personal injury attorney

Multiple Scaffolding Accidents in San Francisco Leave People Injured

January 23, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

It is only the end of January and San Francisco has already witnessed multiple scaffolding accidents that have led to pedestrian and worker injuries. In early January, poor weather caused scaffolding materials to fall from a seven-story building near Market Street. San Francisco police blocked off a portion of Market Street for fear that other materials could fall and hurt people. About an hour later, scaffolding collapsed near California and Spruce Streets. On January 20, scaffolding fell near Turk and Market, hurting an individual who was taken away in an ambulance. On the 24th, three workers were seriously hurt when the scaffolding they were using collapsed. They fell 25 feet to concrete suffering fractures and internal injuries. For this particular incident, the building owner did not have the proper work permits and there were multiple safety violations.

Scaffolding is often a necessary component to new construction and renovations. However, it must be constructed properly and protected from the elements. When scaffolding is not constructed or used correctly, it is more likely to collapse and cause injuries.

If you were injured due to falling scaffolding materials or a collapse, do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer at Brod Law Firm. We will determine who is responsible for the construction materials and site that led to your injuries, whether the scaffolding was properly installed, and whether the owner had the proper work permits.

Google Charter Bus Struck and Killed Woman in Saratoga

January 6, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

A Google charter bus traveling in Saratoga struck and killed a woman last week. The woman was walking to a bus stop when the bus reportedly turned the corner and hit her. The accident occurred at the corner of Fruitvale Avenue and Athletics Way on the campus of West Valley College in Saratoga. The bus is owned by Storer Coachways and is used to transport employees to and from the parking lots at the community college.

Weather Conditions May Have Played a Role

An investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing. However, initial reports indicate that there were strong winds and heavy rain at the time of the accident, which happened at 5:15 PM on January 3, 2017. The woman was taken to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead. The bus company issues a statement of condolence to the woman’s family. It is not known whether the woman was in the crosswalk at the time of the accident.

Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident

December 30, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

A serious vehicle accident can be one of the most traumatic experiences of your life. First and foremost, you need to call the police and get medical care. If you were severely injured you need to get treatment. Provide the police with an account of what occurred. The officer will interview the other driver, along with any witnesses. The cause of the accident will need to be determined, and the negligent party held responsible. It is important to protect your rights after a car accident.

Steps to Follow After an Accident

Your safety is essential after an accident occurs. Immediately contact the police. If it is safe to do so, take a picture of the vehicles in their positions at the time of impact. Safely move your car to the shoulder or into a parking lot or side street, if your vehicle is drivable. Wait for the police. Get the other driver’s information, including his or her name, address, phone number, and insurance information. Do not apologize for the accident and do not admit guilt.

What Are Punitive Damages in Personal Injury Cases?

December 14, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

When someone is injured because of the negligence of someone else, the other party may be responsible for paying medical bills and other damages. While it is clear that all costs associated with medical treatment should be paid, many people wonder what other compensation they may be entitled to. In California, as in other states, victims may recover economic losses and non-economic losses. Punitive damages are considered punishments and are not always available.

Economic Losses

Economic losses are the costs directly associated with the injuries, such as medical bills, and the costs of rehabilitation, for example. These are the real costs that were incurred because of the injury. Victims may have already paid hospital and other bills, or they may still have some expenses that will be incurred.

Motorcycle Accidents: What You Need to Know

November 14, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

Traveling by motorcycle is a fun, economical way to get where you need to go. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are not uncommon. When a crash with a motorcycle occurs, the rider is often seriously injured, or even killed. The number of motorcycle deaths increased in California in 2014, even though the total number of traffic fatalities decreased overall.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Motorcycle fatalities in California increased by about 12% in 2014 over 2013. This is according to statistics kept by the California Office of Traffic Safety, or OTS. In 2013 there were 463 motorcycle fatalities, while in 2014 that number increased to 519 deaths. Motorcycle deaths per 100,000 registered operators were 54 in 2013. This number increased to 60 in 2014.

Northern California Pedestrians Injury Lawyer Offers Tips on Keeping Your Ghouls and Goblins Safe This Halloween

October 23, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

Every Halloween, certain things are bound to come around:

New, larger sizes of chocolates and candies for adults to distribute to the “ghouls” and “goblins” in their neighborhoods;
Scarier and more authentic costumes for children and adults alike; and