Michael Pines | May 24, 2026 | California Law \ Car Accidents
If you lend your car to a friend, family member, roommate, or coworker and they get into an accident, who is responsible for the damages? In California, the answer often begins with an important insurance principle: “insurance follows the car.” This means that if you give someone permission to drive your vehicle, your auto insurance […]
Michael Pines | May 24, 2026 | California Law \ Car Accidents \ Personal Injury
Car accidents involving employees can raise an important legal question: If an employee causes a crash while working, can the employer also be held responsible? In California, the answer is often yes. Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers may be liable for accidents caused by employees who are acting within the scope of […]
Michael Pines | May 24, 2026 | California Law \ Personal Injury
Imagine witnessing a serious car accident. Someone is injured, help hasn’t arrived yet, and you step in to assist. But what if something goes wrong during the rescue? Could you be sued for trying to help? In California, the answer is generally no – thanks to the state’s Good Samaritan Law. California law protects individuals […]
Michael Pines | May 24, 2026 | California Law \ Car Accidents
Most car accident claims focus on the driver who caused the crash. But in some California cases, liability may extend beyond the person behind the wheel. Under California’s negligent entrustment law, a vehicle owner can be held responsible for an accident if they knowingly allow an unsafe or unfit driver to use their vehicle. This […]
Michael Pines | May 10, 2026 | California Law \ Personal Injury
If you’re involved in a personal injury case, you may hear terms like “mediation” and “arbitration.” Both are forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) – meaning they are ways to resolve a case without going to trial. While they may sound similar, they are very different in how they work, who controls the outcome, and […]
Michael Pines | April 28, 2026 | California Law \ Personal Injury
If you’ve been injured in an accident and are considering a lawsuit, you may hear the phrase “preponderance of the evidence.” This legal standard plays a central role in nearly every California personal injury case. But what does it actually mean – and how does it affect your ability to recover compensation? The Burden of […]
Michael Pines | March 22, 2026 | California Law \ Car Accidents \ Personal Injury
When someone is injured in a car accident, slip-and-fall, or other accident, determining who was at fault becomes a critical part of a personal injury claim. In many cases, more than one person may have contributed to the accident. The legal doctrines of contributory negligence and comparative negligence determine how that shared fault affects an […]
Michael Pines | March 10, 2026 | California Law \ Car Accidents \ Road Safety
California has long relied on engineering data and traffic surveys to determine speed limits on state highways. However, with the passage of Assembly Bill No. 1014 (AB 1014), the state is taking a more proactive approach to traffic safety – especially in areas with pedestrians, cyclists, and historically dangerous road conditions. This new law strengthens […]
Michael Pines | October 22, 2025 | California Law
In California, you are not legally required to personally respond to a subrogation letter sent by an insurance company. However, it is strongly recommended that you consult with an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer before ignoring a subrogation letter. Ignoring a subrogation letter from an insurance company could result in the company suing you. […]
Michael Pines | October 3, 2025 | California Law
In California, you can start riding a motorcycle as young as 16 — but there are a few important steps before you hit the road legally. Teens can apply for a learner’s permit at 15 ½, but they’ll need to hold that permit for at least six months before they can qualify for a full […]