personal injury

Recovering Compensation After a Pedestrian-Cyclist Accident

October 13, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

Not every accident on the road involves a car or truck. Some collisions are between pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in cities where biking to and from work is common. San Francisco sees its fair share of pedestrian-cyclist collisions, which can lead to significant injuries for everyone involved. In September, a 24-year-old man on a bike collided with a teenage girl on Market Street. The girl was knocked unconscious and taken to a local hospital. The full extent of her injuries is unknown.

When individuals are injured in vehicle accidents, most know what to do next. Get a copy of the police report and file an insurance claim. If the accident is complex, the person calls an attorney. But what happens after a pedestrian-cyclist accident? If you were injured in this type of collision and you believe the other person was at fault, the best thing for you to do is contact our experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyers at Brod Law Firm. We will determine whether an insurance policy applies to your situation or whether you should move forward with a personal injury suit.

Possible Insurance Coverage

San Francisco Bus Crash Leads to Injuries

October 2, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

In late September, two Alameda-Contra Costa (AC) Transit buses collided near Howard and Fremont streets in San Francisco just before 9:30 in the morning. AC Transit officials stated that both buses exited I-80, heading north on Fremont. The buses were supposed to turn right onto Folsom. The first made the turn, and the second bus appears to have lost control before doing the same. The second bus collided with multiple vehicles before driving onto a sidewalk and stopping once it collided with the scaffolding of a building. Initial reports from passengers and pedestrians who stopped to help state that the driver appeared to have lost consciousness just before the incident. Four individuals, including at least one of the drivers, were injured and taken to nearby hospitals. It also appears that a fifth person was injured and took themselves to the emergency room.

It is likely these individuals will need to file insurance claims or lawsuits to recover compensation for their injuries. If you have been hurt in a bus or public transportation accident, do not hesitate to seek legal advice regarding your rights and legal options. At Brod Law Firm, we are ready to help you recover the compensation you deserve under the law and need to move forward with life.

Bus Accident Statistics

Lane Splitting May Not be Negligent in California

September 29, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

If you were part of an auto accident while riding your motorcycle, you likely have to deal with a contributory negligence claim during your personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit. Due to negative stereotypes regarding motorcycle riders and an insurer’s constant fight to protect its bottom line, the insurer or other driver may allege that you were partially at fault for the accident. They may even claim that you were more responsible for the accident than the other driver. This is particularly common if there was any evidence that you were lane splitting. However, in California, lane splitting is legal and therefore, not inherently negligent.

If you were in accident while lane splitting, contact our experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyers from Brod Law Firm at (800) 427-7020.

California Law on Lane Splitting

Who is Responsible for an Accident at the Fair?

September 18, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

Everyone enjoys the annual county fairs or pop-up circuses that occasionally head into town. No matter your age, there is something to enjoy. Children and teenagers, in particular, look forward to the rides. Miniature roller coasters offer a little fun without amusement park prices. However, what happens when the rides are not as safe as they should be and someone is injured or killed? That is a question families in Ohio are now facing after one adolescent was killed and others were injured at the Ohio State Fair.

If you were injured on a broken fair ride or lost a loved one in a tragic accident, do not hesitate to seek out objective and experienced legal advice from a California personal injury lawyer at Brod Law Firm. We will thoroughly investigate the situation to determine your legal rights and options.

High School Student Dies at Ohio State Fair

UPS Workers File Wrongful Death Suit Following Workplace Shooting

September 15, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

In June 2017, an armed United Parcel Service (UPS) employee entered into a package delivery warehouse in San Francisco and began shooting. Three UPS workers were killed and two were wounded. An additional three employees were hurt while trying to escape. This tragic and violent incident has led the families of the deceased victims and the injured employees to file a lawsuit against UPS, Allied Universal Security Services, and the owner of the warehouse.

UPS Employees File Suit Following Deadly Workplace Shooting

The attorneys for the employees and their families argue that the accident was entirely preventable. Despite metal detectors and security guards at the facility, it appears as if the shooter walked right in. The employees and their families claim that none of the security measures in place were sufficient to prevent such an incident. They also state there had been previous complaints about the lack of appropriate security as unauthorized people had gotten into the building.

California Inmates’ Deaths Raise Questions Regarding Proper Care and Civil Rights Violations

September 1, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

When individuals are jailed while criminal charges are pending or imprisoned after a conviction, they do not lose their civil rights. Inmates of state and federal facilities have the right to receive adequate physical and psychological care, including treatment for any injuries or medical conditions. However, recent inmate deaths in California shine a spotlight on the issue of inmate care and civil rights. Two individuals lost their lives in state facilities after receiving potentially negligent care.

If you have a loved one currently in jail or prison and you believe he or she has been injured due to a lack of proper care, contact an experienced attorney of Brod Law Firm at (800) 427-7020.

59-Year-Old Dies at Sonoma County Jail

Forklifts Involved in Dangerous Workplace Accidents

August 25, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

In mid-August, Edwin Gomez-Zarate, 35, was working for SiteOne Landscape Supply and operating a forklift to load and unload paver stones for a residential driveway project. Details are not immediately known, but Gomez-Zarate became trapped in the forklift in some way. Police were sent to the worksite that afternoon and Gomez-Zarate died shortly after 3 p.m. before arriving at a hospital.

This tragedy is an example of the dangers of many common workplace vehicles and equipment. While forklifts are routinely operated across the country, they require special training and a great deal of care. If the operator and workings around vehicle are not careful and observant, deadly accidents can occur.

The situation that led to Gomez-Zarate’s death is currently under investigation by the California Division of Occupational Safety & Health (CAL/OSHA), which may lead to more information. If there is evidence of a health and safety violation, SiteOne Landscape Supply may be sanctioned. Additionally, evidence of a violation or another person’s negligence may support a legal claim by the surviving spouse.

Garbage Truck Involved in Highway Collision in San Francisco

August 14, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

Garbage trucks are a constant presence on city streets and highway. While they are providing a crucial civic service, these sizable vehicles are sometimes part of serious collisions.

On Thursday, August 10, a garbage truck was involved in a collision with at least one other vehicle on Interstate 280, north of Alemany Boulevard. The truck driver appears to have lost control, hit the center divider, and eventually ended up with the cab on the shoulder of southbound lane of I-280, while the trailer was in the northbound lane of I-280.

It was not immediately clear whether anyone suffered serious injuries. However, it was reported that at least one person was taken to the hospital.

Hazardous Chemical Spills in Port of Long Beach

August 7, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

On August 6, a hazardous concentrated industrial solvent began leaking from a container vessel near Port of Long Beach. The solvent, propyl acetate, is used as a food flavoring and in fragrances, but is also a flammable liquid, according to the Long Beach Fire Department. In large or concentrated amounts, propyl acetate can harm the eyes, skin, and lungs.

The leak injured eleven shipyard workers and the response caused one firefighter to get hurt. All but one of the workers were treated at the scene for mild-to-moderate injuries while the other worker and firefighter were taken to a local hospital.

Hazardous Chemicals can Lead to Serious Injuries

Bus Driver Faces Criminal and Civil Consequences After Deadly Accident

August 4, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

Following a deadly charter bus accident in August 2016, Merced County district attorneys have brought multiple charges against the driver, Mario David Vasquez. A law enforcement investigation uncovered Vasquez was overly tired, talking on his cell phone, and violating multiple commercial regulations at the time of the crash, which led to four fatalities. Due to the evidence of Vasquez’s negligent actions while behind the wheel, he has been charged with four counts of vehicular manslaughter and five misdemeanor traffic violations.

While Vasquez faces criminal charges, he and his employer, Auto Buses Coordinados USA, could also face civil wrongful death suits based on his actions. If the families of those lost in the charter bus crash can prove the driver’s negligence, they may be able to obtain compensation for their losses.

California’s Wrongful Death Law