Commitment, Passion, Results.

El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers | Personal Injury Blog

attorneys
Digital reconstruction of an accident scene by a reconstruction expert

Accident Reconstruction Experts: What They Do in Injury Cases

When drivers tell different versions of the same crash, what actually determines the truth? In this post, we break down what an accident reconstructionist does, the role they play, and how their findings can shape an injury claim. Key Takeaways What Is an Accident Reconstruction Expert Witness? An accident reconstruction expert is a specialist who …

Image of a keyboard with one of the keys labeled "expert witness".

Expert Witnesses in Personal Injury Cases: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How They Impact Case Value

Key Takeaways What Is an Expert Witness in a Personal Injury Case? An expert witness is a qualified professional brought in to provide specialized opinions that go beyond what an average person would know. In personal injury cases, experts help answer critical questions like: Unlike regular witnesses, expert witnesses are allowed to give opinions, not …

Drivers looking confused while exchanging insurance information

What Happens If the Driver Isn’t Listed on the Insurance Policy?

Car accidents are more common than many people think. In fact, California reported 158,158 injuries and fatalities in 2025 alone, according to SWITRS. But not every accident is straightforward. Sometimes, the driver behind the wheel isn’t even listed on the car’s insurance policy—raising questions about who is responsible for covering the damage. For accident victims, …

featured post image

Court of Appeal Rejects “Idea Theft” Claim Over Unsolicited Media Pitches

A recent California Court of Appeal decision reinforces a fundamental rule in media and contract law: an unsolicited idea, even if later used, does not create a right to payment without mutual agreement. In Greer v. Carlson (2025), the court affirmed dismissal of claims brought by a self-described author and physician who alleged that Tucker …

featured post image

Attorney Liens May Be Resolved Against Client and Competing Counsel in One Action

A recent California Court of Appeal decision addresses a recurring procedural issue in contingent-fee litigation: how attorneys enforce competing liens against settlement proceeds. In Jacobs v. Papez (2026), the Third District held that an attorney may pursue a single declaratory relief action against both the client and a competing attorney, without first litigating the lien …

Young person riding a SurRon eMoto in a California coastal city.

New California Law SB 586: What eMoto Riders Need to Know

New 2026 California law (SB 586) classifies electric off-road motorcycles (eMotos) as off-highway vehicles. Know the rules: helmets, ID plates, and how this affects your next accident case in California. Electric off-road motorcycles (eMotos) are becoming more common across California. From desert trails to open riding areas, more riders are choosing electric options for recreation. …

What the Data Shows About Cell Phone Driving Citations in Los Angeles County

Where Drivers Get the Most Cell Phone Citations in Los Angeles County

From Santa Clarita to Malibu, the numbers reveal where drivers were cited most often for using a handheld phone behind the wheel. Between 2020 and 2023, some Los Angeles County cities saw far more handheld cell phone driving citations than others. A review of citation data for Vehicle Code 23123(a) shows clear patterns: a few …

featured post image

Ratifying Settlement After Firing Lawyers Still Obligates Client to Pay Contingency Fee

A recent decision from the California Court of Appeal highlights a critical principle in contingency-fee litigation: a client who later ratifies a settlement negotiated without prior authorization may still be obligated to pay the original attorneys their full contractual fee. In Chong v. Mardirossian Akaragian LLP (2025), Division Five of the Second District Court of …