California Court Again Reinforces Mediation Confidentiality Hindering a Client’s Ability to Sue His Lawyers!

Woodland hills personal injury lawyer Barry P. Goldberg encourages mediation in almost every case he handles.  In California, what is said and communicated in the mediation context is privileged and cannot be used in subsequent matters.  Many attempts have been made to circumvent the privilege without much success.  Recently, another attempt to use evidence or…

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Seat Belts, Car Accidents, and the “Seat Belt Defense”

Many statistics and reports show that using seat belts when driving or riding in an automobile saves lives. Indeed, the numbers are encouraging: for those in the front seats, wearing a seatbelt correctly can reduce the risk of moderate to critical injury by up to 50%.  For those in the back seats, rear seat belts…

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Full Coverage Isn’t Guaranteed — Ask an Independent Agent

Woodland Hills personal injury lawyer Barry P. Goldberg cringes when interviewing a client and hearing the response “I have Full Coverage.”  While it certainly beats “I have no coverage” or “I have minimum coverage”, it really provides less information than clients think.  In fact, there is no accepted array of automobile insurance that qualifies as…

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Teen Drivers and Woodland Hills Car Accidents

Young drivers ages 16 to 19 years of age have the highest annual crash rates of any other age group, nationwide.  Indeed, the fatal crash rate per mile driven for this group is 3 times the rate for drivers ages 20 and over. Common causes of teen auto accidents include traveling with too many people…

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Slip and Fall Accidents in the San Fernando Valley

Thousands of people are injured each year in San Fernando Valley in “slip and fall accidents,” which may be caused by slipping or tripping on uneven ground, a wet floor, or on unstable stairs.  Who is at fault?  Property owners are required to act carefully so that the fall was not likely to happen, and…

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Partial Negligence and Financial Recovery in Slip and Falls

No one expects to have a slip and fall or trip and fall accident but unfortunately, these types of accidents can happen anywhere: in the grocery store, at home, or at work, to name a few places.  Anything from debris to uneven and wet flooring can create the perfect storm for this kind of injury.…

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Do I Have to Report My Car Accident?

If you find yourself involved in a fender-bender while you are driving in Woodland Hills, you may wonder if you need to tell the Department of Motor Vehicles or your insurance company.  The law in California is clear: if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident in California, you must report the accident to…

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What to Expect When Meeting Your Personal Injury Attorney for the First Time

Woodland Hills personal injury lawyer Barry P. Goldberg understands that most people are nervous about meeting a lawyer for the first time because most people have been able to avoid legal disputes most of their lives.  When you have met a lawyer, it is usually for “bad news” and is (almost) always expensive.  Besides that,…

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Drunk Driving Accidents in Woodland Hills and Financial Recovery

Drunk driving accidents needlessly cause thousands of injuries each year in California and throughout the United States.  According to one study, alcohol was responsible for more than half of traffic fatalities in California.  Indeed, that same year, more than 33,000 people were injured in auto accidents caused by drunk drivers.  If you or someone you…

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Motorcycle Safety Tips for Riders and Drivers

Motorcycle accidents in the San Fernando Valley can occur when you least expect them, which is why being prepared makes sense.  Half of motorcycle accidents are not significant, and a rider can walk or ride away–and half result in long hospital stays or even death. Certain factors, such as being a newer rider with fewer…

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