North County Injury Blog

Studies show that hundreds of deaths and injuries on the highway each are caused by truck drivers suffering from medical problems behind the wheel. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration admits that it hasn’t implemented any of the eight recommendations regulators proposed in 2001. The number of trucking crashes has been described as a “major…

One of the most frequent questions Walton Law Firm gets from potential clients is, “Do I need a lawyer?” While there is no set answer, here are some general guidelines. You probably need a lawyer if: 1) You need more than one doctor visit to treat your injuries. Generally, if your injuries are such that…

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the value of the average American life has declined $1 million in the past five years and is now worth just $6.9 million. Unlike the calculations made in wrongful death lawsuits, the calculations made by the EPA are based upon how much individuals are willing to pay to…

A decline in auto accident deaths may be attributed to the increase in fuel prices, a new study shows. The report was released last month at a meeting of the American Society of Health Economists. The study found that for every 10% increase in gas prices, there was a 2.3% decline in automobile accident fatalities.…

The California Department of Insurance has ordered Allstate Insurance to cut its homeowner’s insurance rates by 28.5 percent, one of the largest cuts ever required. On average, the each of the 50,000 Allstate ratepayers in California will save approximately $243 in premiums. A complaint filed last year by the non-partisan group Consumer Watchdog challenging a…

It’s been a bad few weeks for the image of hospitals in America. Two weeks ago, a woman died in the emergency room of a New York Hospital waiting for a bed. She apparently waited over 24 hours, and surveillance cameras show her lying on the floor of the ER for more than an hour…

Hit-and-run auto accidents have declined in nearly all of San Diego’s North County cities over the last three years. Oceanside had the most dramatic decrease. In 2007 the city recorded 695 hit-and-run accidents, 157 fewer than were recorded in 2005. Escondido, Vista, and Encinitas also reported decreases. Only Carlsbad and San Marcos saw an increase…

Every so often, we get asked: “I was involved in a motorcycle accident while riding my motorcycle for work and got injured. Worker’s Compensation is taking care of my medical bills. Do I need an attorney?” The answer is “If you were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you probably do.” Motorcycle accidents…

A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows a decrease in the annual number of incapacitating injuries due to auto accidents of 25%. It defines an incapacitating injury as a severe non-fatal injury that prevents the injured party from walking or driving, or the ability to continue the pre-accident activities of daily living.…

One of the difficulties plaintiffs have had to deal with in recovering their “fair” damages in a personal injury lawsuit has been, ironically, insurance. Under a line of California cases, a plaintiff who has medical insurance, has essentially been penalized by the courts. Under the holding of Hanif v Housing Authority (1988) 200 Cal.App.3d 635…