I Was Hit During A Chain Collision. What Are My Rights?

CHAIN COLLISION CASE ANALYSIS

FACTS OF THE CASE:

Plaintiff was travelling about 5-8 miles per hour, in traffic, in her Toyota, after exiting the 101 southbound freeway ramp. Defendant was driving his employer’s Ford tractor-trailer truck behind her. Defendant rear-ended Plaintiff which caused a chain collision. Plaintiff’s vehicle then struck the vehicle in front of her, her vehicle then struck a Nissan SUV (non-party) that was in front of her. The Nissan then struck a Lexus (non-party). LAPD responded to this multi-vehicle car accident. Plaintiff sustained injuries.

LIABILITY

Plaintiff maintains that she was about to stop for traffic when she was rear-ended by Defendant, pushing her into the vehicle ahead of her. Furthermore, Plaintiff maintains that she felt three separate impacts. The first one, the strongest, pushing her into the vehicle in front of her. Thereafter, the second impact from the rear may have pushed her into the same vehicle a second time.

The LAPD traffic accident report confirms Plaintiff ‘s version and indicates the primary cause for this accident was Defendant’s, in violation of Cal. Veh.Code §22350.

The vehicle ahead of Plaintiff alleged that prior to the accident he saw Plaintiff’s vehicle as well as the Defendant’s truck in the same lane that he was in via his rear-view mirror. He does not know whether Defendant hit Plaintiff before or after he was struck by Plaintiff but is aware that he felt two distinct and separate impacts. He was also positive that Defendant’s truck rear-ended plaintiff’s vehicle.

NATURE AND EXTENT OF DAMAGES

Plaintiff sustained injuries to her chest, knee, foot, neck, low back and shoulders. Immediately after the collision Plaintiff was driven to the emergency room where she was diagnosed with a knee contusion and a chest contusion. Plaintiff was examined by the emergency physician and was given a prescription for Naproxen for pain management.

The day after the accident, Plaintiff went to see a physical therapist since he provided physical therapy to her in the past with excellent results. Plaintiff started therapy and was advised to see an orthopedic specialist for her injuries. The following week Plaintiff saw an orthopedic specialist.

The doctor examined Plaintiff and diagnosed her with chest contusion, chondromalacia patella, cervical sprain, and left shoulder impingement. The doctor advised Plaintiff to continue her physical therapy treatment two to three times a week. Follow-up exams revealed that Plaintiff also experienced persistent back. The pain in her neck radiated to her scapula. Additional therapy was prescribed. Plaintiff continued to have pain in her foot and continued therapy. After several examinations, the doctor discharged Plaintiff.

CONCLUSION:

THIS CASE WAS SETTLED OUT OF COURT, AND THE CLIENT GOT THE MONEY THEY DESERVED!

Ari Friedman
Personal Injury Lawyer
Afriedman.com

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The Other Car Rear-Ended Me On The Freeway. What Do I Do?

FREEWAY REAR-END COLLISION CASE ANALYSIS

FACTS OF THE CASE:

Plaintiff was driving her Nissan straight on the northbound I-5 freeway. Defendant, while operating a Ford van was also driving northbound on the I-5 freeway behind Plaintiff’s vehicle. Defendant rear-ended Plaintiff’s vehicle. He was following Plaintiff too closely and could not stop in time. The California Highway Patrol investigated said accident and determined that the accident was caused by Defendant in violation of Vehicle Code section 21703, “following too closely”.

LIABILITY

Liability has been admitted by Defendant.

NATURE AND EXTENT OF DAMAGES

Plaintiff sustained trauma to her head, neck and low-back as a result of this rear-end collision. Following the accident she sought treatment from his doctor, and his diagnostic impressions were: cervical spine strain and sprain, lumbar spine sprain and strain, severe cephalgia, and stress anxiety. He was prescribed Vicodin and recommended physical therapy. Plaintiff followed up with an Orthopedic Specialist. The doctor diagnosed Plaintiff with cervical strain and disc lesion of the cervical spine, thoracic strain, and lumbar strain. The doctor attributed these injuries solely to the accident and ordered an MRI scan. Based on above diagnoses, Plaintiff received physical therapy.

RESIDUAL COMPLAINTS AND FUTURE MEDICAL EXPENSES

Plaintiff still suffers from continued lower back pain and muscle spasms. The doctor recommended laminectomy surgery to repair the lumbar disc protrusion.

CONCLUSION:

THIS CASE WAS SETTLED OUT OF COURT, AND THE CLIENT GOT THE MONEY THEY DESERVED!

Ari Friedman
Personal Injury Lawyer
Afriedman.com

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What If Multiple Cars Hit Me?

MULTIPLE CAR COLLISION CASE ANAYSIS

FACTS OF THE CASE:

Plaintiff was driving his Lexus sedan southbound commencing a right turn into his private residence driveway. Defendant was driving his Toyota truck behind plaintiff’s vehicle and rear-ended plaintiff’s vehicle. Defendant rear-ended defendant. The Los Angeles Police Department investigated said accident and determined that the accident was caused by defendant in violation of Vehicle Code section 21703, “following too closely”. Defendant testified in his deposition that the damages and injury to Plaintiff was caused by defendant. Since Defendant rear-ended him, it caused his vehicle to be pushed into plaintiff’s vehicle.

LIABILITY

Each defendant blames the other for causing this accident. Plaintiff felt only one rear-end impact which caused his vehicle to strike a wall and fence as he was completing his right turn.

NATURE AND EXTENT OF DAMAGES

Plaintiff suffered trauma to his head, neck and low-back as a result of this rear-end collision. Following the accident he sought treatment from a doctor, and his diagnostic impressions were: Acute pain due to trauma, cervicocranial syndrome, cervical neuralgia, cervical spine sprain, strain, lumbar plexis disorder, lumbago, lumbosacral sprain/strain. Based on said diagnoses, plaintiff received physical therapy. Currently, plaintiff still has low back pain radiating into the legs. He intends to follow up with an orthopedic doctor for further evaluation and treatment.

CONCLUSION:

This case was settled out of court, and the client got the money they deserved!

Ari Friedman
Personal Injury Lawyer
Afriedman.com

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“He Made A Dangerous Left-Turn And Hit My Vehicle”

LEFT-TURN COLLISION ACCIDENT ANAYSIS

FACTS OF THE CASE

Plaintiff was proceeding northbound through a green light in the number two lane. Defendant’s vehicle was traveling southbound on Highland Avenue and proceeded to make a left turn in front of Plaintiff’s vehicle, thereby causing the collision.

LIABILITY

Plaintiff was driving straight through a green light when Defendant turned left into Plaintiff’s vehicle. Defendant failed to yield the right of way, in violation of CA Vehicle Code §21451(a). Defendant admitted fault in a written letter. Liability is not disputed and Defendant’s Auto Insurance carrier already paid the property damage in full.

NATURE AND EXTENT OF DAMAGES

As a direct cause of the above mentioned accident, plaintiff suffered trauma to his head, neck, back, wrists (both), knee as well as insomnia. He sought medical care from his doctor on the day of the accident. Plaintiff was prescribed Celebrex and Flexeril for pain management and was recommended to physical therapy for his ailments. The doctor also recommended plaintiff to follow up with an Orthopedic Specialist due to his severe left knee injury. After examination, the specialist diagnosed Plaintiff with a 1) knee medial meniscus tear associated with quadriceps atrophy and 2) post traumatic chondromalacia and chondral defect of medial femoral condyle. He concluded that plaintiff shall undergo left knee arthroscopic surgery with partial meniscectomy and chondroplasty.

Plaintiff followed up again with his doctor. His doctor reported that at that time plaintiff still suffered from intermittent shooting acute pain, sharply over the medial aspect of the left knee. Lidoderm patches were prescribed and his doctor recommended another MRI if the pain does not subside.

RESIDUAL COMPLAINTS AND FUTURE MEDICAL EXPENSES

Plaintiff still continues to suffer from intermittent left knee pain and his current symptoms are residuals of both the initial auto accident and the re-tear. The pain prevents plaintiff from lifting and playing with his grandchildren as well as performing simple household chores and errands. The injury has hampered his daily activities including walking, working, and exercise.

CONCLUSION:

This case was settled out of court, and the client got the money they deserved!

Ari Friedman
Personal Injury Lawyer
Afriedman.com

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Job Opportunities For Immigration Lawyers

Immigration attorneys

Thousands of people migrate to the U.S. each year, hoping to lead a better life. These foreigners who migrate to the U.S. are taken advantage of at many levels, by those claiming to be immigration agents. There is an immigration law that is in existence in our country, which lays down the rules and regulations that one should follow in order to become a citizen of this great nation.

Here is where the immigration attorneys earn their money. Immigration law is a specialized branch of the law, which needs to be studied extensively to practice. Immigration lawyers should be aware of the grounds for entering the U.S. legally, and must be authorized to appear before Immigration and Naturalization Services, judges and adjudicators.

Qualifications of immigrations attorneys

Lawyers who have specializations in different fields of the law have one common factor: a graduate degree in law. It is the basic qualification for becoming an immigration attorney. In addition to that, immigration attorneys have a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited U.S. law school, and have knowledge in U.S. immigration laws, which can be gained through study and legal practice.

Federal government agencies

Immigration attorneys can find jobs in federal government agencies too. These two federal agencies are the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Department of Homeland Security. The Immigration and Naturalization Service employ immigration attorneys as immigration hearing officers or judges. They will have to preside over matters such as petitions for asylum or refugee status. Immigration attorneys are used by the Department of Homeland Security to give legal advice while detaining anyone suspicious at the border. Usually people who are suspected of possession of illegal contraband or are trying for an illegal entry are detained.

Private companies

immigration law

Some companies, usually big ones, hire immigration attorneys to provide expert advice on matters such as the immigration status of employees, or prospective employees.

Professors at law schools

Another avenue for immigration attorneys looking for work will be to work as professors in law schools. Many law schools in the country have immigration clinics to improve the knowledge of law students in immigration law. Experienced lawyers are highly sought after by these law schools.

To work as immigration lawyers, it is important to have lots of experience in working cases. It will only come by working as deputies to experienced lawyers and it should prove to be a stepping stone to much bigger things.

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Selecting The Right Car Accident Attorney

Riverside attorneys

Whatever be the case that one is required to sit through in a court of law, having a good attorney to handle it for them would greatly simplify matters. Not only does a competitive attorney improve the chances of winning the case, but he or she will also help you in getting more money as damages. There is many a Riverside car accident attorney to pick from to help you with the litigation, but it is important that you select the right attorney.

How to select the best attorney?

There is no set of clear-cut steps that you are required to follow, in order to select an attorney. However, you can ensure that you have selected one of the best by following the simple methods and tips mentioned in this article.

When you visit a law firm itself, you will get an idea regarding the establishment. If they pressurize you to select a particular attorney, then it would better if you do not hire them. If they are good enough, they will have belief in their own work, and instead of pressurizing you, would be more forthcoming about the alternative options you can pursue.

Another important point before you zero in on an attorney is to make sure that he or she is a specialist in that area of work. If the lawyer you are consulting is a person who has taken a wide variety of cases, it is an indication that he or she might not be a specialist in one field of work. This also indicates that the attorney lacks the experience required to handle a case like yours, and that selecting that attorney might end up badly for you.

car accident attorneys

The main criterion for selecting an attorney is quite simple: the track record. If the cases handled by this attorney in the past have yielded favorable results, then you need not worry about much else besides handing your case to him or her. However, make sure that the excellent track-record of the attorney is in the area of your interest, which is handling car accident cases.

Selecting a good Riverside car accident attorney might seem like a mammoth task at first, but it is simple when you follow these tips. Keep in mind that, having a capable attorney attending for your case is like a case half-won.

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How Can I Hire An Employment Lawyer

Employment lawyers in Los Angeles

Disputes at work such as race discrimination, sexual discrimination and wage disputes are all common issues at the workplace and at times, they may even spiral into legal disputes. If you find yourself faced with any such issue, then you need to hire an experienced employment lawyer who can protect your interests. Here are some tips to help you hire an employment lawyer who can effectively represent the case for you.

How to hire an employment lawyer

Speak to your family and friends and see if they can recommend a competent employment lawyer. Ask co-workers who have had similar employment disputes to know if they can refer you to a good lawyer. Ask for further information such as how much experience they have, where they studied, and the like.
Contact your State’s Bar Association. State Bar Associations generally offer a referral system that will offer a list of lawyers who have experience in the specific field that you are looking for. Ask for the details of lawyers who specialize in employment law within your area.
Shortlist a few lawyers from all the recommendations that you received and the lawyers obtained through the referral system. Contact the shortlisted lawyers and arrange an appointment with them. Ensure that you do not have to pay for the first consultation.
During the first meeting, ask them about their experience in handling similar employment disputes. You can also request them to give you the contact details of previous clients so that you can contact them. You can also ask them about their participation in different employment law activities.
Hiring an employment lawyer
Availing the services of employment lawyers Los Angeles can be quite an expensive affair, so calculate the costs involved. Enquire if the attorney you meet works on a contingency basis or on hourly rates. Ask for an estimate of the total fees and costs.
Trust your instincts. Go for a lawyer who you are comfortable with. He/she should be compassionate, should carefully listen to your issues and be one who can put you at ease.
Cross check with your State’s Bar Association to see if the employment lawyer you plan to hire is licensed and if he/she has not been involved in any unethical practices.

You now know how you can hire an employment lawyer. For more info on employment lawyers Los Angeles, their duties and their fees, check legal resources that are available online.

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Duties Of Criminal Defense Attorneys Explained

Criminal defense

Every job has its own duties and responsibilities. When it comes to the job of a lawyer, his or her duties and responsibilities are second to none, as often the life of a person depends on their abilities. Many a person has been rescued from the clutches of the noose due to the brilliant work done by numerous attorneys over the years. So, here are some details regarding the duties and responsibilities of a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles.

Responsibilities of a defense attorney

The responsibilities and duties of a defense attorney are wide-ranging. Their primary object is to rescue their client from being punished by a court of law, and to achieve their target, they will have to be involved in oral presentations and arguments in a court of law. To win any argument, knowledge of the situation is imperative, and for that, they will be required to go through all the evidence and legal documents that are available. Developing a bond with the clients is an important responsibility as well. Having the ability to empathise with the client will help the attorney to grasp the situation better, and will also help in fighting better, for the best outcome for the client.

criminal defense attorneys

Now comes the function part of the attorney’s job. Criminal defense attorneys, unlike most other attorneys, will have to deal with people who will be considered as criminals by the rest of the world, even if they turn out to be innocent. Therefore, they will have to stay strong and believe that their client is innocent, even if the evidences against the client are overwhelming. In some cases, where everyone thought the defendant had no chance of getting away free, brilliant work by the attorneys has resulted in the courts acquitting them the accused.

It is not easy becoming a much sought after criminal lawyer, especially in Los Angeles, where the competition is high. They will have to undergo rigorous training for years, and slowly build a reputation. Make sure that you are in good terms with the Bar Association, and that you deal with your clients in an understanding manner.

The information given here simply states a fact that most of you must be aware of; that the job of a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles is tiring, even though it is a highly rewarding job.

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Criminal Defense Attorneys In Los Angeles- Points To Compare

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer

With so many criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles today, hiring the right one is no simple task. Although you can always hire the first attorney that you find, this does not guarantee you courtroom success. And so it would be a better idea to compare a few of the criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles. Comparing them can turn out to be a herculean task especially if you do not know what to look for, the important aspects and how to determine who is best. So here are a few points that should be kept in mind while comparing the different lawyers.

Location

Initially, this may not seem like an important aspect, but remember that you will have to keep visiting your criminal defense lawyer on a regular basis. So go for a lawyer who is not that far from your home or place of work.

Experience

While looking for a lawyer, experience is one aspect that cannot be ignored. Look for a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles who has experience handling cases similar to yours. For instance, it doesn’t make any sense to hire a lawyer with experience in handling assault cases to take over the DUI case.

Success

You can spend hours comparing different lawyers and you may still not find the right lawyer. While comparing the attorneys, look for one who has a proven track record. You do not want a lawyer who does not succeed in the courtroom. So don’t hesitate to ask about successful cases and past experience. You can even ask for referrals of the previous clients to verify this information.

Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers

Cost

The cost of an attorney is a very deciding factor when it comes to deciding whether you will actually hire them or not. Enquire about the fees and other expenses whenever you meet up with a criminal defense attorney. Don’t hire a lawyer based on his price alone, but look at all the factors before you make a decision.

That was some information on the different aspects that should be kept in mind while comparing criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles. It may take you a few days time to ask around and compare the different options. But remember that this time you spend for comparing is not lost time, but time invested in ensuring that you hire the right lawyer who can win your case for you.

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Criminal Defense Lawyers In Los Angeles

Criminal defense attorneys of Los Angeles

During a trial in court, the prosecutor is entrusted with the duty of proving beyond any reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of the charges he is accused of. The prosecutor, being a representative of the government is responsible for seeking out the truth and is required to divulge all evidences obtained. A criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles on the other hand is only responsible for defending his/her client from legal implications.

Functions of a criminal defense attorney

A criminal defense lawyer is responsible for evaluating the charges against the defendant to check if there are any loopholes to get the case dismissed. The defense counsel then carries out a number of tasks such as inspect the claims, interviews the different prosecution witnesses, looks for other witnesses and seeks out forensic experts whose outlook is different from that of the expert testifying for the prosecution. The defense counsel then discusses with the defendant the benefits and risks of the different defenses possible. He can also advice his client on the best course of action, inform the consequences that he may have to face and any settlement offers by the prosecution.

Plea agreements

In most cases, criminal charges conclude with a plea agreement. In such an agreement, the defendant in agreement with the prosecution can plead guilty to either the actual charges or a diminished charge to get a lower sentence. The criminal defense attorney is responsible for informing the defendant of the rights that he will be relinquishing by pleading guilty such as the right to a fair trial and appealing for any conviction during trial. He should also inform the defendant of the various conditions if such an agreement and the punishments that may be awarded.

Trial and appeal

Duties of a criminal defense lawyer

In case if the defendant does not agree to a plea agreement, the case goes to trial. During trial, the defense is allowed to make the opening statement. Here, the defense is permitted to cross-examine and interrogate the prosecution witnesses. The defense may choose to present or not present any defense witnesses. During the closing statement, the defense can state reasons to show how the prosecution did not prove the case beyond any reasonable doubt. If the accused is convicted, then the defense attorney can represent the defendant during the sentence hearing.

That was some information about the duties and responsibilities of a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles. For more info on the same, refer legal resources available online.

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