Law Blog and Resources

We see potholes on our roads all the time. They can cause your car to bounce around, pop your tire, or even cause an accident. But did you know there is a special day just to talk about potholes? That day is called National Pothole Day, and it happens every year on January 15th. This day is a reminder that we can all help make our roads safer. Below, we will learn what National Pothole Day is, why it matters, where potholes come from, and how we can join in. We will also explain how potholes may lead to crashes and what you can do if you are injured. As your California car accident lawyers, we want to help you understand your rights and stay safe on our roads. What Is National Pothole Day? National Pothole Day is an event that has started to bring attention to a big problem:…

Losing a loved one is never easy. When someone passes away because of another person’s carelessness or wrongdoing, it can be even harder to heal. The pain and sadness can feel overwhelming, and families often do not know where to turn for help. At Banafshe Law Firm, we want you to know there are places in California that offer special grief support for families dealing with wrongful death. Below, our California wrongful death attorneys will share answers to your questions and show you how to find the resources you may need. Why Is Grief Support Important? When a loved one dies unexpectedly, the emotional shock can last for a long time. You might feel sadness, anger, or guilt. These feelings can make it tough to do normal things like go to work, cook meals, or even talk to friends. Grief support can help you deal with these emotions in a healthy way….

Wearing a seatbelt might feel like a simple routine. You get in the car, buckle up, and drive off. But sometimes you may wonder: Why is wearing a seatbelt such a big deal? Is it just about following rules, or is there more to it? In California, seatbelts are not only important for your safety, but they are also required by law. Below, a California car accident attorney will explain why seatbelts matter, what the law says, and how it can affect you and your loved ones. Why Are Seatbelts So Important? You want to stay safe when you ride in a car, right? A seatbelt can save your life if you get into an accident. It is like a shield that keeps you from being thrown around the inside of the car. The seatbelt holds your body in place if there is a sudden stop or crash. This can help prevent…

If you have a dog, you probably see it as a sweet companion and part of your family. But sometimes, even the friendliest dogs can bite. What happens if your dog bites someone in California? When your dog bites someone, it can be scary and confusing. You may worry about getting in trouble with the law, paying for someone’s injuries, or even losing your dog. Below, we will answer some simple questions so you know what to expect and how to protect yourself and others. For more information, call our office today to speak with a Los Angeles dog bite lawyer today. Why Is California So Strict About Dog Bites? California has strong laws that protect people who get bitten by a dog. Under California Civil Code Section 3342, dog owners are strictly liable if their dog bites someone in a public place or when the person is lawfully on…

If you have ever driven a car in California, you have seen speed limit signs along the roads. These signs might say 25 miles per hour in a neighborhood or 65 miles per hour on a freeway. But what do these signs really mean? Do you have to drive exactly at the speed limit? And what happens if you drive faster—or even slower—than what the sign says? Below, an experienced California car accident attorney will discuss this and more. What Are Speed Limits in California? Speed limits in California are usually posted on signs along roads and highways. These numbers are called “prima facie speed limits.” That means the posted speed is generally considered a safe speed—unless you are driving in a way that is not safe for the road conditions. For example, if the sign says 65 miles per hour, but it is very foggy, and you cannot see…

Life can sometimes take unexpected turns, especially when serious injuries or health challenges arise. In these situations, having a solid life care plan can make all the difference. A life care plan is a comprehensive document that outlines an individual’s current and future needs, including medical treatments, living arrangements, and daily support. At Banafshe Law Firm, our goal is to help you create a life care plan that protects your well-being and financial security. Below is an easy-to-follow guide that meets California’s legal standards based on statutes such as California Probate Code § 2351.2 and California Welfare & Institutions Code § 14139.33. Why Do You Need a Life Care Plan in California? A life care plan is important for anyone who has sustained serious injuries or faces long-term health concerns. It helps map out the necessary medical interventions, ongoing therapies, and any special services you might require. It also guides financial planning for…

Car accidents can happen in an instant, and the aftermath often feels stressful and overwhelming. Unfortunately, many people make errors right after an accident that can affect their health, safety, and even their legal rights. At Banafshe Law Firm, we’ve seen how these errors can impact personal injury claims. Below are five common mistakes and how to avoid them. 1. Leaving the Scene of the Accident Leaving the scene too soon—or even worse, fleeing—can lead to serious legal trouble. According to Cal. Veh. Code § 20001, you must stop if there’s an injury or fatality, and you have to provide identification and render help if possible. Not doing so can lead to heavy fines, a suspended license, or even jail time. In People v. Capetillo, the defendant’s decision to run off without giving assistance or his identity resulted in a conviction under this statute. 2. Not Reporting the Accident In California, accidents that…

Driving while tired is more dangerous than many people realize. Feeling sleepy can lower your attention, slow your reaction times, and cause you to make poor decisions on the road. In California, if a driver continues to operate a vehicle while knowing they are drowsy, courts have found that this may amount to gross negligence or reckless operation. In Cooper v. Kellogg (2 Cal. 2d 504), for example, the court held that a driver who knows they might fall asleep can be found guilty of the needed level of fault. The same idea was reinforced by cases like Morrison v. Townley (269 Cal. App. 2d 863) and Williams v. Carr (68 Cal. 2d 579), which shows how seriously California law treats drowsy driving. Why Is Drowsy Driving So Dangerous? When you are extremely tired, it can feel much like driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Your ability to control…

Have you ever wondered if your insurance company is really on your side? While insurance can offer valuable protection, many policyholders don’t realize that their carriers often put profit above everything else. At Banafshe Law Firm, we’ve seen how some insurance companies may use complicated terms, hide important facts, or downplay your right to privacy. Below, we’ll reveal some of the key things they don’t want you to know—and why being informed can make all the difference when you need to file a claim. Why Don’t They Tell You About Your Right to Privacy? Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 1985.3, if your insurance company is subpoenaed for information about you, they must let you know so you can protect your records. This is not always well-advertised. Insurers are supposed to follow strict guidelines, like Cal. Ins. Code § 791.13, which limits when they can share your personal data. Yet, many people are…

Taking a rideshare can be a quick and easy way to get around, but it’s important to stay safe and know your rights. In California, there are rules meant to protect both passengers and drivers. At Banafshe Law Firm, we want to share our top tips on how to stay secure during your rideshare trips. What Should You Know About Rideshare Laws in California? California has put several laws in place to make ridesharing safer. For example, network companies must have a sexual harassment policy under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7457, and they also must do criminal background checks on drivers under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7458. In addition, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7459 requires app-based drivers to finish safety training before they can drive. Finally, it is a crime to pretend to be a rideshare driver, according to Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7462. Why Are Seat Belts So Important? Seat belts…