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.

You certainly want what’s best for your children. You want them to make wise decisions, study hard, and excel in life. You also want them to stay safe, especially when they’re behind the wheel, which is why you’ve taught them not to drink and drive, or get in a car that’s being driven by someone who HAS been drinking and driving.

But are you aware that there is a danger behind the wheel that could be even more threatening than alcohol?

It’s texting and driving.

Studies have shown that texting while driving can be as dangerous as driving drunk, and yet about 70% of people admit to having sent text messages from behind the wheel. And this problem definitely affects teenagers; according to one study, almost half of our nation’s teenagers have admitted that their distraction while driving is caused by text messaging.

I think that texting while driving is even more dangerous than drinking while driving, because people are lulled into a false sense of security while doing it. We’ve been taught that alcohol and a car is a bad combination (and it is!), but we haven’t really been taught that cell phones, which everyone has these days, are just as dangerous behind the wheel, if not more so.

So parents, it is important that you teach your children not to text and drive. Explain the dangers to them, and show them that you care about their safety. Encourage them to save their conversations until they have reached their destination safely, and you will be doing your part to make our roads, and your children, much safer.

It’s been a harrowing time recently for Toyota.  The company is under worldwide scrutiny on the heels of recalling more than 8 million vehicles mostly because of a defect that causes the accelerator pedal to stick.  The situation grew more intense for Toyota yesterday as two leading company officials appeared before Congress to explain the situation from the company’s standpoint.

According to CNN:

“Toyota has recalled more than 8 million vehicles in connection with possible unintended acceleration. Separately, the 2010 Toyota Prius was the subject of a recall due to complaints about its brakes. Even with Toyota’s long-time reputation for brand loyalty among consumers, dealers have seen sales plunge and continue to field phone calls from concerned drivers.

The first of three congressional hearings on Toyota’s recall problems began Tuesday in the House Oversight and Investigations subcommittee. Chairman Bart Stupak, D-Michigan, has said his panel’s preliminary review of 75,000 pages of Toyota’s internal company documents raised significant concerns. In particular, Toyota boasted of saving $100 million by dodging a more extensive recall of the Toyota Camry and Lexus.”

Saving costs is one of the central missions of any business.  In general, when a product is found to be defective, one of the points of analysis is a basic cost comparison.  If the potential for legal liability outweighs the cost of a recall, then the recall is usually the next step.  If the analysis concludes the opposite, companies will generally not take on the expense of a recall.

If you or someone you love has been harmed by a defective Toyota, you need the help of Sacramento defective products attorneys with a successful track record of taking on even the largest corporations.  Contact Demas & Rosenthal today to schedule a free initial consultation.

It has not been a positive few weeks for Toyota.  Recently, the company announced a massive recall of more than 2 million vehicles because of problems with the accelerator pedal.  Now, just days later, the company is beginning a recall of its best-selling brand and most prominent model of recent times, the Prius.  This represents only the latest in a string of Toyota recalls dating back to last year.

According to the Wall Street Journal:

“A reluctant Toyota Motor Corp. on Tuesday announced a global recall of its flagship Prius and other gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles, even as executives suggested they weren’t required to do so.

Toyota’s quality chief, Shinichi Sasaki, said at a press conference here that the problematic brake systems in the recalled cars “meet safety standards,” a comment implying the company isn’t required legally to recall the vehicles. But Toyota decided to take action and update software that controls the brake system in order to “be in accordance with the spirit” of those standards, Mr. Sasaki said.”

It’s believed that the recall affects more than 400,000 Prius vehicles.  The brake systems have shown themselves to be dangerous in different models around the world, and the recall reaches from the United States to Japan to other markets on different continents.

If you or someone you love has been injured by a defective Toyota vehicle, you need legal help.  Contact the Sacramento defective products lawyers who have years of experience in holding large corporations accountable for releasing dangerous products to consumers.  Contact Demas & Rosenthal today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Toyota is a brand of automobile that’s long been known by consumers for its quality, dependability and overall safety.  As a result, the manufacturer has enjoyed a growing market share for years.  However, it only takes one problem for that reputation to be damaged, and that appears to be what’s happening all over the world in the wake of Toyota’s announcement that it is recalling 2.3 million vehicles.

According to CNN:

“Toyota Motor Sales USA is recalling 2.3 million vehicles to correct a problem that could cause the vehicles’ gas pedals to stick.

This new recall is separate from an on-going recall of 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles to correct a problem in which the pedals could become stuck under a loose floor mat.

Drivers should not pump the brakes as this can deplete the brakes’ power assist. In the event the pedal becomes stuck, the vehicle can be brought under control with firm and steady application of the brakes, the automaker said.

The vehicle should then be driven to the nearest safe location, shut off, and a Toyota dealer should be called for assistance.

The vehicles covered under the recall are:

2009-2010 Toyota Rav4, Corolla, Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 Camry, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra and 2008-2010 Sequoia.”

The situation continues to develop as Toyota searches for answers.  In the meantime, if you or someone you love has been injured by a defective Toyota or any other defective product, you need the help of Sacramento defective products lawyers who have the experience and track record necessary to hold large, multi-national corporations accountable for the harm they may have caused.  Contact Demas & Rosenthal today to schedule a free initial consultation.

No one wants to lose beloved family members or friends simply because their car airbags malfunctioned. Yet highly skilled and inexperienced drivers alike continue to lose their lives this way. Vehicle airbags require vigilant care and maintenance if they’re to protect us from serious road accidents.

If you’ve been injured in an accident when your car’s airbag failed to deploy, you can contact our law firm with your questions. We’ve defended clients injured due to a number of faulty vehicle parts and stand ready to help you obtain the full financial recovery you deserve.

The following list of suggestions and information should help you keep your vehicle’s airbags in good working condition.

• Whenever possible, try and buy a new car. Even “certified” used car lots often fail to provide buyers with functional airbags.
• If you can’t afford to buy a new car, contact the manufacturer of the car you’d like to buy and ask if there’s any way to tell if the vehicle’s airbags are functional without actually trying to deploy them. If you fail to take this added step, you may never know for sure until you’re in an emergency situation.
• Never assume that the airbags alone will save you; always buckle up your seatbelt as well. One government study showed that between 1987 and 2008, airbags and seatbelts combined saved 25,700 lives.
• If you have children aged 13 or younger riding in your vehicle, it’s best to have them sit in the backseat. (Obviously, the youngest ones may need to ride in the types of child car seats required by law).
• When you have your car serviced regularly, ask the dealer how often the airbags should be checked. (If you’d like to learn more about how your car’s airbag sensors determine when they should deploy, you might want to visit the “www.safercar.gov” Web site.
• Usual location of the airbags: The driver’s airbag is usually located in the steering wheel hub; the front passenger’s airbag is usually packed into the dashboard. Side-impact bags can be placed in the doors, the overhead roof rail or in the backs of the seats.
• Always check the “on-off” switches for the airbags each time you enter your car. Airbags aren’t generally recommended for children age 13 or younger.
• Make sure you keep at least 10 inches between your breastbone and where your airbag is stored since they can deploy with tremendous force.
• Smaller adults and the elderly can usually be protected by airbags, although it may be best to have them move their seats back further than most passengers.
• You can learn more about the features of the safest vehicles by visiting the following Web site run by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: http://www.iihs.org/

When you contact our firm, please know that we’ll make every effort to ease your concerns about your recent accident and answer all of your questions. We’ve got the experience and the extended law firm personnel to handle each case in a highly professional manner.