Car Accidents in Los Angeles: Tips from a Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer

State Approved Lawyer, Attorney Referral Hotline 661-310-7999. Los Angeles Lawyers, Attorneys, Law Firms asked:


If I have an auto accident, do I have to stop?

Yes. California law says you must stop—whether the accident involves a pedestrian, a moving car, a parked car or someone’s property. If you drive away, you can be charged with hit and run even if the accident was not your fault.

You must also exchange information with the other driver—your name and driver’s license number, the vehicle identification number of the car you are driving, the name and address of the car’s owner, the name and address of your insurance company and your insurance policy number (or other evidence of financial responsibility, such as a bond posted with the Department of Motor Vehicles).

Hit-and-run penalties are severe. Depending on the damage or injuries, you may be fined, sent to jail or both. You also could lose your driver’s license.

If you hit a parked car or other property, try to find the owner or driver. If you cannot, the law says you may drive away only after you leave behind, in a conspicuous place, your name, address and an explanation of the accident, and the name and address of your car’s owner (if other than yourself).

You also must notify the local police or California Highway Patrol (CHP) either by telephone or in person as soon as possible.

You must call the police or the CHP if the accident caused a death or injury. An officer who comes to the scene of the accident will conduct an investigation. If an officer doesn’t show up, you must make a written report on a form available at the police department or CHP office as soon as possible.

What should I do if someone is injured?

The law requires you to give reasonable assistance to anyone who is injured. For example, you may need to call an ambulance, take the injured person to a doctor or hospital, or give first aid—if you know how.

If you are not trained in the appropriate first aid procedures, do not move someone who is badly hurt; you might make the injury worse. However, you should move someone who is in danger of being hurt worse or killed (for example, in a car fire) even if you do make the injury worse.

To help prevent additional collisions, try to warn other motorists that an accident has occurred. Placing flares on the road (only if there are no flammable fluids or items nearby), turning on your car’s hazard lights and lifting the engine hood are usually good ways to warn others on the road. Arrange to get help for anyone who is injured, and try not to panic.

How can I get help?

As soon as you can get to a telephone, call 911. Explain the situation and give the exact location of the accident, so that help can arrive quickly. Be sure to mention whether you need an ambulance or a fire engine.

Remain on the telephone until the operator tells you it is okay to hang up. Or, flag down a passing car and ask the driver to go for help. The driver may have a cellular phone in the car and can make an emergency call on the spot.

What information should I gather at the accident scene?

Since many records now are confidential under the law, you may not be able to obtain the information that you want from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). So be sure to get as much correct and complete information as you can at the scene of the accident.

You and the other driver should show each other your driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations. Then you should write down:

The other driver’s name, address, date of birth, telephone number, driver’s license number and expiration date, and insurance company.

The other car’s make, year, model, license plate number and expiration date, and vehicle identification number.

The names, addresses, telephone numbers and insurance companies of the other car’s legal and registered owners—if the driver does not own the car.

The names, addresses, dates of birth, driver’s license numbers and telephone numbers of any passengers in the other car.

The names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses to the accident. Ask them to stay to talk to the CHP or police. If they insist on leaving, ask them to tell you what they saw and write everything down.

Try to identify people at the accident scene, even if they will not give their names. For example, if someone who saw the accident drives off, take down his or her license plate number. Law enforcement officials can trace the owner’s name and address.

The name and badge number of the law officer who comes to the accident scene. Ask the officer where and when you can get a copy of any accident report.

A simple diagram of the accident. Draw the positions of both cars before, during and after the accident.

If there are skid marks on the road, pace them off. Draw them on the diagram, noting the distance they cover. Mark the positions of any crosswalks, stop signs, traffic lights or streetlights. If you have a camera with you, take pictures of the scene, and of the other drivers and occupants.

However, do not place yourself in a position of danger in order to complete an accident diagram. Be aware of traffic conditions and skip any measurements that could place you in a position of harm.

Make notes, too, on weather and road conditions.

If the accident happened after dark, note whether the streetlights were on. Estimate your speed and that of the other vehicle. Be sure to record the exact time, date and place the accident happened.

If I think the accident was my fault, should I say so?

Do not volunteer any information about who was to blame for the accident. You may think you are in the wrong and then learn that the other driver is as much or more to blame than you are. You should first talk to your insurance agent, your lawyer or both. Anything you say to the police or the other driver can be used against you later.

Do not agree to pay for damages or sign any paper except a traffic ticket (see #6) until you check with your insurance company or lawyer.

However, be sure to cooperate with the police officer investigating the case. But, stick to the facts.

For instance, if you were driving 30 miles an hour, say so. Do not say, “I wasn’t speeding.”



Alexandro

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Christian Treatment Center Beats Alcoholism

Matt Brindisi asked:


ations Treatment Center in Del Ray, Florida is a leader at helping people beat chronic alcoholism permanently. With an innovative and unique approach to alcoholism treatment, the facility stands alone in providing some of the most comprehensive and in-depth care possible.

Alcoholism is on the rise in the United States; according to recent statistics more than 17.5 million adults are suffering from alcoholism or have problems with alcohol. Alcoholics experience cravings, loss of control, dependency and tolerance as the condition progresses without treatment.

Alcoholism carries with it many dangers including cancer, brain and liver damage, birth defects and risk of death from alcohol-related injuries. Alcoholism is quite simply a lifelong disease, much like any other chronic health condition such as asthma or diabetes. An alcoholic will drink and not care about the negative consequences that result, with little to no regard for anything other than alcohol.

With such staggering and eye-opening statistics, it is hard to ignore the problem that alcoholism causes for those we love, as well as to society. The condition of alcoholism follows a predictable course and has many different symptoms which signify a problem. Research has also shown that alcoholism runs in families and can be influenced by genetics and lifestyle choices.

Transformations Treatment Center is knowledgeable and skilled in the treatment of alcoholism. Staff at the facility uses many different modalities to treat alcoholism and boast a “guaranteed success” rate for clients, which is something many other centers do not offer. The center offers both traditional and Christian alcohol rehabilitation and treatment, welcoming anyone who has a genuine need for help.

Not only does the staff at Transformations Treatment Center offer medical and clinical experience, some of the members bring real-life experience to the table. Having such a formidable combination, the center is able to successfully approach alcohol rehabilitation treatment from a unique and personalized perspective. With utter dedication and devotion, clients are provided with some of the most compassionate care possible.

Transformation Treatment Center provides a wide array of programs for treating alcoholism. The facility offers programs that include detoxification, structure and guidance, and treatment which includes 30/60/90-day programs. Treatment is based upon sound medical advice and caters exclusively to the needs of the patient.

Other services offered by Transformations Treatment Center include music therapy, substance abuse education and Christian/family/individual counseling. The facility also offers life skills therapy which helps a recovering alcoholic reenter into society as a thoughtful, courteous, functioning, healthy member.

Treatment for alcoholism must be all-encompassing and be facilitated with respect for the patient and their needs. Transformations Treatment Center knows exactly what a patient needs in terms of care and therapies. Working together, the staff and the recovery patient take a healthy and proactive approach to alcohol rehabilitation and treatment. By allowing the patient to feel in control and make choices, it keeps them actively involved in the healing and recovery process.

Transformations Treatment Center helps alcoholics who struggle to regain sobriety and embrace a better way of life. By demonstrating the utmost in dignity and providing a wide array of personalized treatment options, clients are shown how to lead a healthier and more positive lifestyle without alcohol.

Efren

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Erbs Palsy Facts by New York Birth Injury Lawyer

New York Personal Injury Law Firm asked:


Complications during the process of labor and delivery can result in various types of injuries for a newborn baby. These injuries, commonly known as birth injuries, can be mild, severe, or fatal in various cases.

One of the most common causes is oxygen deprivation, which commonly takes place if the umbilical cord gets compressed or twisted during the birth process. The other major cause is mechanical trauma, which can take place when the unborn baby occupies an unusual position during the birth process or if the baby is too large to pass through birth canal easily.

There are several birth related injuries which are caused by medical malpractice of medical staff or hospitals during delivery process. Birth injuries can also take place if excessive force is applied during the delivery of a child or there was some sort of delay in performing C-section delivery. Birth injuries can also take place if the medical team fails to properly anticipate the size and position of a child, and thus causing a disordered delivery.

Birth injuries mostly result from operative deliveries, rather than spontaneous deliveries. There are estimated 27 birth injury cases out of every 1,000 live births.

Some of the common birth injuries are: Temporary Paralysis, Brain Damage, Cerebral Palsy, Erb’s Palsy, Klumpke’s Palsy, Brachial Plexus Palsy, and Fractured Collar Bone,.

Among these birth injuries the most serious injuries are those which affect the brain of a newborn child. These injuries are usually caused by lack of oxygen or bleeding which could take place within the skull or brain. Mental retardation of the child is one of the common injuries associated with Erbs Palsy. Some children who are suffering from Erbs Palsy may also experience seizure disorders. Other than these causes, the prescription medicines can often result in birth related injuries.

If your child has been a victim of Erbs Palsy or any other types of birth injuries then you must get in touch with your personal injury lawyer who will help you receive justice and compensation from the negligent medical authorities.



Triston

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