Other Services with our Central Coast Lawyer

Handling Cases Involving Major Airlines

Few personal injury claims are more complex than aviation accident cases. We have experience handling claims and litigation matters with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and can use our knowledge of the law to help you obtain maximum compensation.

Attorney Mitchell has worked cases involving major companies, including:

• • United Airlines
  • Delta Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Trans World Airlines
  • Military aircraft manufacturers
  • Jet Engine manufacturers

Common Causes of Aviation Accidents

Any aviation accident will be investigated thoroughly by the FAA. You may think that the FAA has a seemingly unlimited amount of resources with which to clearly determine causes of accidents so that you can obtain full compensation, but this is rarely the case. These cases are never as simple as receiving one clear answer from the FAA. You need a skilled lawyer to advocate for you and your case.

Aviation accidents can have many causes, and accidents may include:

• • Pilot error
  • Faulty maintenance
  • Hazardous weather
  • Takeoff accidents
  • Equipment failure
  • Accidents occurring to the airplane mid-flight
  • Landing accidents and defective landing gears

By investigating the cause of the aircraft accident or collision, we can maximize your compensation. From conducting accident reconstruction, utilizing an expert network of forensic analysts, or investigating special recording devices such as the airplane flight data recorder (also known as a black box), we can help determine whether your or your loved one’s accident was caused by a defective part, pilot error, or other issues. We work hard to hold parties responsible for FAA negligence, air traffic controller error, aircraft part manufacturer errors, commercial airline negligence, private charter company negligence, and individual pilot error.

Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicyclists in California have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Our attorneys are bike riders who understand the dangers of cycling. Bicyclists have every right to venture out onto the roads without fear of getting hit by a car or other larger, heavier vehicle. In many cases, drivers are simply not paying attention to what they are doing or to who else is on the road with them. We represent bicyclists who have been injured in a collision with a car or other vehicle, or as a result of a product failure or roadway defects.

Since bicycles offer no protection, bicycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or even death – sadly, the most common bike accident victims are young children.

We represent cyclists who have suffered any type of injury, including some of the most common:

• • Broken bones
  • Head injuries
  • Neck, back and spinal cord injuries
  • Seriours, injuries, including paralysi

The last thing you should be worrying about after a bicycle accident is where you will find the money to hire a good lawyer to fight for your rights. This is why Mitchell & Danoff Law Firm always advances costs and handles all bike accident personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you can concentrate on healing without worrying about paying for quality legal counsel. That means we only charge for our work when we succeed for you, receiving a percentage of the recovery ONLY after we are successful. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious personal injury in a bicycle accident, we are here to help.

Common Boating Accident Causes

People often forget that operating a boat is much different from driving a car. Although both require experience, attention, and skill, operating a vessel on rough waters requires precise control. It is common for victims or families to come to our firm after an accident that was caused by a boat operator who was inexperienced, was drinking while operating, or was simply not paying attention.

Common causes of boating accidents include:

• • Boating under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other controlled substances
    
  • Boater inexperience
  • Equipment failure
  • Hazardous water
  • Speeding
  • Inattentive or distracted operating
  • Missing safety vests or defective safety features
  • Vessel overload, leading to overturn or passenger falling overboard

Whether you were struck by a boat while swimming, were injured on a personal watercraft, or lost a family member in a drowning accident, all of these cases are tragic and require immediate help. Our Central Coast injury attorney has seen how devastating these types of accidents can be. From serious physical ailments to emotional trauma and financial damage, no one can afford a boating accident.

Recent Bus Accidents in California

On April 10, 2014, a tour bus carrying Los Angeles area students was headed toward Humboldt State University for a college view weekend on the campus. The bus was traveling on the I-5 freeway just outside the city of Orland when a FedEx truck veered out of the southbound lanes and into oncoming traffic, hitting the bus head-on. Ten people were killed in the crash.

On December 19, 2013, one person was killed and another 20 injured in a tour bus crash. The bus was headed toward Valley View Casino from Los Angeles. Reports indicate that rain on the highway had created a slick surface. The bus fishtailed and flipped onto its left side.

On July 28, 2013, three people were killed and another 19 injured in an Indianapolis bus crash. The bus was on its way back from a church camp in Michigan when it crashed due to brake failure. This was a single-vehicle accident – no other vehicles were involved.

Common Factors in Bus Accidents

After the most recent bus crash in Northern California, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a statement that, had their safety recommendations been followed, lives could have been saved. The NTSB has long been advocating for seatbelt, emergency exit, and fire-safety rules. These increased safety measures could protect bus passengers in the event of accidents.

These types of accidents are commonly caused by factors such as:

• • Driver inattention
  • Mechanical / brake failure
  • Falling asleep at the wheel
  • Speeding and reckless driving
  • Adverse weather conditions

Defendants in Bus Accident Cases

Victims of bus accidents may be able to file claims for compensation. Plaintiffs could seek monetary damages to compensate for accident-related expenses such as medical bills (present and future), lost wages, emotional/psychological trauma, and more.

Possible defendants can include:

• • The bus driver – in cases where driver negligence caused the accident
  • The bus company – in the event that poor oversight caused the accident
  • The bus manufacturer – if the accident was caused by poor or faulty bus design
  • A third-party maintenance company – for improper or failed bus maintenance

Handling  a Variety of Child Injury Claims

Few things harder for a family to endure than seeing a beloved child suffer injuries because of the negligence of someone else. Some of the most trusted relationships are adult-child relationships. When another adult betrays your child’s trust by causing him or her harm, you, your child, and your entire family could be left reeling from the emotional, financial, and psychological impacts. Our compassionate Central Coast injury attorney can handle any type of injury claim involving your minor child.

We are able to handle cases including the following:

• • Daycare accidents
  • Playground accidents
  • School and school bus accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Product liability claims stemming from dangerous toys or car seats
  • Swimming pool or community pool accidents
  • Fatalities and wrongful death claims

The financial and emotional consequences of a child injury can be enormous. Many times, it can feel as though there is no paycheck large enough to justify the wrongs that have been forced upon your child and your family. We work hard to identify liable parties that may have contributed to your child’s damages and hold them accountable for their negligence.

Common Causes of Pool Accidents

Pool accidents are especially dangerous if you have children running around. One of the ways you can keep your toddlers and smaller children safe is to install a pool guard. Another risk to children is the cleaning filters, which use suction power to clean the pool. These have been known to cause injuries to both children and adults. That is why it is always recommended to make sure you are taking all the necessary precautions to keep your pool day safe and prevent an injury from happening.

Other safety measure tips:

• • Do not dive into a shallow pool or a pool that is above ground
  • Always supervise children
  • Advise less experienced swimmers to stay close to the edge or near an experienced swimmer
  • Avoid swimming after drinking alcohol
  • Do not swim during a storm, especially if there is lightning

You may be wondering if whether or not you have a cause against the pool’s owner, and if you can recover compensation. This will more than likely depend on the circumstances regarding the incident. You may be able to make a claim against the homeowner’s insurance policy for injuries suffered.

What Qualifies as a  Government Entity?

If you are not sure if you have been injured on government property or some other type of property, speak with a skilled attorney who can help shed light on your particular circumstances. We would be happy to discuss your claim and determine whether the property that you or a loved one sustained injuries on is owned and / or run by the government.

State, county, and local government properties can refer to a wide variety of entities, including:

• • Schools
  • Colleges and universites
  • Clinics and hospitals
  • Playgrounds and public parks
  • Government offices
  • Government agencies
  • Public libraries
  • Other departments or agencies that serve the state, county, or local government

It may be frightening choosing to take legal action against such a large entity that has seemingly endless access to defense lawyers, investigators, or insurance funds. We reassure you that we have taken on large government entities and companies and have effectively represented our clients’ rights even in the most contentious cases. At Mitchell & Danoff Law Firm, we always tailor our services to meet your needs and we prepare every case for trial right from the beginning.

What Are The Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

While riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating activity, it obviously comes with it’s risks. Oftentimes motorcycle accidents aren’t even caused by the motorcyclist, but rather other drivers’ negligence. Here are some common causes of motorcycle accidents:

• • Drivers under the influence
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Speeding
  • Tailgating and sudden stops
  • Distracted drivers
  • Hazardous road conditions
  • Lane splitting
  • Motorcycle defects

Representing Injured Motorcyle Accident Victims

Often times, you end up with life-changing injuries after a motorcycle accident, and we want to make sure your needs are taken care of.

Motorcyclists often end up with the following injuries after a crash:

• • Back, spinal cord and neck injuries
  • Brain and other head injuries
  • Broken bones and other physical damage

If you are the loved one of a fatal accident victim, let us fight on your behalf so you don’t have to deal with this tragedy alone.

Types of Premises Liability Claims

Property liability law refers to the body of personal injury law that holds a property owner responsible for certain injuries that result from an accident that occurred on the premises. Whether you were injured on residential, commercial, or industrial property, all of these landowners are required by California’s premises liability laws to keep their properties free and clear of any immediate danger. When a floor is covered with sharp or obstructive objects, a spill is not cleaned up, or a cracked sidewalk is left unrepaired, accidents and serious injuries can occur.

Common examples of premises liability claims include:

• • Dog bites and animal attacks
  • Fires and explosions
  • Inadequate security
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Swimming pool accidents
  • Accidents in retail shops, restaurants, or apartment complexes

Because premises liability claims will require proof that someone else’s negligence directly caused your accident, it is crucial that you speak immediately with an attorney after your accident to preserve the evidence and begin building a strong case. The more time passes, the more likely it is that evidence will be cleared away or that witnesses will forget what they saw.

Liability in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Pedestrian accidents typically involve walkers being struck by cars, but they can also involve collisions with trucks, buses, motorcycles or even bicycles. In such cases, it can be a challenge to obtain compensation for injuries sustained as a pedestrian, because it is often difficult to prove who was at fault. The issue of liability is often vigorously contested by both sides.

Drivers have a legal responsibility to take all reasonable measures to avoid collisions with pedestrians, no matter what else is going on. In reality, however, drivers often fail to see or yield to pedestrians even when they are in a designated crosswalk, resulting in serious injuries.

Pedestrian Accident Cases

Pedestrians, even more so than motorcyclists and bicyclists, are extremely vulnerable to catastrophic injuries and even fatalities. Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable to injury and the most commonly injured pedestrians.

Common injuries include:

• • Knee fractures
  • Leg fractures
  • Hip fractures
  • Ankle fractures

When negligent drivers cause pedestrian accidents, they can do permanent harm to victims and their families.

After a pedestrian accident, you may have been able to obtain information about the person or vehicle that struck you. If you were injured in a hit-and-run, you may have little or no information about the driver. Whatever the case, we are here to help. We pursue justice and fair compensation on behalf of pedestrian accident victims.

Getting  The Facts About Mass Transit Accidents

Recent news reports indicate that public transit ridership is surging across San Jose and the entire Bay Area due to high gas prices and the overall economy. Higher transit frequency can often lead to higher rates of mishaps and accidents. Whether you’ve been hit by a public transportation vehicle or injured while riding one, you have rights!

Public transportation accidents occur on all kinds of vehicles:

• • Bus
  • Light rail
  • Commuter train
  • Shuttle bus

VTA buses/lightrail, BART, Caltrain, S.F. MUNI, and Santa Cruz Metro are just a few of the places where these accidents may occur. If the agency was at fault, they deserve to be held responsible!

Handling Your Public Transportaion Accident Claim

Victims of injury should be mindful that cases arising from public transportation are handled differently than many other types of personal injury cases. This is because, unlike a lawsuit against a private individual or private entity, the transportation agency may be a public entity. Our injury lawyers know that, for many people, this turns into a complicated situation.

The legal procedures and timelines are different. For example, there is a much shorter statute of limitations (only six months) in which you are allowed to file a claim. If you fail to file in time, it could result in a complete forfeiture of your entitlements. You must notify the correct government agency in this time period, which gives you an additional six months to file an injury lawsuit.

What to Do If You are Involved in an 18-Wheeler Accident

If you are in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, your first priority should be your safety. While there are some steps you can take to make filing your personal injury claim simpler, you should always seek immediate safety first. If you are involved in a truck accident you should:

• • Move away from traffic or danger if possible
  • Call 911 and request medical assistance
  • If you are able, collect the drivers contact information and their employers information
  • Give a police statement and collect the officers badge number
  • Seek professional medical assistance

It’s recommended that you don’t talk about the accident with the other drivers involved and avoid discussing the accident with the other drivers’ insurance company. If you are involved in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, it may be in your best interest to enlist the expertise of an attorney as soon as possible.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Commercial truck drivers are held to incredibly high standards because of the dangers that their large vehicles pose. Commercial truckers drive for a living, so it is only normal to expect that they operate their vehicles professionally and safely. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. When a trucker fails to adhere to state traffic laws or chooses to ignore federal safety regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the commercial trucker could put an average motorist at risk of injury or even death.

Big rig truck accidents can include the following:

• • Vehicle rollovers
  • Trailer jackknifing
  • Multiple car pileup
  • Explosions or oil fires
  • T-bone, rear-end, and head-on collisions
  • Cargo overloads leading to fall offs, spills, or rollovers
  • Toxic exposure to hazardous material in cargo

Big rig trucks can cause significant damage to innocent motorists. In addition to property damage, any accident involving a commercial vehicle can involve serious injuries and fatalities. Our clients should not have to pay for these damages, especially when a negligent truck driver or trucking company caused the accident.