Santa Rosa and surrounding areas: please heed evacuation warnings and orders and stay out of those areas so firefighters can do their amazing work. As insane as things looked last night, things are looking a bit better in the light of day.
Please look out for each other and be patient. We've been through this before, more than once so we are getting really good at lifting each other up.
#GlassFire
We help California residents receive compensation after a catastrophic accident.
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Santa Rosa's Trusted Personal Injury Firm
Greetings Sonoma, Napa, Mendo and Lake Counties.
Continue to look after your neighbors and stay informed as we've been given the dubious gift of an early fire season.
Some resources to check for current conditions:
http://www.alertwildfire.org/northbay/index.html?v=81e002f This is a camera network set up by local agencies and PG&E to monitor wildland areas vulnerable to fire.
If you are a Sonoma County resident, please register your cell phone at socoemergency.org This will provide you with evacuation notices/warnings and links to emergency information.
Minimize water use at home as all agencies are firing up reserve storage and wells to assist firefighting and protect drinking water supplies in the event the main supplies near the Russian River (for Sonoma and Marin) are impacted.
ALERTWILDFIRE.ORG
ALERTWildfire | North Bay
To all of our clients: Given COVID 19 is staying busy and keeping with local health authority guidance, we will continue to leverage tech such as Zoom, Docusign and Dropbox to complete work on your cases and reach successful outcomes.
If tech isn't your thing, you are free to drop documents off at the office via the mail slot at the top of the stairs. In-office appointments won't resume until mid-August at the earliest. Please reach out to us with any questions via phone at 707-575-1040, info@hansenmiller.com or via our MyCase portal.
For those of you living/working in the City of Santa Rosa, a curfew was imposed tonight from 8 p.m. Also expect the same tomorrow (Tuesday 6/2/20) given its Andy Lopez's birthday.
Exercise your right to free speech, early and often but look out for each other and also understand looting takes away from the message; be part of the solution!
Our legal group will be hosting a public town hall for the next six consecutive Saturdays starting April 4th regarding the proposed PG&E settlement. The details are outlined below:
https://www.facebook.com/events/257439445280137/
SAT, APR 4
Live Fire Settlement Q&A
A car accident can lead to serious injuries. We help clients get compensation for their recovery.
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Helping Injury Victims In Santa Rosa
Landlords may be liable for criminal acts https://bit.ly/37PbH73
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Landlords may be liable for criminal acts | Hansen & Miller Law Firm
Landlords may be liable for criminal acts: Landlords must take reasonable measures for providing a safe premises for tenants and guests. Landlords may be held liable in a personal injury lawsuit for violent crimes that happen to tenants and criminal activity by a tenant or their guests against others.
Liability
California and other states generally hold landlords for responsible for criminal activities that take place at their rental properties by their tenants and any guests on the property. In addition to violence, these can include theft and vandalism against tenants and distribution of illegal drugs by a tenant or their guests.
Preventive measures
Landlords cannot always prevent crimes against tenants. But they are expected to take reasonable safety measures to keep crimes from occurring.
These include making sure that doors and windows can properly close and lock and are equipped with devices such as deadbolts, providing adequate illumination around the buildings and keeping tenants informed about crime in the area.
Landlords should also have an effective screening process for potential tenants. By uncovering poor renting and financial behavior and habits, screening can help eliminate tenants with questionable backgrounds from renting in the first place. Leases should contain clear terms against illegal activity and the landlord's remedies for addressing it.
Landlords must address tenants committing illegal activities and take measures in accordance with their lease and California law such as eviction. They should record reports of criminal activities from neighbors or suspicious activity such as high utility bills, cash only payments and other suspicious activities such as numerous vehicles pulling up to an apartment or home and staying for short periods.
A tenant or guest who suffers injuries from a crime or accident may be entitled to compensation from a negligent landlord or other property owner. An attorney can help them pursue their legal rights in a premises liability lawsuit.
https://bit.ly/37PbH73
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Landlords may be liable for criminal acts | Hansen & Miller Law Firm
Safe motorcycle riding during the winter months: While Northern California's winters might not be as dramatic as other parts of the country, motorcycle riders are still cautioned to stay safe during the winter months. From poor visibility and earlier sunsets to seasonal rains and slippery roads, motorcycles can be a dangerous form of transportation.
People rely on motorcycles for numerous reasons that range from necessity to excitement. Unfortunately, while a motorcycle offers greater speed and maneuverability it cannot match the safety and stability of a car. Riders are only protected by a helmet and heavy clothing. For this reason, it is wise to follow these tips to remain safe while riding during the winter months:
Wear appropriate clothing: Riders should take care to choose warm clothing. The hands and feet can quickly fall prey to the cold weather, becoming numb and unresponsive at the worst times. Also, bright or reflective clothing can keep you more visible to drivers sharing the road with you.
Increase reaction distance: Rain-slicked roads can lead to a loss of traction. This can impact both steering and stopping. Reduce your speed or choose lanes that give you more distance to react to debris in the road or stopped traffic around you.
Assume you're invisible: While this might be good advice throughout the year, riders are cautioned to be aware of the cars and trucks around them. Assume those drivers do not see you as they are merging, changing lanes or turning.
Avoid distractions: Again, this might be good advice to follow all year, but in the winter months when visibility is already a challenge, riders should avoid any distraction from phone conversations to taking a drink from a water bottle while on the road.
Motorcycle riders can suffer significant injuries in even a low-speed vehicle collision. Riders can experience broken bones, road rash, head injuries, back injuries or burn injuries. Severe collisions can lead to death. Do not hesitate to seek legal guidance after a motorcycle accident. https://bit.ly/3rLFuFB
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Safe motorcycle riding during the winter months | Hansen & Miller Law Firm
Safe motorcycle riding during the winter months https://bit.ly/3rLFuFB
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Safe motorcycle riding during the winter months | Hansen & Miller Law Firm
There are special precautions bikers should take when riding in the winter months.
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How To Stay Safe On A Motorcycle During Winter
California dog bite laws protect victims of dog attacks: California dog bite laws provide protections for victims injured in a dog bite attack. Dog attacks can leave victims physically and emotionally scarred and injured which is why personal injury protections are available to victims of dog bites.
Dog owner liability
Dog and pet owners are strictly liable for any damages and injuries victims suffer. Provided the victim was bitten in a public place or in a private place lawfully, the dog owner will be liable for the harm the dog causes. Former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of the dog's propensity for viscous behavior are not required for the dog owner to be liable for the victim's damages. Strict liability means that the dog owner or pet owner will be liable for bite injuries regardless of the circumstances.
Damages to help victims
Victims of dog bites may suffer extensive damages including extensive medical damages. A dog bite injury may require ongoing medical treatment and care that can include surgeries, hospitalizations and follow-up care. In addition, injured victims may be unable to work while they are trying to recover from their dog bite injuries. Lastly, victims of dog bites may suffer disabling and disfiguring injuries including scarring. They can also experience emotional trauma related to a dog bite attack.
A personal injury claim for damages can help victims recover compensation for their medical damages, lost wages and pain and suffering damages. California dog bite laws protect victims harmed by a dog bite attack and provide important legal remedies injured victims should be familiar with. https://bit.ly/38BdMUv
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California dog bite laws protect victims of dog attacks | Hansen & Miller Law Firm
California dog bite laws protect victims of dog attacks https://bit.ly/38BdMUv
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California dog bite laws protect victims of dog attacks | Hansen & Miller Law Firm
Refusing a chemical test in California: When a driver has been pulled over for a DUI in Northern California, they know they are in big trouble. It is important that a driver remain calm and understand that they do have legal rights in this situation. If a driver is arrested for a DUI, they should understand the laws regarding a chemical DUI test in California.
Consequences of DUI
In California, once a person has been lawfully arrested for a DUI, they must consent to a chemical test. If they do not submit to a DUI breath test, they will face penalties for a chemical test refusal. These penalties are in addition to the penalties they will be facing for the DUI. The penalties for a chemical test refusal include:
Additional jail time
Driver's license suspension
Extra time in DUI school
DUI defense options
An attorney who specializes in DUI defense may be able to offer some defenses to help fight the penalties for refusing to take the DUI chemical test. Some common defenses include:
The arrest was unlawful
The refusal was the result of an injury that was not caused by drugs or alcohol
The officer did not advise the defendant of the consequences of a chemical test refusal
A person who is facing a DUI charge should understand that DUI is a serious crime that should not be taken lightly. An attorney understands the many ways a DUI arrest can go wrong including road conditions, medical conditions their client may have, or a car malfunction. They understand the stakes are high for a DUI and will work to see that the charges their client is facing are minimized or dismissed whenever possible.
https://bit.ly/3c73vl3
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Refusing a chemical test in California | Hansen & Miller Law Firm
Refusing a chemical test in California https://bit.ly/3c73vl3
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Refusing a chemical test in California | Hansen & Miller Law Firm
What to expect when facing a DUI in Northern California: When a driver has been pulled over on suspicion of DUI they can feel scared and alone. A driver understands that the penalties for a DUI can be serious, but they should also understand that they do have options after a DUI arrest. California law treats most DUIs as a misdemeanor, but they still carry serious penalties.
What can happen after a DUI arrest?
Here's what a person who has been arrested for a DUI should expect:
Driver's license suspension for 30 days unless the defendant requests a hearing with the DMV.
Criminal proceedings begin with an arraignment where a defendant will enter their plea and may go to trial.
A defense attorney will try and poke holes in the prosecutor's case. They can investigate the circumstances surrounding the DUI arrest and undermine the testimony of the arresting officer. A defendant's rights may have also been violated during the arrest. Any of these situations can result in a plea bargain.
A DUI conviction carries several severe penalties. These include license suspension, jail, fines, and court costs. The penalties can increase if a defendant has previous drunk driving convictions, if anyone was hurt, and how severe the judge is. A good criminal defense attorney can help reduce the charges their client is facing.
Why and how professional guidance can help
A legal professional who is skilled in DUI defense can help their client who is facing a DUI in Northern California. An attorney understands that a DUI is a serious crime that should not be taken lightly. They can use their comprehensive knowledge of California DUI law to make sure their client's rights are protected and help minimize the extent of the penalties. They can help their client through every phase of the DUI process and will work to have the DUI charges minimized or even dismissed. https://bit.ly/36CddrN
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What to expect when facing a DUI in Northern California | Hansen & Miller Law Firm
What to expect when facing a DUI in Northern California https://bit.ly/36CddrN
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What to expect when facing a DUI in Northern California | Hansen & Miller Law Firm
Man killed in traffic collision in Santa Rosa identified: A man who died in a fatal crash in Sonoma County has been identified. Carlos Del Pozo, 58, of Sebastopol was killed in a traffic collision that caused his car to spin out of control on U.S. 101 South, just north of the College Avenue offramp.
According to California Highway Patrol, Del Pozo was driving a Nissan Versa south in the number three lane on U.S. 101 when a Chrysler 300 sedan, traveling south in the number two lane, spun out of its lane and hit the other vehicle.
The collision caused the Nissan to spin out of control into a guardrail to the right before continuing down an embankment at the College Avenue offramp. Del Pozo was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver, a 31-year-old Santa Rosa man, was uninjured.
The accident remains under investigation, according to CHP.
Distracted driving and negligence
Distracted driving happens when the attention of the driver is taken away from the activity of driving, whether it is glancing at or writing a text, adjusting mirrors, talking on a cell phone or playing music. And the potential of causing or getting into an accident becomes higher the greater the speed of the vehicle, as there is less time for the driver to respond to errors.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that when a driver sends or reads a text while going 55 miles per hour, it is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
Distracted driving can be negligent, but it must be proved. In order to prove that a distracted driver was negligent, the plaintiff must show that the defendant had a duty of care to the victim, that there was a breach of that duty and that this was the actual or proximate cause of the damages.
Negligence claims in California
California recognizes comparative negligence in a personal injury claim. This means that the injured party can sue for damages even if they were partly responsible for the accident. They may file a claim for the percentage of responsibility that is attributable to the defendant.
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident that was caused by another driver's negligence, it is essential to have an aggressive and passionate legal representation to pursue insurance claims and, if necessary, go to court to obtain the maximum financial compensation for your injuries. https://bit.ly/2ZrTxDf
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Man killed in traffic collision in Santa Rosa identified | Hansen & Miller Law Firm
DUI Update: Sonoma County is experiencing a sharp rise in DUI injury cases over the last several months. I haven’t seen things this bad in a long long time.
Everyone is stir crazy and everyone wants to break out and have some fun. However, please don’t drink and drive.
A person’s decision to drink and drive can affect far more people than just the driver.
- Roy Miller
Man killed in traffic collision in Santa Rosa identified https://bit.ly/2ZrTxDf
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Man killed in traffic collision in Santa Rosa identified | Hansen & Miller Law Firm
Drivers' failure to look for motorcyclists causes serious accidents https://bit.ly/3ks86jF
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Drivers' failure to look for motorcyclists causes serious accidents | Hansen & Miller Law Firm
NSC: 2020 fatal motor vehicle accident numbers unexpectedly rose https://bit.ly/3ewyU1i
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NSC: 2020 fatal motor vehicle accident numbers unexpectedly rose | Hansen & Miller Law Firm
Should you let a public defender represent you? https://bit.ly/3lhQqYL
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Should you let a public defender represent you? | Hansen & Miller Law Firm
A trial is one of the most important experiences a person will face.
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Public Defenders Are Assigned, Not Chosen
We either a nation of laws or we are a mob. There really isn’t any room for splitting hairs.
At long last, two of Rohnert Park’s worst were finally brought to justice in federal court.
Each rightly face long prison terms for what the US Attorney describes basically as a modern day highway robbery ring.
Despite what you may have heard, the law applies to all and karma does indeed catch up with one’s actions.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/former-rohnert-park-police-officers-charged-conspiracy-commit-extortion-and-related
Former Rohnert Park Police Officers Charged With Conspiracy To Commit Extortion And Related Charges In Marijuana Seizure Scheme
