The holiday season is considered the most wonderful time of the year. However, one sure way to fall out of the holiday spirit is by being injured in a damaging car accident. Unfortunately, car accidents during the holidays are more common than one would hope.

Younglove Law Group is a team of experienced car accident lawyers helping clients who have suffered losses as a result of a negligent party. To avoid getting injured and suffering losses, it is crucial you are knowledgeable of some of the most common causes of car accidents during the holidays.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents During the Holidays?

The holidays are often a time of hustle and bustle as families travel to see loved ones and are rushing to get gifts or prepare for holiday meals. With increased traffic on the roads, the likelihood of an accident is all the more common.

When it comes to car accidents, one of the most common causes is human negligence. When another driver does not uphold their duty of care owed to other drivers, they can be found negligent if an accident occurs. Some of the most common causes of car accidents during the holidays are as follows:

Increased Traffic

With more cars on the road rushing to get to their next holiday-related destination, accidents occur more frequently.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

Holiday parties can often lead to individuals drinking more heavily and attempting to get behind the wheel of their car while under the influence of alcohol.

Reckless Drivers

Congested roads during busy travel periods and other holiday stressors can lead some drivers to display signs of road rage or recklessness behind the wheel.

Distracted Drivers

During all the holidays, drivers may be more distracted behind the wheel as they try to remember what the day’s plans look like and what items they need to remember. This stress can lead drivers to be less alert while behind the wheel which can be highly dangerous.

In addition to holiday-specific stress, distracted driving also includes texting and driving or eating while driving, which are very common causes of accidents.

Fatigued Driving

Days are often extra busy during the holiday months and more drivers travel long distances to spend the holidays with loved ones. This often results in more fatigued drivers who are at risk of falling asleep or becoming drowsy at the wheel.

Inclement Weather

Rain, fog, and other inclement weather in California can hinder visibility, reduce tire traction, and increase the risk of drivers losing control of their vehicles as they drive to their holiday destinations.

If you have been injured in a car accident during the holiday season, you are possibly entitled to collect damages for the losses you have suffered. The damages you are often eligible to collect include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. If you are unsure what damages you are eligible to collect, contact a trusted car accident lawyer in California as soon as possible.

Get Help From a California Car Accident Lawyer Today

After being injured in a holiday car accident, victims have the right to pursue financial compensation for their losses by filing a personal injury claim. To get help with your California car accident claim, contact a California car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Younglove Law Group is proud to offer clients the experience necessary to help victims of car accidents in California. Our top-rated legal team provides our clients with the dedicated and trusted representation they need to build a strong claim and pursue the best possible outcome for their claim. Schedule a free case review with one of our trusted car accident lawyers today by contacting us online or calling (949) 691-3660.

In some situations, no single party is at fault in an accident. An accident can be a result of several contributing factors. For example, you may have been injured in a car accident caused by the negligent acts of two drivers. In this case, both drivers are responsible for your injuries. Besides car and auto accidents, compensation for injuries resulting from slip-and-fall accidents or wrongful death cases can also be sought from multiple parties if more than one person is responsible for the accident.

It is vital that you get an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will help you understand the exact nature of your case and how you can get the best possible compensation for your injuries.

How Is Fault Determined When Multiple Parties Are Responsible for My Injuries?

California is a pure comparative negligence state. This means a person is only responsible for paying your damages in proportion to their liability in causing the accident. Therefore, each party in the claim can be found to be partially at fault, including the plaintiff.

For example, if a driver ran a red light and crashed into you, they were at fault. However, if you yourself were speeding, the defendant would argue that if you had been driving at the speed limit, you would not have been at the intersection where you were hit. In this case, you may be found to be partially at fault. Each party’s responsibility must be weighed when awarding compensation in a personal injury claim. To understand what happens in cases in which multiple persons are responsible for injuries caused in an accident, we need to look at the ‘Joint and Several Liability’ doctrine.

What Is Joint and Several Liability in California?

It is a legal concept used in some states, including California, that ensures the injured party gets their due compensation. In California, it applies specifically in cases where more than one party is responsible for the damages caused to the plaintiff, even when one party may have caused a small percentage of the injury. The purpose of this doctrine is to protect injured parties from being unable to collect compensation even when the main party at fault is judgment-proof, poor, or insolvent.

To understand this doctrine further, let us consider the following example:

An employee at a large store was moving boxes using a forklift. In the process, several packages fell and struck a customer who was shopping. In addition, the store had hired a mechanic to fix some balancing issues on the forklift, but the mechanic had done a shoddy job. In this case, the employee, the store, and the mechanic are all responsible. The customer suffered economic and non-economic damages. Whom do they file the lawsuit against?

Determining Liability

All three parties were responsible for the injuries suffered by the customer. On the one hand, the employee failed to properly seal off the area where the forklift was being operated. In addition, operating the forklift over the customer was negligent. On the other hand, the store is responsible for the employee and thus is also liable. The store is also responsible for training the employee on safety protocols and is accountable for not providing them. Finally, the mechanic is liable for the poor maintenance of the forklift that affected its functioning. The customer can name the employee, the store, and the mechanic in their claim.

Suppose the jury determines the employee is 60% responsible, the store is 30% responsible, and the mechanic is 10% responsible. The customer suffered both economic and non-economic damages. In such a case, if the employee and the mechanic cannot pay for their portion of damages, joint and several liability comes into play. In California, the general rule is that joint liability applies to economic damages, while several liability applies to non-economic damages. Let us begin by identifying these damages and how they can be compensated.

Economic Damages

This is any out-of-pocket expenses the injured party has spent or will spend in the future. Monetary damages can be proved using receipts, billing records, invoices, and repair estimates. Economic damages include, but are not limited to:

• Actual medical costs incurred.
• Future medical expenses.
• Rehabilitation and other treatment costs.
• Lost wages.
• Loss of future wages.
• Property damage.

The injured party can recover the total amount awarded from one of the parties, despite the fault percentages. This is especially important if the other defendant(s) is/are judgment-proof, poor, or insolvent. In our scenario, the customer will collect the entirety of the economic damages from the store (the one party with assets). The store will be responsible for recouping money from the other defendants.

Non-Economic Damages

These are non-monetary losses incurred by the injured party or their loved ones, for example, inconvenience, pain and suffering, physical impairment, emotional distress, and loss of consortium, among others. Each defendant will be held liable only for the amount of non-economic damages corresponding to their fault percentage. In our scenario, the customer can recover 10% of their non-economic damages from the mechanic and the remaining 90% from the store, as the store is responsible for their employee’s actions.

California does not place caps on non-economic damages payable in personal injury cases. However, the exception lies with medical malpractice cases with a current cap of $250,000 for pain and suffering.

Speak With an Experienced California Personal Injury Lawyer at Younglove Law Group

Accidents can be emotionally traumatizing and financially devastating. Whether it is an auto accident, motorcycle accident, bicycle accident, or any other form of accident, you deserve compensation for your injuries.

If you or your loved one have suffered personal injuries or non-economic damages due to the negligent acts of others, speak to the experienced personal injury lawyers in Newport Beach at Younglove Law Group. Our award-winning and compassionate legal team are fierce advocates for our clients and are determined to pursue fair, maximum compensation for you and your loved ones. Call us today for a complimentary consultation at (949) 691-3660, or fill out our contact form.

There are some accidents that can leave lasting negative consequences on your day-to-day life. You may not be able to partake in activities you used to enjoy, especially if you are facing permanent disability or emotional or cognitive impairment. Non-economic damages can be debilitating, and you may be able to recover damages associated with the emotional toll an injury can have on your quality of life after an accident.

At Younglove Law Group, we are unwavering in our dedication to fighting for the full compensation you are owed as a result of someone else’s negligence.  We have recovered over 40 million dollars in settlements and verdicts for victims who have been affected by personal injury, helping them obtain the justice they deserve. We understand the toll non-economic losses can have as you try to recover after an accident. As an award-winning legal team, we offer legal guidance throughout the claims process to bolster your chances of success.

Overview of Loss of Enjoyment of Life Damages in a California Personal Injury Claim

Loss of enjoyment of life damages refer to the diminishment of enjoyment in daily tasks after sustaining a serious injury after an accident. This can include activities such as hobbies, experiences, or being able to participate in other life events that you may have been able to do before your accident, such as the following:

• Recreational activities
• Traveling
• Career
• Family bonding activities
• Social engagements
• Volunteer activities
• Running errands
• Doing household chores

If you have experienced a catastrophic injury accident, you may be able to recover loss of enjoyment of life damages in a California personal injury claim with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer at Younglove Law Group. We understand the necessary evidence required to compare and quantify the losses you have experienced and help you recover the complete compensation you are owed.

How to Calculate Loss of Enjoyment of Life Damages in a Personal Injury Claim

Calculating non-economic damages such as loss of enjoyment of life can be challenging without the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Due to the lack of tangible evidence, such as medical bills, a lawyer can calculate the loss of enjoyment of life damages based on unique factors specific to your life circumstances and the impact of injuries, including the following:

• The severity of the injuries you sustained
• Future impact of your injuries
• Permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disability
• How injuries impacted your career
• The type of activity that you can no longer enjoy
• Your age
• Your educational background

Loss of enjoyment of life damages are typically calculated by analyzing and comparing the current state of your life before and after sustaining an injury in an accident. Evidence that can help prove the toll your injuries have had on your day-to-day life can include a physician’s testimony to why you have lost certain abilities and how that loss impacts you, testimony from friends and family on what you used to enjoy in your former life, or photo and video evidence depicting the activities you used to enjoy.

With the help of the skilled Younglove Law Group personal injury lawyers, we can help build a robust claim on your behalf by obtaining valuable evidence depicting the loss of enjoyment of life.

Speak With the Experienced California Personal Injury Lawyers at Younglove Law Group

Suffering a catastrophic accident can leave more than just physical consequences. At Younglove Law Group, we understand how essential loss of enjoyment of life damages can be in your personal injury claim. We are determined in our pursuit of justice so you can obtain the complete compensation you are owed for the suffering you were subjected to.

We have recovered over $40 million in settlements and verdicts for victims affected by personal injury accidents and have fought for the non-economic losses they deserve. Schedule a free case review with our award-winning legal team by calling (949) 691-3660 or filling out our contact form today.

The convenience that rideshare services offer is unmatched, especially as its popularity has grown tremendously over the past several years. When you hail a ride through services like Lyft and Uber, you expect that they’ll pick you up and drop you off at your destination without any incidents. Unfortunately, however, rideshare services have their fair share of accidents. A recent University of Chicago study established that rideshare services have contributed to a 3% rise in car accident fatalities since they were rolled out, translating to almost 1,000 fatalities annually.

A rideshare accident can make your life chaotic and challenging. When such an accident occurs, it helps to know the party to hold responsible that will provide coverage for any damages caused. At Younglove Law Group, our knowledgeable attorneys can work with you during a free consultation to evaluate your accident and help file a rideshare claim accordingly.

Parties to Hold Responsible after a Rideshare Accident

If you or your loved one is in a rideshare accident, the first legal step is to determine liability. In many cases, the liable party is the rideshare driver. However, like any other car accident, it’s vital to prove the driver had a duty of care and violated this duty, causing the damages sustained. Additionally, whether the driver was logged onto the rideshare app at the time of the accident, how many other parties were involved, and other considerations will be relevant to proving liability.

Several scenarios apply to rideshare drivers when determining liability and who will cover the damages caused. For example, consider the following:

• The driver was offline and wasn’t logged on: The vehicle isn’t on duty, and the driver’s personal auto insurance policy covers any damages caused by an accident.
• The driver logged on and was waiting to pick up a passenger: While the driver’s insurance policy may apply, the rideshare company will typically cover damages caused by the driver.
• The driver is logged onto the app and transporting you to your destination: While the driver’s insurance policy may still apply, the rideshare company’s insurance policy is generally primary and provides more coverage for your damages.

Apart from the rideshare driver and their insurer, other parties to hold liable include the rideshare company’s insurer, or any other third party, such as another driver and their insurer.

Determining liability is usually a rigorous legal process that you can’t handle on your own without any legal expertise. To determine who’s at fault, consider consulting the knowledgeable rideshare attorneys at Younglove Law Group.

Does Rideshare Companies’ Insurance Protect Passengers?

Yes, it does. Rideshare companies’ insurance policies protect passengers, drivers, and third parties. When you are inside a rideshare vehicle as a passenger, that vehicle is regarded as being on duty. Therefore, as a rideshare passenger in active rideshare, the rideshare company’s insurance policy protects you in the event of an accident. You have the right to file a rideshare accident claim and seek a legal remedy.

Furthermore, the rideshare insurance policy might be more extensive than your own coverage and the driver’s personal auto coverage. Therefore, the rideshare company’s insurance policy is more likely to be able to fully compensate you for your damages. If you have rideshare coverage to pursue from being a passenger in a rideshare vehicle that was involved in an accident, the best course of action is to consult an experienced rideshare accident attorney who will guide you accordingly based on your unique case.

Understanding Rideshare Insurance Coverage

Rideshare services have various insurance policies depending on certain scenarios. However, none of these insurance policies offer coverage if the driver is offline and hasn’t logged onto the app, indicating they are ready to pick up passengers.

While there are various insurance coverage scenarios, the one that applies to you as a passenger is when the app is on, the driver has logged on and is driving you to your destination. In this scenario, the insurance coverage includes:

• Underinsured/uninsured motorist bodily injury protection of varying amounts depending on the “phase” your driver was in at the time and which rideshare service you are using
• Comprehensive and collision coverage for property damaged in the accident, with deductibles of $2,500 (Lyft) and $1,000 (Uber)
• $1 million in liability coverage

Rideshare companies and their insurance agencies find loopholes to avoid taking fault and compensating you for your damages. Consulting an experienced rideshare accident attorney at Younglove Law Group will help protect your rights and increase your chances of getting compensated for your damages.

How to Protect Yourself After a Rideshare Accident

A rideshare accident can leave you with immediate severe injuries, while others might not be apparent until later. If you or your loved one are involved in a rideshare accident, your steps following the accident can significantly impact your claim and health. Following a rideshare accident, consider taking the following steps:

• Stay calm and evaluate your situation. Check for injuries and determine how to move away from the wreckage if it’s safe to do so.
• If anyone needs medical attention, call an ambulance right away
• Call the police and report the accident. Also, insist on a detailed accident report that you’ll need for your claim
• Gather the necessary evidence, such as photographs of the accident scene and witness statements and contacts. However, only do so if the scene and your condition allow it
• Collect contact information and insurance from all parties involved, even if the police officer tells you it will be in their report
• Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine and don’t have any visible injuries. While you are there, ensure you get a detailed medical report for your own health and for your claim
• Contact a rideshare accident attorney to evaluate your case and determine whether you would benefit from their assistance

If the authorities need your statement at the scene, you can give one if you are fit to do so. If other parties, such as the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, or any auto insurance (including your own), contact you, it’s best to have an attorney present in any conversations. An experienced rideshare accident attorney will evaluate your case and guide you through corresponding with each of the involved parties.

Talk to Knowledgeable Rideshare Accident Attorneys at Younglove Law Group

It can be confusing and challenging to know if you can file a rideshare accident claim if you are a passenger. Moreover, filing the claim is tricky and requires the expertise of an experienced rideshare attorney, such as those at Younglove Law Group. If you or your loved one have been in a rideshare accident, we can help you make the right decision.

Getting back on your feet and returning to a sense of normalcy after such an accident can be daunting. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through it alone; our compassionate rideshare attorneys will hold your hand and fight for your rights to compensation. Allow us to be a positive mark on your road to recovery by reaching us at (949) 691-3660 or completing our contact form.

Just like many other pets, dogs are worthwhile to have around in part because they contribute to a healthy and active lifestyle. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 38% of households in the U.S. own one or more dogs. The positive effects that come with keeping dogs cannot overshadow the fact that they can inflict serious injuries from their bites. This can escalate to a serious infection when not treated by a doctor.

Consequently, it is recommended to seek speedy medical assistance following a dog’s bite, which can lead to an infection. Fortunately, if you’ve suffered an injury following a dog bite in California, you can be eligible for compensation from the liable party. Partnering with a California dog bite injury attorney can be a beneficial step toward seeking compensation from responsible parties. If you’re a dog bite victim, the legal team from Younglove Law Group may be able to help fight for your legal rights.

Mistakes to Avoid Following a Dog Bite in California

Not everyone is conversant with the actions to take if they suffer a dog bite. Ignorance can be costly, as what you do after the bite could weaken your claim. Do not do any of the following after suffering a dog bite:

Not Seeking Medical Services

Most people do not feel compelled to seek medical attention after suffering a dog bite, especially if it seems like an injury they can tend to at home. What they do not know is that even a tiny bite from an infected dog can gravely affect their overall health. Promptly getting treatment from a qualified doctor gives you the best chance of a speedy recovery.

Neglecting to have your injuries tended to in a hospital can also weaken any case for compensation. Every dog bite injury attorney can attest that a medical record from a registered doctor is a great asset in building a strong claim.

Failing to Document the Attack

Understandably, victims of a dog bite are often disoriented after the attack to the point of forgetting that something like taking pictures of the fresh bite is important. Documenting the attack should start once you are in a safe location; however, do not share photos or your account of the attack on social media to seek sympathy from your followers. Building a strong legal case should be the main reason for taking pictures or a video of the dog bite. Consider taking pictures of the following:

• The bite itself
• Your surroundings after the dog bite takes place
• The dog responsible for the bite
• Medical reports and bills

If there were any witnesses to the attack, be sure to document them by taking down their contact information.

Lying to the Doctor or the Police

While it is understandable that emotions resulting from the dog attack might run high and tempt you to exaggerate what transpired, it is not a good idea to lie or exaggerate the attack story to the attending doctor or the police.

Your claim could be irreparably harmed if the opposing counsel can prove you lied or exaggerated. Give an honest account of the attack and leave the rest to your attorney. Rather than creating portions of your story to fill in any gaps in your memory, simply acknowledge there are some details you are having trouble recalling.

Contacting the Insurer

Severe dog bite injuries often result in huge medical bills. You can be tempted to contact the insurer to offset your medical bills, but this may not be in your best interest if your attorney is not involved.

Insurers know how to manipulate situations to protect their interests and pay out as little as possible. They can, for example, twist your narration of events in order to make it look like you are to blame for the dog attack. Even with strong evidence to back your claim, refrain from contacting insurance companies without first discussing it with a reputable dog bite injury attorney.

Not Reaching Out to an Experienced Attorney

You may believe that an attorney is not a requirement as long as you have solid evidence to back your claim. However, a dog bite attorney is indispensable regardless of the evidence you have. Their experience in representing dog bite victims can not only help to prove your case but to also get a fair and deserved settlement.

It is common for injured parties who attempt to go it alone to fail to get fair compensation, even with a strong case. This is because the opposing party can take advantage of your underrepresentation to undermine your case. An attorney can argue your case and prove to the jury that the injury has caused you pain, emotional distress, and inability to work.

Understanding California’s Legal Approach to Dog Bites

Just like most U.S. states, California cares for dog bite victims and has laws to defend them. This state holds dog owners legally responsible for bites unless proven otherwise. Victims can pursue available legal options unless the dog’s owner provides evidence that the attack was actually the victim’s fault.

Dog bite victims in California can still get a partial settlement if found partly responsible for the bite, however. The compensation due to the victim of a dog bite can be reduced:

• If the dog owner can demonstrate that you provoked the dog, initiating the attack.
• If the dog owner can prove that you were trespassing on their premises at the time of the dog attack.
• If there is no evidence of dog ownership. For example, if a stray dog were to bite you there would likely be no dog owner to hold liable for your damages.

Even if you think you do not have a case due to overwhelming evidence stacked against you, do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced dog bite attorney for a free consultation. An experienced dog bite attorney is capable of turning around the case, even if you played some role in the attack without the knowledge that it could result in an injury.

Contact an Experienced Dog Injury Lawyer in California Today

You are entitled to compensation for damages resulting from a dog bite such as medical expenses, lost income, physiotherapy sessions, pain and suffering, as well as disfigurement. A dog bite injury attorney will help you understand your options. Their duties include investigating the attack, documenting evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement. In short, lawyers take up your case while you focus on recuperating.

Contact Younglove Law Group today to see if you might be our next success story. For a free consultation, call us at (949) 691-3660 or complete our contact form today.