Law Offices of Howard Kitay
Many activities in California require participants to sign waivers. Waivers of liability are legal documents that can shield the individual or company from liability if a participant gets injured. From sports stadiums to local gyms, many establishments rely on waivers to avoid paying the bills after an accident. You may still have the right to…
Scooter riding has boomed in popularity in the state of California since state lawmakers allowed scooter rideshare companies to debut their rentable dockless electric scooters. Companies such as Bird, Lime, and Spin have released thousands of electric scooters in different cities across California for riders to rent. The increase in scooters in California have led…
Riding a bicycle safely in California takes complying with all applicable rules, laws, and regulations. It is up to all bikers to understand and obey traffic rules that apply to them before hitting the road. It is up to motor vehicle drivers to respect bicyclists and to operate safely around them according to state laws.…
In California, it is against the law to leave the scene of a car accident without fulfilling a driver’s duties of care. These duties include stopping at the scene, swapping information with the other driver, and calling the police to report the accident, if applicable. To breach these duties is to commit the crime of…
A personal injury settlement is a financial award you may be able to receive after another person or entity negligently or intentionally causes harm. A settlement is an agreement you and the defendant (and often the defendant’s insurer) come to, without needing to take the case to court. As a claimant, it is up to…
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental condition that can have debilitating symptoms. Someone may develop PTSD after living through or witnessing a traumatic accident, such as a catastrophic car accident. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a type of pain and suffering damage under California law. It may be possible to hold someone else responsible…
Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury claims in California, with tens of thousands of drivers filing insurance claims and taking legal action for accidents every year. If you expect to file an insurance claim or lawsuit for a recent car accident, you should have some idea of what to…
It is possible, although difficult, to handle some legal matters on your own without hiring a personal injury attorney in El Cajon. The vast majority of car accident claims are relatively small, and these small accident claims rarely proceed to trial. It is generally in the best interest of everyone involved to settle the matter…
Whenever an American citizen receives any kind of substantial windfall there is a high probability that individual will incur a sizeable tax burden on the proceeds he or she earned. This includes lottery winnings, some types of inheritances, and even legal settlements and cash awards. However, federal and state laws exist that prevent excessive taxation…
The assumed high cost of legal fees very often deters some people from seeking legal counsel when they need it the most. Legal representation can be very expensive, especially for difficult cases requiring lots of time and attention. When attorneys use traditional billing methods and charge clients for time spent working on their cases, those…
If you suffered injuries in a car accident, you will likely have to receive ongoing medical treatment until you recover. As a result, you will have to pay for thousands of dollars in medical expenses. These costs may include doctor’s visit fees, hospitalization costs, medications, surgeries, physical therapy, and mobility equipment, just to name a…
If you suffer from a personal injury in California, you may wonder what your legal options are, especially if you do not have the funds to pay expensive legal fees. In fact, many people refrain from pursuing legal action because they believe they cannot possibly afford an attorney out of pocket. However, many law firms…
After you suffer an injury and file a personal injury lawsuit, you may receive a substantial amount of money as a settlement. The court usually makes these awards to compensate for certain expenses related to your injuries, such as past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You want to keep these…
When you file a personal injury lawsuit, you reach a settlement that awards you with funds as compensation for the losses you sustained. The most common types of damages are economic damages, which include expenses such as lost wages and medical expenses, and noneconomic damages, which cover pain and suffering and emotional anguish. However, you…
After you have settled your personal injury case, you may experience new symptoms of your existing injuries or notice new injuries you believe stemmed from your accident. Or, you may not feel satisfied with your settlement amount. Can you reopen a personal injury case once it is settled? What Does Settlement Mean? In legal terms,…
It is no secret that car accidents can be traumatic. Some people experiencing the most severe car accidents have long held that the accident itself led to post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. What is PTSD? Can you get it from a car accident? More importantly, can you sue if you experience PTSD as a result…
It is never a good time for a car accident, but it seems that those minor fender benders always happen when you are in a rush to get somewhere. What’s more, accident reports may mean you run the risk of a traffic ticket, charges, and a higher insurance premium. Do you really have to report…
California is the first state to permit lane-splitting or the act of a motorcycle-riding between two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. As such, it has been a pioneer state in terms of what works and what does not with lane-splitting. Lane-splitting accidents have become an increasing issue since the legislative change in…
During a vehicle accident claim with your car accident lawyer, one might hear the phrases contributory or comparative negligence. These are two legal concepts that can apply to car accident claims in which the person claiming damages may bear fault for the accident. These rules can decide how much compensation a plaintiff receives, and are…
California is a popular state for motorcyclists. Every year, thousands of motorcyclists flood the roads and highways of The Golden State. Motorcyclists who live in the state and those who are just visiting must all obey current California motorcycle laws. Otherwise, they could face fines, points on a driving record, and other penalties. State traffic…
Distracted driving is one of the deadliest driver mistakes. Failing to pay adequate attention to the road makes it almost impossible for a driver to react to changing roadway conditions or situations in time to prevent a collision. In 2016, distracted drivers contributed to the deaths of 3,450 people across the country. About 9% of…
Just because it’s mandatory to carry car insurance in the state of California does not mean every driver will obey the law. In fact, hundreds of uninsured and underinsured drivers are on the roads right now. Driving without insurance isn’t just a crime – it’s unfair to the law-abiding citizens who end up dealing with…
DISCLAIMER: If you are in need of more information in regards to obtaining a learner’s permit, please contact the DMV in your geographic area. The Law Offices of Howard Kitay offers legal representation to those who have been injured in the state of California, as we are only licensed to practice in this state. Information…
California has had handheld cell phone laws in place for years, restricting when and how drivers may use cell phones behind the wheel. Several laws ban the use of cell phones in the state when operating a motor vehicle. One law prohibits those under the age of 18 from using all phones, hands-free or handheld,…
The Golden State offers gorgeous landscapes, views of the Pacific Ocean, natural terrain, and year-round perfect weather. As a result, thousands of bicyclists use California roads all months of the year. Whether you’re a California resident who takes a bicycle to work or just planning to visit the state for a bike race or excursion,…
You must have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit to legally operate a motor vehicle in the state of California. California Vehicle Code Section 12500 states that a person must hold a valid license to drive a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or motorized bicycle on a highway. Going against this code is a traffic violation…
Pepper spray is a chemical derived from hot chili plants. When someone uses pepper spray against an attacker or vicious animal, it can debilitate the victim—immediately causing pain to his or her eyes and lungs. Pepper spray can cause tightening in the chest and mucus secretions, and it is incredibly uncomfortable. Although effects are temporary,…
Physician-assisted suicide is a hot topic across the nation, with debates heating up after recent legislations in other states have made the practice legal. End-of-life issues are emotional by nature and can lead to many complicated questions. California’s End of Life Option Act California is one of only five states in the U.S. to approve…