California Gets Tough With DUI Offenders

In the last decade, thousands of people have been seriously injured or killed in California DUI accidents. Responding to the increasing outrage of citizens and victims of these senseless tragedies, the state of California adopted some tough new DUI laws in 2009. Individuals who are currently on probation for drunk driving or for driving with too high an alcohol level now have even more to lose. The new zero tolerance law puts DUI offenders on notice.

In January of this year, California ratcheted up the penalties for individuals who have recently been convicted of DUI. If the police stop them and lawfully determine that they have a measurable breath alcohol level of 0.01% or higher, their driver's license could be suspended for one year. Police can even impound their vehicle, leaving the driver to pay towing and storage costs, which could add up to $2,000 to the violator's long list of expenses.

Under California's zero tolerance policy, first time DUI offenders receive 3-5 years of probation. During this period, probationary drivers cannot operate a motor vehicle after consuming any alcohol. If they are caught driving while under the influence, criminal charges can result in additional fines and jail time, plus court costs and attorney fees.

Drivers on probation are required to consent to a chemical test to determine the amount of alcohol or other drugs in their system. By accepting probation, drivers have agreed to an implied consent to submit to DUI testing. Those who refuse testing are in violation of probation, which can result in 30 days in a county jail, plus driver's license suspensions ranging from one to three years.

Do tougher DUI laws work? While California arrests approximately 200,000 DUI drivers annually, DUI arrests have dropped 45%, and the number of DUI deaths and injuries has fallen 50 percent since California enacted its 0.08 law in 1990 (California DMV, 1997).

Texting While Driving Can Cost You

A recent poll revealed that 66 percent of adults said they had read text messages and e-mails while driving. Another 57 percent said they actually sent them while driving. Worse yet, according to a survey from AAA and Seventeen Magazine, in July 2007, 28 percent of teens surveyed admit to sending text messages while driving. The result has been a rise in accidents involving teen drivers. A recent accident that killed five high school graduates may have been caused by texting and driving. Regrettably, most texters are young inexperienced drivers. And texting while driving significantly reduces a driver's reaction time.

Pressed by safe driving advocates, California recently enacted a "no-text while driving" law. The law specifically states that writing, sending, or reading a "text-based communication" while driving is against the law for all drivers in California. The new law applies to electronic wireless communications devices used to manually communicate with any person using text-based communication, including, but not limited to, communications referred to as a text message, instant message, or electronic mail. California already requires adult drivers to use hands-free devices for cell phones, and bans 16- and 17-year-old drivers from using any device to talk or text while driving.

Violating the new no-text while driving law is punishable by a base fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense. With the addition of penalty assessments, fines can be more than triple the base fine amount. If you have teens who drive, advise them never to text while driving.

John Bisnar Receives "Superb" Rating from Avvo.com

A well-known Internet lawyer rating service relied on by thousands across the nation has awarded a "perfect 10" score and "superb" rating to John Bisnar, Newport Beach personal injury lawyer and senior partner of BISNAR | CHASE (www.BestAttorney.com). Americans are relying on the Avvo lawyer rating website to find a reliable, reputable lawyer to represent them. Bisnar's superb rating is based on his background, years of experience as a personal injury lawyer, successful track record, impeccable reputation with clients and peers and professional accomplishments. Bisnar has received a perfect rating from Avvo for experience, industry recognition and professional conduct.

Praise From Peers

Bisnar's peers have praised his professionalism and commitment to his clients on Avvo's website. Paul Wallin, an Orange County criminal defense lawyer, says, "John Bisnar is one of the most brilliant personal injury lawyers I have ever met. If I had a loved one in need of an aggressive personal injury lawyer, the only lawyer I would send them to is John Bisnar. He is a straight shooter and when you meet him you understand why he obtains great settlements for his clients."

Bisnar has had a long-standing reputation for the last 31 years as a personal injury attorney who has fought vigorously for the legal rights of consumers who have suffered serious injuries as a result of a car accident, someone else's negligence or a defective product. He has successfully handled 6,000 personal injury cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents and numerous injured victims who have been hurt as a result of drunk or negligent drivers. Bisnar has been outspoken about his passion for consumer rights. He has been praised for his tenacity in standing up against large auto makers, corporations and even governmental entities on behalf of his injured clients.

Comprehensive Evaluation in 19 Areas

The Avvo rating system is based on rankings in 19 different legal categories. This includes years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition. Avvo periodically collects background data from multiple sources, including state bar associations, court records, lawyer websites and other pertinent information. The rating is calculated using input from hundreds of attorneys, thousands of consumers, and legal experts. Under the scrutiny of this comprehensive rating system, John Bisnar scored at the top in experience, industry recognition and professional conduct.

"John has been an inspiration to the entire legal team at BISNAR | CHASE," noted partner Brian Chase. "He treats every client with the utmost respect and works tirelessly to help them through the often difficult challenges posed by personal injury law. His 'superb' Avvo rating is well deserved."

Law Firm Has 97.8% Success Rate and Charges No Fee Unless They Win

To more effectively serve the special needs of his clients, Bisnar focuses his firm's practice to matters involving serious personal injuries and wrongful death. "We enjoy a 97.8% success rate," notes Bisnar. "And we don't charge a fee until our client has recovered monies. We advance all costs and expenses. And all consultations are free."

A native Southern Californian and U.S. Army veteran, Bisnar founded Bisnar & Associates in 1978. He holds a Degree in Finance/Investments and received his J.D. degree from Pepperdine University School of Law. He won his first Million Dollar case in 1986. In 1996, he was named a "Community Hero" by The United Way, Orange County, California and in that same year was an Olympic Torch carrier. Bisnar acts as the firm's chief negotiator, handling the firm's day-to-day client contact and business decisions. He often shares his skills with other personal injury attorneys as a guest lecturer and workshop facilitator.

Bisnar's book "The Seven Fatal Mistakes That Can Wreck Your California Personal Injury Claim," is an authoritative guide for anyone who has suffered a personal injury in California. This book is a comprehensive handbook that spells out for injured victims the important steps they need to take immediately after they suffer a personal injury. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to find out the important pitfalls to avoid and the best way to make sure they get fair compensation for their injuries, damages and loss.

Read more BISNAR | CHASE personal injury press releases.

Client Video Testimonial: Car Accident Victim Says Settlement Was Amazing

When a doctor told him that back injuries sustained in a car accident could turn into a prolonged problem, Jason decided it was time to consult a Los Angeles car accident lawyer.

Upon a recommendation, Jason met with the Los Angeles car accident attorneys of Bisnar | Chase and the results, he said, have been "amazing."

"I came in, met with them, and was really impressed by their office. They seemed very well established," Jason said in a car accident video testimonial.

His first impressions proved correct as the personal injury and car accident attorneys at Bisnar | Chase quickly took charge of the situation. As he said in his Los Angeles car accident video testimonial, Jason could not be more pleased with the results.

"What I like most about Bisnar | Chase is that they really took over and took charge of it. I didn't have to miss a lot of work. I didn't have to keep coming back and forth. They just knew what to do," Jason said.

"Overall, the whole thing from beginning to end was amazing," Jason said. "All the contact back and forth--it was either a quick phone call or a quick email. They handled all the problems with the insurance companies. Other than forwarding them the doctor's bills and talking to them it was a piece of cake. My settlement was amazing."

Many car accident victims do not seek legal advice or action because they fear that the process will disrupt their lives. They imagine a long and arduous process that will require more of their time, energy and resources, when all they really want is to get their lives back. A good personal injury lawyer will not only guide you through the legal process, but take charge of your case so that you can continue to live your life.

A good personal injury attorney with years of experience will also know what kind of information is needed to best argue your case so you can be sure that none of your valuable time is wasted. If you have been injured in a car crash or know someone who has, please read additional personal injury attorney testimonials for more stories of how victims of car accidents have been helped.

Watch all of our client video testimonials.

In the California Injury Blog

Here are a few recent car accident stories that have been in the news, as covered on http://www.CaliforniaInjuryBlog.com ...

• November 3 - The #1 Thing You Can Do After a Car Accident
• November 10 - Los Angeles Car Accident Injuries Four
• November 16 - Orange County Car Accident Injures Man

Visit the blog today to get regular updates on local injuries and accidents in California.

Lawyer Joke: A Lawyer Died

A lawyer died and arrived at the pearly gates. To his dismay, there were thousands of people ahead of him in line to see St. Peter. But, to his surprise, St. Peter left his desk at the gate and came down the long line to where the lawyer was standing. St. Peter greeted him warmly. Then St. Peter and one of his assistants took the lawyer by the hands and guided him up to the front of the line into a comfortable chair by his desk.

The lawyer said, "I don't mind all this attention, but what makes me so special?"

St. Peter replied, "Well, I've added up all the hours for which you billed your clients, and by my calculation you must be about 193 years old!"

Read more lawyer jokes and contribute your own at our lawyer joke page.

The Seven Fatal Mistakes

John Bisnar, founding partner of BISNAR | CHASE, is well known for his experience and expertise litigating personal injury claims. John's book, The Seven Fatal Mistakes That Can Wreck Your California Personal Injury Claim, provides the guidance victims need to successfully settle a personal injury claim.

According to John, he wrote the book because "I don't like to see the average guy being taken advantage of by insurance companies, government agencies and other powerful entities."

Get a free copy of The Seven Fatal Mistakes That Can Wreck Your California Personal Injury Claim.

Still Unsafe At Any Speed

Did an SUV roll over? An airbag fail to deploy? A tire come apart? A fuel tank explode? A seat collapse? A roof sustain severe deformation and crush? A seat belt unlatch or otherwise pop open?

This book enables readers to evaluate an auto products liability case by offering valuable information of the specifics of common vehicle defects. To illustrate the traffic implications of defective autos in people's lives, real-life accounts have been included, reminding us that we are dealing with much more than statistical and technical information here.

Get your own copy of Still Unsafe At Any Speed: Auto Defects That Cause Wrongful Deaths and Catastrophic Injuries.

Glovebox Organizer Offered at No Cost

BISNAR | CHASE has designed an Insurance & Registration Organizer to keep your car documents organized and to assist you if you are involved in a car accident.

The Organizer has a slot to put your automobile Certificate of Insurance, a place to put your automobile registration, an Accident Information Form with instructions on what to do after a traffic accident and what information to collect at the scene of a car accident, a pen, a flashlight with batteries, a tire pressure gauge, and a note pad.

Get your Free Glove Box Organizer right now!