When to Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer

You need to contact a school bus accident lawyer when you or someone you love has been injured (or worse, killed)  because of the action or negligence of another. If this sounds like you, contact our experienced team of school bus accident lawyers to get the compensation you deserve.

When To Reach Out and Contact a Bus Accident Lawyer

School is starting for many families across the US right now, which means school bus and bus stop activity is here. Every year, hundreds of kids are injured while in school bus accidents or at school bus stops.

We trust our schools with a lot- education, nutrition, and for many, transportation. Our school bus drivers have the most precious cargo in their buses, and we trust them (and the districts that hire them) to get our children to and from school safely.

We even trust our schools, volunteers, and bus drivers to keep the bus stops safe for all students. However, accidents and injuries happen. And when they do, you need to know what to do. Here are some good examples of when it’s a good time to contact a school bus accident lawyer.

Your Child was Injured During a School Bus Accident Caused by Another Driver

This doesn’t mean the driver or the school will be the responsible party- many times, it could be a distracted driver that hit the bus or someone that failed to stop at a stop sign. In these cases, our legal team will help you identify who is responsible, and we will make sure you or your loved one is fairly compensated.

The Bus Driver was Texting and Driving and Caused an Accident and Injuries

Bus drivers are not immune to the temptations of distracted driving. Although we hope they know better and realize how many lives they’re responsible for, that doesn’t always happen. If you or someone you know was injured due to a school bus driver driving while distracted, we could help get you the compensation you deserve.

The District Knowingly Hired A Bus Driver With a Bad Driving Record, and an Accident Causing Injuries Happened

We all know there’s a bus driver shortage, but that’s no excuse for hiring people with bad driving records. You could have a case if this happened to you or your kids. Reach out to our team to see how we can help.

Your Child Was Using the Safe Street Crossing Method, and A Driver Passed Through the Buses Stop Sign

If your child was injured because they were safely crossing the street and a driver didn’t stop for the busses stop sign, you may need to contact a bus accident lawyer. It is law nationwide to stop both ways when the bus has its stop signs out and lights are blinking. This ensures a safe crossing for all kids crossing the street to get home.

What To Do If Your Child Was In a School Bus or Bus Stop Accident

School bus accidents are a bit unique since you may not be on the scene of the accident. The typical protocol is the school will notify you once the kids are safely at the school if it was a minor crash and notify you immediately if the accident is more serious.

Take Your Child to the Doctor or Emergency Room

Even if you don’t think there are injuries, adrenalin does a great job hiding them for several days. Take your kid in ASAP to get an evaluation for whiplash, concussion, bruises, or other related injuries. The sooner, the better in case something more serious happens.

Request Medical Records Before You Leave

Before you leave the ER or doctor’s office, get copies of everything because this will save you time and hassle later on.

Call the School and Get the Report of the Accident and All Other Information

Ensure the school has an official accident report with the involved parties’ information. This information can be:

• The responsible driver’s insurance information
• Witness statements
• Bus Driver’s statements
• Photos of the damage
• Photos of the scene
• Police reports

Get the Police Reports

Once you get the school report, request the police report as well. Both reports should give you a clear picture of what happened and who is responsible.

Can You Sue When Your Child Was Injured In A School Bus Accident?

This depends on many factors, like who is responsible and the extent of the injuries. To know if you have a case or not, the best step is to reach out to our bus accident lawyer team, and they will consult with you at no cost.

How To Find The Best Bus Accident Lawyer For Your Case?

Suppose you or a loved one have recently suffered an injury in a school bus accident. In that case, you need a qualified bus accident lawyer to represent your best interests so that you can focus on your recovery.

A qualified bus accident lawyer will be able to:

• Ensure that all correct paperwork is submitted
• Determine an accurate settlement estimate
• Gather evidence to strengthen your case
• Negotiate with an insurance adjuster
• Provide general legal advice
• Represent you in court

The following attributes should be considered to assist you in finding a qualified bus accident lawyer.

Look at Experience

Ask your potential bus accident lawyer about their experience. Make sure they have specific experience in handling school bus accident cases. You also need to ensure that they are highly accomplished in arguing cases in court and have a successful record of doing so.

How Do They Communicate?

A qualified bus accident lawyer will make it easy to understand how they will help you with your case. Moreover, they will provide clear information about their processes, case values, and costs associated with your case.

If you have any questions, their answers should be clear and direct. In short, you shouldn’t have more questions than answers when you leave their office.

Are They Interested in Your Case?

A good attorney should be interested in your school bus accident case. A lawyer who isn’t engaged in your case will only provide the bare minimum of assistance. As such, you may end up with a smaller settlement than you may be entitled to.

To tell whether a bus accident attorney is interested in their clients, pay close attention to how they act during your initial consultation. They should ask you several exhaustive questions regarding your case and goals, which they will use to develop a strategy and set clear expectations for your school bus accident case.

Are They Organized?

The more organized the lawyer’s office looks, the more organized they are likely to be in representing you. Pay careful attention to how their office functions and the cleanliness of the bus accident lawyer’s desk.

If they have to sort through piles of files to find what they want and their employees struggle to handle calls, they may not be very organized. This paints a questionable picture of their ability to handle your case well.

Check References

Be sure to ask your bus accident lawyer for a list of referees you can contact and talk to. These references should be past clients or professionals who can speak to the lawyer’s reputation.

Even if you don’t contact their referrals, you can be confident that they willingly gave you the referrals. Avoid hiring a bus accident lawyer who has no references or will not provide you with such information.

Contact us today if you want to consult with us about a possible claim. We will work tirelessly to ensure you are given the most compensation possible.

Contact Bear Republic Law

If you or a loved one have suffered a brain injury from an accident, you can count on an experienced personal injury lawyer at Bear Republic Law to fight for your right to fair compensation for your injuries.

Bear Republic Law has decades of experience in handling important cases like yours. Our experienced California personal injury lawyers protect the rights of the injured throughout Orange County, California. Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation to discuss your case.

Rental Truck Accidents and How To Avoid Them

Every year, more than 40 million people move to the United States. Rental truck accidents usually happen during peak moving season, between April and September, when over 75% of moves happen. Movers and rental trucks are in high demand during this time, especially in the summer months. Whether you’re moving or just navigating the roads this summer – here are some thoughts to avoid rental truck accidents.

Although rental moving vehicles may not be as hard to maneuver as larger commercial trucks, they still cause significant damage in an accident. Any driver’s license holder can rent a truck and there is no requirement to go through any specific instruction course on larger vehicles. Unsuspecting drivers are often caught off guard by the lack of maneuverability and the sheer size of the moving trucks, and more accidents result.

Who Is Liable in Rental Truck Accidents?

As with automobile accidents, liability can vary from case to case, so the answer is not always straightforward.

The Driver at Fault

Often, liability will be found with the person responsible for causing the accident. This can vary depending on the insurance status of the driver responsible. Since many rental companies do not require insurance specific to rental users, you may have the option to sue the responsible driver. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights if you’ve been injured in a moving truck accident.

The Truck Rental Company

In other cases, however, the rental truck company may be liable for rental truck accidents. This could occur if the accident were due to negligence from the company, such as maintenance issues or lack of an inspection before renting. There could also be instances where the rental truck company allows an unfit driver to rent a vehicle.

This could be the case if a driver has an expired license or potentially no license. If you’ve been injured in a moving truck accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss the details of your accident.

Tips To Avoid An Accident:

If you’re scheduled to move this summer and need to drive a moving truck, keep the following safety tips in mind to help avoid an accident.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can take many forms, including using your cell phone, using any map or navigation device, eating and drinking, changing the radio station, or engaging with passengers. These distractions, however small they may seem, can cause an accident in seconds, so it is essential to focus on the road when behind the wheel constantly.

Speeding

Speeding is one of the leading causes of auto accidents but is also easily preventable. It is essential to be mindful of your speed and continuously monitor it throughout your drive. Trucks require greater braking distances than automobiles, so be sure to gain familiarity with the truck by testing the brakes before getting started. Not speeding will help you avoid rental truck accidents.

Road Rage

Driving a truck can be frustrating, especially in high-traffic areas. Although emotions can run high, it is crucial not to let them affect your driving for the safety of you and others around you.

Driving While Impaired

If you are impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is never okay to get behind the wheel. Driving while impaired is never worth the risk of harming yourself or others. Do not drive behind the wheel while impaired to avoid rental truck accidents.

Driver Fatigue

Driving while tired after a long moving day is never a good idea. When you are behind the wheel of a moving truck, you should always be alert and in a position to make split-second decisions.

Contact Bear Republic Law

If you or a loved one have suffered from a rental truck accident, you can count on an experienced personal injury lawyer at Bear Republic Law to fight for your right to fair compensation for your injuries.

Bear Republic Law has decades of experience in handling essential cases like yours. Our experienced California personal injury lawyers protect the rights of the injured throughout Orange County, California. Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation to discuss your case.

What To Do After A Dog Bite?

A dog is a man’s best friend and makes your life joyful and meaningful. However, being bitten by a dog can be distressing and cause serious, permanent injuries. According to CDC, out of the 90+ million dogs in the United States, records suggest close to 4.7 million dog bites every year. Of those, more than 800,000 people receive medical aid, and over 28,000 undergo reconstructive surgeries.

What Should You Do If A Dog Bites You?

Dog bite injuries are a serious issue and can lead to costly medical bills, missed work, or loss of quality of life. If a dog bites you at work, in a park, or on personal property, seek immediate medical attention. Open wounds, and even minor scratches, are susceptible to infections and other complications. Thus, these must be cared for adequately. Alert the police and gather information about the dog’s owner, including contact information and a photo of his or her identification, if available. You’ll also want to know if the dog has had its recent vaccinations. Talk to witnesses and get their written statements for your safety. Also, if possible, take photographs of the injury and your surroundings.

If the wound is anywhere near the face, seek help from a cosmetic surgeon since emergency rooms may not be equipped to handle special cases. Your medical practitioner would then suggest further steps on proper healing.

The Law Protects The Victim Against Dog Bites

Dog bites affect the lives of many. Children and the elderly are at the most risk of injuries. If a dog bites at you or a loved one, and you aren’t the owner, you may have legal options. The laws generally favor the victim upon proving that:

• The victim was lawfully present on the property where the incident happened
• The victim wasn’t provoking the dog

Further, those states with “Strict Liability” laws hold the owner liable for damages regardless of the circumstances. The dog bite victim can recover damages for medical expenses, emotional trauma, lost earnings, among other damages.

Contact Bear Republic Law

If you or a loved one have suffered a dog bite incident, you can count on an experienced personal injury lawyer at Bear Republic Law to fight for your right to fair compensation for your injuries.

Bear Republic Law has decades of experience in handling important cases like yours. Our experienced California personal injury lawyers protect the rights of the injured throughout Orange County, California. Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation to discuss your case.

Work Zone Safety

Summer always brings increased road work as most municipalities take advantage of the weather and reduced commuting traffic to maintain and upgrade our Nation’s roadways. Once complete, we will likely appreciate the extra lanes or more comfortable ride the road work provides. However, during the road work, the changes to traffic patterns, narrowed lanes, barricades, slowing traffic, slow and merging trucks, and other construction can create dangerous circumstances that can lead to traffic accidents and fatalities.

NHTSA Work Zone Accident Statistics

In 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported over 100,000 work zone accidents that resulted in over 44,000 injuries and 857 fatalities. Driver distraction was a large factor with 20% of work zone crashes resulting in rear-end collisions. Not surprisingly, speeding was a factor 37% of the time and 27% of the accidents involved a commercial vehicle.

Safety Tips for the Driver

The Federal Highway Administration offers the following safety tips to help save lives and to reduce work zone crashes.

• Eliminate Distractions – Distracted driving is dangerous and sometimes illegal. Don’t use your cellphone unless it is hands free, but certainly wait to make the call until the roads are clear. While in a work zone, be sure to avoid other distractions such as looking at the navigation, changing the radio, and eating.
• Remain Alert – Avoid drowsy driving and take a break or have a cup of coffee if necessary.
• Pay Attention to the Road – Read and follow all road signs and watch for brake lights on vehicles ahead. Also keep an eye on the vehicles around you and be ready to react to their driving. Be aware that work vehicles, workers, or work equipment may enter your lane without warning.
• Merge into the Proper Lane – merge before you reach the lane closure and recognize that lane adjustments can happen daily. Also, change lanes only where the pavement markings indicate and only when traffic conditions permit.
• Follow Instructions – If there are flaggers, be sure to follow their instruction and be respectful of their directions.
• Obey Speed Limit – Often speed limits are reduced significantly in work zones, especially when there are lane reductions, shifting, and narrowing. Further, fines for moving violations are often doubled in work zones. Be prepared to slow down depending on driving conditions.
• Be prepared – Check traffic on the radio or online to better anticipate current road conditions. Be prepared for delays by leaving early or by planning an alternate route.

Contact Bear Law

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, you can count on an experienced personal injury lawyer at Bear Law to fight for your right to fair compensation for your injuries.

Bear Law has decades of experience in handling important cases like yours. Our experienced California personal injury lawyers protect the rights of the injured throughout Orange County, California. Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation to discuss your case.

5 Reasons Why Lime & Bird Electric Scooters Are Dangerous and 5 Tips to Help Keep Safe

When electric scooters were first made available for public use in cities, they were heralded as a green, fun, and efficient way to get around. Unfortunately, they’ve also been the cause of a number of injuries and even some deaths. With summer here, electric scooter use will be more prevalent than in any other season. So here are five reasons why Lime and Bird electric scooters are dangerous and five tips to help you stay safe if you choose to ride one.

1. Design Defects - Lime and Bird electric scooters have been known to have a number of design defects that can make them dangerous. For example, the throttle can get stuck, the brakes can fail, and the steering can malfunction.
2. Top-Heavy - Because electric scooters are top-heavy, they’re more likely to tip over than a traditional bicycle. This is especially dangerous at high speeds when a rider could easily be thrown from the scooter.
3. Poor Instructions - When you rent a Lime or Bird scooter, you’re given very little instruction on how to use it. You’re essentially left to figure it out on your own. This can lead to riders not understanding how to properly use the scooter, which increases the likelihood of sustaining an injury.
4. They’re Not Well-Lit - Another safety issue with Lime and Bird scooters is that they’re not well-lit. This means that riders are less visible to drivers and more likely to be involved in an accident.
5. They’re Not Widely Regulated - Unlike traditional bicycles, there are few laws regulating the use of electric scooters. This means that nearly anyone can ride one, regardless of their age or experience level. And that can lead to accidents.

Fortunately, some states have taken action to regulate the use of electric scooters, restricting the age of riders to 16.

Tips to Stay Safe on Lime and Bird Electric Scooters

1. Wear a Helmet - As with bicycles, electric scooters leave the operator completely exposed. The most significant precaution you can take is to protect your head with a helmet.
2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings - Because they’re so unpredictable, it’s important to be on the lookout for potholes, bumps, and other obstacles that could cause you to lose control.
3. Use the Scooter’s Lights - If you’re riding at night, be sure to use the scooter’s lights so that you’re visible to drivers.
4. Stay Off Busy Roads - Whenever possible, stick to side streets and paths where there’s less traffic.
5. Follow All Local Laws and Regulations - Even if you live in a state that doesn’t regulate electric scooter use, you should still follow the rules of the road and obey traffic laws.

Contact Bear Law

If you or a loved one have suffered a brain injury from an accident, you can count on an experienced personal injury lawyer at Bear Law to fight for your right to fair compensation for your injuries. Bear Law has decades of experience in handling important cases like yours. Our experienced California personal injury lawyers protect the rights of the injured throughout Orange County, California. Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation to discuss your case.

Summer Motorcycle Riding Guide

If you’re like most riders, you probably can’t wait to get out on the open road and enjoy the freedom that comes with motorcycle riding. But before you hit the highway, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Did you know that 97% of motorcycle accidents occur when the weather is clear or only cloudy? What’s more, 59% occur during daylight hours. So it’s safe to conclude that the summer months provide peak conditions for motorcycle accidents.

Other Reasons Why Accidents Are More Prevalent during the Summer

The warmer weather also means that more people are out and about. This increased traffic can put a strain on even the most experienced riders. Another hazard to be aware of is road construction. With the summer months comes an increase in road work. This can lead to uneven surfaces, debris, and other hazards that can cause an accident.

And let’s not forget about the increased risk of drunk driving. With more outdoor events and parties taking place, there is a greater chance that you will encounter a drunk driver. With so many potentialities that could lead to accidents, you might be afraid to take your motorcycle on the road. While it’s understandable to take these issues seriously, you can still have fun this summer. But you need an action plan in place to help keep you safe.

Tips to Keep You Safe This Summer

While you can certainly add your own, the following tips should be included in every motorcyclist’s action plan.

• They will improve your chances of having an enjoyable—and safe—time on the road.
• Plan your route in advance and avoid known construction areas.
• Be extra cautious at night and in bad weather.
• Wear the proper safety gear, including a DOT-approved helmet.
• Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Follow the posted speed limit and never ride recklessly.
• Ride defensively and always be aware of your surroundings.

What to Do if You Get into an Accident

Despite taking all the necessary precautions, accidents can still happen. If you do find yourself in a collision, here are a few things you should do:

• Call the police and have them file a report.
• Get the contact information of any witnesses.
• Take pictures of the accident scene, if possible.
• See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’re injured.
• Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that summer riding is safe and enjoyable for you and other drivers around you.

Contact Bear Law

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you can count on an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at Bear Law to fight for your right to fair compensation for your injuries. Bear Law has decades of experience in handling important cases like yours. Our experienced California personal injury lawyers protect the rights of the injured throughout Orange County, California. Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation to discuss your case.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month: Fact Sheet

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. During this time, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants to help vehicle drivers and motorists practice safe riding practices and cooperation. This effort will help lower the number of injuries and fatalities on the highway.

Highway Facts

• An estimated 5,579 motorcyclists died in 2020, 11% higher than in 2019. About 82,500 were injured, 2% lower than in 2019.
• Motorcyclists over the age of 55 were 27% of 2020 crashes. From 2011 to 2020, this percentage shifted upwards by 37% from 1,087 to 1,486.
• The average age of motorcyclists killed in traffic accidents was 43 in 2020.
• In 2020, motorcyclists were 28 times more likely to die in a motor crash and four times more likely to be injured than passenger vehicle occupants.
• About half of the motorcyclists that passed away on the road between 2011 and 2020 died on the weekend. Nonetheless, weekday fatalities have increased by 15% since 2020, from 2,402 to 2,765.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Tips

• Be cautious: Steer clear of distractions like texting that place you and others at risk when interacting with motorcyclists.
• Yield: Watch and observe all traffic laws, including yielding to other motorcyclists at intersections and other locations on the road.
• Avoid impaired driving: Don’t drive after consuming alcohol or drugs.
• Be defensive: Remember to drive defensively at all times.
• Watch distance: Note the small size of the motorcycles. It can be trickier to judge their distance, so take care when working your way around them.
• Provide room: Give more distance when behind someone on a motorcycle. They will have more time to stop or maneuver if something goes wrong.
• Give a full lane: Provide motorcyclists with full lane width. They need room to maneuver safely, no matter how much it looks like they have.
• Provide warning: Signal before changing lanes on the road. Motorcyclists can use this alert to get into a safer spot as they shift.
• Watch obstructions: Obstructions are common at intersections. If you’re turning and can’t see oncoming traffic, wait. Scan the road to ensure no motorcyclists or pedestrians are visible before proceeding with the turn. Take it slow.
• Look at blind spots: Check mirrors and blind spots before merging with traffic.
• Watch motorcycle signals: Note that some motorcycle signals might be a mistake. Still, move with caution until their signal turns off to keep them safe.
• Check all unseeable areas: Remember that it’s easy for a motorcycle to disappear in a blind spot. Look for motorcyclists in mirrors and blind spots before shifting to another lane for the safest navigation.

Motorcyclist Safety Tips

• Obey laws: Observe and obey all traffic laws.
• Avoid impaired driving: Do not ride while distracted or impaired. This action puts you and those around you at risk for injury and even death.
• Be educated: Complete rider education courses and get a current license for your motorcycle. About 36% of motorcyclists in 2020 did not have a valid license when they were in a fatal crash.
• Be defensive: Always use defensive driving techniques when riding or driving.
• Note the speed limit: Follow the speed limit.
• Don’t speed: In 2020, 34% of motorcyclists that passed in crashes were speeding. Those in the 25-29 age group category were the highest speeders in the group.
• Wear proper protective gear: Always wear a helmet, eye protection, a durable jacket and pants, durable gloves, and protective over-the-ankle footwear.

Contact Bear Law

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you can count on an experienced personal injury lawyer at Bear Law to fight for your right to fair compensation for your injuries. Bear Law has decades of experience in handling important cases like yours. Our experienced California personal injury lawyers protect the rights of the injured throughout Orange County, California. Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation to discuss your case.

National Safe Boating Week

National Safe Boating Week is May 21-27, and it’s time to learn about safe boating practices as the weather warms up. There are plenty of resources to learn more about staying safe on and around boats.

Boat Safety Tips

• Know the local boating laws: Anyone driving the boat must be familiar with the local boating laws and may require a license. A violation of these laws can result in fees, fines, and even imprisonment. Check the ABC’s of California Boating here.
• Wear a life jacket: A life jacket is one of the most critical safety items on the boat. 86% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket. Ensure you and everyone on board, especially children, have them on when riding the boat.
• Ensure the life jacket fits: A life jacket won’t do much good if it doesn’t form properly. One that is too big will make floating harder, and one that is too small could cause discomfort. Have everyone onboard try them on to find a life jacket that fits properly.
• Understand the boat’s capacity: Do not exceed the listed capacity for your boat. If you have too many people on it at once, you risk the boat capsizing or tipping over.
• Take a boating safety course: An education course in safety will provide valuable information you can take into any boating opportunity.
• Look at the weather: Before you head out on your big adventure, check the weather. It’s dangerous to set sail in poor conditions. If the weather looks questionable, reschedule for another day.
• File a float plan: A float plan should contain information about the boat, the trip, the people on board, communication equipment, towing items, and emergency contacts. Provide this information to someone you trust before you set sail.
• Wear the right clothes: Different weather calls for different clothing. If it’s going to be hot, you might be comfortable in a bathing suit and shirt. If it’s a chilly day, opt for clothes that will keep you comfortable as you sail. Protect yourself from the weather.
• Check your boat: Before you set sail, check the boat for any prior damage that may have occurred. You don’t want to take out a severely damaged boat.
• Don’t drink: Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in boating accidents. Never operate a boat if you are impaired. You are putting yourself, your passengers, and other boaters at risk.
• Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning: Gasoline-powered engines produce carbon monoxide. Never block exhaust outlets or stand too close to the exhaust, as carbon monoxide poisoning can happen quickly and silently. While not always, it can be signified by a headache.
• Maintain communication: Always have a way to communicate with the mainland. Have at least two forms of communication, such as CB radio and cellular service, on your boat and ensure you know how to use them.

Contact Bear Law

If you or a loved one have been injured in a boating accident, you can count on an experienced personal injury lawyer at Bear Law to fight for your right to fair compensation for your injuries. Bear Law has decades of experience in handling important cases like yours. Our experienced California personal injury lawyers protect the rights of the injured throughout Orange County, California. Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation to discuss your case.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is distracted driving awareness month in the United States. Did you know that each year, approximately 3,000-5,000 fatalities result from distracted driving? And it’s not just the fatalities that significantly add up — distracted driving results in over 350,000 injuries each year.

Distracted driving awareness month is designed to help bring national awareness to the devastating effects caused by distracted drivers and to get citizens involved in making our roadways safer.

What is Distracted Driving?

The definition of distracted driving is any scenario that distracts the driver’s attention away from the act of driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identifies three different types of distraction that can occur while driving:

• Visual — Taking your eyes off the road
• Manual — Taking your hands off the wheel
• Cognitive — Taking your mind off driving

For example, texting while driving combines all three distractions outlined above. While texting is one of the most common distractions, there are many other ways to be distracted while driving. This could be anything like eating, talking to someone in the car, assisting children in the back seat, using navigation, putting on makeup, or even just adjusting the radio. Little things don’t feel like a distraction but can have awful consequences if you’re not cautious.

Not Worth the Risk

The truth of the matter is that a simple text might take your eyes off the road for as little as a few seconds – but a lot can happen in those few seconds. At 60 miles per hour, your car travels 88 feet per second. That means you would travel an entire football field in just over three seconds.  While in your mind you think that you just barely glanced down, you can travel a significant distance at any speed. And that’s just texting. When you’re putting on your mascara or eating a taco while driving down the road, you are putting yourself and everyone around you at risk.

Getting Involved

There are many ways to take a stand and proactively work to discourage distracted driving. Here are some examples.

• Parents can set a good example for their children by following the rules. Talk to your young and future drivers about the dangers of driving while distracted and be sure to enforce these rules when they are driving.
• Teachers, bosses, and other parties can all have policies and be open about the importance of responsible driving and avoiding distractions.
• Teens can choose to be proactive and responsible by speaking up. They can make the decision not to drive distracted and stick to it.

Pledge to Drive Safely

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration encourages drivers to take a pledge to drive safely. The NHTSA pledge asks you to make the commitment to drive phone-free:

• Protect lives by never texting or talking on the phone while driving.
• Be a good passenger and speak out if the driver in the car is distracted.
• Encourage my friends and family to drive phone-free.

Anyone can participate in the pledge. Take a stand for driving safely.

Contact Bear Law

If you or a loved one have suffered a brain injury from an accident, you can count on an experienced personal injury lawyer at Bear Law to fight for your right to fair compensation for your injuries. Bear Law has decades of experience in handling important cases like yours. Our experienced California personal injury lawyers protect the rights of the injured throughout Orange County, California. Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation to discuss your case.

Types of Brain Injuries and Symptoms

Traumatic brain injuries affect an estimated 1.5 million people in the United States each year and brain injuries are the leading cause of death and disability among children and young adults. As a result of these brain injuries:

• 230,000 people are hospitalized and survive.
• 50,000 people die.
• 80,000 to 90,000 people experience the onset of long-term disability.

As a consequence of these injuries, an estimated 5.3 million individuals are living with a permanent brain injury disability in the United States.

Brain injuries vary in severity, and a wide range of symptoms can appear immediately or be delayed, such that it is worth taking the time to become aware of and understand what a brain injury is and the symptoms to look for to signal the need for treatment.

Understanding the types of injuries and how we can be proactive to prevent injuries can be the difference between temporary and permanent disability, and the difference between life and death. Failure to seek medical attention can be devastating – immediately contact a medical professional if you suspect you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury.

Traumatic Brain Injury Defined

Traumatic brain injuries are often referred to as TBIs. The term means that an injury or action occurred in which the brain was suddenly jolted or harmed and potentially damaged.

One common and well-known traumatic brain injury is a concussion, but there are many other types of brain injuries one should be aware of. Some brain injuries can be severe and lead to major injury, disability, or even death in severe cases.

Common Brain Injuries

Brain injuries can occur from a variety of accidents such as impacts during physical sports, military activities, car accidents, slip and falls, workplace injuries, and more. Let’s review some of the most common types of brain injuries.

Concussion

A concussion is perhaps the most common traumatic brain injury and can vary in severity. Concussions happen in any situation in which you suffer a sudden change in momentum and the brain strikes the interior of the skull. This could be from extreme acceleration, a rapid change in direction, or a blow to the head.

Contusion

A contusion refers to a bruise, and in the case of a brain injury, it is caused when the brain is bruised from a sudden impact. It is typically more severe than a concussion. If both sides of the brain are bruised, it is called a coup contrecoup injury. Many times a contusion could lead to slurred speech, troubles concentrating, cognitive disabilities, difficulty balancing, numbness and tingling, and more.

Diffuse Axonal

This type of traumatic brain injury is often caused by severe rotation or shaking rather than a simple sudden impact. An impact may occur and appear to be the leading cause, but there is generally more movement involved with a diffuse axonal injury. Diffuse axonal differs from a contusion or concussion in that the rotation causes tearing of the nerve fibers in the brain. These are hard to capture on imaging scans and in severe circumstances may lead to a coma.

Penetration

A penetration, or penetrating brain injury occurs when something passes through the skull and reaches the brain. Sports equipment, loose items in a car during a car accident, mismanaged tools in a workplace can all cause penetrating brain injuries. Such injuries are always severe and can cause permanent disability or death.

Primary Vs. Secondary Brain Injury

There are both primary and secondary brain injuries that can occur. A primary TBI is from a sudden injury to the brain that occurs at the time of the incident. A car accident, a fall, and other types of injuries will cause the sudden injury. You can often identify the injury and assess it right away.

A secondary injury can take time to show symptoms. A brain injury may present itself right away or take time to show symptoms, and those symptoms can change over time and worsen. These are identified as a secondary brain injury to the primary incident.

Brain Injury Symptoms

In addition to knowing something about the types of injuries, it is important to be familiar with brain injury symptoms so that you can seek immediate medical attention if a brain injury is suspected.

• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Problems with speech, slurring
• Headaches
• Any period of unconsciousness
• Seizures or convulsions
• Confusion
• Sensitivity to light and sounds
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in ears
• Change in taste or smell
• Dilation of one or both pupils
• Weakness or numbness of fingers or toes
• Difficulty concentrating

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

Should you or a loved one suffer a traumatic brain injury caused by an accident, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact an experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer to learn more.

Contact Bear Law

If you or a loved one have suffered a brain injury from an accident, you can count on an experienced personal injury lawyer at Bear Law to fight for your right to fair compensation for your injuries.

Bear Law has decades of experience in handling important cases like yours. Our experienced California personal injury lawyers protect the rights of the injured throughout Orange County, California. Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation to discuss your case.