Novato Personal Injury Blog

Wrong-way drivers often cause fatal car accidents

On behalf of Rush Injury Law posted in car accidents on Thursday, February 7, 2019.

California drivers are often immune to the traffic conditions that irritate motorists in other locations. However, no matter how experienced and adaptable drivers can be, there are times when even professional drivers cannot avoid getting involved in car accidents. Sadly, a recent collision involving a wrong-way driver took two lives and injured several others.

According to the California Highway Patrol, a crash involving three vehicles occurred along the northbound lanes of Highway 101 shortly after 2 a.m. on a recent Sunday. The report states that a 21-year-old female driver purportedly entered the highway heading southbound in the northbound lanes. As the driver proceeded down the road, her automobile collided with two other vehicles.

You have suffered enough; a personal injury lawsuit may ease pain

On behalf of Rush Injury Law posted in Personal Injury on Thursday, January 24, 2019.

In one moment, you could go from competing in California marathons to finding yourself exhausted just trying to navigate the stairs in your home after you have been involved in a serious accident. Sadly, your physical pain may only be the beginning once your ability to earn your paycheck has been taken away. Even though your physical abilities have been reduced, there may be help in restoring your financial security through a personal injury lawsuit.

In the blink of an eye, a careless driver late for work runs a stop sign, and you wind up with head and neck injuries that make it impossible for you to carry out your normal duties on the job. You suffer from dizzy spells and horrible headaches that impact your ability to drive your own car safely. Though an injury seems insignificant at first, you could wind up needing costly physical therapy for months just to try and recover enough to return to work.

Statistics Show Cycling Is No Picnic In California

On behalf of Rush Injury Law on Wednesday, January 16, 2019.

Recent statistics released by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that California is one of the deadliest states for bicyclists.

The statistics show that in 2015, Florida had the most bicyclist deaths in the nation with 150, followed by California with 129. No other state had more than 50; five states had no bicyclist fatalities at all.

Program works to help patients deal with traumatic brain injuries

On behalf of Rush Injury Law posted in brain injuries on Thursday, January 10, 2019.

Most people go about their daily activities without spending time considering how their entire life could change in one devastating moment. Sadly, countless California families have been forever changed when an unforeseen accident leaves victims trying to cope with everyday life after suffering traumatic brain injuries. Many of these horrifying injuries are caused by serious car accidents.

There are programs available that work with patients who have suffered a life-changing head injury. One such program was recently spotlighted for its work with these patients. The staff provide supportive care that includes helping patients cope with pain management, physical limitations, and emotional and mental changes. This program also enables eligible patients to re-learn how to operate a motor vehicle.

Electric scooter riders still causing injuries

On behalf of Rush Injury Law on Friday, January 4, 2019.

You will see electronic scooters zipping around the streets and sidewalks of just about any major city as of the last few months. Whether it’s the low cost, the green qualities of electric motors or the simple convenience, this phenomenon has swept the entire nation shockingly quick.

The scooters have had their share of growing pains; the city of San Francisco has banned them outright. But while SF has done away with the transit devices, Oakland has accepted them with open arms. In that time, though, concerns about safety have surfaced.

Police often rely on tips from public after fatal car accidents

On behalf of Rush Injury Law posted in car accidents on Wednesday, December 26, 2018.

In spite of the advances in technology that can aid police departments in solving crimes, it often falls to information provided by the public to determine who may be held responsible. In the event of serious -- or even fatal -- car accidents, California officials often request tips from residents to find a driver who may have fled the scene of an accident. Several weeks after a hit-and-run crash that killed one victim, the police received a tip that helped bring the case to a resolution.

According to an update provided by police, the driver believed to be responsible for a crash that killed a beloved crossing guard has finally been located. The wreck occurred in October after a driver failed to stop at a red light. The motorist struck the victim who was riding his scooter at the time. The driver of the pick-up purportedly failed to render aid to the 48-year-old victim and fled the scene.

Devices to relieve pain of back injuries a medical nightmare

On behalf of Rush Injury Law posted in back injuries on Thursday, December 13, 2018.

There are few things in life that are more debilitating than chronic and unrelenting pain. When that pain is caused by serious back injuries or diseases, patients may find it nearly impossible to carry out their normal routines. Sadly, many California residents find themselves struggling to overcome this pain and while trying to live a normal life.

Injuries to the back and spine can result in pain that does not respond to typical treatment. As a way to limit the prescription addictions, medical device companies have been marketing devices that purportedly can relieve up to 75 percent of pain. These devices are surgically implanted near the spinal cord and are intended to block pain signals that reach the brain by releasing impulses through thin lead wires that are connected to the power supply under the skin. Patients then are supposedly able to control the amount and timing of these impulses through the use of a remote control. Unfortunately, these devices often cause more harm.

Road rage incidents can lead to terrifying car accidents

On behalf of Rush Injury Law posted in car accidents on Thursday, November 29, 2018.

It has only been in the past several years that the term "road rage" has been used to describe often terrifying behavior of one driver that is directed toward fellow motorists. This behavior often stems from either an actual or perceived wrongdoing on the part of a driver that another finds offensive or dangerous. In an effort to retaliate, an individual may engage in dangerous driving maneuvers that may result in serious car accidents. Police in California are now pointing to road rage as a cause of one serious crash that critically injured a motorcyclist.

According to the reports, a 54-year-old man driving a pickup truck purportedly used the front of this truck to bump the rear tire of the motorcycle. That contact caused the rider to lose control, and he was subsequently dislodged from his seat. His body then struck a road barrier. The motorcycle traveled on until it collided with a pedestrian.

5 recommendations to follow after car accidents

On behalf of Rush Injury Law posted in car accidents on Friday, November 16, 2018.

No one anticipates being involved in a serious collision when they get behind the wheel. Unfortunately, car accidents occur without warning and often leave the victims dazed and uncertain about how to proceed. Anyone in California facing these unnerving situations may be better prepared by taking the following steps.

In the seconds after a collision, the first priority is to check oneself, passengers and anyone else involved for injuries. Even in the event that no one appears to have suffered any obvious injuries, such as broken bones or open wounds, one could still have a significant injury that is not immediately apparent. Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries can result in serious and debilitating ailments. Contact police and emergency crews to report the wreck and to have everyone involved thoroughly assessed for injuries.

Common causes for children getting hit by cars

On behalf of Rush Injury Law on Thursday, November 15, 2018.

It can be a terrifying experience for a parent to find out their child has been struck by a car. However, getting hit by a car is the third leading cause of death for children between ages 5 and 9, according to the Association for Psychological Science. As a parent, it is important to understand the common causes of these crashes, so you can help your child avoid being hit by a car while walking.

According to an article by the Association for Psychological Science, children are susceptible to getting hit by cars because they are easily distracted, they are smaller than adults and they do not see the cars coming. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration resources also highlight the impulsive nature of children ages 10 and under and recommends children in that age range have supervision when walking or playing near roadways.