Eugene Bruno & Associates
Teen Driving
The fiery crash that killed five teenagers last weekend during a late-night drive from Knott’s Scary Farm was a sad reminder that traffic accidents are the No. 1 killer of American teenagers. Almost 3,000 13- to 19-year-olds die in auto crashes each year in the U.S., according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. More than 400,000 more are injured.
Fewer Uninsured Drivers with Expanded CLCA Coverage
Despite state law that mandates auto insurance for all vehicles, some estimate there are more than 3 million uninsured vehicles in California. However, more low-income Californians will now have the opportunity to purchase affordable automobile insurance. Gov. Jerry Brown recently signed legislation that will expand California’s Low-Cost Automobile Insurance Program (CLCA) to include non-citizen individuals who qualify for California drivers’ licenses next year.
Three Feet Please – New Bike Safety Law in Effect 9/16/14
California’s newest bicycle safety act, called the Three Feet for Safety Act, took effect on Sept. 16, 2014. The law requires that drivers passing a bicycle that is traveling in the same direction maintain at least 3 feet of distance between any part of the vehicle and any part of the bicycle or rider. When 3 feet is not possible, the driver is required to slow to a “reasonable and prudent speed” and pass only if there’s no danger to the bicyclist. Violations can result in a fine, regardless of whether a collision or injury to the bicyclist results.
Telematics: The Future of Car Insurance?
Never heard of telematics? Just wait, you will. Telematics, or usage based insurance, is the newest trend in auto insurance. Telematics will provide your auto insurance company with real time driving information: how fast you drive, how hard you brake, how much you drive, the time of day you do most of your driving, etc. These factors have been shown to be far more predictive of insurance claims rates than the factors generally used by most car insurance companies now. that is gender, age, where you live, the type of car you drive and your credit rating.
Please Support MADD
Please help support Mothers Against Drunk Driving in their mission to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. MADD is a terrific organization and worthy of our support. There are 2 opportunitites coming up where San Diegans can show their support for MADD.
A Response to UT Editorial re: CA Medical Malpractice Law
California’s Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (known as MICRA), enacted in 1975, caps pain and suffering awards in medical malpractice cases to $250,000. The cap has never been raised or adjusted for inflation. To serve as an effective deterrent to medical malpractice by incompetent doctors, it is time for the cap be increased.
Court Rules Drivers Can Use Map App on Phone While Driving
While stopped in heavy traffic, Steven Spriggs pulled out his smartphone to check a map application to find an alternate route around the congestion. A CHP officer spotted him holding his phone and cited him for violating CA Vehicle Code Section 23123, which prohibits drivers from “using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving.” Spriggs fought the ticket on the grounds that he was not talking on his phone, but only looking at a map. It would not have been illegal for Spriggs to look at a paper map while driving. After losing at the trial level, he appealed and the appeals court reversed his conviction, stating:
Delay Tactics by Insurance Company Sparks Outrage
Fred Dickey’s 2/24/2014 column in the San Diego Union Tribune is a must read for all. The column is about an 83-year-old woman who was severely injured in a car accident caused by a 17-year-old driver. The 17-year-old personally apologized to the woman for causing the accident so there is no dispute about who was responsible. At the scene, the woman had to be cut out of her car and life flighted to the hospital. She spent 5 months in the hospital and her hospital bills were more than $800,000. She still has pain from her injuries but, worse yet, she is no longer be able to live on her own and she has been forced to rely on relatives for her care.
Public Transportation Accidents in San Diego and the U.S.
According to the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the year 2011 saw approximately 5,338,000 highway crashes across the country. These crashes involved passenger cars, motorcycles, heavy trucks, light trucks, motorcycles, and buses. Another 9,819 transportation accidents involved railroads such as Amtrak and other commuter trains. More than 7,000 organizations in the U. S. provide some type of public transportation. These organizations range from mass transit companies to single-vehicle service providers.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims
In California, all drivers are required to carry auto insurance regardless of whether they drive a high-end new car or one that is old and not in the best shape. Unfortunately, many drivers do not carry insurance either because they cannot afford it, have allowed it to lapse, have a driving record which prevents them from obtaining it, or fail to understand its importance. Insurance industry studies concerning auto coverage have shown that as many as one out of four drivers drive without any form of insurance or have too little coverage to handle the consequences should they be involved in a major accident. This can create a difficult situation for those who are injured by these uninsured or underinsured drivers.
“I would highly recommend Eugene Bruno & Associates! They helped me out with a case of mine and everything worked out perfectly. I worked with Amir, one of the lawyers and he was amazing. Definitely would work with him again. Thank you!”
- Mona Hakim, Google Review- “This people deserve more than 5 stars. I would highly recommend them to anyone.”
- Faisal A., Google Review - “You will not be disappointed hiring these guys. Eugene Bruno & Associates are the best car accident lawyers in San Diego and I recommend them 100%!!”
- Adam C., Google Review - “Take the time to speak with Mr. Bruno, he will definitely help you and guide you and make you feel like family! Best decision I have made, I went with the best. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!!!”
- Lakeisha E., Google Review
“I would highly recommend Eugene Bruno & Associates! They helped me out with a case of mine and everything worked out perfectly. I worked with Amir, one of the lawyers and he was amazing. Definitely would work with him again. Thank you!”