Sometimes people confuse the basic speed law in California with the speed limit.  The "speed limit" is the fastest speed one can drive in a given zone.  Driving the speed limit is NOT a defense to a violation of California's basic speed law which is codified in California Vehicle Code section 22350. 

If you've been involved in a serious car accident, call Santa Clarita accident lawyer Robert Mansour for a consultation at (661) 414-7100.

I have some clients who call me on a weekly basis.  They say, "My knee (or whatever body part) is killing me from the accident.  The doctors don't know what's wrong.  The physical therapy isn't helping.  I'm in tremendous pain...."  Of course, I'm not happy to hear about these things, but as a lawyer, there is only so much I can do.  I don't have a medical degree so I can't prescribe medication or do surgery on the client.  I empathize as much as I can with my clients, but I remind them that I'm handling the legal aspects of their case and they really should tell their doctors about their injuries.  

Some of these same clients also want their case to be over as soon as possible.  They say things like, "I just want to settle this case soon.  I can't believe the insurance company hasn't made an offer yet!  What's wrong with that adjuster?  When is this all going to be over?!"  In my 20 years as a lawyer, I've found that some clients believe that resolving their personal injury claim is going to "make everything better."  They think there is a connection between the settlement of their case and their injury.

Over the years, I've had to explain to many clients that their knee (or whatever injury they have) is still going to bother them even if we resolve the case.  I explain, "Just because we resolve your claim doesn't mean your neck or back isn't going to hurt tomorrow."  Therefore, it is important to understand that rushing your personal injury claim to "put it behind you" or just be "done with it" isn't going to make you feel better.  You need to focus on your injury and the medical treatment required to make you better.  Getting a check in the mail from an insurance company is not going to help your injury.

Some people get into a car accident and think they've won the lottery!  They expect lots of cash to roll their way.  However, reimbursement and compensation in personal injury cases often doesn't live up to the tall tales some may believe. Years ago, I actually had a client who thought her sprained neck was going to get her $250,000.  After this encounter, I make sure my clients have reasonable expectations about their personal injury case.

I'm not really sure why some clients have such unrealistic expectations about their personal injury cases.  Perhaps they've heard stories from others who got a lot of money or perhaps they've watched one too many late night TV commercials from attorneys who make personal injury cases look like some kind of lottery system.  I suppose the average personal injury cases don't make the news, so people naturally aren't aware of them.  They hear about the occasional person who recovers millions from McDonalds for spilled coffee.  Without knowing more about such cases, they figure THEIR case must be worth a great deal too.

The trouble is there are still some people out there who think their personal injury case is their path to riches.  Your accident case is NOT your lottery ticket, NOT your pension plan, and NOT a retirement plan.  If you have unreasonable expectations, you need to reevaluate your position and talk to an experienced attorney who will give you reasonable expectations.  Don't go to any lawyer who will tell you what you want to hear.

Attorney Robert Mansour handles personal injury cases in Santa Clarita, Valencia, Saugus, Canyon Country, Newhall, Stevenson Ranch, Castaic, Palmdale, Lancaster, Northridge, Chatsworth, and surrounding communities.  If you want a candid assessment of your personal injury case, call (661) 414-7100 for a free consultation.