accompaniment of lights, including front and rear lighting, as well as turn signals.
• Remember that a car making a right-hand turn can be dangerous – We often think of turning to the right as the safest thing you can do in a car. And that is exactly why it becomes so dangerous for a cyclist. A driver may not be looking for someone on a bike passing in the bicycle lane while they try to make that right-hand turn. Or, they may punch it as soon as the light turns green at a stoplight without looking to see if a bike is next to them and preparing to go straight.

San Diego’s Trusted Bicycle Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured in an accident by a driver in the state of California, you want an experienced attorney on your side. Petrov Law Firm has just the lawyers you need to get the settlement you deserve. Call us today at 619.344.0360.

Tips for Safely Operating Your Bicycle in Southern California

There is more to safe cycling than just paying attention to drivers. Here are some of the things that a cyclist needs to pay attention to in order to protect yourself and others. There are also California state laws, so be sure you don’t end up with a citation.

• Always wear your helmet – For adults, this is strictly for safety, but for those under the age of 18, it’s the law (even if you’re just a passenger).
• Don’t use your cell phone while riding – There are no laws against this like there are when driving a car. However, you can just as easily get into an accident if you are distracted while riding your bike.
• Don’t wear headsets or earbuds – You need to be able to hear what is going on around you. For example, a driver may honk to warn you if you start to drift out of the bike lane. If you want to listen to music, that’s okay. But you can only have one earpiece in legally.
• Watch out for pedestrians – Make sure you always yield the right of way to pedestrians, especially in a crosswalk when it is the law. You also have to be on the lookout for blind pedestrians who may be using a white cane or being led by a canine.
• Don’t block pedestrian walkways when you park

Cyclist and Pedestrian Personal Injury Attorneys in San Diego

At Petrov Law Firm, we have experience representing pedestrians and cyclists when it comes to accidents and injuries. Call 619.344.0360, so we can help you to maximize the settlement you receive from the insurance company.

Don’t Get Tripped Up By These Challenging Driving Conditions

Motor vehicle accidents are shockingly common and occur for many reasons. Driving too fast, being distracted, or getting behind the wheel while sleepy or under the influence can all lead to serious injuries or even loss of life. However, even when you are a safe driver, there are still conditions that can make a car accident more likely. Here are a few times to use extra caution.

• Driving in a construction zone – There is a good reason that speed limits are reduced in a construction zone. Workers are present, there are construction vehicles, there could be debris in the road – you have to be as careful as possible.
• Driving after dark – Switching between high and low beam headlights is an essential part of staying safe after dark. You need maximum visibility without blinding oncoming traffic. Depending on the area you are driving, you may also need to be on the lookout for wildlife, which tends to be more active at night.
• Driving in poor weather conditions – Fog, rain, and other poor weather conditions can make driving more difficult. You have to drive slower when you don’t have as much visibility or when the road conditions make it tougher to stop.

If You Have Been Injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in southern California, you need the assistance of the personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm. Call 619.344.0360 today to get the help you need when dealing with a car insurance company.

Why Are Pedestrian Fatalities on the Rise?

According to a 2019 Report by Smart Growth America, traffic deaths from motor vehicles are down more than 6%, despite the fact that the number of miles traveled is up over 8%. If we are driving more than ever and seeing fewer road fatalities in general, then you may be shocked to learn that the same study reveals a 35.4% increase in pedestrian fatalities between 2008 and 2017.

Why are pedestrian fatalities on the rise? The title of the study, Dangerous By Design, gives away what the researchers believe. The fact is that roads were built and designed with driving in mind, not walking. And many cities across the country have seen few programs developed to help keep pedestrians safe.

Where are the worst offenses? Of the 20 most dangerous cities for pedestrians, nine are in Florida. While there is only one city here in California, our state was the 16^th most dangerous state to walk in, according to the research. From 2008-2017, California saw 7,127 pedestrian fatalities. That is nearly 2 per 100,000 people in the state.

What to Do if You Have Been Injured While Walking

While it is important to be careful when you are walking, the responsibility also lies with drivers to pay attention. If you have been injured in a traffic accident due to a negligent driver, you may be able to receive compensation for medical bills, missed workdays, and more. Call the experienced personal injury attorneys of Petrov Law Firm at 619.344.0360 to learn how we can help you to maximize your settlement in California.

California Motorcycle Safety Continues to Improve

Motorcycle safety is an essential topic across America, and you will be happy to know that the lives of riders in California were a little safer in 2018 than they were in 2017. Let’s look at a couple of statistics that show how California is improving when it comes to motorcycle safety.

• From 2017 to 2018, motorcycle fatalities on California roadways dropped by 15.57%.
• Over the same time period, helmetless deaths dropped by 33%. That shows riders are taking the responsibility to wear the proper safety gear seriously, and this may have contributed to the improvement in the statistics.

Regardless of the reason that the statistics have improved, we are happy that motorcyclists are safer on California roads. However, hundreds are still killed or injured each year, so now is not the time for the state to grow complacent. Drivers need to stay aware and share the road. And if you ride a motorcycle, please ride safely and always wear your helmet.

Personal Injury Attorneys in Southern California

What can you do if you have been injured in an accident while riding your motorcycle? Petrov Law Firm can help. Our attorneys have the experience that you want in your corner when it comes to maximizing your settlement from the insurance company. From medical expenses and missed workdays to compensation for pain and suffering, we can help you to get what you deserve. Give us a call today at 619.344.0360 to learn what our compassionate lawyers can do for you and your family.