The Mason Law Firm | Truck Accident Attorneys | Mason Rashtian

“We Meet Our Clients By Accident”

Statistics gathered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, reveals that in 2005, accidents involving large trucks resulted in  5,212 fatalities.  Here is some more statistics to ponder:

The legal weight for an 18 wheeler in the U.S., without an oversize or overweight permit, is 80,000 lbs. (i.e. 40 tons).  In comparison, the average passenger vehicle weighs somewhere around 5,000 lbs.  Because of this enormous difference in weight, occupants of passenger vehicles are more likely to suffer serious injuries in accidents involving passenger vehicles and large trucks.

What are some of the potential causes of accidents between a large truck and passenger vehicle?

1.   Driving too fast and/or too close.

The length of time for an 18 wheeler to stop is generally 40% greater than that of a passenger vehicle.  This estimate may change depending on the weight of truck’s load, the road conditions and whether or not the truck is bobtailing (no trailer attached).  If a truck is driving too fast for the road or weather conditions, it can cause a major accident if traffic in front of it suddenly stops.  Similarly, if a truck driver is driving too close to the vehicle in front of him and the vehicle stops, then the truck may not have sufficient time or distance to stop before striking the passenger vehicle.

2.    Driver Fatigue.

According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, truck drivers must keep a log, showing his hours of operation and their off-duty hours.  So, a long-haul truck driver  is generally allowed to drive up to 11 hours in a 14 hour time period, which cannot be extended with time off for meals and fuel stops.  At the end of the 14 hour time period, the driver must take at least a 10 hour break, regardless of the number of miles he has driven.  After the 10 hour break, he can resume driving his truck.

Furthermore, a truck driver may not drive after 60 hours of on-duty driving in a 7 day (consecutive) period.  He can resume his on-duty driving after taking at least 34 consecutive hours off.  These laws were put into place to reduce driver fatigue.

3.    Load Shift.

Sometime, a load on a truck is not tied down properly.  As a result, it shifts during transport and the weight of the load can cause the truck driver to lose control of his truck.

Legal Rights of Victims

Victims of truck accidents generally suffer serious injuries.  Due to the severity of such injuries, it is very important to contact an attorney familiar with truck accidents.

We, at The Mason Law Firm Truck Accident Attorneys, are very familiar with truck accidents and the type of injuries that can result from such accidents.  The Mason Law Firm is managed by Personal Injury Attorney Mason Rashtian, whom, as a former insurance defense attorney, defended truck drivers involved in major accidents.  Hence, he is very familiar with truck accidents, ranging from T-bone collisions, to side-swipe collisions to rear-end collisions.

Additionally, he has litigated truck accidents all throughout California, including, but not limited to, Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Palm Springs/Indio area.

Truck Accident Attorney Mason Rashtian has an “AV” Rating with Martindale-Hubble – the highest rating an accident attorney can achieve in the fields of legal ability and ethical standards.  If you have been injured in a truck accident, please give The Mason Law Firm a call.  We will evaluate your case and educate you as to your options.  There is never a fee unless there is recovery in the case.  Please visit our website at http://mrscvlaw.com

Conveniently Located

The Mason Law Firm has 3 convenient locations:

Santa Clarita Valley

27240 Turnberry Ln, #200, Valencia, CA 91355
Tel: (661) 362-0805

Burbank

3500 West Olive Avenue, 3rd Floor, Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 533-1671

San Fernando Valley

15303 Ventura Blvd., 9th Floor, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 533-1671

Our Toll Free Number:  (800) 577-0149

You can also reach us by email:  mason@mrscvlaw.com

Licensed to practice law and serve clients throughout the State of California

The Mason Law Firm | Motorcycle Accident Attorneys | Mason Rashtian

“We Meet Our Clients By Accident”

According to the CDC, in 2008, motor vehicle related deaths (i.e. cars and light trucks) reached an all-time low in the United States, while motorcyclist deaths reached an all-time high, more than doubling between 1999 and 2008.

Motorcycle accidents generally result in serious injuries or death because motorcycles provide very little protection in a crash when compared with other vehicles.  A motorcycle accident can occur in a variety of ways.  A motorcyclist may crash into a passenger vehicle, truck or a bus.  He or she could be involved a head-on collision, a side collision, or a rear-end collision (less frequent).  When it comes to head-on collisions, the chances of sustaining a major injury increase because the rider is often thrown from his or her bike in the crash.

Sometimes, an accident between a motorcycle and a vehicle occurs because the vehicle makes a left-hand turn in front of a motorcyclist, striking him or her or forcing the motorcyclist to swerve to avoid an pending collision.  This type of accident generally occurs because the driver of the vehicle does not see the motorcycle due to its small size and/or does not expect a motorcycle to be passing the vehicle on its left.

Another cause of motorcycle accidents involve lane splitting.  This occurs when a motorcyclist drives between two lanes of traffic with cars on both sides, such as in traffic jams.

We, at The Mason Law Firm Motorcycle Accident Attorneys, are experienced in helping victims of motorcycle accidents.  The Mason Law Firm is managed by Personal Injury Attorney Mason Rashtian, who is “AV” Rated with Martindale-Hubble – the highest rating an accident attorney can achieve in the fields of legal ability and ethical standards.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, please give us a call.  We will evaluate your case and educate you as to your options.  There is never a fee unless there is recovery in the case.  Please visit us at http://mrscvlaw.com

Conveniently Located

The Mason Law Firm has 3 convenient locations:

Santa Clarita Valley

27240 Turnberry Ln, #200, Valencia, CA 91355
Tel: (661) 362-0805

Burbank

3500 West Olive Avenue, 3rd Floor, Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 533-1671

San Fernando Valley

15303 Ventura Blvd., 9th Floor, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 533-1671

Our Toll Free Number:  (800) 577-0149

You can also reach us by email:  mason@mrscvlaw.com

Licensed to practice law and serve clients throughout the State of California

The Mason Law Firm | Recall: Banner Mountain Sprouts Voluntarily Recalls Organic Sprouts | Mason Rashtian | Personal Injury Attorney

                         

On June 26, 2012, the following products were voluntarily recalled by Banner Mountain as a precautionary measure:

• Organic sprouts under the following names: 4oz. zesty greens, 5oz. sprout salad, 4oz. clover, 2lb. clover, 4oz. alfalfa/broccoli, 4oz. alfalfa sprouts, and 1lb. & 2lb. alfalfa sprouts

These products were recalled because they may be contaminated with salmonella, a bacterium that can cause an acute infection with symptoms such as diarrhea, fever and vomiting.  Symptoms usually develop within one to four days following consumption of contaminated food.  According to the FDA, in some cases, symptoms in individuals may resolve without the need for medical help, but others may develop a serious illness that can lead to hospitalization.  To date, no illnesses have been reported.

These products, distributed through retail stores and wholesalers in California, come in a 4 or 5 oz. clear, plastic, clamshell container and a 1lb. or 2lb. ziplock bag with a sell by date from 6/17/12 to 7/6/12.  Anyone who purchased these products should immediately discard them.  For a copy of this full press release, please click here.

Disclaimer:  This recall has been brought to you by The Mason Law Firm, managed by Mason Rashtian.  This article is only for informational purposes and not meant to serve as legal advice.

With offices located in the Santa Clarita Valley (SCV), the San Fernando Valley (SFV), Pasadena, and an office opening in Beverly Hills, we handle personal injury cases all throughout Southern California.  For more information, please contact us at (800) 577-0149, (661) 362-0805, (818) 700-8422, or visit us at: http://mrscvlaw.com

The Mason Law Firm | Victims’ Rights in Bus Accidents | Personal Injury Attorney | The Mason Law Firm

Believe it or not, we have public transportation in Los Angeles.  There are numerous bus companies who actively engage in business in numerous cities.  For example, we have:

• Dash buses in Los Angeles;
• Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA);
• (City of) Santa Clarita Transit;
• Antelope Valley School Transportation Agency;
• Greyhound;
• Santa Monica Big Blue Bus;
• Glendale Bee Line;
• San Gabriel Transit;
• Riverside Transit Agency; and
  
• Culver City Bus.

What happens when a bus passenger is injured?  What rights do they have?

Under California law, common carriers such as bus companies must use the utmost care and diligence of a very cautious person when transporting passengers.  Often times, bus companies contract with outside vendors who operate their buses.  So, a bus company (or City) may own the bus, but the bus is operated by a third party such as MV Transportation, First Transit or Veolia Transportation.

Bus accidents are common.  Sometimes, a bus takes off or stops abruptly and unexpectedly, causing a passenger to fall.  Sometimes, buses get into accidents with other vehicles.  Sometimes, a passenger gets injured because the bus driver closes the bus doors on an entering or exiting passenger.  These acts can often result in injuries to bus passengers, for which the bus company can be held responsible.

If you have been injured while riding on a bus, it is advisable that you contact a personal injury attorney to review your options.  Before opening his own law practice, Mason Rashtian, managing attorney at The Mason Law Firm, used to defend bus companies in personal injury actions.  So, he is very familiar with bus accidents and is in the unique position of assessing and analyzing accidents from different points of view.

Disclaimer.  This article strictly talks about California law. Federal law or laws in other states may differ. This article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to serve as legal advice. You should always contact an attorney to discuss any legal matter.

With offices located in the Santa Clarita Valley (SCV), the San Fernando Valley (SFV), Pasadena, and an office opening in Beverly Hills, we handle personal injury cases all throughout Southern California.  For more information, please contact us at (800) 577-0149, (661) 362-0805, (818) 700-8422, or visit us at http://mrscvlaw.com

The Mason Law Firm | Recall: Allergy Alert On Pints Of Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Nougat Crunch Ice Cream: Sweet Cream Ice Cream with Fudge Covered Wafer Cookies & a Chocolate Nougat Swirl | Mason Rashtian | Personal Injury Attorney

On or June 12, 2012, the following item was recalled in a press release:

• Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Nougat Crunch Ice Cream: Sweet Cream Ice Cream with Fudge Covered Wafer Cookies & a Chocolate Nougat Swirl (“Chocolate Nougat Crunch”)

According to press release, the company was

“voluntarily recalling pint containers of its Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Nougat Crunch Ice Cream: Sweet Cream Ice Cream with Fudge Covered Wafer Cookies & a Chocolate Nougat Swirl (“Chocolate Nougat Crunch”) that are missing the allergen advisory statement, ‘Allergy Information: Fudge covered wafer pieces have been manufactured on shared equipment that processes peanuts and tree nuts.’

This allergen advisory statement should be at the end of the ingredients list but was inadvertently omitted from the recalled product.  People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts or tree nuts (chestnuts, Brazil nuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, pine nuts and cashews) run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the recalled product.  No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the ingredient label on pint containers did not include this information …

The affected product is sold in pint containers with a UPC of 7684020899, and date codes: JUL1113BJ1, JUL1213BJ1, AUG0113BJ1, AUG0213BJ1, AUG2313BJ1, AUG2413BJ1, AUG2513BJ1, SEP2013BJ1, SEP2113BJ1, OCT2313BJ1.  The date code can be found on the bottom of the pint.

… The product was distributed nationwide and reached consumers through retail stores.  No product was shipped outside of the U.S.  No other Ben & Jerry’s products are affected by this voluntary recall, including bulk (2.4 gallon) containers of Chocolate Nougat Crunch served in Ben & Jerry’s franchised Scoop Shops.”

According to the press release, consumers are asked to “discard any remaining product, rinse out the pint container, cut out and retain the UPC on the side of the container and call 877-270-7397, which is operational 24 hours a day seven days a week, for a replacement coupon.”  For a copy of this full press release, please click here.

Disclaimer:  This recall has been brought to you by The Mason Law Firm, managed by Mason Rashtian.  This article is only for informational purposes and not meant to serve as legal advice.

For more information, please contact us at (800) 577-0149, (661) 362-0805, (818) 700-8422, or visit us at: http://mrscvlaw.com

The Mason Law Firm | It Is Important to Sue Multiple Parties In a Personal Injury Action | Personal Injury Attorney | Mason Rashtian

What is a personal injury action?  A personal injury action refers to any incident where someone suffers physical and/or emotional injuries.  Classic examples of personal injury actions include:

• Accidents (car, truck, bus, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian and construction);
• Slip and falls;
• Dog bites and animal attacks;
• Electrocutions;
• Burn Injuries;
• Food poisoning and
• Defective products.

If you are involved in a personal injury incident and are in need of filing a lawsuit, be sure that you file your lawsuit against as many defendants as possible.

For example, you are the lead car involved in a three car accident.  In the accident, your vehicle (identified as vehicle 3) first gets hit from behind by the middle car (identified as vehicle 2).  Then, the middle car (vehicle 2) is struck from behind by another vehicle (identified as vehicle 1) and pushed into your vehicle a second time.  You are injured in the accident and need to file a lawsuit.  Under this scenario, you should file your lawsuit against both the middle vehicle (vehicle 2) and the vehicle behind him (vehicle 1).

Why?  First, you need to protect yourself for liability purposes.  If you sue only one of the two drivers, then he or she will simply deflect liability by blaming the other driver not named in the lawsuit.  This is typically called the “empty chair” defense.

Next, you need to protect yourself on the issue of damages by maximizing your chances of recovery.  What if you sue the driver of the middle car (vehicle 2) only, but that driver only carried a minimal policy of $15,000 and your injuries exceed that amount?  If you sue both vehicles, then you can go after both vehicle 1 and vehicle 2 to recover for your injuries.

Disclaimer:  This article is brought to you by Mason Rashtian of The Mason Law Firm.  This article is only for informational purposes and not meant to serve as legal advice.

For more information about personal injury, please contact us at (800) 577-0149, or (661) 362-0805, or visit us at:

http://mrscvlaw.com

http://sfvalleylaw.com

The Mason Law Firm | Recall: L.A. Link (Huntington Beach) Corporation Recalls Shiitake-Ya Brand Gourmet Shiitake Slices Because Of Possible Health Risk | Mason Rashtian | Personal Injury Attorney

On or May 23, 2012, a press release was issued involving L.A. LINK (HUNTINGTON BEACH) CORPORATION of Cerritos, California.  In this press release, the following item was recalled:

• Shiitake-Ya brand Gourmet Shiitake Slices with a “SELL BY date” of 04/16/2013

The recall was initiated because”the mushrooms may be contaminated with the chemicals carbendazim, fluoranthene, and pyrene.  Residues of these chemicals are not approved on dried mushrooms … L.A. Link (Huntington Beach) Corporation is taking this action to assure the safety of our consumers.”

According to the press release:  “The Gourmet Shiitake Slices were sold exclusively to Costco Wholesale locations in California, Oregon, and Washington.  The recalled mushrooms are packaged in 6 oz plastic jars with a SELL BY date of 04/16/2013 affixed to the bottom portion of the rear label.”

According to the press release, the item can be brought back for a full refund at place of purchase.  For a copy of this full press release, please click here.

Disclaimer:  This recall has been brought to you by The Mason Law Firm, managed by Mason Rashtian.  This article is only for informational purposes and not meant to serve as legal advice.  For information on personal injury matters, please contact us at (800) 577-0149, or (661) 362-0805, or visit us at:

http://mrscvlaw.com

http://sfvalleylaw.com

The Mason Law Firm | Recall: Oskri Corp. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Cashews in “Peach Granola” | Mason Rashtian | Personal Injury Attorney

On or about May 30, 2012, a press release was issued regarding OSKRI Corp. of Lake Mills, WI.  Pursuant to this press release, a recall of the following item was issued:

• 3.53 ounce bags of “Peach Granola”

The recall was made because this product may contain undeclared cashews.  Consumers with an allergy or severe sensitivity to cashews and/or other nuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if this product is consumed.

According to the press release:  “The recalled ‘Peach Granola’ was distributed nationwide to travel plazas and retail stores.  The product comes in a 3.53 ounce, flexible plastic bag, UPC 666016111743, marked with the following stamp, which can be found on the front of the bag in the upper right corner:

• P 3/3/12
• EXP 9/9/13
• LOT 75

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the problem.”

According to the press release, the item can be brought back for a full refund.  For a copy of this full press release, please click here.

Disclaimer:  his recall has been brought to you by The Mason Law Firm, managed by Mason Rashtian.  This article is only for informational purposes and not meant to serve as legal advice.  For information on personal injury matters, please contact us at (800) 577-0149, or (661) 362-0805, or visit us at:

http://mrscvlaw.com

http://sfvalleylaw.com

The Mason Law Firm | Recall: Best Maid Cookie Company Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Walnut In Product | Personal Injury Attorney | Mason Rashtian

On or about June 8, 2012, a press release was issued regarding Best Maid Cookie Company of River Falls.  In this press release, a recall of the following item was issued:

• Sienna Bakery® brand Oatmeal Walnut Raisin and Sienna Bakery® brand White Chocolate Macadamia Nut cookies

The recall was made due to the potential of undeclared walnut allergen. Consumers with an allergy or severe sensitivity to walnuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if these products are consumed.

The recall was started when it was discovered that walnut-containing Oatmeal Walnut Raisin cookies were distributed in the same retail boxes labeled as “White Chocolate Macadamia Nut”.  However, the boxes did not indicate the presence of walnuts.  Hence, the master cases of product may contain retail boxes that are labeled as “White Chocolate Macadamia Nut” but have Oatmeal Walnut Raisin cookies inside.

According to the press release:  “Affected product was sold through GFS Marketplace stores from May 11th through June 7th in the states of Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Affected product was distributed to Gordon Food Service® (GFS) delivery customers from May 11, 2012 through June 7, 2012 in the states of Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia.”

Product and lot codes affected by this recall are listed in the table below;

Product Description, label/brand and pack size	UPC Code	Lot Numbers
6/40/1.35 oz Sienna Bakery® Oatmeal Walnut Raisin Baked Cookies	093901165992	121222011525001 on the master case, 12122201 on the retail box
6/40/1.35 oz Sienna Bakery® White Chocolate Macadamia Baked Cookies	093901201706	121222061052009, 121222061052001 on the master case, 12122201 on the retail box

According to the press release, the item can be brought back for a full refund with a receipt at GFS Marketplace Stores.  For a copy of this full press release, please click here.

Disclaimer:  his recall has been brought to you by The Mason Law Firm, managed by Mason Rashtian.  This article is only for informational purposes and not meant to serve as legal advice.  For information on personal injury matters, please contact us at (800) 577-0149, or (661) 362-0805, or visit us at:

http://mrscvlaw.com

http://sfvalleylaw.com

The Mason Law Firm | Managed by AV Rated Attorney Mason Rashtian | Personal Injury Attorney

The Mason Law Firm is managed by Mason Rashtian, an experienced litigator who has handled thousands of cases involving personal injury matters, including:

▸	Major Injury Cases	▸	Car Accidents
▸	Truck Accidents	▸	Bus Accidents
▸	Pedestrian Accidents	▸	Motorcycle Accidents
▸	Construction Accidents	▸	Bicycle Accidents
▸	Dog Bites and Animal Attacks	▸	Slip and Falls
▸	Food Poisoning	▸	Electrocutions
▸	Wrongful Death	▸	Defective Products

Mason Rashtian is also AV Rated with Martindale-Hubble, which means that he has received the highest possible rating an attorney can receive in both legal ability and ethical standards.

For more information about The Mason Law Firm and for legal articles on personal injury, please visit our website at:

http://mrscvlaw.com

http://scvinjuryattorney.com, or

http://sfvalleylaw.com