Automobile Accidents

Published on: March 15, 2024

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

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 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: 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: September 29, 2023

California Uber and Lyft Injury Claims

by Steven M. Sweat

Uber-Lyft-Accident-Injury-Attorney-Lawyer-California Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become major players in the transportation industry in places like California. With this increase in usage, there have also been increased incidents of accidents involving these rideshare vehicles. If you are involved in an accident while using Uber or Lyft, or if one of these vehicles causes an accident that impacts you, you may be wondering about the process for injury claims.

Here’s an overview of how injury claims work with Uber and Lyft in California:

Insurance Coverage:

Published on: August 30, 2023

The Use of Event Data Recorders in Vehicle Accident Cases

by Steven M. Sweat

In today’s technologically advanced era, the vehicles we drive are becoming increasingly intelligent. Among the myriad of technologies present in modern cars, there’s one that often flies under the radar, but has significant implications in accident investigations and legal scenarios: the Event Data Recorder (EDR). This article will delve into what an EDR is, the retrieval process of EDR data, and how it aids attorneys and experts in vehicle accident cases.

1. What is an Event Data Recorder (EDR)?

An Event Data Recorder, often referred to as the “black box” of an automobile, is a device installed in vehicles that records specific technical vehicle and occupant information for a brief period before, during, and after a crash. Analogous to the flight recorders used in aviation, EDRs in cars are designed to provide a snapshot of vital data from moments leading up to a collision.

Published on: May 11, 2023

Distracted Driving Still A Major Cause of Accidents in California

by Steven M. Sweat

What is Distracted Driving and How Big of a Problem is it?

In today’s fast-paced world, distractions seem to be lurking around every corner. From smartphones to GPS devices, there’s no shortage of attention-stealing gadgets that demand our focus while we’re on the road. Unfortunately, the consequences of distracted driving can be devastating, leading to accidents, injuries, and even loss of life. In this blog post, we’ll shed light on the alarming reality of distracted driving and discuss the importance of staying focused behind the wheel.

Defining Distracted Driving:

Published on: May 9, 2023

What if a Car Accident Worsens My Back Injury?

by Steven M. Sweat

Traumatic v. Non-Traumatic Back Injuries

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of spinal injuries in the United States. The impact of a collision can put a tremendous amount of stress on the spinal column, leading to a variety of injuries. The spinal cord is an essential part of the nervous system that runs down the back and sends signals from the brain to the rest of the body. Any damage to the spinal cord can cause a range of symptoms, including paralysis, loss of sensation, and chronic pain.

Spinal injuries are classified into two categories: traumatic and non-traumatic. Traumatic spinal injuries are caused by sudden trauma, such as a car accident or fall. Non-traumatic spinal injuries are caused by degenerative conditions, such as arthritis or spinal stenosis. Oftentimes, people experience both types of injury. They may have degenerative disc disease or arthritis for example and then be involved in a car accident that jolts the spine and worsens the pre-existing condition.

Published on: May 8, 2023

Airbag Deployment in a Car Crash: Understanding the Process

by Steven M. Sweat

air-bag-deployment Car crashes are a leading cause of death worldwide, with millions of people involved in accidents every year. While some accidents are minor, others can be devastating, resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities. In such situations, airbags play a vital role in reducing the severity of injuries and protecting the occupants of the vehicle. In this blog, we will discuss the process of airbag deployment in a car crash and the factors that influence its effectiveness.

What are airbags?

Airbags are safety devices that inflate rapidly in a car crash to cushion the impact and protect the occupants of the vehicle. They are designed to supplement the use of seatbelts and reduce the risk of serious injuries, particularly to the head and chest. Most cars are equipped with two frontal airbags – one for the driver and one for the front passenger – while some vehicles also have side airbags and curtain airbags that provide protection in a side impact or rollover.

Published on: April 18, 2023

Statistics on Traffic Accidents in California

by Steven M. Sweat

According to the latest available statistics (as of September 2021) from the California Office of Traffic Safety:

In 2019, there were a total of 3,316 fatal and injury crashes involving drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs in California.
In 2019, there were 3,606 fatalities in traffic accidents in California.