Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Targets Motorcycle Accident Injuries

By Andy Gillin May 6, 2011

We’ve been writing a lot about National Bike Month. The cycle-centric holiday, hosted by the League of American Cyclists, has placed a large emphasis on increasing ridership and teaching... Read More

California Bike to Work Day Benefits San Francisco’s Market Street

By Andy Gillin May 5, 2011

San Francisco is getting serious about reducing bicycle accidents. The upsurge in bicycle and pedestrian fatalities in past months has lead the city’s Municipal Transportation Authority to improve safety... Read More

National Bike Month Supporters Get Serious on Sacramento Bicycle Accidents

By Andy Gillin May 4, 2011

Both here in California and nationwide, residents and lawmakers are boosting bicycle safety awareness during May, National Bike Month. Many of these initiatives take aim at helping children learn... Read More

National Bike Month Focuses on Reducing Youth Bicycle Accidents

By Andy Gillin May 3, 2011

As National Bike Month rolls around, we’re reminded that too many cyclists currently on the road maintain bad habits on city streets. Many adult cyclists don’t wear helmets, obey... Read More

GJEL Accident Attorneys Reveals Five Worst Road Safety States to Highlight Distracted Driving Awareness Month

By Andy Gillin May 2, 2011

GJEL Accident Attorneys Reveals Five Worst Road Safety States to Highlight Distracted Driving Awareness Month Orinda, CA In recognition of April 2011 Distracted Driving Awareness Month, GJEL Accident Attorneys... Read More

Parents: Congress Considers Sidewalk Safety Bill For School Zones

By Andy Gillin Apr 28, 2011

There’s no question about it: when it comes to reducing car accidents, pedestrian accidents, or bicycle accidents, states and local governments have been proposing the most interesting plans to... Read More

Reducing California Pedestrian Accidents Saves Lives (And Money!)

By Andy Gillin Apr 26, 2011

For some reason, the fact that nearly 650 people are killed in pedestrian accidents each year in California alone, has not prompted state lawmakers to get serious about cutting... Read More

Ray LaHood to Expand Auto Safety Laws After Distracted Driving Awareness Month

By Andy Gillin Apr 25, 2011

As Distracted Driving Awareness Month comes to a close this week, it’s helpful to look back at what lawmakers and safety advocates have accomplished over the past few years,... Read More

Drop in Motorcycle Accident Deaths Looks Optimistic

By Andy Gillin Apr 21, 2011

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is clearly doing something right. Earlier this month, the Department of Transportation boasted a major drop in car accident deaths in 2010, the... Read More

California Distracted Driving Editorial Misses the Point: Just Put Down the Phone

By Andy Gillin Apr 20, 2011

No one ever said the law was simple. That’s a tense subject for Silicon Valley Mercury News columnist Gary Richards, who penned an editorial yesterday on California’s “confusing” distracted... Read More

Police Cite Obstacles to Reducing Distracted Driving Car Accidents

By Andy Gillin Apr 19, 2011

When it comes to distracted driving, laws have come a long way in a short time. Just two years ago, states were just starting to ban handheld devices, and... Read More

5 Great Cell Phone Apps to Prevent Distracted Driving

By Andy Gillin Apr 18, 2011

With the rise of distracted driving, cell phones are often cited as villains that facilitate dangerous driving practices. But while distracting phone calls, text messages, and games are certainly... Read More

San Francisco Pedestrian Accident Highlights Urgent Need For Action Plan

By Andy Gillin Apr 13, 2011

Jogging across San Francisco’s busy Masonic Avenue Monday, a pedestrian was blindsided by driver going 30 miles per hour, sending the jogger flying through the air and later to... Read More

Distracted Driving Highlights Major Problems with San Francisco Muni Bus Accidents

By Andy Gillin Apr 8, 2011

What would you do if your bus driver was texting while driving? If you’re anything like San Francisco resident Shawn Higgins, who saw a bus driver texting on the... Read More

Parents Rate Safest Cars for Teen Drivers

By Andy Gillin Apr 7, 2011

The discussion of what car to buy a new teenage driver is always touchy. Teens want something that looks cool and isn’t too slow, while parents want something affordable... Read More

Texas & North Dakota Join California to Reduce Distracted Driving Car Accidents

By Andy Gillin Apr 6, 2011

Since it’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we’ve been writing a lot about efforts to curb distracted driving here in California. Statewide, 225 local police agencies have teamed up with... Read More

DOT Boasts Drop in Car Accident Deaths

By Andy Gillin Apr 4, 2011

Based on preliminary data, the Department of Transportation estimated last week that 32,788 people were killed in car accidents in 2010, the lowest number in more than 60 years.... Read More

Distracted Driving Awareness Month Ignites Driver Safety Debate

By Andy Gillin Apr 1, 2011

As April and Distracted Driving Awareness Month rolls around, you can expect safety advocates and lawmakers to discuss the many dangers of distracted driving. But despite reports that distracted... Read More

California Boosts Driver Safety Laws For Distracted Driving Awareness Month

By Andy Gillin Mar 31, 2011

For years, the California Highway Patrol has done a fantastic job keeping our roads safe from dangerous drivers and reducing vehicle injuries and fatalities. That job has grown more... Read More

San Francisco MTA Continues Plan to Reduce California Bicycle Accidents

By Andy Gillin Mar 31, 2011

So far, 2011 has been a great year for San Francisco pedestrian safety and bicycle safety. Facing troubling pedestrian and bicycle accident statistics, city lawmakers have enacted programs that... Read More

States Boost Safety Laws Before Distracted Driving Awareness Month

By Andy Gillin Mar 29, 2011

April is distracted driving awareness month, which means that safety advocates and lawmakers will put the issue front and center, trying to find a solution to eliminating distracted driving,... Read More

PG&E Fined “Chump Change” Following San Bruno Pipeline Explosion

By Andy Gillin Mar 28, 2011

The California Public Utilities Commission fined PG&E $6 million last week for September’s devastating pipeline explosion, which many consumer advocates and San Bruno representatives call a major win for... Read More

Better Late than Never to Reduce San Francisco Pedestrian Accidents

By Andy Gillin Mar 25, 2011

Safety advocates throughout San Francisco have been pleased over the past few weeks with the city’s apparent goal to boost programs that would reduce pedestrian accidents in the coming... Read More

Can We Control the Distracted Driving “Arms Race”?

By Andy Gillin Mar 24, 2011

With just about every driving-related sector trying to make distracted driving less prevalent, is dashboard Facebook access necessary? Clearly, no. But that’s the newest development in a distracted driving... Read More

Pediatrics Organization Alters Car Seat Advice to Reduce Accident Injuries and Fatalities

By Andy Gillin Mar 22, 2011

One of the country’s foremost child safety organizations announced this week that it has changed its tune when it comes to child car seats. Previously, the American Academy of... Read More

Man injured in a rear-end car accident

By Andy Gillin Mar 21, 2011

$100,000 for man injured in a rear-end car accident Read More

Congress to Consider Federal Teen Driving Law

By Andy Gillin Mar 18, 2011

Teenagers here in California eagerly await their 16th birthday, that all-important landmark that means they can now drive a car. In South Dakota, the situation is much different, since... Read More

Distracted Driving Awareness Videos Stress Human Connections

By Andy Gillin Mar 16, 2011

Just about everyone knows that distracted driving is dangerous, but almost no one knows how to stop it. Technology is only growing more prevalent, and although cell phone and... Read More

Task Force Plan Intends to Tackle San Francisco Pedestrian Accidents

By Andy Gillin Mar 15, 2011

As pedestrians in San Francisco and throughout the country become more active, some increase in pedestrian accidents is inevitable. Especially when it comes to senior citizens, children, and people... Read More

Appeals Court Rules for Workers in California Personal Injury Lawsuits

By Andy Gillin Mar 14, 2011

Even when employers compensate victims for personal injuries, the legal battle often isn’t over. That was the case for California port workers suffering injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, reports... Read More

Senior Driver Safety Checklist Highlights Eyesight and Motor Skills

By Andy Gillin Mar 11, 2011

It’s fortunate for road safety that every state has a minimum age at which teenagers receive their drivers’ license. Before teenagers reach that age, they are simply not developed... Read More

Can National Bike Summit Reduce Preventable Bicycle Accidents?

By Andy Gillin Mar 10, 2011

Lawmakers, cyclists, and safety organizations nationwide traveled to Washington DC this week for the annual National Bike Summit, hosted by the League of American Bicyclists. In past years, the... Read More

DePuy Orthopedics President Resigns Following Hip Implant Recall Lawsuits

By Andy Gillin Mar 9, 2011

Since DePuy Orthopedics announced that it would recall its ASR hip implants last July, the Johnson & Johnson subsidiary as been barraged by bad news and even worse public... Read More

National Bike Summit Highlights Crossroads for Bicycle Safety

By Andy Gillin Mar 8, 2011

Bicycle use is in the midst of a major national resurgence. Due to crowded city streets, troubling environmental problems, and a call for healthier lifestyles, more people are choosing... Read More

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Talks Distracted Driving Laws & Enforcement

By Andy Gillin Mar 7, 2011

Consumer Reports is absolutely killing it when it comes to distracted driving coverage. Last week, I reviewed their April edition, in which Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, a tireless... Read More

San Francisco & Los Angeles Launch Plans to Reduce California Bicycle Accidents

By Andy Gillin Mar 4, 2011

As bicycle use continues to grow more popular, commuters remain vulnerable to bicycle accidents due primarily to the fact that city infrastructure for safe bicycle use lags far behind.... Read More

California DePuy Hip Implant Lawsuits May Come to San Francisco

By Andy Gillin Mar 4, 2011

Since DePuy Orthopedics announced a recall of one of its popular hip implant models last August, lawsuits have piled up against the Johnson & Johnson subsidiary. Most recently, it... Read More

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to Advocate Federal Distracted Driving Law

By Andy Gillin Mar 3, 2011

Like drunk driving and wearing a seat belt, avoiding distracted driving is becoming more and more of a no brainer. The Department of Transportation has reported that there were... Read More

Are California Traffic Tickets Too Easy on Dangerous Drivers?

By Andy Gillin Mar 1, 2011

Most penalties for dangerous driving tickets are designed to prevent the perilous behavior from reoccurring. If you’re fined for driving 80 miles per hour in a 60 mph zone,... Read More

What’s Happening at the PG&E San Bruno Pipeline Explosion Hearing?

By Andy Gillin Mar 1, 2011

The pipeline explosion sent waves of concern throughout the San Francisco Bay Area when it unexpectedly destroyed a San Bruno neighborhood, killing 8 people and injuring more than 50... Read More

SCOTUS Clears Way for California Defective Seat Belt Lawsuits Against Mazda

By Andy Gillin Feb 25, 2011

For the past twenty years, car manufacturers were faced with a choice: install lap-only seat belts, or “type 2” seat belts, which include a shoulder strap and have been... Read More

DePuy Hip Implant Short Approval Process Faulted for Major Recalls

By Andy Gillin Feb 22, 2011

Even after a heavy year for medical product recalls, medical device companies have vamped up their criticism of government regulation, and are actively seeking to undermine efforts to make... Read More

Legal Aid Clinics Spared in Obama’s Proposed Budget Cuts

By Andy Gillin Feb 17, 2011

Due to the ever-dwindling coffers of legal aid clinics over the past decade, and the “everything must go” approach to the national budget this year, most observers expected the... Read More

Motorcyclists and Pedestrians are Most Vulnerable on California Streets

By Andy Gillin Feb 16, 2011

Whether you’re driving a passenger car, a motorcycle, or simply walking on the sidewalk, individuals don’t have much control over whether they will be involved in a deadly car... Read More

Senators Join Plan to Reduce Car Accident Deaths

By Andy Gillin Feb 15, 2011

For the past decade, many states across the country have worked hard to implement auto safety laws designed to reduce the number of car accident deaths. On the national... Read More

Medical Companies Seek Lax Regulation on Devices Like DePuy’s Faulty Hip Implants

By Andy Gillin Feb 14, 2011

It’s true: regulation is often not good for business. The American food industry no doubt took a hit when the government decided to test products for poisons before they... Read More

Avoid Kissing and Driving on Valentines Day

By Andy Gillin Feb 14, 2011

Everyone knows that texting or typing on your cell phone while driving is very dangerous. Last year, distracted driving accounted for 5,500 traffic fatalities and nearly 500,000 injuries nationwide.... Read More

Plaintiff Law Firms Charge Ahead Despite Toyota Report

By Andy Gillin Feb 11, 2011

n what has widely been considered a rebuke to plaintiff law firms taking on Toyota for personal injury and economic claims resulting from the company’s unintended acceleration problems, a... Read More

Safety Record of Older Drivers Scrutinized After Freeway Accident

By Andy Gillin Feb 10, 2011

Have you ever turned the wrong way on a one-way street? How about entered the freeway going the wrong direction? That’s what happened to 83 year-old Clarence Kinney yesterday,... Read More

San Francisco Bicycle Accidents Rising Faster than Ridership

By Andy Gillin Feb 9, 2011

When the New York Times announced that it would devote a print section and webpage entirely to the Bay Area, residents were ready to step into the national limelight.... Read More

Driver Convicted in Portland Bus Accident Lawsuit

By Andy Gillin Feb 8, 2011

Fired Trimet driver Sandi Day was found guilty last week on three counts including careless driving that led to the death of two pedestrians and serious injury of three... Read More

New Distracted Driving Gizmo Could Make it Easier to Text

By Andy Gillin Feb 4, 2011

Distracted driving has become a major problem nationwide, killing approximately 5,500 people and injuring nearly 500,000 each year. For that reason, safety advocates, policy makers and scientists have adopted... Read More

Report: Red Light Cameras Reduce Fatal Car Accidents

By Andy Gillin Feb 3, 2011

You know those annoying cameras that catch you accelerating through the end of a yellow light and send you a fat bill? In addition to eating a portion of... Read More

Cyclists Included in Proposed California Distracted Driving Law

By Andy Gillin Feb 2, 2011

Since Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood made reducing distracted driving one of his top priorities, the dangerous practice has been the subject of heated debate among safety advocates, policy... Read More

Can Social Media Use Get You Fired? Interview with Employment Lawyer Laura Maechtlen

By Andy Gillin Feb 1, 2011

If you work in an office, the chances are that you've used social media at work before. Hopefully, you keep personal use of social media communities like Facebook and... Read More

New Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against PG&E for Pipeline Explosion

By Andy Gillin Jan 31, 2011

Jessica Morales was watching Thursday Night Football at her boyfriend’s house in San Bruno when a pipeline explosion resulted in the deaths of Jessica and seven other San Bruno... Read More

San Francisco Easy on Drivers Responsible for Preventable Bus Accidents

By Andy Gillin Jan 28, 2011

As I’ve said before, getting hit by a bus has to be one of the worst nightmares imaginable. Clearly, much of the responsibility lies with pedestrians to be careful... Read More

Distracted Walking Law Proposed to Ease Uptick in Pedestrian Accidents

By Andy Gillin Jan 27, 2011

In the past year, public opinion has nearly coalesced around the fact that distracted driving is dangerous and should be eliminated. But what about distracted walking? A new law... Read More

Proposed Bay Area Trail Could Improve Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety

By Andy Gillin Jan 26, 2011

One of the main goals of smart urban development is to grow within the existing confines of a city rather than expanding outwards. That’s what Alameda County’s transportation agency... Read More

California Tops 2010 Pedestrian Accident Fatalities

By Andy Gillin Jan 24, 2011

As part of its ongoing campaign to assess pedestrian safety, the Governors Highway Safety Association has released preliminary data from each state regarding pedestrian fatalities in 2010. Based on... Read More

Will Auto Technology Increase or Decrease Distracted Driving Car Accidents?

By Andy Gillin Jan 24, 2011

At this point, just about everyone is on the anti-distracted driving bandwagon. Safety advocates, major celebrities, cell phone companies and more have joined Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood to... Read More

Report Links High School Football to Undiagnosed Head Injuries

By Andy Gillin Jan 21, 2011

It’s no surprise that high-school football is a dangerous sport. Allowing your child to play means accepting the increased risk of torn ligaments, broken bones, and head injuries. But... Read More

Report: PG&E Pressure Tests Could Lead to Future Pipeline Explosions

By Andy Gillin Jan 20, 2011

Since 2003, California-based energy company Pacific Gas & Electric has spiked pressure on gas pipelines nearly a dozen times, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. PG&E claims the practice is... Read More

Most Unlikely Courtroom Dramas

By Andy Gillin Jan 19, 2011

I’m a total sucker for legal dramas. When done well, it’s a great format to build suspense and make important social statements. When done poorly, courtroom dramas can range... Read More

Does New Distracted Driving Study Stretch the Facts on Auto Safety?

By Andy Gillin Jan 19, 2011

Over the past year, the national consensus about distracted driving has solidified as safety advocates, cell phone companies, and celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, agree that it is a dangerous... Read More

VIDEO: Cell Phone Companies Take On Distracted Driving Car Accidents

By Andy Gillin Jan 12, 2011

The fight against distracted driving started with parents who had lost a teenager to the dangerous practice. Soon, the fight picked up steam, earning high profile supporters like talk... Read More

California Motor Caution Calendar

By Andy Gillin Jan 11, 2011

Fresh into the new year, it is common to make resolutions about attitudes or actions you would like to change this time around. These commonly relate to weight loss,... Read More

Toyota Launches Safety Institute to Reduce Car Accidents, Boost Sales

By Andy Gillin Jan 11, 2011

In 2010, Toyota was the only major auto brand to post reduced sales in the American marketplace, due largely to the company’s failing safety record following a string of... Read More

Senator Urges Investigation to Boost Helmet Safety and Reduce Head Injuries

By Andy Gillin Jan 10, 2011

In high school contact sports, parents are often comforted that despite whatever risks a sport entails, their child’s safety equipment will reduce the chance of serious injuries. Last October,... Read More

San Francisco Muni to Pay $2 Million Settlement to Passenger Injured in Train Accident

By Andy Gillin Jan 7, 2011

Serious accidents involving city public transportation agencies always draw major headlines. After all, there are fewer fates more terrifying than being hit by a train or bus. In the... Read More

Airbags, Economy Praised for Major Decrease in Car Accident Fatalities

By Andy Gillin Jan 5, 2011

A report released this week in the Journal Traffic Injury Prevention found that over the past five years, the United States has enjoyed the greatest decrease in car accident... Read More

Report: FDA Allowed Major Oversight Loopholes for DePuy Faulty Hip Implants

By Andy Gillin Jan 4, 2011

Late last year, the Food and Drug Administration announced that it would recall hip implants manufactured by DePuy Orthopedics, a division of pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson due to... Read More

Woman with head injury following truck accident

By Andy Gillin Jan 4, 2011

$515,000 for woman with head injury following truck accident. Read More

Driver injured in rear end car accident

By Andy Gillin Jan 4, 2011

$575,000 for driver injured in rear end car accident. Read More

Woman who suffered serious ankle injury after car accident

By Andy Gillin Jan 4, 2011

$250,000 for a woman with serious ankle injury following Vallejo car accident. Read More

Boarding care patient who suffered serious accident injuries

By Andy Gillin Jan 4, 2011

$410,000 for boarding care patient who suffered serious accident injuries. Read More

Student who suffered head injury in car accident

By Andy Gillin Jan 4, 2011

$290,000 for student who suffered head injury in car accident. Read More

Professor injured in freeway car accident

By Andy Gillin Jan 4, 2011

$275,000 for professor injured in freeway car accident. Read More

Disabling injuries in car accident

By Andy Gillin Jan 4, 2011

$100,000 from insurance company for disabling injuries in car accident. Read More

Shopping mall back injury

By Andy Gillin Jan 4, 2011

$705,000 for shopping mall slip-and-fall injury. Read More

Young man with burn injuries from barbecue

By Andy Gillin Jan 4, 2011

$270,000 for young man with burn injuries from barbecue. Read More

Student with permanent injury after truck accident

By Andy Gillin Jan 4, 2011

$195,000 for student with permanent injury after truck accident. Read More

Severe back injuries in car accident

By Andy Gillin Jan 4, 2011

$1.5 million from insurance companies for severe back injuries from car accident. Read More

Hit and Run Car Accident Settlement

By Andy Gillin Jan 4, 2011

$250,000 for woman injured in hit-and-run car accident. Read More

Ankle injury following truck accident

By Andy Gillin Jan 4, 2011

$850,000 for ankle injury following truck accident. Read More

“Glee” Star Jane Lynch Joins LG in Fight to Reduce Distracted Driving Accidents

By Andy Gillin Jan 3, 2011

Did you make any new years resolutions this winter? For the driving safety parent, cutting down on your child’s use of cell phones behind the wheel is a great... Read More

State-By-State Drunk Driving Laws and Driving Fatality Statistics

By Andy Gillin Dec 27, 2010

While there is currently no federal law against drunk driving, it is illegal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. But each state varies in its enforcement... Read More

Good News for Lawyers on Social Media

By Andy Gillin Dec 22, 2010

There are two sides to the debate about whether state bar associations should enforce stricter regulations on attorney advertising. First, there’s the question of whether the courts should regulate... Read More

Holiday Drivers Increase Risk of Car Accidents

By Andy Gillin Dec 20, 2010

Due to the increased likelihood of drunk driving and adverse road conditions, winter holidays always carry an extra risk of car accidents. This year, warns the auto advocate AAA,... Read More

Fatal California Distracted Driving Accident Carries Major Penalty

By Andy Gillin Dec 17, 2010

Distracted driving is not just dangerous and thoughtless. It’s also a major crime when associated with the most terrifying circumstances. On September 15, 20-year-old Ani Voskanian caused an accident... Read More

Portland to Pay Accident Settlement for Pedestrian Struck By Distracted Driving Officer

By Andy Gillin Dec 16, 2010

It’s not a good sign if your city’s police officers are getting in distracted driving car accidents. That’s the case in Portland, Oregon, where police officer Ty Garrison struck... Read More

San Francisco’s WalkSF Meets to Reduce Pedestrian Accidents

By Andy Gillin Dec 15, 2010

At a meeting in San Francisco late last week, the city’s pedestrian advocacy organization WalkSF met with members of the Board of Supervisors to brainstorm methods to best reduce... Read More

Judge Will Hear Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Lawsuits Against Toyota

By Andy Gillin Dec 14, 2010

For the past few months, public opinion concerning the Toyota unintended acceleration lawsuits has largely favored the Japanese auto giant. But last week, a federal judge declined to dismiss... Read More

NHTSA Report: Drug Use Leads to More Fatal Car Accidents

By Andy Gillin Dec 13, 2010

In a unique report released last week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that the number of drivers fatally injured in car accidents who tested positive for drug... Read More

Portland Wrongful Death Victims Launch $30 Million Lawsuit For Bus Accident

By Andy Gillin Dec 10, 2010

Back in April, one of Portland’s TriMet busses struck five pedestrians while turning left onto a busy street. Danielle Sale, 22, and Jenee Hammel, 26, were both killed. Families... Read More

Can Congress Pass Auto Safety Overhaul in 2010?

By Andy Gillin Dec 8, 2010

For months, national lawmakers have been sparring over the benefits of a proposed auto safety overhaul, potentially the largest update for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration since it... Read More

Insurance Industry Continues Opposition to Campaign Against Distracted Driving

By Andy Gillin Dec 8, 2010

The insurance industry is at it again. Addressing the fact that distracted driving causes more than 6,000 deaths and 500,000 injuries each year, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood has... Read More

DePuy Orthopedics Faulty Hip Implant Lawsuits Move Forward

By Andy Gillin Dec 7, 2010

When DePuy Orthopedics launched its recall of thousands of their ASR hip implant models about two months ago, preliminary discussions indicated that San Francisco was on the short list... Read More

The (Misguided) Case Against Motorcycle Helmet Laws

By Andy Gillin Dec 6, 2010

In his manifesto against motorcycle helmet laws in the Chicago Tribune last week, columnist Steve Chapman listed a number of actions people can legally take to endanger their health:... Read More

DePuy Orthopedics and Faulty Hip Surgery Lawsuit Timeline

By Andy Gillin Nov 30, 2010

Just under two months ago, the Food and Drug Administration began recalling hip implants manufactured by DePuy Orthopedics, citing complaints it has received for more than two years about... Read More