Auto Collision | Northern California Personal Injury Blog - Part 3

Northern CA Students Illustrate Distracted Driving Dangers at Sonoma Raceway

By Kelly Balamuth on November 12, 2012

Seven Northern California high school and college students recently participated in a hands-on driving event at the raceway in Sonoma to experience the dangers of distracted driving. A report from WhoWon.com explains that the driving event was designed to illustrate the serious risks of distracted driving on area roadways, and for the simulation, students completed a high speed drill and a timed course in which the students handled basic in-car distractions. The distractions included adjusting the radio, opening the sunroof, and sending a one-word text message.

Instructors from the SimRaceway Performance Driving Center, one of the partners of the event, oversaw the driving and rode with the participants.

Students participating in this driving event were from Sonoma State University, Marin Catholic High School, and Mesa Verde High School. Each student was surprised by the significant impact in-car distractions had on their driving ability, and a Simraceway Performance Driving Center instructor stated “we saw the impact of in-car distractions, as it became more difficult for drivers to control the car and place it where they wanted to go” during the distracted driving course.

Statistics reflect the need for increased awareness and prevention of distracted driving, and 11 percent of drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes in 2010 were reported as distracted at the time of the accident, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). With the statistics more alarming for young drivers, a driving event such as this is crucial to show young motorists the dangers of driving distracted behind the wheel.

In addition to the SimRaceway Performance Driving Center, the raceway at Sonoma partnered with the California Highway Patrol, Farmers Insurance, and St. Joseph Health of Sonoma County for the event.

At Balamuth Law, our Northern California distracted driving accident lawyers recognize that even the safest driver may be involved in an auto accident when another motorist chooses to drive in a careless manner. If you have been in a traffic accident caused by the negligence of an irresponsible driver, our knowledgeable legal team will work tirelessly to ensure you receive compensation for all of your accident-related losses.

To discuss your accident case with us, call (888) 254-1234, and please visit our Client Testimonials page to see how we have helped others obtain successful results.

California Governor Jerry Brown Signs Bill for Driverless Cars

By Kelly Balamuth on October 1, 2012

A new bill drafted by Senator Alex Padilla and signed by Governor Jerry Brown on September 25 at Google Headquarters may advance Golden State residents into the future and pave the way for self-driving vehicles. As reported by PDDNet.com, the new bill will establish safety and performance regulations to test and operate driverless vehicles on the roads and highways of California. Google Inc. has been developing self-driving vehicles, also known as autonomous car technology, and lobbying for regulations, and the company’s small fleet of a dozen computer-controlled motor vehicles has logged more than 300,000 miles of self-driving without an accident.

Google co-founder Sergey Brin believes that autonomous vehicles can make roads safer, reduce congestion on California roads, free commuters from the “drudgery of driving,” and also provide a means of transport for individuals unable to get behind the wheel, such as the blind, disabled, or elderly. Brin adds that he expects “self-driving cars will be safer than human-driven cars.” The Google co-founder explains that the company has no plans to produce their own vehicles, but will instead partner with the automobile industry to develop autonomous vehicles.

Brin predicts that driverless vehicles will be commercially available in the next 10 years. The new legislation requires the California Department of Motor Vehicles to draft regulations for autonomous vehicles by January 1, 2015. The regulations would allow for vehicles to be operated autonomously, but a licensed driver would still need to sit behind the wheel to serve as a backup operator in case of an emergency.

While this new legislative bill may help advance autonomous vehicle technology, the best way to keep California roads safe for years to come is for drivers to make responsible choices when behind the wheel. The auto accident lawyers of Balamuth Law understand that traffic accidents are likely to happen, and if you have been harmed as the result of another’s negligence, our experienced legal team will ensure you receive the compensation you need for any accident-related losses. To discuss your accident claim with us, call (888) 254-1234.

Motorcycle Accident near Lake Tahoe Claims Life of Rider

By Kelly Balamuth on September 28, 2012

A Lake Tahoe motorcyclist tragically lost his life following a collision with a pickup truck on September 22. According to a report from The Sacramento Bee, the 56-year-old motorcyclist struck a pickup truck driven by a Citrus Heights man on Highway 267 south of Mt. Watson Road around 8:41 a.m. Authorities report that the motorcyclist was travelling northbound behind the truck when traffic began to slow down, and as the rider began to pass over solid double yellow lines riding northbound in the southbound lanes, the truck driver turned left into a Tahoe Rim Trail parking area.

The motorcycle then collided with the driver side door of the pickup truck, causing the motorcyclist to be ejected. The rider, a resident of Crystal Bay, NV, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident by personnel with the Northstar Fire Protection District at 9:29 a.m. The 56-year-old was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, and the extent of his injuries and what led to his death are presently unknown. The driver of the pickup truck had minor injuries from the collision, including cuts and scratches.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the fatal traffic accident.

A motorcycle collision can frequently result in serious and life-threatening injuries for the motorcyclist, largely because the small vehicle offers no protection in the event of an accident. The Northern California personal injury lawyers of Balamuth Law understand the devastating effects of a motorcycle accident and are committed to helping riders hold at-fault parties responsible for the harm caused. To see how we can help you obtain the compensation you need to recover and get back on the road, call (888) 254-1234.

San Jose City Officials Join AT&T in Campaign to Combat Texting While Driving

By Kelly Balamuth on September 17, 2012

As reported by MercuryNews.com, AT&T was joined by San Jose civic leaders recently to highlight the telecommunications company’s campaign to curb texting while driving, a dangerous nationwide epidemic. During a presentation in the City Hall rotunda, Mayor Chuck Reed, Police Chief Chris Moore, and city transportation director Hans Larsen were among the city officials that joined Ken McNeely, the California president of AT&T, to pledge a lifetime commitment against texting while driving and participate in the company’s “It Can Wait” campaign. The company also hopes to spearhead a nationwide pledge effort on September 19.

The “It Can Wait” campaign focuses on educating the public, especially teens, on the dangers of texting behind the wheel. The goal of the campaign is to save lives by urging drivers across the nation to not text and drive, and make the practice as unacceptable as drinking and driving. According to data from the National Safety Council, more than 100,000 traffic accidents annually in the U.S. can be attributed to texting while driving. Though the problem is a serious epidemic for all motorists, the issue is particularly dangerous among teens, who may be the most at-risk group for this unsafe practice.

To join the “It Can Wait” campaign and help stop the dangerous practice of texting and driving, visit https://www.itcanwait.com/ to take the “no texting and driving” pledge and encourage friends and family to do the same. The site also has a number of online resources to give you more information, including the new technology aimed at curbing texting and driving.

The Walnut Creek auto accident attorneys of Balamuth Law fully recognize the serious dangers of distracted driving and how texting and driving in particular can endanger the safety of everyone on the road. If you have been involved in an accident caused by a distracted or negligent driver, schedule a complimentary consultation with our dedicated legal team by calling (888) 254-1234. We are committed to protecting the rights of accident victims and will work to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover.

Teen Seat Belt Use in CA Increases, Well Above National Average

By Kelly Balamuth on September 12, 2012

The San Leandro Patch reports that teens in California are buckling up for safety in record numbers. According to recently released data from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), seat belt use for teens has increased more than two percent in the past two years, jumping from 94 percent in 2010 to 96.1 percent in 2012. This almost matches the usage rate for all vehicle occupants in the state, which currently stands at 96.6 percent, and both are at record high numbers. This new rate for teen seat belt use is a significant increase from the 88.9 percent observed four years ago.

The national rate for teen seat belt use is in the low 80 percent range, making these record high rates in CA even more notable. The Patch report notes that the reasons for California’s high rates may be attributed to heavy law enforcement and various awareness campaigns, such as “Click It or Ticket.” In addition, there are different campaigns targeted specifically toward teens, such as Start Smart, Teen Smart, Right Turn, and Friday Night Live where seat belt usage is emphasized.

The OTS Director states that they are encouraged by these latest results, adding that motorists and passengers buckling up every day is the “single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes.” He asserts that this is particularly true for teens, which is the age group with the highest accident rates.

The Moraga traffic accident attorneys of Balamuth Law are encouraged by the new data that shows an increase in teen motorist safety, but also understand that accidents are unfortunately still likely to occur to any driver at any age. If you have been involved in a traffic accident caused by the careless actions of another driver, contact us for a complimentary consultation at (888) 254-1234 to see how we can help get you the compensation you need to recover.

Five Hazardous Roads in the Bay Area

By Kelly Balamuth on August 23, 2012

This is the second installment in a 2-part blog series about hazardous Northern California roads. Please read our first blog for information on dangerous highways.

Being involved in an auto accident can be a devastating experience for any driver, and while driver negligence is a common factor in many Northern California traffic crashes, other elements may contribute to a dangerous collision. A hazardous roadway is any roadway with a condition that may endanger the safety of a motorist, such as a poor lighting, substandard sections of pavement (such as potholes), or a poorly designed road.

With the millions of Bay Area residents on the road daily, it is imperative that the nation’s roadways are properly maintained and that state and city governments provide safe streets and highways for people to travel on. If roadways are not safe, designed well, or are ill-maintained, an innocent motorist may pay the price.

With this in mind, SFGate.com assembled the following list of the top five dangerous roadways in Northern California for drivers to exercise caution on:

1. Tunitas Creek Road/Lobitas Creek Cut-Off, San Mateo County: This road is very narrow and twisty, and its remoteness may lead some drivers to travel much too fast, as they may think no one else will be sharing the road.
2. Shoreline Highway, Marin County: When the Bay Area fog rolls in and buries the highway, visibility can be reduced by up to 20 feet, which can lead to a serious collision.
3. Page Mill Road/Alpine Road, Santa Clara County: From Palo Alto to Skyline, Page Mill Road has a number of potentially hazardous twists and turns. When this road turns into Alpine Road, the drive can be even more treacherous as the center divider disappears.
4. Grizzly Creek Boulevard, Alameda County: As this is an excellent drive for scenic San Francisco and bay views, driver inattention is common and motorists may be too busy enjoying the sights to focus on the road.
5. Mount Hamilton Road, Santa Clara County: Over the course of this 19-mile road, there are a number of blind, hairpin turns, which can lead to a crash if a driver becomes impatient or too aggressive.

At Balamuth Law, our Orinda auto accident attorneys understand that the causes of Bay Area traffic accidents are unique, but a person’s need for compensation to recover and heal is not. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to holding any at-fault parties responsible for your collision legally accountable, and we will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover from any of your losses. To see how we can assist you, please call (888) 254-1234.

Northern CA Driver Safety: Five Dangerous Area Highways

By Kelly Balamuth on August 21, 2012

This is part one of a two-part blog series on dangerous roads in Northern California. Please read the second installment on dangerous roads.

Auto accidents can have a number of causes, and driver negligence is frequently to blame for Northern California traffic collisions. However, certain elements that contribute to a crash may be out the control of the driver, and a highway or roadway that is poorly designed or ill-maintained can put the safety of an unsuspecting motorist in jeopardy. Narrow, curvy roads with blind turns create hazards for all vehicles that share the road, including commercial trucks, bicyclists, motorcycles, and cars.

A report by SFGate.com lists the following five potentially dangerous highways in Northern California on which drivers should use extra caution:

1. Kaiser Pass Road, Fresno County: Drivers using this road, which is 14 miles from Huntington Lake to Mono Hot Springs and another five to Edison or Florence Lakes, face narrow blind curves with drop-offs to below canyons.
2. Mineral King Road, Tulare County: Mineral King Road, which contains 24 miles of road that takes you to Mineral King and Sequoia National Park, is a narrow road with dozens of blind curves.
3. Highway 299, Shasta County: The 10-mile stretch from west of Whiskeytown Lake to Buckhorn Summit may cause a speeding motorist to go off the side of the road or into a ditch.
4. Highway 49, Merced County: The 15 miles from Coulterville south to Bear Valley has impatient motorists, especially motorcyclists, cutting turns on the wrong side of the road. This may result in a deadly head-on collision.
5. Highway 70, Yuba County: The 27 miles from Oroville to Marysville produces a mix of fast and slow traffic, and the 12-mile stretch between Cox Lane and Silva Avenue can be particularly treacherous.

The Walnut Creek traffic accident lawyers of Balamuth Law urge all California motorists to drive safely, alertly, and distraction-free to help prevent a dangerous collision. However, not all accidents are preventable, and a crash can have devastating results for anyone involved. If you have been injured in an auto accident caused by another person’s negligence, our experienced legal team can help you recover from your losses. For a free consultation, please call (888) 254-1234.

Inflating Tires Properly Can Help Prevent California Car Accidents

By Kelly Balamuth on June 13, 2012

Making sure your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated can help solve many problems, according to a recent article in The Sacramento Bee. Under-inflated tires wear out more quickly and have to be replaced more often. They also waste gas, forcing you to spend more at the pump. Most importantly, under-inflated tires increase the risks of a serious or even deadly auto accident in northern California.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that about 600 car accident deaths and 33,000 car accident injuries each year can be traced back to improperly inflated tires. At the same time, however, about 83 percent of the vehicles on the road at any one time have at least one under-inflated tire. The NHTSA estimates that if every driver in the U.S. were to check their tire pressure just once a month, many lives could be saved.

Tires should be inflated to within the pressure range recommended by the manufacturer, which is usually printed on the side of the tire. Check tires “cold,” or after the car has been sitting for a while. Checking tires immediately after driving often gives a false reading. An additional check of tire pressure before a long road trip can also improve safety and gas mileage.

Improperly-inflated or defective tires are just one possible factor in any serious car crash. At Balamuth Law, our experienced Oakland car accident attorneys know how to unravel the details of a car accident and find out who or what caused the crash and to hold those parties accountable in court. To learn more about how we can help, call our office at (888) 254-1234 today for a free and confidential telephone consultation.

Treasure Island Crash Leaves 3 with Serious Injuries

By Kelly Balamuth on May 28, 2012

A car accident in Treasure Island recently left three San Francisco residents with serious injuries, according to a recent CBS News report. The injured included an 11-year-old boy who suffered traumatic brain injuries and two other people who were less severely injured but still required emergency treatment.

According to investigators, the 11-year-old, along with a 9-year-old boy and a 31-year-old man, were standing outside their car, which was parked on M Street when another car hit the parked vehicle, pushing it into the two boys and the adult. The 9-year-old and the man suffered injuries causing head and chest pain, while the 11-year-old suffered a life-threatening head injury and was rushed to a local hospital for treatment. He remains hospitalized, and no update has been given regarding his condition.

The driver of the car that caused the crash, a 28-year-old man, has been taken into custody. No word has been released yet regarding whether he will face criminal charges after the accident.

Car accidents can cause serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other permanent disabilities. Even a moderate brain injury may result in long-term paralysis, loss of motor coordination, problems with internal organ functions, and difficulties with speech, memory, and concentration.

At Balamuth Law, our knowledgeable San Francisco car accident injury attorneys can help you get the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other costs after an accident. Call us today at (888) 254-1234 for a free, confidential consultation.

Regulators, Public Struggle with Distracted Driving Regulation

By Kelly Balamuth on May 3, 2012

Distracted driving is a recognized problem on U.S. roads. Ninety-four percent of drivers on the road consider texting while driving a “serious threat” and 87 percent support some kind of law that restricts or bans the practice, according to The Detroit Free Press. However, over one-third of those surveyed also admitted to texting while driving within the past 30 days, and over two-thirds admitted that they used their cell phones to talk while driving.

Meanwhile, automakers, phone companies, and government officials disagree as to whether distracted driving merits the kind of attention it’s been getting – and, if it does, which is the best way to fix it. Some auto and phone companies have banded together to create integrated hands-free systems that allow a driver to make a call simply by speaking a command to the vehicle itself. Other officials and researchers say that this kind of technology doesn’t solve the problem of distracted driving and may even encourage it.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is attempting to solve problems on both fronts. The NHTSA has pushed for stronger bans on hand-held device use and less distracting in-vehicle systems, but it is also encouraging the use of technologies like braking assistance that would help drivers avoid crashes no matter what triggers the dangerous situation.

Distracted driving of any kind takes the driver’s attention from the road and increases the risk of a serious accident. If you’ve been hurt by a distracted driver, the experienced Oakland car accident attorneys at Balamuth Law can help. Call us today at (888) 254-1234 for a free consultation about your distracted driving injuries.