Law Offices of Fred D. Crawford, IV Assisting Clients In Redondo Beach And Throughout Southern California For More Than 30 Years 2026-10-14T17:41:28Z https://www.crawfordlegal.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1301926/2020/11/cropped-fab-32x32-1.png On Behalf of Law Offices of Fred D. Crawford, IV <![CDATA[What to do in the first 48 hours after a fatal car crash]]> https://www.crawfordlegal.com/?p=50472 2026-10-14T17:41:28Z 2026-10-14T17:41:28Z Contact law enforcement If you are at the scene, make sure law enforcement has been called. In California, drivers involved in crashes that cause injury or death must stop and follow the law’s reporting and assistance rules. If police or investigators contact you, give accurate information and do not guess about facts you do not know. If an insurance company asks for a recorded statement, consider speaking with an attorney first, especially if fault is unclear.

Preserve evidence

Evidence can disappear quickly after a crash. Families do not need to investigate the accident themselves, but they should save anything already available. Helpful items may include:
  • The police report number
  • Photos or videos of the scene, vehicles or road conditions
  • Witness names and contact information
  • Insurance letters or emails
  • Funeral, burial and travel records
  • Vehicle damage photos before repairs
If possible, avoid discarding the vehicle until you know whether it may be needed for review.

Protect your legal rights

Insurance companies may reach out soon after the crash. You can usually provide basic information without discussing fault or agreeing to a settlement right away. If another person’s negligence caused the death, surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim under California law. These claims can involve compensation for certain losses, depending on the circumstances. Deadlines matter. California generally gives families two years to file many wrongful death lawsuits, but exceptions may apply. Claims involving government agencies can have shorter deadlines.

Finding support and clarity

The days after a fatal car crash are never easy. Taking a few practical steps early can help protect important evidence and legal options while your family focuses on grieving and support. If you have questions about a possible claim, a California attorney can explain your options.]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Fred D. Crawford, IV <![CDATA[What happens when a pedestrian is hit in a parking lot?]]> https://www.crawfordlegal.com/?p=50469 2026-09-23T19:07:56Z 2026-09-23T19:07:56Z Why do parking lot crashes raise different liability questions? Parking lots are often private property. Parked cars, poor lighting and blocked views can make it hard to see pedestrians. Drivers must use reasonable care in these conditions. The property may also matter. Poor lighting, blocked views or missing signs may raise questions about whether the owner or operator failed to meet a duty of care.

Who may be responsible?

The driver may be responsible if their carelessness caused the crash. Backing up without checking, driving too fast or failing to watch for people may be evidence of negligence. A property owner, operator or tenant may also face liability. California premises liability law can apply when a property condition helped cause an injury. The responsible party must have failed to use reasonable care. That failure must also be a substantial factor in causing the injury. The facts will show whether the claim involves the driver, a property condition or both.

What evidence can help?

After getting medical care, a pedestrian should consider these steps:
  • Take photos of the scene, vehicles, lot conditions and visible injuries
  • Get contact information from witnesses
  • Report the crash to the owner or operator, when appropriate
  • Ask how any available security video will be saved
  • Keep medical records and other injury-related documents
  • Speak with an attorney before giving a statement to another party's insurer
This evidence can help show what happened and who may be responsible.

Can a pedestrian share responsibility?

Yes. California uses comparative fault. If a pedestrian is partly at fault, their damages may be reduced by their share of fault. A pedestrian who shares some fault may still recover damages. An attorney can review the evidence, assess who may be responsible and explain what damages may be available under California law.]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Fred D. Crawford, IV <![CDATA[Can you still recover after a California lane-splitting crash?]]> https://www.crawfordlegal.com/?p=50468 2026-09-09T17:55:24Z 2026-09-09T17:55:24Z Lane splitting is legal, but the way a rider does it still matters State law allows a motorcyclist to ride between rows of stopped or moving vehicles. That does not mean every maneuver is safe or free from scrutiny. After a crash, the circumstances and conduct of both the motorcyclist and other drivers may affect the determination of fault. Guidance on how riders are expected to share the road adds practical context for how lane splitting is supposed to work in heavy traffic.

Which facts determine fault after a lane-splitting crash?

A motorcycle accident case may turn on more than the rider’s position between lanes. An insurance company may examine the rider’s speed, traffic conditions, visibility, lane changes and whether the other driver acted reasonably under the circumstances. Important facts may include:
  • Traffic speed at the time of the collision
  • The rider’s position between vehicles
  • Whether a driver changed lanes without enough warning
  • Road conditions and visibility
  • Witness accounts of the rider’s speed or lane position at the time of the crash
These facts can affect how responsibility is allocated under California's comparative fault principles.

Comparative fault reduces damages, but it does not end the case

A rider does not automatically lose the case just because the insurer argues that lane splitting added risk. Under comparative fault principles, a court may assign responsibility among the parties and reduce a plaintiff's damages based on the plaintiff's share of fault. An insurer may also consider alleged comparative fault when evaluating a claim or settlement. Evidence can become especially important when the parties give different accounts of how the crash occurred. A motorcycle accident lawyer can review the crash scene, statements and available records to challenge an unsupported or disputed assessment of fault.]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Fred D. Crawford, IV <![CDATA[What evidence disappears fastest after a truck accident?]]> https://www.crawfordlegal.com/?p=50467 2026-08-27T13:50:30Z 2026-08-27T13:50:30Z How quickly does road evidence vanish? Skid marks fade within days as traffic wears them down. Rain washes away debris, broken glass and fluid patterns that mark the point of impact. Depending on the severity of the crash and local agency protocols, road crews may clean accident sites within a day or two to restore traffic flow – sometimes sooner. Tire marks on pavement can reveal braking patterns and speeds before the crash. Weather conditions erase these marks faster than most people expect. Photos taken at the scene are often the most reliable way to preserve this evidence.

What happens to electronic truck data?

Commercial trucks carry electronic logging devices that record driving hours, speed, and braking events. Electronic logging device records fall under federal retention requirements, but engine control module data can cycle on a shorter timeline. Both can be critical to establishing fault and require a formal preservation request.

How quickly witness memories fade after a crash

People who saw the accident may recall fewer details as weeks pass. Stress and the passage of time can cause witnesses to misremember details, change their account or become uncertain about what they saw. Statements collected soon after the crash tend to be more accurate and detailed. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather reliable accounts.

Why early action protects your case

Road conditions change within hours. Electronic records can be overwritten in weeks. Witness accounts become less precise as time passes. If you were injured in a truck crash, sending a written preservation request to the trucking company early – often through an attorney – can prevent critical data from being lost before your case begins. Acting before evidence disappears is often one of the most consequential decisions in a truck accident claim.]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Fred D. Crawford, IV <![CDATA[Why are semi-truck injury claims more complex than car crashes?]]> https://www.crawfordlegal.com/?p=50466 2026-08-14T16:18:37Z 2026-08-14T16:18:37Z More parties may share responsibility A car crash may involve two drivers and two insurers. A truck case may involve the driver, the trucking company, a maintenance provider, a loading company or another business connected to the accident. That matters because liability may depend on who controlled the truck, maintained it, set the route or pushed a schedule that increased the risk of a crash.

What evidence makes a truck case different?

A truck collision may require more than a police report and repair estimate. Truck cases depend on records such as driver logs, inspection reports, dispatch communications, onboard data and company safety records. In addition, federal limits on how long truck drivers may stay on the road without rest breaks can become important when fatigue or delivery pressure contributed to the crash. Trucking claims also become more complex because other entities often control the most important records and may not keep them forever. That is why you need a lawyer on your side as soon as possible.

Federal rules and severe injuries can raise the stakes

Truck crashes often involve larger insurance policies, catastrophic injuries and more aggressive defense strategies. A severe injury claim may turn on medical proof, future care needs and whether the trucking company followed federal safety rules from the start. Early work on a truck crash claim often focuses on preserving records and sorting out which company had legal responsibility. A lawyer can work quickly before these important records disappear.]]> by Law Offices of Fred D. Crawford, IV <![CDATA[Can a driver’s visibility defense hurt a pedestrian claim?]]> https://www.crawfordlegal.com/?p=50465 2026-07-22T20:06:24Z 2026-07-22T19:52:30Z When poor visibility becomes a driver’s defense A driver may claim poor visibility made it impossible to see a pedestrian before the crash. Insurance companies in California may use this argument to reduce or deny a claim. They may blame darkness, bad weather, dark clothing, blocked views or crossing outside a marked crosswalk. Even so, those circumstances do not automatically remove a driver's responsibility. Liability depends on the facts of the case and whether the driver exercised reasonable care based on the road, traffic and visibility conditions.

Why not seeing a pedestrian does not always excuse driver negligence

Drivers must stay alert, obey traffic laws in California, drive at a safe speed and adjust to road and weather conditions. They must remain alert in areas where pedestrians may reasonably be expected to be present and exercise due care to avoid collisions. For that reason, not seeing a pedestrian does not automatically excuse negligence. Determining liability often comes down to whether a reasonably careful driver could have prevented the collision. Key evidence in a pedestrian accident case may include:
  • Skid marks and vehicle damage that show how the crash happened
  • Pedestrian injuries that help identify the point of impact
  • Traffic cameras, dashcams and surveillance footage that capture the moments before the collision
  • Witness statements that support or challenge the driver's account
  • Accident reconstruction that reviews speed, stopping distance, reaction time, lighting, weather and visibility to determine whether the driver had enough time to avoid the crash
Strong evidence, combined with timely legal guidance, can help challenge weak defenses and establish fault.

Can a pedestrian share fault for the accident?

A pedestrian's actions can affect a claim, but they do not automatically clear the driver of fault. Crossing outside a crosswalk, ignoring traffic signals, walking while distracted or stepping into traffic without enough time to stop may reduce the pedestrian's recovery under California's comparative negligence law, but it does not necessarily prevent recovery altogether. A driver may still be held responsible for not paying adequate attention, maintaining control of the vehicle or adjusting to changing road conditions.

Why the full picture matters

A visibility dispute does not determine the outcome of a pedestrian accident claim. Looking beyond initial assumptions and carefully evaluating the surrounding circumstances often provides a clearer understanding of how the collision occurred. Taking timely action can help preserve legal rights and improve the opportunity to pursue fair compensation.]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Fred D. Crawford, IV <![CDATA[Fatal accidents are more likely on rural roads]]> https://www.crawfordlegal.com/?p=50463 2026-07-20T16:15:31Z 2026-07-20T16:15:31Z The odds of fatal accidents are not the same everywhere. It is true that fatal crashes can happen on any type of road, but there can be some large differences in the statistical probability based on the driver's location. This is perhaps demonstrated best when looking at the difference between city streets and rural roads. Someone on a rural road experiences a far greater level of risk. The odds of a fatal crash are three to 10 times higher. This is often surprising for drivers to hear because rural roads tend to feel simple and even peaceful. City streets tend to feel chaotic and confusing. But despite how they feel, rural roads have a higher fatal accident rate.

2 key reasons

There are many reasons why this happens, the first of which is simply that speed limits tend to be higher. An accident could happen at 60 miles an hour, or even 70 miles an hour on the interstate. Say that two cars are involved in a head-on collision at 60 miles an hour, for a total impact speed of 120 mph. Even if the exact same type of accident happened on a city street, if both drivers were only traveling 30 mph, the odds would be far lower that they would experience fatal injuries. The second reason is simply that these rural roads are often more remote, so accidents may happen at a substantial distance from the nearest hospital. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or bleeding around the brain, are time-sensitive. If there is a delay in how quickly the EMTs can arrive at the scene or how quickly the patient can be transported to the hospital, their odds of passing away go up substantially.

Your legal rights

Have you lost a loved one in a fatal car accident caused by another driver? If so, it is very important to understand all of the legal rights you have to seek compensation for lost earnings, funeral and burial costs, medical bills and other damages.  ]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Fred D. Crawford, IV <![CDATA[Should you see a doctor, even if you feel fine?]]> https://www.crawfordlegal.com/?p=50462 2026-07-07T07:37:39Z 2026-07-07T07:37:39Z After a car accident, it’s natural to feel relief if you walk away with no obvious injuries. And with the chaos that follows, you probably feel there’s no need to spend your time seeking medical treatment. However, many injuries caused by car accidents do not appear immediately. In some cases, symptoms may not appear for days, even life-threatening ones.

The body’s response to trauma

During and immediately after a traumatic event, such as a car accident, your body releases hormones (adrenaline and endorphins) to help you cope with stress. These hormones temporarily mask pain so any injuries may seem less serious than they actually are. Once those chemicals wear off, you may begin to notice symptoms. Common delayed-onset injuries include:
  • Whiplash
  • Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
  • Internal bleeding
  • Muscle strains
  • Soft tissue injuries
Because some of these conditions can become more serious the longer they are left untreated, seeking prompt medical attention is vital. In addition to safeguarding your health, seeing a healthcare professional after your accident can also strengthen your personal injury claim. Insurance companies often examine how quickly an accident victim sought treatment. If there is a significant delay between your car accident and your first medical visit, the insurance company may infer that:
  • Your injuries were caused by something other than the accident
  • Your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim
Receiving timely medical attention creates documentation that ties your accident to your injuries. Seeing a doctor is the first step. It’s equally important that you follow the treatment recommendations you receive, such as:
  • Completing physical therapy
  • Taking prescribed medications
  • Adhering to activity restrictions
  • Attending follow-up appointments
Stopping treatment too early or skipping appointments may slow your recovery and give insurance companies another reason to question your injuries. If your injuries resulted from another driver’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation. Speaking with a legal representative helps ensure you understand your legal options, and they can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf.  ]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Fred D. Crawford, IV <![CDATA[Underride accidents are likely to cause serious injuries]]> https://www.crawfordlegal.com/?p=50461 2026-06-24T15:05:00Z 2026-06-24T15:05:00Z Size differences can play a major role in a car accident. When one vehicle is very large, such as a semi-truck, it can sometimes trap other vehicles underneath it during a collision. This is referred to as an underride accident. For example, say that a small passenger car is driving down a main highway, approaching a cross street. It is a two-way stop, so the passenger car has the right of way and does not need to stop or yield. However, a semi-truck runs the stop sign and crosses the street directly in front of the passenger car. The driver hits the brakes, but there is not enough space to stop, and they strike the semi-truck between the wheels on the trailer. The small car could become wedged under the trailer and may even be dragged across the road.

Why are the associated injuries so catastrophic?

When there is a major size difference between two vehicles, those in the smaller vehicle are more likely to suffer serious injuries. This is especially true in an underride accident because the impact point is higher on the smaller vehicle. People are more likely to suffer chest, neck or head injuries. Another component of an underride accident is that, if the small car is pinned or crushed, it can be difficult for emergency responders to get the victims out and provide medical treatment. Even if it only delays the process by a few minutes, that can have a major impact on someone who is suffering from internal bleeding, a traumatic brain injury, a spinal cord injury or something of that nature. Underride accidents are some of the most dangerous truck accidents that can occur. Injuries are often life-changing. Those who have been hurt due to a truck driver's negligence must know what legal steps to take.]]> On Behalf of Law Offices of Fred D. Crawford, IV <![CDATA[Do passengers make drivers more dangerous?]]> https://www.crawfordlegal.com/?p=50459 2026-06-15T02:02:50Z 2026-06-15T02:02:02Z distract their drivers. Here are some examples.

Great conversation can make for terrible driving

Some conversation are so engaging that you lose yourself in them. You may be gesturing with your hands, looking intently at each other or crying with laughter. When someone pulls you into their world like that while driving, they take you out of the world you really need to be fully present in - that of the road around you.

Hands belong on the wheel

You should generally keep both hands on the wheel while driving- it allows you steer better, which could be important if you need to maneuver to avoid a hazard. Reaching out to rub your dog’s head, hold your partner’s hand or pass your child a snack all reduce your ability to steer the car.

Even doing nothing may be dangerous

People often argue about something then have to get in the car together, or they argue during the journey itself. Even if they don’t exchange a word or a glance from then on, they may spend the drive fuming in silence at each other or ruminating over what was said. This leaves the driver less attention for the road around them. As you can passengers can prove distracting to driver in many ways. If you are in a collision caused by another driver who had a passenger, it’s worth considering whether distraction might help explain the crash.]]>