Monthly Archives: March 2013

What to do After a Staged Car Accident

Unfortunately, there are certain people out there that stage car accidents. They stage car accidents in order to collect insurance claims. It can be hard to figure out if a car accident is staged. Here is a breakdown of staged car accidents.

Types of Staged Accidents

•             Swoop and stop

This staged car accident has two accomplices. One car will suddenly merge in front of you and stop unexpectedly. You will probably try to swerve into the next lane to avoid rear ending the car. Unfortunately, the second accomplice has purposely occupied the lane next to you.

•             T-Bone

In this staged accident, the criminal will wait for a car to drive through an intersection. He or she will then purposely drive into the intersection. The individual will claim that you ran a light or entered a gas station to earlier. There are also fake witnesses to support the individual’s claim.

•             Wave

The wave strategy usually only occurs in heavy traffic. You are trying to switch lanes, and the other person yields and lets you merge. However, this individual will then press the gas and collide into your car. The individual will deny that he or she let you merge. Therefore, the accident is your fault.

•             False Endorsement

This is not quite a staged accident, but it is still a scam. After a legitimate accident, you contact the other driver. The scam artist will give you numbers to a repair shop, lawyer, and doctor. All these individuals are really working with the scam artist.  They will claim  based on their “expert opinion” that the damage is much worse than it really is.

Tips on avoiding being scammed

A Scam artist cannot fight facts. Keep in your car a camera, pen, and paper. Use these tools to document every detail of the accident. Take pictures from every possible angle. Gather information from any drivers and passengers involved. You should also get the information of any witnesses.  Gather as much information as possible. Take notes about everyone involved.  You can even include information about height, weight, and any additional physical traits.

After an accident,

•             Immediately, call the police. Limit talking to the other driver as much as possible. Anything you say may be used against you in court. Let the authorities deal with the accident.

•             Report the accident to your auto insurance company. Do not settle the accident on site with cash. Always go through your auto insurance accident.  You should always go through an auto insurance company. Your insurance is experienced with fraud accidents. They should be able to protect you.

If you are ever involved in a car accident, protect yourself and contact an Orange County car accident lawyer.

Collision near Disneyland

In mid-February of 2006, a female high school student was driving westbound on West Ball Road in Anaheim with a friend. The pair was on their way to Disneyland.

A collision occurred at the intersection of South Harbor Boulevard and a sport utility vehicle.  The sport utility vehicle was heading northbound on South Harbor. It was being driven by a wife and her husband was also in the vehicle. The high school student’s vehicle struck the rear passengers side of the SUV.

The high school student claimed injuries to her neck and back. She sued the married couple. The student alleged that the other driver was negligent in the operation of her vehicle. She alleged that the other driver ran a red light causing the accident.

 

The high school student claimed that she stopped at a red light. When the light turned green, she waited for a few seconds and then proceeded to drive straight forward. When she was almost halfway through the intersection, her friend began screaming because she saw the other driver’s oncoming SUV. According to the high school student, she was driving between 5 and 10 mph, and the other driver was driving around 40 mph.

An independent witness who was driving behind the high school student supported her description of the events.

According the other driver, when she approached the intersection, she saw the light was yellow and drove through the intersection. She claimed that she did not see the color change. The other driver claimed that she had to swerve to avoid the collision. She also stated that the high school student entered the intersection early instead of waiting for the intersection to clear up.

The high school student’s father took her to a local medical clinic in Riverside County. She was experiencing neck and back pain along with headaches. She was diagnosed with whiplash and given pain medication.

She proceeded to consult a chiropractor a month after the accident. According to the high school student, she had pain in her neck, back, and shoulders. She later went to consult with an orthopedist who ordered MRIs of her neck and back. She was diagnosed with disc bulges. The high school student also saw another chiropractor who diagnosed her with chronic lower back pain, cervicalgia, and avascular nerosis of the capital femoral epiphysis. According to the high school student, she still experiences residual pain and discomfort. She has had to reduce her physical activity because of this pain.

The high school student asked for $11,802 for past medical cost and $30,000 for pain and suffering. She was awarded by the jury $4,689.

If you are ever the victim of a car accident, contact an Anaheim car accident lawyer.

 

Rear End Crash in Irvine

In early February of 2011, the plaintiff a man in his 40s was driving on Barranca Parkway in Irvine.  He stopped at the intersection of Barranca Parkway and Culver Drive. At approximately noon, the light turned green. The plaintiff was then rear ended by a vehicle occupied by a married couple. The wife was driving the vehicle.

According to the plaintiff, he suffered lower back injuries. The pain also extended down to his left thigh. He visited his primary care physician for these issues. The physician diagnosed with plaintiff with soft-tissue strains and sprains. He went through two sessions of physical therapy. After this physical therapy, he received two months of chiropractic care.

The plaintiff stated that he was fully healed from his injuries and would not need any further treatment. He claimed roughly $3,500 in past medical costs. The plaintiff also claimed that he had to miss work for his medical appointments. According to the plaintiff, loss of income cost him approximately $6,500. He also sought damages for his pain and suffering.

The plaintiff claimed that the he sustained lower back injuries as a result of the rear end collision. He sued the married couple. According to the plaintiff, the couple was negligent in the operation of her vehicle. He held the husband vicariously liable for his wife’s actions. The husband was later dismissed early in the proceedings.

The wife admitted liability for the accident. Because she admitted liability, the trial proceeded on causation and damages.  Defense counsel argued that the plaintiff did not sustain any serious injuries from the low impact collision. The defense counsel also pointed out that there was a gap in treatment. The plaintiff waited over a month before started chiropractic care.

The jury awarded the plaintiff $10,000 for the total damages.  After the trial, the Plaintiff’s counsel filed a cost bill. The defense counsel filed a motion to tax costs. In addition to the $10,000 won, the plaintiff was awarded the plaintiff $6,500 in attorney’s costs and expert fees.

If you are ever involved in a car accident, contact an Irvine car accident lawyer. Injuries from car accidents can be quite severe and long lasting. These injuries can require long and difficult physical therapy. Contact the Law Offices of Dara Khajavi for a free consultation. Do not worry if money is an issue there are absolutely no charges until the case is won.

NHTSA Releases Safety App

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a released a smartphone app that tracks auto recalls and safety ratings.

The new application is called SaferCar. It lets you quickly check any vehicle safety ratings, track recalls, and check the latest safety headlines. The application can also help you install safety features like child safety seats. This application was designed to ensure that consumers could access up to date information about their vehicles.

The application addresses many important safety issues. Important information in the app includes:

  • Safety ratings

Motorists can compare and check the safety ratings of individual vehicles. This is especially useful for consumers looking for a new car.

  • Recalls and complaints

Through this app, a motorist can find out any recalls a specific vehicle may be effected by. An owner of a vehicle can also file a safety complaint via an application. This feature is especially important because many complaints eventually lead to recalls.

  • Child seats

Many parents do not properly install child seats. This application helps parents properly install child safety seats.

  • Safety headlines

The application will have alerts on a wide variety of safety-related news. Many consumers receive all their information through phone applications. This application will reach those consumers.

Currently, the application is only available for mobile iOS devices such as the Apple iPhone. An android version is in development. The federal safety agency is also developing a version for tablets.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is hoping that consumers will use this application to drive safer. Consumers will be more likely to use this information because it is so easily accessible.

Install this application today. It makes keeping up with vehicle safety much easier and efficient. Being informed about safety is incredibly important. Protect your family and yourself. A safe car makes the road safer.

Although this application will make drivers safer, do not use this application while driving. Phone use while driving is incredibly dangerous. Distracted driving has contributed to many accidents. Pull over if you want to use this application.

If you are ever involved in a car accident, contact an Orange County car accident lawyer. The Law Offices of Dara Khajavi is fully prepared to handle any car accident cases. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices for a free consultation. Do not worry if money is an issue there are absolutely no charges until the case is won.

Things to Ask your Mechanic

Mechanics are responsible for fixing and maintaining your car. Things are some questions you need to ask your mechanics.

  • Are you affiliated with the automotive service association?

Only shops with a consistent record of excellent service may affiliate with the Automotive Service Association. Look for an ASA sticker or seal in the mechanic’s office. Association with ASA is a sign that the shop provides really high quality service.

  • Do you have an Automotive Service Excellence certificate?

This is another sign of quality service. ASE workers do evaluations of vehicle repair shops. Shops that conform to the ASE standards are given a certificate. A certificate signifies that the shop’s work is approved and of great quality.

  • What are your credentials?

You want technicians that have been trained at trade school. Trained technicians are more knowledgeable and skilled. Sometimes shops will have untrained rookies work on cars.

  • Does your shop specialize in any particular type of car?

Certain mechanics specialize in certain vehicles or repair work. Find out what the shop’s strengths and weaknesses are.

  • Do you charge an inspection fee?

Do not assume that the shop has a free estimate. You don’t want any surprise charges later.

  • What did you do to my car?

Ask for a detailed explanation of the repairs done. Question every single detail of the job. Also ask for a detailed breakdown on your invoice of the repairs done. This will protect you from getting scammed. Ideally, you should ask the mechanic to point out each of the repairs on your car. Ask the mechanic to discuss what was removed, replaced, or repaired. You should also ask to see the old part.

  • Do I get a courtesy car?

If the repair will take a long time, you may be eligible for a courtesy car. Always ask for a courtesy car. Don’t forget to ask for the cost. Sometimes repair shops will charge large amounts for a rental car.

  • What are your payment policies?

Each repair shop has different labor rates and payment options. Ask your mechanic about the payment policies. You want to know exactly how much you will be paying for a repair.

  • Do you offer any guarantees?

When you get your car fixed, you want to know that the repair is guaranteed. Make sure there is a warranty on the repair. You also need to know long the warranty is. If you have any issues with repairs shortly after, you will want the repair shop to cover the additional fixing costs. The warranty on your repairs is incredibly important.

These questions will help you find a great mechanic. These questions will also make sure you are getting the best possible repair service. Mechanics are necessary for proper car maintenance. You want to be able to find a great one you can rely on.

 

If you are ever involved in a car accident, contact an Orange County car accident lawyer.

 

Accused is DUI Suspect Denies Being the Driver

English: A sobriety checkpoint in East Haven, ...

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A man charged with vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is denying being the driver.

The crash occurred on November 8, 2011. Angel Alberto Cruz Perez of Santa Ana drank 24 beers with his friend at a Santa Ana restaurant. The two friends were drinking at Mariscos Ensenada Restaurant in Santa Ana. They started around 3p.m., and they left the restaurant around 6:20 p.m. Perez allegedly drove away in his 1998 Toyota 4Runner with his friend sitting in the passenger seat.

Perez drove north of Bewley Street. He failed to yield for a young mother and her two young children. The mother was attempting to cross the street. She was carrying her 1 year old daughter in her arm and holding her 2 year old son’s hand with the other hand.

According to witnesses, Perez ran the stop sign and collided into the young mother and her son. The son was pulled under the vehicle upon impact. The mother and daughter were knocked onto the front hood of the SUV. Instead of stopping, Perez turned left and fled the scene. The mother and daughter were thrown onto the street.

Perez continued to drive to his home. Luckily, witnesses were able to provide the license plate number and a description of the vehicle. Perez was quickly found by the authorities. He was given a sobriety test and failed it.

The young son was taken to the UCI Medical Center in Orange. He died during the transport. The young mother suffered some abrasions to her knees. Luckily, her daughter was not harmed.

Perez was charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while intoxicated, driving under the influence causing bodily injury and hit and run with permanent injury or death. He also faces a misdemeanor count of driving without a license.

Perez’s defense attorney is contending that Perez’s friend was in the driver’s seat the time. According to the defense attorney, the police jumped to conclusions during the investigation. The trial is still ongoing. Perez could face up to 16 years in prison and may also face a sentencing enhancement.

This is a very unfortunate situation. Drunken driving has caused significant damage and loss throughout the United States. If you spot a drunken driver, pull over. Do not try to confront the driver. If you can note the license plate, make and model of the car, and the location of the car, call 911 and report all this information.

If you are a victim of a car accident, contact a Santa Ana car accident lawyer.

 

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Deputy’s Cruiser Collides Into Sedan

English: Volkswagen Jetta police car and Volga...

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An Orange County Sheriff Deputy pursuing a parolee collided into another vehicle.

This collision occurred in Laguna Hills on Wednesday around noon. The pursuit began at 11:48 a.m. A deputy stopped a suspect in the parking lot of the Irvine Suites in Lake Forest. The suspect was driving a 1994 Toyota 4Runner. The deputy asked the driver about his status as a parole. After the deputy asked him about his status, the parolee fled.

The deputy was exiting the southbound I-5 on Alicia. He turned right toward the beach. A witness reported that the Sheriff’s department patrol car was speeding down Alicia in pursuit. A silver Volkswagen Jetta exited the freeway in front of the patrol car, and the two vehicles collided.

The patrol car attempted to slow down and swerve. Unfortunately, the patrol car collided into the Jetta. The patrol car collided into the Jetta with so much force that the engine was knocked out of the car. The engine block flew about 40 feet from the car, and it collided into a nearby fence.  Both of the Patrol car and Jetta sustained serious damage.

The deputy was taken to a hospital for minor injuries, and he has been released. The other driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo. He was a 60 year old male. California Highway Patrol is investigating the collision

Paramedics and ambulance reported to the scene, and other law enforcement officials continue to pursue the parolee in his Jeep. The pursuit continued to Laguna Niguel. At some points of the chase, the parolee drove on the wrong side of the road. He was eventually stopped at Kensington Drive and Niguel Road in Laguna Niguel. The parolee was taken into custody. According to authorities, the parolee has gang ties and was arrested on drug charges.

Thankfully, more people were not injured in this chase. Erratic drivers can be quite dangerous. If you see an erratic driver on the road, do not attempt to try to contact the driver. Try to remember the license plate and make and model of the car. Safely, pull over. Call 911 and report the information to the emergency operator. When it is safe, get back on the road.

If you are ever involved a car accident, contact a Lake Forrest car accident lawyer. Insurance may cover some of the coasts, but a car accident lawyer can help you seek maximum damages for your losses.

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Crash Test Ratings 101

Crash-tested 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer photograph...

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There are crash test ratings for every vehicle. Before you purchase a new car, it is important find the car’s crash test ratings. Every single car is the product of skilled engineers, scientists, and design professionals. The car’s structural design and safety systems of a vehicle make it safe. An effective structural design keeps damage at a minimum. A car’s safety systems protect the occupants.  Safe cars should have strong structural designs and quality safety systems.

Currently, there are two crash test sources: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

NHTSA Crash Tests

This crash tests scores cars based on a one to five star scale. The NHTSA does a front crash test and a side impact tests. NHTSA assigns an overall safety score that combines the results from all of the crash tests. The front crash test weighs the heaviest in the overall score.

In the front crash test, the car is accelerated straight at 35 miles per hour. The vehicle’s entire front end collides into a rigid barrier. The effect of impact on the passengers’ head, neck, chest, and legs is recorded.

In side impact tests, the vehicle is struck on the left by a 3, 015 pound car. The car is driven at a speed of 38.5 mph. This test replicates an intersection collision.

IIHS Crash Tests

IIHS’s rates cars based on a four-level scale: Poor, marginal, Acceptable, and Good.

IIHS’s front crash tests test the vehicle’s structural integrity and restraint performance. It conducts two front-crash tests. In these tests, the car is driven at 40 miles per hour. One test tests the impact on the car in front of the driver.

In the side impact test, a 3,300 pound car collides into the test vehicle. A score is given based on the injury to the passengers’ head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and legs. In the side impact test, the dummies are designed to represent a small adult female and a teenager.

IIHS’s rear impact crash test replicates a stationary vehicle being struck by another vehicle driving at 20 miles per hour. The test is designed to test the effectiveness of the head-restraint design.

In the case of an accident, a car is primary source of protection. You want a car that can withstand impact. If you are ever in a car accident, you may want to contact an Anaheim car accident lawyer.

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45 DUI Arrests

English: A California Highway Patrol unit on t...

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There were 45 arrests on suspicion of DUI on St. Patrick’s Day in Orange County.

Law enforcement officers patrolled Orange County streets and highways. There were DUI checkpoints and roving patrols. The increase of patrols was a part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. This campaign is part of the Avoid the 38 DUI task force’s crackdown on drunken driving.

The Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, and local police officers all stepped up patrols for the holiday. During last year’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend, there were 64 people arrested in Orange County on suspicion of DUI. The California Highway Patrol made over 300 arrests last St. Patrick’s Day weekend. This year’s number only accounts for the arrests made on St. Patrick’s Day because it was a Sunday.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 700 deaths, from 2006 to 2010, during the St. Patrick’s weekend.

Thankfully, there have not been any DUI related deaths reported. If you encounter a drunk driver, stay calm. Drunk drivers are very dangerous and unpredictable on the road. Drunk drivers tend to weave in and out of lanes. Stay as far away from the drunk driver as possible.

Do not try to pass the vehicle, or signal the driver to pull over. The driver may collide into you. Safely take down the driver’s license plate number. Take a note of the make, model, and color of the vehicle. Note any important cross streets or landmarks in the area. Do this safely. You do not want to hurt yourself while trying to obtain this information.

When safe, pull over. Call 911. Give the operator the location of the vehicle, including any cross streets or roads. The operator will also need to know the direction the vehicle was traveling. State the complete description of the vehicle. It is also helpful to describe how the vehicle is being driven. Leave the rest up to the authorities. Carefully get back on the road.

Drunken driving is a serious issue. Alcohol impairs reaction time and visibility. Do not let your friends drive impaired. It is best to just call a taxi or have a designated driver.

Drunken driving related accidents are incredibly horrific. Emotional and physical damage from these accidents lasts for quite some time.  If you are ever involved a drunken driver related car accident, contact an Orange County car accident lawyer.

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How to Properly Wash Your Car

A touchless car wash, which uses high pressure...

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We all know that car washes are important part of car maintenance, but do you know how to correctly wash your car? Here are some basic tips on how to properly wash your vehicle.

 

When should you wash your car?

 

  • Wash your car once a week. Don’t wait until layers of dirt accumulate. Debris like bugs, bird droppings, and chemicals from the atmosphere may strip away on the exterior. It may seriously hurt the car’s paint. After rain, you should still wash your car. Heavily polluted areas have acidic rain, which hurts your car’s paint job.

 

What products should you use for your car?

 

  • Do not use just any household cleaning products. Your vehicle needs product designed especially for car paint. These products are usually milder.
  • When you wash your car, use a natural sponge to apply the suds. Natural sponges are less likely to scratch the paint job.
  • Certain parts of your car will accumulate more grease and dirt. You may need to use stronger products for these areas.
  • Use a separate sponge for the wheels and tires. Usually, there is a significant amount of debris found on wheels and tires. This debris may mar your car’s finish. You can use mild soap and water on your wheels and tires. If you want to, you can also use a wheel cleaner product. However, make sure the product is safe to use all on cars.

 

How do you wash the car?

 

  • First, rinse the car’s surface thoroughly with water. This will loosen any layers of dirt or debris. It will make the whole washing process a lot easier.
  • Wash and rinse one area at a time. This strategy will give you enough time to rinse soap off.
  • Wash your car from top to bottom.
  • Don’t wash your car immediately after driving it. Let the car cool down.
  • Don’t wash the car in direct sunlight or hot weather. Heat will make the suds dry faster. This will make washing more difficult. There also could be soap spots or deposits.
  • When you wash the car, move the sponge lengthwise. Don’t move it in circles. Circle movements leave light but noticeable scratches on the paint job.

 

How do you correctly dry the car?

 

  • Never let your car air dry. Air drying will leave watermarks. To dry the vehicle, use a nonabrasive towel. You can also use a chamois or soft terry towels.

 

These tips should help you properly clean your car!

 

Car washing is only one component of car maintenance. Properly maintain your car to make your car safer. If you are involved in a car accident, contact an Orange County car accident lawyer.