accident attorney san diego Tag

3 Ways to Reduce Smartphone Distractions While Behind the Wheel

Smartphones are not the only distraction for drivers, but they are the one that gets the most attention. Perhaps this is because nearly every person has one, and we seem to find it difficult to stop looking at them over and over throughout the day. Have you ever taken your phone out of your pocket to check the time and then put it away a few minutes later and then realized you still don’t know what time it is? Then you understand what we mean.

But when driving, smartphone distractions can become deadly, so here are a few ways to stay focused:

• Use Bluetooth – Making a hands-free call or having your phone read a text over the car stereo system is still distracting, but at least you don’t have to take your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel. If you absolutely need to make calls while driving, this is the best way to do it.
• Use DND mode – Most phones have a do not disturb, focus, or driving mode. Use these settings to limit what your phone will notify you about while driving. Some settings even allow you to reply with an autoresponder that lets the person know you are driving and will check their message when you arrive.
• Turn it off – This is the safest and most effective method of avoiding distraction.

If You Have Been Injured by a Distracted Driver in CA

California is a tort state which means the at-fault driver is on the hook for all damages caused. Petrov Law Firm can help you to get the best settlement from a car insurance company to cover your medical bills and other expenses. Give us a call today at 619.344.0360 to get started.

Who Is Responsible for Damages Due to Road Hazards?

There are many factors that can lead to an accident when no other vehicle is involved but your own. If you are injured in such an accident, you may wonder where to turn for proper compensation. Much has to do with who was at fault. Consider the following scenarios.

• Debris falling off the back of a truck – Let’s say a driver failed to properly secure debris or equipment in the back of his truck. On the road, it flies off the truck and causes you injury. The driver’s insurance would be on the hook for medical bills and other damages since the driver failed to take the proper precautions.
• Construction debris – If the company is privately owned, the contractor’s liability insurance should cover the damages. If the construction was federal, state, or local government-run, then you would need to seek compensation from a public entity. Remember that the statute of limitations is often short when suing the government, so don’t wait to begin the process of seeking compensation.
• The weather causes dangerous road conditions – If you fail to take proper precautions when driving in dangerous conditions, it may be deemed as your fault that the damages occurred. Even in this case, you might be able to seek compensation from your own insurance company.

Getting Help After a Road Hazzard Accident

Of course, these are just some examples, and your case may be different. That is why you should contact a personal injury attorney to get assistance. Petrov Law Firm can help if you were injured in an accident in southern California. Give us a call today at 619.344.0360 to learn more and to maximize your compensation.

Protecting Yourself from Common Cycling Accidents

What are some of the common ways that cyclists are injured in motor vehicle accidents? Let’s consider some of the most dangerous scenarios so you can potentially avoid serious harm.

• When drivers are making a left-hand turn – When a driver turns left, they cross through oncoming traffic. Drivers are often focused on other motor vehicles. Therefore, they may fail to notice a bicycle. This is especially true if you are riding on the sidewalk instead of on the road. Remember that the sidewalk is for pedestrians, and watch out for drivers making left-hand turns in front of you when you cross an intersection.
• When drivers are making a right-hand turn – If a car passes you on the left as you approach an intersection, always be wary of them making a sudden right turn, even if they are not using their signal light. It is also essential to be cautious if you are going straight at a stoplight after waiting for it to turn green. If the car sitting next to you was also waiting and wants to make a right turn, let them go first in case they don’t see you.
• When a car door suddenly opens – This usually happens when you are riding past a row of vehicles that are parked. The driver is probably looking for oncoming cars before they swing the door open but may miss a bicycle. Try to give parked cars a little extra space.

If You Have Been Injured in a Cycling Accident in San Diego

Petrov Law Firm has the experienced personal injury attorneys that you want on your side when trying to get a fair settlement from an insurance company. Contact us today at 619.344.0360 to learn what we can do for you.

4 Tips to Keep You from Getting Sleepy Behind the Wheel

Whether you are taking a summer road trip or you just have a long commute back and forth to work each day, spending a lot of time behind the wheel is never fun. However, if you are tired while driving, it can become downright dangerous. Here are a few tips to ensure you don’t fall into the dangers of being a drowsy driver.

• Avoid getting behind the wheel during your usual bedtime hours – If you consistently sleep the same hours every night (as we should), then your body is trained to sleep at that time. Driving during your sleep hours is dangerous.
• Take a break if you start to feel tired – If you do start to feel tired while driving, find a place to pull over rather than trying to make it.
• Carpool – If you have someone else in the car with you, switch drivers when one of you becomes sleepy.
• Be careful with medications – Especially if you are starting a new prescription and don’t know how it will affect you yet, it is important to be cautious when driving. However, any prescription that comes with a warning about drowsiness can make it dangerous (or perhaps even illegal, depending on the medication and its effect on you) to drive.

When Another Driver Is to Blame for Your Injuries

If you have been in an accident, whether the other driver was drowsy or at fault for some other reason, you deserve compensation for medical bills and other related expenses. Contact Petrov Law Firm today to get the help you need when dealing with an insurance company. Call 619.344.0360 to get your case started.

Don’t Be Duped By Myths Related to Bicycle Accidents

If you have been struck and injured by a car while riding your bike, you may be eligible for compensation from the driver’s insurance. Since California is a tort state, the amount of compensation you are due is related to who was at fault. With that in mind, don’t fall for these myths regarding bicycle accidents.

• Myth: Bicycle accidents are usually the cyclist’s fault – This is not necessarily true. Each accident has its own facts, and many car accidents involving bicycles are related to driver distraction rather than an indiscretion on the part of the cyclist.
• Myth: If you are partially to blame, you get nothing – In California, fault can be apportioned to each driver or cyclist in the accident. A percentage is assigned to determine who should be held accountable. So even if you bear some of the fault for the accident, you should still receive compensation for a percentage of your losses.
• Myth: Bicycles belong on the sidewalk – Not only is this not true, but it is also dangerous to ride on the sidewalk. You would be at fault if you were to injure a pedestrian. When there is no bicycle lane, you should be riding on the street and following normal traffic laws.

San Diego’s Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Petrov Law Firm has the experienced personal injury attorneys to assist you after a bicycle accident injury. Get in touch today by giving us a call at 619.344.0360, and find out how we can help you to maximize your settlement.

4 Dangerous Practices Drivers Need to Avoid

You don’t want to be the one at fault if you are ever in a car accident in California. This is a tort state, meaning that the at-fault driver is on the hook for the damages. Here are some common practices that could cause a judge to view you as the party at blame for the accident.

• Speeding – This is the underlying cause of most accidents, especially ones that are fatal or do a lot of damage. Be sure to obey speed limit laws, and don’t be afraid to drive slower if road conditions are not good.
• Distracted driving – From smartphone use to putting on makeup to dashboard dining, there is no limit to the things that could distract you behind the wheel. A good rule of thumb is that when you are the driver, all you should be doing is driving.
• Tailgating – Be sure to leave a car length between you and the vehicle in front of you for every 10 miles per hour you are driving. Remember that big trucks and motorcycles can’t stop as fast as cars.
• Road rage – No matter what another driver does that upsets you, don’t get aggressive. Not only can this lead to an accident, but it could also cause the other driver to become more aggressive with you.

When You Experience an Injury Due to a Dangerous Driver

Petrov Law Firm is here to help car accident victims in the state of California. Contact our experienced personal injury attorneys today by calling 619.344.0360.

Compensation for 5 Important Losses in a Wrongful Death Suit

If a loved one has died due to the fault or negligence of another person, we are so sorry for your loss. If you have found your way to this article, you realize that the negligent party should compensate your family for losses. Before accepting any settlement, be sure that compensation is included for the following:

• Direct expenses – Burial, funeral, and any medical expenses incurred should be covered by the defendant.
• Loss of support – If the person provided financial support for a household, the family might be losing out on years of future earnings (besides other financial losses).
• Emotional losses – There is the loss of love and companionship as well as the emotional distress that could result if you were a witness to the tragic loss of your loved one.
• Intangible damages – Some damages it is difficult to put a price tag on. For example, your family has lost the moral support of the decedent as well as any future guidance they would have provided. There is also the loss of marital relations for the surviving spouse. Additionally, if the decedent experienced pain and suffering prior to death, this should be compensated for as well.
• Property damages – Besides the wrongful death, any property that was damaged in the accident should also be considered.

Compassionate Attorneys for your Wrongful Death Case in Southern California

If you have lost a loved one in a tragic manner, the experienced attorneys at Petrov Law Firm in San Diego can help. Call 619.344.0360 to get the assistance you need.

5 Tips to Help You Cycle Safely in California

Do you love to ride your bicycle in the beautiful southern California weather? It is essential to know how to share the road with drivers in order to protect yourself. Here are some tips for safe cycling based on existing state laws in California.

1. Stay to the right – Unless you are making a left-hand turn, are traveling at the same speed as traffic, or are passing another cyclist, you should stay as far to the right side of the road as possible.
2. Use the bike lane – You should always signal, by hand or with lights if you have them, when leaving the bike lane.
3. Wear your helmet – It’s the law if you are under 18, but it is a necessary safety precaution for everyone.
4. Stop for pedestrians – This is especially true when it comes to crosswalks. Remember that bicycles basically have to follow the same traffic laws as anyone driving a car.
5. Use sufficient lighting – This is especially true at night. Know the state requirements, but don’t be afraid to go above and beyond. The more visible you are to drivers, the better.

Getting Help if You Have Been Injured in a Cycling Accident

If you have been injured by a driver in southern California, the personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm can help. We are experienced at helping cyclists to receive the settlement they deserve from an insurance company following an accident that leads to injury. Call us today at 619.344.0360 to get your case started right away.

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.

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.