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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 […]

TL;DR Accidents that cause injury, death, or over $750 in property damage must be reported to the California DMV by filing an SR-1 Form within 10 days. Reporting the crash to police or your insurance company does not replace the legal requirement to file the SR-1 with the DMV. Failing […]

TL;DR Motions for summary judgment are common in litigation and, if granted, can end a plaintiff’s case before trial, making strong opposition strategies essential. Defendants must first show that an essential element of the plaintiff’s claim cannot be proven, and they must support that argument with competent, admissible evidence. Plaintiffs […]

TL;DR A T-bone car accident, or side-impact collision, is one of the most dangerous types of crashes, often occurring at intersections when a driver runs a red light, turns illegally, or fails to yield. T-bone accident settlement amounts in California vary widely, ranging from $16,000 to over $1,250,000, depending on […]

TL;DR Knowing what to do after a car accident is crucial, including stopping, checking for injuries, calling 911, and documenting the scene. Exchange information with other drivers and witnesses, get medical attention, and keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses. Report the accident to your insurance company but communicate through […]

TL;DR Motorcycle accidents often cause severe, life-threatening injuries due to limited protection compared to cars. Injured riders may face high medical costs, lost wages, and long-term impacts on earning capacity. Legal counsel is crucial to handle insurance companies, claims, and settlements, especially if fault is disputed. Common damages include past […]

TL;DR Car accidents can cause a range of injuries, from minor bruises to severe trauma requiring surgery. Traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, serious bone fractures, and certain soft tissue injuries may all require surgical treatment. Surgery after a car accident is costly, and recovery can include missed work, rehabilitation, […]