Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage?  The quick answer to this is ABSOLUTELY!  In a USA Today article it was pointed out that one in seven drivers have no insurance.  Many insurance companies are competing for your business.  Sometimes, the reason they can offer a lower price is because they are offering you less coverage.  The bottom line is that you simply cannot be without uninsured motorist coverage.  For more information go the the Airola Law Offices website.

The Most Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents

When the Airola Law Offices receives calls from prospective clients regarding auto accidents in Sacramento,motorcycle accidents in Sacramento, bicycle accidents in Sacramento or pedestrian accidents in Sacramentothey usually involve: Unsafe speed for conditions; driving on the wrong side of the road; improper and unsafe turns; violating the right-of-way rules; violating stop signals and signs; and driver distractions. In fact, most authorities agree that these aremost common causes of automobile wrecks in Sacramento. So, when you are driving, please keep these things in mind. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle crash in Sacramentobe sure to contact a Sacramento personal injury lawyer to obtain advice about your rights.

Collisions are Not Accidents

I have heard the phrase many times, “It was only an accident.”  But, when motor vehicles are concerned, there are no “accidents”.  When the California Highway Patrol, or other law enforcement agency comes to the scene of an “accident” and does their investigation, they are looking to attached “fault” to one or more of the parties involved in the “accident”.  When an insurance claim is made as a result of an “accident” the insurance company conducts an investigation in order to attach “fault” to someone.  That is how the insurance company decides whether they are going to pay damages, or not.  There are situations where both parties to an “accident” are to blame.  But, the point is, when a motor vehicle “accident” occurs, someone is at fault.  This is why the 2012 California Department of Motor Vehicles Handbook points out that “Collisions are not Accidents.  People call me all the time and ask “How do I determine who was at fault for my auto accident?”  A Sacramento auto accident lawyer can help you determine who is responsible for a motor vehicle collision.  Sacramento auto accident attorneys can discuss the facts of your particular situation with you and determine which section or sections of the California Vehicle Code applies to your case.

Legal and Illegal U-Turns in California

Illegal U-turns are very dangerous.  In California many people are injured orkilled when someone makes an illegal U-turn.  The law about U-turns in California is contained in California Vehicle Code Section 21801.  That law says: (a) The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety. (b) A driver having yielded as prescribed in subdivision (a), and having given a signal when and as required by this code, may turn left or complete a U-turn, and the drivers of vehicles approaching the intersection or the entrance to the property or alley from the opposite direction shall yield the right-of-way to the turning vehicle.

According to the 2012 California Driver Handbook, a person should never make a U-turn in the following situations:  At railway crossings; on divided highways; where there is not clear vision for at least 200 feet in each direction; if a “No U-Turn” sign is posted; when other vehicles are too close to may hit you; on a one-way street; in front of a fire station; or in business districts.  On the other hand, legal U-turns can be made: Across a double yellow line when it is safe and legal; in a residential district if no vehicles are within 200 feet of your vehicle; at a traffic sign, light or signal when you are protected from approaching vehicles; at an intersection on a green light unless posted otherwise; or on a divided highway only if there is an opening provided in the center divider.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Sacramento auto accident involving an illegal U-turn you should contact a Sacramento personal injuryattorney to discuss your case.

Young Man is Victim of a Sacramento Motorcycle Accident

A young man was the victim of a Sacramento motorcycle accident.  According to an article in the Sacramento Bee, his vehicle collided with a car having trouble making a U-turn near Wyda Way and Howe Avenue in Sacramento, California.  The accident happened at about 9:50 p.m.  When it was clear on southbound Howe Avenue, the driver began to make the U-turn, but there was not enough room to complete that maneuver.  Consequently, he stopped with his car facing in the southwest direction on southbound Howe Avenue.  Lijin Xu, 23, of Sacramento, was riding his motorcycle southbound on Howe Avenue and was approaching Wyda Way. Apparently Xu was unable to stop and the two vehicles collided.  Xu suffered fatal injuries. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Xu family for their tragic loss.

I-80 is No. 16 on America's List of Deadliest Highways

On the list of America’s 100 Deadliest Highways, are two from Southern California (I-15 and I-10) and one from Northern California (I-80). According to the statistics, between 2004 and 2008 there were 258 fatalities on I-80, on its 199.24 miles in California. That equals 1.10 fatalities per mile. This is a very sobering statistic. So, please be careful driving on I-80, and all other roadways! Click here to read the entire story. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident please contact a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer.

Personal Injury Don'ts

There are certain things you should not do after an accident before you talk with a Sacramento personal injury attorney, which are:

• Don't give a recorded statement to the insurance company;
• Don't take a quick settlement from the insurance company;
• Don't sign anything from the insurance company;
• Don't delay getting medical treatment;
• Don't allow big time gaps in your medical treatment;
• Don't throw away any papers or photographs;
• Don't hire a law firm unless you have personally met with an attorney in the law firm, as opposed to meeting with an "investigator", "case manager", or "paralegal";
• Don't hire a law firm where your case is going to be handled by a "case manager" or "paralegal".

For more information please contact a Sacramento Injury Lawyer at www.law4injury.com.

Personal Injury Do's

There are certain things you should do when you have an accident. Here are a few:

Do - Take photos of your injuries
Do - Take photos of your vehicle and scene
Do - Promptly seek medical attention
Do - Follow all advice of medical providers
Do - Save all info you wrote down at the scene
Do - Notify your insurance company
Do - Save all medical bills and receipts
Do - Hire an attorney who you actually meet with
Do - Hire a law firm where an attorney handles
your case, not a “paralegal” or “case manager”

For more information contact a sacramento accident attorney at www.law4injury.com.

Remember, at Airola Law Offices there is always a free consultation and no fee until we win.

Don’t Rush to Settle Your Claim

When you file a claim for injuries against an insurance company they will try to “rush” you into a quick settlement. They do this because they are offering you far less than your claim is worth. They will also discourage you from talking with an attorney. They will use many tactics to get you to take this quick settlement. Do not get short-changed by the insurance companies. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer and discuss your case with them, including the settlement offer from the insurance company. It is always good to have as much information as possible before you make such an important decision. Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer

Insurance Companies Want Even More

Prop. 103 was passed by the California voters in 1988. It rolled back insurance rates and saved Californians more than $60 billion in the last 20 years. Now, Republican Insurance Commissioner (and former billionaire Silicon Valley software entrepreneur), Steve Poizner, wants to change some of the rules. “Insurance companies want much more, and Poizner will likely give it to them.” Former Democratic Insurance Commissioner, and likely 2010 Gubernatorial candidate, John Garamendi, indicated that: "I am more than disappointed, I am alarmed." Read the entire article at http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_11736639

Your Credit Score and Insurance Premiums

Did you know that your automobile and homeowner's insurance carriers use your credit score to set your premium? This happens in all states, including California. In Florida, there are hearings being held on the subject. Read about it at http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-insurance-regulators-credit-scoring-021709,0,1930629.story

Economy Crippling Judicial System

"New Hampshire's busiest court, Rockingham County Superior Court in Brentwood, 20 miles from the Massachusetts border, has been called on to hold off jury trials for the month of February as part of a move to cut costs. A total of 151 cases — 121 criminal and 30 civil — are being pushed back, according to a list from the clerk's office." Read the entire article at http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20090217-NEWS-902170358

Federal Help with COBRA

As part of the Stimulus Package, the Federal Govenment is assisting people who lose their jobs with their COBRA premiums. Read all about it at http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/feb/16/cobra-aid-soothes-pain-of-the-jobless/

Suits criticize Kaiser emergency procedures

A recent lawsuit criticizes Kaiser Permanente's emergency procedures. Read about it at http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/story/1626368.html?mi_rss=Our%2520Region

First Blog

This is the first blog entry for Airola Law Offices. In the days, weeks, months and years to come we will post useful information for the consumer concerning a whole host of topics relating to injured people pursuing claims and lawsuits against insurance companies. You can also feel free to log onto our website, www.law4injury.com, which also contains a lot of information. Thank you!