On Tuesday, Waymo officially expanded its robotaxi service to the general public in Los Angeles, marking another significant advancement in self-driving car technology.

This milestone follows eight months of limited service in Los Angeles, where rides were available only to a select group of passengers from a waiting list of more than 300,000. Now, anyone with the Waymo One app can book rides across an 80-square-mile (129-square-kilometer) area in the nation's second-largest city.

Initially, Waymo focused on San Francisco before beginning limited service in Los Angeles. Before entering the competitive California market with Uber and Lyft, Waymo launched its first commercial robotaxi service in Phoenix in 2020 and has continued to expand its reach in that region.

Are You Protected After a Waymo Self-Driving Accident?
As convenient as robotaxi services are, accidents involving self-driving cars raise unique concerns. If you're injured in a Waymo accident, it’s crucial to determine who is responsible—whether it’s the company, a third-party driver, or even a mechanical malfunction. Understanding your rights and ensuring you are compensated for medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages can be challenging in these technologically complex cases.

Legal Help After Traffic Accident with a Driverless Car
Navigating the aftermath of an accident with a driverless car can be overwhelming. Consulting a personal injury lawyer experienced in auto accident cases in Los Angeles is essential. At Goldberg Injury Lawyers, we can guide you through the claims process, hold the appropriate parties accountable, and help secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Call 24/7 at 818-222-6994.

The holiday season is a wonderful time for family, friends, and festivities. However, it’s also one of the busiest and potentially most dangerous times for road travel, with Veterans Day and Thanksgiving both bringing in high traffic as people visit loved ones or go on vacations. Here are some essential safety tips to keep your car journeys smooth and stress-free this November.

1. Plan Your Trip and Check Traffic Conditions

The key to a safe trip is preparation. Plan your route ahead of time, and consider alternative routes in case of road closures or heavy traffic. Check local news or traffic apps for updates on current conditions, particularly for busy travel days like the day before Thanksgiving, which often sees the highest volume of traffic.

Tip: Try to leave early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak travel times, especially on Thanksgiving Wednesday and the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

2. Ensure Your Vehicle Is Road-Ready

Preventative maintenance can go a long way in avoiding breakdowns on the road. Make sure to inspect your car’s essentials before leaving:

- Tires: Check for proper inflation and tread wear.
- Brakes: Ensure they’re functioning well and there are no unusual noises.
- Fluids: Check oil, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid levels.
- Lights: Verify that all headlights, brake lights, and indicators are in good working order.

A pre-trip inspection can help you avoid potential problems on the road and ensure that your car is in optimal shape for a long journey.

3. Prepare an Emergency Kit

While no one wants to think about emergencies, having a car emergency kit can make all the difference if something goes wrong. Your kit should include:

- First aid supplies
- Road flares or warning triangles
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Blankets, water, and non-perishable snacks (especially if traveling with children)

Having these items on hand provides peace of mind, especially during cold November nights if you’re traveling in areas prone to colder temperatures.

4. Stay Sober and Alert

Both Veterans Day and Thanksgiving are occasions for celebration, often with alcohol involved. Plan ahead to avoid impaired driving:

- Designate a driver if you plan to drink.
- Stay rested and avoid driving if you’re feeling drowsy. Fatigue can impair reaction times similarly to alcohol.

Use stops as opportunities to rest and recharge if driving long distances, and encourage any passengers who are licensed to share driving responsibilities to help reduce fatigue.

5. Practice Defensive Driving

With more vehicles on the road, defensive driving becomes even more crucial. Leave plenty of space between your car and the one in front, use signals, and always check blind spots. Be especially cautious in adverse weather conditions, such as rain or early snow that can make roads slick.

Tip: Pay attention to road signs, especially those indicating construction or areas with increased wildlife activity.

6. Minimize Distractions

Distracted driving can be as dangerous as impaired driving. Avoid activities that take your eyes or mind off the road, like texting, eating, or adjusting the navigation. If you need to adjust your GPS or send a text, pull over safely before doing so.

7. Avoid Driving on Major Highways During Peak Hours

While this might not always be possible, avoiding major highways during peak travel times can save you both time and frustration. Use navigation apps to monitor live traffic and explore less congested routes whenever possible.

With proper planning and safe driving practices, you can help ensure that your road trip over the November holidays is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Legal Help 24/7

In the aftermath of a car accident, getting the support you need is crucial, and having access to legal help 24/7 can make all the difference. Experienced attorneys at Goldberg Injury Lawyers are available around the clock to guide you through the steps to protect your rights, handle insurance claims, and navigate any legal issues that arise. Whether it’s understanding your compensation options or ensuring you’re not taken advantage of by insurers, a dedicated legal team is ready to help you at any hour, providing peace of mind when you need it most.

As Halloween approaches, excitement fills the air with costume parties, trick-or-treating, and haunted houses. But there's something scarier than any ghost or ghoul—hit-and-run accidents.

While we all love a good fright, safety should never take a back seat, especially on a night when streets are bustling with kids and families.

This Halloween season, we've put together 7 essential safety tips to keep your night of fun from turning into a real-life horror story. Whether you're heading out for trick-or-treating or simply driving through a neighborhood, following these tips can ensure everyone makes it home safely.

7 Halloween Safety Tips

1. Stay visible: If you're walking, make sure your costumes have reflective elements or bring flashlights. Drivers are not expecting a lot of pedestrians in the dark, so make it easy to be seen.
2. Follow the rules of the road: Whether you're behind the wheel or walking, be mindful of stop signs, crosswalks, and speed limits.
3. Keep phones away: Drivers, resist the urge to check that message. Pedestrians, keep your eyes on the road and your surroundings.
4. Plan your route: If trick-or-treating, plan a safe route that avoids major intersections and busy streets. Stick to well-lit areas.
5. Drive slowly: There's no rush, especially in residential areas. Keep an eye out for excited little ones darting out between cars.
6. Don't drink and drive: Halloween parties often include alcohol, so make sure you have a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service.
7. Be cautious in costumes: Costumes shouldn't obstruct vision or movement. Make sure they're comfortable and safe for moving around outdoors.

This October, let's make sure Halloween is full of fun, not frights! Stay safe out there and enjoy the spookiest night of the year.

If you or a family member is involved in an auto accident, contact Goldberg Injury Lawyers 24/7 for a free consultation. 

As the summer winds down and the school bells start ringing again, students everywhere are gearing up for a new school year. Whether you're walking, biking, driving, or taking the bus, staying safe on the way to and from school is a top priority.

Here are some easy-to-follow tips to help you avoid auto accidents and keep your school year running smoothly.

1. Walk this way: Stay on the sidewalk
If you're walking to school, always use the sidewalk. If there isn’t one, walk facing traffic, so you can see oncoming cars. Cross the street at crosswalks or intersections, and always look both ways before stepping off the curb. It might seem like something you learned in kindergarten, but it’s crucial to remember, especially with all the distractions we have today.

2. Heads up: Put away the phone
Whether you're walking, biking, or driving, keeping your eyes on the road is a must. It’s tempting to text your friends or scroll through social media, but it’s important to stay focused on your surroundings. A quick glance at your phone can easily lead to missing a stop sign or a car turning the corner. Stay alert and save the screen time for later.

3. Bike smart: Wear a helmet and follow the rules
Biking to school is a great way to get some exercise, but safety should always come first. Always wear a helmet, even if you're just biking a short distance. Stick to bike lanes when possible, obey traffic signals, and use hand signals when turning. And don’t forget to make sure your bike is in good working condition before heading out—check the brakes, tires, and lights.

4. Drive safe: No speeding or racing
For students driving to school, it’s important to remember that school zones are often filled with young children, crossing guards, and buses. Always drive at or below the speed limit, especially in school zones, and never race to beat a red light or catch the green. You might be in a hurry, but safety is more important than shaving a few seconds off your commute.

5. Watch for school buses
If you're driving, be extra cautious around school buses. Remember that when a school bus stops and its lights are flashing, cars in both directions must stop, too. Kids may be getting on or off the bus and could dart across the street unexpectedly. Give buses plenty of space and be patient.

Of interest: Concerning Trend: 170 Traffic Fatalities in Los Angeles Over Six Months in 2024

6. Carpool with care
If you’re carpooling with friends, make sure everyone is buckled up before hitting the road. Don’t try to squeeze in more people than there are seat belts. Also, keep distractions to a minimum—loud music, rowdy passengers, and eating while driving can all increase the risk of an accident.

7. Be extra cautious in bad weather
Rain, fog, and snow can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, so it’s important to be extra careful when the weather takes a turn. If you're walking or biking, wear bright or reflective clothing, and take it slow. Drivers should increase their following distance and keep their headlights on, even during the day.

8. Stay sober and alert
This should go without saying, but never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It’s not only illegal but also incredibly dangerous for you and everyone else on the road.

9. Know your route
Familiarize yourself with the safest route to and from school. Avoid areas with heavy traffic or construction when possible. If you’re a new driver, practice your route a few times with a parent or guardian to get comfortable.

10. Stay calm and patient
Finally, remember that the roads can be hectic during the school rush. Give yourself extra time in the morning to avoid feeling rushed, and stay calm if you hit traffic or encounter a slow-moving school bus. Patience and a clear head will help you make smart decisions on the road.

Students and parents, by keeping these tips in mind, you can make sure your journey to school is not only safe but also stress-free. Here’s to a fantastic and accident-free school year!

Help when you need it after a car accident
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries following a car accident, it’s important to seek comprehensive compensation for your injuries. At Goldberg Injury Lawyers, we are here to support you through this challenging time and ensure your rights are protected.

Every year, countless individuals suffer injuries due to the negligence of other drivers. While many factors contribute to these accidents, a significant number can be prevented by simply following basic defensive driving techniques.

The following tips are essential for protecting yourself and others on the road. By adhering to these guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident.

Keep your distance: Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. This gives you more time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic conditions. It's especially important in the summer when roads can be crowded with holiday travelers. A good rule of thumb is to follow the "two-second rule" – stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you, and increase this distance in adverse weather conditions or on uneven roads.

Avoid blind spots: Always position yourself where other drivers can see you, and try to avoid lingering in their blind spots. This is crucial for staying visible, especially when riding alongside larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs. When passing, do so quickly and safely to minimize the time you spend in a driver's blind spot. Being aware of your surroundings and using your mirrors effectively can help you stay out of these danger zones.

Always use your signals: Clearly communicate your intentions to other road users by consistently using your turn signals. This helps prevent accidents by letting drivers know your next move, whether you're changing lanes or making a turn. In addition to signals, using hand gestures can provide an extra level of visibility and safety, especially in bright summer conditions where signals might be less noticeable.

These simple yet crucial actions can mean the difference between arriving safely at your destination and suffering life-altering injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured due to another driver's negligence, please don't hesitate to contact Goldberg Injury Lawyers. We are committed to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve.