Auto Collision | Northern California Personal Injury Blog - Part 4

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

By Kelly Balamuth on April 26, 2012

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and nationwide, health agencies, educators, and others are banding together to help people understand the dangers of alcohol abuse and addiction. One of the major dangers of this condition is the increased risk of driving drunk. Not only can drunk driving harm or kill the person who gets behind the wheel after having one too many, but it can also cause serious or fatal injuries for those unlucky enough to be involved in a crash with the inebriated driver.

The National Health Information Center (NHIC) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide many tips for understanding and controlling one’s own alcohol intake. Even those who use alcohol responsibly, however, need to keep the risks of drinking and driving in mind. When enjoying drinks at a party or with friends, plan a sober way home before you have your first drink. Choose a designated driver or volunteer as one, or hire a cab, take the bus, or walk. It’s also a good idea to switch to non-alcoholic beverages about an hour before you plan to go home and have a snack along with them.

Driver negligence can take many forms, and drunk driving is only one of them. When a driver fails to take due care on the road, serious harm can result. If you’ve been injured by a drunk or distracted driver, a knowledgeable Northern California auto accident injury lawyer at Balamuth Law can help. Call us today at (888) 254-1234 for a free and confidential telephone consultation.

Castro Valley Crash Injures Two

By Kelly Balamuth on April 16, 2012

A two-vehicle collision on I-580 near Lake Chabot Regional Park in Castro Valley sent two motorists to the hospital with injuries recently, according to an article from The Castro Valley Patch.

The accident was triggered by a Chrysler Sebring, driven by a 27-year-old woman. According to eyewitnesses, the vehicle crossed the dividing line between the right-hand and left-hand eastbound lanes, crashing into the side of a Jeep Cherokee in the other eastbound lane. Both vehicles kept going until they slid off the highway and into the concrete barrier separating the eastbound lanes from westbound traffic.

When rescue workers arrived at the scene, they found the 27-year-old unconscious, slumped over the wheel of her car. The other driver, a woman in her 50s, was conscious, but had suffered injuries to her head, face, and chest. Both drivers were taken to local hospitals for treatment of their injuries, but no updates on their medical conditions have been released.

Currently, investigators are uncertain what caused the Sebring to veer out of its lane and into the other vehicle. They have not ruled out the possibility that the Sebring’s driver suffered some kind of medical event that caused her to lose control of the vehicle, but they note that other possibilities, including vehicle malfunction or driver distraction, might also be involved.

Car accidents can be triggered by any number of things. When negligent driving, neglected maintenance, or negligently-performed repairs are involved, the results can be deadly. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to call the experienced Northern California car accident attorneys at Balamuth Law for a free, confidential telephone consultation at (888) 254-1234.

Even Hands-Free Cell Phone Use Can Lead to Serious Distracted-Driving Accidents

By Kelly Balamuth on April 4, 2012

In July 2008, California led the nation in passing a law that banned the use of handheld cell phones while driving a car, but permitted the use of hands-free devices for making calls. Lawmakers reasoned that if drivers were required to keep both hands on the wheel while talking, they would keep better control of their vehicles and be less likely to cause a serious car crash.

However, new research from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and other researchers suggests that’s not the case. Rather, it turns out that drivers who are talking on any electronic device – whether held in the hand, worn in the ear, or broadcast over the car’s speakers – are four times more likely to cause a serious injury or fatal car accident than drivers who aren’t conversing via phone at all.

That’s because the act of conversation distracts the brain, making it impossible to do the constant scanning, focusing, and reacting that are required to drive a car safely, according to researchers. Keeping both hands on the wheel isn’t enough to compensate for the extra “processing power” the brain uses up on the conversation – power that should be used to focus on the road.

Distracted driving is a major source of serious car accidents, many of which take lives. While cell phones are a common distraction, they are not the only one that can cause a crash. At Balamuth Law, our well-trained Bay Area distracted driving accident attorneys are dedicated to helping injured motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians get the compensation they need after an accident. For a free consultation, call us today at (888) 254-1234.

California Traffic Deaths Down 22 Percent since Handheld Cell Phone Use Banned

By Kelly Balamuth on March 22, 2012

California banned handheld cell phone use state-wide in 2008, becoming one of the first U.S. states to take such a step. Since then, the number of people who have lost their lives in California fatal car accidents has decreased 22 percent, according to a recent article in the U.K. Daily Mail.

The decrease, which was documented in a study by the UC Berkeley Transport Research and Education Center, attributes the decrease in overall traffic deaths to the banning of handheld cell phone use. The study also notes that the number of deaths in which cell phone use was determined to be the main cause of the crash is down 47 percent in California since the ban was enacted, providing further evidence that keeping Californians’ hands off cell phones and on the wheel has improved roadway safety.

However, law enforcement officers say there is still much work to be done to decrease deaths and injuries in distracted-driving accidents. They point out that too many Californians still talk or text while driving, and that for maximum safety, it’s best never to use your cell phone in any way while you are driving a vehicle. Instead, have someone else in the car send or receive calls for you, or wait until you have stopped driving before checking your phone’s missed calls, messages, or texts.

Cell phones are just one type of driver distraction that can result in a fatal crash. Other electronic devices, eating, weather, loud music, or dealing with passengers can also take crucial driver attention off the road just when it’s needed most to prevent an accident. If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, call Balamuth Law today. Our skilled Berkeley auto accident injury lawyers can help. For a free consultation, call us at (888) 254-1234.

Avoid a St. Patrick’s Day Accident: Follow These Tips

By Kelly Balamuth on March 15, 2012

This coming Saturday, March 17, is St. Patrick’s Day – a popular holiday for those who enjoy kicking back, hanging out with friends, and drinking a glass or two of green beer. While the parties can be plenty of fun, causing or being involved in a drunk driving crash is never a good way to end any holiday, and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. If you’re planning to head out for a party this weekend, consider taking a few of the following steps to avoid turning your fun into a tragedy.

First, plan ahead. Choose a designated driver or plan a way to get home that doesn’t require you getting behind the wheel. Taxis, public transportation, sober-ride hotlines, riding with a sober friend, or even walking can all help prevent a serious crash. Let someone you trust know where you’ll be going and approximately when you expect to be home.

While you’re partying, show designated drivers some love by offering to pick up a tab or sending them a non-alcoholic drink or snack. Respecting designated drivers encourages them to keep up the habit – making everyone a little bit safer.

If you see someone who has had one drink (or more) too many, don’t be afraid to stop them from driving until you’re sure they have a sober way to get home. If you see a possibly drunk driver, contact local police and alert them of the incident. Simply keeping your eyes peeled may help prevent a serious crash.

It only takes one accident with a drunk driver to change a person’s life forever – and often that person is not the one who chose to drive drunk. At Balamuth Law, our dedicated Walnut Creek auto accident lawyers have spent years representing those who have suffered injuries in car accidents and other crashes. For a free, confidential consultation, call our office today at (888) 254-1234.

California Legislators Back Driverless Car Technology

By Kelly Balamuth on March 5, 2012

Nevada recently became the first U.S. state to allow testing of cars that drive themselves using computer technology developed by Google. Now, the California State Legislature is also considering implementing regulations for the testing of these experimental vehicles.

At least one prototype of these “driverless cars,” a Toyota Prius modified with software developed by Google, is already being tested within the state. Some lawmakers want to institute state regulations that govern where, when, and how these vehicles can be tested. Supporters of these new regulations say that they will maximize safety and provide a blueprint to developers for getting the vehicles to be market-ready.

Many automakers are already including self-controlling elements in some vehicles to prevent auto accidents. Cars with sensors that correct a car when it drifts out of its lane, for instance, or when it is too close to the vehicle ahead of it, are already available to consumers. But Google’s experiments with a vehicle that is entirely self-operating have inspired lawmakers in California, Hawaii, Oregon, and other states to start regulating the use of these technologies.

Driverless cars may become common in the future, but presently, sharing the road with cars that have human drivers still poses a wide range of risks. Whether you’ve been injured in a car crash, a pedestrian accident, bicycle crash, or motorcycle accident, the skilled Northern California personal injury attorneys at Balamuth Law can help. To discuss your needs with us and learn more about your legal rights and options, call us toll-free today at (888) 254-1234.

Seat Belts Provide Best Protection in California Car Accidents

By Kelly Balamuth on February 28, 2012

Speeding, distractions, and violating rules at intersections are among the most common causes of California car accidents, according to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. In many of these situations, proper use of seat belts provides protection that can prevent you or a loved one from suffering serious injury or death.

Your seat belt should fit properly, and you should put it on every time you get in the vehicle. The lap portion should sit low on your lap and fit snugly, and the shoulder portion should cross the center of your chest and not lay against your neck. If you’re pregnant, you should still wear a seatbelt as long as you’re able, and also move the seat as far back as you can while still being able to drive.

To prevent child injuries, children should ride in the back seat, wearing their seatbelts, until they are at least 12 years old. Children should also use child seats approved for their weight and age until they are at least four feet, nine inches tall or weigh 90 pounds. Keep child seats in the back whenever possible, and never place a rear-facing child seat in front of an airbag.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced Berkeley car accident lawyers at Balamuth Harrington. We can help you through every step after your accident, helping you protect your rights and get the compensation you need, so you can concentrate on getting well. For a free consultation, call us today at (888) 254-1234.

Small Cars Can Offer Safety, But Pick Sedans Over Hatchbacks

By Kelly Balamuth on February 20, 2012

Compact and sub-compact cars are gaining popularity as gas prices climb and parking spaces shrink all over California and the rest of the U.S. Now, many small cars offer safety protection in crashes that rivals larger, heavier vehicles, according to a recent report from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).

The IIHS report ranks vehicle crash safety based on how well the cars perform when hit from the front, sides, and rear, as well as in rollover crashes. Vehicles that get a top score of “good” in all four categories receive the IIHS “top safety pick” designation. In 2012, that category includes several small cars, including models from domestic manufacturers like Chevrolet and Ford and overseas manufacturers like Honda, Toyota, Subaru, and Hyundai.

Many of the cars on the IIHS’s top safety pick list come in both two-door hatchback and four-door sedan models. In most cases, the IIHS recommended the sedans over the hatchbacks for superior crash protection, although the gap in actual performance is small. Four-door sedans can also be helpful for families, especially those who need to get children in and out of car seats in the back.

At Balamuth Harrington, our experienced Oakland car accident attorneys have the legal resources, courtroom experience, and personal dedication to fight on behalf of those injured in car accidents due to someone else’s negligence. If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, please give us a call today to discuss your legal rights and options. Our toll-free number is (888) 254-1234, and your initial telephone consultation is free and confidential.

To Avoid a Super Bowl Sunday Accident, Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk

By Kelly Balamuth on February 1, 2012

With multiple teams in the National Football League, California often has cause to celebrate a “home team” heading for the Super Bowl. While our state doesn’t have a team in the game this year, Super Bowl parties are still going to be celebrated all over California, and many will serve alcohol.

Drunk driving can cause serious accidents, and the NFL is encouraging fans to remember that “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.” Here are some ways you can help keep impaired drivers off the road and decrease the risk of a possibly fatal accident harming you or someone you love.

• If you host a party, make sure all your guests have a sober ride home before you start serving alcoholic drinks. Serve only one drink at a time per guest, and make sure no one under age 21 is drinking alcohol.
• Give designated drivers some extra consideration. Prime parking spots, the best seat in the house, bottomless non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, and offering to pick up the tab are all ways you can show your appreciation and encourage designated drivers to volunteer in the future.
• Keep the phone numbers for local cab companies or other mass transportation in your cell phone, so you can call a sober ride for anyone who looks like they can’t drive themselves home safely.
• Buckle up. Your seat belt is your best line of defense in a crash.

At Balamuth Harrington, an experienced Bay Area car crash attorney is dedicated to helping those injured in car crashes and their families navigate every step of the post-accident process, from filing an insurance claim to seeking compensation in court. If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver, please don’t hesitate to call our office toll-free at (888) 254-1234. The consultation is free and confidential.

For Pet and People Safety, Keep Pets in Seat Belts Too

By Kelly Balamuth on January 31, 2012

Seat belts are a simple way to keep drivers and passengers safer in cars, which is why California and other states require most vehicle occupants to wear them. When a crash occurs, however, it’s not only the people in the car who can be injured.

California law prohibits pets from riding in owners’ laps, but it does not mandate pets wear seat belts, safety harnesses, or be secured in cages or carriers. Nevertheless, securing your pet can protect everyone in the vehicle during an accident.

Both pets and passengers can suffer serious injuries in a crash, which can be made worse if pets aren’t safely secured. If not buckled up, pets can also be thrown around the inside of a vehicle during an accident, causing serious harm to others. According to the pet safety organization Bark Buckle Up, a 60-pound dog can create an impact of over 2,700 pounds if he or she is thrown suddenly in a 30-mile-per-hour crash. The impact can seriously harm not only the dog, but also the driver and passengers in the vehicle – even if the humans are safely buckled in.

Two-legged family members aren’t the only ones who can suffer injuries in car accidents, but when they do, their losses can be extreme. At Balamuth Harrington, our experienced Northern California auto accident lawyers are dedicated to helping those who have been injured in crashes. If you or someone you love has been injured, call us today at (888) 254-1234 for a free and confidential consultation.