Drugged Driving in Woodland Hills on the Rise

While we often hear about drunk driving and the damage it causes, there is another terror on the road, one that is not as well known but is on the rise: drugged driving.

According to a 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 9.9 million people aged 12 or older reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs during the year prior to being surveyed. While the rate of drunk driving is still higher, at 11%, drugged driving is still a serious concern and a form of distracted driving that can cause injury, or even death. Illegal drugs aren’t the only concern when it comes to driving while under the influence. A 2013-2014 National Roadside Survey found that more than 22% of drivers tested positive for illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs. Indeed, of these drivers who tested positive for drugs, 47% had used a prescription drug, 37% had used marijuana, and 10% had used cocaine. If you or a loved one was injured by a driver in Woodland Hills who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may be able to file a claim to recover financial compensation.

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Car AccidentBy Barry Goldberg

Tips for a Safe and Injury-Free Halloween

If you are like 64% of Americans, you will be celebrating Halloween this weekend. Halloween is considered by many to be a fun holiday, with an opportunity to dress up in a crazy / creative / unique costume and eat a lot of sugar! Indeed, Halloween is known by many, certainly children, for its trick or treating. And for good reason — we are projected to spend $2.1 billion on Halloween candy in the U.S. this year alone!

With 41 million potential trick or treaters between the ages of 4 and 15 expected to be out on the streets this Halloween, it is important for parents to keep a few safety tips in mind to ensure a safe holiday. While a day of fun for many, Halloween poses plenty of real dangers that lead to real injuries and real cases. Claims can range from pedestrian accidents to dog bites and premises liability. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you and your family and friends stay safe this Halloween while out and about in Woodland Hills.

Tips for a safe Halloween

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Personal InjuryBy Barry Goldberg

Hands-Free Devices Cause Serious Distraction for Drivers

It seems that hands-free devices may not be the solution to our distracted driving they were once thought to be. A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows some startling — and frightening — numbers about the risks of using a hands-free device (such as a smart phone or tablet) while driving. While texting and driving has been getting a lot of bad press lately (and for good reason! The number of serious injuries and fatalities associated with texting while driving are astounding), it appears that even using your device in “hands-free” mode has its downsides. If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident in Woodland Hills that was the result of a driver’s inattention or distracted driving, contact an experienced accident attorney to discuss your rights.

Hands-free devices cause distraction

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Car AccidentBy Barry Goldberg

Was Your Infant Child Injured in a Car Accident?

Were you involved in an auto accident with your infant child? Even if your child was snugly secured in his/her car seat, you likely still have fears about your baby’s health and well-being, especially if your baby is crying.

Car accidents are traumatic experiences for everyone, and infant children are no exception. If your child starts crying after you are hit by a reckless or negligent driver, you may be concerned that the tears mean he or she is injured. While that certainly may be the case, and it is necessary to take every precaution listed below to ensure your child’s safety, he or she may also be crying because of the sound and shock of the car crash and/or because the baby senses your anxiety.

With an infant child unable to tell you what is wrong, a parent involved in a car accident with an infant needs to take the following steps immediately.

Five Things To Do After a Car Accident With an Infant

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Car AccidentBy Barry Goldberg

Other Passengers: The Leading Cause of Car Accidents

These days, texting and driving gets a lot of backlash. And for good reason. In 2011, texting and driving was responsible for over 1.3 million car crashes, including many serious accidents in Woodland Hills. Statistically speaking, texting while driving makes a crash 23 times more likely than even talking on the phone and driving. If you or a loved one is injured by a driver who was texting instead of paying attention to the road, you may be able to bring a legal claim against them for damages.

However, texting while behind the wheel is not the only culprit of unsafe driving. In fact, many car accidents, especially among teens, are caused by other passengers in the car. Teens have the highest crash rate of any age group in the US and distraction is a factor in 58% of the accidents. And the top cause of these accidents? Not cellphone use (although that was #2): The top cause of distraction for teen drivers was interacting with one or more passengers. Researchers found that to be the cause of 15% of distracted-driving accidents among the teen drivers.

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Car AccidentBy Barry Goldberg

Dog Bites: Safety Tips for Adults

It is estimated that over 4 million US residents are bitten by a dog each year. Many of these dog bites victims are in California, where over 40% of households own at least one dog. Some of these bites are just surface level “scrapes” and thankfully, do not cause serious injury. However, many dog bite victims are not so lucky. Approximately 885,000 bites per year — almost one out of every 5 — are serious enough to require medical attention (according to the CDC).

So what do you do if you or a loved one is bitten by a dog that requires serious medical attention and carries long-term consequences? Contact an experienced dog bite lawyer in Woodland Hills to discuss your legal rights and potential for financial recovery.

Dog Safety Tips for Adults

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Dog BiteBy Barry Goldberg

When Auto Accidents Lead to Burn Injuries

Burn injuries can be long-lasting, even permanent. And they can happen in the blink of an eye. Someone driving safely in their car, heading to work or to dinner or to the store, could wake up after being hit by another automobile with disfiguring, painful, and embarrassing injuries caused by burns.

When we think of auto accidents in Woodland Hills, we generally think of broken bones or whiplash and other neck injuries. We do not often think of burns. But first, second, and third degree burns are all common injuries suffered by accident victims. Indeed, car accidents involving air bag impact or a horrific fire can result in burns. If you or a loved one suffered burns or other injuries in a car accident that was not your fault, you may have a potential legal claim.

Types of Burns

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Car AccidentBy Barry Goldberg

Santa Monica Successfully Asserts “Trail Immunity” For Sidewalk/Path at Palisades Park

Woodland Hills personal injury attorney Barry P. Goldberg is frequently consulted concerning fall accidents and biking accidents in and around Santa Monica.  In a recent unpublished case, the Court expanded the immunities available to public entities to include the “paths” adjacent to Ocean Avenue at Palisades Park which might otherwise be considered “sidewalks” for purposes…

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Bike Accident, Motorcycle Accident, Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury, Slip and FallBy Barry Goldberg

Pedestrian Accidents in Woodland Hills

With the emergence of new shopping centers, restaurants, and cafes in Woodland Hills, many residents are starting to appreciate the ability to walk to dinner, local boutiques, and more. Not only is walking eco-friendly, but it can be a nice way to get some exercise and take advantage of the warm Valley nights. Unfortunately, with the increase in pedestrians throughout Woodland Hills comes an increase in the number of pedestrian-related auto accidents.

Pedestrian accident statistics

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Pedestrian AccidentBy Barry Goldberg