Archive for November, 2011

0
28
Nov

Concussions Receiving Attention From Media And California Lawmakers

November 28, 2011

Media coverage of the long-term effects National Football League (NFL) players have suffered from concussions has forced changes to the way high school athletes and their parents  and coaches are approaching these injuries. According to the Sacramento Bee, a new California state law will regulate how officials and teams must handle the injuries.

One research group’s findings explain that concussions may be the cause of a degenerative brain disease, which hundreds of ex-professional athletes have suffered from. These findings have had such an influence on some players that they have not gone back to the sport after receiving a concussion.

One California football player suffered three major concussions during the span of his high school football career. When the fourth major trauma occurred, he decided to call it quits.

California will begin enforcing new guidelines in January for the way sports officials handle head injuries. Referees have the right to remove a player from a game if they suspect a concussion. That player is not allowed back on the field, for practices or matches, until cleared by a healthcare specialist. Parents and coaches are also now required to sign a waiver form saying they understand the symptoms and effects a concussion could have on a student-athlete.

The California Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers with Berg Injury Lawyers are encouraged by the new regulations lawmakers have put in place, and urge parents, coaches, and athletes to be mindful of concussions while on the field.

Popularity: 1% [?]

0
21
Nov

California Court Rules Against Cell Phone Use At Stoplights

November 21, 2011

Next time you are at a stoplight and itching to call someone, think again. The San Francisco Chronicle reported last Tuesday that the state court of appeals upheld that a driver who is stopped at a red light is still technically driving, and therefore prohibited from using a hand-held cell phone.

The debate began in December 2009 when a California motorist was pulled over and cited for using his cell phone while at a stop light. The man appealed the citation, saying the law that prohibits the use of cell phones while driving only applies if the vehicle is in motion.

The First District Court of Appeals in San Francisco stated the law was intended for all motorists on state roadways, even if they may be temporarily stopped. The Deputy Attorney General called it a “common sense” ruling, but lawyers for the defense stated they would take the case to the next level at the state Supreme Court.

Attorneys for the defense base this decision to pursue the case further on a 1991 case, in which, a man’s DUI arrest was thrown out because he was technically found asleep behind the wheel of a running–but legally parked–car.

The California Auto Accident Attorneys with Berg Injury Lawyers always discourage the use of cell phones while driving; but would like to know your opinion. Can a ticket be issued for using a cell phone while driving if the vehicle is not moving? Tell us what you think on our Facebook page.

Popularity: 2% [?]

0
14
Nov

$73 Million Awarded In California Lawsuit Against Ford

November 14, 2011

A Sacramento, California, jury awarded $73 million dollars in damages to plaintiffs in a case against Ford Motor Company Thursday. According to The Sacramento Bee, the judgment came after seven years of litigation surrounding a passenger van accident caused by separation of tread from a tire on the van.

The accident happened on April 9, 2004, as a group of church members headed home from a concert. During the drive, the van began to shake violently as the tread of a Goodyear tire began to peel off. The driver of the van attempted to pull over, but lost control and the van rolled several times before coming to rest. The 48-year-old driver of the van and the front passenger were killed in the accident, while several other suffered injuries.

In court Thursday, the attorney for the plaintiffs told jurors that Ford and Goodyear failed to alert the customers about a $2 billion recall on the tires. The jury agreed, and with a vote of 10-2, the award was given. The jury also gave a small award after they found that the van’s design was partially at fault for the crash. Ford stated they plan to appeal the decision.

The California Car Accident Attorneys with Berg Injury Lawyers often handle cases where victims were injured because of faulty auto parts. If you have been injured because of a manufacturer’s negligence contact us immediately.

Popularity: 2% [?]

0
7
Nov

Richmond Teen Killed, Two Others Injured During Illegal Street Race

November 7, 2011

In Richmond this weekend a local teen died and two others were injured in an illegal street race crash. The Contra Costa Times reported yesterday that the accident happened around 1:15 Sunday morning, along a stretch of Richmond Parkway.

The street glistened as the two cars, a Nissan Altima and a BMW, floated down the asphalt that was freshly drenched with rain. The vehicles were locked neck-and-neck, when the 21-year-old driver of the Nissan hit a wet patch, lost control, and hit his friend’s BMW. The impact caused the BMW to spin out of control and flip several times before hitting a pole.

The driver of the BMW died at the scene of the crash, while his two passengers were urgently rushed to the John Muir Medical Center by helicopter in critical condition. The driver of the Nissan was unharmed, but investigators arrested him on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence.

California issued 800 citations in 2001 for illegal racing-related infractions–a number that has grown significantly every year since. Now, it is estimated that 49 people are hurt and killed for every 1,000 individuals who participate in illegal street races.

The California Car Accident Attorneys with Berg Injury Lawyers would like to encourage anyone hurt in an accident at no fault of their own to contact them immediately for a free evaluation of your case.

Popularity: 2% [?]