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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 …

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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 …

individual with a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury filing a personal injury claim

How a Brain or Spinal Cord Injury Can Impact Your Injury Claim

When an accident causes damage to the brain or spinal cord, the effects can reach far beyond the moment of impact. These injuries affect the body’s central nervous system and may change how a person moves, thinks, or performs daily activities. Many people require specialized care and extended rehabilitation as part of the recovery process. …

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Court of Appeal Rejects Attorney Fee Award for Lawyer Representing Spouse

A recent California Court of Appeal decision clarifies an issue that occasionally arises in litigation involving attorney spouses: when can a party recover attorney fees if the legal work was performed by their husband or wife? In Honchariw v. PMF CA REIT (2025), the Court of Appeal held that the key question is not whether …

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The “Trojan Horse” Initiative: Why Uber’s 25% Fee Cap Threatens California Accident Victims

In the legal world, a name can be a powerful tool—or a clever disguise. Currently circulating for the November 2026 California ballot is a measure titled the “Protecting Automobile Accident Victims from Attorney Self-Dealing Act.” On its face, the initiative sounds like a win for consumers. It promises to ensure that accident victims retain at …

image divided in half showing a mediation session versus an arbitration session

Mediation vs. Arbitration: How Each Can Affect Your Settlement

Not every personal injury case ends in front of a judge or jury. Many claims are resolved through mediation, and in some cases, arbitration—before a trial date arrives. Understanding mediation vs arbitration can help you see who will decide your case, how the process works, and whether you will have control over the outcome. If …