Safety Tips

California Drivers Need to Know These Smartphone Restrictions

California may not have the toughest smartphone laws for drivers, but there are definitely a few things you should know before you get on the road with a mobile device. Here are some tips for avoiding a traffic violation (and for general safety since these laws are in place to keep drivers from being distracted).

• For drivers under the age of 18, be sure to tuck your phone away and leave it there until you arrive at your destination. 18-year-olds are not even allowed to make hands-free calls while driving in California.
• For drivers over the age of 18, hands-free calls are okay. However, you still need to avoid sending or even reading texts while driving.
• For drivers over the age of 18, you are allowed to pick up your phone to make a call. Just be sure you have a headset, use the speakerphone option, or have the phone connected to your car via Bluetooth. The only thing you are allowed to hold your phone for is dialing.
• California’s smartphone laws only apply to drivers on public roadways. If you are in your own driveway or a private lot, you are allowed to use a phone. Just be cautious because if you hit another car in a private lot while talking on your phone. It may not be illegal, but it can still make the accident your fault for being distracted.

Car Accident Attorneys in San Diego, CA

If you have been injured by a distracted driver in California, you may be due additional compensation for medical bills, missed time from work, and other damages. To learn more, speak with the experienced personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm by calling 619-344-0260.

Avoid These Common Driving Distractions

Distracted drivers cause accidents that can lead to serious injury or even fatalities. How can you protect yourself and your passengers? While you can’t control other drivers, you can do your best to ensure that you are not distracted while operating your vehicle. Here are some common distractions to avoid.

• Phone – Whether a person is using a phone legally or illegally, it is still a distraction. The best thing to do is let a passenger hold your phone during the drive. If you are alone, any calls or texts can wait. If you are expecting an important call, be prepared to pull over.
• Dashboard dining – Eating at the wheel can be a big distraction, especially if it is something like a big messy burger, which is what most people stop for when on the road. Try to eat before you leave for a drive and plan time to stop and get out during long trips. It will be good to stretch your legs anyway, and it’s safer than eating and driving.
• Media – From books, magazines, and newspapers to music and video content, we are inundated with media on a daily basis. Music isn’t a bad form of media for a drive as long as you are not distracted playing with the radio dials. Reading and watching videos should wait until you arrive at your destination.

Car Accident Injury Attorneys in San Diego

If you have been injured by a distracted driver, you need the help of our California personal injury attorneys. Call Petrov Law Firm today at 619-344-0360 to learn how we can help to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.

What You Should Know if Road Debris Causes an Accident

California is an at-fault state. That means the insurance of the driver who is at fault in the accident is on the hook for things like repairs and medical bills. But what if it really wasn’t either driver’s fault. For example, what if road debris was the primary cause of the accident? Here are some things you should know.

Examples of Road Debris

What are some hazards that you may encounter along the roadway? Here are a few examples:

• Traffic signs or cones that were left behind when road work was completed
• Potholes that have not been fixed
• Items that may have been dropped from the back of a work vehicle or moving truck and left behind

Who Is at Fault?

A few factors come into play. First of all, who was responsible for the road where the debris was located? Was it an Interstate or another roadway under federal jurisdiction? Was it a state road? Or was a road that is cared for by the local government such as a city?

Second, you need to determine if there was negligence. Was it a failure on the part of the government to clear the debris, or did it just occur right in front of you? You also need to be able to show that the debris is what caused the accident and any damages that resulted.

Personal Injury Lawyers in San Diego, CA

If you have been injured in an accident in southern California, the personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm can help. Contact us today at 619-344-0360 to get started on your case.

4 Tips for Safety as a Runner

If you love to run, you probably recognize the need to exercise caution in certain circumstances. Road conditions, vehicles that may be sharing the road, and neighborhood dogs can all be concerns depending on where you choose to get your exercise in. Today, we’re going to look at 4 safety tips for runners if you tend to encounter dogs on your route.

1. Stay alert – Most dog attacks can be avoided simply by keeping out of the animal’s way. Don’t stray into a private yard or run too close to someone who is struggling to control a dog.
2. Change your route – If a neighborhood dog seems dangerous, you may want to consider mapping out a route that doesn’t go near his family home.
3. Keep your distance – If you can safely cross the street or in some other way avoid a dog that has gotten lose, putting the most distance between the two of you is always a good idea.
4. Know the signs – Are the dog’s hackles up? Is it growling? Is it trying to challenge you by locking stares? While you may sometimes encounter a friendly dog on your daily run, don’t engage a dog that is clearly looking for a fight.

If You Have Suffered a Dog Bite in Southern California

If you have suffered a dog bite in California while running or performing any other activity, you may be due compensation for medical bills or other losses you might have suffered. To learn more, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm in San Diego by calling 619-344-0360.

California Laws Regarding the Use of Cell Phones While Driving

While California doesn’t have the toughest laws on distracted driving, there are a number of regulations in relation to cell phone use that you should be aware of if you are a driver. Here are some of the main things you need to know in order to drive safely and avoid a violation.

• If you’re under 18, you shouldn’t be touching or using your cell phone while driving. Even hands-free calls are off-limits for teens with limited driving experience.
• If you’re 18 or older, you still can’t text, but you can make hands-free phone calls.
• If you’re 18 or older, you can actually pick up your phone for a couple of seconds while driving, but only for the sake of dialing a number. Then you have to take the call on a headset or speakerphone.
• Cell phone laws only apply on public roads. If you are in your own driveway, on a private road, or driving through a field somewhere, you can use your phone as much as you want.
• If an emergency arises, you can call the emergency services, police, fire, etc. without having to make a handsfree call.
• Authorized drivers of emergency service vehicles don’t have the same cell phone restrictions as other drivers. Everyone should be giving these vehicles the right of way anyway, so the distraction should add minimal danger.

If You Have Been Injured in an Auto Accident in California

If you have suffered an injury while driving and need a personal injury attorney in Southern California, Petrov Law Firm is here to help. Just call 619-344-0360 today to get our experienced attorneys to help with your settlement.

Top 5 Industries for Work Injury Claims

Some jobs are just more dangerous than others. However, you may be surprised to find out which career fields see the most claims. We’re going to take a look at five jobs that may not seem that dangerous at first glance but that result in a high percentage of claims according to California’s Department of Labor.

1. Animal workers – Animals can be unpredictable. So whether your job is to feed, raise, or slaughter animals, you’re in one of the riskiest businesses in California.
2. Messengers – Between UPS, FedEx, and the US postal office, there isn’t a huge private courier service population. But if you are the rare independent messenger, be careful. Injury rates are over 6%.
3. Woodworking – If you work in manufacturing and deal with wood product assembly, you’re actually in the most dangerous manufacturing field.
4. Air transport – Passengers may be far safer in the air than on land, but pilots, aircraft mechanics, and workers who transfer freight are all at high risk.
5. Nursing and home care – This is the number one most dangerous job in California based on the sheer rate of injuries. And if you thought you were in danger working in the private sector, government employees face nearly double the risk of any other career in the state.

Personal Injury Lawyers in Southern California

If you have suffered a personal injury in or near the San Diego area, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm are here to help. Just call 619-344-0360 to get started on your case today.

Drowsy Driving – 3 Reasons to Be Awake at the Wheel

Driving while drowsy is a common issue in the United States, especially when it comes to truckers. If you have ever fallen asleep at the wheel or felt like you may do so, here are some statistics that should convince you to take a nap before getting on the road.

Did you know that more than 1 million accidents that occur on US roads each year are directly related to falling asleep at the wheel? Then you have to add to that figure the number of accidents that are related to being drowsy which causes a person no longer to be alert. This can decrease response times in emergency driving situations and lead to an accident occurring when a person would normally have been able to stop, swerve, or perform other evasive maneuvers.

According to the CDC driving drowsy can result in the following three issues for drivers:

• Decreases the ability to make good decisions (i.e., “Should I pull out in front of that car?”)
• Decreases reaction times
• Inhibits ability to pay attention (as if drivers didn’t already have enough distractions)

Hopefully, this is enough to convince you to pull over and take a nap, but what about other drivers on the road?

If You Have Been Injured by a Drowsy Driver in California

If you have been injured in a car accident due to a driver being drowsy or even falling asleep at the wheel, contact Petrov Law Firm right away at 619-344-0360. Our personal injury lawyers specialize in car and truck accidents, and we can help you to receive the compensation you deserve.

Top 10 Tips for Pedestrian Safety

Getting some exercise and walking around sunny Southern California is a great way to stay healthy, run errands, and even get to work in the morning. However, there are dangers associated with going for a walk around your neighborhood or in San Diego. Whether it is dangers from unsafe or distracted drivers or just from potential hazards on the sidewalk, here are 10 ways to protect yourself.

1. Wear bright colors so that you are easily visible to drivers.
2. If you walk at night, be sure to wear something reflective, even if it just on your shoes.
3. Look both ways before crossing an intersection, even though you have the crossing light.
4. Don’t assume a driver sees you. Always try to make eye contact.
5. Don’t walk with headphones in. Your ears can help keep you safe as much as your eyes can.
6. Always cross at designated areas and stay in the crosswalk.
7. Cross with a group if you can. This will increase visibility to drivers.
8. Walk on the sidewalk if there is one. If not, always walk against traffic so you can see what is coming toward you.
9. Avoid using mobile devices while walking. Such a distraction could cause you to step in front of a car or trip on a hazard on the sidewalk.
10. Don’t drink and walk. If you had one too many, call a cab.

Personal Injury Lawyers for Southern California Pedestrians

If you have been injured in an accident as a pedestrian, contact the personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm. We can help you to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and other compensation that you are due for your losses. Call us today at 619-344-0360 to get started.

4 Ways to Stay Safe on Your Bicycle

When a bicycle and a car are involved in an accident, it is almost always bad for the person on the bicycle. The CDC estimated that in 2013 fatal crashes involving bicyclists cost $222 million in medical costs and loss of wages. How can you protect yourself if you ride a bike regularly? Here are four things to keep in mind:

• Let cars go first – It is just not worth it to go up against a car just because you are in the right and the driver of the vehicle is in the wrong.
• Stay alert – Remember that cars won’t always see you, so you need to be on the lookout for them.
• Use hand signals – When turning, always let drivers know ahead of time by using the proper hand signals. Also, don’t assume all drivers will know what the hand signals mean.
• Wear reflective clothes – This is especially vital if you are going to be riding after dark. The more visible you are to drivers the better.

If You or a Loved One Has Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident in California

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in California, do not hesitate to call the personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm. Officers are often too quick to label an accident the cyclist’s fault at the scene, and ever-changing laws may allow you to seek compensation from the driver’s insurance company. To learn more, give our San Diego law office a call at 619-344-0360.

Be Extra Careful While Driving in These 5 Road Conditions

In order to avoid being injured in an accident, the best thing you can do is to drive yourself safely. While the law may not always require you to change how you drive to accommodate road conditions, there are certain circumstances that increase the risk of an accident. Here are five types of road conditions to watch out for.

1. Rain – Everyone knows that snow or ice can make roadways slick, but many seem to ignore wet roads. Any moisture on the road requires slower speeds and more room between you and the vehicle ahead of you.
2. Darkness – Night driving, in particular, can be dangerous. Be sure to have your lights on from dusk onward. Watch for obstacles on the road, and be courteous to other drivers by shutting your high beams for oncoming traffic.
3. Potholes – A pothole can damage a tire and result in a sudden blowout. Try to avoid potholes if at all possible. If you can’t, take the pothole as straight on as you can and slow down a much as you safely can. If your tire pressure light comes on after hitting a pothole or if you feel a wobble in the wheel, pull over immediately to assess the damage.
4. Construction Areas – Construction workers are often killed by drivers who fail to use additional caution in work areas. Driving safe in construction areas is a matter of life and death for yourself and the workers.
5. Animal Crossings – If you are driving through an area where animals are known to cross, use extra caution. Animals often have trouble judging the speed of cars and may try to run across the road at the last moment.

If You Have Been Injured in a Car Accident in California

The personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm can help you to receive due compensation from the insurance company should you find yourself injured in an accident.  Even if you have been offered a settlement, don’t sign anything before you call 619-344-0360. We’re here to help!