Los Angeles Accident & Injury Law Firm » Personal Injury

Parents Liability for Children’s Actions – Torts

admin — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 21:02:40 +0000

Suppose a ten-year-old boy sees another boy riding his bicycle and thinks it would be “funny” to push him over. So the ten-year-old pushes the bicyclist over and he suffers serious injuries. Are the parents liable for the actions of their ten-year-old son?

In most states, parents are liable only for the intentional wrongful acts of their children, and there is usually a dollar amount on this, such as $10,000 or $15,000. Now suppose that instead of deliberately hurting the bicyclist, the boy runs into the path in front of him, causing the bicyclist to lose his or her balance, fall off the bike, and sustain injuries.

Are the parents liable for the carelessness (negligence) of their child? In most states the answer to this question is no. While the parents are liable up to a certain amount
of money for the deliberate acts of their minor children, they are not usually liable for the negligent acts of their children that cause injury. One main exception to this rule is that, if the child is a teenager driving the family car on a family errand or with the express or implied consent of the parents (“permissive user”), the parents are liable for all injuries and property damage caused by their child’s negligence should he or she be a fault and get into an accident.

To protect themselves and their property from being the subject of a civil lawsuit, the parents should have the child who drives added to their automobile insurance policy. And we recommend at a minimum that you have 100/300 policy limits, which means that if a person is injured he or she can collect up to $100,000, with a total pay out per accident of $300,000 regardless of how many people are injured. We also strongly recommend that you buy an “umbrella policy” that covers your automobile and personal liability for up to $1 million. The cost of an umbrella policy is usually only a couple of hundred dollars, but if tragedy strikes you will be glad you have it, as it could save you from financial ruin. It is best to talk to your insurance broker or agent about your concerns as they are the experts in providing you the type of coverage that would protect you.

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What are Soft Tissue Injuries after and accident?

admin — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 16:54:36 +0000

If you have been in an accident and you have experienced any stiffness or soreness, chances are that a doctor uses the term “soft tissue” to describe your injuries. Although the term itself might sound benign, these injuries can be serious and often do take months to heal – and in unique instances, never do really heal.

Soft tissue includes the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Soft-tissue injuries are micro-tears to the muscles and ligaments that are more painful and take

longer to heal than a broken leg. Sprains and strains mean something has stretched beyond normal. Muscle tissue may become strained when forced to exceed its ability to

work. Besides muscle tissue, sprains and strains can affect a ligament or tendon. Ligaments attach bone to bone, while tendons attach muscle to bone. A sprained ankle is

an example of a soft-tissue injury as it involves a sprain to a ligament. Sprains and strains occur when a person forces his or her muscles to perform beyond what the person does

on a routine basis. Muscle tissue may become strained when forced to exceed its ability to work.

Whiplash is a neck injury that usually occurs when the car you are sitting in is rear-ended by another vehicle, causing your head to suddenly snap backward and then forward, similar to someone cracking a whip. These extreme motions push your neck muscles and ligaments beyond their normal range of motion. The bulk of the back is muscle and may be injured by excessive force. Up to half of the people who suffer whiplash will continue to have pain months after the injury. In some persons, this chronic pain can be traced to damage in the joints, disks, and ligaments of the neck. While many people recover from whiplash in a few months, some people with whiplash injuries develop chronic conditions that can be extremely painful and disabling. The symptoms of sprain and strain include sudden, sharp, and persistent pain at the injury site followed by swelling.

Whiplash—also called neck sprain and neck strain—is a soft-tissue injury resulting from a hyperextension and hyperflexion that may cause micro-trauma to the soft tissues in the neck and upper back. The forces to the spine incurred during an automobile accident may cause the head and neck to suddenly and rapidly move forward, backward, and sideways. Muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the spine incurred during an automobile accident may cause the head and neck to suddenly and rapidly move forward, backward, and sideways. Muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the spine may become stretched beyond normal limits, causing micro-trauma or small tears in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, causing symptoms such as pain and burning. There is currently no specific treatment for whiplash, but health care professionals use physical therapy, oral pain relievers and muscle relaxants, chiropractics, immobilization of the neck with a soft cervical collar, massage, heat, ice, injection, and ultrasound.

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Should I Give a Recorded Statement to The Insurance Company After an Accident?

admin — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 18:50:45 +0000

Soon after you have been in an accident, whether it is car accident, motorcycle accident, bicycle accident a slip and fall on a slippery substance of a supermarket, or other injury-producing event, the insurance company for the person or business that was at fault will call you, asking to take a recorded statement of your memory of the events leading up to your injuries, as well as the extent of your injuries, time off work, and so forth. Should you agree to give the investigator a statement?

The answer is an unqualified and resounding “NO.” The adjuster will often frame his or her questions in a way that is designed for you to say that the other driver or the business was not careless and the accident was the victim’s own fault by not paying sufficient attention to where he or she was walking or what he or she was doing. If the adjuster can’t get the victim to say that he or she was the cause of the accident, the investigator will try to get the victim to admit that he or she was partially at fault for the accident.

The investigator will also inquire into the injuries the victim suffered. The investigator often will want to take the recorded statement as soon as possible after the incident, often before all of the victim’s injuries have shown up or the severity of his or her injuries cannot be determined. If an insurance company’s investigator wants to take your statement, unless the injuries and property damage are minimal, you should refuse to give the adjuster a statement until you have retained competent legal counsel who knows the “tricks of the insurance trade” and will guard your rights diligently.

Before you give a recorded statement, talk to a lawyer who can properly advise you on the next course of action. Call us today for a free consultation of your claim. Also, make sure to order your free California personal injury book today.

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Los Angeles Building Explosion Launches People into Street, Killing at Least One

RichmondJ — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 18:33:40 +0000

In Los Angeles, at least one person has been the fatal victim of a building explosion that sent several people flying into the street. In addition to the person who has died, one other person is hospitalized with critical injuries.

After receiving reports of the explosion, the Los Angeles fire department rushed to the scene of the blast to find people in the street. One person was locked beneath the axel of a car, another under the body of a car. The fire department also sent firefighters to search the collapsing building to rescue anyone who was trapped within. The rescue team also included search dogs.

The Los Angeles building explosion is the suspected result of a natural gas ignition somewhere within the building’s structure. The building, which is two levels, is home to a welding workshop. The fire has been put out, but the structure sustained significant amounts of damage.

If you have been injured in a Los Angeles building explosion or other accident in Los Angeles, make sure you consider getting advice from a lawyer. Personal injury lawyers can offer advice, as well as representation, to makes sure to handle the entire process correctly. Call the Los Angeles personal injury law firm at 310.882.6810 for help with insurance, lawsuits, and burn injuries.

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LAPD Officers Injured At Van Nuys

RichmondJ — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 18:33:40 +0000

Van Nuys was the site of a car accident on Wednesday that injured 2 LAPD officers, authorities reported. The accident occurred late at night and may have involved drunk driving or driving under the influence of another drug.

Sometime around 11:25 at night, another vehicle crashed into the car containing the two LAPD officers, who were driving near the intersection of Sherman Way and Kester Avenue. The vehicle that hit them has been identified as a dark sedan, and the driver was said to be a woman.

Both drivers were taken to the hospital on Wednesday night, where they received treatment for undescribed injuries. However, both were listed as being in stable condition the next morning after the car accident.

If you have been injured in a car accident in or near Los Angeles, make sure that you take the right steps to protect yourself legally. If you are unsure of what to do, it is important that you talk to a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer as soon as you possibly can. Contact a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer at our law firm by calling 310.882.6810.

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Los Angeles Auto Shop Fire Kills Two, Causes Burn Injuries to Two

RichmondJ — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:40:34 +0000

An auto shop in Los Angeles on Monday was the site of a terrible fire that burned across the building’s entire structure, killing 2 people. The auto shop fire also injured another two, who are in the hospital with critical burn injuries.

The Los Angeles Fire Department received reports of the fire sometime on Monday morning, dispatching vehicles to the building. They arrived to find flames and smoke emerging from the building. To extinguish the fire, the department enlisted the support of as many as 124 firefighters, who took around an hour to douse the fire.

The results of the auto shop fire included property damage, injuries, and deaths. Two bodies were found when the fire department entered the building, and two others were taken to the hospital with serious burn injuries. The building and several vehicles outside were also left with visible fire damage.

According to reports, no cause of the fire has yet been determined. The building was rented to more than one auto shop, and also may been used as a residence by several people, who may have been trespassers.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a fire, it is important that you understand your legal rights. Whether or not you plan on taking legal action, consider talking to a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer about receiving compensation for burn injuries, property damage, and wrongful death. Contact a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer at our firm by calling 310.882.6810.

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Choosing the Right Law Firm

Legal Staff — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:44:48 +0000

These may be some of the most difficult times for you and your family. Choosing the right law firm can be the most important decision you will make. First off, you have to be comfortable with the firm that you choose. Make sure that they understand you and how your life has been changed. Secondly, you want to pick the best – the best can mean many different things, but ultimately, you want winners. People who believe in you and your case and who are willing to fight for you all the way. Experience, Reputation and Track Record are key components that you should look at when picking the law firm who is going to fight for you.

At Slaughter & Slaughter, we are proud to stand up for those who couldn’t for themselves. We fight for the individual against large corporations and insurance companies when their voices and pleas for justice are ignored. Call today for a free consultation of your case. We have offices throughout California including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County and San Diego.

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Two People Injured in Hit and Run Collision

ANorman — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:34:52 +0000

Two people were injured in a hit-and-run accident that turned into a multiple vehicle collision this afternoon. The crash happened around 12:121 p.m. in the northbound lane of I-5 Freeway just north of Alicia parkway. One of the victims of the crash had been riding a blue Dodge Stealth which was rear ended by another vehicle after which it crashed into a blue Dodge Charger. The charger then struck a silver Honda SUV. The driver that caused the accident fled the scene leaving behind the two accident victims. If found, the motorist could face felony charges.

Everyday stories like this unfold on our nations highways. Sadly, when a hit-and-run occurs, it can rob victims of the ability to find justice in a number of ways. 1. They may not be able to find out what caused to accident. 2. They can’t pursue the matter in court to receive reparation for their injuries. Thankfully, many hit-and-run drivers are located and those injured in an accident can file a personal injury claim against the offender.

If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident we can help. Contact the law office of Slaughter and Slaughter today for a free consultation. At our firm our personal injury lawyers will work hard to ensure you receive the financial reparation you need to get back on your feel after an accident leaves you crippled. Call us today for a free case evolution and learn what you can do when a hit and run driver changes your life.

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Motorist Taken to Hospital after Glass Falls into her Eyes

ANorman — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 06:19:31 +0000

A driver was taken to the hospital early Wednesday morning after glass fell into her eyes. The incident occurred while the woman was driving northbound on I-5 just South of Camino Capistrino. Authorities are still uncertain as to what actually happened, but they believe something fell out of a truck or moving vehicles and injured the female motorist. The woman, who had been driving a gray BMW sedan, was taken to San Clemente Hospital for evaluation. Officers on the scene indicate that the injuries were minor and vowed to get to the bottom of what transpired.

When an accident of this nature occurs, it can be especially frightening to the victim, who may not initially know who or what caused their injury. Another terrifying aspect of this particular personal injury is that damage to the eyes may seem minor but have a degenerative effect over time–in other words, one could even lose their eyesight. Should the latter scenario occur, it would be imperative for the woman to locate the responsible party so she could be compensated via a personal injury lawsuit.

Even when the circumstances appear to be something of a blur, a legal professional can help you assess your personal injury case and get to the bottom a debilitating accident. At Slaughter and Slaughter we help countless accident victims ascertain how they can obtain financial compensation for their injuries. Call us today for a free consultation and learn t what you can do when someone else causes you grave, physical harm.

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Man Ejected onto Sidewalk after Anahiem Accident

ANorman — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:48:07 +0000

Investigators are still trying to determine who had the right of way after a tragic vehicular accident in Anaheim where one driver was ejected. The debilitating accident occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. after a black Chrysler Sebring and a green Hyundai Elantra entered an intersection at the same time and collided. The Chrysler Sebring has been traveling eastbound on Broadway and the Hyundai Elantra was heading southbound on Loara Street when the front of the Chrysler struck the passenger side of the Hyundai causing it to spin arouse. The driver of the Hyundai was ejected through the passenger side window upon impact and landed on the sidewalk. He was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange County and was reputed to have severe head trauma. The female Chrysler driver only suffered moderate injuries but was taken to the hospital as well as a precaution.

Establishing who had the right of way can be extremely important in this situation, particularly for the Hyundai driver who sustained brain injury. If the Chrysler driver is found to be at fault he could file a personal injury claim and receive due financial compensation.

If you have been hurt in a car accident take nothing for granted. Contact an experienced car accident attorney right away for a free consultation and fight for your rights. The veteran personal injury lawyers at Slaughter and Slaughter can help you do just that. Pick up the phone and call us today.

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