car accident Tag

3 Reasons Car Insurance Rates Continue to Rise in California

If you’ve ever been in a car accident and received a settlement, the rising car insurance premiums may not be a surprise to you. However, if you have been accident-free for years, you may be wondering what you’re paying all that money for. Here are 3 reasons that car insurance rates continue to rise.

1. Medical Costs Are Up – In an at-fault state like California, car insurance companies are expected to pay medical bills when their driver is at fault in an accident. That means they get stuck with the bill for their own driver and the one whom he or she hit. Since medical costs continue to rise, car insurance companies have to continue increasing their rates to keep up and make a profit.
2. Car Repair Costs Have Skyrocketed – According to a 2016 report, California has the highest average repair cost when it comes to a check engine light ($435), so you can imagine what it must cost to do body work on a vehicle that has been in an accident.
3. Increased Accidents and Injuries – According to the California Highway Patrol, injuries started back on the upswing in 2014 following a downward trend for several years. The more injuries that occur in accidents, the more the insurance companies are paying out.

Getting Help with Your Injury Claim

Of course, just because insurance companies are charging more doesn’t mean they want to pay out a penny more than they can get away with. That’s why you want an experienced personal injury attorney in your corner if you are ever injured in a car accident. Petrov Law Firm can help you to maximize your insurance settlement in the state of California. Call us today at 619-344-0360 to get started.

Why You Should Use the GPS Instead of Following a Friend

Driving is dangerous enough when driving back and forth to places you’ve been dozens of times. Add the uncertainty of not knowing the roads well, and you have a recipe for disaster. You may be tempted to solve the problem by just following a friend, but a recent study revealed that this may be a dangerous way to get where you are going.

Why Following Another Car Is Dangerous

The study revealed what would be expected – the following driver is afraid of losing the lead driver and takes risks to keep up. For example, if the lead driver goes through a yellow light, the following driver may go through a red light to maintain direct sight of the other car. Other issues can include sudden lane changes, tailgating to not allow other cars in between, and driving too fast because the lead driver is doing so.

The Safer Way to Get Where You Need to Go

The better way to go is to look up directions ahead of time or to use a GPS to find your own way. This is especially true if you have another person in the car who can act as a navigator and keep an eye on the GPS in case it doesn’t warn you about upcoming turns in time.

Even Safe Drivers Can Be Injured in Accidents

Unfortunately, you can still be injured in an accident, even while doing everything you can to drive safely. Where can you turn for help if you have suffered an injury in a motor vehicle accident? The personal injury lawyers at Petrov Law Firm are here to help. Just call 619-344-0360 for help in getting a settlement that covers your expenses and other due compensation.

The Penalties for a DUI in California

The state of California has heavy penalties in place for DUI offenders. These laws are in place to discourage drivers from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. A drunk driver can destroy lives in an instant. Despite these penalties, many injuries are still sustained each year due to driving while intoxicated. Here is a list of some of the penalties in place in the state of California.

The minimum penalty for a first-time offender (assuming no one is hurt or killed) includes:

• $1,800 in fines and assessments
• 2 days in jail or 3 months with a restricted license (only driving back and forth to work or treatment is allowed)
• 3 to 9 months of mandatory treatment (depending on BAC) which costs about $500
• Loss of license for 30 days (the restricted license begins after this period)

These penalties quickly escalate for second and third-time offenders. However, if someone is hurt or dies as a result of the DUI, penalties may include a felony that will result in prison time. Depending on whether the person was a previous offender, the minimum sentence will be somewhere between one and five years.

If You or a Loved One Has Become the Victim of a Drunk Driver

If you have been hurt or have tragically lost a loved one due to someone driving under the influence, you deserve to be compensated for all of your losses. This can include lost future wages, medical costs, pain and suffering, and more. The compassionate lawyers at Petrov Law Firm can help you to handle these sensitive matters when you may not mentally be in a position to seek a reasonable settlement yourself. Let us help you start to put the pieces back together. In many wrongful death cases, we only get paid if we win for you. Just call 619-344-0360 for help in the state of California.

Don’t Drink and Ride… Your Bicycle

Did you know that cyclists in the state of California not only have all the same rights as drivers on the road but also all of the same restrictions? For example, if you didn’t know that it is possible to get a DUI while riding your bike, you may want to think twice before taking your two-wheeled transport to the bar or club.

What Is the Penalty for Biking Under the Influence?

While getting a DUI in your car in California can cost you a fortune (you can pay thousands of dollars in fines), a bike DUI only costs a maximum of $250. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a serious offense. Riding a bike while intoxicated (or under the influence of drugs) can result in arrest. After all, it is still considered public intoxication, so there are more than just traffic laws to consider when you are on a bike after a few drinks.

Can a Biking DUI Affect Your Personal Injury Case?

What if you are injured while riding a bike and it turns out you were intoxicated? This could completely negate your ability to recover losses (except medical bills) due to the injuries you sustain. What if the driver who hits you says you rode right out in front of him, and there are no other witnesses? It would be easy to make the case that the accident was entirely your fault due to being intoxicated while riding. So please be careful about getting on your bike if you know you will be having a few drinks.

If you have been injured while riding your bike, especially if another driver was at fault, contact Petrov Law Firm today to speak with a personal injury attorney. You can reach our experienced lawyers by calling 619-344-0360.

3 Ways to Stay Safe on a Scooter in San Diego

A scooter can be a great way to beat the traffic and enjoy your commute in San Diego. Regardless of the reason you are on the road with a Vespa, moped, or scooter, we want you to be safe. Here are 3 tips to help you avoid injury with enjoying your motorized bike.

1. Wear the Proper Safety Gear – You may not be able to go as fast on a moped as a motorcycle, but you should still always wear your helmet and other protective gear. This can increase the odd of surviving an accident.
2. Drive Defensively – You have to assume other drivers can’t see you, especially those in higher vehicles like SUVs, vans, or trucks. Even if the vehicle is directly behind you, if they are following too close, they may struggle to slow down as fast as you, so avoid braking too quickly.
3. Always Signal When Turning – Again, slow down well ahead of turns to avoid braking hard if someone is behind you. Always use your signal lights. If the type of scooter you are on doesn’t have signal lights and you can’t add them aftermarket, be sure to use the proper hand signals.

If You Have Been Injured in a Scooter Accident

The personal injury lawyers at Petrov Law Firm recognize that being in an accident can be a highly traumatic event, especially if you have been injured. We want to help you to receive due compensation for medical bills, missed work, and pain and suffering caused by any injuries. Before signing anything from an insurance company or accepting a settlement, be sure to call us at 619-344-0360.

Road Rage – 3 Ways to Stay Safe

When dealing with an aggressive or reckless driver, you may feel either concerned for your safety or angry and ready to respond in kind. Road rage has been in the news frequently in recent months, with some cases ending in tragedy. What we will do today is discuss 3 ways to deal with road rage and keep yourself safe. 

• Do not make eye contact – You have to treat a driver with road rage like a wild animal. Eye contact may be considered a challenge. Instead, do what you can to keep an eye on the driver through mirrors, and allow aggressive drivers to pass and speed away.  
• Do not tailgate – If a reckless driver gets ahead of you and then is forced to slow down by traffic, your first instinct may be to drive close as a protest to how you were treated. Reckless drivers are selfish and don’t care about your well-being. He or she may hit the brakes to cause you to rear-end the vehicle or may become angry and resort to further reckless behavior.  
• Stay calm – If you were to begin yelling, shaking your fist, or worse, a person who is already experiencing road rage may completely fly off the handle and do something shocking. It is best just to allow an angry, selfish, violent person to have the right of way. You’re not doing it for them. You are doing it for yourself, your passengers, and other drivers who may pay the price later. Feel free to have someone in the car alert the authorities to your location and a description of the reckless driver’s vehicle.  

If You Are Injured by a Reckless Driver 

Reckless driving can result in accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. If your family has been struck with tragedy as the result of a reckless driver, contact the Petrov Law Firm. Our compassionate attorneys will help guide you through the process of seeing restitution. Call 619-344-0360 to get started today.

2 Misconceptions About Defensive Driving

Driving safe is far better than having to go after compensation for injuries due to an accident. While you can’t anticipate every mistake other drivers will make, there are certain good habits that can protect you and your passengers. Of course, not every defensive driving technique you read about online is everything it’s made out to be. Here are 2 misconceptions about defensive driving.

Myth #1 – Always keep your hands at 10 and 2

This has been drilled into anyone who is 30 and over since high school. There’s just one problem – the air bag was invented. Sure airbags keep us safer, but they also make the 10/2 hand position a prime spot for broken arms during an accident. Now the recommendation is to keep your hands at the 9 and 3 positions.

Myth #2 – Hands-free headset calls are safer

Unfortunately, the problem with being on the phone while driving is not taking one hand off the wheel – it’s being distracted by the conversation itself. As a result, studies have shown that drivers are just as dangerous while taking a call on a headset as while holding the phone for a call. The best way to stay safe is to leave phone calls for when you arrive at your destination and to pull over for emergency calls.

If You Have Been Injured in a Car Accident

No matter how safe you try to be, accidents can still happen. If you have been injured due to a mistake made by another driver, you need the right support in order to receive a fair settlement from the insurance company. Petrov Law Firm has experience in dealing with these companies and attaining just compensation for our clients. To learn more, call 619-344-0360.

Common Injuries that Occur During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is usually a time of great joy when families get together, share a meal, exchange gifts, and spend quality time together. Unfortunately, the holiday season also brings a certain amount of danger. Here are a few things to watch out for.

• Car accidents – Especially since many drivers are enjoying alcoholic beverages around the holidays, this can lead to an increase in car accidents. The Petrov Law Firm wants to encourage everyone to be safe and use a designated driver this holiday season.
• Cuts – While it is nice to give and get gifts, opening them can pose a danger. Be sure that young children don’t have access to scissors, knives, boxcutters, or other sharp items. And adults should also be extremely careful if using one of these items to open a gift.
• Burns – First of all, a stove is probably in use in the home where everyone is gathering for a meal. That means keeping an eye on children and making sure they know not to touch the oven. The holidays are also a time when many light candles. Keep candles out of the reach of small children.
• Electric shock – Families with children know to keep outlets protected. But if you are traveling this holiday season, especially if you will be visiting a family member with no small children, be sure that the house will be child-friendly to ensure no accidents ensue with unprotected outlets.
• Defective toys – A gift can quickly turn into a hazard if it is not manufactured properly.

Protect Your Family This Holiday Season

If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident, suffers harm from a defective device, or is subject to personal injury in some other way, contact the Petrov Law Firm to speak with a personal injury lawyer.

Safe Distance is a Relative Term

Although other drivers might not approve, driving less than two car lengths behind another vehicle is unsafe. And that’s especially true at high speeds. During rush hour traffic, bottlenecks create sudden stops; and if drivers are traveling too fast there will be rear end collisions.

Although southern Californian drivers are used to dry, sunny days, they still have to adjust their speed on days with rain. In especially bad whether, drivers should drive below the speed limit as roads are slick with an oil and water mixture.

Driving at unsafe distances can also mean chain reaction accidents. Frequently several safe drivers get caught in multiple car accidents as other vehicles slam to a stop and swerve into other lanes. If you’ve been blamed for an accident, contact a lawyer to ensure the blame is being assigned correctly. If you’ve been the victim of an accident, you need a lawyer who will ensure all of your interests are taken into consideration.

Open Door Policy: What To Do When a Cyclist Hits Your Car Door

So who is at fault and how does each person recover the costs caused by the accident? Generally, both parties will need to hire an attorney if the medical costs are high for one or both parties.

Car insurance won’t cover this kind of accident. Car insurance is only meant to cover costs while the vehicle is in operation. Homeowner’s insurance might cover some of the costs, however, homeowner’s insurance generally comes with a high deductible (like $2,500). If the medical costs associated with accident are less than $2,500, the money will have to come out of pocket.

Fault is also an important issue when dealing with a bike rider running into a car door.
• Was the vehicle in place for more than a few minutes before the door opened?
• Should the cyclist have known the car was newly parked in the space?
• Was the car parked near a designated bike lane?
• Was either person on the phone when the accident occurred?

Feelings of guilt, anger, and frustration are very common when a cyclist runs into an open car door. However, unless there are significant medical costs, each party might be better by simply covering his or her own expenses.