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Motor Vehicle Accidents

May 5, 2026

Who Pays for Lost Wages After a Car Accident?

Missing work after a serious crash can quickly disrupt your income and monthly bills. Your doctor may keep you off work, even when your employer expects you back. The financial strain often feels just as painful as the injuries themselves. When paychecks stop, it is natural to ask, “Who pays for lost wages in a…

Law Office of Reuben J. Donig

who pays for lost wages in a car accident

Could a trespasser sue you for an injury?

There have been various news stories about someone being on someone else’s property, getting injured and then suing the property owner for liability. This may seem far-fetched, but if you understand California’s premises liability laws, then you will know that it is possible for a property owner to be liable for injuries someone suffers on…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

February 28, 2020

Legal fault: more complex than you may think

Who is to blame for a car accident? The correct answer to this question could mean the difference between manageable injuries and an untenable position in terms of both finances and health. In our personal injury practice, fault is consistently one of the main ideas we investigate. Much of our work involves determining the rules…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

February 21, 2020

Jaywalking accidents may be the pedestrian’s fault

Pedestrians should try to keep themselves safe while sharing the road with vehicles. It is crucial that a person makes his or herself visible. A person can accomplish this by carrying a flashlight or wearing reflective clothing after dark. If a person wears all black and crosses a street in the middle of the night,…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

February 21, 2020

When a car crash results in a catastrophic injury

Car accidents cause a ripple effect in a person’s life. Damage to property may prove a nuisance, but when the body bears the brunt of the impact, the recovery may appear bleak. Catastrophic injuries occur when the impact to the body results in pervading and life-changing results. This class of injuries occurs most often in…

Personal Injury

January 23, 2020

Scooter injuries are an ongoing problem in California, elsewhere

A recent report from a California university suggests that, as the popularity of electric scooters continues to grow in this state’s urban areas like San Mateo County, so does the possibility that people will get hurt while using them. The report indicated that the number of people hurt because of these electric scooters more than…

Firm News

January 21, 2020

How to prove that distraction was the cause of a recent crash

In recent years, mobile phone and social media use while driving have become increasingly significant dangers on the road. Even if you have fully committed to avoiding screens while at the wheel, you undoubtedly encounter multiple other drivers who are not as responsible or diligent on any given day. Eventually, that risk could manifest in…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

January 8, 2020

Charter bus driver causes deadly highway pileup

A charter bus driver traveling on a major highway in another state reportedly lost control of his vehicle. As a result, his bus, which was in the inside lane, crashed into the concrete wall dividing his lane from oncoming traffic. The bus, which was carrying 56 people, flipped onto its side and came to rest…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

December 25, 2019

High driving a problem among young motorists

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control, around 12 million people admitted to driving while under the influence of marijuana on at least one occasion. Additionally, 2 million people said that they had driven after using other illegal drugs. If there is a bright said to this news, it is that drugged driving…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

December 10, 2019

Distracted drivers are defying texting and driving bans

California has had a texting and driving ban and a ban on the use of handheld devices while behind the wheel for some time now. Unfortunately, recent statistics suggest that these laws just are not enough to keep drivers from trying to talk on the phone, instant message or use the internet while also paying…

Firm News

December 1, 2019

Depression can come after a spinal cord injury

One of the most difficult things to think about when you are dealing with a spinal cord injury is facing your future. For a person who is paralyzed, this can be overwhelming and very difficult to handle. When you first receive the diagnosis, you will have to learn how to shift your thinking. This starts…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

November 28, 2019

AAA: Traffic in the Bay Area will be congested this weekend

Thanksgiving is traditionally known as the busiest travel weekend each year. While it is certainly good that people take time around Thanksgiving to visit loved ones or just relax, the drawback is that there will be a lot of traffic on the roads. In this respect, the American Automobile Association, or AAA, recently released its…

Personal Injury

November 13, 2019

Report: those in high-risk jobs must avoid marijuana use

As most of our readers probably know, California now allows adults to use marijuana even for purely recreational purposes. As a result, it is becoming more and more common for people to report to work with the drug in their systems. In another state that has also legalized marijuana, for instance, up to 1 out…

Personal Injury

October 30, 2019

What special rules apply when suing the government?

For a number of historical and legal reasons, residents of San Mateo County and the greater Bay Area need to follow special steps when they sue the state government of California, a state agency or even a local government body. The special rules also apply to suing public employees. These rules can be complicated in…

Premises Liability

October 16, 2019

Premises liability applies to inadequate security

Like other states, California’s law requires landowners, including homeowners and businesses, to exercise reasonable care to protect guests like customers tenants and the like. Basically, a property owner must be sure the land, and the buildings on the land, are safe and secure. Traditionally, this meant that landowners needed to take steps to prevent people…

Firm News

October 3, 2019

Car accidents can leave victims with hidden injuries

Car accidents are among the most common causes of serious injury, and most people who experience a car accident suffer some sort of discomfort or aching pain afterwards. While no car accident is ideal, it is always relieving for victims to realize that they avoided serious injuries and made it out with only some light…

Premises Liability

October 2, 2019

The California Tort Claims Act

When one thinks about it, the government plays an important role in the daily lives of Californians. The government, whether state or local, owns a lot of buildings and land, both so it can carry on its operations or to directly benefit the public. Moreover, public employees help shape how residents of the Bay Area…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

September 19, 2019

Ford recalls 665,000 vehicles for safety defects

We often see news announcements noting a vehicle recall for certain defects, many of which can affect the safety of the vehicle and thus those inside. In such cases, the recalls can be the result of actual accidents or injuries sustained, where at least part of the cause is traced back to the defect. When…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

September 5, 2019

Pedestrian sues J-Lo and A-Rod for injuries suffered in accident

When a moving vehicle strikes and injures a pedestrian, the pedestrian often files a lawsuit seeking money damages. One of the defendants is almost always the driver, who is almost always alleged to have been negligent. In a recent lawsuit filed against mega-celebrities Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez, a pedestrian alleges that he was injured…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

August 21, 2019

Five-car accident in Menlo Park blamed on alcohol

Chain-reaction automobile accidents usually begin with inattentive drivers losing control of their vehicle and thereby creating a hazard for following vehicles. A recent five-car accident in Menlo Park apparently began when an inattentive driver collided with a construction barrier. A second vehicle crashed into the first, and three more cars were involved before police arrived.…

Firm News

August 9, 2019

Welcome To Our Blog

We established this blog to share stories and information about topics relevant to our practice. Our intent is to regularly provide posts highlighting legal issues of local, state and national interest that we think you will find interesting. Check back later for updates.

Personal Injury

August 8, 2019

Don’t navigate serious injuries alone

While the vast majority of our day-to-day lives occur without any kind of incident, there are unfortunately moments that shatter that sense of safety. Accidents can happen in a multitude of different ways and have the potential to change our lives forever. It can be difficult to carry through during these hard times, but it’s…

Firm News

August 5, 2019

Do you know your rights as a California dog bite victim?

Sometimes, a visit to a friend or a walk in the park can have unexpected consequences if you encounter an angry or aggressive dog. Dogs are frequently found at parks, and although most of them are well behaved and properly managed, that isn’t always the case. Some dogs are naturally aggressive, while others can become…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

July 24, 2019

Tesla driver strikes and kills pedestrian in San Francisco

In the last few years, self-driving vehicles have become more numerous and more controversial. To their fans, these cars-of-the-future take the human element out of automobile control and are far safer than human-controlled cars. To their critics, self-driving cars have not been conclusively proven to be any safer than human drivers and in many cases,…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

July 10, 2019

One killed, two injured in San Francisco airport collision

Loading or unloading luggage at a large airport can be a nerve-wracking task. Cars are traveling at different speeds and are constantly changing lanes or making unexpected stops. People who are on foot must be constantly alert. A recent motor vehicle accident at San Francisco International Airport appears to have happened with such speed that…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

June 26, 2019

Wrong-way driver dies in chain reaction collision

Drivers who manage to enter a traffic lane heading the wrong way are a frequent cause of head-on motor vehicle collisions. A recent wrong-way collision on Highway 101 in Palo Alto recently killed the wrong-way driver and caused injures to several other people. The wrong-way driver was going south in the northbound lanes of Highway…

Firm News

June 26, 2019

How exhaustion can lead to a serious car wreck

On any given day, we all have to make critical judgment calls that affect our safety and overall well-being. For example, you can choose to take the stairs or the elevator when going up to another floor at work. You can choose the healthy salad or the greasy burger when you go out for a…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

June 12, 2019

Fatal bus and truck collision on Bay Bridge snarls traffic

The Bay Area boasts a relatively high number of large bridges intended to move traffic efficiently over and around the numerous stretches of open water. For the most part, the system of bridges and highways lives up to its intended design goals, but when an accident occurs, the bridge system may become jammed with traffic…

Personal Injury

May 30, 2019

Understanding comparative fault in California

Most people who live in San Mateo County understand that a person who is negligent must pay damages to anyone injured by the negligent act or omission. But what happens if both parties are partially at fault? The answer to this question depends on what is called “comparative fault.” When English law moved across the…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

May 15, 2019

Fiery crash in California kills one, but famed choir escapes

Chain reaction accidents often involve peculiar incidents of both bad luck and good luck. Mere seconds can mean the difference between a clean escape and serious injury or even death. A recent motor vehicle accident on Highway 101 near the Brisbane exit shows just how slim the margin can become. A Ford Excursion was heading…

Personal Injury

May 1, 2019

What is a manufacturing defect for personal injury purposes?

Many products are made in factories. When Californians shop online or at their favorite stores, they may purchase goods that were mass produced in large facilities using automated processes and standardized production techniques. There is nothing wrong with manufactured items, and it many situations manufactured goods are safe and useful tools for American consumers. However,…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

April 17, 2019

Pedestrians can become victims of motor vehicle accidents

California has beautiful weather. There is no denying that fact that during the spring and summer, when the rain has stopped and the sky is clear, there is nothing better than being outside to experience the beauty of a sunny day. Some San Mateo County residents plan their commutes to involve some walking when the…

Firm News

April 16, 2019

Don’t avoid medical attention after a car accident

When victims of car accidents decide they don’t need medical attention after a collision, they may not realize how dangerous this choice is. A car accident is always a potentially harmful experience, because some serious injuries do not cause any pain or other symptoms that make them easy to identify. A victim with a serious…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

April 3, 2019

Help for victims involved in motor vehicle accidents

There is certainly more to life than making lots of money, but those California residents who have ever lived through precarious financial times can attest to the fact that having money can make life a little less stressful. When a person knows that they will be able to pay their mortgage or is confident that…

Premises Liability

March 20, 2019

Can outdoor falls form the grounds for a premises liability suit?

Many of the slip and fall accidents that Californians suffer occur inside the properties of other individuals. A person may trip on a loose rug at a friend’s home, or they may slip on a puddle of spilled water at a store. When an accident of this nature occurs within a building, liability for the…

Personal Injury

March 6, 2019

Design defects can make products dangerous for Californians

Whether a California resident prefers to make purchases online or would rather go into their favorite local shop to buy what they need, they have undoubtedly bought a new consumer good within the last few months. When they got it home they may have taken it out of its packaging and looked over the instruction…

Firm News

February 21, 2019

Common damages people claim after a car accident

Imagine driving through San Mateo County, perhaps on your way to work. You follow your normal route, stop at your favorite café for a coffee and continue on your way to your place of employment. Only a block away from work, you get caught at a red light. You come to a nice and easy…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

February 20, 2019

Impaired driver injures multiple people in California accident

Drunk and impaired driving is a dangerous practice that puts the lives of others at risk. While people may assume that it is only drivers and their passengers who could be harmed by an impaired driver, anyone on or near a roadway may be affected by the reckless and criminal actions of an intoxicated individual.…

Premises Liability

February 6, 2019

Property owners have a duty to remove hazards

As readers of this California personal injury blog may know, premises liability is the legal theory that holds property owners liable when a visitor is injured on their land. But under California premises liability law, different types of visitors may have different legal status. A person who is considered an invitee on the premises of…

Personal Injury

January 23, 2019

Who can sue for wrongful death damages in California?

The death of a loved one can inflict trauma and pain into the lives of San Mateo County residents. Fatal accidents can happen in many ways and occur due to different forms of negligent contact. When a wrongful death happens, surviving family members should know their rights with regard to who may sue for the…

Personal Injury

January 9, 2019

Traumatic brain injuries can have long-term complications

Injuries to the head and brain should be evaluated by medical professionals as soon as possible after they are sustained. California residents who are involved in motor vehicle accidents, falls and other forms of personal injury accidents may suffer brain injuries without knowing they have been impacted. Traumatic brain injuries can have long-lasting effects on…

Firm News

December 26, 2018

Why every California driver needs an uninsured motorist rider

Motor vehicle liability insurance is one of those important but annoying facts of life. It is an expense you have to pay in order to legally drive on public roads that you may never need to use. However, it also offers important protection in the event that you do experience a crash. Many people view…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

December 26, 2018

Help is available in San Mateo County when preparing a car accident case

Holiday travel can be stressful for California residents who decide to leave their homes and head off to visit their family members and friends. If they fly they can be forced to face long security lines, delayed flights and even cancellations that may prevent them from getting to their destinations. If they drive, they may…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

December 13, 2018

Motor vehicle accident injuries come in many damaging forms

Individuals who drive and ride on California roads understand that it is important to take precautions when it comes to safety while in motor vehicles. For example, drivers should wear their seatbelts to limit the movement they may experience if they are involved in collisions, and parents and care takers must properly secure children in…

Premises Liability

November 28, 2018

Can trespassers recover property-based injuries?

When a person enters onto the property of another without the property owner’s permission, they may be considered a trespasser. A trespasser is someone who elects to go where they are not invited and where there is no guarantee that their safety can be protected. In California trespassers may not be able to collect compensation…

Personal Injury

November 15, 2018

What problems can a spinal cord injury inflict on a victim?

Practically everyone has experienced back pain or discomfort from sleeping in the wrong position or reaching for something that was just too far away. When a California resident tweaks their spine they may suffer from limited mobility, soreness, and other temporary issues that can affect their short-term comfort and capacity to move. However, these fleeting…

Premises Liability

October 31, 2018

What is an attractive nuisance?

If readers of this blog have ever spent time with children, then they know that they can be impulsive. Children often follow their whims and not the rules, and sometimes their energetic tendencies lead them into situations where they could face danger. Property owners have a particular duty to keep children safe by ensuring that…

Firm News

October 29, 2018

Why do eucalyptus branches fall?

A eucalyptus is a stunning, beautiful tree that towers over any property and instantly enhances the curb appeal. They grow in a lot of different areas and climates, so these hearty trees make it easy to keep them growing strong year after year. They are well-loved for their huge canopies and wide-spread branches. Unfortunately, these…

Personal Injury

October 17, 2018

Know the law when it comes to a dog bite

It can be hard to imagine a cuddly pet dog as anything other than a member of one’s family, but it sometimes takes an act of aggression on the part of the creature to remind their owner that they are, in fact, an animal. Animals can be unpredictable and, therefore, should be trained by their…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

October 3, 2018

You have rights as the victim of a motor vehicle accident

No one wants to deal with the hassles that come with being involved in a car accident, but many California drivers are pulled into this difficult process against their will. This happens when they are the victim of an accident. For some, motor vehicle accidents may mean dealing with insurers to get their vehicles fixed.…

Personal Injury

September 19, 2018

Understanding the complexities of burn injuries

A burn can be a painful injury that may cause a victim to suffer discomfort for a long time. Depending upon the severity of the burn, a person’s health may be significantly compromised. Burns can be fatal to California residents and this post will briefly discuss the different types of burns and complications that can…

Premises Liability

September 5, 2018

The significance of knowing about a danger on one’s own property

Homeowners throughout California may have a laundry list of items that they want to take care of in their own residential properties. For example, they may want to paint the bedrooms in their homes, fix the loose flooring in the bathrooms, and replace exterior lights that just do not work. While some of these projects…

Firm News

September 4, 2018

There are many causes of pedestrian accidents: Stay informed

As a pedestrian, you often think about the steps you can take to avoid trouble, such as being struck by a motor vehicle. Even if you do your best to remain safe, another person could make a mistake that results in serious injuries. Understanding the most common causes of pedestrian accidents will go a long…

Personal Injury

August 22, 2018

A review of California’s wrongful death statute

The death of a loved one can forever change the course of a family’s life. Whether they were a parent or a child, a grandparent or a sibling, the person can influence many others during the course of their life who then suffer significantly if they are killed in a tragic incident. This post will…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

August 8, 2018

What can cause a dangerous truck accident?

San Mateo County residents see large trucks and commercial vehicles every day on the freeway. They may rattle past smaller vehicles at speeds that do not even seem safe for their massive loads and may haul multiple cargo holds at any given time. While big trucks like semis are a necessary part of moving goods…

Personal Injury

July 26, 2018

Traumatic brain injuries inflict serious harm on victims

The trauma that a person may suffer when they are involved in a fall, car accident or other incident can vary from practically nonexistent to fatal. This is especially true when a person suffers an injury to their head. While some head injuries result in minor bruises or scrapes, others may inflict serious damage on…

Firm News

July 15, 2018

4 safety tips for moving your run from the gym to the road

If you are thinking of moving your run from the treadmills at the gym to the roads of San Mateo County, then you will have to take certain precautions. Running on the road or sidewalk has its benefits, such as changing scenery and the exhilarating fresh air. However, you will have to contend with hazards…

Premises Liability

July 12, 2018

What responsibilities do property owners have toward guests?

Owning property in California brings with it a host of responsibilities. Whether the property is commercial, residential or zoned for a different purpose, its owner must understand and respect the laws that govern how the property should be cared for and maintained. When the property owner allows others to enter onto the property, problems can…

Personal Injury

June 27, 2018

Your personal injury claim is important

From stubbed toes to minor cuts and bruises, it is easy to disregard the little mishaps that people suffer when they try to do too much too fast or when they suffer from simple clumsiness. These little, self-imposed injuries are part of everyday life and do not allow individuals to seek the recovery of their…

Motor Vehicle Accidents

June 14, 2018

Building a case on negligence after a motor vehicle accident

Automobile accidents are common on California roads but that does not make them any less difficult for victims to recover from. Depending upon the severity of the crash, a victim may suffer serious and life-threatening harm that was caused by the accident. While the cause of accidents can vary, one of the most common reasons…

Firm News

June 11, 2018

4 essential steps to take after a car wreck

Imagine driving through San Mateo County on your daily commute to work. After you stop to top off the gas tank and pick up your usual cup of coffee, you ease back out into traffic and continue on your way. A block later, another driver runs a stop sign and plows into the passenger side…

Premises Liability

May 31, 2018

Security gaps could be a factor in elderly woman’s death

Local headlines feature a great many sad stories of injury and death. One of the most notable this week is the death of a 75-year-old woman on the campus of San Francisco General Hospital. Hospital staff reported her missing May 20, though she had been gone from the premises since the day before. Authorities say…

Firm News

May 17, 2018

Are laws different if you’re injured at an amusement park?

It can be a wonderful feeling to spend the day out with friends or family at an amusement park. Loads of food, sideshows, unique things to buy, and, of course, a multitude of exciting rides and attractions to experience. People don’t often think of the dangers at a park, though. It raises the question: What…

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Don’t Settle For Excuses. Get The Answers You Deserve.

With a variety of excuses, the other side will almost always attempt to avoid compensating you fully for your losses. Our attorney, Reuben J. Donig, is adept at solving these types of problems. Let him put his extensive knowledge to work for you.

650-668-3600

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1213 Eaton Ave., Suite 5
San Carlos, CA 94070

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650-668-3600

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