Pheffer LawLos Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer | Soft Tissue Injury2026-10-15T16:27:10Zhttps://www.softisue.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1304393/2026/02/cropped-PL_FAV-v2-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Pheffer Law<![CDATA[Why do drivers often fail to notice motorcycles in traffic?]]>https://www.softisue.com/?p=2541032026-10-15T16:27:10Z2026-10-15T16:27:10ZDriving overwhelms the brain
Driving is a safety-critical activity that can lead to injury or death after even a momentary lapse in judgment. Drivers must constantly surveil their surroundings, watching for signs of danger.
When traveling at high speeds, there's simply much more incoming visual information than the brain can effectively process. In such scenarios, the brain focuses on visual data that seems to represent a clear safety threat.
For most drivers, a motorcycle does not appear as big of a safety concern as larger vehicles. Therefore, drivers can look at a motorcycle on the road without being consciously aware of its presence. People need to account for this cognitive deficit as they make decisions in traffic. Drivers who intentionally watch for motorcycles are less likely to cause unintentional crashes.
Motorcycle riders hurt in collisions related to a driver's surveillance failures may need help holding a driver accountable. Reporting the crash and reviewing crash records with a motorcycle collision attorney can help injured riders pursue the economic justice they deserve after a wreck.]]>On Behalf of Pheffer Law<![CDATA[Could a bar be liable for a deadly drunk driving crash?]]>https://www.softisue.com/?p=2541012026-10-04T19:31:34Z2026-10-04T19:31:34ZViolations of the law can lead to liability
There are numerous California statutes restricting the service of alcohol at a bar or similar establishment. Staff members need to check the state-issued identification of all customers to validate their age. They also need to stop serving those who appear visibly intoxicated.
When employees at a business with a liquor license break the law and a customer causes a crash as a result, the establishment may be liable for the crash under dram shop laws. If surviving family members can show that the drunk driver was physically intoxicated or underage while drinking at a business, they may have the option of taking legal action against the company.
Understanding liquor laws and liability can help those affected by drunk driving car crashes. Drunk drivers are not always the only party responsible for the collisions they cause. Assessing the situation with a legal professional can help grieving loved ones minimize the economic impact of a collision.]]>On Behalf of Pheffer Law<![CDATA[The danger of passing a semi-truck on the highway]]>https://www.softisue.com/?p=2540662026-09-21T03:52:39Z2026-09-21T03:52:39ZSemi-trucks make wide turns, have large stopping distances and take longer to accelerate than smaller vehicles. Commercial drivers typically need to stay in the right lanes on a highway or interstate to avoid impeding traffic.
Drivers who overtake semi-trucks may want to pass them, but they should do so with caution. There are several major risks to consider before passing a large truck.
The blind spots
A semi-truck operator cannot see a vehicle directly behind their trailer. They may also struggle to see vehicles next to the trailer.As if that weren't enough of a safety concern, drivers passing semi-trucks also have a blind spot around the front of the truck to consider. They may struggle to notice approaching traffic because of the height and length of the semi-truck. They could then attempt to pass when there is approaching traffic.
The risk of a rear-end crash
Even after completing a pass maneuver, a driver may be at risk of getting rear-ended by a semi-truck. They take longer to slow down than smaller vehicles.Those who pass semi-trucks must ensure they leave enough space and accelerate enough to avoid the semi-truck overtaking them from behind. Waiting for a clear break in traffic, accelerating assertively and leaving enough space are all important steps for those sharing the road with semi-trucks.When semi-truck crashes occur, the people involved may need support as they assess commercial insurance coverage and consider the option of filing an injury lawsuit. Legal guidance can make it easier for people to cover semi-truck crash costs and hold the right parties accountable.]]>On Behalf of Pheffer Law<![CDATA[Who is liable when a bus strikes a pedestrian?]]>https://www.softisue.com/?p=2540652026-09-05T13:22:12Z2026-09-05T13:22:12ZA bus authority is often liable
It is easy to understand why people assume that the bus driver is directly liable for any injuries and related expenses pedestrians incur due to a crash. Especially in cases where they did something illegal or negligent, blaming them for the crash may seem reasonable.
However, many bus drivers may lack the personal resources necessary to compensate injured pedestrians. Additionally, liability rules often pass responsibility to their employers. School transit companies and local transportation authorities may be liable for collisions caused by in-service buses.
When drivers employed by a company cause crashes, vicarious liability for the collision usually passes to the employer. Commercial insurance may be available, and litigation against the business could also help compensate the injured pedestrian.
The process of seeking compensation after a bus strikes a pedestrian can be lengthy and complicated. Working with a personal injury lawyer may make it easier for injured pedestrians and their family members to pursue economic justice after a crash caused by a bus accordingly.]]>On Behalf of Pheffer Law<![CDATA[Coffee is a common distraction during the morning commute]]>https://www.softisue.com/?p=2540642026-08-28T18:19:32Z2026-08-28T18:19:32ZReports from 2025 show that coffee consumption had gone up 7% in just the previous five years. The average person tends to drink three cups of coffee, making it more common than any other beverage, including bottled water, soda, juice and tea.
For many Americans, they purchase this cup of coffee during their morning commute. Some people will certainly brew coffee at home and bring it with them in the car, putting it in a travel mug. However, many people will also go through the drive-through at a Starbucks or another local coffee or fast food chain to pick up a cup on their way to the office.
3 types of driving distractions
As common as this is, it can be a significant distraction behind the wheel. Specifically, it is a manual, visual and cognitive distraction.
From a physical perspective, a driver who is holding a cup of coffee cannot have both hands on the wheel. As that person takes a drink, the coffee cup blocks part of their vision, so they cannot clearly see the road. They may also be mentally distracted as they reach for the coffee, think about whether it has cooled down enough to drink or try to determine when it is best to take another sip.
Many commuters are significantly distracted every single day by their traditional cup of coffee. This poses serious risks for everyone else who has to share the road with them. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you need to know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages.]]>by Pheffer Law<![CDATA[LA’s “Killing Fields”: Who is at fault in intersection crashes?]]>https://www.softisue.com/?p=2540632026-08-18T13:16:33Z2026-08-18T13:16:33Zkilling fields.” After an intersection crash, an injured driver may remember having a green light while the other driver gives a completely different account. Determining what actually happened can affect the right to recover damages.
What can help show who caused the crash?
Fault depends on the circumstances leading to the collision. A driver may claim to have had a green light while the other driver says the same thing. Other facts can help resolve those conflicting accounts. Some relevant factors may include:
Whether either driver ignored a traffic signal or stop sign
Whether a driver made an unsafe left turn
How fast each vehicle approached the intersection
Whether distraction contributed to the crash
What witnesses or available video show
Vehicle damage and the point of impact may also provide useful information. These details become even more important when both drivers may have made mistakes.
What if both drivers share fault?
Under New Mexico’s comparative fault rule, an injured person may still recover damages even if partly at fault. The court reduces the award by that person’s share of fault. Each defendant generally pays only the share of damages assigned to that defendant. For example, one driver might enter an intersection without enough care while another approaches at an unsafe speed. Both actions may contribute to the collision. How each driver’s conduct contributed to the crash can affect how responsibility is divided. That division can have a direct effect on the compensation available after the crash.
Can less visible injuries still cause problems?
An intersection collision does not have to cause a broken bone to interfere with daily life. A sudden side impact or abrupt stop may cause neck, back and other soft-tissue injuries. Pain and limited movement can make working, driving or completing ordinary tasks difficult. For someone recovering from a Los Angeles intersection crash, vehicle damage alone does not establish the extent of an injury. Medical findings and the facts surrounding the collision can both play a role in an injury claim.]]>On Behalf of Pheffer Law<![CDATA[Proving driver negligence after a pedestrian crash in Los Angeles]]>https://www.softisue.com/?p=2540612026-07-21T09:17:22Z2026-07-21T09:03:12ZImportant evidence to prove driver negligence
After a pedestrian accident, there are many questions about the right steps to take and whether you can receive fair compensation. Understanding the right steps and acting quickly can make you build a stronger case. Submitting the right evidence in court may give you a fair chance of winning the case. You should gather specific evidence for your accident claim, which includes:
Police reports: Request a traffic collision report from the Los Angeles Police Department. The report may include any violation of the traffic laws by the driver, such as failure to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
Video evidence: Try to get video evidence from nearby businesses, traffic-camera footage or neighborhood security cameras. Video footage can act as vital evidence in proving the driver’s negligence.
Witness statements: Get contact information from witnesses. This may help when the driver denies what happened.
Digital evidence: In situations where there is suspected distracted driving, cellphone records or other digital evidence can show whether the driver was texting at the time of the accident.
Medical reports: This helps establish the connection between the injuries and the accident.
Accidents involving pedestrians can lead to injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, brain trauma and even death in severe cases. The severity of the injuries is one factor that may affect the value of a personal injury claim, along with medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and other damages. If you know how to establish negligence, then you have a way to get fair compensation.
Pursuing justice through legal steps
The consequences of a pedestrian accident are usually devastating and may result in significant financial losses. When a pedestrian is injured because a driver failed to yield the right-of-way or otherwise acted negligently, the injured person can seek compensation through a personal injury claim.]]>On Behalf of Pheffer Law<![CDATA[What to know before filing a Los Angeles Metro bus accident claim]]>https://www.softisue.com/?p=2540602026-07-20T16:33:38Z2026-07-20T16:33:38ZWho is responsible for bus accidents?
Under California law, LACMTA may be liable for bus accidents if the facts show the agency’s negligence. Fault, however, does not always rest with the public agency alone. Other parties who may be liable include:
The bus driver, when careless or reckless actions led to the crash
A third-party driver, if another vehicle caused the collision
The city or county, when poor road conditions and malfunctioning traffic signals caused accidents
Vehicle manufacturers, if a defect in any part of the vehicle is the reason for the crash
Identifying potentially liable parties in advance can significantly strengthen a personal injury case.
How is fault determined in bus accidents?
Fault in a bus accident is not legally determined by the responding law enforcement officer. Although police may document the scene and collect various forms of evidence, settlement negotiations or a judge ultimately determines liability.
In California, the pure comparative fault rule allows an injured person to recover damages even if they are partially at fault, but the total financial recovery is reduced by that person’s own percentage of negligence.
What are the challenges in filing a claim?
Pursuing a claim against a public agency is often challenging due to:
Government claim deadline: Victims must file a formal claim with the Authority within six months of the crash before they can start a lawsuit.
Proving negligence: The victim must present sufficient evidence that LACMTA or another party breached a duty of care.
Insurance disputes: Without legal help, victims may settle for far less than their case is worth because government agencies often have legal teams that work to reduce payouts.
Victims often benefit from taking prompt steps to protect their rights. This typically includes taking photos of the scene, seeking immediate medical evaluation and securing legal guidance to meet all requirements in pursuing compensation.]]>On Behalf of Pheffer Law<![CDATA[How does dash cam affect California commercial vehicle accidents?]]>https://www.softisue.com/?p=2540532026-06-30T11:55:06Z2026-06-30T11:54:08ZWhy is video evidence important?
After a crash, memory alone is often not enough. Dash cam recordings can help clear up confusion. It gives a real-time, unbiased view of the moments before the accident and shows the crash as it happened. This record can help show what happened and who was at fault.
How does this footage support claims?
Dash cam evidence helps accident victims in several meaningful ways:
Proves liability: It shows exactly how the accident unfolded, removing guesswork from fault determination.
Counters false narratives: When trucking companies dispute responsibility, clear video evidence can silence misleading claims.
Strengthens settlements: Insurers often respond faster when solid recordings back up the victim's account.
Victims who act quickly to secure this data can give their legal team a stronger foundation to fight for fair compensation.
What is commercial accident law in California?
Under the legal principle of respondeat superior, California law holds commercial transport companies responsible for their drivers' negligence while on the job, evaluating their actions under a standard of ordinary care. This doctrine means employers are liable for damages if a driver's negligence causes an accident during the scope of their employment.
How to protect the rights to seek compensation?
To protect the rights to pursue financial recovery after a commercial vehicle accident, an injured person may find it advantageous to act quickly to preserve dash cam data before it is overwritten or deleted. They must save and back up their own footage, document whether the commercial vehicle had cameras and gather identifying details. A legal team can take immediate steps to secure the video and other important evidence.]]>On Behalf of Pheffer Law<![CDATA[Can my spouse seek damages after my accident in California?]]>https://www.softisue.com/?p=2540492026-06-15T15:30:18Z2026-06-15T15:28:51ZAn unexpected accident can upend an injured person's family. It can disrupt one’s everyday routine before the accident and adversely affect the lives of family members, especially for a spouse who must guide them through recovery. Can your spouse sue the at-fault party for their loss?
What is loss of consortium and who can claim it?
A person injured in an accident endures immense pain and difficulty. Their loved ones and family members must also bear the brunt of this. Due to the injury, a spouse might lose companionship, comfort and love. That is why the court allows a spouse to stake a claim in their loved one’s accident under loss of consortium. It is important to note that the children or other family members cannot file for this claim.
What legal condition should one meet to apply for the claim?
If a spouse is going to file a loss of consortium claim, they should be legally married when another party’s negligence caused the accident to their loved one. However, one should keep in mind that California law doesn’t recognize common-law marriages, so they cannot file a claim.
When can one make a loss of consortium claim?
Usually, there are two primary scenarios in which a spouse is entitled to make this claim. For example:
The healthy spouse must take on extra household or financial responsibilities to cover for their partner.
The injured spouse becomes fully incapacitated, leading to a complete loss of their help and support.
In either scenario, the accident must have caused significant loss and hardship to the spouse.
How can legal guidance help?
An accident hurts more than just one person. The ripples are felt deeply across the entire household. If the at-fault party’s negligence put a strain on your marriage, with the help of a personal injury attorney, you may secure the comprehensive support your family needs to rebuild. ]]>