Personal Injury & Wrongful Death
Personal Injury & Wrongful Death
An action for personal injury or wrongful death arises when a duty to act reasonably is owed to the victim and that duty is breached by the wrongdoer which causes the victim’s injury or death. Personal Injury and Wrongful Death claims come in many forms where a duty is owed and that duty is breached. My office has represented and assisted clients in many different situations, such as:
Moving Vehicle Accidents
- Auto vs. Auto
- Auto vs. Big Rig (18 wheelers)
- Motorcycle vs. Auto
- Bicycle vs. Auto
- Pedestrian vs. Auto
- Such cases have included serious injuries including quadriplegia, wrongful death, and brain injury
Construction Site Accidents
- Falls
- Falling objects
- Roof cave-ins
- Elevator falls
- Trench cave-in
- Electrical shock
- Heavy equipment accidents
- Collapse of construction scaffolding
Premise Liability, Negligent Maintenance
- Slip and falls
- Trip and falls
- Unsafe conditions
Governmental Claims
- Highway maintenance
- Stadium security
- Traffic signal control maintenance
- Deputy sheriff crash while on emergency run
- Public transportation accidents - transit districts
What to Do after an Accident
WHO TO CONTACT:
1) DMV
- Any accident in California resulting in property damage of $500 or more to any one vehicle, or results in personal injuries, requires a Form SR-1 to be filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles by the driver of each vehicle involved within 10 days.
2) Insurance Company
- Your automobile insurance company should be notified of the collision in a timely manner. Do not make a detailed statement to them until you have consulted with an attorney.
- Your health insurance company should be notified of the incident.
3) Notify your employer, especially if you anticipate missing any work.
4) Attorney’s Office
- Call my office for FREE consultation and recommendations – (858) 675-3535.
MEDICAL ATTENTION:
5) Seek medical attention immediately if you are in any discomfort or pain.
- Give your medical providers complete and accurate information. Everything you say may be entered into your medical records.
- Follow the instructions of your medical providers.
6) Do Not Sign Liens
- No lien forms for medical expenses should be signed without consultation with your attorney.
PLAY PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR:
7) Cooperate with the law enforcement investigators
8). Obtain names, address, and phone numbers of all independent witnesses.(Many witnesses leave the scene of the collision before the police arrive.)
9). Take photographs of all vehicles involved in the accident, the scene of the accident, and your injuries as soon as possible. Keep in mind that some injuries, such as bruises, will not be visible for a day or two.
10). Obtain a copy of the law enforcement report.
OTHER:
11). Keep accurate records of time off work, medical providers and bills, your pain and all activities affected by the accident.