Few motor vehicle accidents sicken the public more than those involving hit-and-run drivers. It’s often difficult to understand how any driver can leave injured people unattended at an accident scene. Likewise, it’s very irresponsible to damage an empty vehicle and then fail to leave your contact information so that its owner can later locate you. Yet these events happen every day. Fortunately, California laws provide specific penalties for those who commit either of these unlawful acts. While our errors can sometimes prove costly, we all need to be able to depend on each other to do the right thing.

California Motor Vehicle Code Section 20002: Hit-and-Run Property Crimes/Penalties

This section of the California Motor Vehicle Code states that once you hit another vehicle, even if no one appears to have been injured, you have a duty to stop and provide the other driver with your name and address. If asked to do so, you must also allow the other driver to see your driver’s license and a copy of your vehicle registration.

Should you ever be driving a vehicle and get into an accident when you’re not the registered owner of it, you must provide the name and address of the registered owner to the driver of the other vehicle (along with your own contact information). If you hit an unattended, parked vehicle, you still have a duty to stop and leave all of your basic contact information, including your driver’s license number, so that the vehicle’s owner can later contact you. There’s actually a duty to leave this informationin written form, in a conspicuous place such as under a windshield wiper.

Charges can be filed against anyone who fails to fully comply with the requirements set forth in Motor Vehicle Code Section 20002. You can be convicted of a misdemeanor, forced to serve up to six months in jail and even have to pay a fine that doesn’t exceed $1,000.

California’s Felony Hit-and-Run Offense: Possible Charges and Penalties

If you hit another car and one of its occupants suffers bodily injuries — and you fail to stop and render aid and provide your full contact information — the provisions of Motor Vehicle Code Section 20001 will come into play. Entitled, “Duty to Stop at Scene of Accident,” Section 20001 sets forth all of the possible penalties that can be imposed on someone who fails to stop after hitting another vehicle and injuring one or more of its occupants.

A driver who fails to stop under these circumstances can be imprisoned in a county jail or state prison for not more than one year and assessed a fine between at least $1,000 dollars and up to $10,000. If the driver who commits a felony hit-and-run accident causes “serious, permanent injury” or death to one of the occupants of the other vehicle, he or she can even be imprisoned for as long as four years in prison and heavily fined.

Hopefully, none of our readers will ever wind up becoming a victim of a hit-and-run driver. However, if that has recently occurred in your life, you should seriously consider meeting with one of our attorneys so that we can advise you about the best ways to protect all of your rights and obtain just compensation for your injuries.

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Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients for almost twenty years. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes great pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.

by Elizabeth Smith

For many years, most of us thought that drunk drivers presented the greatest threat to our safety on America’s roads and freeways. Then texting drivers grabbed our attention as they kept sending out written messages to others, refusing to admit the dangerous nature of their behavior.

Now, we’ve got a rapidly growing, new crop of problem drivers out navigating the nation’s roads. Many of these people view their medical marijuana as a healing agent and not as a drug frequently used by others to simply get “high” or comfortably disoriented.

Hopefully, some of the following information will help convince many marijuana users to start handling their drugs in a safer manner. No one should have to suffer a serious traffic injury or die just because others were too lazy to wait for an extended period of time after using marijuana to drive their cars.

2004 NHTSA Study Addressed How Marijuana Use Can Affect Driving Skills

In an April 2004 report (DOT HS 809 725) entitled, “Drugs and Human Performance Fact Sheets,” the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) commented on how marijuana (and drugs made using its active agents) can affect a driver’s skills and abilities. (The following statements are set forth on page twelve of that publication.)

• Marijuana is the second most frequently detected psychoactive substance among driving populations;
• Cannabis or marijuana has been shown to impair performance on driver simulator tasks and on open and closed driving courses for up to approximately three hours after it’s been used.” [Emphasis added];
• The driving performances of those who have used marijuana reveal “increased reaction times, impaired time and distance estimation, inability to maintain headway . . . subjective sleepiness [and] motor incoordination,” among other problems [Emphasis added];
• Marijuana may particularly impair monotonous and prolonged driving; and
• People who have recently smoked marijuana may require an increased amount of time to evaluate situations and determine appropriate responses.

Current Statistics Regarding Marijuana Use and Driving Accidents

In a recent article published by The Los Angeles Times, writer Ralph Vartabedian looked at how marijuana smokers are impacting road safety. He says that California currently blames about 1,000 annual deaths and injuries “directly on drugged drivers.” (See: “Stoned Driving is Uncharted Territory.”)

Vartabedian also states, “Fatalities in crashes where drugs were the primary cause and alcohol was not involved jumped 55 percent over the 10 years ending in 2009.” California’s law enforcement officials attribute much of the state’s current drug usage to the medical marijuana laws passed during the last decade.

Those officials may be right. Since early 2004, California has issued more than 55,000 medical marijuana identification cards. (See: The California Department of Public Health’s Web site page entitled, “Medical Marijuana Program.”)

Future Efforts to Protect American Drivers

Unfortunately, there isn’t a current national standard for determining how much marijuana a driver can safely smoke before becoming a hazard to others. Although various states are trying to protect their citizens under different safety standards, none of them have found one single, reliable method for evaluating safe marijuana usage for their drivers.

Until much more scientific research and testing can be completed, medical marijuana users must carefully monitor their own driving habits. Everyone else must keep relying on all of our law enforcement officials to crack down a bit harder on those drivers they stop and find are clearly impaired due to their recreational use of marijuana and other drugs.

Elizabeth Smith, J.D., M.A., is a freelance writer who has successfully written about general health, safety, legal, medical and business topics for over twenty years. She has also served as the author and co-author of two professional legal texts.

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Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients for almost twenty years. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes great pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.

This past year has been a tough one for several automakers. Now, Chrysler and Volkswagen are having to recall some of their vehicles. Chrysler is concerned about both airbag and fuel leak problems while Volkswagen is also trying to protect consumers from possible fuel leak issues in several of its vehicles.

The Chrysler Recalls

More specifically, Chrysler Group LLC is recalling 367,000 vehicles to make sure that 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan minivans and the 2008 Chrysler Town and Country models don’t expose consumers to serious air bag malfunctions. Chrysler is concerned that more water leaks may occur near the heating and air conditioner drains in those vehicles, possibly causing the warning lights to turn on and accidental deployment of the airbags. Chrysler spokesman, Vince Muniga, says that since February of 2008, the automaker has received 30 complaints and notice of five injuries due to these problems.

The Chrysler recall is set to begin in February of 2011. Dealers will be prepared to replace the drain ring that can cause the potential dangers referenced above. [Chrysler owners can contact the company by calling: (800)-853-1403].

The Volkswagen Recall

Set to begin in late January of 2011, the Volkswagen recall involves potential problems with more than 228,000 vehicles. The specific car models named in the recall include the 2007-2009 model year Golfs, Jettas, Jetta Sportwagens and Rabbits. Apparently, the small plastic tabs in the windshield wiper reservoirs can create friction with fuel supply lines located under the hoods, possibly causing fuel leaks and fires. Dealers handling these recalls will simply remove the plastic tabs.

This same recall of 228,000 vehicles also includes problems with Volkswagen’s 2006-2010  New Beetles. That model’s power steering systems feature fastening clamps (on the hydraulic hoses) that may be positioned incorrectly, possibly causing the clamps to create friction with fuel supply lines under the hood. Fires can develop due to this problem. Dealers handling the Volkswagen New Beetle recall will inspect the clamps’ positions and adjust them, if necessary. Kerry Christopher, Volkswagen’s spokesman, said that the company has not received any fire, crash or injury reports related to the potential flaws of the New Beetles. [Volkswagen customers can contact the company at (800) 822-8987.]

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Demas & Rosenthal is a law firm comprised of Sacramento personal injury lawyers that has helped clients fight for their consumer rights for nearly 20 years. The firm represents clients in California personal injury lawsuits that include matters relating to traffic accidents, defective products and general negligence. Demas and Rosenthal has an “AV” rating, the highest possible national rating from Martindale-Hubbell. The “AV” rating is derived from confidential assessments by attorneys in the community as well as judges. In addition to the highest attainable legal ability ratings, Demas and Rosenthal has been given the highest marks for “adherence to professional standards of conduct, ethics, reliability and diligence.

Although many studies of motorcycle and car accidents focus on head traumas, serious foot injuries frequently occur that can permanently change someone’s personal and daily work life forever. We often forget how many Americans work every day in restaurant, cashier, construction, day care and other jobs that absolutely demand we be fully ambulatory.

Most Common Types of Foot Injuries Suffered in Traffic Accidents

At least one major study found that ankle injuries are the most common type of foot damage suffered during a motorcycle or car accident. Fractured ankle bones can take months to heal and may even require multiple surgeries before the injured person can begin trying to walk or move about with the help of any rehabilitative device. Of course, motorcycle riders and their passengers are more likely to damage their feet since they are without the added protective coverage offered by most cars.

As for which part of the foot is most likely to be damaged, apart from the ankle, the forefoot usually sustains the highest number of injuries. While amputation may be necessary for the most serious foot injuries, other critical steps can be taken before this most extreme measure must be pursued.

Types of Accidents Most Likely to Create Foot Injuries

Accidents involving multiple vehicles or motorcycles tend to produce the largest number of foot injuries, followed closely by head-on collisions. Ongoing vehicle design improvements are necessary to lower the high number of critical foot injuries suffered by Americans each year. It should also be noted that high-speed collisions play a major role in many serious foot injuries.

Seeking Out an Experienced Doctor with Strong Diagnostic Skills

A well-trained doctor such as a podiatrist or orthopedist (specializing in foot injuries) must be consulted so that an appropriate treatment regimen can be created for you. Before first meeting with your foot injury specialist, you should seriously consider viewing an online or general reference book drawing of the foot’s various bone structures. This can help you better describe to your doctor where you’re experiencing the most pain and mobility issues

Key Questions to Ask Your Foot Doctor or Surgeon

Obviously, professional sports players might need to pose special sets of questions to multiple doctors since their goal is to return to their chosen games as soon as possible, without sacrificing full and complete healing. As for the rest of us, we simply need to ask which treatment programs will cause the least interference with our jobs and other daily activities.

Among other key questions, you might want to ask your foot specialist:

• Which foot supports or casts are best for your type of injury;
• Whether crutches or a wheelchair might provide you with the best mobility before your foot is fully healed;
• What incidental injuries, such as soft tissue tears or other complications might hinder a rapid recovery in your case;
• If it’s best for you to stay off your damaged foot for a certain period of time to maximize the overall healing process;
• If a comprehensive rehabilitative program is necessary. Bear in mind that you cannot benefit from most therapeutic programs if you drop out of them early. Be sure to ask your physical therapist if you can continue your therapeutic exercises at home, long after the formal therapy sessions end.

Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients since our firm first opened its doors back in 1993. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes great pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every

Coming into autumn, this seems like a perfect time to revisit how driving in the rain is different than driving on a dry road. That first big rain of the season can stir up a lot of debris on the road creating mud and oil patches that are especially slippery. Be aware of that fact and account for the debris after the first big downpour and every storm after a dry spell.

Rain affects three main aspects of driving: 1) ability to see, 2) ability to stop, and 2) maintaining control of your vehicle. Your ability to see is compromised when the rain hits your windshield and because the clouds block most of the sunlight. Please remember to turn your lights on. In California it is now against the law to run your windshield wipers without your headlights on. Also, remember to take off the sunglasses, they are not needed with the cloud cover.

The wet roads are a slick surface under your wheels. Without as much traction, you need more time to stop your vehicle; this means you need a greater following distance. It’s risky enough tailgating on a dry road, don’t do it when it rains. You also might need to push harder on your breaks. I know that I can’t lift my foot slightly to prevent a sharp stop in the rain like I do when it’s dry.

Wind often accompanies rain in a storm. Wind, slick roads, and inability to see lines can create confusion on the road. Sharp turns or big puddles can easily turn into hydroplaning. Hydroplaning is when the tires of a vehicle completely lose traction on the road and skid like a sled. Preventing hydroplaning is usually as simple as slowing down. Tread on tires is designed to wick away water, but if the tire is moving too quickly it cannot perform this task. So, slow down. Also make sure your tires are properly inflated and check for tread wear.

If the worst should happen and you find yourself hydroplaning, do not turn the wheel sharply or slam on the brakes. Just let up on the gas and gently turn your wheel to guide toward the shoulder of the roadway, that way, if you do continue to skid, it is not in the direction of oncoming traffic. Bridges can be dangerous spots because water will tend to pool somewhere. Be aware of your surroundings and try to avoid large puddles, they could be deeper than they look.

Slow down, increase following distance, turn your lights on. Your actions this fall affect your family, your fellow drivers, and yourself. For more tips on driving in the rain, SmartMotorist.com is a good resource. Be safe out there this season.

Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients since our firm first opened its doors back in 1993. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.

In 2007, the cost U.S. citizens had to shelf out to pay for minors caught in an accident due to intoxication and drunkenness was an astounding $68 billion! The costs paid for their insurance, medical care, post surgery, trauma, and rehabilitation. In terms of direct cost through medical care and loss of income of a parent tending for her underage child, the amount is a shocking $22.3 billion every year.

Is it any wonder that several states, including California, have put together a bill that will penalize adults who supply or give alcoholic drinks to underage teenagers? The bill has passed deliberation with a 67-1 vote in favor of the bill. All it needs for now is approval by the Governor of California before it can be implemented.

California DUI Accident Attorneys

The reality of uncontrolled abuse by adults in giving alcohol to minors is shocking, to say the least. As adults, we are the ones who should be mature to know when and who to be “social host” to as far as intoxicating beverages are concerned. What’s so sad is that youth violence such as suicide, assault, homicide, and vehicular accidents are mostly caused by alcohol abuse.

There is a reason why we have made a distinction between minors and adults. As minors, there is the element of recklessness and abandon joie de vivre because of youth and immaturity.  This is why there are age requirements or strict limitations for permits to drive, to travel solo, or even to vote, and they all have to do with the same reasons as minors are not being allowed to drink.

Strangely, there are groups that argue against this bill debating the fact that people at the age of 18 should be able to make decisions on their own. Therefore, any actions they may make related to alcohol excesses should not be passed on to the person who handed him or her a drink.

Sacramento Auto Accident Statistics

Let’s take an even harder look at the statistics. In 2006, there were over 2,000 homicides, almost 1 million non fatal crimes, and almost 2 million property crimes perpetuated by an underage drinker, who were caught during or after the crime was committed.

In 2007,  almost 2,00 people died because of a drunk underage driver, and over 48,000 nonfatal but traumatic injuries from an accident caused by an underage drunk driver. Finally, in 2006, almost 160,000 young girls got pregnant because of being under the influence or having sex with someone who was underage and drunk. Are these figures real? Shouldn’t we even consider more drastic action to prevent unnecessary loss of lives and limb?

Contact a California Personal Injury Lawyer

Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients since our firm first opened its doors back in 1993. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.

So many awful incidents of death and trauma over a drunk driver has still not taught us that you cannot go behind the wheel of any vehicle if you have consumed alcohol. In fact, the amount of alcohol is really subjective since some people get tipsy over half a glass of table wine, while others need about a keg of beer or more to feel a hit. People who drink must know their limit regardless of what the law says. It’s just part of responsible driving. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world, so accidents will happen from drunk driving. The best you can do is to stay clear of these drivers as much as possible.

Not all drunk drivers drive at night

A drunk will drink at all times of the day or night. He or she might even know the time or day it is. Of course, this is the worst scenario, and does not happen as often as night drunk driving, but you cannot disregard this fact, so be on the lookout for haphazard driving anytime you’re on the road.

Slow down in intersections

People who are drunk tend to step on the gas harder and faster than normal, and this pertain to corners as well. When you reach an intersection, don’t assume that just because there’s a Stop sign on each corner, it will be followed.

Leave a lane open

Don’t drive in the middle of the road just because there’s no other car on the road. Stick to your lane, preferably the inner lane because drunk drivers usually drive fast, so will tend to overtake often.

Avoid bar areas

If you are driving at night, try to go around the bar areas or where there are known restaurants that allow heavy drinking. If you must, you should consider taking a detour, safe enough to get you where you need to go without any incident. Naturally, avoid dark streets as your detour.

Avoid early morning to dawn driving, biking, or walking

This is the riskiest time to go out. If you can hold off going out on your bike, taking a walk, or driving anywhere, then do it. You should know your neighborhood and route by now, so you know the places that tend to be used as a racing track for people coming home from a night of partying. If you have early work schedules or graveyard shifts, find a traveling partner, or make sure someone knows when you leave your place of work or leave your home to get to work.

Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients since our firm first opened its doors back in 1993. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.

Staying Alert While Driving

It doesn’t take long for driving to seem like it’s second nature to most of us. As the years go by, free of any accidents, we start to feel immune to our own poor driving habits and those of others. Unfortunately, chances of being in another accident still loom large.

If you want to lessen your chances of having to work with insurance agents doing damage appraisals in the future, take a few moments to review the list of  suggestions below. They’ve been compiled to help you stay focused on your driving whenever you head out on any road or freeway.

Tips for Staying Alert While Driving

• Instead of driving to work or taking the kids to school using the same old route, consider finding an alternate path so you’ll be less likely to become so complacent that you fail to notice obvious road dangers;
• Never start out on a lengthy (or even fairly short) road trip when you know you’re sleep deprived – wait until you know you can stay focused on your driving before leaving town;
• Never drive anywhere when you’ve recently been drinking alcohol since your reaction times will be slower and you may be less likely to even appreciate the dangers that surround you – the same is true of many prescription and “street” drugs. You need to be at the top of your game whenever you slip behind the wheel of a car;
• Play some music that you like since it can help keep your mind alert as continue to try and drive defensively;
• Never use a phone in your car – for any purpose. Most people now know that when they use their cell phones while driving, in any manner,  they quadruple their chances of being in an accident;
• If you see a rest stop coming up and have someone with you, consider stopping for a while to relax a bit;
• If there are no rest stops or if you’re driving alone, consider stopping at a small diner for some coffee or a cold carbonated drink containing caffeine to help keep you awake. Even a short stop can calm your nerves enough to help you concentrate better once you return to the road. If you get out of your car and stretch your legs a bit, you’ll not only improve your body’s circulation but you’ll also increase your ability to stay alert and focused once you start driving again.
• While visiting with your passengers, make sure you don’t become so involved with them that you stop paying close attention to the road ahead and other drivers. Instead, ask your passengers to alert you if they recognize a danger you seem to have missed;
• Open your car window, if it’s not too cold or hot – the breeze can be invigorating and help keep you awake;
• Don’t let the interior of your car become so warm that you start becoming sleepy;
• Don’t try to eat, drink or read anything while driving – stop in a well lit area if you must study a map. Never spend too much time reviewing the map on your GPS device at the expense of avoiding an accident;
• Don’t try to quickly apply make-up while driving and try to avoid smoking; we all need to keep both hands “free” in case a dangerous road incident starts to develop;
• Only drive at a moderate speed to increase your chances of being able to slow down in time to avoid an accident;
• If you know that one of your passengers is sober and a good driver, ask him (or her) to drive a while so you can rest a bit;
• Take note of interesting buildings, license plates and other unique items as you scan the driving area in front of you;
• Have your eyesight checked regularly; consider doing this even more often than you’re required to do it by your state driver’s license bureau;
• Avoid heated discussions with your passengers – you may become so involved in a topic that you unintentionally forget to stay focused on the road and traffic ahead – perhaps suggest that you continue the talk at a later time or when you reach your destination;
• Explain to your children why they must keep their noise to a minimum so you can concentrate on your driving. If they become too loud, you could miss some external sound cues that might warn you of impending danger;
• At least once a year, review your driver’s handbook or look for an online Web site where you can study such things as (1) the meaning of various road signs, (2) what straight or jagged lines in the road indicate and (3) what various types of flashing lights are supposed to indicate;
• Avoid driving in the dark since everyone tends to be less alert then and unable to see as well as they do during the brighter times of the day.

By reviewing this list from time to time, you should be able to greatly diminish your chances of ever being in another car or truck accident.

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Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients since our firm first opened its doors back in 1993. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.

Teen Auto Driving Safety Tips

As frightened as you may feel about letting your teen start driving, take advantage of this critical opportunity to teach your son or daughter the skills required for a lifetime of safe driving experiences. In addition to having your teen enroll in a professional driver’s education course, plan on remaining your teen’s primary instructor. Make time whenever possible to take your teen to empty school parking lots to practice various skills before moving on to nearby streets. Remain calm and help your teen develop the confidence required to make the many highly responsible, split-second decisions often required of most drivers.

Keep in mind that your children start learning to drive by watching you, even when they’re still very young. Act appropriately since they will surely imitate your driving habits once they get behind the wheel with a learner’s permit. Set a positive example by always being polite to other drivers. For example, when you pull up to a corner where there are four stop signs, let one or two other drivers go first. Never speed or try to run the majority of yellow lights you encounter.

Furthermore, never use your cell phone when the car engine is running. Make it clear that it’s only safe to use a cell phone when the driver is sitting in a parked car. Since actions really do speak louder than words, make sure you drive exactly the way you want your teen to drive when you’re not present. In addition to these basic driving practices, make sure you personally provide your teen with adequate information about each of the following driving tips.

Suggestions for Helping Your Teen Become a Safe Driver

• Have Them Start Out by Driving Alone (After the time has ended when an adult may be required by state law to be present in the car.) Passengers of any age (other than parents) can pose too great a distraction for many new drivers;
• Provide Definite Driving Curfews and Penalties for Breaking Them. Teens simply don’t need to be out driving late at night. Note that any curfew violations will result in the temporary or permanent cancellation of your teen’s driving privileges (depending on what exactly takes place during a given curfew violation for which there is no valid excuse);
• Always Stay up and Greet your Returning Teen Driver. Set an early curfew when your teen first starts driving alone. Stay up and greet your teen when he or she returns. Make sure there hasn’t been any drinking and driving. Any smell of alcohol on your teen’s breath should result in the immediate revocation of all driving privileges for an extended period of time. You might even want to insist on driving your teen to all school and social events until you’re convinced that he or she won’t repeat that behavior again;
• Provide a Safe Car that’s big enough to offer ample protection should your teen get involved in an accident – many teens experience “fender benders” or more during their early driving careers;
• No Music Initially. Advise your teen to avoid listening to any music during the first months when they start driving alone so they can stay completely focused on their driving;
• Require Some Level of Financial Responsibility. Have your teen contribute to the car’s upkeep or buy their own gas with their part-time job earnings. If they can afford to do so, have your teen also contribute to the cost of their car insurance. Teens required to shoulder such financial responsibilities at an early age are more likely to view driving as a privilege they should take seriously;
• Basic Skills Must Be Mastered First. Don’t forget to make sure your teen has learned how to drive at the proper speed, parallel park the car, use proper turn signals and give pedestrians the right of way. Emphasize the importance of leaving plenty of room for motorcyclists or regular bicyclists who may also be sharing the road. Also, personally remind your teen how to respond when a school bus stops in front of them or when they can hear an ambulance or fire truck approaching;
• Find Out Your Teen’s Weakest Skills Areas. Speak with your teen’s professional driving instructor to get a firsthand idea of your child’s poorest driving habits. Is she a risk taker? Does he often run yellow lights or follow other vehicles too closely? Plan to work with your teen on these problem skills areas. Remember, it’s never wise to introduce your teen to freeway driving or heavily congested traffic until you and the professional driving instructor agree that your teen’s driving skills warrant such training;
• Maps Should Be Studied Ahead of Time. If your teen believes a map will be needed to reach their destination, have them study it ahead of time, before getting behind the wheel of the car. Too many accidents occur when people are looking at a map and trying to decide where they should turn.
• Monitor Your Teen’s Driving. Consider following your teen on one or two occasions, without announcing this plan ahead of time. If you think it’s necessary, think about having a device installed in the car that will let you monitor your teen’s driving decisions, such as how fast they drive or how close they follow behind other vehicles. Let your teen know if you’re planning to install this type of device for added safety reasons. You might want to set a tentative date for removing the device, if your teen doesn’t have any accidents for an extended period of time. However, make it clear that you will re-install it on a permanent basis should your teen ever get involved in any accident.
• Make Sure Your Teen’s Car is Properly Maintained. Teach your teen the importance of regular car maintenance. Explain why tires should be inflated properly and why various hoses and car parts should be checked periodically. Be sure the spare tire is in good shape. Advise your teen to always keep a fully charged cell phone in their car so they can pull over and call for help when an emergency develops. Make sure your teen also carries your family’s emergency contact information, their driver’s license, proof of car insurance and car registration with them.
• Remind Your Teen that Driving is a Privilege, Not a Right. Go online with your teen and review the driving accident statistics reported by groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Let your teen know that though driving can be a wonderful convenience, it can prove deadly if not taken seriously at all times.

We hope these suggestions will help you properly train your teen to make the safest decisions possible while learning to drive.

California Personal Injury Attorneys

Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients since our firm first opened its doors back in 1993. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.

As we can read in Washington Post an 18-year-old man from California died on Tuesday after being struck and dragged by a bus in Woodbridge, Virginia, reported by police and a friend.

“Prince William County police said Jose Chavez of Shafter, Calif., was struck by a bus about 9:30 p.m. Monday while crossing the Gideon Drive and Dale Boulevard intersection. They said Chavez was trapped beneath the bus and dragged about 50 feet. Police said he died Tuesday at a hospital”

“A friend, reached in Shafter, said Chavez arrived in Northern Virginia about a week ago to visit relatives and look for a job.”

“The bus was said to be privately operated. The driver was identified as a Florida woman.”

Police in each jurisdiction said the matter is under investigation.

Demas & Rosenthal remains one of Sacramento’s most highly respected and accomplished personal injury law firms. We’ve been successfully representing clients since our firm first opened its doors back in 1993. Every Demas & Rosenthal attorney takes pride in obtaining the full compensation and complete justice owed to every client.

You may not need an attorney today, but if you or any person that you know would like to speak to a lawyer, just call our office at 1-888-870-4470.