Law Blog and Resources

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….

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….

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…

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 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…

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 BANA LAW, 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 cause…

Driving while tired is more dangerous than many people realize. Feeling sleepy can lower your attention, slow your reaction times, and cause you to make poor decisions on the road. In California, if a driver continues to operate a vehicle while knowing they are drowsy, courts have found that this may amount to gross negligence or reckless operation. In Cooper v. Kellogg (2 Cal. 2d 504), for example, the court held that a driver who knows they might fall asleep can be found guilty of the needed level of fault. The same idea was reinforced by cases like Morrison v. Townley (269 Cal. App. 2d 863) and Williams v. Carr (68 Cal. 2d 579), which shows how seriously California law treats drowsy driving. Why Is Drowsy Driving So Dangerous? When you are extremely tired, it can feel much like driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Your ability to control…

Taking a rideshare can be a quick and easy way to get around, but it’s important to stay safe and know your rights. In California, there are rules meant to protect both passengers and drivers. At BANA LAW, we want to share our top tips on how to stay secure during your rideshare trips. What Should You Know About Rideshare Laws in California? California has put several laws in place to make ridesharing safer. For example, network companies must have a sexual harassment policy under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7457, and they also must do criminal background checks on drivers under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7458. In addition, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7459 requires app-based drivers to finish safety training before they can drive. Finally, it is a crime to pretend to be a rideshare driver, according to Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7462. Why Are Seat Belts So Important? Seat belts save…

Road rage can turn into aggressive or violent behavior that leads to dangerous situations on the road. In California, road rage incidents can carry serious legal consequences, according to Cal. Veh. Code § 13210, a driver who commits an assault (often called “road rage”) could see their driver’s license suspended for six months for a first offense and one year for any future offenses. At BANA LAW, we want to help you understand road rage and learn how to manage it so you can drive safely. What is Road Rage? Road rage involves unsafe driving acts like tailgating, weaving through traffic, yelling or making rude gestures, and sometimes even violence. It’s different from basic impatience because road rage is driven by anger that may escalate quickly. Serious incidents have gone as far as assault or even firing a weapon, as seen in People v. Le (137 Cal. App. 4th 54). Such behavior…

Car accidents can leave more than just physical bruises. They can also cause emotional and mental trauma, commonly known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health condition that may develop after you witness or experience a scary or shocking event—like a severe car crash. At BANA LAW, we understand how debilitating PTSD can be and are here to guide you through the legal process if you’re suffering due to an accident. What Is PTSD After a Car Accident? PTSD is a serious condition where a person has ongoing stress reactions long after the dangerous event has ended. This can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and intense fear. Someone with PTSD may avoid reminders of the crash or feel nervous whenever they are on the road. Why Does PTSD Happen After a Car Crash? A car accident is sudden, loud, and often painful. Because of this, many people’s brains replay the…