What is the California Good Samaritan Law?
When you encounter an emergency situation, you may try to act as a Good Samaritan and help any injured victims instead of walking away from the scene. However, our actions may end up causing more harm than good—which often opens us up to civil liability. In these situations, California’s Good Samaritan laws can protect…
Bakersfield Gas Explosion Case Is Back On Track
Daniel Rodriguez and Chantal A. Trujillo of Rodriguez & Associates are co-representing Bakersfield, California neighbors injured by the Wildwood gas explosion. In November 2015 the California almond farm, Wildwood, triggered a fire and explosion after rupturing an underground gas line while the farm was being excavated in preparation for planting almond trees, causing personal…
Stephanie Lopez Reflects on 10-Plus Years as a Paralegal at Rodriguez & Associates
“I feel like I’m helping out as opposed to being just another cog in the wheel,” says Stephanie Lopez of her work at Rodriguez & Associates. Stephanie has worked with the firm for more than a decade as a paralegal, keeping the attorneys and their caseloads as organized as possible in addition to interacting…
Truck Driver Substance Abuse Is a Danger to Everyone on the Road
Seventy-hour workweeks, eight days in a row. An uncertain pay structure. Extended periods of isolation that can lead to severe loneliness. These are just a few of the realities for truck drivers in the United States. Unfortunately, they also contribute to widespread substance abuse in the industry as drivers struggle to cope with their…
What Are the Consequences for Driving Without Insurance?
California is a fault insurance state that requires drivers who are responsible for car accidents to pay for their victims’ damages. To uphold this financial responsibility and comply with state law, you must carry certain amounts of car insurance. However, not all drivers comply with this requirement—but failure to do so can lead to…
4 Common Causes of Oilfield Accidents
Though the oilfield is an inherently dangerous place to work, safety measures can be highly effective when they are implemented, monitored, and managed correctly. It’s when facilities choose to skirt the rules, cut corners, and sometimes even blatantly violate state and federal regulations that oilfield accidents most commonly happen, leading to serious and even…
What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcyclists face many dangers on California roads. Any accident between a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle can result in devastating injuries with long-term complications. While safe driving practices can help motorcyclists avoid preventable collisions, these accidents can occur for several reasons, including poor weather, dangerous road conditions, and negligent driver behavior. Unsafe Lane Changes…
Who Is Liable for an Injury Caused by a Defective Product?
When we purchase a product, we trust that the manufacturer, retailer, and distributor have ensured that it is safe to use. If there are any potential dangers when using the product, the manufacturer must provide proper warnings and instructions. Unfortunately, defective products can reach consumers—leading to serious injuries. If you’ve been injured by a…
What Is a Hematoma and What Causes It?
Our brains serve as the command system for our bodies. Any damage to this vital organ can lead to long-term complications, including memory loss, chronic pain, seizures, and difficulty speaking or writing. Unfortunately, thousands of people suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) each year. There are many types of TBI, which range in severity…
What is Wrongful Death and Do I have a Case?
Wrongful death is when one person is killed by another person’s misconduct, wrongful action, or negligence. Common examples include car accidents that occur because of negligence. In the state of California, cases of wrongful death are treated as civil cases and therefore differ from criminal cases involving homicide, which usually result in punishment (fines…