Articles by Mark Dacanay on ArticleSnatch.com

How to Compute Hedonic Damages

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:41:31 -0500

Aside from the possible loss of income and amounting medical expenses, a personal injury may also cost you things that normally have no monetary value. In most states, most of these non-monetary losses are accounted as part of pain and suffering. However, in California, some courts recognize that serious personal injuries have a way to disrupt a person’s life. It could cost a person the potential to live his life the way he envisioned it to be. That is why aside from pain and suffering, you can also claim for what civil law calls hedonic damages. “Hedonic damages” is actually an economic term that is used in tort law to represent the loss of enjoyment of life. The best thing about life is the way that people can live it to the fullest. If the ability to perform things that give you satisfaction is taken away from you, you should be able to get compensation for the loss you have suffered in the same way that you should be compensated for other losses like lost salary and medical expenses. **End Summary** Topics: Hedonic Damages]]> personal injury]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To help you recover hedonic damages sustained in a personal injury accident, consult with our expert personal injury lawyers . Visit our website and avail of our free case evaluation.

Steps in Creating a Corporation

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:29:54 -0500

Incorporation involves detailed processes and is required to comply with different state and federal laws. That is why it is recommended that you hire a corporate law attorney to help you in starting a corporation. The process of incorporation and corporate law goes hand in hand in bringing corporations into being. Under corporate law, attorneys can help the incorporators structure the stock and bond offerings, and the bond and insurance loans that provide the company with capital. Corporate lawyers can also facilitate joint ventures, licensing arrangements, acquisitions, mergers, etc… To help you understand, here are the general steps in starting a corporation: Choose a state where you will incorporate your business The state that you choose should provide your business with favorable laws that will help your company once it is incorporated. Once you have chosen, visit the website of the Secretary of State’s Office. You should find guidelines about the incorporation procedures of the state. Choose a Name Make sure that the name of your corporation is unique and is not yet taken by other companies. Most Secretary of State Website has a database that will help you identify names that are already used by other companies. **End Summary** Topics: Incorporation and Corporate Law]]> corporate law attorney]]> Art]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Our experienced corporate law attorneys provide legal assistance in creating a corporation . For consultation, visit our website and dial our toll free number.

5 Stages of Personal Injury Litigation

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:16:58 -0500

Personal injury lawsuits are not quite similar to the courtroom dramas you see on TV or in the movies. There are no shouting lawyers, no passionate exchange of words and sometimes the case is settled even before the actual trial began. Personal injury litigation usually consists of exchanging of evidence and taking stock of where your case stands against the arguments of the other party. It is more of a process or a procedure that follows certain steps and there are about 5 stages that a case may go through before it is concluded The 5 stages of personal injury litigation are: Pleading Personal injury lawsuits start once a plaintiff files a complaint to a proper court. Once the court officially receives the complaint, it will then inform the accused or the defendant of the charges against him. The defendant will have thirty days to respond to the accusations. The defendant’s response could be any the following: • Admit to the charges • Deny the charges • Claim insufficient information for a response Discovery Once the complaint is finalized and accepted by the opposing parties, the lawsuit will then proceed to the next stage. **End Summary** Topics: 5 Stages of Personal Injury Litigation]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Our personal injury lawyers are skilled in handling personal injury litigation . For consultation, visit our website and avail of our free case evaluation.

Types of Damages in a Personal Injury Case

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:45:05 -0500

Once a plaintiff wins a personal injury lawsuit, he or she may be entitled to recover some damages from the defendant. This could include compensation for lost income, pain and suffering and hedonic damages. There is no exact amount as personal injury damages are determined by a jury in a case-to-case basis. However, the most common types of damages awarded are the following: Compensatory Damages Compensatory damages are meant to make up for the losses the victim sustained as a result of the personal injury. There are two types of compensatory damages; the economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses refer to damages that automatically have a dollar figure. Examples are: • Medical expenses – This may include past and future medical expenses. Future medical costs represents the amount needed for the patients medical care for the rest if his life or until he recovers from the injury. • Lost Income – This will include all wages or salary that the victim lost as a result of the personal injury. • Property Damage – This covers the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property like a vehicle from a car accident. **End Summary** Topics: Hedonic Damages]]> personal injury lawsuit]]> car accident]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To help you recover hedonic damages sustained in a personal injury accident , consult with our expert Los Angeles personal injury lawyers . Visit our website and avail of our free case evaluation.

The Basics of the California Whistleblower Protection Statute

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:09:45 -0500

There are various whistleblower laws and acts that protect the rights of people to report illegal practices in the workplace. One of those laws is the California Whistleblower Protection Statute. The California Whistleblowers Protection Statute is also known as Senate Bill 777 or SB 777. Senate Bill 777 was signed onto law by then California Governor Gray Davis last 2003. The law took effect last January 2004. The law applies to all employers in California that includes state, county and city governments, school districts and the University of California. SB 777 provides protection to employees who: • Report a state or federal law violation • Refuses to participate in an activity that is in violation of any federal or state laws • Exercised these rights in their previous employment It also protects employees from retaliation by their employers for reporting illegal practices to authorities. SB 777 also makes it illegal for employers to create and implement policies that will prevent an employee from informing the proper authorities about violations of state and federal laws. Lastly, it also requires businesses to post information about employee rights and duties with the whistleblower hotline. **End Summary** Topics: Whistleblower laws and acts]]> FEHA]]> FLSA]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Visit our website to help you understand whistle blowing laws . Dial our toll free number for legal assistance.

The Perks and Dangers of Owning a Motorized Scooter

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 18:43:40 -0500

Scooters are becoming more popular than ever in the United States as an alternative mode of transportation. And as the number of people who buy this type of motorcycle rises, the number of motorized scooter injuries increase as well. Even with the rising numbers, a lot of people still see scooters as the more practical and safer mode of transportation. It may be because scooters are considered: • Cheaper than other gasoline fuelled vehicle – Gas scooters and even electric scooters are generally more affordable than cars and other types of motorcycles. The price of a new scooter can be between $500 and $3,000. That is by far more affordable than buying a new car. • Safer than cars and motorcycles – Although this is subject to arguments, scooters are generally viewed as the safer type of vehicle compared to cars and motorcycles. Since scooters are small and sleek, it gives the driver more ability to maneuver away from the accident instead of withstanding the impact. • Easy parking – Since scooters are generally small, it can be parked even in the tiniest parking space. • Environment friendly – Scooters gives you better gas mileage with less emission. **End Summary** Topics: Motorized Scooter Injuries]]> personal injury attorney]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Our personal injury attorneys are skilled in handling cases involving motorized scooter accidents . For consultation, visit our website and avail of our free case analysis.

The Basics of the Fair Labor Standards Act

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 02:08:56 -0500

The Fair Labor Standards Act or FLSA is a federal law that applies to all covered workers engaged in interstate commerce or those employed by companies engaged in commerce or in the production of goods and services. Under FLSA, the federal government: • Established a minimum wage (if the state has a its own minimum wage, then employers should follow the higher rate) • Prohibited oppressive child labor practices • Guaranteed time and a half for overtime of non-exempt employees An employee can be classified as non-exempt if he works on production majority or more than 50 percent of his time. To be exempt, an employee must fall in any of the following categories to be considered: • Executive exemption – This refers to employees who spend majority of their time running the business or managing a department. • Administrative exemption – This refers to employees whose role in the workplace is to assist executives, the proprietor or other exempt individuals in running the business. • Professional exemption – This refers to employees who need specific licenses to be able to practice their profession. This includes doctors, lawyers, engineers, dentists, etc. **End Summary** Topics: Fair Labor Standards Act]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Visit our website to learn more about Fair Labor Standards Act . Dial our toll free number for legal assistance.

The Dangers of Escalator Trolley Accidents and How it is Prevented

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 01:51:52 -0500

An inclined moving walkway is a type of escalator that is frequently used in airports and supermarkets to move people to another floor with the convenience of being able to bring a trolley, a cart or a baby carriage. However, the danger of bringing a trolley through a walkway is that if not properly secured, the law of gravity takes over and the trolley can potential crash against anyone standing below. To avoid escalator trolley accidents, airports and supermarkets employ any of the following means: • Trolleys with automatic brakes that stops the cart once the handle is released • Strong magnets on the escalator floors that hold the trolley in place • Trolleys that have specially designed wheels that locks in on the grooves of the escalator floor to prevent movement Escalators and walkways are considered as common carriers. It means that escalators are held on the same standard as other public transportation like taxis and buses. Under the law, operators and owners of these escalators and inclined moving walkways are required to use the utmost care and diligence in keeping the passengers safe from the moment the riders step on the escalator until they exit. **End Summary** Topics: Escalator Trolley Accident]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Our personal injury lawyers are experienced in handling cases involving product liability . For consultation visit our website at and avail of our free case analysis.

Dangers of Defective Medical Devices

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 01:43:42 -0500

Medical technology has grown leaps and bounds especially in terms of producing advanced devices that will help people maintain their good health and save more lives. Most medical devices are used to help diagnose and treat certain diseases so if it is not working as it should, it can pose life-threatening dangers. Medical devices, like any other products, operate on the assumption that it will function in the way that it is supposed to. Medical products in particular, provide people who use it the guarantee that it is a safe to use and will adequately address certain health concerns. That is why defective medical products are a serious health risk. It betrays the guarantee of safety that the manufacturers gave their consumers. Standards of Medical Devices The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the federal agency tasked to assess the safety and effectiveness of medical devices before it is marketed to the public. This is handled by the FDA department, the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). Aside from approving new products before it is released, the CDRH also investigates reports of defective medical devices. **End Summary** Topics: Defective Medical Devices]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Our personal injury lawyers are experienced in handling cases involving product liability . For consultation, visit our website and avail of our free case analysis.

The Elements of a DUI Case

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:14:15 -0500

To prove a DUI lawsuit, you should understand the elements of a DUI case. In California, the state prohibits the act of driving a vehicle on a road or highway while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. To prove that a driver has committed DUI, the following elements should be established: The Person should be Driving a Vehicle The first element that should be established is that the person is actually driving a vehicle. It does not apply to people who are passengers or those that are inside a parked car. The courts have identified several factors that indicate if a person accused of DUI; they are the following: • Pictures, videos or tapes that show that the person was driving a vehicle. • Incriminating statements made by the suspected drunk driver. • Testimonies about the unusual driving of suspected drunk driver. • Testimonies about the behavior of the suspected drunken driver. • Testimonies about the suspected drunken driver’s performance in a field sobriety test. The Driver was under the Influence of Alcohol The next element to be proven is that the driver was under the influence of alcohol while he or she was driving. **End Summary** Topics: Elements of a DUI Case]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To pursue a claim for car accident caused by DUI, consult with our expert car accident attorneys . Visit our website and avail of our free case analysis.

How to file a Wage Claim?

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:58:01 -0500

California is very protective of employees. The state has enacted various laws that would enable an employee to get their well earned pay from unscrupulous employers by filing a wage claim. Under California law, an employee may file for a wage claim for the following: • Unpaid wages including overtime, commissions and bonuses • Wages paid by check with insufficient funds • Non-receipt of final paycheck • Unauthorized deductions from wages and salaries • Non-reimbursement of business related expense • Failure to provide meal and rest periods One of the most common wage claims is unpaid overtime wages. Mostly, the issue stems from the misclassification of some employees to “exempt” when they should have been classified as “non-exempt”. This is because employers are not required to pay exempt employees overtime. The most common misconception is that the job title dictates whether an employee is considered exempt or non-exempt. The truth about it is that exemptions are decided by the work the employee does for the company. If the employee spends more than half of their time in the workplace in production, then they are considered non-exempt. An employee may be considered exempt if he or she meets certain requirements. **End Summary** Topics: Filing a Wage Claim]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Consult with our experienced employment law attorneys to help you deal with issues involved in filing a wage claim . For more reliable information, visit our website and dial our toll free number.

How to Prove Product Liability for Defective Airbags

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:48:43 -0500

Product defects are one of the major causes of car accidents in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, one of the most common safety defect complaint that they receive are about airbags. Airbag problems include its failure to deploy, deploying too early or does not inflate at all. In some cases, the airbag even explodes in the person’s face. Although credited with saving lives, the NHTSA recognizes the dangers that are inherent to the car safety product. How does airbags work? The purpose of the airbags has changed throughout the years since its invention. The airbag used to be seen as a substitute for seatbelts; now with more research and innovations, it is discovered that airbags are more effective if used with conjunction with the safety belt. So while the seat belt keeps the person on his seat, the airbags stops his momentum after a crash. The frontal airbags prevent the driver from hitting the steering wheel while the side airbags protect the body and legs of the passengers. **End Summary** Topics: Airbags failure to deploy (car accidents)]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To pursue claims for car accident caused by airbag malfunction, consult with our expert personal injury lawyers . Log on to our website and avail of our free case evaluation.

Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) Claims Processes

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:42:21 -0500

FEHA claims and hearings usually deal with sexual harassment and other discrimination suits in California. FEHA or the Fair Employment and Housing Act, is a statute of California which provides protection from employment discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, sex, age and medical condition. It is a powerful statute that is often used in conjunction with existing federal discrimination laws. Although it is mostly the same as its federal counterparts, it provides discrimination and harassment victims better avenues in pursuing their claim. Aside from providing better avenues, it also provides stiffer penalties or punishments that are often not included in the federal discrimination laws. Some of those are the imposition of attorney fee awards and reimbursement of case related costs. The FEHA, together with California state laws, also allow the award of punitive damages if the victims are able to prove that corporate directors, officers or managers committed acts of discrimination and harassment, or if they have cultivated a culture where discrimination and harassment is allowed. **End Summary** Topics: FEHA Claims and hearings]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Our employment law attorneys are experienced in handling FEHA claims and hearings involving employment discrimination . For consultation, visit our website and dial our toll free number.

Employee vs. Independent Contractors

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:35:48 -0500

An independent contractor contract is important to distinguish contractors from regular employees. Misclassifying an employee as an independent contractor makes the employer liable for employment tax, interest and penalties. Although both are working under one employer, there are important differences between the two. For one thing, an independent contractor is considered as a separate company that is hired to provide certain services. An employee on the other hand is considered a part of and under the supervision of the company. Employers need to withhold income taxes and pay for Social Security taxes and unemployment benefits. The debate over hiring an independent contractor or an employee has its own merits but overall would depend upon the need of the employer. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of the two. Advantages of hiring an Independent Contractor • No Health Benefits – Since independent contractors are generally considered as their own company, the employer is not required to provide the same health benefits that they provide their own employees. • Reduced Overhead – Hiring independent contractors entails less cost in terms of payroll, benefits, etc. **End Summary** Topics: Independent Contractor Contract]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To help you understand independent contractor agreement and other related issues, seek advice from our expert Los Angeles corporate attorneys . Log on to our website for more reliable information.

Types of Personal Injury Damages

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:24:36 -0500

Personal injury damages awarded after a victim won a civil lawsuit largely depends upon the jury and the amount of actual losses he sustained. The jury awards damages on a case-to-case basis and one case is always different from the other. If the damages awarded by the jury are deemed too much or too little by the courts, the judge may increase or decrease the amount without going through another trial. Damages given in personal injury lawsuits are usually monetary in nature. They are usually under these two types: Compensatory Damages Compensatory damages represent everything that the victim has lost because of the personal injury. The goal of giving the victim compensatory damages is to place him in the same position he would have been in if not for the personal injury, or at least the closest thing it is in terms of monetary value. Compensatory damages places a dollar value on all the losses of the victim including financial, physical and emotional losses. Comparative damages are divided into two; they are monetary and non-monetary. **End Summary** Topics: Personal injury Damages]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To help you recover personal injury damages , consult with our skilled personal injury lawyers . Visit our website and avail of our free case analysis.

What are Implied and Oral Contracts?

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:13:50 -0500

Contrary to most beliefs, implied and oral contracts are still enforceable in Los Angeles. Although it is much more difficult to prove than written contracts, it is still a valid way of creating business or employment relationships. Implied and oral contracts in essence are agreements through spoken communication or those implied by actions or by law. It is usually created by circumstances that imply that a contract exists through oral statements. Implied and oral contracts may have physical proof of its existence as well; this includes documents where the agreed terms are written but the contract itself is not in a written form. Although implied and oral contracts are just as valid as written agreements, some jurisdictions, however, require certain contracts to be in written form or should at least have written proof. Consequently, actions for implied contracts may also have a shorter statute of limitation than that of written contracts. Oral Contracts as Verbal Contracts It is important to note though that oral contracts are different from verbal contracts. A verbal contract actually refers to all contracts that are expressed in words. It does not matter if the words are written or spoken; **End Summary** Topics: Los Angeles Implied and Oral Contract]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Visit our website for more reliable information about breach of contract . Dial our toll free number for legal assistance.

Guide to Railroad Injury Settlements and Lawsuits

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:09:42 -0500

The recent Glendale railroad injury settlement has mostly concluded the number of lawsuits that Metrolink faced from the infamous train accident in 2005. However, it is far from over for Metrolink as they would have to take care of the claims against them from the Chatsworth train accident next. Train accident lawsuits and settlements are usually governed by the state where the jurisdiction of the case falls. In California, personal injuries and wrongful death cases can be filed up to 2 years from discovery of the injury or death. Those who were injured or the family of those who died in the Chatsworth train accident still have time to file the necessary lawsuits. Here’s some information that may help the victims about the legal issues surrounding their case. Personal Injury or Wrongful Death The confusion arises when the person filing for personal injury died not during the accident but at a later date. The difference would be upon the cause of death. If the death was a result of the injuries the victim sustained during the train accident, then that person’s spouse or children can file for a wrongful death lawsuit against Metrolink. **End Summary** Topics: Railroad Injury Settlement]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To help you deal with issues involved in a train accident , consult with our skilled train accident lawyers . Log on to our website and avail of our free case analysis.

Avoiding Truck Overturns and Accidents in Bad Weathers

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:53:35 -0500

Like an SUV, trucks are also susceptible to rollover crashes. Once the weight of the truck is severely favored on one side, it may unbalance the whole vehicle once it makes a sharp turn. This is most especially true during bad weathers where the unpredictability of Mother Nature adds to the element of truck overturns. If there is a bad weather, it is important to be prepared knowing that the vehicle you are driving is about 10-20 times heavier and can deal greater damage to you and to others compared to a normal car. First thing you must do is to get information about the weather on your routes by listening to the radio, watching TV news or even checking the internet. It is also advisable that you map out alternative routes in case one of the routes you will be using is impassable. The next thing to know is what measures you can take depending on what kind of weather conditions you will be facing. Here are some of the most common bad weather situations that can result to truck overturns and accidents: Rains The danger of rains not only comes from the danger of possible floods. **End Summary** Topics: truck overturns]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To help you deal with issues involved in truck accidents and overturns , consult with our skilled truck accident lawyers . Visit our website and avail of our free case evaluation.

Bad Faith Lawsuits against Unfair Handling of Insurance Claims

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:45:26 -0500

Insurance relationships dictate that if you pay for a car insurance policy, then the insurance company owes you certain responsibilities. Their basic responsibilities to you in case of a car accident are the following: • Investigate and properly handle claims that will result from the said car accident. • Provide you with a lawyer if you get sued for personal injuries or wrongful death. • If you are found to be at fault for the car accident, the insurance company has to pay the amount rewarded to the victims, up to the limit of the car insurance policy. If they fail to fulfill their end of the agreement, then you may be a victim of unfair handling of insurance claims or insurance bad faith. Bad faith is a legal term used to describe civil suits that are filed against insurance companies for unfair practices. Under US law, insurance companies owe to the people they insure a duty of good faith and fair dealings. If a claimant wins a bad faith case against the insurance company, more often than not, the awarded damages exceed the amount specified on the contract policy. **End Summary** Topics: Unfair Handling of Insurance Claims]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> If you have been a victim of unfair handling of car accident insurance claims, get help from our experienced car accident lawyers . Log on to our website and avail of our free case evaluation.

Overtime Wage and Hours Dispute

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:37:11 -0500

One of the most common wage and hour disputes between employers and employees in California pertain to overtime pay. A lot of employers accidentally or sometimes purposely misclassify employees as exempt in order to avoid paying overtime. Exempt or Non-Exempt Exempt employees are not entitled to overtime pay while non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay for any work done after the required 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. Employees can be classified as exempt or non exempt, depending on their work activities and not their position. If the employee performs production work for the company for at least 50 percent of his time, then the employee is non exempt regardless if the position title is manager. Exemption rules can be complicated as there are various conditions that can make an employee exempt. Some of the most common exemptions are: • Executive – Refers to employees who spend half their time running departments or the business itself. • Administrative – Refers to employees who spend half their working hours assisting executives or performing administrative functions. • Professional – Refers to workers who need licenses to practice like lawyers, doctors, etc. **End Summary** Topics: wage and hours dispute]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To help you deal with employment cases such as wage and hours dispute , consult with our expert employment law attorneys . Log on to our website and dial our toll free number for legal assistance.

Importance of Running a Worker

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:27:27 -0500

The Family and Medical Leave Act protect employees who need to take time off work to take care of certain medical problems in his family. This also provides disability leave accommodations for workers who are not able to go back to work as a result of mental condition. If the disabling condition was sustained on the job or in the workplace, the employee may avail of benefits under the Worker"��s Compensation Statutes of the state. Under Worker"��s Compensation, the employee is guaranteed to still receive income funded by the government and the employers. Benefits under Worker"��s Compensation generally include medical treatment, disability, medical treatment and wage/salary continuation. However, Worker"��s Compensation is not a leave law so it does not specify the amount of leaves the employer should provide. Some states do not even guarantee reinstatement after a Worker"��s Compensation Leave. Worker"��s Compensation Leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act That is why if you are eligible under the Family and Medical Leave Act, you should enter your Worker Compensation leaves under the FMLA. To be eligible the employee must be: "� Working under an employer with 50 or more employees, including public agencies. **End Summary** Topics: Disability Leave Accommodation]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Visit our website to learn more about Family and Medical Leave Act and disability leave accommodations. Dial our toll free number for legal assistance.

Proving Liability in a Motorcycle Accident involving Lane Splitting

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:10:16 -0500

According to National Statistics, fatalities involving motorcycle accidents have been steadily rising since 1997. The numbers range from 2,116 deaths on that year, to an all-time high of 5,290 deaths last 2008. This is excluding about 85,000 riders suffering from various injuries caused by motorcycle accidents. These statistics show that per mile travelled, a motorcycle driver is 37 times more likely to be killed in a traffic collision compared to a person riding a car. It just takes one bump for a motorcycle to be sent across the pavement along with its driver. Lane Splitting One of the most debated upon cause of motorcycle accident deaths and injuries is the practice of lane splitting. Lane splitting is a motorcycle maneuver where the bike drives between two lanes of slowly moving or stopped vehicles. To note, although lane splitting is not recognized as a legal maneuver, it not specifically prohibited by law. In California, the state does permit lane splitting, but it has to be performed in a safe and prudent manner where none are placed in danger. That standard though is very much up to the interpretation of both the attending police officer and judge. **End Summary** Topics: Motorcycle Accidents (lane splitting)]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To help deal with issues involved in motorcycle accidents , seek advice from our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys . Visit our website and avail of our free case consultation.

The Safest Car Models According to IIHS

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:01:16 -0500

When asked about what the safest car models are, a lot of people would probably choose SUVs over other cars. But the fact is, SUVs are actually more susceptible to rollover crashes compared to other car models. Although most of the other features are safe, they have not solved the problem of rollover risk which is a result of its higher center of gravity. Nowadays, because of the advancement of safety technologies, size is no longer the only standard for car safety. Some of the most impressive new car safety equipments are the following: • Side airbags – These protect the driver’s head from hitting the hood of the car and from being struck by the intruding vehicle. • Front airbags – Traditional airbags are designed for high speed crashes but was too powerful for low-speed crashes that it becomes a danger to the driver itself. The improved version now has a dual-level of inflation that ensures the safety of the driver and the passenger’s head in high and low speeds. • Crumple zones – These are built to absorb as much of the energy as it can and provide some cushioning. **End Summary** Topics: Safest Car Models]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Visit our website for more reliable information about safest car models . Dial our toll free number for legal assistance.

Basics of California DUI Penalties and Punishments

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:47:58 -0500

California DUI penalties largely depend on the factors surrounding the DUI case and the county that has the jurisdiction over it. Aggravating factors can also increase the penalties especially your county jail or state prison sentence. Examples of aggravating factors are: • Having a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.15% up • Refusing to undergo a chemical test • Causing a car accident • Speeding • Having children below 14 years of age in the car • Being under the age of 21 • Driving with a suspended license DUI is a “priorable” offense, which means that the punishment increases for succeeding DUI convictions. The time frame is 10 years, so all DUI convictions within that time will be counted. To have an idea on the punishments you may receive for a DUI conviction, here is a summary of the minimum penalties for each offense. Take note though that this is the minimum and you may need your DUI lawyer to advocate for you. Probation • First and second DUI convictions can result in 3-5 years of court probation. There is no probation officer to report to but drinking and driving is absolutely prohibited. **End Summary** Topics: DUI Penalties]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To help you deal with issues involved in a vehicle accident caused by DUI, consult with our skilled personal injury lawyers . Visit our website and avail of our free case evaluation.

How to Prove a Supermarket Slip and Fall Accident Claim

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:37:06 -0500

One of the most common establishments sued for slip and fall accidents are supermarkets. A lot of people slip and injure themselves from substances on supermarket floors like water, various liquids from the merchandise, fruits, vegetables, condiments, ice, etc. Some slip and fall accidents can also be caused by defects on the floor like uneven surfaces, broken tiles, uncovered holes and other defective and hazardous conditions. If you are injured during a slip and fall accident, you may file a personal injury case against the owner of the supermarket under the premises liability law. Under this law, the owner has a duty to exercise reasonable care to keep the people in and those expected to be in the supermarket safe from harm. That responsibility includes a duty to protect people from the risks of a dangerous condition, provided that the owner of the property knows of the condition or should have known about the condition. Failure to do so by the owner will constitute negligence. However, it will be up to the victim to prove the negligence of the owner. **End Summary** Topics: Supermarket Slip and Fall Accidents]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To pursue supermarket slip and fall accident claims , consult with our expert personal injury attorneys . Visit our website and avail of our free case analysis.