As we gear up to celebrate Independence Day, the Fourth of July weekend often brings a surge of traffic on our roads and highways. While it's a time for family gatherings, fireworks, and festivities, it's important to be aware that the increased number of cars on the road can lead to a higher risk of accidents. In this blog post, we will explore the correlation between holiday travel and road accidents, and provide essential guidance on what to do if you find yourself involved in a car accident. The Correlation between Holiday Travel and Road Accidents: The Fourth of July is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with millions of Americans hitting the roads to celebrate with friends and family. Unfortunately, this increased traffic can result in a higher number of accidents. Factors contributing to the heightened risk include: a) Congested roads: The influx of vehicles can lead to traffic congestion, causing frustration and impatience among drivers, which can result in aggressive driving behaviors. b) Impaired driving: Alcohol consumption is often associated with Independence Day celebrations, leading to an increased number of drivers under the influence. Impaired driving significantly raises the risk of accidents. c) Distracted driving: With more people on the road, distractions can become more prevalent. Drivers may be tempted to use their mobile devices, adjust the radio, or engage in conversations, diverting their attention from the road. Taking Precautions to Stay Safe: While we cannot control the actions of others on the road, there are steps we can take to minimize the risks and ensure a safe journey. Here are some precautions to consider: a) Plan ahead: Allow for extra travel time, considering potential delays due to holiday traffic. Plan your route in advance and be aware of alternative paths if needed. b) Avoid distractions: Keep your focus on driving by refraining from texting, talking on the phone, or engaging in other distracting activities. Assign a passenger as the designated navigator if necessary. c) Don't drink and drive: If you plan to consume alcohol, designate a sober driver or make use of rideshare services or public transportation options. Remember, buzzed driving is still impaired driving. d) Practice defensive driving: Stay alert and anticipate the actions of other drivers. Maintain a safe following distance, obey speed limits, and use your turn signals when changing lanes. What to Do if You're Involved in a Car Accident: Even with the utmost caution, accidents can still occur. If you find yourself in a car accident, follow these essential steps: a) Ensure safety: Check for injuries and move to a safe location, if possible. Turn on hazard lights and set up reflective triangles or flares to warn oncoming traffic. b) Contact emergency services: Dial emergency services right away and report the accident. If there are injuries or significant vehicle damage, request an ambulance and police assistance. c) Document the scene: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, damage, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with other involved parties. d) Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine initially, some injuries may manifest later. It's crucial to get a medical evaluation as soon as possible to document any potential injuries. e) Consult with an attorney: If the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it's advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney. They can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.  As we celebrate the Fourth of July, it's essential to remember that increased traffic volume can heighten the risk of accidents. At Flahavan Law we are here to help call us today.

When someone dies as a result of another person’s negligence or intentional harm, it’s known as a wrongful death . Wrongful death can occur in a variety of circumstances, including car accidents, medical malpractice, defective products, and workplace accidents. In California, wrongful death is defined as a death caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another. If you or a loved one has been affected by a wrongful death, it’s important to understand your rights and how an attorney can help. The Flahavan Law Offices in Santa Rosa, CA is here to help you seek justice and compensation for your losses. Understanding Wrongful Death It’s important to remember that wrongful death doesn’t always involve criminal charges. Even if criminal charges aren’t filed, the victim’s family may still have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit against the responsible party. In some cases, the responsible party may be an individual, such as a negligent driver or a careless doctor. In other cases, the responsible party may be a company or other organization, such as a manufacturer of a defective product. How a Wrongful Death Attorney Can Help When someone dies as a result of another person’s negligence or intentional harm, it’s important to understand your rights and how an attorney can help. An experienced wrongful death attorney can help you understand the legal process and guide you through the steps necessary to seek justice and compensation for your losses. The attorneys at Flahavan Law Offices in Santa Rosa, CA, are experienced in handling wrongful death cases. We can help you understand the legal process, evaluate your claim, and pursue the compensation you deserve. We understand that this is an incredibly difficult time, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Seeking Compensation When a loved one dies as a result of another person’s negligence or intentional harm, it’s important to understand how you can seek compensation. In California, the surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for their losses. The damages available in a wrongful death lawsuit may include medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, lost wages and benefits, and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can help you understand the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve. At Flahavan Law Offices in Santa Rosa, CA, we understand the emotional toll of wrongful death and are here to help you seek justice and compensation for your losses. Our wrongful death attorneys can help you understand the legal process and guide you through the steps necessary to seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about your rights and how we can help..

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in Sonoma County, you may be wondering what your legal rights are and how an attorney can help. This blog post will provide you with some tips and guidance. Understanding Your Rights The first step in understanding how an attorney can help you is to understand your rights. Every state has its own laws regarding personal injury and the rights of victims. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and the legal process involved in pursuing a personal injury claim. Gathering Evidence The second step that an attorney can help you with is gathering evidence. You will need this evidence to support your case. This includes collecting medical records, witness statements, and other evidence to prove that the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. Negotiating with Insurance Companies The third step that a personal injury lawyer can help you with is negotiating with insurance companies. Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for less than the amount you deserve. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Filing a Lawsuit The fourth step is to file a lawsuit. If the insurance company is unwilling to provide you with fair compensation, you may need to file a lawsuit to seek justice. An attorney can help you file a lawsuit and represent you in court. Getting the Help You Need If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in Sonoma County, it is important to seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. At Flahavan Law Offices , we understand the complexities of personal injury law and can provide you with the help you need to get the compensation you deserve. We have years of experience handling personal injury cases and will fight for your rights every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Car accidents are a common occurrence in the United States and unfortunately, they can lead to serious injuries and fatalities. In 2019, over 36,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes, and another 4.4 million were injured. Knowing the most common causes of car accidents and how to avoid them can help you stay safe on the roads. Distracted Driving Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. It occurs when a driver takes their attention away from the task of driving to focus on another activity. Common distractions include texting and talking on the phone, eating and drinking, grooming, looking at a GPS, and adjusting the radio. To avoid distracted driving, turn off your phone or put it on silent and place it out of reach while driving. Driving Under the Influence Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in all 50 states and it can have serious consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an average of 30 people die in alcohol-impaired driving crashes every day in the United States. To avoid driving under the influence, always have a designated driver or take public transportation when you plan on drinking. Speeding Speeding is another common cause of car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding is a factor in about one-third of all fatal car accidents in the United States. To avoid speeding, always obey the speed limit and leave plenty of time to reach your destination so that you don’t feel rushed. Reckless Driving Reckless driving is when a driver operates their vehicle in a manner that endangers other people or property. This can include speeding, running red lights, making illegal turns, tailgating, and weaving in and out of traffic. To avoid reckless driving, always drive defensively and be aware of your surroundings. Fatigue Fatigue is another common cause of car accidents. It occurs when a driver is too tired to pay attention to the road or react quickly in an emergency situation. To avoid fatigue, make sure to get enough sleep before driving and take regular breaks if you’re driving long distances. At the Flahavan Law Offices, we understand the devastating effects of car accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, our experienced team of personal injury attorneys can help. We have extensive experience in handling car accident cases and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Auto accidents are unfortunately all too common on California roads. In the event of a crash, determining fault and liability can be complicated. In some cases, more than one party may be at fault for the accident. In California, a legal principle called comparative negligence is used to apportion fault and allocate damages among the parties involved in an accident. If you have been involved in an auto accident, it is essential to understand how comparative negligence works and how it may affect your ability to recover compensation for your losses. What is Comparative Negligence? Comparative negligence is a legal principle used in many states to determine fault and allocate damages in personal injury cases. In California, comparative negligence is governed by Civil Code section 1714.1 . Under this law, if more than one party is at fault for an accident, each party's percentage of fault is determined and used to reduce the damages they can recover. For example, if a driver is injured in an accident and is found to be 20% at fault for the accident, the damages they can recover will be reduced by 20%. If their total damages were $100,000, they would only be able to recover $80,000. Comparative negligence is different from contributory negligence, which was used in the past in many states. Under contributory negligence, if a plaintiff was found to be even slightly at fault for an accident, they would be barred from recovering any damages at all. Comparative negligence is a more lenient system that allows plaintiffs to recover damages even if they were partially at fault for the accident. How is Comparative Negligence Determined? In California, comparative negligence is determined by a jury or judge during a trial. The parties involved in the accident may present evidence and arguments to support their position on fault. The jury or judge will then allocate fault percentages to each party involved. It is important to note that comparative negligence applies to all parties involved in the accident, including the plaintiff. Even if the plaintiff was injured in the accident and was not at fault, their damages may still be reduced if they were found to be partially at fault for the accident. This is why it is essential to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of comparative negligence and fight for your right to maximum compensation. How Does Comparative Negligence Affect Auto Accident Cases in California? In California, comparative negligence can have a significant impact on auto accident cases. If you are involved in an accident and are found to be partially at fault, your damages may be reduced. This means that you may be responsible for paying a portion of your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages out of pocket. Additionally, comparative negligence can also impact your ability to recover compensation for pain and suffering. Under California law, pain and suffering damages are only available to plaintiffs who can prove that they did not contribute to the accident in any way. If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, you may not be able to recover any pain and suffering damages at all. How Can You Protect Yourself After an Auto Accident in California? If you have been involved in an auto accident in California, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your legal rights. First, seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not think you have been seriously injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not be immediately apparent but can have serious long-term consequences if left untreated. Next, contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can help you gather evidence, build a strong case, and fight for your right to maximum compensation. Your attorney can also help you navigate the complexities of comparative negligence and work to minimize your liability for any damages you may be found responsible for. Finally, it is important to be cautious when communicating with insurance companies after an accident. Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and their primary goal is to pay out as little as possible on claims. Be wary of accepting any settlement offers from an insurance company without consulting with an attorney first. Your attorney can help you evaluate the offer and determine whether it is fair and adequate based on the specific facts of your case. Call Flahavan Law Offices Today! In conclusion, auto accidents can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. If you have been involved in an auto accident in California, understanding comparative negligence is essential to protect your legal rights and recover the compensation you deserve. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Flahavan Law Offices today to learn more about how comparative negligence may affect your case and how to protect yourself going forward. Remember, you do not have to navigate the legal system alone – a skilled attorney can help you every step of the way.

Personal injury cases can be complex. You may be wondering what your case is worth and how to make sure that you are getting the compensation you deserve. If you are in Santa Rosa, California and looking for information on personal injury cases, this guide is for you. What Factors Determine the Value of My Personal Injury Case? The value of your personal injury case will depend on several different factors. These factors include the severity of your injuries, the amount of medical bills you have incurred, the amount of lost wages due to your injury, the amount of pain and suffering caused by your injury, and the amount of property damage you have sustained. Additionally, the state laws also play a role in determining the value of your case. How Can I Make Sure I’m Getting the Compensation I Deserve? The best way to make sure you are getting the compensation you deserve for your personal injury case is to hire an experienced attorney. An attorney can review the details of your case and help you understand what your case is worth. Additionally, they can help you negotiate a settlement that is fair and just. At Flahavan Law Offices, we can provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to get the compensation you deserve. We understand the complexities of personal injury cases and can help you make sure that you are getting the compensation you deserve. What Types of Damages Can I Receive? The damages that you can receive in a personal injury case can vary depending on the specifics of your case. Generally, you may be able to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. What If I Don’t Agree With the Settlement Offer? If you don’t agree with the settlement offer, you may be able to negotiate a better settlement. Your attorney can help you negotiate a higher settlement that is fair and just. Additionally, if negotiations fail, you may be able to take your case to court. Get the Compensation You Deserve Personal injury cases can be confusing and complex. Understanding what your case is worth and making sure that you are getting the compensation you deserve can be difficult. If you are looking for help with a personal injury case in Santa Rosa, California, the experienced attorneys at Flahavan Law Offices can help. We understand the complexities of personal injury cases and can help you make sure that you are getting the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about what your personal injury case is worth.

Product liability claims occur when a product causes harm to a consumer, resulting in the need for legal action. You may be entitled to financial compensation if you've been injured due to a defective product. It is important to understand the different types of product liability claims available so that you can make an informed decision on how best to proceed. Here are three types of product liability claims that may be applicable in your case. Design Defect Claims A design defect occurs when the product's design is inherently dangerous or defective, even if it was manufactured according to instructions. This type of claim requires proof that the danger was present in the design and not just in the manufacturing process. The injured party must prove that there was an alternative design available that would have prevented their injury or made it less severe. In other words, they must demonstrate that a safer version of the same product could have been created but wasn't. Manufacturing Defect Claims Manufacturing defects occur when a product deviates from its intended design due to some error in production or assembly. This type of claim requires proof that there was an error during the manufacturing process and that this error caused the consumer's injury or illness. The injured party must prove that there was something wrong with how it was assembled or manufactured, not just with its design itself. Failure-to-Warn Claims This type of claim occurs when a consumer is injured by using a product properly but without being warned about potential risks associated with its use. A failure-to-warn claim requires proof that there was inadequate warning given about potential risks associated with using the product and that such a lack of warning resulted in injury or illness for the consumer. In other words, had they been adequately warned, they would not have used it and thus avoided injury altogether. Product liability claims are complicated and require careful consideration before taking action; however, understanding your rights, as well as these three types of common claims, can help you assess whether you should pursue damages for any injuries incurred as a result of faulty products. If you believe you have experienced harm due to a defective product, contact an experienced attorney who can advise you on your best course of action moving forward and will fight for fair compensation on your behalf. Product Liability Attorneys in Sonoma County, CA If you are in Sonoma County and believe that you have been injured due to a defective product, the experienced attorneys at Flahavan Law Offices can help. We understand the complexities of product liability claims and will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your rights are fully protected, from filing an initial claim all the way through to the conclusion of your case. Contact us today at (707) 414-0119 for a free consultation and to learn more about our services.

Car accidents involving projectiles can be extremely dangerous. Projectiles such as rocks, debris, and other objects can cause severe damage to a vehicle and its occupants. On the other hand, the occupants themselves can become projectiles if not properly restrained. While most people in California wear seat belts (97.2 in 2021) , a particular population has gone historically unrestrained in vehicles: our pets. Animal Seat Belt Statistics The Pet Passenger Safety Survey by AAA and Kurgo reported that only 16 percent of pet owners restrain their animals when traveling in the car. This means that an overwhelming 84 percent neglect to ensure that they are buckled in. Reasons given for not securing their animals include their pet's calmness in the car, short duration of trips, or just never having considered it. But the consequences vastly outweigh these reasons. The above survey showed that an unrestrained 10-pound animal involved in a 50 mph car collision can exert upwards of 500 pounds of force, while an unrestrained 80-pound animal in a 30 mph car accident exerts nearly 2400 pounds of force. If you're planning on taking a road trip with your furry friend, you should be aware of the laws in California regarding pet restraint. Pets should always be secured when traveling in a vehicle, but is it legally required? Let's take a look. The Law: Is it Required? The California Vehicle Code does not require animals to be restrained while riding in an automobile ( unless in the back of a pickup truck ). However, if an animal does cause interruption or interference with the driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely, then it will be treated as a typical distracted driving infraction leading to fines and/or points on your license. In addition, local jurisdictions may have their own ordinances that require restraints for animals while driving. Be sure to check with your city or county prior to hitting the road with your pet. The Consequence of Not Restraining Your Pet Whether or not there is currently a law requiring pet restraint while driving, it is wise—and even more importantly—safe to restrain pets while they are riding in the car. The following are some ways that you can keep your pet safe during travel: Use crates or carriers for smaller animals like cats and small dogs Invest in dog seat belts or harnesses for large dogs Secure crates and carriers with seat belts so they don't slide around the car Don't let your pet sit on your lap or roam freely within the vehicle Getting Help From an Experienced Car Accident in Sonoma County If you were injured in a car accident, the team at Flahavan Law Offices can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. We are experienced in handling car accident cases and understand the complexities that come with them. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and find out how we can help you get the justice you deserve. Call us today at (707) 414-0119 or fill out our form online for a free consultation.

In many instances, car accidents involve one car causing a collision with another. However, it’s essential to recognize that not all road accidents involve multiple vehicles. In fact, in some cases, an object such as a tire or metal scrap left in the middle of the road can cause a single car accident and lead to serious injuries and damages. How Car Accidents Involving Road Objects Occur Car accidents involving objects on the road typically happen when drivers encounter objects that have been left behind after falling off a vehicle or truck due to improper maintenance or loading. These objects may include: Tires/shredded rubber, Ladders, Furniture, Rocks/gravel Flying tarps and more. When these items are encountered on the roadway unexpectedly (and often without warning), it can create hazardous conditions for drivers, which might lead to an accident if they cannot stop in time or swerve away from it quickly enough. Determining Liability The first step in determining liability after a car accident involving an object on the road is identifying who is responsible for leaving that object there in the first place. In many cases, this will be either another driver whose vehicle had poor maintenance or loading practices that resulted in something falling off their vehicle onto the road, a construction company responsible for ensuring proper safety measures along construction zones, or even government agencies tasked with maintaining safe roads and highways free from debris and dangerous materials. Depending on who may have been at fault here (or if multiple parties were involved), different legal approaches may need to be taken to ensure proper compensation for resulting damages and injuries. How Can I Recover Compensation? In most cases where another person’s negligence was responsible for a car accident involving an object on the road—whether that be another driver or otherwise—compensation can usually be pursued by filing a personal injury lawsuit against them seeking reimbursement for any medical bills incurred as a result of their negligence. If applicable, insurance policies exist that may also provide coverage in certain situations (such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, for example, if no driver can be found). How an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Sonoma Can Help In order to receive the compensation you deserve for a car accident involving an object on the road, it’s best to contact the experienced car accident attorney at Flahavan Law Offices . We will be able to review your case and any evidence you have available, work with investigators and other professionals as necessary, and help you build a strong case on your behalf. If you have been injured in a car accident, call us today at (707) 414-0119 or fill out our form online for a free consultation.