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Property Owners are Responsible for Their Swimming Pools

July 30, 2020 | Gregory J. Brod

According to the CDC, 3,500 people die from unintentional drownings not related to boating every year. Many of those deaths occur in swimming pools located on the properties of hotels, apartment buildings, and condominium complexes. The owners of these properties are responsible for ensuring that their swimming pools are safe and that they have warning signs up regarding the risks associated with swimming pools. When property owners fail to do this and someone becomes injured or killed in their swimming pool, they can be held liable.

Responsibility of Property Owners

Property owners are responsible for ensuring that their property is safe and well maintained, and that includes swimming pools on the property. When it comes to swimming pools specifically, property owners are responsible for:

Tips for Taking Pictures After a Car Accident

July 25, 2019 | Gregory J. Brod

When it comes to evidence of a car accident, photos taken at the scene are some of the most important. Eyewitnesses are not always present at the accident scene. Without photographs, there is sometimes little reliable evidence to be collected from the scene aside from the police report. Photos of the scene are so important that this step is listed on every single list of what to do after an accident. However, what should you take pictures of after a crash, exactly? Below you will find, according to San Francisco car accident lawyers, the most important items to document, and tips for taking pictures after a car accident.

Take a Picture of the Whole Scene

You will want pictures capturing the entire scene to depict exactly what happened. Take a few steps back and take several photos from different angles. Make sure all vehicles involved are in the picture, as well as objects such as guardrails or trees that might be relevant. You also want to show the positions of the vehicles, as this can help determine which driver was negligent.

Who is Responsible in an Electric Scooter Accident?

October 17, 2018 | Gregory J. Brod

Even though electric scooters (e-scooters), such as Bird, Lime, Jump, and Spin are still relatively new to urban streets, there have already been thousands of e-scooter accidents all across the country. You should always abide by California laws and practice safety while on the road, but sometimes accidents are unavoidable. If you have been injured in an e-scooter accident, whether as the rider or as a pedestrian, you may be wondering who is responsible for your injuries. That depends on who was at fault in the accident. The scenarios below outline some of the most common forms of e-scooter accidents and who is at fault and responsible in each scenario.

Who is Responsible in an Electric Scooter Accident?

Rider

Three Things You Should Know if You Were the Victim of a Drunk Driving Accident

September 19, 2018 | Gregory J. Brod

Over 30,000 people in California are seriously injured each year in alcohol and drug related car accidents, and 2,000 are killed. Unlike most car accidents, which are just that – accidents, drunk driving accidents are senseless, irresponsible, and can be easily prevented. That is why California has enacted strict laws to deter drunk driving accidents from happening and protect its residents from being victims to this senseless crime. If you were the victim of a drunk driving accident, familiarize yourself with the guidelines below and make sure you speak with an experienced car accident attorney immediately to learn more about your options for recovery.

California has a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving.

In California, if your blood alcohol level (BAC) is over 0.08, you are considered legally drunk. However, if you are under the age of 21 and have any alcohol inside your body, you can be convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). That means if your BAC is even 0.01, you have violated California’s no tolerance policy and are responsible for any injury you cause to others while driving.

Serious Injuries Result From a Hit and Run Pedal Cab Accident

June 29, 2018 | Gregory J. Brod

On Wednesday, June 27, two people were seriously hurt when a car crashed into a pedal cab at Embarcadero and Sansome Street in San Francisco and fled the scene. A second pedal cab then crashed into the first pedal cab. The pedal cabs were carrying a family of four. Police are still investigating the case and searching for the car, which has been described as a light colored sedan.

If you were injured in a hit and run accident, do not wait to ask for legal help. The personal injury lawyers at Brod Law Firm have years of experience handling hit and run claims. By calling us, you will have an experienced attorney fighting for your rights. Contact Brod Law Firm online or call us at (800) 427-7020.

California Hit and Run Laws

Victim of California I-5 Collision Sues Uber

April 13, 2018 | Gregory J. Brod

On March 7, Gregory Lopez answered Brenan Brock’s request for a ride on the Uber app. As Lopez drove down I-5 in Orange County around 1 a.m., his 2016 Jeep Compass ran out of gas. Lopez attempted to coast to the right shoulder, but the vehicle came to a full stop in one of the highway lanes. Brock was put in the position of having to get out of the vehicle and help Lopez push the Jeep to the side of the road. Brock, now exposed on the highway, was struck by Jonathan Tavita. Brock suffered such devastating injuries that physicians were forced to amputate both of his legs. Brock filed a lawsuit against Uber, the Uber driver, Uber’s insurance carrier, Hertz, and Tavita in April alleging negligence and negligence infliction of emotional distress.

Uber Crashes

While ridesharing programs like Uber and Lyft are growing in popularity, so are the number of accidents the Uber and Lyft drivers are involved in. Ridesharing drivers are not professional drivers in the sense that they do not have any specific or additional training than what is required to obtain a normal driver’s license. They are just as likely to be careless or reckless behind the wheel as any other driver. It comes as no surprise, then, that many passengers have experienced accidents that caused them injuries like Brock’s.

California Transit Bus Causes Fatal Accident

February 16, 2018 | Gregory J. Brod

In early February, an Alameda-Contra Costa (AC) Transit bus collided with a vehicle before striking a home in Berkeley. The bus, traveling west on Ashby Avenue, struck a red sedan driving south on California street. Both vehicles then careened into another parked vehicle and nearby home. The driver of the red sedan was killed in the crash. The bus driver and one passenger on the bus were not harmed. It is unclear what caused the accident and the Berkeley Police are investigating.

Why Bus Accidents Happen

Bus accidents are like any other type of car crash; they occur for many of the same reasons. One of the most common causes is bus driver error. Despite specific training, a bus driver can be careless or reckless behind the wheel, leading them to make dangerous mistakes. They could speed, tailgate, change lanes inappropriate, and make other reckless maneuvers. Drivers could be distracted by passengers on the bus, their cell phones, or a host of other things. Worse yet, a driver could work while impaired due to drugs or alcohol.

Child Injured at Bay Area Water Park

May 29, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

The opening of the Wave at Emerald Glen Park in Dublin, California, has been awaited for quite some time. It is a multi-million dollar complex in the San Francisco suburb. However, on May 27, opening day, a 10-year-old boy was injured when he was thrown from a large water slide and fell onto concrete below. The child was treated at the hospital for scrapes and then released.

The Emerald Plunge slide, from which the boy was thrown, and the Dublin Screamer chute next to it were both closed after being open for only about 90 minutes that Saturday. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health are investigating what went wrong and why a rider would be ejected from the slide when it was being used properly. Along with authorities, the city is determining what improvements should be made to ensure rider’s safety and prevent future accidents.

A Water Park’s Liability

Isolation is a Sign of Elder Abuse

April 12, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

Elder neglect and abuse are a growing concern around the country. As of mid-2014, there were 46.2 million individuals in the U.S. over the age of 65 and by 2060, that number is projected to grow to 98.2 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. At that point, almost one in four U.S. residents will be elderly, and 19.7 million of them will be 85 years or older. As our population ages, these individuals become more vulnerable to physical and emotional neglect as well as physical, emotional, and financial abuse. However, there are ways to remain vigilant and prevent seniors from being hurt and taken advantage of. Isolation is one of the consistent signs that elder neglect or abuse is happening.

Who Can Isolate Your Loved One

Isolation can begin as minor changes in your loved one’s life until it becomes so extreme, your elderly family member or friend has little to no contact with others. This isolation can be caused by a family member, romantic partner, caregiver, or anyone who establishes a relationship of trust with your loved one like neighbors. Workers who your loved one sees consistently over time like bank tellers and grocery store clerks can also become overly involved in your loved one’s life and isolate them for financial gain.

Students Hospitalized After School Bus Accident in California

February 10, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

On February 7, a school bus carrying students crashed into another vehicle in Lancaster, California. The bus rolled over and hit a utility pole near East Lancaster Boulevard and 20th Street East. The accident occurred around 7:15 a.m. while the bus was carrying eight students with special needs and two of their aids. Seven students suffered minor injuries and one suffered critical injuries. The driver of the other vehicle, a Cadillac, was also taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. The crash is currently under investigation though an initial statement from the bus driver alleged that the Cadillac ran a red light.

This accident is one example of the type of collision a school bus can be involved in. While school bus accidents are generally rare, they are not unheard of and can result in serious injuries and fatalities. While the students in Lancaster had seat belts and were wearing them, many students do not have safety belts in their buses or choose not to wear them. This is one of the reasons students may be seriously injured in a school bus crash. If you or a your child was hurt while riding the school bus, contact a San Francisco school bus accident lawyer from Brod Law Firm to learn about your legal objects.

School Bus Accidents