Blog

TL;DR Family members may have legal options after a serious automobile accident when a loved one suffers catastrophic injuries or dies due to another party’s negligence. Common claims include loss of consortium, which allows a spouse to seek compensation for the loss of companionship, support, intimacy, and guidance resulting from […]

TL;DR Many accident victims delay contacting an attorney because injuries may not seem serious at first, but medical complications and expenses can develop over time. In California, personal injury lawsuits after a car accident generally must be filed within two years, while property damage claims typically have a three-year deadline. […]

TL;DR A 48-year-old man died after a collision involving two Lime electric scooters on the Mission Beach boardwalk in San Diego in June 2019. The man and a 22-year-old woman collided while riding alongside each other, causing both riders to lose control and be thrown from their scooters. Neither rider […]

TL;DR Attorney Gordon Levinson contributed a publication for Consumer Attorneys of San Diego (CASD) discussing the proper use of objections during depositions in civil and personal injury cases. Depositions are a key part of the discovery process, helping parties gather information, evaluate claims, prepare for trial, and facilitate settlement discussions. […]

TL;DR Punitive damages may be available in California personal injury cases when a person or company engages in extreme, reckless, or intentional misconduct beyond ordinary negligence. Unlike compensatory damages, which are meant to reimburse victims for their losses, punitive damages are designed to punish wrongful behavior and discourage similar conduct […]

TL;DR The California Supreme Court ruled in Rusheen v. Cohen (2006) that the litigation privilege protects attorneys and litigants from abuse-of-process claims based on actions taken during litigation and judgment enforcement. The case arose after Rusheen attempted to sue opposing counsel, alleging improper service, false proofs of service, and wrongful […]

After a car accident in California, managing injuries, vehicle damage, and insurance calls can feel very overwhelming and confusing to handle all alone. One of the first legal responsibilities that all drivers involved in an accident must handle immediately is reporting the crash to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. […]

Understanding the differences between comparative versus contributory negligence is important, as it’s fundamental to proving your personal injury claim and securing maximum compensation for your injuries. Our California personal injury attorneys will explain the complexities of tort law and how it affects your case. California follows the legal principle of […]

TL;DR Car accident settlement amounts in California vary widely based on injury severity, fault, and insurance coverage, with typical settlements ranging from tens of thousands to several million dollars. California follows an at-fault system with pure comparative fault, meaning you can recover compensation even if you are partially responsible for […]

TL;DR California has a high rate of fatal crashes, with thousands of deaths recorded annually, and certain highways account for a disproportionate share of these accidents. Major interstates like I-5 and US-101 are among the most dangerous, with hundreds of fatal crashes over a seven-year period due to heavy traffic, […]

TL;DR Rising healthcare and vehicle repair costs are making it more common for car accident claims to approach or exceed insurance policy limits, especially in California, where minimum coverage may be insufficient. Auto insurance limits are split into Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) (covers medical costs per person and per accident) […]

The aftermath of a motor vehicle crash can be chaotic and overwhelming, especially if you suffer injuries because of another driver’s negligence. Not surprisingly, you may be confused about what to do, when you need to do it, and how to go about it. Still, your actions are important to […]

A driver is going south on Route 5 during rush hour when the car behind hits the brakes at the last second. Alas, it is too late, and the vehicle rear-ends the vehicle. The driver gets out of the car and examines the damage. The pain gets a little worse, […]

TL;DR There is no fixed average settlement amount for a rear-end collision in California. Payouts can range from as little as $15,000 to as much as $2,750,000, and are determined by various factors. Key factors that influence the settlement amount include: Severity of Injuries: The extent and nature of your […]

At Levinson Law Group, we have seen firsthand how devastating pedestrian accidents can be for victims and their families in California. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, around 15,000 pedestrians are injured every year[1], and more than 1,100 lives are tragically lost due to pedestrian accidents throughout the […]

TL;DR Joint and several liability in California means multiple defendants can be held responsible for the full amount of certain damages, even if their individual share of fault is small. Under California’s modified rule, defendants may be fully liable for economic damages (like medical bills or lost wages), but non-economic […]

TL;DR A waiver of liability is a legal agreement where a person gives up the right to sue a business or organizer for injuries or death that may occur during certain activities. These waivers are commonly required for higher-risk activities like sports, amusement rides, zip lines, camps, gyms, and field […]

TL;DR Summary judgment motions aim to end a case before trial and pose a high risk for plaintiffs with little upside if defeated. Plaintiff attorneys can weaken these motions by attacking the admissibility and factual basis of the opponent’s evidence. Declarations supporting summary judgment must be backed by admissible, material […]

PROPERTY DISPUTES & DEFAULT JUDGEMENTS Attorney Gordon Levinson of Levinson Law Group wrote an article for Trial Bar News (May 2006 edition) that covered the interesting case of Rusheen v. Cohen out of California. The story begins with Niki and Maurice, represented by Cohen, purchasing a home from Rusheen’s father. When Rusheen did not leave […]

TL;DR Hearsay can be a major evidentiary challenge, but the spontaneous (excited) statement exception may allow key out-of-court statements to be admitted. A spontaneous statement must be made under the stress of a startling event, before the declarant has time to reflect or fabricate, and must relate directly to the […]