Author Archives: Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C. Law Offices

Pain and Suffering in Personal Injury

One of the most complex elements of a personal injury case is calculating pain and suffering. When you experience bodily injury or mental anguish from an accident, there is typically some degree of pain and suffering accompanying the obvious injuries. However, pain and suffering are unique to each person, making them difficult to analyze and value. An experienced Californian personal injury lawyer can help you present valid claims for this aspect of your accident injuries…. read more

How to Sue for Personal Injury Damages?

Personal injury cases in California can arise from a variety of incidents, including car accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, and more. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Understanding the process of suing for personal injury in California can help you navigate the legal system more effectively. This article will guide you through the key steps involved in filing a personal injury lawsuit, ensuring that you… read more

California Bike Helmet Laws & Statistics (Updated 2024)

California has strong laws for bicyclists, including a mandatory helmet law for kids. Adults who ride motorcycles must wear approved helmets, but are encouraged to wear helmets also while riding bicycles. This is intended to help reduce the bicyclist fa California is known for its active lifestyle and favorable weather conditions, making it a popular state for cycling. However, the state also faces significant challenges related to bicycle safety. Understanding the latest statistics on bike… read more

Pain and Suffering in Car Accident Case

Pain and Suffering in a car accident case are considered to be non-economic damages, rather than economic damages. These qualities differ according to type of injury and the individual person and their inner levels of pain tolerance. Obviously, when physical injuries are more severe, they are more documentable and would reasonably be considered to be more painful and long-lasting than are minor injuries. An experience California Car Accidents Lawyer understands the details and rules that… read more

How to Negotiate Your Claim with Insurance Company

Many personal injury cases are settled out of court through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. Successfully negotiating with an insurance company requires knowledge and skillful communication, making an experienced California litigation attorney invaluable. If you’ve been injured in an accident and are seeking fair compensation, this process can save you time and money. Negotiating Insurance Claims When dealing with insurance companies, their goal is to settle for the lowest amount possible to avoid costly courtroom litigation…. read more

California Lane Splitting Law: What to Know

California is a state that neither allows nor prohibits lane splitting, also called lane sharing or filtering. It does provide information and advice about this issue, mainly one that can be most dangerous to motorcyclists. The act of lane splitting occurs when a smaller vehicle, primarily a motorcycle, drives in the space between two traffic lanes. This would occur most often on roads that are four or more lanes wide, with double lanes of traffic… read more

Steps to Take After Your Accident

As a driver, it’s essential to know what to do if you’re involved in an accident. While some drivers may never need this information, the reality is that most people will face this situation at some point. With nearly 400,000 miles of roadway in California carrying hundreds of thousands of vehicles daily, accidents are an unfortunate but common occurrence. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the steps you should take immediately following an accident…. read more

San Diego Car Accidents Involving Pedestrians

Every year, countless people are hurt in car accidents involving pedestrians. These incidents can be devastating for both the pedestrian and the driver. Regardless of who is at fault, accidents like these almost always result in some form of injury or worse. If you find yourself in such a situation, seeking help from an experienced San Diego car accident lawyer is crucial to navigate this stressful time effectively. Car Accidents & Pedestrians When a car… read more

Factors in Your San Diego Motorcycle Accident Claim

People who are injured and survivors of those killed in motorcycle accidents can seek fair compensation for damages and losses under California law. There are many important factors that apply to motorcycle accident claims that should be understood before taking legal action to recover expenses or punitive damages. An experienced California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can guide you through this process at every step, and they will be ready to represent you in litigation if a… read more

Demand Letters for Motorcycle Accidents

Successful resolution for many California Motorcycle Accident cases begins with creation of demand letters. This method for obtaining compensation for accident claims is relatively simple and cost-effective. It is said to work in about one third of dispute cases, especially when both parties wish to avoid the time and expenses involved in a lengthy courtroom procedure. Demand letters are usually sent out prior to any legal action, as a method for ending a dispute quickly… read more

Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Millions of people enjoy the freedom and fun of riding a motorcycle on all types of roadways, from freeways to backwoods trails. In California, this method of transportation is very popular, but motorcycle riders also run great risks when they get into an accident on their bike. Unlike cars or trucks, the rider on a motorcycle rides with far less protection from their mode of transportation. Motorcycle accidents generally mean physical damage occurs to the… read more

San Diego Work Accident & Injury Lawyer

Every year, millions of people are injured at their workplace. Sometimes the problem is a safety issue, where proper precautions are not taken by employers, and the employees suffer injuries. Other work injuries occur during the normal course of work duties because the job itself is hazardous. Workers in the transportation industry, construction and other jobs that involve dangerous materials or locations are most prone to becoming injured on the job. If you are injured… read more

San Diego Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents are a significant concern in San Diego, where the bustling city environment and frequent pedestrian traffic increase the risk of such incidents. These accidents often result in severe injuries, given the vulnerability of pedestrians compared to vehicle occupants. When a pedestrian accident occurs due to someone else’s negligence, the victim may be entitled to compensation. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in San Diego can help victims navigate the complex legal process, ensuring they… read more

San Diego Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus accidents are among the most severe and potentially life-altering types of traffic accidents, often involving multiple victims and resulting in significant injuries or fatalities. In San Diego, victims of bus accidents may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. This article explores the legal aspects of filing a bus accident lawsuit in San Diego, outlines notable case settlements, and provides guidance on how to pursue justice if… read more

Worst Cars for Personal Injury Insurance Claims 2016?

Many consider Friday the 13th to be a very unlucky day of the year, but for some cars, there is plenty of bad luck year round. In October, the Highway Loss Data Institute released a list of the best and worst cars and trucks for insurance losses. HLDI looked at model years 2012-2014, according to the number of times personal injury insurance claims were brought. These claims insure against any expenses for any types of… read more

Recorded vs Written Statement

In the aftermath of a car accident, you’ll likely need to provide statements to insurance companies to support your claim. These statements can be either recorded or written, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. It’s crucial to understand these differences and how to handle each type effectively. Here’s a breakdown to help you navigate this process more smoothly. Why Insurance Companies Prefer Written Statements Insurance companies often favor written statements for several reasons. Primarily,… read more

Tips on Getting a Fair Car Accident Settlement

If you were injured or had your vehicle damaged in a car accident in California, it is essential to recover any costs or expenses resulting from that incident, especially if it was due to someone else’s negligent behavior. In cases involving significant damage, injuries, or fatalities, obtaining a fair settlement can be complex, requiring competent legal representation from an experienced car accident attorney. For minor damage claims, settlements can be relatively straightforward. However, more complicated… read more

What to Know About Hiring a Car Accident Attorney

Being involved in a car accident can change your life, at least for the near future. You not only have to deal with any injuries and damages that resulted from the accident, you usually also have to use the legal system to recover fair compensation for accident-related expenses and claims. If there is only minor damage and no injuries or fatalities, you can handle matters yourself. However, when there are significant damages and injuries, you… read more

Who Pays for Car Damage?

Recent statistics reflect that accidents on U.S. roadways cost over $230 billion a year, injuring millions and causing death to over 37,000 people yearly. This is a high price to pay in human terms, and related vehicle damage costs. When people are involved in a motor vehicle crash, one important question to answer is: who pays for car damage? Who is Liable for Damage? When a car accident is reported, the police reports often become… read more

Car Accidents and the Lawsuit Process

When a car accident leads to a lawsuit, you should understand what this process will be like. For the average person, dealing with legal matters is not simple or easy to do. However, highly educated and competent Car Accident Attorneys know exactly what is needed and how to proceed with these often complex cases to obtain justice and the best possible outcome for their clients. Most lawsuits over car accidents are initiated when someone is… read more