Motorcycle accidents are often due to several factors, including:

*  Reckless behavior like speeding or driving under the influence
*  Not wearing an approved helmet while riding
*  Failure of motorists to stop for motorcycles
*  Defective and poorly maintained roads, or roads that are not designed for good visibility
*  Poor lighting on the roadways
*  Motorcyclists who are inexperienced
*  Motorcycles that are not well functioning or properly maintained

With some motorists, there seems to be a certain amount of rage when it comes to motorcyclists.  They believe that those who ride motorcycles should have no rights, and that all simply want to drive fast or “show off.”  This is not a fair picture, and California motorcycle accident lawyers know that motorists have huge changes to make in order to make our streets safe for those who ride motorcycles.  Sure, motorcyclists may ride at speeds that are too fast, or engage in other dangerous practices.  This certainly does not mean they all do; in fact, many motorcyclists abide by the rules of the road.

One major area of concern in California is lane sharing, which is perfectly legal in the state.  If done at slow speeds, lane sharing can be completely safe; however motorists who object to lane sharing tend to be rather hostile.  California personal injury attorneys know that the rage that exists between motorists and motorcyclists is responsible for a large number of motorcycle fatalities that occur in California.  The growing age of motorcyclists is another factor.  Many who ride motorcycles all over the nation are 50 and older.  Sometimes they do not have the skills and techniques necessary to operate a heavy motorcycle on busy and congested streets.  Other times, they do not realize how lightweight and powerful the motorcycles of today really are.  In both instances, fatalities often occur.

Across the United States, the incidence of motorcycle fatalities has been steadily increasing over the last 11 years.  In 2008, 14 percent of all fatalities in traffic accidents were motorcyclists, as unbelievable as it seems.

The Reeves Law Group has offices across California and is dedicated to representing personal injury victims, including victims of motorcycle accidents.  Please contact us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.

Eventually, the family took matters into their own hands by setting up a hidden video camera recording system in Arellano’s room.  What they would find would shock them.  Monica Garcia, an employee of the nursing home, was seen slapping Arellano and also pulling her hair.  Arellano, who is a stroke victim, was also tormented by the employee twisting her wrists, fingers and neck.  Garcia also violently abused the victim while she was in her shower chair.  She has pleaded no contest to simple battery, and was charged with a criminal offense.

The family of Arellano sued and has been awarded $7.75 million, which includes punitive damages of $5 million and actual damages of $2.7 million.  Eduardo Gonzalez, owner of the center, was assigned 40% of the liability, the center also 40%, and Garcia, the employee who abused the victim, was assigned 20% liability.  This incident has brought to light the plight of another resident of this nursing home, 83 year old Daniel Sanchez.  His family has also suspected abuse of their loved one, and he has since passed away.  The lawsuit filed by his family is scheduled to go to trial next month.  He was also a stroke victim.

The arrogance shown by the center is shocking to lawyers for Arellano’s family, who say they showed no interest in settling the claim.  When the Arellano family was unsatisfied with the measures taken by the center to investigate their abuse worries, they took action themselves and uncovered the facts.  The video recording that captured Garcia abusing Arellano weighed heavily in the trial.

California nursing home abuse lawyers ask families of nursing home residents to be aware and alert to any signs of abuse of their loved ones.

*  Look for the common signs of abuse.  Bruises, wounds, bed sores, unsanitary conditions, and failure of staff to bathe your loved one regularly should be reported to the facility at once.

*  Be alert to signs of malnutrition, and check to insure that needed medications are given on time.

*  Notice personality changes such as depression, anxiety or fear that wasn’t there before.  These could be naturally occurring due to dementia, but may also be signs that some form of abuse is taking place.

The Reeves Law Group has offices across California and is dedicated to representing personal injury victims, including victims of nursing home abuse.  Please contact us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.

There were 669 deaths in traffic accidents involving drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 in California in 2007.  Of this total, 238 of the victims were the drivers.  Passengers riding with teen drivers accounted for 199 of the deaths, and out of these 199:

15 were under 15 years old
127 were between the ages of 15 and 20
57 were over 20 years old

Other than passengers of the teen drivers vehicle, occupants of other vehicles that were involved in these accidents accounted for 157 deaths, and 75 deaths resulted in those not riding in a car such as pedestrians.

Teen motor safety is still a huge concern, especially in light of these statistics and the high rates of fatalities occurring in teen accidents.  Statistics from FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) which were used in the data show that:

*In 2007, drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 made up 9 percent of the population and 6 percent of licensed drivers.  Drivers of this age made up an alarming portion of the accident fatalities.  19 percent of traffic fatalities nationwide were due to accidents involving young drivers in 2007.

*There were 7650 deaths in 2007 in accidents involving these motorists.

*The majority of the time, those who died were the drivers or a passenger in their car.  2029 fatalities nationwide in 2007 were passengers between the ages of 15 and 20.

*67 percent of passenger fatalities were in the same age group as the driver, between 15 and 20 years old.

*The highest accident rates in teen drivers occur on rural roadways.  About 57% of accidents involving the death of a teen occur on rural or country roads.

Most teenage motorists enjoy traveling with passengers in their own age group, which explains why young motorists and their passengers are the most likely age group to die in traffic accidents.

There are many suspected reasons that more fatalities occur on country roads, and California auto accident lawyers know that rural roads often have higher rates of speeding and reckless driving than other roads.  Drunk driving is more common on the rural and back roads as well.  Country roads are often rougher and not as well designed as other roads, which may account for the increased risk of accidents in these rural areas.

The Reeves Law Group has offices across California and is dedicated to representing personal injury victims, including victims of auto accidents.  Please contact us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.

The companies Wyeth and Pharmacia were acquired by Pfizer at an earlier date.  Wyeth is the maker of Premarin, an estrogen drug, and Prempro, a combination of estrogen and progestin.  Provera is a hormone drug that is made by Pharmacia.  These lawsuits were brought against Pfizer after the acquisition.

Hormonal drugs have been used for years to treat menopausal symptoms in women, and in 2002 the FDA mandated black box warnings on the labeling of these drugs that they were intended to be used in the “smallest possible doses for the shortest possible time.”  Since then, fears have risen about the long term effects and possible cancer caused by these drugs.  These lawsuits are only the beginning in a long line, and Pfizer has at a minimum 1,500 product liability lawsuits facing them, which are all filed in a Philadelphia court, and all pertain to the hormone treatment drug.  Philadelphia is Wyeth’s headquarters, which is the reason that the lawsuits have been filed there.  Across the country, lawyers state that more than 10,000 lawsuits are being filed.

Statistics show that women who have developed breast cancer and gone to trial before a jury have been the victor in 10 out of 12 cases.  Many of these were won when the verdict was appealed.  In the case of the first woman , a $27 million award was overturned by the court because of testimony given by experts that was found to be improper.  A new trial on punitive damages was ordered by the court because there was reason to believe that a jury may find that Wyeth acted with careless disregard in the making of the drug.  Pfizer is wasting no time, and requesting this decision be reviewed by the panel.

Millions of women continue to use hormonal drugs, even after the 2002 study that proved that estrogen therapy could be a factor in breast cancer.  Prior to this study, hormone treatment drugs brought in a staggering $2 billion in sales, but decreased significantly after the warning by the Food and Drug Administration.  It seems that after the initial shock, sales have risen quite a bit which means that millions of women are putting themselves at risk of developing breast cancer by using these drugs.

It is usually exceptional circumstances that call for punitive damages to be awarded, such as when a Los Angeles California injury lawyer has the ability to prove that the defendant acted with careless disregard.  Sometimes these types of damages are referred to as exemplary damages, due to the fact that they are often awarded more to make an example of the defendant rather than to compensate the victim. It is the hope of attorneys that by awarding punitive damages to victims, other companies will be deterred from reckless behavior in the manufacture of drugs and other products.

The Reeves Law Group has offices across California, and is dedicated to representing personal injury victims, including victims of product liability.  Please contact us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.

The SUV was entirely consumed by flames by the time fire crews arrived at the scene, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.  These families should consider hiring a team of Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys to represent their case  Two other passengers of the SUV escaped serious injuries because an eye witness was able to quickly pull them out.  The survivors of the crash are 8 and 10 years old, and the truck driver involved in the tragic accident was taken to the hospital after complaining of chest pains.

More than 5,000 people are killed across the country in tractor trailer crashes every year, and this tragedy that resulted in three deaths is heart wrenching.  Many fatal crashes are caused by these big rigs, sometimes because of truck driver fatigue, negligence, speeding or driving under the influence.  The maintenance of the truck may also come in to play in accidents with tractor trailer rigs.  Chances of becoming involved in an accident are increased when lights, brakes, wheels, tires and other equipment are not maintained properly.

California product liability lawyers know that accidents are often caused due to defective parts on vehicles, and wonder if this particular crash warrants further investigation to learn why the driver of the SUV was not able to stop his car in time.  Malfunctioning brakes are always a possibility in instances like this.

There are some important tips to keep in mind when driving near tractor trailer rigs, and California truck accident lawyers want to increase awareness of these suggestions:

*  Maintain a safe speed, and don’t get in too big of a rush; these rigs are massive and weigh tens of thousands of pounds.
*  Don’t drive too closely
*  Prior to passing a tractor trailer, make certain the passing lane is clear and safe
*  Under no circumstances should you ever race or try to beat a big rig
*  Avoid sudden application of brakes when in front of a tractor trailer – they cannot stop as fast as you can, and often weight 80,000 lbs

The Reeves Law Group Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers have offices across California, and is dedicated to representing personal injury victims, including victims of truck accidents.  Please contact us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.

Several of the passengers aboard the bus were injured when bus number 92 crashed according to the LAPD, who say that at least 10 suffered serious injuries.  One passenger is reportedly in critical condition, and the others injuries were not life threatening.  The cause of the accident is being investigated by police.

Most people would be under the impression that riding in a bus is safer than riding in a passenger vehicle, due to the fact that a bus is much larger and heavier, and elevated to a point where complete vision of your surrounding is increased.  Even with all of the advantages, there are numerous bus accidents that result in multiple injuries each year in California.

People who are injured in bus accidents may qualify for compensation, however this requires identifying all parties responsible for the accident.  California bus accident attorneys identify the responsible bus company in most accident lawsuits.  Responsibility may be placed on certain companies because of defects in the bus; for example parts that do not work correctly, such as brakes, tires or headlights.  Blame may also be placed on the bus company because of its negligence in hiring and supervising individuals who are properly qualified, or do not have the proper training or experience.

A bus maintenance company may also be held responsible in the claim if the accident is related to malfunctioning parts or improper maintenance.  Additionally, highways and other roads that are dangerous or in disrepair may be to blame for a bus accident, in which case the city and county agencies are held responsible.  If the vehicle in question is a government-owned transit bus, state and local governments may be held liable in a claim.  School bus accidents that are caused by the negligence of the driver may leave the school district or board liable.

While in many cases the accident is actually caused by the driver of the bus, their employer and their insurer are held financially responsible.  Bus manufacturers may also be responsible, if defective parts are found to be at fault in an accident.  Los Angeles bus accident lawyers sometimes name the operators of a tour service as the party responsible if the bus trip is part of a package.

The Reeves Law Group has offices across California, and is dedicated to representing clients as Los Angeles personal injury attorneys, including victims of bus accidents.  Please contact us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.

In 2008, two bicyclists who were riding on a two-lane road in Brentwood were injured when Christopher Thomas supposedly pulled out in front of them in his car.  This resulted in one of the riders going through Thompson’s windshield, and the other being slammed into the ground after being tossed several feet into the air.  The cyclists claim that Thompson yelled at them, then proceeded to pull out in their path and slam on his brakes.  Thompson’s attorney alleges that the accident was caused because the bicyclists yelled profanities at the doctor, who faces four felony charges.

With an increase in the number of bicyclists over the last several years, it seems that conflicts between motorists and those who ride bikes is increasing.  More people are riding bicycles all over the United States, including California.  Between 2000 and 2008, according to statistics, bicycling across the country has risen by 43 percent.  The increased awareness of the environment has also contributed to this rise, as more people view bicycling as a “green” method to travel.  Not only that, bicycling is cheap, and is a very effective activity for better fitness.

Many cities in California have experienced an increase in those who ride bicycles, but have not seen a rise in accidents that involve bicyclists.  This is thought to be due to the fact that because so many people are riding, motorists have become more aware of them and drive safely.  In fact, bicycling increased by 66% in Marin County between 1998 and 2008, but accidents between motorists and bicyclists in this county decreased by 34%.

Although many people are using bicycles as a mode of transportation, the accident rates still haven’t risen nearly at the rate that fatal motorcycle accidents have.  In 2008, the NHTSA showed that 716 fatal bicycle accidents occurred, which was a drop of 6% when compared to 1998.  While this is good news, Los Angeles personal injury lawyers are still concerned about bicycle accidents, and the rising number of severe injuries that result when a crash occurs.

The Reeves Law Group has offices across California, and is dedicated to representing Los Angeles bicycle accident victims, including victims of bicycle accidents.  Please contact us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.

The program is promoted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Ride like a Friend was the name given to the program all across the country, which focused on the distractions that passengers can cause, and how to lessen this occurrence.  Car accidents are the major cause of death in teenagers according to the CDC, and it is shown that in one out of three teenage deaths, car accidents are to blame.  While many may believe that alcohol is the main cause for these accidents, it is actually due to distractions.  In California, teens are forced to wait before they can drive with passengers in the car by a graduated license program that is in place.

Studies have shown that with teenage motorists, the more passengers that are riding in the car the greater the accident risk.  In fact, when a teenager drives with one passenger, the chances of having an accident is increased two-fold, while driving with multiple passengers seems to raise risk by 4 to 5 times.

Teenagers are encouraged to participate in numerous activities in the Ride like a Friend campaign in order to promote safe driving behavior.  They may work to produce public service announcements such as videos to encourage safe behavior by passengers.  Drivers and passengers work together to create radio, print, video and performance art PSAs, and also compete locally.  Since teenagers often use social networking sites, they are encouraged to spread the word on sites like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.  These messages are an effort to increase the awareness of passengers about distracting the driver, and how dangerous this can be.

Los Angeles car accident lawyers believe it is a good practice to educate teenage motorists about the risks of being distracted while driving, and encouraging passengers to be responsible and engage in safe behavior as well.  National Teen Driver Safety Week is one effort that is concentrated on developing our teenagers into safe, well informed drivers.

The Reeves Law Group has offices across California and is dedicated to representing California auto accident victims, including victims of car accidents.  Please contact us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.

Ms. Petelski, according to the Los Angeles Times, was driving her vehicle on Glyndon Avenue after finishing her shift at work at a counseling center and was stopped at a stop sign.  This was around midnight, and according to a representative of the Los Angeles Police Department she pulled out in front of the cruiser. Two police officers who were inside of the cruiser were treated at the hospital for minor to moderate injuries.  Petelski died one day after the accident from her injuries.  Individuals in related accidents should contact a car accident attorney in Los Angeles.

The two officers have stated that they were not responding to a call at the time the accident occurred, according to the LAPD, and questions have been raised regarding the speed of the cruiser and whether negligence may have been involved.  The accident is still being investigated, and the cause of the crash is still uncertain at this time.

Residents who live near the scene of the crash suggest that the cruiser had no lights or sirens in use, and seemed to be traveling at a rate of speed between 50 and 70 mph.  Other witnesses seem to agree with these reports, and Captain Paul West had already admitted to reporters that as far as he knew, lights or sirens were not in use at the time.

Those near the area when the accident occurred reported that they heard no brakes screeching or sirens just before the crash took place.  These witnesses say that within a few short moments of the time that the cruiser hit Petelski’s car on the driver’s side, 10 more cruisers arrived at the scene and began blocking off the crime scene.  They also stated that emergency vehicles arrived more than 15 minutes after the crash took place.

Witnesses who saw the entire event unfold claim that the officers were indeed speeding without the use of lights or sirens, and that they are clearly at fault in the accidents.  Naturally, emotions are running rampant over this incident, and is very upsetting to Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers who respect law enforcement officials at the LAPD immensely.

The Reeves Law Group has offices across California and are dedicated to representing personal injury victims, including victims of car accidents.  Please contact us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.

California is known as a motorcycle friendly state, and it is unfortunate that an out of town visitor has lost his life due to the negligence of a motorist under the influence.  California motorcycle accident lawyers see this frequently, but know that riding a motorcycle does not necessarily have to be a risky or dangerous activity that it often appears to be.  In the state, many people enjoy riding and it should be a safe and enjoyable activity if all were to wear helmets, drive the speed limit and avoid stunts.  However, this is not the case many times.  Other motorists often don’t pay close attention to motorcyclists, and are at fault for accidents that occur.  In the unfortunate death mentioned earlier, the driver of the motorcycle was obeying the law – it was the negligence of Roles that took his life.

Driving a motorcycle seems to put a motorist at increased risk for accidents in certain instances – for example, when drunk drivers are in the vicinity.  When motorists are impaired, it puts others around them at a higher risk of being involved in an accident.  Since motorcyclists are less protected, they are at a far greater risk of serious injury due to people around them who drive under the influence.

Motorists who drive over the speed limit may not be able to stop soon enough to avoid a crash, especially when weather conditions are dismal.  A motorcyclist is often in greater danger of being killed or severely injured than other motorists if struck by a vehicle traveling at excessive speeds.  While a helmet is always recommended, it cannot protect a motorists from serious injuries.  Many drivers do not obey traffic rules, which place all motorists at a great risk of being involved in a collision which could result in serious injuries.

Some motorists are very aggressive, and feel that motorcycles have no business being on the roads.  This attitude often leads drivers to follow a motorcycle too closely, cut him off in traffic or acting in other aggressive ways that can cause an accident resulting in serious injury or even death. If you are injured, make sure to contact a San Diego personal injury attorney to review your case during a free consultation.

The Reeves Law Group has offices across California, and is dedicated to representing personal injury victims, including victims of San Diego drunk driving accidents.  Please contact us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.