For people who are driving on the California roadways, taking a look at some of the reasons why insurance rates are increased can provide an interesting look into some of the drivers’ habits in the state. In each case of why the rate is hiked up, it is important to note that the driver was partaking in an activity that could harm others on the roadways. That potential for harm makes it more likely that they will be involved in an accident that might cause injuries.
Fatal accidents involving pedestrians decreased from 2012 to 2013
People who opt to walk around the San Francisco area, as well as any other area in the country, are counting on drivers to help keep them safe. While there are still accidents that injure or kill pedestrians, the statistics seem to be trending toward fewer injuries and deaths in pedestrian accidents.
Auto Safety May Take A Backseat In Congress
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was subjected to harsh criticism from members of Congress last year. In several hearings discussing the NHTSA response to auto defects, the effectiveness of the body was called into question. Some claimed that the NHTSA was beholden to auto makers and purposefully delayed its investigations to protect them. Others claimed that the NHTSA was incompetent and had not kept up with the technology in cars today. The hearings brought headlines. It is not clear that they will bring action.
Even Public Buildings Must Meet ADA Requirements
This week’s question comes from Marylyn T who asks: “I am working in a state owned building that I believe is not ADA compliant. I have had 2 major foot surgeries over the last 18 months, and the facility has no elevator. I have had to walk up and down 19 concrete steps to access restrooms and break rooms, extending my healing time. I believe a state agency should be in compliance with the ADA law for both customers and employees.”
Compensation might be possible in hit-and-run bicycle accidents
We have often covered cases in which a bicyclist was hit by a vehicle and suffered injuries. While it is often fairly obvious who should be listed as a defendant in the personal injury case, that isn’t the case when the accident is a hit and run accident. Our California readers might like to know how cases like that are handled.
Fault in Recreational Activities Depends on Permissions
This week’s question comes from Jason M. In Pacific who asks: “A friend of mine and I were invited by a group of guys to go to a place in the central valley where you can do motocross on a fairly large piece of land. They have hills which people jump over and other features that make it a challenging course. Generally everyone knows to travel in one direction, counter clockwise. I have ridden there before without a problem. The last time I was nearly killed when someone was going the wrong way and slammed into me crushing my left leg and foot as we both rounded the same corner going in opposite directions. There is usually an arrow pointing the right direction at the entrance to the course from where people park Later I saw that one side had fallen so that it pointed up in the air. I have hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills. Do I have a case?”
School Must Contact Parents When Performing Certain Medical Procedures
This article was written by Chris Dolan and published by The San Francisco Examiner. Click here to read more of Chris Dolan’s biweekly articles at SFExaminer.com.
This week’s question comes from a reader who wishes to remain anonymous:
Q: “If you dropped off your child at school and later that day, the school resident doctor noticed your child had a fever and the school never calls you but does tests and draws the child’s blood. The doctor misdiagnosed your child with a wrong illness at the same time infects the child with an STD that the child could not possibly have or know about! Your child is now dismissed from school for several days and your family life is placed in a state of turmoil – one, because they didn’t notify you of the child illness; and two, keeping the child and performing unauthorized tests and it turns out that they were fine but in the process infected with a disease because of their negligence.”
Minors Have Protections When Reporting Underage Drinking
This article was written by Chris Dolan and published by The San Francisco Examiner. Click here to read more of Chris Dolan’s biweekly articles at SFExaminer.com.
Today’s question comes from Gerry, a student at San Francisco State, who asks:
Q: “I’m in a fraternity and I am concerned about the parties which the fraternity hosts. There is a lot of booze that is given out by the fraternity. During rush week, and throughout initiation, alcohol is always around and we are told to drink a lot. A lot of us are underage and I am always seeing people get really hammered, sick and passing out. There are people who are supposed to watch them, but they are often drunk themselves and pass out. I am afraid to call for help because I don’t want to get myself or my brothers in trouble. How much trouble can we get into? What is the law on this?”
How are medical records accessed in wrongful death cases?
When a loved one passes away in an accident, those left behind sometimes opt to seek compensation for their loved one’s death. This often involves gathering the medical records for the person who passed away. In some cases, people might come up against a hurdle that they might not have expected since their loved one is now deceased. That obstacle has to do with the physician-patient privilege. Our California readers might have some questions about that privilege.
Encourage Reporting Of Elder Abuse
The discussion surrounding California’s stance on assisted suicide should include concerns over elder abuse. When supporters of assisted suicide paint a picture of the benefits of having freedom to make end-of-life choices, they surely describe people in charge of their mental faculties, taking control of their lives, and deaths, to maintain dignity and ease pain. They likely do not consider the potential for harm when older people are abused, manipulated, mistreated and badgered into making a decision for someone else’s benefit.