Southern California Injury Law Blog

Bicyclists from around the world were awaiting the sentencing of Dr. Christopher Thompson today for the road rage incident that happened in July 2008. After many letters and emails to the judge, he ultimately sentenced Dr. Thompson to 5 years in prison for the assault on the two cyclists, sending a strong message that cars and bicyclist must share the roads in a civilized manner.

The accident occurred on Mandeville Canyon Road in Los Angeles. Scenic roads are famous for bicycle lovers for their good work out as well as shady trees for comfortable riding. Dr. Thompson testified that while driving to work two cyclists had flipped him off and yelled profanities to him only when he suggested that they ride single file on the windy road. After these words were exchanged, Thompson then sped in front of the cyclists and slammed on his brakes. One cyclist was slammed into the rear window of Thompson’s car; breaking his front teeth and causing several facial lacerations. The other rider crashed onto the sidewalk and suffered a separated shoulder.

Thompson had experienced two prior incidences before this accident and had told officers after the crash that he was going to “teach them a lesson”. Recently other canyon residents had complained that cyclists were ignoring stop signs and riding side by side. However, this does not justify the escalation in violence that occurred that day.

Bicyclists are a frequent victim of intentional and negligent actions by drivers. If you want to consult with a personal injury attorney specializing in bicycle accidents call Allen, Flatt, Ballidis & Leslie at 1 866 981-5596 or see our web site devoted in bicycle accidents. We can help if you call and the call is always free.

Nationwide there were over 43,000 bicycle injuries with about 715 deaths in 2008. Two-thirds of the deaths are due to traumatic brain injuries, normally caused by the cyclist not wearing a helmet. Since drivers and cyclist must share the roads together, let’s look at some safety guidelines to ensure fewer accidents.
With the increase in bicycle accidents, the California Department of Transportation has compiled a list of safety guideline for any cyclists commuting or riding for pleasure.

· Wear a helmet! 92% of all bicycle injuries involve a motor vehicle
· Always ride in the same direction as other traffic, not against it
· Ride in a straight line
· Ride to the right if you are slower than the other traffic
· Stop at red lights and stop signs
· If you’re riding at night, you must have a white light on the front of your bike that emits 300’ from your bike. In addition, you must have a red reflector that is visible 500’ from the rear of the bike. Lastly, Mount white or yellow reflectors on your pedals for added safety.
· Wear bright colors in the daytime
· Keep a safe distance from parked cars
· Use proper hand signals when turning or changing lanes
· Use extra caution when its raining and allow for extra stopping time
· Cross railroad tracks at a right angle
· Walk your bike across a crosswalk
· Don’t wear headphones while riding
· Keep your bike maintained properly
· Ride defensively.

For further bicycle safety tips you can access the DMV’s website at www.dmv.ca.gov and the DOT at www.dot.ca.gov/
Safe riding!

James Ballidis is a personal injury attorney specializing in bicycle and auto accidents in Southern California. Call for a free consultation at 1866 981-5596 for your accident needs.

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Posted In: Bicycle accidents

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According to new federal safety data, traffic fatalities in Orange County have decreased 15% in 2008 from the previous year but O.C. motorcycle accident deaths have increased 44%. There are several reasons for the increase; less skilled riders, a bad economy and more powerful riding equipment.

It started with the high cost of fuel and now with lower incomes, more than ever people are turning the cars in for motorcycles. However, driving a motorcycle is not like driving a car. Newer motorbikes are heavier, faster and more difficult to control. In California over one-third of all motorcycle accident victims did not have the proper Department of Motor Vehicle endorsement on their licenses.

It is not unusual for me to see an accident outside one of the motorcycle performance shops in Orange County. You know the guy, just bought the bike, can't wait to ride, has little training on this bike, pulls from the parking lot and gives too much throttle, inevitably dumping the bike.

The California Office of Traffic and Safety is encouraging every motorcycle driver to get trained through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Graduates of these programs qualify for DMV endorsements and won’t have to take the skills exam. I recommend that you go out with a seasoned rider, and learn the performance and tendencies of your new machine.

With the exception of bad motorcycle accident data, Orange County ‘s vehicle fatalities are decreasing and DUI deaths are down thanks to more awareness and social responsibility. California vehicle fatalities were down 14% last year, the lowest level since 1975.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle or vehicle accident, don’t hesitate to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as you are able. You can call us at 1 866 752-7474 for immediate help.

James Ballidis is an attorney with the firm of Allen, Flatt, Ballidis & Leslie.

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Posted In: Bicycle accidents , Injuries , Insurance Disputes , Motorcycle Accidents

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The tragic, untimely death of actress Natasha Richardson highlights the many facets of traumatic head injuries. Minor bumps to the head, as in this case initially cause no pain and the person feels fine. However, in this case, a seemingly slight injury turned serious rather quickly, and at that point, nothing could be done for her.

After Ms. Richardson fell while taking a lesson at Mont Tremblant ski resort, paramedics were called in by the ski patrol. They were turned away and never saw the patient due to the fact that Natasha was feeling fine, walking around and was in no pain. After an hour or so of resting in her hotel room, she started to get dizzy and have a headache and that’s when the hotel summoned an ambulance and she was transported to the nearby hospital.

Experts believe that Ms. Richardson suffered from “Talk and Die” syndrome. This is when a minor head injury initially seems o.k. and the patient is feeling fine, but during this time, bleeding is occurring between the skull and the brain. Rapidly, the pressure becomes too great and brain death occurs. This series of events can occur between one hour to several hours after a car or truck accident and other traumas to the head.

While this case does not warrant any investigation because the injury was caused during a sporting effort without apparent negligence, it is very important to have a California personal injury attorney who specializes in wrongful death on your side after any auto accident. They will make sure you get proper medical treatment and the settlement you deserve.

Please feel free to call us for a free consultation at 1 888 752-7474. If we cannot help you, many times we can refer you to another attorney who can. Call if you need help.

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Posted In: Bicycle accidents , Car Accidents , Injuries , Product Liability

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As a person that enjoys riding on the street, I find it appalling that motorists simply do not abide by the bicycle lane rules of the road. let's note a few examples that try any cyclist's patience

You, car driver, you can have almost the whole street. Please do not drive in the bike lane, because you want to pass on the right. Stay in your lane. You do not need to jeopardize our safety because you are in a hurry.

Hey car driver, can you please stay out of the bike until you near the intersection where you want to turn right. We know you think it's okay to pull into the bike lane 300 to 500 feet back from the intersection because you are impatient with traffic, but we either have to slow down for you, or you are driving up behind us and causing great frustration and danger.

When you want to park, do you know that there is no parking in a bike lane. Please don't do it because you cant find a parking spot. You force us to negotiate around your car and into traffic, which can be very dangerous on southern California streets and highways, like PCH.

Lastly, look before you open your door. It is hard to enjoy our ride, when we have to look at every parked car to see if a driver is sitting in the car and ready to open their door into our path. As an Orange County bicycle accident attorney, we have seen our share of injury occurring in this manner.

If you have been the victim in a bicycle accident, we can and will advocate your rights. Please call us for a free consultation at 1 888 752-7474. We will make sure, as a California bicycle accident attorney, that your rights are protected and that careless driver is held accountable for simply not following the simple rules of a bike lane.

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Posted In: Bicycle accidents

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