Helpful Action Plan That You Should Follow After a Road Accident

Be calm. This is what some drivers failed to do following a road accident. Sometimes, with panic and other related emotions involved, aftermath of the accident becomes worst. Aggravation of injuries, costs of repair, amount of medical expenses and dealing with legal representation may go out of hand at this point.

When dealing with a road accident seconds after it happened, it is very important to act quickly, however, with the calmness that is required of a person in a tough situation. Here is an action plan that must be followed after an accident:

1.    Have an emergency kit in handy

It must include:

·         Pen and paper

·         Disposable camera

·         Personal identification card

·         Contact numbers of police agencies and medical emergency response team

The pen and paper will be used to take down notes, while the camera will be utilized to take photos of the accident scene. Also, early warning devices such as warning triangles and the like must be kept at all times inside the car.

2.    Information exchange

It is an imperative for the driver to jot down information of all the persons involved in the accident, including personal and vehicle information. Also, it is important for the driver to write down the following:

·         Date

·         Place

·         time

·         condition outside, and;

·         how the whole thing happened

3.    Take pictures of the accident

The camera inside the emergency kit (or the camera feature of the mobile phone) will be used to document the extent of the damages on the scene of the accident.

4.    File a police report

If police arrives at the scene, the driver must provide information about the accident. That is unless if the police asked him to be interrogated. A vehicle accident report must be filed in order for the insurance companies to know the extent of the accident.

5.    Contact an injury attorney

Having an injury attorney Los Angeles would be essential in this type of situation, especially if there is severe injury involved. Using all the collected information will help in determining the compensation the victim will receive.

Four Tips on How to Become a More than Just a California Employer

There are certain ways a California can become a better and more just boss. Day in day out, there are news stories about employment lawsuits filed due to wide array of workplace disputes, such as employment discrimination, accidents in the workplace, and the list goes on.

How to Become a Better Employer

1. Never let your employees work in a hazardous or life-threatening environment.

Under Occupational Safety and Hazard Act (OSH Act), employers doing business in California are legally required to provide their workers with safe workplace in order to protect everyone’s welfare.

2. Respect the employment rights of disabled applicants and employees.

There are at least two laws prohibiting employers from practicing disability discrimination in the workplace, these are:

·         Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

·         Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)

Under the said laws, employment discrimination towards disabled people is prohibited. If you really want to become a more reasonable and law-abiding employer, then you would need to respect the rights of applicants and employees with disabling condition.

3. Do not discriminate against an employee based on his national origin and/or citizenship status. Pursuant to the following laws, national origin and citizenship status discrimination is prohibited:

·         Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act

·         Immigration and Nationality ACT (INA)

·         FEHA

Employers are implored not be biased on people due to their national origin or citizenship status. Non-complying employers may face legal charges by Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

4. Do not discriminate against people based on their gender expression.

Starting January 1, 2012, employers in California are not allowed to discriminate against employees and applicants based on their gender identity or gender expression. Pursuant to AB 887 or Gender Nondiscrimination Act, employers need to respect the employment rights of homosexuals, bisexuals, and transsexuals.

Negligence-related Car Accidents in California

One of the main contributors to the rise of personal injury cases in Los Angeles is car accidents. According to available statistics, in 2008 alone, at least 5,811,000 automobile accidents were recorded in the country. The staggering number of traffic accidents poses a great threat to many drivers, commuters, and pedestrians in California.

Negligence as a Cause

Traffic experts believe that majority of car accidents in California is caused by drivers’ carelessness and negligence when using the road. Under California personal injury law, it is unlawful for motorists to cause injury to another individual; hence, non-complying drivers may face lawsuits or may be required to provide payments to accident victims.

The following are the common negligent driving-related causes of vehicular accidents in Los Angeles:

·         Driver’s failure to comply with implemented speed limits

·         Ignoring traffic signals

·         Improper lane changes

·         Driving under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs

·         Disregarding pedestrians and bicyclists

·         Motorist’s failure to give right of way to other drivers

Recoverable Damages

Los Angeles car accident victims have the right to claim for the following compensations:

·         Payments for medical treatment and medications

·         Loss wages costs

·         Payments for repairing or replacing damaged property like vehicle

·         Pain and suffering payments

Importance of Having a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you are a victim of a car accident in Los Angeles and you are not at fault, you have to right to assert for a personal injury claim. In this circumstance, it is highly-suggested for you to consult with an experienced Los Angeles lawyer to evaluate and handle your concern.

Personal injury attorneys (and in the case of a Los Angeles lawyer) are proficient in handling car accident cases; hence, seeking legal assistance from one may help you resolve the case more conveniently. Additionally, injury lawyers are experts in dealing with insurance companies, with this, you no longer need to worry about the complicated tasks involved in insurance negotiations.