Westminster Law Blog

Westminster residents likely view their fellow motorists with a great deal of empathy, believing that everyone one the road around them does not want to be involved in an accident any more than they do. While that is most likely the case a majority of the time, there are those instances where the negligent actions of another endanger not just themselves, but everyone else on the road. When such negligence is readily apparent in an accident, victims and their families may feel justified in seeking legal action against the one who perpetrated it. 

Little doubt appears to exist as to the negligence of a Washington man who recently caused a multi-car accident in Temecula. Witnesses say that he was driving is truck in excess of 100 mph when he struck another vehicle that was slowing on the freeway. That collision led to others, with multiple vehicles eventually becoming involved and several people being sent to the hospital. Sadly, the driver of the vehicle that was initially struck died at the scene. 

Teen drivers need to be given the opportunity to build experience behind the wheel. Yet in entrusting them with the chance to develop that experience, parents or others that provide them with vehicles also may need to accept the fact that their inexperience (combined with their relative lack of maturity) may make them more susceptible to causing (or being involved in) a car accident. Studies have indeed shown that teen drivers are more likely to engage in those actions that can contribute to car crashes, such as speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and driving at odd hours of the night. 

When such actions lead to losing control of a vehicle, the results are often devastating. Such results have already been seen in an accident that recently occurred in Santiago Canyon. A total of five local teens were traveling in a car during the early morning hours when the vehicle lost control and ran into a tree. Three passengers were rushed to local hospitals with major injuries, A fourth was also taken for care after sustaining similarly serious injuries who later died. The driver of the vehicle died at the scene. Authorities are still investigating what might have caused him to lose control while driving. 

Whether you have recently filed for divorce or are simply considering terminating your marriage, there are a host of things to consider. One of the most difficult topics to negotiate may be that of property division. It can be difficult and emotional to separate property that you have accumulated throughout your marriage. Understanding the difference between marital and separate property may help to ensure you get everything you are entitled to in the divorce settlement.

California is a community property state, which means all marital property is divided equally in half between spouses. While the judge presiding over the case may take into consideration certain factors involved in the divorce, everything is generally split 50/50. Marital property is considered everything that has been amassed during the time of the marriage. This includes property, vehicles, furniture, possessions and assets, such as stocks, 401k plans, term life insurance policies and retirement funds.

Whenever someone gets behind the wheel, they may come across a number of dangers on the road. Sometimes the likelihood of an accident is especially high, such as when one rents a vehicle. Not only do some people cause accidents due to a lack of familiarity with the new vehicle they are driving, but they may also be heading to another part of the state (or country), leading to unfamiliarity with the roads. If you plan on renting a vehicle in the near future, it is imperative to be prepared and mindful of the risk factors you may face.

Unfortunately, some drivers disregard the concerns associated with driving a different type of vehicle in an area they are not familiar with. This can prompt them to become distracted behind the wheel or even cause an accident because they are not used to operating this type of vehicle. For example, someone may be driving a truck for the first time, and they may not be used to sitting higher from the ground, which could impact their ability to drive safely.