Law Blog and Resources

Blackout Wednesday is the name for the night before Thanksgiving. It has quietly earned a dangerous reputation. Known as “Blackout Wednesday,” this unofficial holiday is fueled by crowded bars, heavy drinking, and a troubling spike in impaired driving.  What should be the start of a joyful holiday weekend too often ends in heartbreak, all because someone’s choice to drive drunk leads to tragedy. For victims of these incidents, the ripple effects last far longer than a single night.  Medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma suddenly become part of the affected families’ lives, transforming what should have been a season of warmth into one of recovery and grief. If you or someone you love was hurt on Blackout Wednesday, call a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.  How Blackout Wednesday Became a Tradition Unlike holidays like New Year’s Eve or the Fourth of July, Blackout Wednesday didn’t begin as a planned…

Many motorcycle riders love the feeling of the wind rushing by as they ride. But what if you are not wearing a helmet and get into a crash? Can you still sue for a head injury? In California, the law usually requires you to wear a helmet on a motorcycle. Not wearing one can affect your ability to recover compensation if you are injured. Below, we will explore how helmet laws work, what “comparative negligence” means, and why you should still speak with a California motorcycle accident lawyer even if you were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Why Does California Require Motorcycle Helmets? California Vehicle Code § 27803 says that all motorcyclists—and their passengers—must wear helmets that meet safety standards. Why? Because helmets save lives. They reduce the risk of severe head and brain injuries when an accident happens. Courts often note that not wearing…

A crush injury happens when part of your body gets squeezed or pressed between two heavy objects. This can happen to an arm, leg, chest, or even your entire body. Because the force is so strong, it can damage bones, muscles, nerves, and even organs. Crush injuries are very serious and can change a person’s life in big ways. Some people need surgery and long hospital stays to treat these injuries. Others may need help from doctors, therapists, and caregivers for a very long time. Even though crush injuries can happen anywhere, they often take place in busy settings like construction sites, factories, or after car accidents. Sadly, crush injuries can lead to a lot of pain and big medical bills. In some extreme cases, the damage can be permanent, and people may not be able to work like before. Below, we will further explain this and how a California…

Even though self-driving vehicles can drive without a person steering, serious accidents can still happen. If one crashes into you, you might feel confused or hurt. Don’t worry. Our California car accident lawyers will explain, step by step, what to do after a self-driving car crash. We’ll also tell you how Banafshe Law Firm can help you if this happens. Seek to Get Medical Help After a Self-Driving Car Crash After the police come and you’re safe, go to a doctor. Even if you feel fine, some injuries, like a sore neck or back, might not hurt right away. A doctor can check you and make sure everything’s okay. Keep any papers from the doctor, like bills or notes about your visit. These papers show you got hurt and needed help. Why Self-Driving Car Crashes Are Different Under California Law Self-driving cars are special because they use computers, cameras, and…

Motorcycles are fun to ride, but they’re different from cars. They’re smaller, faster, and sometimes harder to see. If you’re driving a car or truck, you share the road with motorcyclists, and keeping everyone safe is important. A crash can hurt people badly, and nobody wants that. At Banafshe Law Firm, we help people in California who get hurt in accidents, including motorcycle crashes. We’ve won serious cases, like $23.7 million for a motorcycle accident, so we know how important safety is. This blog will share easy tips on staying safe around motorcyclists, using California laws to guide us. Look Twice for Motorcycles Motorcycles are small, so they can be tough to spot. Always look twice before you turn, change lanes, or pull out at a stop sign. Check your mirrors and glance over your shoulder to make sure no motorcyclist is nearby. A quick extra look can save someone’s…

Riding a motorcycle is exciting. The wind in your face and the open road make it extremely fun. However, staying safe and abiding by California law is important, too. At Banafshe Law Firm, we help people in California who get hurt in motorcycle accidents. We’ve won huge cases, like $23.7 million for a motorcycle crash, so we know how much safety matters. Using the right gadgets can help you ride safely and avoid trouble. This blog shares the top five motorcycle safety gadgets, with tips based on California laws to keep you protected. Let’s check them out. Safety Helmet A helmet is the most important gadget for any motorcyclist. It protects your head if you fall or crash, which can save your life. California law says every motorcycle rider and passenger must wear a helmet that meets special safety rules (California Vehicle Code § 27803). These helmets need to follow…

Walking around California’s busy streets can be fun, but it’s not always safe. Cars, bikes, and even scooters zoom by, and sometimes accidents happen. If a vehicle hits you while you’re walking, it can be scary and confusing. You might get hurt, have doctor bills, or feel worried about what to do next. At Banafshe Law Firm, we help people in California who get hurt in pedestrian accidents. We’ve won serious injury cases, like $4.5 million for an auto accident, so we know how to make things right. This guide explains what to do if you’re in a pedestrian accident, using California laws to keep you informed. Stay Safe First If a car hits you while you’re walking, the first thing is to stay safe. If you can, move to the sidewalk or somewhere away from traffic. If you’re hurt and can’t move, stay still and ask someone nearby to…

Walking down a California sidewalk should feel safe, but more and more pedestrians are getting hurt in accidents. Why? People are distracted by phones, music, or just not paying attention. These “distracted” pedestrian accidents are on the rise, and they can cause serious injuries, expensive medical bills, or even worse. At Banafshe Law Firm, we help people in California who get hurt in accidents like these. We’ve won cases like $4.5 million for an auto accident, so we know how to fight for you. In this blog, our California pedestrian accident attorneys will explain why these accidents are happening more, what California laws say, and how to stay safe. Phones Are a Major Problem The biggest reason pedestrian accidents are increasing is smartphones. People walk while texting, scrolling social media, or listening to music with earbuds, not looking where they’re going. A survey found that 53 percent of cell phone…

Construction sites are busy places full of workers, machines, and tools. They help build our homes, schools, and roads, but they can also be dangerous. Falls, heavy equipment accidents, and even exposure to harmful materials can hurt people badly. At Banafshe Law Firm, we help workers in California who get injured on construction sites. In this blog, our lawyers will explore the top construction safety risks, explain how California laws protect workers, and share tips to stay safe. Falls from Heights One of the biggest risks on construction sites is falling. Workers climb ladders, work on scaffolds, or stand on roofs, and a slip can lead to serious injuries like broken bones or worse. California law says employers must provide safety lines for scaffolds to keep workers safe (California Labor Code § 7152). These lines act like a rope to catch you if you fall, but not every site follows…

When you think of a semi-truck, you might picture a large tractor hooked up to a long trailer. But sometimes, that same truck tractor cruises the roads without any trailer at all. This is called bobtailing. While it might look less intimidating because it is shorter, bobtailing can still be risky. At BANA LAW, PC, our aim is to keep you informed about truck safety and your legal options if you are injured in a crash. Below, we explain bobtailing, why it matters, and how a California truck accident lawyer can help if you or a loved one is hurt. What Does “Bobtailing” Mean? Bobtailing happens when a truck tractor drives without an attached trailer. Think of it like a big rig’s cab driving alone, minus the cargo container. It can happen for different reasons: The driver finished a delivery and is heading back for another load. The trucker is…