With nearly 1,000 dog bite victims needing emergency medical treatment for severe dog bite injuries each day, California’s strict liability dog bite laws protect victims who are harmed due to a traumatic dog attack, regardless of what caused the dog to bite. Losses may be significant, resulting in physical limitations, medical expenses, and emotional suffering. Knowing why dogs bite and what causes them to attack may be helpful in preventing such incidents from occurring. If prevention is not possible, it may also help determine liability in California dog bite claims.

If you have experienced a California dog bite injury, speak to an experienced dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. You may be able to hold the dog owner accountable for their dog’s aggressive behavior and recover compensatory damages for the injuries and other losses you have suffered. At Younglove Law Group, we offer a complimentary consultation of your claim and provide legal guidance on your best course forward.

Determining the Cause of a Dog Bite in California

Dogs may bite for a variety of reasons, even if they are not ill-tempered by nature. Oftentimes, a biting response is an indication of discomfort that is cautioned by barking, snapping, or snarling. The following reasons are what may cause a dog to bite in California:

  • Biting out of fear: The most aggressive behavior, including biting, is stemmed from fear. A dog might be fearful of a person, situation, sound, or other unfamiliar elements. This response is typically rooted in being overwhelmed and is communicated through biting to protect itself.
  • The dog was startled: Dogs are especially sensitive to being startled awake when they are sleeping. They may be disoriented, confused, and dazed, resulting in biting. This is particularly common for older dogs who have diminished senses.
  • Guarded or protective nature: Some dogs are especially territorial and may bite to ensure that their possessions, such as food and toys, are not taken away. This may come from resource guarding behavior or strong guarding tendencies of their home to protect the safety of their loved ones, even if the danger is not real.
  • The dog is sick or injured: When a dog experiences an injury or is sick, it is more likely to bite and experience behavior changes due to stress.

To prevent dog bites, it is essential to avoid unfamiliar dogs or any actions that may be perceived as antagonistic. If an aggressive dog bites unprovoked, you may be able to seek compensatory damages from the dog owner for expenses related to the attack. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, emotional suffering, and other expenses related to the incident.

Strict Dog Owner Liability in California

California has strict dog bite liability laws for dog owners. If a victim of an aggressive dog bite incident incurred significant injuries and other damages, the liable party must pay for expenses related to the attack, even if the dog has never exhibited aggressive behavior before. This is true in instances where:

  1. The victim was bitten
  2. The victim was in a public place or was lawfully in a private residence

Victims may not seek compensatory damages in the event of a police or military dog bite that was working with law enforcement or defending someone. However, this does not apply to victims who were not suspects of participating in an alleged crime. Speak to an experienced California dog bite lawyer for an assessment of your claim to obtain the justice you deserve if you have experienced traumatic dog bite injuries and other losses.

Speak With Younglove Law Group for an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer in California

At Younglove Law Group, we have years of experience fighting for victims affected by dog bite injuries and obtaining the justice they deserve through millions of dollars recovered in settlements and jury verdicts. Our California dog bite lawyers understand the unique challenges associated with dog bite claims and offer individualized representation tailored to fit your needs and interests.

The legal team at Younglove Law Group provides aggressive, compassionate, and award-winning legal services to help you achieve your desired outcome so you can focus on your recovery and move forward with your life. To learn more about your legal options, schedule a complimentary consultation at (949) 691-3660, or fill out our contact form today.

We all experience the frustrations of driving in California. Congested traffic, ongoing construction, and reckless drivers cause bouts of stress and frustration. However, some drivers can let their anger get the best of them. Road rage and aggressive driving can cause severe and life-threatening accidents.

When you encounter an aggressive California driver, your first reaction might be to yell or get angry at the individual. However, that may escalate the situation and cause irreversible damage. It is important to understand how to handle aggressive drivers in California, and it may potentially save you from severe harm.

6 Ways to Handle Aggressive Driving in California

Aggressive driving is more than just getting angry at another individual. When a driver becomes enraged by another individual and attempts to assault or harm them physically, they are acting aggressive and negligent. Some examples of road rage include tailgating, running stop lights, unsafe lane changes, and speeding.

In order to stay safe while driving, here are a few ways to handle California’s aggressive drivers:

Take a Deep Breath

In frightening situations, taking a moment to control your own emotions and stay level-headed can keep you from making reckless decisions. It is natural to want to argue with someone who is driving dangerously, but moving out of the way and letting them pass can keep you safe and away from harm.

Leave Space Between Cars

Another example of dangerous and illegal road rage behavior is brake checking. Brake checking is when another driver moves in front of your vehicle and abruptly stops, causing you to possibly rear-end their car. Leaving room between you and the angry driver can give you time to stop your car and avoid an accident.

Avoid Eye Contact

When you avoid eye contact with an aggressive driver, you limit their ability to talk and interact with you any further. Their behavior is unacceptable, and looking at them will only cause them to continue acting carelessly.

Report Aggressive Drivers

California Highway Patrol’s non-emergency number for reporting aggressive driving after the incident is 800-TELLCHP, or (800) 835-5247. However, if an individual is currently exhibiting aggressive behaviors, call 911 to alert law enforcement of the behavior and possible danger.

Invest in Surveillance

Many drivers are starting to invest in dashboard cameras, or dashcams, that record your surroundings while you are driving. This can help when aggressive drivers act recklessly and cause an accident. Having a recording device can also capture the vehicle’s information so that you can provide those details to the authorities.

Protect Yourself

Your main priority when handling an aggressive driver should be your health and safety. If a driver gets out of their vehicle, make sure your doors are locked and contact the police. Do not confront them and instead allow law enforcement to handle the situation.

When you are in a situation in which a driver becomes aggressive and dangerous, you have the right to contact law enforcement and notify them of the driver’s behavior. They can face legal repercussions for putting you and everyone else on the road in danger.

Talk With Younglove Law Group for an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in California

Road rage and aggressive driving is a serious issue that causes severe accidents. If you suffer injuries and property damage because of another individual’s reckless behavior on the road, talk with Younglove Law Group. Our car accident lawyers understand how dangerous and threatening an aggressive driver can be and will provide you with the legal resources necessary to hold them accountable. With years of experience representing California residents in car accident claims, you can trust our knowledge and guidance during your legal claim process.

Talk with one of our team members and schedule a free consultation by calling (949) 691-3660 or filling out our contact form today.

Car accidents are common across California and can result in severe injuries and property damage. Regardless of how serious the accident is, drivers must stop and assess damages. This makes sure each driver can exchange information and call for emergency medical assistance. However, when an individual does not stop to check on the other driver, the accident is considered a “hit-and-run.”

Leaving the scene of an accident before stopping and exchanging information is illegal and results in serious legal penalties. Leaving an accident before checking on other people involved is dangerous and sometimes life-threatening. If you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident, contact an experienced California car accident lawyer as soon as possible. With their representation, you can hold the driver accountable and receive compensation for your losses.

4 Ways to Help Prove Your Case After a California Hit-And-Run Accident

When a driver fails to stop after an accident, you may feel frustrated and confused because it is hard to believe anyone would leave the scene without assessing the damage and injuries of the other individual. While you may not be able to exchange information, there are a few ways to help prove your case and hold the other driver responsible.

Document the Accident

Our memories are complex, and when you are in a frightening situation, you may not remember all the important details needed for a case. However, writing down information on your phone or even on the back of an old receipt can help document important details. The license plate number, the color of the vehicle, any description of the individual, the area of the accident, and whether there are any witnesses can significantly impact your claim.

Contact Law Enforcement

It is crucial that you stay at the crime scene and contact law enforcement. A hit-and-run accident is a serious crime that can result in harsh consequences for the individual involved. When you contact law enforcement, they will document the accident and investigate the individual for their crimes. The sooner they can document the crime, the more time they have to possibly track down the other driver.

Seek Medical Attention

Some car accidents may only leave a driver with minor scratches and bruises. However, others can cause severe injuries like broken bones, brain injuries, and long-term disabilities. Even if you believe you do not have any serious injuries, having your primary physician examine any injuries will help prove your harm and can help you recover compensation for your losses.

Talk With Your Lawyer

Contacting your car accident lawyer as soon as possible can immediately jumpstart an investigation. Your lawyer will have the resources to gather evidence and investigate any witnesses or surveillance that can help prove your claim. Having dependable legal representation work strictly for you will protect your rights and compensation.

Drivers must stop after an accident, exchange their information, and contact emergency assistance if necessary. When they disregard these commitments, they put others at risk and fail to take responsibility for their actions.

Speak With Younglove Law Group for an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in California

The fear and stress you feel after a car accident is overwhelming and can cause you to forget vital information. Our Younglove Law Group car accident lawyers understand the challenges you face after a serious crash and will gather the information you need for a successful claim. We dedicate our practice to providing our clients with legal representation and guidance tailored to their needs. Our countless positive testimonials and past results can show how we treat clients like family.

Learn more about how our team can help your claim by calling (949) 691-3660 or filling out our contact form today.

When an individual suffers injury in a car accident, they will submit a claim with their insurance company. Insurance carriers will investigate the claim in order to avoid paying for claims that fall outside the policy’s coverage or if the claim is fraudulent. The claims adjuster, also known as an insurance adjuster, will proceed to gather evidence and examine the claim on behalf of the insurance company.

Car accident damages can cause challenging financial burdens, but receiving compensation for your losses can significantly help reduce stress and allow you to recover smoothly. Adjusters are vital for offering fair settlements, but communicating with them can feel overwhelming. With a California car accident lawyer representing you, they will discuss the details of your claim with the adjuster to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Avoid These 4 Mistakes When Talking with an Insurance Adjuster After a Car Accident

Before talking with an adjuster or contacting your insurance, there are a few important notes to remember. Consider the following four mistakes to avoid when talking with a California insurance adjuster:

Admitting Fault

For many, it is common to say “I’m sorry” or apologize after an accident, regardless of whether they were the ones to cause the crash. Never apologize to anyone involved in the accident, even if you are trying to be polite. These statements and phrases can be harmful to your claim and work against you.

Downplaying Your Injuries

Another common phrase for people to say is “I’m fine.” Many find that it is a natural reaction or habit to downplay their injuries in order not to worry others. However, downplaying the harm you suffer after an accident can cause adjusters and insurance agencies to believe your injuries are not as severe as you claim. Going to the doctor and assessing your injuries can help determine your losses and provide evidence for the adjuster to show severe injuries.

Speculating About the Crash

While you may want to offer as much information as possible, if you are unsure about any details about the accident and your injuries, it is best to say “I don’t know” instead of any “I think” statements. Speculating about the crash can cause you to make accounts or claims that you may go back on in the future. It is best not to claim anything you do not have evidence to support.

Recorded Statements

Recorded statements only benefit the insurance company and potentially put you in a challenging position. An insurance agency will thoroughly analyze recorded statements for inconsistencies and contradictory statements. The information you provide may cause you to lose compensation for your damages. The insurance agency may also use information out of context and against your best interests. You are generally not obligated to provide recorded statements, and it is in your best interest to talk with your lawyer before putting anything on the record.

Before communicating with an insurance adjuster, speak with an experienced California car accident lawyer. They will know what information you should and should not provide, as well as discuss and converse with the adjuster on your behalf.

Contact an Experienced California Car Accident Lawyer at Younglove Law Group Today

When you are in the process of a car accident claim, there are a lot of steps and conversations that can pose a risk without an experienced individual on your side. Our Younglove Law Group lawyers have the resources and tools to guide you through a smooth and successful California car accident claim. We understand the challenges and will do everything in our power to protect your rights and interests.

Call (949) 691-3660 or fill out our contact form to speak with one of our experienced lawyers today.

California’s comparative negligence law, also referred to as the comparative fault law, states that a person can recover damages from a car accident even when partially to blame for the crash. Suppose an individual is found only to be 30% liable for the accident. Due to the comparative negligence law, they will only be responsible for paying 30% of the damages in the accident.

However, it is also important to note that California is a pure comparative fault state. This means that even if the victim is at fault for a significant amount of the accident, they can still recover some damages. Filing a car accident claim in California can feel overwhelming and complicated, but with the representation of an experienced attorney, you will have the tools and resources for a successful case.

What Is California’s Comparative Fault Law?

While some car accidents may have a precise individual at fault, not every crash is black and white. Sometimes both parties hold partial fault in an accident and can be responsible for paying damages. California’s comparative negligence law provides a way to divide fault between multiple parties. The plaintiff’s damages are also reduced based on how much their own negligence contributed to the crash.

The defendant’s lawyer will look to analyze and try to turn the case in favor of the defendant by presenting evidence of the plaintiff’s negligence. In order to protect your rights and your compensation, your car accident lawyer will offer their representation and argue in your favor against the defendant’s claim. Without legal representation, the defendant may claim you have a higher percentage of fault for the crash.

How California Determines the Level of Responsibility in Comparative Fault Cases

A judge or jury is often responsible for determining responsibility and fault for a California car accident. The defendant will claim that the plaintiff’s own negligence contributed to their own injuries and damages from the accident. However, in order for the defendant to succeed in dividing responsibility, they must prove the following:

  • The plaintiff was negligent
  • The plaintiff’s negligence played a substantial role in the harm they suffered

Suppose the judge or jury determines that the plaintiff’s harm was partially due to their own negligence. In that case, the percentage of fault caused by the plaintiff’s negligence reduces the amount of compensation the plaintiff receives.

Should I Contact a Car Accident Attorney?

When handling a comparative negligence claim, the higher the percentage of negligence a judge or jury finds you responsible for, the less compensation you can recover for your injuries. The defendant and their lawyer will work to increase how responsible you are for your injuries. Without the representation of a dependable lawyer, your rights and compensation are at risk.

Not only will a car accident lawyer defend your claim, but they also will provide the following services:

  • Answering claim-related questions
  • Interviewing eyewitnesses of your car accident
  • Navigating the medical documentation process
  • Negotiating with insurance agencies
  • Gathering information and evidence about your case
  • Advancing all costs necessary to pursue your claim

With the help of a car accident attorney, you will have someone by your side representing you throughout the challenging proceedings. Your rights and compensation may suffer without an individual familiar with a comparative negligence case’s legal complexities and strategies.

Find Experienced California Legal Representation with Younglove Law Group

We understand the challenges and frustrations that come with a California car accident. Not only may you suffer severe injuries and property damages, but you may also need to navigate complex legal proceedings. Our Younglove Law Group car accident lawyers have years of experience advocating for our clients. We understand that every person and claim is unique, so our team tailors our legal services to you and your claim’s needs.

Speak with a reliable California lawyer by calling (949) 691-3660 or filling out our contact form today.

Car accidents are stressful and even more so when multiple cars are involved in a collision. If you have been involved in a California multi-car accident and are left injured, you may be wondering how liability is determined in these cases. Car collisions can occur pretty quickly for different reasons such as distractions, drunk driving, reckless driving, and other circumstances. With an experienced Newport Beach car accident lawyer on your case, our legal team will determine liability for the car accident and help you recover any compensation owed to you for the injuries and damages you have endured.

Common Reasons That Multi-Car Collisions Occur

When three or more cars collide together, there are different reasons why this may have happened. Car crashes can occur because of drunk driving, distracted driving, reckless driving, and other negligent driving cases. In addition, bad weather conditions, car malfunctions, and other circumstances may contribute to many collisions on roadways every day. For multi-car crashes, negligent acts behind the wheel on the part of the liable drivers and different situations can contribute to causing these types of collisions.

Some reasons multi-car collisions occur include:

  • Bad weather
  • Speeding
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving under the influence
  • Vehicle malfunctions
  • Driver fatigue

Sometimes, a multi-car crash or pile-up collisions occur for multiple reasons. In a chain reaction, a driver can cause an accident by rear-ending a car and causing that vehicle to collide with the car in front, and so on. An initial crash initiates the subsequent impact, typically because the other drivers have no time to react and no ability to stop before crashing. When accidents like these occur, it is common to have many questions about liability and how the responsible parties can be held accountable for causing the crash.

Who Is Liable in a Multi-Car Accident?

Anyone held liable in a car accident case is known as a tortfeasor. They are responsible for covering the compensation for physical damages and injuries for the injured person or plaintiff in a civil case. Proving liability may be tricky in some cases because each driver involved may have a specific percentage of fault in the accident. A skilled car accident attorney can evaluate your case, reconstruct the scene, and prove liability on the part of the liable parties.

In a California multi-car accident, multiple drivers may be held liable. Two or more drivers may share liability for negligent acts such as violating traffic laws or playing a role in the collision. According to the joint and several liability laws in California, parties are jointly responsible for covering the costs of economic damages and partially liable for non-economic damages according to their percentage of fault in an accident.

If you are proven to share fault in an accident, you may still recover some compensation concerning damages and injuries you have endured. Under California’s comparative negligence, you can seek to recover the amount of valued damages and injuries respective to the amount deducted for your percent of fault.

Recovering Compensation After an Auto Accident

After a car accident, different forms of compensation are typically awarded to an injured individual. The damages are divided into economic and non-economic damages. Depending on the circumstances, your attorney may also determine that your case is eligible to recover punitive damages after an auto accident.

Non-economic damages in compensation recovery may include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Grief
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Emotional distress and anxiety

Economic damages in compensation recovery may include:

  • Loss of wages and earning capacity
  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Disability
  • Loss of property

Whether you are determined to share fault in an accident or have no fault in a collision, our attorneys can protect your rights and represent you when you file a claim against negligent parties. You will feel at ease with a skilled attorney on your side, knowing that case is handled promptly.

An Experienced Attorney Can Help You File a California Personal Injury Claim

Multi-car accidents are stressful and complicated events. If you have suffered injuries and losses in a multi-car collision, filing an injury claim and hiring an attorney can help you recover the compensation owed to you. Determining who is liable in a collision with multiple vehicles may bring challenges. Still, the experienced attorneys at Younglove Law Group have years of experience in successfully defending clients after a car accident.

Experienced legal professionals handle every case, and our team is dedicated to helping clients receive the maximum compensation they are owed. Contact us by filling out our contact form or by calling (949) 691-3660 to schedule a free consultation.

The pregnancy journey is often a joyous and enjoyable time for many pregnant mothers. However, a woman may endure trauma and injury during pregnancy if they endure slip-and-fall accidents, car collisions, and other traumatic events. In these cases, it is essential to understand the personal injury claim process and how being pregnant can impact a claim. If an individual suffers injuries and trauma due to another’s negligence, they may be eligible to file a claim and pursue legal compensation.

For expecting mothers, this is also true, and a skilled legal team that understands the circumstances and pain and suffering a pregnant mother has endured can help the successful processing of a claim. At Younglove Law Group, our dedicated personal injury lawyers bring years of experience and dedication to every injury case. Continue reading to discover more about pregnancy and how it may impact a personal injury claim.

What to Know About Trauma During Pregnancy

Traumatic events have been associated with seven percent of maternal and eighty percent of fetal mortality rates. Trauma can cause fatal outcomes in car collisions, slip and fall accidents, and other harmful events. No matter how minor an accident or injuries may seem, even minor accidents can cause trauma to the placenta, uterine wall rupture, or other injuries that lead to premature births and other complications.

Any expectant mother who sustains any form of trauma throughout her pregnancy needs to seek medical attention for a thorough evaluation of her injuries and the baby’s risk following a traumatic event. Pregnant women require various doctor’s appointments throughout the journey to ensure the fetus is growing and progressing as it should. If they suffer trauma, they need additional medical care and supervision, especially if the accident initiated an early delivery because of stress and injury.

Complications of Enduring Trauma While Pregnant

In a study about the risk factors for maternal injuries, traumatic injuries during pregnancy are the leading non-obstetric cause of maternal death. Miscarriages, fetal death, or neonatal death are unfortunate results of trauma sustained by a baby in the womb when a mother is injured during pregnancy. Common complications for a mother of enduring trauma while pregnant include blunt trauma, shock, respiratory failure, vaginal bleeding, and other medical issues after an accident.

Depending on the type of accident, injuries sustained, and how far along a mother is in her pregnancy, these factors can play a role in how severe a traumatic accident is for a mother and her unborn child. Many may sustain internal bleeding or serious bodily injury in a fall or car collision. Regardless of the initial apparent severity of an accident, complications may also be latent and cause difficulties later on.

Does Pregnancy Affect a Personal Injury Claim?

Injury claims involving expectant mothers are typically valued higher because they not only have to endure their own injuries, pain, suffering, and other damages, but they have the added concern of risk and harm to their unborn baby. Besides the standard compensation that can be recovered in injury cases, various factors influence the claim value for expectant mothers who sustain an injury.

Factors that influence the duration of a claim and compensation in a pregnant mother’s injury case may include:

  • Any injury to the mother and baby
  • If an accident resulted in premature delivery
  • Extended hospital stays due to treatments, recovery, and other medical necessities
  • Any surgeries and necessary life-saving procedures for the baby
  • The unfortunate death of the unborn child or death after delivery due to the traumatic event

Pain, suffering, damages, medical expenses, and any other losses a pregnant mother may endure due to another’s negligence are examples of collectible injuries. Since an unborn fetus does not have legal rights until they are born, an expectant mother can file a claim to retrieve the compensation in this particular case for both their medical needs and expenses.

With a knowledgeable attorney, an injured individual can seek expert legal advice and take legal action to pursue compensation owed to them. An injured pregnant woman can benefit from a skilled attorney’s negotiation skills, aggressive defense, legal knowledge, and resources to successfully handle their case.

An Expert Personal Injury Attorney at Younglove Law Group Can Gather Evidence for Your Case

Sustaining injuries and traumatic events while pregnant adds stressors and medical complications for many expectant mothers. To file an injury claim after enduring a severe accident or injury, pregnant mothers can benefit from the skills and experience of a California personal injury lawyer.

At Younglove Law Group, our team of injury lawyers is dedicated to our client’s case, and we gather all the evidence to build a strategic defense against the negligent party. It is stressful and frightening to experience a traumatic event while expecting a child, but you do not have to handle a claim independently. To schedule a free consultation, you may fill out a contact form or call us at (949) 691-3660.

Aggressive behavior on the road can lead to severe hazards and preventable accidents that leave many individuals injured. When drivers engage in road rage, they often use aggressive tactics to beat the traffic, speed ahead, or retaliate against another driver. An estimated 66% of traffic fatalities are caused by road rage, and 82% of people admitted to engaging in road rage within the year 2019.

Despite all the dangers associated with aggressive behaviors on the road, it is still a prevalent concern on California’s roadways. If you have suffered injuries caused by a road rage car accident, a Newport Beach auto accident lawyer at Younglove Law Group can support your case and help you file a claim. Continue reading to learn more about the dangers of road rage and the accidents that arise because of aggression on the road.

The Psychology of Road Rage

Driving can easily become stressful and challenging at times. If a driver gets lost, misses a turn, gets stuck in traffic, or encounters reckless driving on the road, it can affect their emotions and decision-making when operating a vehicle. The American Psychological Association has found links between displaced anger, high-stress life, and road rage. This is the case in many road rage incidents, as many drivers become upset, impatient, agitated, or in a frenzy while driving.

6 Ways Road Rage Causes Car Collisions in California

Understanding the ways a road rage incident contributes to car collisions in California may help drivers avoid getting into a heated and rageful encounter with other drivers on roadways. Many aggressive drivers have made the mistake of causing tragic accidents that proved fatal for innocent drivers. Here are six ways road rage causes car collisions.

1. Speeding

One of the most common causes of accidents related to these kinds of collisions is speeding. When drivers become impatient, aggressive, and eager to beat the traffic, they often rush past other cars. This causes dangers for other cars on the road, and speeding was attributed to causing over 10,000 accidents in 2020.

2. Tailgating

Tailgating occurs when a vehicle travels very close to the car in front of them. This can be understood as a form of intimidation while driving, and many aggressive drivers use this tactic to move the vehicles out of their way. As you can guess, this can lead to rear-end collisions and preventable accidents that can be avoided by following at a safe distance.

3. Failing to Follow Traffic Rules

Drivers who operate a car with an aggressive tendency around other drivers are often lenient when obeying traffic rules. Speeding to beat red lights, failing to yield to the right-of-way, and switching lanes without signaling are examples of the habits of aggressive drivers who fail to follow traffic rules.

4. Sudden Braking

When drivers are in a rage or aggressive towards other drivers, they may make decisions that leave no time to react and prevent an accident. By speeding, disobeying the law, and using intimidation, they often break suddenly and risk the safety of others driving ahead of or behind them.

5. Weaving Between Cars

Another form of aggressive driving is seen in weaving on roadways. This occurs when drivers switch in and out of lanes to get ahead of others and often do so with an aggressive nature and without turn signals. This type of driving can cause sideswiping accidents and other kinds of car collisions.

6. Violence While Driving

Situations on the road involving aggressive drivers and violent acts lead to accidents and fatalities every year. Unfortunately, a significant number of road rage situations lead to gun violence between drivers. Everytown Research discovered over 700 incidents of road rage shootings in the United States in 2021, and these contributed to two-thirds of road rage incidents that year.

An Expert Car Accident Lawyer at Younglove Law Group Can Help You File a Claim After a Road Accident

A skilled car accident reconstructionist at Younglove Law Group can help you gather the information necessary to file a claim and pursue compensation. Any liable driver in California who causes a collision resulting in injury to others and their property is subject to provide compensation for those involved. Road rage causes preventable accidents every year in the United States and, unfortunately, results in many fatalities.

Our attorneys are skilled in personal injury law, proving negligence, and remaining compassionate with every client that seeks our help. If you have been involved in a road rage accident, you may fill out a contact form or call our office at (949) 691-3660 to schedule a free consultation.

Around 8.6 million motorcycles are registered in the United States, according to IIHS reports from 2021. Many motorcycles are designed to carry a rider and a passenger on a single bike, and many motorcycles are also suited for a passenger sidecar. Motorcycling is a popular pastime in California and a preferred method of travel by many people. However, motorcyclists and their passengers are not free from harm nor sustaining a severe injury in a collision.

Motorcycle passengers may wonder about their rights after sustaining injuries in a California motorcycle accident. At Younglove Law Group, our dedicated team of professional personal injury lawyers are skilled advocates who can guide you through the process of filing a claim following an accident.

What Are California Motorcycle Passenger Laws?

Passengers on motorcycles have rights after an accident just as those riding in a vehicle do. There is no legal age limit to ride a motorcycle as a passenger in California. However, some laws outline how bikers should ride a motorcycle and what is required when riding with passengers.

California Vehicle Code 27800 states:

“It is unlawful for a driver of a motorcycle or a motorized bicycle to carry any other person thereon, except on a seat securely fastened to the machine at the rear of the driver and provided with footrests, or in a sidecar attached to a motorcycle and designed for the purpose of carrying a passenger. Every passenger on a motorcycle or a motorized bicycle shall keep his feet on the footrests while such vehicle is in motion.”

In addition to appropriate motorcycle riding regulations for passengers, California law also requires all motorcycle riders to wear a U.S. DOT-compliant motorcycle safety helmet. The DMV also highly recommends that motorcyclists and passengers wear face and eye protection as well as additional protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants.

Am I Covered as a Passenger Riding a Motorcycle?

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident as a passenger, you might be wondering what your options are and if you are covered under a given policy. Depending on the type of coverage a liable driver has, you may receive compensation and coverage once negligence is determined.

If the amount exceeds the guidelines of their active policy, their responsibility may be to still compensate your bodily injury and damages through an injury claim. However, it is important to understand California’s comparative negligence rule and how this is used to determine who is responsible for the cost and compensation owed to you as an injured passenger. Depending on the claim result, your insurance policy or the motorcycle driver’s policy may also cover the injuries and expenses from the accident.

Can I File a Claim if I Am an Injured Passenger in a Motorcycle Collision?

In an at-fault state such as California, pure comparative negligence is used in determining fault. An injured person can recover damages even if they share a percentage of fault in an accident. If you were riding a motorcycle with friends or family members, you may be wondering if you would be filing a claim against them. However, this may not be the case. Your own insurance may cover you as a passenger.

In many cases, the responsible, liable party will cover the costs of damages, bodily injuries, property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and mental or emotional suffering. If you were injured in a collision with a driver on the road, they are responsible for compensating for those damages through their insurance company. By filing a personal injury claim within the two-year deadline, you can pursue compensation and take legal action.

What if I Share Fault During an Accident?

In some instances, a passenger and motorcycle operator may share negligence in an accident, regardless of who is injured. If you were not wearing a helmet, riding improperly, or the operator of the bike was not following the traffic laws, there may be room for the other party to discredit the negligence presented in a claim. This can be the case for motorcycle riders that take part in lane splitting when it results in a serious accident.

Even if you share a percentage of the negligence in an accident, you still have the right to seek the compensation owed to you. A skilled injury attorney who understands California laws and how to build an expert strategy for your claim can help you win your case.

A California Attorney Helps You File a Claim After You Are Injured in an Accident

Our team at Younglove Law Group is prepared to continue helping clients after an accident. We provide the resources and evaluate police reports, injury documentation, insurance coverages, and other necessary components to a successful injury claim. You do not have to settle for a low settlement offer from the responsible party’s insurance company. Trusting a skilled lawyer at Younglove Law Group helps you go through the claims process, court proceedings, and any other aspects your case may require to be resolved. To schedule your free consultation after a motorcycle accident, you may fill out our contact form or call (949) 691-3660.

Car accidents occur more often than we might believe. While some might only leave minor scratches on your vehicle, others can cause significant property damage and severe injuries that turn your life upside down. Regardless of how your accident occurs, you will most likely need to contact your local law enforcement as soon as possible. Not only will they be able to relieve any aggressiveness with the other driver, but they will create a police report detailing their observations of the accident. 

When a police officer creates and assesses the accident, they will conduct a preliminary investigation that can significantly help you during your car accident claim. If the other driver’s negligent actions result in damage to you or your vehicle, you have the right to receive compensation for the losses you incur in the accident. A car accident lawyer can help gather evidence and discuss with the police about the crash. If you did not contact the police or the officer created no police report, contact a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your next steps.

Do I Have to Report My Car Accident in California?

According to Section 16000 of the California Vehicle Code, drivers must report accidents to their insurance provider. Nonetheless, the law does not require a police report to be filed in order to submit a claim.

The California Vehicle Code section 20008 requires that any driver involved in the accident, or their representative, must make a written report of the crash with the California Highway Patrol or to the area’s local police department within 24 hours of the crash if any of the following occur: 

  • Anyone involved in the crash was injured
  • Anyone involved in the crash was killed in the accident
  • Damage to any vehicle or property exceeds $1,000 

You will also need to submit a report to the California DMV’s office within ten days of the accident if any of the above occur. However, some car accidents result in severe injuries, and you may find it challenging to report the accident on your own. An experienced car accident attorney in California can help file the report in your stead and make sure there are no legal issues within the document. 

What Happens If There Is No Police Report for My California Car Accident?

There are various reasons why a person might not file a police report at the time of the accident. However, there can be legal complications if you seek compensation without a police report. You might have trouble finding evidence and information on your own. Still, with the help of dependable accident lawyers at Younglove Law Group, we can provide you with honest legal advice that you can trust. 

The following are a few examples of how our team can help your car accident claim:

  • Answering questions about your claim
  • Discussing your case with law enforcement
  • Filing reports and documents in your stead
  • Gathering evidence regarding your case
  • Interviewing eyewitnesses of your car accident
  • Guiding you through the medical documentation process

The process of filing a car accident claim can be overwhelming and frustrating. With the help of lawyers who have years of experience working with clients to recover their losses, you can feel confident that you will have the best possible outcome for your claim. They will address the lack of a police report and guide you through preparations for your case. 

Contact Younglove Law Group for an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in California

When you work with car accident lawyers at Younglove Law Group, you will have the tools and resources for a successful claim process. We have years of experience advocating for our clients across California. Every case and client is unique and requires innovative strategies for success, which is why we provide legal services tailored to your specific needs. Our primary goal is to provide the legal representation you can rely on and trust. 

Schedule a free consultation and discuss the details of your case with our lawyers by calling (949) 691-3660 or filling out our contact form today.