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Distracted 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.National Drunk Driving Crackdown
| August 19th, 2010
Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.
Berg Injury Lawyers has seen firsthand the pain suffered by those who have lost loved ones in alcohol-related crashes, and we’re dedicated to fighting against drunk driving. That’s why Berg Injury Lawyers designed and implemented the law firm’s Safe and Sober Free Cab Ride Home program and has paid for thousands of cab rides.
Our law firm proudly supports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s national enforcement effort—Drunk Driving: Over the Limit, Under Arrest.—that aims to crack down on impaired driving and reduce roadway fatalities.
Remember, even having one drink can affect your ability to drive. Do your part to help prevent California drunk driving accidents by planning ahead before you go out, designating a driver, and never getting behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. California community tested for Alameda environmental injury
| July 29th, 2008
July 29, 2008
According to The Oakland Tribune, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is investigating a possible Alameda environmental injury after dangerous levels of hazardous organic compounds were found at a former metal plating site.
The Department of Toxic Substances Control previously found very high levels of trichloroethylene, cis-dichloroethene, trans dichloroethene and vinyl chloride in the possible Alameda environmental injury location.
One woman who has possibly been affected from the Alameda environmental injury suffers from multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and a rare blindness disease. Another woman in the area suffers from cancer, while her children suffer other ailments from their premature births.
Additional residents in the area also fear an Alameda environmental injury from breathing in the potential hazardous compounds in the air.
The Alameda environmental injury case has been under the investigation of the Department of Toxic Substances Control since June 2007 and is ongoing.
Berg Injury Lawyers Gives Away Hands-Free Cellphone Headsets
| July 1st, 2008
Berg Injury Lawyers distributed more than 1,500 complimentary mobile headsets in response to California’s new law that prohibits the handheld use of cell phones while driving (VC §23123). The law, which took 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 handheld mobile devices while driving.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this important program, and please remember to continue to drive safely.
Here’s what people had to say about our program:
“Thank you for the reminder. I have picked up my headset and thank you to Berg Injury Lawyers for providing the headsets at no cost.” – Kathryn A. “Thank you again for the headset. I picked mine up at the Alameda office here in town. Much appreciated.” – Rina D. “Yes, I picked mine up today. Thank you very much.” – Stephanie W. “Wow, that’s terrific. Thank you very much! Great service!!” – Henry M. “Thank you for your nice offer. It is greatly appreciated. I don’t know what to say, except a BIG THANK YOU!!!!” – Pat O. “Thank you so very much for the free headset offer and reminder. Thank you again for the thoughtfulness of your company in relation to the new cell phone laws, in trying to help the rest of us out.” – Chris M. “Thank you for the reminder note. I will keep your company in mind in case I need your assistance for any litigation reasons. Thank you very much again.” – Kamil A. “Thanks, I did receive my headset. I appreciate your generous offer.” – Patricia N. “Thank you very much!” – Anna N. “I really appreciate your efforts and kindness. God forbid I ever need one, however, I do know an injury lawyer I could turn to now. Thanks again.” – Carolyn C. “I received the headset, and I want to thank you so much. Thanks!” – Margaret H. “I received the headset today with many thanks.” – Josephine C. “Thank you for the courtesy of providing a headset.” – Thomas A.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.
3 Sought in Connection with Car Crash that Started Temecula Blaze
| September 12th, 2007
Three teenagers allegedly stole a black 2006 Honda Accord, crashed it, and started a serious California fire on Tuesday. The California fire covered 430 acres and is only 50% contained. More than 700 firefighters have been attempting to put the fire out, but there may be strong winds later in the day that could cause the fire to spread more rapidly. There have been no serious California burn injuries resulting from the car crash, and the three teens are still at large. One boy is believed to have suffered a serious back injury in the California car crash. Click here to read more
