Accidents

Published on: June 27, 2024

The Top Five Bicycle Accident Scenarios and How to Avoid Them

Bicycling is an increasingly popular mode of transportation and recreation, offering numerous health and environmental benefits. However, it also comes with its own set of risks, particularly when sharing the road with motor vehicles. Understanding common bicycle accident scenarios and how to avoid them is crucial for ensuring safety. Here, we outline the top five bicycle accident scenarios and provide practical tips on how to prevent them.

1. The Right Hook

Scenario: A “right hook” occurs when a vehicle passes a cyclist on the left and then makes a right turn, cutting off the cyclist’s path. This can happen at intersections or driveways and often results in the cyclist crashing into the turning vehicle or being forced off the road.

Published on: May 7, 2024

Los Angeles Has High Incidence of Pedestrian Accidents Including Fatalities

by Steven M. Sweat

What Pedestrians Injured in Los Angeles Accidents Need to Know

Los Angeles is infamous for its heavy traffic and fast-paced lifestyle. Unfortunately, these characteristics also contribute to a higher incidence of pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Los Angeles, it’s crucial to understand the statistics, your rights, and the resources available to help you navigate this challenging time.

The Stark Reality: Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Los Angeles

Published on: March 15, 2024

Waymo Robotaxis in Los Angeles – What Happens if They Crash?

by Steven M. Sweat

Los Angeles residents might have seen driverless cars being tested on the city’s streets over the past two years. These vehicles will likely become more common in LA because Waymo, the subsidiary of Google that provides driverless vehicles, has been approved by the California Public Utilities Commission to expand the company’s robotaxi services into Los Angeles. While driverless robotaxis will be allowed to transport passengers in LA soon, this development will likely lead to additional headaches when these vehicles crash and cause injuries.

Waymo Robotaxi Expansion Approved

According to the Los Angeles Times, Waymo, which is owned by Google’s parent company, Alphabet, Inc., was approved by regulators at the California Public Utilities Commission to begin operating driverless robotaxis in Los Angeles and San Mateo County. A company spokesperson said the vehicles will not initially begin driving on highways but will instead be operated on the streets.

Published on: March 7, 2024

Measure HLA Aims to Improve Pedestrian and Bike Safety in Los Angeles

by Steven M. Sweat

Despite stiff opposition from firefighters and others, it appears that Los Angeles Measure HLA was passed by voters on March 5, 2024. NBC4 News has projected the measure was passed although the final results might not be known for a few weeks. The race was projected when early voting results showed that nearly 2/3 of voters had cast their ballots in favor of passage or a ratio of 63% to 37%. Here’s what to know about Measure HLA and what it will do if enacted.

What Is Measure HLA?

Measure HLA is a citizen-sponsored ballot initiative to make the city’s Mobility Plan mandatory. The Mobility Plan, which was approved by the city in 2015, recommended the city add bike lanes, widen sidewalks, add bus lanes, and add other infrastructure to slow traffic. The improvements would be completed whenever the city repaves any section of street at least 660 feet long. While the Mobility Plan called for these improvements to specific streets in Los Angeles, the city has completed very few. According to officials, the Mobility Plan was simply meant to provide guidance rather than requiring improvements.

Published on: February 28, 2024

Motorcycle Accidents in Los Angeles

by Steven M. Sweat

Motorcycle-Accident-Claims-Attorneys-Los-Angeles

An accident with a motorcycle. traffic accidents with skid marks on road. photo icon.

The Serious Problem of Motorcycle Accidents Including Fatalities in Los Angeles

Motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles have been a cause for concern, with several tragic incidents reported in recent times. For instance, a notable accident occurred on the I-710 South near East Olympic Boulevard on December 15, 2023, involving a motorcycle and a sedan. Another tragic incident led to the death of a motorcyclist on the 110 Freeway in South Los Angeles on January 13, 2023. The details surrounding the accident, including the cause and fault, remained under investigation.

Published on: February 21, 2024

The Perilous Blend of Rain and Roads in Southern California: A Deeper Dive into Rainy Day Traffic Accidents

by Steven M. Sweat

Southern California, known for its sunny skies and mild weather, faces a unique challenge when the rain comes pouring down. The region, accustomed to dry conditions for the majority of the year, often finds itself grappling with an increase in traffic accidents during rainy days. This blog post delves into the multifaceted reasons behind this surge, supported by statistical evidence, and explores preventive measures that can be taken by both drivers and local authorities to mitigate the risks associated with rainy day driving.

The Rare Rain: A Catalyst for Chaos

In Southern California, rain is a rare visitor, making its appearance felt in brief, sporadic episodes. This infrequency leads to a buildup of oil and debris on the road surfaces, which, when mixed with rainwater, creates slick, treacherous driving conditions. The first rains are particularly dangerous, as months of accumulated oils make the roads more slippery than at any other time.

Published on: December 11, 2023

Los Angeles Juvenile Hall Sexual Abuse Victim’s Attorney

by Steven M. Sweat

Los-Angeles-Juvenile-Hall-Sexual-Abuse-Attorneys

Many people who went through California’s juvenile justice system and were housed in various juvenile detention facilities were victimized. Unfortunately, these facilities failed to protect detainees from sexual abuse in some cases. Because of some new legislation, the statute of limitations for pursuing civil sexual abuse lawsuits has been extended, allowing victims to come forward and pursue justice through civil sexual abuse lawsuits. If you were victimized while being detained in a juvenile detention center in California, you might be entitled to financial compensation for your losses under the newly amended law. The experienced and compassionate civil sexual abuse lawyers at the law firm of Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC are dedicated to helping victims achieve justice and holding abusers and the facilities that employed them accountable for their wrongful actions.

Prevalence of Sexual Abuse in California Juvenile Detention Facilities

The sexual abuse of minors in juvenile detention facilities in California has been a well-documented problem for years. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against the perpetrators and the facilities that employed them. For example, the Los Angeles Times reported on a lawsuit filed by 20 women who were allegedly sexually abused while detained at Camp Scott in Los Angeles County. The lawsuit alleged that at least 10 officers subjected the women to sexual assaults while they were minors between 1996 and 2008. In one case, the victim was impregnated by a juvenile officer while she was a teenager.

Published on: November 28, 2023

Uber Accident Claims in California

by Steven M. Sweat

Introduction

Los Angeles, a bustling metropolis with its sprawling network of roads, sees a significant number of Uber rides daily. While Uber offers convenience and affordability, accidents involving Uber vehicles are not uncommon. Understanding how to navigate the complexities of Uber accident claims in Los Angeles is crucial for drivers, passengers, and third parties alike. This guide aims to shed light on the essential steps and considerations in handling these claims effectively.

Section 1: Understanding Uber’s Insurance Policy

Published on: October 20, 2023

Los Angeles E-bike Lawsuit Sheds Light on Dangers of Electric Bikes

by Steven M. Sweat

Ebike-Electric-Bike-Accident-Attorney-Los Angeles

Electric bicycles have become increasingly popular among people of all ages as a convenient way to get around Los Angeles. They are especially popular among pre-teens and young teenagers who aren’t yet old enough to drive because they don’t require driver’s licenses. However, e-bikes can also be dangerous. Many of these bicycles are sold as direct-to-consumer kits, and some of the companies that manufacture e-bicycles cut corners on designs and components to maximize their profits. While this might also make e-bikes more affordable to end users, cost-cutting on components and design elements can also make these bicycles even more dangerous to riders as illustrated by a currently pending lawsuit filed by the parents of a young girl who died in an e-bicycle accident.

Tragic Outcome From Young Girls’ E-Bicycle Accident

On Jan. 31, 2021, Molly Steinsapsir, age 12, and her friend and neighbor, Eme Green, age 11, were watching television together after Green spent the night at Steinsapsir’s home. The two girls were close friends who only lived a few houses apart from each other and were excited to be able to spend some time together after the lockdowns of the pandemic.

Published on: October 17, 2023

Los Angeles CA E-Bike Accident Attorneys

by Steven M. Sweat

The Growing Concern: Electric Bicycles and Car Accidents in California

As the streets of Los Angeles and throughout California become increasingly congested, more and more residents are turning to alternative modes of transportation to navigate the bustling byways. Among the most popular alternatives is the electric bicycle, or e-bike. Offering both manual pedaling and electric assistance, e-bikes have emerged as a favorite for those looking for a sustainable and efficient way to traverse the Golden State. But with their rise in popularity comes an important concern: the potential for accidents involving e-bikes and motor vehicles.

The Appeal of E-Bikes