San Francisco Catastrophic Injury Blog

Car accident claims 3 lives, leaves 1 in critical condition

On behalf of Abramson Smith Waldsmith LLP posted in motor vehicle accidents on Wednesday, November 27, 2019.

Individuals who ride as a passenger in a vehicle often have little to no control over the actions of the driver. Should the negligent actions of the driver cause a collision to occur, the passengers could end up being the ones who suffer the consequences. Three individuals have died and another suffered serious injuries in a recent car accident involving a single vehicle in California.

According to reports, authorities responded to the scene of a single-vehicle crash at around 1:45 a.m. on a recent Friday. Initial investigations suggest the accident occurred when for reasons unknown, the driver of a car suddenly lost control and veered off course. The car proceeded to collide with a nearby tree shortly after leaving the road.

Motor vehicle accidents: Impairment suspected in recent crash

On behalf of Abramson Smith Waldsmith LLP posted in motor vehicle accidents on Wednesday, November 13, 2019.

It is no secret that operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be a dangerous decision. Unfortunately, similar forms of negligence remain a major concern and impaired driving continues to be one of the leading causes of severe motor vehicle accidents. A recent collision involving a suspected drunk driver in California has reportedly left three individuals with severe injuries.

Authorities say they responded to reports of the crash at around 2 p.m. on a recent Friday. According to reports, the collision occurred when the driver of a westbound van suddenly pulled over on the shoulder of the road before turning around and proceeding to travel in the wrong direction. The van reportedly collided head-on with an oncoming truck soon thereafter.

Motor vehicle accidents: 2 injured, 1 killed in recent crash

On behalf of Abramson Smith Waldsmith LLP posted in motor vehicle accidents on Thursday, October 31, 2019.

It can take little more than a couple of seconds for a vehicle to veer off course and drift into oncoming lanes. This brief span of time may leave oncoming drivers with little chance of reacting to the situation. Motor vehicle accidents that take place under similar scenarios can have catastrophic consequences. A two-vehicle accident that took place in California has reportedly claimed the life of one person and left two others with severe injuries.

Authorities say they responded to the scene of the crash on a recent Monday afternoon. Initial investigations indicate that the accident occurred when, for unknown reasons, the driver of a northbound vehicle suddenly lost control and drifted into southbound lanes. The vehicle crashed into the side of a second vehicle shortly thereafter and then proceeded to travel in oncoming lanes before colliding with a van.

Brain injury and memory loss

On behalf of Abramson Smith Waldsmith LLP on Tuesday, October 29, 2019.

When California doctors informed you that your loved one had suffered a traumatic brain injury resulting from someone else's negligence, you may have wondered what your future would look like. Brain injuries are among the most challenging for doctors since the brain is such a complex organ. Depending on the area of the brain affected by the injury, your loved one may be facing cognitive issues that are irreversible, including memory deficits.

Having a loved one with memory issues often means drastic changes in the way a household runs. You can no longer take for granted that your loved one knows how to do essential tasks from day to day or even that your loved one will remember who you are. Understanding how a brain injury can affect memory is the first step to learning how to cope and compensate for your loved one's deficits.

Is medical attention after a car accident necessary?

On behalf of Abramson Smith Waldsmith LLP on Wednesday, October 16, 2019.

A car accident can change your life. Even if you do not suffer serious injuries, the event could result in feeling residual apprehension about getting behind the wheel of a vehicle in the future. Of course, serious injuries are a common result of car crashes and can easily prove life-changing.

In some cases, serious injuries may not even show themselves right away after a crash. Between the shock of the accident occurring and the adrenaline coursing through your body, you may not feel any pain after the incident. However, that does not necessarily mean that you are uninjured.

The ways a spinal cord injury can change your life

On behalf of Abramson Smith Waldsmith LLP posted in spinal cord injuries on Thursday, September 12, 2019.

A car accident can change your life in an instant. It can leave you with injuries and medical bills, both of which are stressful and capable of affecting multiple areas of your life. The aftermath can be particularly challenging for people who are suffering from potentially debilitating injuries, such as spinal cord injuries.

Will your young athlete suffer a serious injury this season?

On behalf of Abramson Smith Waldsmith LLP posted in sports & recreation injuries on Tuesday, September 10, 2019.

With California schools back in session, you may be looking forward to those evenings watching your child participate in one of the many athletic offerings at school. Some team sports are already underway, and you may already have spent time bandaging wounds or waiting for X-ray results.

California pedestrian deaths on the rise

On behalf of Abramson Smith Waldsmith LLP posted in motor vehicle accidents on Monday, September 2, 2019.

According to CNBC, California and four other states accounted for half of the pedestrian fatalities across America in 2018. America's pedestrian death toll of 6,227 was 250 deaths higher than the previous year. In fact, since 2008, pedestrian deaths increased by 41%. Estimates now say that 16% of traffic fatalities are pedestrians.

Amusement park injuries are more common than you think

On behalf of Abramson Smith Waldsmith LLP posted in sports & recreation injuries on Tuesday, August 27, 2019.

Whether you are visiting a resort or looking for a family staycation, an amusement park is always a fun choice. After all, what can be more of a stress relief than defying gravity or releasing a blood-curdling scream on the first big hill of a monster roller coaster? Perhaps the last thing you wanted to think about was how safe the amusements were and whether your safety is in danger as you buckled into a ride.

Nevertheless, if your day of fun ended at the hospital following an injury at a theme park, you may be ready to face the dangers. What you learn about the amusement park industry may surprise you.

How do I know if my car insurance covers medical bills?

On behalf of Abramson Smith Waldsmith LLP posted in motor vehicle accidents on Monday, August 26, 2019.

If you recently sustained or caused injuries in an accident in California, you may be concerned about whether or not your insurance policy covers medical costs. The best source of information is your insurance company. If you sign into your policy online or view your insurance card, it should show you what your policy covers and does not cover. If you financed your car, there may be a greater likelihood that you have full coverage.

NerdWallet notes that one single auto insurance policy can include multiple types of coverage. The minimum coverage required depends on your state. In some states, you may only need liability insurance. In others, you may need to get personal injury protection, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage or all of the above.