Comparative Fault in California

• September 29, 2017
• Categories: Vehicle Accidents

Picture a gray SUV traveling down Interstate 5 on a sunny afternoon in heavy traffic. The driver of the vehicle is texting a friend and doesn’t notice a traffic barrel in the middle of his lane. When he looks up, he brakes suddenly, causing the vehicle behind him - a black minivan - to crash into the back of his vehicle. The driver of the minivan is also distracted...

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Cell Phone Use While Driving is Endangering Today’s Youth

• July 5, 2017
• Categories: Vehicle Accidents

...And Everyone Else on the Road

If you are age 18 to 34, you are probably reading this on your smartphone. Who can blame you? Web browsers on today’s phones are every bit as powerful as the ones on full-size desktop computers. Perhaps you are doing other things on your phone right now too – messaging friends or listening to music, for ...

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Pedestrian Deaths Spiked in 2016, Distraction Cited as a Cause

• May 16, 2017
• Categories: Personal Injury

Southern California is infamous for traffic jams and congested roadways. Apparently, there is a perception that those of us who live here choose to spend most of our time behind the wheel of a car. Nothing could be further from the truth, of course. Look around the streets of any Orange County community and you are sure to see people jogging, walking their dogs, or just taking a stroll. Pedestrian travel is extremely popular here. With plenty of ...

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California Bans All Handheld Cell Phone Use While Driving

• February 21, 2017
• Categories: Vehicle Accidents

Handheld talking or texting has long been illegal, but the prior law failed to address holding a phone for other reasons, like browsing a playlist or using a navigation app. That loophole is now closed. With the safety of so many motorists at stake, it is worth examining why the new law was necessary, how it...

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Have Smart Phones Created Stupid Drivers?

• January 30, 2017
• Categories: Vehicle Accidents

A lot happened in 1994. Right here in Southern California, we witnessed O.J. Simpson’s white Bronco chase, the bankruptcy of Orange County, and a 6.7-magnitude earthquake that rocked San Fernando Valley. The impact of these and other important events that year have generally faded with time. One event, however, continues to be relevant because it marked a shift in consumer technology use that still affects our lives today. The year 1994 is when...

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How to Combat Distracted Driving

• December 7, 2016
• Categories: Vehicle Accidents

Operating an automobile is a divided-attention activity by its very nature. Drivers must be aware of the vehicle’s speed, position on the roadway, and proximity to other vehicles. They must watch for all sorts of road hazards, while trying to navigate the mo...

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The Problem with Hands-free Devices

• November 8, 2016
• Categories: Vehicle Accidents

Are you one of those “responsible” drivers who has purchased one of the many cell phone holders that can be mounted near the steering column of your vehicle? Alternatively, does your vehicle have one of those cute display screens and a Bluetooth® application that lets you check out the best route to avoid California traffic while talking on your cellphone? “Look Mom, no hands!” Think you’re practicing safe driving habits? Think agai...

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