Safety tips for Biking in Los Angeles

To say that the roads and streets of Los Angeles are busy would be an understatement. At any given time of any given day, countless vehicles are competing for the same stretches of roadway. When you are on a bicycle, this can make for a dangerous environment. As a cyclist, there are measures you can take to be safer on L.A. roads. And although these tips will not completely eliminate bicycle accidents, it can certainly help to reduce your risk of severe injury. Below are a few safety tips and survival tactics for the urban cyclist:

• Wear your safety gear - Although there is controversy surrounding the use of helmets in the cycling world, wearing one can significantly reduce your risk of head injury against impacts up to 12.5 mph. Safety glasses made of shatterproof polycarbonate can protect your eyes from flying objects or when you fall. Finally, biking gloves can protect your hands from painful road rash in a fall.
• Be seen - Make sure your helmet and jerseys are in colors that are easily visible to drivers. Use reflective tape and light kits to be seen while riding at night. At red lights, position yourself where you are visible to drivers on all sides of the road.
• Use your voice - While it is nice to have a bell on your bicycle, it doesn't really tell a car driver, other cyclist or pedestrian a very clear message. Tell people you are passing on their left or right, and shout "Look out!" or something similar to hopefully avoid collisions.
• Use your body to turn - Rather than using the handlebars to turn, which can be slow to respond in an emergency situation, practice using your body to lean into your turns.
• Be defensive - While riding, prepare for the worst case scenario. While it is likely not to occur, try to anticipate mistakes or unexpected actions drivers may take.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in the Los Angeles area or throughout California, you deserve to have a Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney who truly cares about the outcome of your case. Contact the Law Offices of Howard Craig Kornberg for free consultation at 310-997-0904.

3 Things to do After you are in a Motorcycle Accident

Though motorcycle accidents are rarely minor “fender-benders,” it is possible to find yourself conscious after getting hit by a car or truck. What should you do next if you are ever in this situation?

1.  Seek medical help. If you are able, call 911 or get someone else to do so, so you and other victims can get the emergency medical attention you need. Later, even if you do not have to stay in the hospital, follow up with an appointment with your doctor.
2.  Get info. As much as possible, get the contact information of all the witnesses, and take video statements from them if appropriate. Take photos of the crash scene, documenting damage, the relevant license plates and so on. Trade personal information with all other drivers involved.
3.  Tell the police your story. If you are able to give a statement to the responding officers, it is very important to do so. Unfortunately, the fact that motorcyclists are often badly hurt in auto wrecks often means the police only get the car or truck driver’s version of events. Though the police report is only one piece of evidence, a one-sided report can make it tougher for you to get compensated in court later on.

Besides following doctor’s orders and letting your body heal, your next step after this should be to speak to a motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles If your injuries are the result of a driver’s negligence, you and your family should not have to bear the cost of your medical bills, lost wages and other costs on your own. The person who caused your injuries should be held responsible.

Tips for Avoiding a Car Accident in Los Angeles

More than 32,000 people die every year in car accidents in the United States and 2 million are seriously injured. Although accidents will happen, there are certain precautions we can all take to be safer on the roads.

According to the Center for Disease Control's Vital Signs report, drivers and passengers can help to increase safety on the roads by:

• Using a seat belt on every trip, no matter how short
• Keeping children buckled up in a car seat, booster seat or seat belt, whatever is appropriate to their age, height and weight
• Obeying speed limits and other traffic signs
• Driving free from distractions, especially from phone calls, texting and cell phone apps
• Not driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Keeping your car in good condition

Equally important is to share the road with motorcycles and bicycles and watch for pedestrians. Other keys to crash prevention include defensive driving techniques. In addition to avoiding distractions, buckling up and obeying traffic signals, drivers can:

• Scan the road - Avoid staring straight ahead, which can potentially lead to daydreaming or dozing off. Instead looks about 10 to 12 seconds ahead of your car, look to the sides, be aware of blind spots and never rely completely on your mirrors.
• Maintain a safe driving distance - Keep at least two seconds of time between your vehicle and the car in front of you. To do this pick a fixed point and make sure you pass it at least two counts after they do. If someone is tailgating you, try driving slower to encourage them to pass you. If that doesn't work, move into another lane when it is safe to do so.
• Allow for proper stopping distance - Give yourself space to perceive an obstacle, react and then time for actual braking. Typically this is about 25 feet at 20 mph, and four times that distance if you double your speed.

If you are in a car accident, get medical attention immediately for any injuries and protect your legal rights with help from a car accident attorney Los Angeles.

7 Safety Tips for Teen Pedestrians

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, there are five fatal teen pedestrian accidents in the United States each week. There also has been a 13 percent increase in the pedestrian death rate for those ages 12 to 19 since 2013. The statistics may be grim, but there is still hope for improvement. With awareness programs, we can help teens to be safer as pedestrians at crosswalks and busy L.A. intersections. Below are seven common ways pedestrian accidents can happen, and advice for how to keep your teens safe. Safe Kids Worldwide also provides an interactive infographic called "Don't Get Hit by a Car" that you can share with your teens.

1. Walking while distracted by phones or headphones - 1 in 4 high school students and 1 in 6 middle school students crosses the street while distracted. When walking, teens should keep their phones down and heads up, especially at crosswalks.
2. Crossing in the middle of the block - Crossing somewhere other than an intersection causes 76 percent of pedestrian fatalities. Emphasize to teens the importance of taking the extra time to cross at the corner.
3. Walking at night in dark clothes - 70 percent of teen pedestrian deaths occur between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. Tell your teens to be especially alert when it is dark out, and to make sure vehicles can see you walking on or crossing the street.
4. Not watching out for careless or distracted drivers - Remind your teens to look left, right and left again and to continue to be alert while crossing the street.
5. Walking in the road - Whenever possible, teens should walk on sidewalks or paths rather than the street. If this isn't an option, walk on the side facing traffic and get as far away from vehicles as possible.
6. Not watching for cars that are backing up - Teens should continuously look left and right when walking in parking lots or near driveways.
7. Not looking out for a second car - Tell your teens to pause at each lane of traffic to look for additional vehicles on the road. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.

If your child is injured while walking on the road and accident occurred with no fault, you deserve to have a Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney who truly cares about the outcome of your case. Contact the Law Offices of Howard Craig Kornberg for a free consultation at 310-997-0904.