Auto Accident
California DUI Arrests Up During Labor Day Weekend
| September 12th, 2011
September 12, 2011 Every year there are hundreds of people injured or killed on American highways by drunk drivers over Labor Day weekend. Some years, such as this one, are more dangerous than others because of higher numbers of these drunk drivers. According to The Reporter, there were 1,399 arrests this year alone over the recent holiday weekend. The California Highway Patrol issued a press release early last week releasing the numbers, noting an increase from 1,360 arrests over the same time period last year. The release also stated that 14 people had died throughout the state of California over the four day period from the Friday before the weekend to Labor Day. That’s quite a jump from the 10 who died last year in holiday collisions, said California Highway spokesperson, Officer Elon Steers. Steers added that 13 of the 14 killed were not wearing seat belts at their time of death. Officer Steers explained that 242 DUI arrests were specifically made in the bay area over the holiday, which was an increase from the 221individuals that were brought in last year on the charge. The California Auto Accident Attorneys with Berg Injury Lawyers see all too often the outcome of accidents involving drunk drivers, or the lack of seatbelt use. That is why they often spearhead programs such as their Safe And Sober campaign, which offers free cab rides to those who have over indulged, on certain holidays. Their cause was recently discussed in an interview with founding attorney, William BergDistracted Driving More Common and Dangerous Than We Realize
| May 16th, 2011
May 16, 2011 The State of California has found that distracted driving is now one of the top three factors in fatal and serious injury automobile accidents, joining impaired driving and speeding. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), nine percent of all drivers are using mobile devices while operating a motor vehicle. The scary part is the numbers are more than likely on the low-end according to the report released by the OTS because of the short limited view surveyors were given. Another study found that it was less dangerous to drive drunk than to drive and operate a cell phone. The University of Utah Psychology Department found that “cell-phone drivers may actually exhibit greater impairments (i.e., more accidents and less responsive driving behavior) than legally intoxicated drivers.” California Highway Patrol Commissioner Joe Farrow is quoted as saying “This shows how ingrained the use of mobile devices has become. Even when faced with laws, studies, and stories of tragedy, too many are not able to put down their cell phones.” If you or someone you know has been hurt or killed due to someone texting or talking on a cell phone, the California auto accident lawyers at Berg Injury Lawyers may be able to help. There are laws in place to protect those injured due to a distracted driver’s negligence; the victim shouldn’t pay the price.Berg Injury Lawyers Helps Local Residents by Giving Away Hands-Free Headsets
| June 25th, 2008
June 25, 2008 With California’s new hands-free law taking effect July 1, 2008, many Californians are purchasing headsets for their cell phones so they can continue to talk while driving. Any motorists, who are caught chatting on their cell phones without a hands-free device starting July 1, will be fined. To help local residents and alleviate the added costs of purchasing headsets, Berg Injury Lawyers will be distributing 2,000 complimentary hands-free headsets. “With the new law taking effect, many Californians are faced with the added expense of purchasing hands-free headsets,” said attorney William Berg, founder of Berg Injury Lawyers. “By giving these headsets away, I hope to alleviate the extra expense while promoting safe driving. As part of my job, I constantly hear about car accidents that could have been easily avoided if drivers had been paying more attention to the traffic around them. I hope that this new law helps keep all drivers a little safer on the roads.” The law, which takes effect July 1, 2008, is meant to protect everyone on the road by reducing driver distraction. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, an estimated 300 lives will be saved annually in California due to the new law. Additionally, Connecticut, Washington, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., currently have laws in place to ban using hand-held mobile devices while driving. To receive a complimentary hands-free headset, visit the firm’s Web site at www.BergInjuryLawyers.com and fill out a simple form. Headsets will be available at Berg Injury Lawyers’ Alameda, Modesto, and Sacramento office locations beginning July 3 while supplies last. About California’s Hands-Free Law- While those 18 and older are allowed to use hands-free headsets, those under 18 aren’t allowed to use mobile devices with or without hands-free accessories (VC §23124).
- Police officers will begin ticketing drivers who use cell phones without hands-free devices on July 1. The first offense results in a $20 fine and the second offense is a $50 fine. Multiple offenses could result in more than triple the base amount.
- Drivers are allowed to use their cell phones without hands-free devices during emergencies to call police, fire, or medical authorities.
