McKnight and McKnight Law, APC McKnight and McKnight Law, APC 2026-04-17T20:34:12Z https://www.mcknightattorneys.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1104701/2025/12/cropped-mcknight-site-icon-32x32.png On Behalf of McKnight and McKnight Law, APC <![CDATA[Two tips to avoid an accident with a distracted or drunk driver]]> https://www.mcknightattorneys.com/?p=51775 2026-02-04T17:25:14Z 2026-02-04T17:25:14Z daily commute to work or school, a quick run to the grocery store or a family road trip – a crash can happen in any of these scenarios. What is even more frustrating is when we realize the other driver was distracted at the time of the accident. We may notice they are on their phones or see they caused the crash by weaving into our lane.  Whatever the red flag, if you find yourself in a car crash as a result of a distracted driver’s negligence you are not alone. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states nine people are involved in fatal car accidents connected to a distracted driver every single day. This translates to thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries annually. Drivers can avoid becoming part of this statistic with the following tips. 

Tip #1: Learn how to spot a distracted or drunk driver

Drivers impaired by alcohol, drugs, fatigue, or distraction often display visible patterns before a crash. Common warning signs can include:
  • Repeated lane drift, lane straddling, wide turns, delayed corrections
  • Erratic speed changes, inconsistent braking, following too closely, abrupt acceleration
  • Failure to obey signals, rolling through stop signs, delayed response at green lights
  • Driving without headlights at night, improper use of high beams, near misses at intersections
  • Overcorrection after a drift, sudden swerves toward the shoulder or into adjacent lanes
These behaviors tend to appear in clusters. One sign alone may reflect inexperience or poor conditions. Multiple signs over a short distance often indicate impairment or distraction.

Tip #2: Avoid the danger

Once you spot a potential distracted or drunk driver, the goal is to provide distance and predictability. Increase your following distance and avoid passing on the side with lane drift. If you need to change lanes, do so early to avoid any contact. Create an exit route and avoid being boxed in by the other driver. Do not engage, honk aggressively or attempt to stop the driver. If danger appears imminent, pull off in a safe location, allow the vehicle to move ahead and, if safe to do so, report the vehicle. Be prepared to provide the location and direction of travel as well as the plate number and vehicle description as best you are able.  After taking these steps, continue driving defensively. A timely report can support enforcement intervention, and it can create a contemporaneous record that may later help clarify events, especially in the event of a car accident.  Impaired and distracted driving comes with certain patterns. You may notice the other driver drifting, using inconsistent speed, having delayed responses, and making sudden swerves. When you see these cues, increase space, avoid interaction, and report the matter when safe to do so. ]]> On Behalf of McKnight and McKnight Law, APC <![CDATA[How can a traumatic brain injury from an accident impact life?]]> https://www.mcknightattorneys.com/?p=48939 2023-06-18T16:45:12Z 2021-01-25T22:29:05Z A traumatic brain injury results from a severe jolt or violent blow to a person’s body or head. Sometimes, motor vehicle accident victims experience these types of brain injuries.  Serious TBI can result in long-term complications such as bleeding, bruising, torn tissues and other physical damage. 

What are some effects of a traumatic brain injury?

Traumatic brain injuries present themselves in a variety of psychological or physical ways that may appear immediately or weeks after the accident. Mental symptoms of TBI include slurred speech, profound confusion, a coma or unusual behavior such as combativeness or agitation.  Some physical signs of TBI are loss of coordination, convulsions, inability to awaken from sleep, persistent headache or vomiting, numbness in fingers and toes and loss of consciousness for an extended period of time.  Individuals should seek medical care immediately after any blow to the body or head. 

How can those effects impact life?

People with a TBI might not always recover in a reasonable amount of time like other car accident victims will. Those with a TBI may never fully recover or they may need long-term medical care involving a team of specialists. They might lose their ability to drive or hold a job.  They might also never fully enjoy the fun things in life like they did before the accident. For example, having a social life, playing sports or going on traveling on adventurous vacations. Even certain medications could affect their ability to function normally.  Overall, a TBI seriously affects a person's life, long after being in an accident. ]]> On Behalf of McKnight and McKnight Law, APC <![CDATA[Big trucks: a constant road challenge and injury risk]]> https://www.mcknightattorneys.com/?p=48656 2023-06-18T16:45:20Z 2020-11-11T22:06:17Z Some sobering statistics/data concerning large trucks Readers who confidently know that large trucks are comparatively dangerous might still underestimate the injury risks they pose for other drivers. The National Safety Council provides some clarifying information on that point. The NSC highlights this data relevant to the outsized safety risks linked with big commercial rigs:
  • Nearly 5,000 road deaths nationally involving large trucks in a recent measuring year
  • Progressively spiking number of truck-tied crash injuries over the past decade
  • High percentage of accident fatalities being occupants of other vehicles
  • Big-truck fatal crashes occurring on all types of roads and at all times of the day
Taking legal action in the wake of a truck accident injury Legal matters sometimes stress that “time is of the essence” for a victim seeking to respond to an injury owing to third-party negligence. And that is certainly true concerning a crash involving a large commercial truck. Trucking companies and involved drivers will waste no time seeking to skirt accountability and minimize their liability following a crash. Moreover, they will assuredly employ a professional team to author a version of “facts” that does not favor an accident victim. Those tactics can be countered by a victim’s proactive strategy guided by a proven and empathetic personal injury legal team. Forceful advocacy will focus on a full identification of all culpable parties, as well as the prompt preservation of all material evidence and a close investigation of what actually happened in an accident. An accident victim should feel reasonably empowered rather than powerless in the wake of a crash involving a large truck. Diligent and timely legal representation can ensure accountability and strive to secure a meaningful remedy marked by maximum compensation.]]> On Behalf of McKnight and McKnight Law, APC <![CDATA[Tips for safe motorcycle riding]]> https://www.mcknightattorneys.com/?p=48652 2023-06-18T16:45:26Z 2020-09-15T21:56:16Z tips that can help you prevent a motorcycle accident and avoid catastrophic injuries.
  • Always wear a helmet with a face shield or protective eye wear: Wearing a helmet is the best way to protect against serious head injuries. From direct vehicle impact or sliding across the pavement, head trauma is a distinct possibility in nearly every motorcycle accident.
  • Wear appropriate gear: Riders should make sure to wear not only heavy protective clothing, but also reflective gear to increase their visibility to other motorists. Leather clothing, gloves and boots can protect the body from severe injuries.
  • Follow traffic rules: This can mean following the speed limits and traffic signals as well as general safety rules such as no lane-splitting and no passing on the shoulders.
  • Ride defensively: This advice can generally be boiled down to assume you are invisible. From cars and trucks not looking before changing lanes to distracted driving, riders must always assume they are at risk.
  • Be awake and ride sober: Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to loss of reflexes and dulled senses. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous for riders.
  • Avoid distractions: While more common in other vehicles, driving distractions still exist for riders. From having phone conversations to manipulating a GPS unit, riders must take care to focus only on the task at hand.
Due to the lack of protective safety features, a motorcyclist will always be on the losing end of a vehicle collision. With only a helmet and heavy clothing protecting them from impact both with the other vehicles and the road surface, riders can suffer devastating injuries. The results can be head injuries, brain injuries, neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, road rash and paralysis. In serious collisions, it is not uncommon for the accident to prove fatal. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, do not hesitate to discuss your legal options for monetary compensation with an experienced personal injury attorney.]]> On Behalf of McKnight and McKnight Law, APC <![CDATA[Could the day or month increase your odds of being in an accident?]]> https://www.mcknightattorneys.com/?p=48648 2023-06-18T16:45:31Z 2020-07-17T19:34:16Z The most dangerous days of the week One study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that the deadliest day of the week on the roads in 2018 was Saturday. The highest number of fatal accidents occurred between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and midnight. Meanwhile, the highest number of non-fatal injury accidents took place on Fridays. It likely comes as no surprise that the most significant amount of injury accidents each day of the week occurred during rush hour between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The deadliest driving months It seems that some months are more dangerous than others with regard to accidents on the roads. The statistics from 2018 compiled by the NHTSA show the months of September and October had the highest rate of deadly motor vehicle accidents. Meanwhile, March and April had the lowest mortality rate associated with roadway accidents. It is unclear the exact reason for this, but the amount of time spent on the road during these months likely plays a factor. Travel safely For most of us, motor vehicle transportation is a necessity of daily life. While the numbers indicate a decrease in fatal motor vehicle accidents over the past three years, it is essential everyone driving does their part to keep the roads as safe as possible:
  • Focus on the road and never let distractions such as cellphones divert your attention.
  • Obey speed limits and traffic laws.
  • Never operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Expect that other drivers might make mistakes and be prepared to react quickly.
Whatever time, day or month you venture onto the highways, the decisions made by those you share the road with can have tragic consequences. Be aware, stay focused and travel safely. If an accident occurs, secure the legal counsel of an experienced personal injury attorney who can protect your rights and help you move forward in the best way possible.]]> On Behalf of McKnight and McKnight Law, APC <![CDATA[A warning about hit-and-run insurance claims]]> https://www.mcknightattorneys.com/?p=48643 2023-06-18T16:45:38Z 2020-06-05T23:39:38Z You likely have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance to help protect you against drivers who may not carry the legally required coverage. If you get into an accident and the other person has no insurance, you can make a claim to your policy, and your insurance company will pay for your damages up to your coverage limits.  If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you may think you can take this same approach, especially if you were unable to get any information on the other driver. However, if you do not know the identity of the other driver, then the law prohibits you from making a claim for your damage to your uninsured motorist policy.  Normal accident  In a normal accident where the driver stays at the scene and you exchange identification, your insurer allows you to make a claim if the driver lacked proper insurance coverage. The insurance company would not charge you a deductible in this case.  Hit-and-run accident  With a hit-and-run accident, if you cannot identify the responsible party, you can only make claims for injuries to your uninsured motorist policy. If you want to make a claim for property damage, you must do that on your collision coverage if you have it. You will have to pay deductibles for your claims.  The problem  Lawmakers enacted this law because of the prevalence of insurance fraud. People made false claims of hit-and-run accidents to obtain insurance money. These false claims raised insurance rates for everyone as insurance companies compensated for the losses.  The difficulty of finding a driver after a hit-and-run accident causes issues for victims, though. If someone hits you and flees the scene, you become responsible financially for something that is not your fault.  The solution  The best thing you can do in any accident is to snap a picture of the other vehicle's license plate right away or write down the number. With this evidence, you may be able to hold the at-fault driver responsible. ]]> On Behalf of McKnight and McKnight Law, APC <![CDATA[What are the safest 2020 vehicles?]]> https://www.mcknightattorneys.com/?p=48640 2023-06-18T16:45:44Z 2020-03-24T21:37:12Z When it comes to vehicle safety, crash test ratings and industry reviews provide valuable information for consumers. Choosing a car, truck or SUV with high safety ratings and advanced features can reduce the risk of a serious auto accident.  Consider these 2020 model vehicles with outstanding reputations for safety.  Honda Insight four-door sedan  This is one of the only small cars to earn Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute on Highway Safety. The agency cites high crash test performance as well as standard lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, and pedestrian and vehicle collision avoidance. Daytime running lights, which improve visibility, are also standard.  Nissan Maxima four-door sedan  This midsize choice, also a Top Safety Pick+, features standard daytime running lights and collision prevention, as well as optional blind-spot detection. The Maxima sedan also has the highest possible ratings from the IIHS in all crash test categories.  Subaru Forester four-door SUV  Small SUVs are a popular choice for families, so consider the Subaru Forester to prioritize safety. This model includes standard daytime running lights, front collision avoidance, lane departure warning and lane departure prevention. Blind spot detection is optional and crash test scores are high enough to earn the Forester Top Safety Pick+ ranking.  Mazda CX-5 four-door SUV  Another small SUV, this Mazda features standard daytime running lights and blind spot protection. It also has some of the top crash test scores in its class.  Acura RDX four-door SUV  In the midsize luxury SUV class, the RDX leads the pack when it comes to safety. This spacious option comes standard with daytime running lines, lane departure warning and lane departure prevention. Front crash prevention is another standard feature of this Top Safety Pick+.  Even when you choose a safe vehicle with the latest driver assistance tech, you must also follow the rules of the road and keep your car well-maintained. As a responsible driver, you can potentially avoid significant injury in a car crash. ]]> On Behalf of McKnight and McKnight Law, APC <![CDATA[Handling an accident with an uninsured motorist]]> https://www.mcknightattorneys.com/?p=48546 2023-06-18T16:45:50Z 2020-02-01T00:40:49Z collision with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. Required minimum coverage California law mandates at least $15,000 in liability coverage for personal injury or wrongful death affecting one individual, $30,000 for personal injury or wrongful death of multiple people in a single accident and $5,000 for property damage. Realistically, your out-of-pocket costs for medical bills and lost wages alone could significantly exceed these limits in the case of a serious injury, so you may need to pursue a lawsuit to receive full damages in an accident with a person who has only minimum coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage You can protect yourself from this situation by purchasing uninsured motorist coverage as part of your auto policy. If you or any of your passengers suffer an injury in an uninsured or underinsured motorist accident, you can file a claim up to the amount of your liability coverage. Legal damages When this type of accident occurs and you need to file a lawsuit to receive damages, you have just two years in California from the date of the accident to do so. The statute of limitations for property damage claims is three years. The court will dismiss your case if you file after two years pass from the accident. You must prove in court that the other person caused the accident due to negligence and provide support for your damages, such as medical bills. After an auto accident, call the police so that you can get an official report. This document will be an important part of your negotiations with insurance companies and/or your legal strategy to seek compensation.]]> On Behalf of McKnight and McKnight Law, APC <![CDATA[Is an injury during a commute covered by worker’s comp?]]> https://www.mcknightattorneys.com/?p=48541 2023-06-18T16:45:57Z 2019-12-03T04:59:11Z 22.9 minutes. That means 260 hours a year spent on California's roads. For those who commute in to Los Angeles every day, the calculation is even scarier. Those who brave the two-hour journey each day spend 1,040 hours in the car - over 43 days each year. With so much time spent driving to and from work, accidents inevitably happen. If you are ever involved in an accident on your way to work, you may wonder if an injury sustained during the accident qualifies for worker's compensation benefits from your employer. Should one of your steps after an accident include a call to your employer's HR department? The answer is "it depends." Typically, time spent commuting is not covered by an employer's worker's compensation policy. This follows the "going and coming rule" adopted in California. However, there are a few notable exceptions. You may have a worker's compensation claim if:
  1. The accident happened while you were traveling between job sites. If you checked in to work at one location and traveled to a different location for business-related purposes through the course of your workday, your employer could bear responsibility for an accident that causes you harm.
  2. The accident occurred while you were driving a company car. Most employers assume liability for any trips that take place in a company-owned vehicle.
  3. The accident took place when your boss asked you to complete a "special mission" on your way to or from work. If your boss asked you to do something, such as pick up coffee or drop off a package, on your way to or from work, the employer could maintain responsibility for your condition if an accident happens on that trip.
If you suffer an injury during your commute, consider your situation carefully. You may deserve compensation to offset the lost work time and lost wages.]]> On Behalf of McKnight and McKnight Law, APC <![CDATA[3 important things to remember when buying auto insurance]]> https://www.mcknightattorneys.com/?p=48534 2023-06-18T16:46:03Z 2019-11-04T20:49:18Z accident, but also California law requires that you carry it. Since it is something you must buy, you may just pick up a policy from the first company you come across. However, that is a bad idea. You need to try to find the best overall deal with the right coverage options. Here are three things to keep in mind as you shop for and buy auto insurance.
  1. Understand your policy
When you start shopping for insurance, The California Department of Insurance explains that you need to pay attention to the details. Make sure that you know what the insurance offer will cover. Ensure that you have the minimum coverage but also look for anything extra you may need. Often getting more coverage than the minimum is a good idea to really protect you in the even of an accident. Never sign up for a policy that you have not read. You need to understand the details of what is and what is not covered to ensure you get the best insurance possible for your money.
  1. Pay attention to the deductible
The deductible is the amount of money you have to pay before your insurance will pay anything. With auto insurance, the amount of your deductible will affect the cost of your coverage. If you have a high deductible, then it will help lower your premium. However, avoid the urge to raise your deductible too high. Remember that if you have an accident, you must come up with the full amount of the deductible to get your insurance to pay anything.
  1. Consider uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
While the law does not require this type of coverage, it is a very good idea to have it. If you get into an accident with someone who does not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover all of your costs, this coverage on your own insurance will help pay for the damages. Getting good auto insurance is really a matter of paying attention to the details and understanding your coverage. When you take the time to choose your policy, you should end up with a solid policy.]]>