[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We would guess that not many people have actively made a New Years resolution to 'become a better driver'.  With people returning to work and school after the holidays, we're guessing that some people have wished other drivers had made that resolution.  While we cannot control the habits of other drivers, what we can do is resolve to become better drivers ourselves.  While becoming a better driver will not make other drivers do the same, it can still help reduce the risk of a car accident. And if the resolution for 2019 was to be more honest with ourselves, we all could become better drivers. The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth has compiled some defensive driving tips that could help make the roads in 2019 safer for everyone. Avoid Distracted Driving - Distracted driving causes drivers to take their eyes off of the road and their minds off of the task at hand.  While driving, avoid using a cell phone or doing any other activity that isn't driving. Be Aware of Your Surroundings - Knowing what is happening around your vehicle can prevent you from being involved in a crash.  If you see something, you can react to it. Expect Other Drivers to Make Mistakes - If you watch another car passing you on the right and approaching a slower moving vehicle, will that car slow down or jump to your lane in front of you? If you anticipate other drivers making mistakes before they make them, you can react quickly. Slow Down - Speed is a factor in most fatal accidents.  Slower driving speeds can allow for more reaction time if you need to come to a sudden stop. Follow at a Safe Distance - You never know when the car in front of you will need to stop.  Or the car in front of that car.  Follow at a distance where you know you'll be able to react and stop safely. Avoid Sudden Stops - You never know when the car behind you will fail to stop.  If you can avoid it, try not to brake too suddenly. Acknowledge Blind Spots - Before changing lanes, always be sure your blind spot is clear.  Avoid driving in other vehicles' blind spots for too long.  They may forget you're there. Avoid Unnecessary Lane Changes - Weaving in and out of fast-moving traffic is dangerous.  If you need to pass a slower moving vehicle, do so.  If you need to let a faster moving vehicle pass, do so.  But constantly changing lanes to avoid traffic does no one any favors. Use Your Turn Signals - Let others know where you are going so they can avoid you.  Blinkers are especially important when attempting to make unprotected turns or approaching an intersection. Do Not Succumb to Road Rage - Nobody wins in a road rage incident.  Staying calm can prevent aggressive driving that escalates into something more serious. Maintain Your Vehicle - If your car breaks down on the highway, you can be in immediate danger.  If your tires are not inflated correctly, you risk a blowout.  Proper vehicle maintenance can help to prevent these situations and many others. Wear Your Seatbelt - It could save your life. Don't Drive Under the Influence - Driving while drunk or high can puts yourself, as well as everyone else on the roads, in extreme danger.  Over 10,000 people are killed each year in drunk driving incidents.  Even if you don't hurt anyone, a DUI charge can cost tens of thousands of dollars, lead to suspended driving privileges, and even cost you your job.  It's not worth it.

Car accident lawyers in the San Gabriel Valley

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, call the Law Offices of Scott Warmuth at 888-517-9888 to receive a free injury consultation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It's no secret that Southern California drivers are not the most adept at driving in the rain.  As we enter an El Niño winter season, we could see a lot of rain and a lot of traffic.  This first week of December's weather could become very familiar over the next few months. Up to four times as many car accidents occur when it rains in Southern California.  If you have to drive, following some wet weather driving tips can help you reach your destination safely. Before driving, be prepared Make sure your headlights, windshield wipers, and brakes are working properly.  Being rushed in rainy weather can cause an accident, so be sure to plan ahead.  Allow extra time to reach your destination. Slow down It takes more time to slow down when the roads are slippery.  Staying at a lower maximum speed can make it easier to stop your car suddenly, making some accidents avoidable. Begin braking earlier Wet brakes are less effective, causing cars to take longer to come to a stop.  Braking sooner than usual will allow for more time for your vehicle to come to a complete stop.  Suddenly braking in wet weather can cause a driver to lose control of their car. Avoid tailgating Travel too closely to a vehicle in wet weather and you may not have the ability to avoid a crash if the car comes to a quick stop.  Leaving extra space between vehicles can prevent rear end accident when it's raining. Turn on your headlights Headlights provided added visibility to others when it's raining.  It may not help you see other cars in the daytime, but it definitely helps other cars see you.  It's a legal requirement to turn on your headlights if you are using your windshield wipers. Do not turn on your high beams Using your brights can hurt your visibility and place other drivers in danger.  They should not be used in wet weather. Try to avoid puddles and pooling water Flooding has been known to happen on the freeways during heavy rain storms.  If you see a pool of water, be extremely careful, because not only do you not know how deep the water is, you also don't know what's hiding in it.  Puddles also create a risk of hydroplaning, which causes your tires to not be in contact with the pavement.  If you experience hydroplaning, do not use your breaks, but instead decelerate by removing your foot from the gas pedal.  You will eventually regain control.  Using your breaks while hydroplaning can cause you to lose control of the vehicle. If you’re involved in an accident, contact an experienced car accident lawyer The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth helps people who have been in an auto accident seek medical treatment, repair their vehicles, recover lost wages, and obtain compensation for pain and suffering.  Call us at 888-517-9888 to schedule your free consultation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]One of the largest question marks in the aftermath of a serious car accident is insurance.  Do you have the right kind of coverage?  Does everyone else?  Is there enough coverage? Will medical bills be paid?  The answers to these questions are determined by your auto insurance coverage.  The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth cannot tell you which insurance options are best for you, but we can tell you about the insurance options available and how each type of coverage could affect you In the event of a car accident. Liability Liability insurance is the only car insurance required by the law.  There are two specific types of liability insurance: bodily injury liability insurance, and property damage liability insurance.  In California, all drivers and vehicles must have a minimum bodily injury liability policy of $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident and a minimum property damage liability policy of $5,000 per accident. Liability insurance is the most important car insurance, as it is designed to protect others if you cause a car crash.  Liability insurance only applies if you are found at fault for an accident.  If that happens, you are responsible for the other parties’ medical care and property damage, which is what liability insurance covers.  And if you are not found at fault for a car accident but don’t have liability insurance, you are not eligible to receive payments for pain and suffering, drastically reducing your ability to recover financially after a crash. Bottom line is that everyone should have this type of insurance to protect themselves and everyone around them should the unexpected happen.  Driving without liability insurance can result in expensive fines, vehicle impoundment, and a suspension of your license. Medical Payments This type of insurance will pay for medical expenses if you are involved in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.  Medical payment insurance covers an ambulance ride, hospital visits, and diagnostics up to the policy limit. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) While liability insurance is required by law, nearly one in six drivers in California get behind the wheel without it.  If an uninsured driver crashes into your vehicle, it can be very difficult to receive compensation for your injuries and property damage.  UIM insurance makes sure you can treat your injuries and fix your car if you are hit by an uninsured driver. And if your medical bills exceed someone’s insurance policy limits, UIM will make up the difference.  For example, if a driver with $15,000 liability insurance crashes into you and your medical bills are $20,000, UIM insurance will make sure your medical bills are covered.  The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth strongly recommends that drivers obtain UIM insurance. Collision If you are not at fault in an accident, your vehicle repairs are covered by the responsible party’s liability insurance.  But if you are at fault, collision insurance will pay for any damage to your vehicle sustained in an accident.  Collision insurance is usually subjected to a deductible. Comprehensive Comprehensive insurance protects your car from theft and damage sustained that is not the result of a car crash.  When your vehicle is damaged by vandalism, acts of nature, or even rioting, comprehensive coverage will pay for the damage. Emergency Roadside Service If your car becomes disabled, emergency roadside service insurance will tow your car to a repair shop, fix flat tires, jump start your car, retrieve locked keys, and often provide other services.  Your insurance company will have a complete list of services offered. Rental Car If your car is damaged for any reason covered by your insurance company, rental car insurance will pay for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.  There is usually a maximum benefit per day and a limit on the number of days you can have a rental. Umbrella Umbrella insurance is essentially extra liability insurance.  Umbrella policies are designed to protect policy holders from extremely large liability claims.  Insurance companies typically will not offer umbrella insurance to policy holders unless they have relatively high levels of liability insurance already.  Umbrella insurance only kicks in after your primary liability coverage has been exhausted and usually covers both auto and homeowners insurance claims. Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Regardless of your insurance levels, it's important to contact an attorney after you've been involved in a car accident. Even if our law firm is unable to help you with the particular circumstances of your crash, we will be able to point you in the right direction. Call us today at 888-517-9888 to receive a free consultation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]