Law Blog and Resources

Every year on January 2nd, we look back on an important piece of American road history—55 MPH Speed Limit Day. This day honors the moment in 1974 when President Richard Nixon signed the Emergency Highway Energy Conservation Act, which created the first national speed limit. It was set at 55 miles per hour. Why did our country do this? And why does it still matter today, especially for drivers in California? In this blog, we will discuss this and how a California car accident attorney might be able to help you. Why Was There a 55 MPH Speed Limit? In 1973, there was an oil crisis. Many countries in the Middle East decided to stop selling oil to the United States (and some other countries). This caused a big problem: gasoline became hard to find. People had to wait in long lines at gas stations, and prices went way up. The government…

Car insurance is meant to protect you if there is an accident. But do you know that California is changing the rules about how much insurance you must have? Starting in 2025—and again in 2035—the state will require higher minimum coverage. Our experienced California car accident attorneys will discuss this further below. What Are Car Insurance Policy Limits? When you buy car insurance, you often see numbers like “15/30/5.” These numbers tell you how much your insurance will pay if you cause an accident. For example, under the old rules: 15 means your insurance pays up to $15,000 for injuries to one person. 30 means your insurance pays up to $30,000 total if multiple people are hurt. 5 means your insurance pays up to $5,000 for damage to someone else’s property. These three parts—injury to one person, injury to multiple people, and damage to property—are called policy limits. They set the most your insurance company will…

When crossing the street outside of a designated crosswalk in California, you’re entering what many call a legal and safety gray area. While recent legislative changes have relaxed the penalties for “jaywalking,” the physical dangers remain unchanged. Many pedestrians assume a quick dash across the street saves time without consequences—until they become part of California’s troubling pedestrian accident statistics. Understanding when, where, and how to legally cross streets in California isn’t just about avoiding tickets—it’s about protecting your life. As pedestrian injuries continue to rise across major California cities, knowing your rights and responsibilities has never been more crucial. Below, we’ll explore the legal issues related to jaywalking and provide tups to stay safe. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you should talk to a lawyer immediately. Our California pedestrian accident lawyers offer free case evaluations to determine your rights, even if you weren’t in a crosswalk. What Is…

We see potholes on our roads all the time. They can cause your car to bounce around, pop your tire, or even cause an accident. But did you know there is a special day just to talk about potholes? That day is called National Pothole Day, and it happens every year on January 15th. This day is a reminder that we can all help make our roads safer. Below, we will learn what National Pothole Day is, why it matters, where potholes come from, and how we can join in. We will also explain how potholes may lead to crashes and what you can do if you are injured. As your California car accident lawyers, we want to help you understand your rights and stay safe on our roads. What Is National Pothole Day? National Pothole Day is an event that has started to bring attention to a big problem:…

Losing a loved one is never easy. When someone passes away because of another person’s carelessness or wrongdoing, it can be even harder to heal. The pain and sadness can feel overwhelming, and families often do not know where to turn for help. At Banafshe Law Firm, we want you to know there are places in California that offer special grief support for families dealing with wrongful death. Below, our California wrongful death attorneys will share answers to your questions and show you how to find the resources you may need. Why Is Grief Support Important? When a loved one dies unexpectedly, the emotional shock can last for a long time. You might feel sadness, anger, or guilt. These feelings can make it tough to do normal things like go to work, cook meals, or even talk to friends. Grief support can help you deal with these emotions in a healthy way….

Wearing a seatbelt might feel like a simple routine. You get in the car, buckle up, and drive off. But sometimes you may wonder: Why is wearing a seatbelt such a big deal? Is it just about following rules, or is there more to it? In California, seatbelts are not only important for your safety, but they are also required by law. Below, a California car accident attorney will explain why seatbelts matter, what the law says, and how it can affect you and your loved ones. Why Are Seatbelts So Important? You want to stay safe when you ride in a car, right? A seatbelt can save your life if you get into an accident. It is like a shield that keeps you from being thrown around the inside of the car. The seatbelt holds your body in place if there is a sudden stop or crash. This can help prevent…

If you have a dog, you probably see it as a sweet companion and part of your family. But sometimes, even the friendliest dogs can bite. What happens if your dog bites someone in California? When your dog bites someone, it can be scary and confusing. You may worry about getting in trouble with the law, paying for someone’s injuries, or even losing your dog. Below, we will answer some simple questions so you know what to expect and how to protect yourself and others. For more information, call our office today to speak with a Los Angeles dog bite lawyer today. Why Is California So Strict About Dog Bites? California has strong laws that protect people who get bitten by a dog. Under California Civil Code Section 3342, dog owners are strictly liable if their dog bites someone in a public place or when the person is lawfully on…

If you have ever driven a car in California, you have seen speed limit signs along the roads. These signs might say 25 miles per hour in a neighborhood or 65 miles per hour on a freeway. But what do these signs really mean? Do you have to drive exactly at the speed limit? And what happens if you drive faster—or even slower—than what the sign says? Below, an experienced California car accident attorney will discuss this and more. What Are Speed Limits in California? Speed limits in California are usually posted on signs along roads and highways. These numbers are called “prima facie speed limits.” That means the posted speed is generally considered a safe speed—unless you are driving in a way that is not safe for the road conditions. For example, if the sign says 65 miles per hour, but it is very foggy, and you cannot see…

Life can sometimes take unexpected turns, especially when serious injuries or health challenges arise. In these situations, having a solid life care plan can make all the difference. A life care plan is a comprehensive document that outlines an individual’s current and future needs, including medical treatments, living arrangements, and daily support. At Banafshe Law Firm, our goal is to help you create a life care plan that protects your well-being and financial security. Below is an easy-to-follow guide that meets California’s legal standards based on statutes such as California Probate Code § 2351.2 and California Welfare & Institutions Code § 14139.33. Why Do You Need a Life Care Plan in California? A life care plan is important for anyone who has sustained serious injuries or faces long-term health concerns. It helps map out the necessary medical interventions, ongoing therapies, and any special services you might require. It also guides financial planning for…

Car accidents can happen in an instant, and the aftermath often feels stressful and overwhelming. Unfortunately, many people make errors right after an accident that can affect their health, safety, and even their legal rights. At Banafshe Law Firm, we’ve seen how these errors can impact personal injury claims. Below are five common mistakes and how to avoid them. 1. Leaving the Scene of the Accident Leaving the scene too soon—or even worse, fleeing—can lead to serious legal trouble. According to Cal. Veh. Code § 20001, you must stop if there’s an injury or fatality, and you have to provide identification and render help if possible. Not doing so can lead to heavy fines, a suspended license, or even jail time. In People v. Capetillo, the defendant’s decision to run off without giving assistance or his identity resulted in a conviction under this statute. 2. Not Reporting the Accident In California, accidents that…