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Seeking Legal Compensation for Dog Bites

Dogs are part of many people’s families, but unfortunately, they can become an aggressive part of the family. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s website, roughly 4.5 million people annually are victims of dog bite attacks. of those, about one-fifth require medical attention. Between 2005 and 2012, 251 people in the United States alone died from dog bites. in the first half of 2013, nearly 20 people died from dog bite injuries. the two most common groups of dog bite victims are children and senior citizens. Pit bulls and Rottweilers accounted for 73% of the recorded dog bite deaths between 2005 and 2012.

When Dogs Bite | Why Hire an Injury Lawyer?

Dogs are a popular pet and really a part of many families. Unfortunately, whether playing around or out of aggression, sometimes dogs bite people. According to the American Humane Organization, 4.7 million people nationwide are bitten by dogs. About 800,000 of those require medical attention. Fifty percent of dog attacks involve children under 12. In Orange County, people and animals alike enjoy roaming the beaches. With several dog friendly beaches in our area including Huntington Dog Beach, even a visit to the beach may result in an encounter with a dog.

Dog Bite Victims’ Rights

California Civil Code 3342: What the Means For You

If a dog bites you, California Civil Code 3342 places responsibility for the act clearly on the owner. In assigning accountability, the statute prevents dogs from becoming a hazard to the community. As a dog bite lawyer, we know that this places the burden of the animal’s conduct on those own a dog. It also reduces any conflicts and long drawn-out legal claims by defining liability. Most of the time victims are a family member, friend, or neighbor of the owner.

Lane Splitting: Cause of Motorcycle Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 9,130 motorcyclists were killed and 163,000 riders were injured due to vehicle accidents from 2010 through 2011. Given these numbers, it is important for motorcyclists and motorists to be aware of each other and share the roadway. During rush hour, our highways become clogged with bumper-to-bumper traffic. Every accident lawyer knows it is common to see motorcyclists zigzagging between vehicles. or “lane splitting” in an attempt to avoid the gridlock. This practice, along with vehicle driver inattention, has become a major cause of motorcycle accidents.

Common Causes of Injuries in Orange County

When you go for a morning jog, drive to work on the freeways, work in a construction site, or eat at a restaurant, you expect to return home safe and sound. As a resident of Orange County and an accident lawyer, we know this firsthand!

Accident Lawyer | Common Causes of Injuries

However, according to the California Department of Public Health, county residents there have been 19,252 non-fatal injuries that require hospitalization. Here are the top five injuries for which causes could be determined.

What to Do After a Car Accident?

Huntington Beach Car Accident

You’re cruising along Beach Boulevard heading for Huntington Beach on a beautiful Southern California. Suddenly, you hear the crunch. Someone has run into your car and caused a significant amount of damage. What do you do? Follow these tips so you can stay safe after a car accident in Huntington Beach.

One of the first things to note is how many people there are involved in the accident. You want to make sure that talk to as many people who were involved in the accident as possible. Also, if there are any witnesses, get their information as well. This will help your attorney when it comes to gathering the details of your accident; especially when it comes to putting together a demand for settlement.

Car Accident Attorney Reveals Traffic Statistics for Orange County, California

When you think of Orange County, California, your mind wanders among its beautiful beaches, exciting theme parks, and progressive high-tech industries. Despite the region’s many freeways, you don’t normally associate it with car crashes and traffic deaths. If you have been involved an Orange County car accident, contact Silverthorne Attorneys right away. Our firm represents people injured in car accidents and other personal injury matters.

Yet, statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration force you to do otherwise.

Monarch Beach Bicycle Accidents

Bicycling is becoming increasingly popular here in Orange County. Unfortunately, an increase in bicyclists means there is an increase in the number of bicycle accidents on the road. If you are new to bicycling or just need a review on the various points of bicycle safety and etiquette please read below for our list of tips that will help keep you safe.

Ride in the Same Direction as Automobile Traffic. It is the Law.

Obey all traffic signs and signals.

You are subject to all traffic signs that a car must follow.

Use Hand Signals.

Using hand signals tells the motorists around you what you intend to do. It will keep you safer and is courteous to others.

Follow the Lane Markings.

Don’t weave in and out of parked cars.

Bicycle Accidents in Orange County, California

Bike riding in Orange County has become more popular than ever. Whether it is for exercise, commuting to work, or just cruising down to the beach all must observe the specific laws made for bicyclists.

Bicycle Laws in California

Bicyclists have all the rights and responsibilities of vehicle drivers.
It is against the law to ride a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Bicycles must have functional brakes.
Handlebars must not be higher than the rider’s shoulders.
Bicycles must be small enough for the rider to stop, support it with one foot on the ground, and restart safely.
At night bicycles must be equipped with a white headlight or white light attached to the rider and visible from the front. Bicycles must also have a rear red reflector and white or yellow pedal reflectors.
All riders must have a permanent, regular seat.
Bicycle passengers under 40 lbs. must have a seat which retains them in place and protects them from moving parts.
Bicycles traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic must ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable except: when passing, preparing for a left turn, to avoid hazards and dangerous conditions or if the lane is too narrow.
Bicyclists may not hitch rides on vehicles.
Bicyclists may not carry items which keep them from using at least one hand upon the handlebars.
Do not use motorized bicycles on trails, bike path, or lanes.
Bicyclists traveling slower than traffic must use bike lanes except when making a left turn, passing, or avoiding hazardous conditions.
Bicyclists may not leave bicycles on their sides on the sidewalk or park bicycles in a manner which obstructs pedestrians.
No one may stop on or park a bicycle on a bicycle path.
Bicyclists and passengers under age 18 must wear an ANSI or Snell approved helmet when a passenger or riding upon a bicycle.
Bicyclist must travel on the right side of the roadway in the direction of traffic.
Cyclists may not ride on the freeways where prohibited.
Bicyclists may not cross a toll bridge unless permitted by signs.
Bicyclists may not wear earplugs in both ears or a headset covering both ears, except hearing aids.

Even after observing all of the bicycle laws, one can only do so much. Drivers can get careless and cause serious injuries to cyclists. If you are injured in a bicycle collision call the Orange County bike accident lawyers at Silverthorne Attorneys 949-234-6034 for a free consultation.

Be Careful While Driving on Santa Margarita Parkway

The urge to speed when driving to work in the morning can be overwhelming. How many often do you just want to get home when you are trying to make it through city traffic? Santa Margarita Parkway in Rancho Santa Margarita has several main streets in its city center that pass through both residential areas and commercial areas. These streets are smooth and straight. It is easy to drive too fast on them when someone is trying to get to their destination.