Safety Tips

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.

California Pedestrian and Bicycle Fatalities in 2018

California has released traffic safety statistics for 2018 on the government website. These stats give us an insight into how safe (or unsafe) the roads are across the state. A couple of statistics stand out that are not strictly directed at drivers.

• Pedestrian fatalities actually decreased by 5% between 2017 and 2018.
• Bicycle fatalities went up by 6.89% during the same time period.

Whether pedestrians are using safer practices or drivers are being more conscious of sharing the road with those who are walking, it is good to see some improvement in the statistics. Unfortunately, those benefits are offset by the decline in safety for cyclists. Are cyclists failing to use proper precautions? Are distracted drivers just not seeing cyclists? It is important for bicycle riders and drivers alike to be educated about this trend.

For both walkers and bikers, visibility is crucial to safety—the more lights you have on your bicycle, the better. And reflective clothing at night is always a plus whether you are on a bike or going on foot. Don’t forget to wear the proper safety gear if you are riding your bicycle.

Help for Families Affected By Accidents in Southern California

From personal injury cases to wrongful death suits, Petrov Law Firm can help you to get the compensation you need if you or a loved one have been injured while walking or riding your bike in southern California. Get in touch with our experienced attorneys today by calling 619.344.0360.

Basic Tips for Safer ATV Riding

Riding an ATV can be a fun way to spend an afternoon with family or friends. However, you don’t want your good times to be spoiled by an accident or injury. Unfortunately, ATVs become dangerous very quickly when someone treats it like a toy instead of a powerful vehicle. It is no wonder that between 2009 and 2018, it is estimated that at least 81,000 people per year were treated for injuries in the ER related to ATV accidents. In fact, in 2009, that number was over 130,000!

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your ATV without adding to these shocking statistics.

• Always wear the proper safety gear – The proper helmet, boots, and gloves can reduce the risk of accident or injury.
• Don’t drink and ride – You wouldn’t get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, so don’t do this with an ATV either.
• Stay off the road – ATVs are not designed for street driving. Keep them off-road where they belong.
• Don’t overload the vehicle – If it is a single passenger ATV, never have a second person ride with you. Some ATVs are designed for two passengers. However, even in this case, no one under the age of 12 should ever be on an ATV, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Getting Help with Your ATV Injury Claim

Despite your best efforts to remain safe, accidents happen. If you have been injured while riding an ATV, you may be able to receive compensation from the insurance company. Contact Petrov Law Firm today by calling 619.344.0360 to learn how we can help you to get the settlement you deserve.

Tractor-Trailer Accidents Can Lead to Serious Injury or Death

When a massive 18-wheeler gets into an accident with a much smaller motor vehicle, it never goes well for the other driver. Fortunately, there are governing organizations such as FMCSA that produce guidelines to help tractor-trailer drivers perform their duties as safely as possible. On the other hand, COVID-19 has placed a strain on the transport industry, with many deliveries falling behind schedule and many products being in short supply.

Therefore, the FMCSA has produced a waiver in response to the national health emergency. This allows drivers to take some liberties with the rules if they are transporting essential supplies. Unfortunately, that could lead to some potential dangers. The pros and cons of such an action have been weighed, and it was deemed necessary to make these temporary adjustments (which currently expire on September 30, 2020).

It is impossible to stop all truck accidents, no matter what rules are in place or how they are enforced. Thus, some drivers will need to take advantage of the compensation provided through insurance companies when accidents lead to injuries and other forms of loss. That is when you need the help of an experienced personal injury attorney from your state.

Personal Injury Attorneys in Southern California

The personal injury lawyers at Petrov Law Firm in San Diego are here to help if you have experienced an accident with a truck driver. Call 619.344.0360 today to get your case started, and let us help you to maximize your settlement.

Take Precautions to Avoid the Dangers of Driving While Sleepy

Over the past seven years, the number of drivers who are killed by drowsy driving has increased nearly ten times, according to the CDC. As much as 3% of all accidents may be related to a sleepy driver. It equates to tens of thousands of injuries on an annual basis. Why is it so dangerous to get or stay behind the wheel when your body needs sleep? Here are three reasons:

• Reaction Time – Being tired reduces how fast you can react to sudden changes in circumstances, a need that often arises when driving. In fact, being drowsey affects reaction time in a similar way to being under the influence of alcohol.
• Attention Span – Sleepiness affects attention span, and that is something that enough of us already have trouble with while driving. From talking with passengers to eating to smoking to checking a smartphone to putting on makeup, there are so many things that could potentially distract someone while driving a car (some less legal than others). You don’t need to shorten your attention span further by also being tired.
• Decision Making Ability – You can’t make good decisions when your body needs sleep. Sleeping is how the brain recovers. Since driving requires good decision making, being tired behind the wheel is extremely dangerous.

Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys in San Diego

If you have been injured by a drowsy driver or anyone else who is at fault, then you need to get the right help so that you can receive compensation from the person’s insurance company. Before you sign anything, call the professionals at Petrov Law Firm. We can help you get what you really deserve from an insurance settlement. Dial 619.344.0360 to get started today.

Tips for Safely Riding Your Bicycle in the San Diego Area

Bicycle accidents can turn deadly fast when a motor vehicle is involved. At the very least, a serious injury that requires medical attention is likely. Therefore, you want to do what you can to protect yourself. Here are a few tips that will prove beneficial for accident avoidance. Then we will let you know what to do if you have already been injured in an accident.

• Ride defensively – Your best weapon for defense is knowing where you are and realizing that drivers won’t always have that same information. While it is true that a driver should be aware of their surroundings, there are more distractions than ever before. Basically, you always have to assume that a driver doesn’t see you and ride accordingly.
• Wear reflective clothing – It also helps to have something reflective on your bike (especially since it is California law). This will serve as extra protection at night.
• Use bicycle lighting – Again, California has some legislation in this regard, but you may even want to go beyond what the law requires. Adding signal lights to go along with your hand signals may help drivers notice you.

And don’t forget to take your mask with you, while we are still dealing with this pandemic.

San Diego Attorneys to Help Accident Victims

The personal injury lawyers at Petrov Law Firm are here to help if you have built up medical bills due to an accident. Call 619.344.0360 to speak with a compassionate attorney, and get your settlement started today.

Three Driving Habits to Avoid to Keep Your Family Safe

You may not be able to control the behavior of other drivers, but there are certain things you can avoid to keep your family safe on the road. Here are three important things to remember.

1. Never drink and drive – This one should go without saying, and yet, every year, there are road deaths related to alcohol consumption. Have a designated driver or avoid alcohol when you know you will be driving home.
2. Don’t speed – Speeding is responsible for more deaths than any other bad behavior behind the wheel. When there is a fatal accident, someone was almost always driving too fast. Remember that when road conditions are dangerous, even the speed limit may not be safe.
3. Don’t drive distracted – Having your family in the car can be distracting enough. You don’t have to add bad habits like smoking, putting on makeup, or checking your phone while driving into the mix. Plus, you want to set a good example for your kids who will be drivers themselves someday.

Of course, you may experience an accident if someone else on the road falls into one of these dangerous driving activities. What can you do if you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident?

Finding the Right Personal Injury Attorney in Southern California

Petrov Law Firm in San Diego is here to help when you need us. To speak with a personal injury attorney so you can start your claim, call 619.344.0360 today.

Stay Safe While Riding Your Bicycle in Southern California

Riding your bike can be a great way to get exercise or even to beat traffic on your way to work. However, if you are riding your bike around southern California, there are a couple of things that you will want to do to improve your chances at avoiding an injury, especially when so many drivers are distracted and fail to pay attention to other drivers, let alone cyclists. Besides wearing a helmet and other protective gear, here are two more things to consider.

• Be especially careful of cars making right-hand turns – When a driver is turning right, they usually have the right of way. However, it also means crossing a bike lane in many cases. Some drivers fail to check for cyclists before turning. This can be particularly true when waiting at a red light. If you both start to go when the light changes, that would be especially dangerous.
• Proper lighting makes you visible – California law requires certain lights or reflectors on all bikes in the state. However, you can increase your visibility to drivers and improve your safety by going beyond what the law requires. Front and rear lights in the daytime and at night, along with signal lights, can help you alert drivers to your presence.

Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Southern California

If you have been injured in an accident with a motor vehicle while riding your bike, call 619.344.0360 to get in touch with the personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm. We help California residents get the settlements they deserve.

Situations that Make Driving More Dangerous

The dangers of traffic accidents make driving a risky, albeit necessary, activity. What are some road conditions that increase the risk of injury, and how can you navigate these circumstances safely? Here are a few tips.

• Bad weather – Rain can make the road slippery, and fog can reduce visibility. When you are driving in inclement weather, be sure to drive slower than usual. Use the correct setting for your car’s headlights. Also, while you should never tailgate, you need to leave extra room between you and the driver ahead if the weather is bad.
• Construction zones – You need to stay alert to protect the lives of workers in construction areas. That includes following all posted signs that may indicate reduced speeds or restricted lane usage. You also need to be careful when it comes to the potential for tire damage.
• Night driving – Darkness reduces visibility. Headlights can light your way, but you need to be sure to switch to the low beams when traffic is coming toward you. Remember that it will be more difficult to see hazards in the road and drive accordingly.

Personal Injury Attorneys in San Diego

If you have experienced an injury in a car accident, you need the assistance of experienced personal injury attorneys. Call Petrov Law Firm today at 619.344.0360 to speak with experienced lawyers in the San Diego area. We can help you get the compensation that you deserve to receive from tightfisted insurance companies. Get your settlement started today!

California Driving Laws Regarding Cell Phone Use

If you live in the state of California, there are laws in place to protect you from distracted drivers. Of course, to get the full benefits of that protection, you need to obey the laws yourself. Here are a few things you should know so that you are never distracted by your phone while in the car.

• Don’t hold your phone while driving. A hands-free law is in effect for drivers who are over the age of 18.
• Never text and drive. It is extremely distracting and illegal. It is not just the typing and sending that is restricted. You should never read a text while driving either. Some phones give you an option to have an automated response while driving so people know not to expect a return message until you arrive at your destination.
• If you are under 18, you are still learning to drive. Therefore, all cell phone use is illegal while driving, even hands-free use. This will allow you to get used to being on the road without any distraction at all.

San Diego Car Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured in a car accident in the San Diego area, especially if the other driver was distracted, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm can help. When an injury occurs in a car accident in the state of California, assigning fault plays a key role in maximizing compensation. To learn more, give us a call today at 619-344-0360 to schedule a consultation.