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Golden Gate Bridge in California

How SB 82 California Law 2025 Could Impact the Injured

By Bicycle Accident, Car Accident, Motorcycle Accident, Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury, Slip or Trip and Fall, Truck Accident, Wrongful Death

Understanding SB 82 and the New California Laws

Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed SB 82 and several related bills intended to reduce costs and strengthen protections for California families. These new laws address issues such as rental housing, unfair fees, and consumer rights. While they are not specific to personal injury, they can influence how injured Californians manage expenses and protect themselves financially during recovery.

How SB 82 and Related Laws May Help the Injured

1. Limits on Hidden Fees
SB 82 and other new laws restrict hidden or surprise charges added to purchases or services. For injured individuals, this could mean more transparent billing when using delivery, repair, or transportation services. Avoiding unexpected fees can make it easier to manage finances while focusing on recovery.

2. Stronger Tenant Protections
New housing-related laws require landlords to provide basic appliances like stoves and refrigerators in rental units and offer more flexibility when tenants face delayed government benefit payments. For someone injured and temporarily unable to work, these protections can help maintain housing stability while waiting for insurance or disability payments.

3. Easier Contract Cancellations
The updates also allow homeowners to cancel certain home improvement or repair contracts through email or phone. This change protects injured individuals from being trapped in costly agreements if their financial situation changes during recovery.

4. Broader Consumer Protections
California expanded existing consumer laws to make it harder for businesses to mislead or overcharge customers. Injured people, who may depend more heavily on outside services during recovery, gain stronger legal protection against unfair practices.

What This Means for Injury Victims

SB 82 California law 2025 does not directly change personal injury law, but it reflects a growing effort to protect residents from unexpected costs. For people coping with an injury, these safeguards can make recovery more manageable by reducing financial stress and improving access to fair treatment in housing and business transactions.

If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, understanding your financial rights is only part of recovery. Legal representation can help ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Why Hire Fielding Law

At Fielding Law, we provide compassionate and capable legal help for those injured due to negligence in California and Arizona. Our team understands that recovery involves more than physical healing. Financial pressure, medical bills, and lost wages can make life overwhelming, and we are here to help you find stability and peace of mind.

Call 833.88.SHARK for a free consultation about your injury.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

October 7, 2025
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Scales of justice on a desk

Comparative Fault Explained

By Bicycle Accident, Car Accident, Dog / Animal Bite, Personal Injury, Premises Liability, Wrongful Death

Understanding Comparative Fault

Comparative fault is a legal principle that may impact how much compensation you recover in a personal injury case. It applies when both the injured person and the at-fault party share responsibility. A court or jury will assign percentages of fault, and your award is reduced by the amount of fault assigned to you.

Comparative Fault in California

California follows a pure comparative fault system. Even if you are found 99 percent at fault, you may still recover damages for the 1 percent caused by someone else. For example, if you are injured in a car accident and awarded $100,000 but are found 40 percent at fault for speeding, your recovery would be $60,000.

Comparative Fault in Arizona

Arizona also follows a pure comparative fault system. This means you can pursue compensation even if you bear the majority of the blame. For example, if you are injured in a bicycle accident and the court finds you 30 percent at fault for riding against traffic, you would still recover 70 percent of your damages. If the total damages were $50,000, you would receive $35,000.

How Comparative Fault Applies to Different Cases

Dog Bites

In California and Arizona, dog owners are strictly liable when their dog bites someone. However, if the injured person provoked the dog or was trespassing, comparative fault may reduce the compensation.

Car Accidents

Car accidents often involve multiple factors. One driver may run a red light while the other sends a text. Both actions contribute to the crash. In these cases, the court assigns fault to each driver and reduces recovery according to those percentages.

Premises Liability

Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe. However, if an injured person ignores posted warnings or engages in risky behavior, comparative fault may reduce recovery.

Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents frequently raise disputes over responsibility. A driver might fail to yield, while a cyclist ignores traffic laws. Both sides play a role. The court weighs each person’s actions and adjusts damages based on the percentage of fault.

Why Hire Fielding Law

At Fielding Law, we understand that comparative fault cases are often complicated. Insurance companies may attempt to exaggerate your share of fault to minimize payouts. Our attorneys will stand by your side to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. We are committed to guiding you and your family with care, compassion, and determination.

Call 833.88.SHARK today to speak with a comparative fault lawyer who will protect your best interests.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

October 6, 2025
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cars driving on a highway at nighttime

Injured in a Nighttime Accident?

By Bicycle Accident, Car Accident, Pedestrian Accident

Why Are Nighttime Accidents So Dangerous?

Driving at night significantly increases the risk of a serious crash. Even though fewer vehicles are on the road after dark, studies show that a nighttime accident is more likely to result in serious injury or death. Reduced visibility, fatigue, and a higher rate of impaired or reckless drivers all contribute to the danger.

In both California and Arizona, nighttime crashes are especially common on freeways, poorly lit streets, and rural roads.

Common Causes of Nighttime Accidents

There are many factors that make nighttime driving risky. Some of the most common causes of nighttime accidents include:

When visibility drops and reaction time is reduced, even a small mistake can lead to a serious crash.

What This Means for You

If you were hurt in a nighttime accident, do not assume it is harder to prove what happened. Whether you were rear-ended, sideswiped, or hit while walking, an experienced attorney can investigate the circumstances and determine who is responsible.

You may be entitled to compensation for:

It is important to act quickly. Evidence such as roadway lighting, surveillance video, and witness statements can disappear if not preserved early in the process.

Why Hire Fielding Law

At Fielding Law, we understand the serious impact a nighttime accident can have on your life. We have experience with low-visibility crash cases and know how to uncover details others might miss. From the moment you call us, our team will work to protect your rights and hold the negligent party accountable.

We approach every case with compassion, professionalism, and a strong commitment to results.

If you or a loved one was injured in a nighttime accident,call 833.88.SHARKor contact Fielding Law for a free consultation.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

September 22, 2025
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open books on a table

Terms to Know in Personal Injury

By Bicycle Accident, Boating Accident, Car Accident, Personal Injury, Premises Liability, Public Entity

Personal Injury law can seem unnerving at first, especially if it is your first time going through the process. Following an accident that was not your fault, it is completely natural to feel uncertain or overwhelmed about what comes next. That’s why we have created this simple guide to help you understand some of the key terms in personal injury law. Our goal is to make things clearer and help you feel more confident as you move forward in the legal process. Even a basic understanding of terminology can help the path feel a bit more approachable and less overwhelming.

Personal Injury

Negligence

  • Failure to take proper care or act with a level of caution that then results in the harm or damage to another person.
  • Example: A driver is texting while driving and runs a red light, hitting another car. The driver has failed to follow traffic laws and pay attention.

Plaintiff

  • You! The party who initiates a lawsuit by filing a complaint against another party. They are the one bringing the legal action and seeking a remedy for damages, and who we as Fielding Law represent.

Defendant

  • Them! The person, company or organization being blamed or sued in a legal case, whichever party is believed to have acted wrongfully.

Claim

  • When someone seeks legal justice for harm they’ve experienced, often because they are trying to find support, accountability, and sense of closure.

Liability

  • Being legally responsible for causing an accident or harm. They are responsible for covering medical bills, lost wages, or other costs after an accident.

Compensation

  • Money or support that someone receives after being hurt or harmed because of someone else’s actions or negligence. This helps cover things like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Medical Lien

  • Money given to someone who has been hurt or suffered a loss because of another person’s actions.

How Fielding Law Can Guide You

At Fielding Law, we are committed to more than just guiding you through the legal terms. We are here to make sure you feel supported and understood throughout the entire process. If you or a loved one has any questions or concerns, please contact us at 833.88.SHARK. Your peace of mind matters to us and we want you to feel empowered in moving ahead.

Nota: La información proporcionada es para fines educativos y no constituye asesoramiento legal. Siempre consulte con un abogado calificado para inquietudes legales.

September 2, 2025
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flag on a boat

Labor Day Safety Matters

By Bicycle Accident, Boating Accident, Burn Injury, Car Accident, Catastrophic Injury, Dog / Animal Bite, Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury, Personal Watercraft (PWC) Accident, Slip or Trip and Fall, Wrongful Death

Injuries on Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day should be a time of rest and celebration. Families in California and Arizona often attend parades, host backyard barbecues, or travel for a last summer getaway. Unfortunately, holiday festivities can create dangerous conditions. When people act carelessly, serious accidents may occur. Labor Day safety is important, but if you were injured because someone else was negligent, you may need legal support.

Common Holiday-Related Accidents

Road Trips and Travel

Holiday weekends often bring heavier traffic. Distracted or impaired drivers increase the risk of serious car, truck, or motorcycle crashes.

Rideshare Accidents

With more people using services like Uber and Lyft during the holiday, rideshare accidents may occur. Victims can face complex insurance issues when injured as a passenger or in another vehicle.

Boating Accidents

Holiday weekends fill lakes and rivers with recreational boaters. Operator inexperience, intoxication, and overcrowded waterways often lead to serious boating collisions.

Personal Watercraft (PWC) Accidents

Jet skis and other PWCs are popular on long weekends. High speeds and reckless operation can cause severe injuries in collisions or ejections.

Parades and Public Gatherings

Large crowds can create unsafe conditions. Pedestrian accidents, trampling, or slip and fall injuries may happen when safety measures are not followed.

Barbecues and Backyard Parties

Premises liability accidents can occur at private gatherings. Guests may suffer burns, slip and fall injuries, or dog bites when property owners fail to provide a safe environment.

Firework Incidents

Fireworks are a tradition during Labor Day weekend. Mishandling them can cause severe burns, vision damage, or traumatic injuries.

Pools and Water Activities

Drownings and near-drowning accidents are a tragic risk at parties or community pools. Lack of supervision or safety equipment often contributes to these accidents.

Labor Day Safety Tips

Even with the risks, there are ways to reduce the chance of an accident.

Driving Safety

Use a designated driver, stay alert on the road, and allow extra time for traffic.

Hosting Safety

If you are hosting, secure walkways, monitor grills and fire pits, and provide a safe space for guests.

Firework and Pool Safety

Follow local firework regulations, supervise children near water, and require life jackets during boating or pool activities.

Why Hire Fielding Law

If your holiday weekend ended with an injury, you do not need to face the aftermath alone. Fielding Law is here to provide guidance, support, and advocacy. Our team listens to your story, investigates the cause of your accident, and works to hold the negligent party accountable. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an injury brings, and we are committed to standing by your side.

Call 833.88.SHARK today for a free consultation with Fielding Law.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

August 29, 2025
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robot hand holding a glass globe

Can AI Replace Lawyers?

By Assault, Bicycle Accident, Boating Accident, Brain Injury (TBI), Burn Injury, Bus Accident, Car Accident, Catastrophic Injury, Dog / Animal Bite, E-Bikes and E-Scooters, Motorcycle Accident, Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury, Personal Watercraft (PWC) Accident, Premises Liability, Product Liability, Public Entity, Rideshare Accident, RV Accident, Sexual Assault & Abuse, Skate & Skateboarding Accident, Ski & Snowboard Accident, Slip or Trip and Fall, Spinal Cord Injury, Train Accident, Truck Accident, Wrongful Death

Can You Replace a Lawyer With AI?

Artificial intelligence tools like Chat GPT are gaining popularity. They can draft documents, explain legal concepts, and summarize laws. Some people now believe they can replace a lawyer with AI and handle legal issues on their own. This is misleading and risky. Legal cases require human advocacy, judgment, and compassion that AI cannot provide.

What AI Can and Cannot Do

AI Can:

  • Explain general legal ideas and procedures

  • Summarize statutes and regulations

  • Draft basic templates or documents

  • Suggest broad next steps

AI Cannot:

  • Provide personalized advice specific to your case

  • Investigate evidence or interview witnesses

  • Navigate complex California or Arizona laws

  • Represent you in court or negotiate with insurers

  • Offer strategy, empathy, or advocacy

Attempting to replace a lawyer with AI may result in missed deadlines, weak claims, or reduced compensation.

What Fielding Law Provides That AI Cannot

Personalized Legal Guidance

Our attorneys study every detail of your case and create strategies tailored to your circumstances.

Thorough Investigation

We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build strong claims that AI tools cannot manage.

Negotiation and Advocacy

We handle insurance companies and opposing parties with proven negotiation skills and legal experience.

Courtroom Representation

If needed, we fight for you in court, file motions, and adjust strategies in real time.

Compassionate Support

We understand how stressful injuries are. Our team provides clear communication and empathy throughout the process.

Why Real Lawyers Matter

Legal representation requires strategy, adaptability, and human insight. Trying to replace a lawyer with AI leaves you without proper protection.

Why Hire Fielding Law

At Fielding Law, we combine experience, compassion, and skill to protect your rights. We fight for fair compensation and support clients every step of the way. Technology can assist, but it cannot replace a real lawyer.

Call 833.88.SHARK today for a Free Consultation and experience the difference of true legal advocacy.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

August 29, 2025
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Person holding photo evidence in their hands

Why Preserving Evidence Matters

By Bicycle Accident, Personal Injury, Product Liability, Slip or Trip and Fall

Why Preserving Evidence Matters After an Injury

When you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, the details of what happened can disappear quickly. Cleanup crews may remove dangerous items. A store manager might mop up a spill. Or a friend might toss out a broken helmet thinking they are doing you a favor. That is why preserving evidence is one of the most important things you can do to protect your case.

Tangible items tell a powerful story. They can show what caused the accident, how the injury happened, and who may be at fault. Preserving evidence strengthens your ability to seek compensation and hold the responsible party accountable.

What to Save After an Accident

Every type of injury case is different, but some common examples of evidence to keep include:

Defective product claims:

  • The product itself, untouched and unrepaired

  • All packaging, warning labels, and instruction manuals

  • Your proof of purchase, such as receipts or online order confirmations

  • Clear photographs of the product and any visible damage

Bicycle accident claims:

  • The bicycle, even if it is completely destroyed

  • Helmet, gloves, or other damaged safety gear

  • Any video footage from cameras or nearby businesses

  • Clothing worn at the time, especially if torn or stained

Slip and fall cases:

  • The shoes you were wearing (do not clean or throw them away)

  • Photos of the location, including floor conditions, lighting, or signage

  • Any written reports made by store staff or property owners

  • Medical records that document your injuries

What to Avoid

It is easy to accidentally harm your claim without realizing it. Do not fix or replace damaged items before talking to a lawyer. Do not post photos or updates online that could be misinterpreted. And never send key items—like a broken product or piece of clothing—to the insurance company without legal guidance. Once evidence is lost or altered, it may be impossible to use it in your favor.

Why Hire Fielding Law

At Fielding Law, we understand that time matters in personal injury cases. Our legal team acts quickly to preserve evidence and secure expert analysis when needed. Whether your case involves a defective product, a bicycle accident, or a slip and fall injury, we are ready to build a strong claim on your behalf. From the very first call, we handle the legal stress so you can focus on healing.

If you or a loved one has been injured, call 833.88.SHARK or contact Fielding Law. Evidence fades, but with our help, your case will not.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

August 29, 2025
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A Haboob or dust storm in the Arizona desert

Stay Safe During a Haboob

By Bicycle Accident, Car Accident, Motorcycle Accident, Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury

What is a Haboob?

A haboob is a powerful type of dust storm that often happens in Arizona, especially during the summer monsoon season. The word comes from the Arabic word habūb, meaning “blasting.” These storms form when strong winds rush out from a collapsing thunderstorm. As the winds spread out, they pick up dirt and dust from the desert floor and push it forward in a massive, rolling wall.

Haboobs can rise thousands of feet high and stretch miles wide. They move quickly, reducing visibility to almost zero and creating serious dangers for anyone outside, on the road, or on a bike. That is why learning haboob safety tips is so important if you live in Arizona.

Why Haboobs are Dangerous

  • Visibility can drop to less than a few feet in seconds

  • Roads become slick with dust, sand, or debris

  • Breathing can become difficult for those with asthma or other conditions

  • Flying objects may cause injuries

Knowing the right haboob safety tips can make a major difference if you are caught in one.

Safety Tips if You Are Walking

If you are on foot when a haboob arrives, protect yourself right away.

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid inhaling dust

  • Protect your eyes with sunglasses or goggles if possible

  • Seek shelter inside a sturdy building

  • If no shelter is nearby, crouch low to the ground, cover your head, and wait for the worst part to pass

Safety Tips if You Are Driving

Drivers face some of the greatest risks in a haboob. Accidents are common because people panic or continue driving without being able to see.

  • Pull off the road as soon as possible

  • Turn off your lights and keep your foot off the brake so other drivers do not try to follow your taillights

  • Stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt on until the storm passes

  • Avoid stopping in the middle of the road, which increases the chance of being rear-ended

Safety Tips if You Are Riding a Bike or Motorcycle

Cyclists and motorcyclists are especially vulnerable.

  • Dismount and move off the road immediately

  • Lay the bike down if necessary to prevent it from being blown over

  • Find shelter, or at least crouch low away from traffic and flying debris

  • Protect your mouth, nose, and eyes from dust

After the Haboob

Once the storm passes, use extra caution. Visibility may still be poor, and fallen trees, power lines, or debris may block roadways or sidewalks. Following haboob safety tips even after the storm can help reduce your risk of injury.

Why Hire Fielding Law

Haboobs can lead to serious accidents, especially on Arizona roads. If you or a loved one has been injured due to another driver’s negligence during or after a storm, Fielding Law is here to help. Our attorneys provide skilled, compassionate support and work to secure the compensation you deserve. Call 833.88.SHARK today for a Free Consultation.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

August 26, 2025
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Person riding an e-bike on sand

Newport Beach Bans Bikes and E-Bikes on the Sand

By Bicycle Accident, E-Bikes and E-Scooters, Pedestrian Accident, Personal Injury

Newport Beach Bike Ban: What You Need to Know

The Newport Beach bike ban, which went into effect in May 2025, now blocks bicycles, e-bikes, motorized scooters, and pedicabs from traveling on the sand at city beaches. City leaders approved the rule to improve safety and protect fragile dune habitats. Fast-moving bikes and e-bikes can cause serious injuries in crowded beach areas. They can also harm protected wildlife in sensitive sand dunes.

How This Rule Can Impact Injury Claims

Local laws shape many personal injury cases. When a rider ignores the Newport Beach bike ban and injures someone, that violation can serve as strong evidence of negligence. An injured pedestrian can point to the ordinance to support their claim.

If an accident happens where bikes and e-bikes remain legal—such as the boardwalk—the focus shifts. The question becomes whether the rider followed the 8 mph speed limit and operated with care. Motorized scooters remain prohibited on the boardwalk entirely.

Examples of Possible Legal Cases

  • Pedestrian hit on the sand: A rider who ignores the ban and hits a pedestrian may face liability for injuries.

  • Shared-fault situations: California’s comparative fault law reduces compensation if both parties share blame.

  • Property loss: The city can impound abandoned or improperly stored vehicles, creating potential property damage claims.

Why Hire Fielding Law

At Fielding Law, we track how changes like the Newport Beach bike ban influence personal injury cases. Our attorneys understand the laws in California and Arizona and know how to use them to build strong claims. If a bicycle, e-bike, or scooter accident injured you or someone you love, our team will fight for fair compensation.

Call 833.88.SHARK or contact Fielding Law today for a free consultation.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

August 14, 2025
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two e-bikes sitting on cement with trees in the background

Scottsdale Cracks Down on E-Bikes for Minors

By Bicycle Accident, Catastrophic Injury, E-Bikes and E-Scooters, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death

Scottsdale’s New E-Bike Law Aims to Protect Minors from Serious Injuries

In response to a troubling rise in child injuries, the City of Scottsdale has enacted a new ordinance aimed at improving safety among young riders. The Scottsdale e-bike minor law restricts the use of certain high-powered e-bikes and electric motorcycles on city property for anyone under the age of 16.

The ordinance takes effect July 31, 2025. It prohibits minors from operating Class 3 e-bikes and electric motorcycles—both of which can reach speeds of over 20 miles per hour—on any city-owned property. The new law also requires retailers to affix permanent classification stickers and provide safety education materials at the time of sale.

Phoenix Children’s Hospital has seen a rise in e-bike-related injuries in recent months, many involving minors. Doctors are reporting serious injuries such as head trauma, internal injuries, and multiple fractures—often caused by seemingly minor incidents like potholes, unexpected stops, or collisions with dogs.

How the Scottsdale E-Bike Minor Law Relates to Personal Injury Claims

Though e-bikes may appear to be recreational, they function more like motorized vehicles. When minors operate these high-speed devices, especially without helmets or supervision, the risk of serious injury increases.

From a legal standpoint, the Scottsdale e-bike minor law signals that the city is taking these risks seriously. If a child is injured while violating the ordinance—or due to the negligence of another rider, motorist, or manufacturer—there may be grounds for a personal injury claim.

Some of the most common causes of e-bike injuries include:

  • Riding without proper safety gear

  • Lack of adult supervision

  • Equipment malfunction or misuse

  • Unsafe road or sidewalk conditions

  • Collisions with vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians

If a parent allows a minor to use a Class 3 e-bike in violation of the new law, that decision could also impact liability and insurance coverage in the event of an accident.

What Makes E-Bike Injuries Different from Bicycle Accidents

Unlike traditional bicycles, e-bikes are heavier and faster, which often leads to more forceful impacts. Minors may not fully understand how to control or stop the device under pressure. Even seemingly low-speed crashes can cause life-altering injuries.

This is why the Scottsdale e-bike minor law matters. Much like height or age limits on amusement park rides, these rules are in place to prevent predictable and avoidable harm.

Why Hire Fielding Law

If your child has been injured in an e-bike accident, you may feel overwhelmed—physically, emotionally, and financially. At Fielding Law, we understand the complexities of accidents involving minors and motorized vehicles. Our team can help you determine who is legally responsible, whether it involves a negligent driver, a defective product, or unsafe city infrastructure.

We are proud to help clients throughout Arizona and California and are committed to improving the lives of our clients through ethical and efficient legal representation.

To speak with a caring and capable e-bike accident attorney, contact Fielding Law or call 833.88.SHARK for a free consultation.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

July 31, 2025
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