personal injury

What Should I do if I Believe My Elderly Parent is Being Abused?

May 24, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

When you have elderly parents in nursing homes, it can be difficult to monitor their health and safety. You are not around every day to ensure that they get enough food and water, are properly bathed, receive their medications, and are not neglected or abused. You may not even be able to see your loved ones each week if you live far away. This can enable nursing home staff and others to take advantage of your parent’s situation, either neglecting to give them the care they need or emotionally, physically, or sexually abusing them. If you have begun to notice signs of abuse when you visit, you are probably wondering what you should do. Where do you turn when the people who are supposed to care for your loved ones are harming them?

If you suspect your elderly mother or father is being abused at their care facility, take the following steps:

Speak with a facility administrator: If you believe something is wrong, you need to speak with the management of the facility as soon as possible. This is the best time to gauge their reaction and take careful note of how they try to rectify – or explain away – the situation. If you see no changes in the following days or weeks, move head through more formal channels.

Construction Site Catches Fire a Second Time

May 22, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

A construction site on San Pablo Avenue between Oakland and Emeryville caught fire on Saturday, May 13. The fire broke out in the mixed-use apartment complex around 5 a.m. and took about 100 hours to control. Both the Oakland Fire Department and the Alameda County Fire Department sent engines and firefighters. The debris was still smoldering and firefighters remained on site through Sunday. The fire led to the evacuation of at least 35 residents from 15 neighboring units as officials were worried the partially burned crane might collapse. Some nearby homes were severely damaged.

This is the second time the construction site has gone up in flames. It caught fire last July, and neighbors and the building developers suspect arson. The previous fire started at around 2:45 a.m. and also spread to nearby homes and businesses.

The development was intended to be 105 one- to four-bedroom units and 21,000 square feet of retail space known as the Intersection. However, it remains to be seen when the Intersection will come to fruition. The building was supposed to be finished this October. However, this has set it back at least nine months.

Street Racing Causes Accident in California

May 19, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

In mid-May, a pair of Mustangs raced down 25th Street in Palmdale, California, when they encountered an intersection. Because the vehicles were moving so fast, they were unable to stop. One mustang lost control after the driver slammed on the brakes. It crashed on the side of the road after it crossed through the intersection. The other Mustang was hit by a Mercedes-Benz, which was crossing the intersection. The collision pushed the Mustang into a pole that split it in two. The driver was taken to the hospital in critical condition, but is expected to recover.

Individuals who are hurt in accidents caused by other people street racing have a strong case for negligence. Drivers have a duty to drive safely, obey traffic laws, and not put other motorists and pedestrians in danger. Drag racing not only breaks California law, but it clearly puts others at risk. When a street racer caused the crash that resulted in your injuries, you may have a great deal of evidence to support receiving compensation. For more information, contact a San Francisco personal injury lawyer from the Brod Law Firm.

Drag Racing in California

The Bay Area Experienced a Deadly May Day

May 3, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

On May 1, the San Francisco Bay Area experienced at least three fatal traffic accidents between midnight and 5 in the morning. The first accident took place on Highway 880 in San Leandro, just south of Marina Boulevard. Two vehicles were part of the initial collision, though a total of four vehicles were involved. The driver of one vehicle died at the scene while another driver was taken to the hospital with major injuries. The other motorists were uninjured.

The second incident was on Highway 101 in San Francisco. A pedestrian walking within a crosswalk was hit by a motorist who lost control of his vehicle. Initial reports are that the motorist left the scene but later reported hitting the pedestrian through 911 and has been interviewed by investigators. There is no evidence that the driver was intoxicated at the time and no arrest has been made.

The third accident was also on Highway 880, but this time in Oakland. Three vehicles were involved in the crash and one of the vehicles caught on fire. Two individuals were killed, a 34-year-old man and a 4-year-old girl who was not properly restrained in a child safety seat. An initial statement by the California Highway Patrol said one of the diver’s may face charges for the unrestrained child’s death. Other passengers, including a 2-year-old girl, were hospitalized.

Big Rig Crash on Highway 160 Leads to Fire, Closes Bridge

April 28, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

On April 24, two semi-trucks were involved in a serious crash on Highway 160, leading to a fire. The southbound truck appears to have crossed into the northbound lane on the highway, sideswiping the oncoming truck on the driver’s side. The southbound truck then went down an embankment on the side of the road and caught fire. Its truck driver may have been thrown from the vehicle and suffered serious burns. He was transported by helicopter to a Sacramento-area hospital. The northbound truck was also damaged by fire though its driver only suffered minor injuries. The crash led to a portion of the highway and Antioch Bridge being closed for a numerous hours.

Burn Injuries From Car Crashes

Vehicle accidents are one of the ways that individuals suffer burn injuries. When a single vehicle hits an object or two or more vehicles collide, a great deal of fuel, oil, and other liquids are at risk of being ignited. It only takes one small spark, possibly from a short circuit or overly hot equipment, to hit combustible gasoline or oil. This can lead to an explosion or a fire that can spread throughout the accident quickly. Fires within vehicles can move quickly due to the flammable upholstery, padding, and carpet. In 2014, there were 3,275 fire or smoke inhalation deaths in the U.S., which included 310 fatalities from vehicle crash fires. There were many more fire or smoke inhalation injuries due to vehicle crash fires.

Crash in Robin Williams Tunnel Involves Seven Vehicles

April 19, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

A seven-vehicle crash inside Robin Williams tunnel, a busy commuter route between the North Bay and San Francisco, backed up commuter traffic to Marin on April 18. The accident occurred shortly before 8:30 a.m. and involved a collision between a Ford SUV, a BMW, a motorcycle, and multiple other vehicles. It is unknown why the collision occurred at this time. At least one person was reported injured and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene. No fatalities have been reported and the accident remains under investigation.

This size of a crash inside the busy tunnel is a strong reminder to commuters regarding safety in heavy traffic and enclosed spaces. If you were injured in a similar accident, do not hesitate to reach out to the San Francisco personal injury lawyers of Brod Law Firm. We can review your situation and advise you on the best way to seek compensation for your injuries.

Driving Safely Through Tunnels

One Killed, Another Injured in Crash on I-580

April 3, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

A multi-vehicle accident on Interstate-580 near the Harrison Street exit in March left one individual dead and another seriously injured. The initial accidents were caused by a 1997 Acura and a 2003 Honda. When both drivers exited their vehicles on the busy road, they were struck by oncoming traffic. The first driver of the Acura was announced dead at the scene after responders attempted to revive him. The other driver of the Honda became trapped under a vehicle. He was removed by responders and taken to the hospital for treatment of significant injuries. At least two other vehicles were involved in the multi-vehicle crash, however no other drivers or passengers were hurt.

Should People Leave Their Vehicles After a Crash?

Drivers and passengers of car accidents always face a question immediately after the incident: Should I get out of the vehicle? This question may be answered quickly. When people are badly injured and bleeding, it is best they stay put until emergency medical personnel arrive. Moving may cause additional injury. However, if the conditions within the vehicle appear too dangerous, such as if there is a fire, then leaving the vehicle as safely as possible is important.

Vehicle Strikes a Home in Redwood City

March 29, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

It turns out, you do not have to be in a car to get into a car crash. You can be involved in an auto accident while sitting in your living room. On March 26, a vehicle struck home after being involved in a traffic accident, according to the Redwood City Fire Department. The original two-vehicle collision occurred at 34 Center Street around 8:00 p.m. There were no reports of injuries in this particularly incident. However, not all families are so lucky.

While vehicle-into-building accidents are not as common as traffic collisions, they are not so few and far between that you can ignore the risk. Some statistics say around 60 vehicles crash into commercial buildings per day across United States. The rate is likely higher when including residential houses and apartment buildings. If you are injured by a vehicle colliding with the building you were in, whether at home or work, contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury attorney at Brod Law Firm.

Common Causes of Vehicle-into-Building Accidents

93-Year-Old Killed by Cable Car in San Francisco

March 27, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

A 93-year-old man passed away after being hit by a cable car in March. He was walking in the crosswalk on Mason Street near the intersection of Filbert Street around 3:10 p.m., according to the San Francisco Police Department. While in the crosswalk, the southbound Powell-Mason cable car struck him, knocking him to the ground, resulting in serious injuries that led to his death.

If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in an accident with a cable car, call a San Francisco personal injury lawyer from Brod Law Firm right away at (800) 427-7020. We offer free consultations to learn about your situation and inform you of your rights and legal options.

San Francisco Cable Cars Known to be Dangerous

Catering Truck Crashes into Pole in Sunnyvale

March 24, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

On March 17 at around 9:30 a.m., a catering truck crashed into a traffic signal pole in East Caribbean Drive. Two women were in the truck. One was airlifted to a nearby hospital and the other was taken by ambulance. Both are being treated for serious injuries at a trauma center. As of right now, law enforcement has not determined whether drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash.

While the single-vehicle crash may have been a simple accident, it could also have been caused by driver error, a defective part, or a maintenance issue. If negligence was behind the crash, then it is possible for the passenger or both the driver and passenger to have a personal injury claim against the at-fault party.

Individuals who are hurt in single-vehicle crashes should speak with a San Francisco personal injury attorney to determine if they have a valid personal injury claim through which they can receive compensation for their injuries.