Category: Current Affairs

This new law prohibits a convicted DUI offender from operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .01 percent or greater while on probation for DUI. The law requires the driver to submit to a Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) test, a portable breath test to determine the presence of alcohol. If the driver refuses, or if the driver submits and has a BAC of .01 or greater, a citation will be issued, the driver’s license will be taken and driving privileges will be suspended. In addition, the vehicle will be impounded. You Can Follow me on Twitter.

The New York Post just published a story about a young guy who lost his leg just below the calf when an MTA Train ran over him while he lay on the tracks. The public is outraged by this story because the 25 year old victim, Dustin Dibble, was drunk and fell onto the tracks. The outrage should not be directed at Dibble, however, because the ultimate cause of his injury arose when, per Dibble’s attorney Andrew Smiley, “a subway-train operator is obligated to stop a subway train before it strikes a large object on the tracks, even if it… Read More

Find me on TwitterWhether or not this is actually Michael Phelps taking a hit from a bong is uncertain. It would, however, appear so since he just came out with a statement apologizing for his inappropriate behavior. Reuters reports that Phelps said “I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment.” Phelps went on to say “I’m 23-years-old, and despite the successes I have had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner that people have come to expect from me,” Phelps added. “For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public –… Read More

I have had the distinct pleasure of twice being the invited guest on Lawyer Talk with Super Pat on the Thai Television Network, NAT TV. Super Pat, whose full name is Pashree Sripipat, is a Thai celebrity whose vivacious and probing interview style provides her viewers with education and knowledge in a very entertaining fashion. Super Pat, the lovely lady on the right, is a renowned journalist, talk show and variety show host within the Thai community. She first asked me to appear on her show in December 2008 to discuss personal injury matters. What an incredible experience. Her focus and… Read More

It was with great sadness that I read the news of the tragic and untimely passing of 16 year old Jett Travolta, son of John Travolta and Kelly Preston. Apparently, the boy suffered from Kawasaki Disease which is a childhood ailment. How did he die? No one really knows yet but the current conventional wisdom is that young Jett suffered regularly from seizures and that, on this occasion, he fell and hit his head during one of those seizures. Various news reports state that he was attended to by nannies but was left unattended this one time. Again, we do not know… Read More

Will wonders never cease? What an incredible website has now graced the Internet! www.reportdangerousdrivers.com is the ultimate in real life George Orwell (ianism). This site has special meaning to me since part of my practice revolves around representing fault-free people who’ve been injured at the hands of reckless drivers. I get enraged when I see the senseless physical and emotional pain that my clients go through because someone wasn’t paying attention or, worse, was driving erratically or angrily (can you say “road rage?”). This moment of dangerous driving changes innocent lives forever. From the home page of www.reportdangerousdrivers.com comes their description and reason for existence:… Read More

What is going on here in Los Angeles? Today a Metro Bus and a Blue Line Bus crashed with 15 injured so far. Last week we had the horrific Metrolink Crash which left 25 people dead and countless seriously injured. I’ve represented many people injured in accidents involving the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority, also known as the MTA. Accidents happen BUT when bus drivers or train engineers are even momentarily careless, huge numbers of people become injured victims. Mass Transit can instantly become Mass Destruction. Graphic Scene and Rescue Photos Here Since these buses are run by the government, by law… Read More

I couldn’t resist.

Friends, I am completely saddened and outraged by the alleged text messaging by deceased Metrolink engineer Rob Sanchez moments before the crash. As you know, I have previously railed against text messaging while driving a car. The facts, of course, are not all in for the Metrolink Tragedy. If, however, it is true that Rob Sanchez was texting while driving a train with over 200 passengers on board, he was acting at the height of irresponsibility. Now you may think that I’m being overly harsh since Mr. Sanchez also paid with his own life. I know in my heart that he bore… Read More

The tragic Metrolink Train Crash of September 12, 2008 will have lasting effects on the surviving victims and the family and friends of survivors and those not lucky enough to survive. Injuries will range from broken bones to paralysis to burns to brain injuries to permanent physical and emotional and, for some, death. For the injured, it is too soon to determine the extent of their injuries. Some may be lucky enough to heal quickly while others may not be spared a lifetime of pain, rehabilitation and disfigurement. Those affected by this tragedy, victims and family, should contact an attorney… Read More