auto accident Tag

Driving Drunk Can Lead to a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Driving drunk can lead to financial loss and even jail time. One Newport Beach woman became the defendant of both a civil lawsuit and five felonies after driving under the influence led to three children being orphaned. A couple in their late 20s were killed in the accident, though their three children (ranging from ages one to five) survived in the backseat.

When terrible tragedies like this occur, who files the wrongful death suit on behalf of the children? While this particular lawsuit did not disclose that information, it is often another close relative or newly appointed guardian of the orphaned children.

In a wrongful death lawsuit, the settlement encompasses far more than just medical bills, funeral costs, or damages to property. There are also the emotional damages suffered by the children who now must be raised by a legal guardian instead of their parents. Plus, those children have lost out on years of support from working parents. All of this must be considered when settling the wrongful death suit. Or it will be determined in the courtroom if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached.

If you have experienced such a tragedy in the San Diego area, where can your family turn to for compassionate help?

Experienced Wrongful Death Attorneys in Southern California

Petrov Law Firm has experienced wrongful death attorneys to help your family get what you deserve. Give us a call today at 619.344.0360 to get your case started. We can’t bring back your loved ones, but we can help you to maximize your compensation during these desperate times.

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.

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.

California Driving Laws Combating Fatal Accidents

California was ranked among the top 6 states for traffic safety laws according to a recent study performed by the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. What laws are in place that protect California residents? Are there any laws that could be added to increase safety further? How many fatalities occur on California roads despite these laws? Read on to learn the answers.

California State Laws that Protect Drivers

California lawmakers have adopted numerous laws to show that safety is important in the state. For example, seat belts are required for all drivers and passengers, including those in the back seat of the vehicle. Motorcycle riders are required to wear helmets. Infants and toddlers must be in a rear-facing seat at least through age 2, and there is a booster seat law in place. Other important laws include a ban on open alcoholic containers in the vehicle as well as a ban on texting and driving.

Other Laws Suggested in the Report

Of course, there are still states that have stricter laws when it comes to certain habits, and the report listed some that could be of benefit in California. For example, while texting and driving is banned, many states have a law against all hand-held devices. This would further reduce distractions for drivers. California also does not yet require ignition locks for all offenders of impaired driving laws.

If You Have Been Injured on California Roads

While no system of driving laws is perfect, one of the most highly trafficked states has been able to keep the 10-year fatality statistic at 31,750. Of course, many more are injured in accidents. It is estimated that accidents cost the state nearly $20 billion per year. If you have been injured in an automotive accident, seek the compensation you are owed by calling 619-344-0360. The personal injury lawyers at Petrov Law Firm will be happy to assist you.

5 Things That Distract Drivers

Distracted driving results in many accidents, injuries, and even deaths on California roads each year. We’re going to look at 5 common things that distract drivers. Then we will provide information on what you should do if you have been injured in an accident with a distracted driver.

1. Smartphones – Oh sure, there is a law that you can’t text and drive. But that doesn’t stop some drivers from being distracted by cell phone use. As of yet, there is no completely hands-free legislation in California.
2. Music – Whether a driver has an old-school CD player or is scrolling on a mobile device to select a song, playing music in the car can be distracting to a driver. It is preferable to get your music playing before you get on the road. If you have passengers, let one of them DJ for you.
3. Food and Drink – Dashboard dining can be a major distraction, especially if you are eating something messy. Taking your eyes off the road or hands of the wheel for just a second can be all it takes for an accident to occur.
4. Reading – Texting and driving may be the most modern form of reading and driving, but it is not the only way reading distracts drivers. Whether it is a newspaper, magazine, or book reading and driving is never a good idea. Get an audiobook
5. Videos – More and more vehicles have a video entertainment system. That’s fine for kids in the backseat. Just keep the video out of the view of the driver so he or she is not tempted to watch along.

If You Have Been Injured by a Distracted Driver

The personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm are here to help if you have been the victim of a distracted driver. To learn more, contact us today at 619-344-0360. Before you sign any settlement from an insurance company, it is important to seek legal advice so you get the full compensation you deserve!

The Shocking Cost of Fatal Crashes in California

The CDC used 2013 figures to illustrate just how much fatal car accidents cost California residents every year. We’re not talking about the emotional toll that these deaths take on families. These numbers strictly represent the financial toll. The figures may prove shocking to you.

• $38 Million – This represents the medical costs left behind by patients who died in car accidents in the state of California in 2013 alone.
• $4.44 Billion – This staggering number is the amount of work loss costs incurred by these accidental deaths. Take, for example, the husband, father, and businessman who doesn’t make it home from work one evening. His family has lost perhaps decades of his income.

Of course, there is no way to calculate the impact of such tragedies in mere numbers. That’s why wrongful death plaintiffs often receive more than just medical compensation and compensation for loss of future income. Pain and suffering, as well as emotional losses, also need to be considered, and that can lead to settlements that provide well for a family during the long time of emotional healing that needs to take place following such a catastrophe.

Compassionate Lawyers for Your Wrongful Death Case in California

Petrov Law Firm has the compassionate lawyers that you want on your side during a wrongful death suit. Please remember though that time is of the essence when you have a case like this. As a result, we encourage you not to delay in calling our San Diego office at 619-344-0360.

5 Forms of Reckless Driving that Cause Car Accidents

When a car accident occurs, the priority is to care for the injured. Then it is time to assign blame. This can determine if someone gets ticketed, whose insurance is responsible for the bill, and even if a lawsuit will occur. Here are five reckless things that people do behind the wheel that lead to accidents.

1. Alcohol – Don’t drink and drive is a slogan even children know by heart, but that doesn’t stop people from getting behind the wheel after they’ve had a few.
2. Speeding – This is what is behind just about every accident on the road. Even if there are also other factors like poor road conditions or being distracted, many accidents could still be avoided if people just obeyed the speed limit.
3. Smartphones – Texting while driving is illegal in almost every state (get with the program Arizona, Missouri, and Montana), but really any smartphone use is going to distract a driver. In California, any handheld use of a smartphone is banned while driving.
4. Distractions – Besides just smartphones, there are a lot of other things people do while driving that distracts them. Everything from eating and drinking to smoking and applying makeup can lead to a motor vehicle accident.
5. Red Lights – Red means stop. It doesn’t get any clearer. Whether a person is distracted, driving too fast, or trying to “squeeze the lemon” on a yellow light that is long gone, running a red light can turn into a serious accident in a hurry.

If You Have Been Injured in a Car Accident in California

If you have been injured in a car accident in California, the personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm can help you to receive the proper compensation for your losses. Before you sign anything from an insurance company accepting a settlement, give us a call at 619-344-0360. We can help you to maximize your settlement and avoid being cheated by a lowball insurance settlement.

3 of the Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in California

When a person is injured, a question often arises as to who is responsible for medical bills and other losses that may be suffered. We’re going to take a closer look at three of the most common types of personal injury cases in the state of California.

#1 Vehicular Accidents

Injuries in auto accidents are very common. Whether the person who is injured is a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, it calls into question who is at fault and which insurance company is responsible for the damages.

#2 Dog Bites

Dog bites are extremely common injuries, and sadly, many of the victims are children. It is important always to monitor children playing with pets, especially dogs. However, if an injury occurs, it may call into question whether the dog’s owner is responsible.

#3 Slip and Fall Accidents

From tripping over a break in the sidewalk to slipping on a wet floor, there are all sorts of ways that people end up in trip and fall accidents. Is the injury the fault of the property owner? There are a number of considerations that come into play to determine whether there is any fault or negligence.

San Diego’s Personal Injury Attorneys

If you have been injured in the state of California in one of these common types of occurrences, then we encourage you to talk to our attorneys at Petrov Law Firm. By calling 619-344-0360, you get the legal help you need along with the compassion you deserve. Find out why our clients are confident we are interested not just in cases but in people.

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!

3 Common Accident Causes – How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury in the state of California. We’re going to take a closer look at three of the most common causes of car accidents so that you have the best chance of protecting yourself and your loved ones.

1. Alcohol – Drunk driving is not only related to accidents involving injuries, but it is particularly associated with auto accident fatalities. The smart move is to call a taxi, Uber, or just let a friend be a designated driver, especially around the holidays when the frequency of drunk driving accidents spikes.
2. Speeding – Nearly all auto accidents go back to speeding. Whether the driver is distracted, drunk, or running a stop sign, the collision still usually has to do with speed. Always drive the speed limit, and give other drivers who are willing to break the law a wider berth when they try to pass.
3. Hazardous weather conditions – From low visibility due to fog to rain and slippery wet roads, there are all sorts of weather conditions that make it more dangerous to be on the road. If you have to be out in the bad weather, be sure to use proper defensive driving techniques, and leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front of you.

If You Have Been Injured in an Auto Accident in California

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in an auto accident in the state of California, the personal injurie attorneys at Petrov Law Firm can help you to receive a proper settlement rather than the ridiculous first offer that most insurance companies make. To learn more, call our San Diego office today at 619-344-0360.