car accident Tag

Sleepiness and Driving, a Deadly Combination

Whether you drive for a living, commute to work every day, or just drive when you need to, driving while drowsy is a problem that you have to pay attention to. Each year, there are more than 1 million car accidents in the US that are related to falling asleep while driving.

Even if you don’t fall asleep at the wheel, being tired while driving can still have major consequences. Consider the following three concerns that driving while drowsy causes according to the CDC:

• Reaction time is decreased – When something unexpected happens, your reaction time can make the difference between a near miss and an accident.
• Inhibited decision-making ability – Can you make that yellow light before it turns red? Is that driver moving slowly enough for you to pull out in front of him? While drowsy, you may make a wrong choice.
• Reduced attention – Distracted driving is enough of a problem without drowsiness making it tougher to focus.

As you can see, being tired behind the wheel can be a real danger to you and others. Therefore, if you are feeling sleepy, please pull over and take a nap rather than trying to push through. It is better to be an hour or two late than never to arrive at all.

Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident in California?

Unfortunately, despite repeated warnings, car accidents occur every day where one of the drivers was at fault due to something like being too tired to be at the wheel. If you have been hurt by a drowsy or otherwise incapacitated driver, call Petrov Law Firm today at 619-344-0360. We help accident victims in southern California to attain the best possible settlement.

Avoid These Common Driving Distractions

Distracted drivers cause accidents that can lead to serious injury or even fatalities. How can you protect yourself and your passengers? While you can’t control other drivers, you can do your best to ensure that you are not distracted while operating your vehicle. Here are some common distractions to avoid.

• Phone – Whether a person is using a phone legally or illegally, it is still a distraction. The best thing to do is let a passenger hold your phone during the drive. If you are alone, any calls or texts can wait. If you are expecting an important call, be prepared to pull over.
• Dashboard dining – Eating at the wheel can be a big distraction, especially if it is something like a big messy burger, which is what most people stop for when on the road. Try to eat before you leave for a drive and plan time to stop and get out during long trips. It will be good to stretch your legs anyway, and it’s safer than eating and driving.
• Media – From books, magazines, and newspapers to music and video content, we are inundated with media on a daily basis. Music isn’t a bad form of media for a drive as long as you are not distracted playing with the radio dials. Reading and watching videos should wait until you arrive at your destination.

Car Accident Injury Attorneys in San Diego

If you have been injured by a distracted driver, you need the help of our California personal injury attorneys. Call Petrov Law Firm today at 619-344-0360 to learn how we can help to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.

Mistakes Drivers Make that Lead to Serious Car Accidents

Fault in California car accidents is how the courts determine which driver’s insurance covers medical bills and other expenses. Here are some of the mistakes drivers make that can lead to serious car accidents that are completely their fault.

• Driving under the influence – Whether it is alcohol, drugs, or even some forms of prescription medication, it is always illegal to be under the influence while driving. This is particularly important to remember for drivers who were happy to see marijuana legalized in the state. Remember: it is still illegal to use marijuana while driving, to have marijuana open and accessible in the vehicle, or to be under the influence of this drug while driving.
• Speeding – This the leading cause of car accidents, including fatal accidents. Always obey the posted speed limit, especially in road construction areas.
• Distracted driving – While smartphones are the number one distraction in our technological era, there are many other ways to be distracted while driving. Everything from lighting up a cigarette to putting the finishing touches on makeup can be what takes a driver’s eyes off the road long enough for an accident to occur.

Car Accident Injury Attorneys in Southern California

If you have been injured in a car accident, the personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm can help. Insurance companies always want to settle for the lowest amount possible to protect their profits, so you want an experienced lawyer in your corner to help maximize your settlement. Before you agree to anything, call 619-344-0360 to learn how we can help.

Southern California’s Most Common Personal Injury Suits

When someone is injured, you may wonder who should be held responsible for the medical bills and other losses the injured person may have experienced. Let’s see how this question applies to some of the more common ways in which individuals are injured in Southern California.

• Car Accidents – Automotive accident injuries are extremely common and often lead to major medical expenses. However, California is a fault state, so liability is determined by the percent of fault the various parties share.
• Slip and Fall Injuries – Whether you slip on wet tile or trip over a run in the carpet, what needs to be determined is whether the property owner caused the issue, knew about the issue, and had enough time to respond to the issue.
• Dog Attacks – Dog bites are probably more common than you think. Children are the most likely to be bitten, so it is vital to monitor the interactions between children and animals. If a dog bite occurs, the owner may be culpable depending on the circumstances.

Personal Injury Lawyers in Southern California

If you have been injured in any of the ways mentioned in this article, the personal injury lawyers at Petrov Law Firm can help. We have experience in helping the victims of car accidents, slip and fall accidents, and dog bites receive a proper settlement. To learn more, schedule a consultation with our conveniently located San Diego and Chula Vista offices today. Just call 619-344-0360 to get started.

Road Conditions that Require Extra Caution from Drivers

No one wants to be in a car accident, and that is why Petrov Law Firm offers safe driving advice. Here are a few tips for driving when road conditions are the most dangerous.

• Rain – Sometimes we forget that rain can make the roadways very slick. Be sure to leave extra space between you and other drivers, especially at highway speeds, and slow down more than usual when taking corners so you don’t hydroplane.
• Dark – Driving at night can make it difficult to see road hazards as well as pedestrians who may not be properly dressed for a nighttime walk. Keep your headlights in good shape and be sure to switch from hi-beams to low-beams for oncoming drivers.
• Construction – Speeding in a construction area could lead to having the blood of a construction worker on your hands. Always follow posted instructions when driving in a construction area. Even if no accident occurs, remember that penalties for breaking the speed limit are much greater in construction areas.
• Potholes – A pothole can destroy your tire. If you can avoid a pothole safely, do so. If not, it is best to strike the hole straight on and as slow as possible. The side walls of your tires are weaker, so a last-minute turn of the wheel could result in a blowout. If a warning light comes on after going through a pothole or if you feel a wobble, pull over immediately to check your tires.

California Car Accident Injury Lawyers

If you do find yourself needing a California car accident injury attorney, contact the Petrov Law Firm at 619-344-0360. We can help you to maximize your settlement and get the compensation that you deserve.

Cell Phone Driving Laws You Need to Know About in California

Driving distracted is responsible for thousands of deaths each year. The state of California has laws in place to discourage this practice when it comes to the use of cell phones by a driver. Here are the ones you should know about.

• Since 2008, hand-held devices cannot be used while driving. If you are over 18, you can use a hands-free device.
• There is no texting and driving whatsoever in California. This law was passed in 2009 and includes the writing, sending, and reading of text messages.
• As noted above, the law prohibits those under the age of 18 from even using a hands-free device while driving.

While these laws should instill the importance of avoiding distracted driving, many drivers still seem to insist that those laws are in place for someone else and that they can drive distracted without consequences. If you ever find yourself in a vehicle with someone who allows themselves to be distracted by a mobile device, don’t be afraid to speak up – you may just save a life.

Car Accident Injury Attorneys in San Diego

If you are injured in an auto accident in the San Diego, California area, Petrov Law Firm can help. Speak to one of our experienced and compassionate personal injury attorneys today by calling 619-344-0360 to schedule an appointment. We can help you to recoup your losses, especially if the driver who caused the accident was distracted by a cell phone.

California Is the Most Dangerous State for Drivers

The NHTSA has released the numbers for 2016 traffic accidents and fatalities. What is the verdict for the state of California? It is officially the most dangerous state to drive in. How bad is it? What are the leading causes of traffic fatalities in California? What is your recourse if you have lost a loved on to such a terrible tragedy?

There are 50 states in the US, which makes California 2% of the nation. However, more than 10% of the fatal accidents in the country take place here. Now it is true that California makes up about 12% of the US population, so that skews the numbers a little. But driving is still one of the most dangerous things you can do in California. Why?

The two biggest dangers for drivers are speeding and distractions. One or both of these elements play into almost every fatal traffic accident in the state. Despite laws banning texting and driving, many still insist they know better. Others have been involved in fatal accidents while using social media and taking photos or videos while behind the wheel.

Compassionate Assistance for Those Who Have Lost a Loved One

If you have lost a family member in such a tragic way, our hearts go out to you. Please call 619-344-0360 to let the compassionate attorneys at Petrov Law Firm help you with your wrongful death suit. Our experienced team can help you to maximize a settlement. We know it won’t bring your loved one back, but we still want to help you to get what you need during your time of loss.

What Does Pure Comparative Negligence Mean?

The state of California is pure comparative negligence state. What does that mean, and how may it affect your personal injury settlement?

What Is Pure Comparative Negligence?

Pure comparative negligence refers to the assigning of a percentage of fault to each party in a case of injury such as a car accident. This means that the at-fault party will not be responsible for 100% of your expenses and losses (unless they are deemed to be 100% responsible for the accident, which is possible).

Let’s consider an example. Imagine you are struck in an intersection by a driver who runs a red light. It seems pretty cut and dry who is at fault. But what if you were speeding? The courts may determine that the other driver is only 75% responsible because if you were driving slower, you might not have been in the intersection when the infraction occurred. This could result in a lower settlement because the other driver is only on the hook for 75% of your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, vehicle damages, and the like.

Helping You Navigate Your Personal Injury Case in Southern California

The personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm can help you to maximize your settlement, especially if you have a basis for claiming the accident or injury was 100% the fault of the other party. Let us help you negotiate the best possible settlement by calling 619-344-0360 today.

Drowsy Driving – 3 Reasons to Be Awake at the Wheel

Driving while drowsy is a common issue in the United States, especially when it comes to truckers. If you have ever fallen asleep at the wheel or felt like you may do so, here are some statistics that should convince you to take a nap before getting on the road.

Did you know that more than 1 million accidents that occur on US roads each year are directly related to falling asleep at the wheel? Then you have to add to that figure the number of accidents that are related to being drowsy which causes a person no longer to be alert. This can decrease response times in emergency driving situations and lead to an accident occurring when a person would normally have been able to stop, swerve, or perform other evasive maneuvers.

According to the CDC driving drowsy can result in the following three issues for drivers:

• Decreases the ability to make good decisions (i.e., “Should I pull out in front of that car?”)
• Decreases reaction times
• Inhibits ability to pay attention (as if drivers didn’t already have enough distractions)

Hopefully, this is enough to convince you to pull over and take a nap, but what about other drivers on the road?

If You Have Been Injured by a Drowsy Driver in California

If you have been injured in a car accident due to a driver being drowsy or even falling asleep at the wheel, contact Petrov Law Firm right away at 619-344-0360. Our personal injury lawyers specialize in car and truck accidents, and we can help you to receive the compensation you deserve.

California Driving Laws Combating Fatal Accidents

California was ranked among the top 6 states for traffic safety laws according to a recent study performed by the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. What laws are in place that protect California residents? Are there any laws that could be added to increase safety further? How many fatalities occur on California roads despite these laws? Read on to learn the answers.

California State Laws that Protect Drivers

California lawmakers have adopted numerous laws to show that safety is important in the state. For example, seat belts are required for all drivers and passengers, including those in the back seat of the vehicle. Motorcycle riders are required to wear helmets. Infants and toddlers must be in a rear-facing seat at least through age 2, and there is a booster seat law in place. Other important laws include a ban on open alcoholic containers in the vehicle as well as a ban on texting and driving.

Other Laws Suggested in the Report

Of course, there are still states that have stricter laws when it comes to certain habits, and the report listed some that could be of benefit in California. For example, while texting and driving is banned, many states have a law against all hand-held devices. This would further reduce distractions for drivers. California also does not yet require ignition locks for all offenders of impaired driving laws.

If You Have Been Injured on California Roads

While no system of driving laws is perfect, one of the most highly trafficked states has been able to keep the 10-year fatality statistic at 31,750. Of course, many more are injured in accidents. It is estimated that accidents cost the state nearly $20 billion per year. If you have been injured in an automotive accident, seek the compensation you are owed by calling 619-344-0360. The personal injury lawyers at Petrov Law Firm will be happy to assist you.